Q1. Quantum tunnelling is a direct consequence of:
(a) Newton’s laws of motion
(b) Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle
(c) Conservation of momentum
(d) Bernoulli’s principle
Correct Answer: (b) Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle
Explanation:
- Quantum tunnelling arises because particles have a non-zero probability of being in classically forbidden regions due to inherent uncertainties in position and momentum.
Q2. Recently, several states in India banned the sale of certain pediatric cough syrups following child deaths linked to contamination. The toxic substance found in these syrups was:
(a) Thalidomide
(b) Diethylene Glycol
(c) Ethylene Oxide
(d) Paracetamol
Correct Answer: (b) Diethylene Glycol
Explanation:
- Diethylene Glycol (DEG) is a toxic industrial solvent that caused acute kidney injury and death when present in adulterated syrups like Coldrif. This incident highlighted regulatory gaps in pharmaceutical manufacturing, CAPA compliance, and ONDLS adoption in India.
Q3. The evolutionary concept illustrated by bat wings, bird wings, and whale flippers — where different morphologies arise from the same developmental blueprint — is called:
(a) Convergent evolution
(b) Divergent evolution
(c) Parallel evolution
(d) Homologous structure evolution
Correct Answer: (d) Homologous structure evolution
Explanation:
- Limbs share the pentadactyl blueprint. Variation in gene regulation and deployment produces diverse morphologies (flight in bats, flippers in whales, wings in birds).
Q4. Consider the following statements regarding a supermoon:
- A supermoon occurs when a full moon or new moon coincides with the moon’s Apogee.
- During a supermoon, the moon appears around 14% larger and 30% brighter than at apogee.
- Supermoons have a significant effect on daily tides, causing massive coastal flooding.
(a) Only One
(b) Only Two
(c) All
(d) None
Correct Answer: (a) Only One
Explanation:
- Statements 1 incorrect and 2 are correct : A supermoon occurs when a full moon or new moon coincides with the moon’s Perigree .
- Statement 3 is exaggerated; supermoons cause perigean spring tides — slightly higher/lower tides, but not massive coastal flooding unless coinciding with storms.
Q5. Consider the following statements regarding the Coldrif cough syrup incident in India:
- The syrup was found adulterated with Diethylene Glycol (DEG), a toxic solvent.
- Over-the-counter (OTC) cough syrups are strictly regulated and safe for children under 6 years in India.
- The contamination primarily caused lung injury and deaths among children.
(a) Only One
(b) Only Two
(c) All
(d) None
Correct Answer: (a) Only One
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: DEG contamination was detected.
- Statement 3 is incorrect: DEG can cause kidney failure and death.
- Statement 2 is incorrect: OTC cough syrups are widely available and not always safe, especially for children.
