Answer: C

Explanation:

A recent survey has found the presence of antibodies against Nipah virus in some bat species in a cave in the popular hill station Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra. The survey was conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-National Institute of Virology (NIV).

Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus (it spreads from animals to humans). The organism that causes Nipah virus encephalitis is an RNA or ribonucleic acid virus of the Paramyxoviridae, genus Nipahvirus, and is closely related to Hendra virus. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

It was first seen in Malaysia and Singapore in 1998 and 1999. It was first observed in domestic pigs and is found in many species of domestic animals including dogs, cats, goats, horses and sheep. The disease is spread through 'fruit bats' or 'flying foxes' of the Pteropus genus, which are the natural sources of Nipah and Hendra viruses. The virus is present in bat urine and potentially in bat feces, saliva and birth fluids. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Human infection results in encephalitic syndromes including fever, headache, drowsiness, disorientation, mental confusion, coma and possible death. There is currently no vaccine for either humans or animals. Humans infected with Nipah virus are given intensive care. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Answer: A

Explanation:

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is an independent agency of the executive branch of the United States federal government that is responsible for the civilian space program as well as aeronautics and space research. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

NASA was formed under the National Aeronautics and Space Act on July 19, 1958, replacing its predecessor, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA). Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

The headquarters of NASA is in Washington DC, the capital of America. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Answer: D

Explanation:

Recently, a company called Blue Origin concluded an online auction for the first seats on 'New Shepherd', a rocket system to take tourists to space. It made its first manned flight on July 20, 2021, which is the 52nd anniversary of Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin's moon landing. New Shepard is named after astronaut Alan Shepard, the first American in space. It is a rocket system designed to carry astronauts and research payloads beyond the horizon. The idea will provide easier and more cost-effective access to space for purposes such as academic research, corporate technology development and entrepreneurial ventures. It will also allow space tourists to experience micro-gravity by taking them 100 km above the Earth. Microgravity is a condition in which people or objects appear weightless. The effects of microgravity can be observed when astronauts and objects float in space. Hence, option (d) is incorrect.

Answer: C

Explanation:

The atomic theory, proposed by John Dalton in the early 19th century, established the concept that elements are composed of tiny, indivisible particles called atoms. According to this theory, atoms are the building blocks of matter and cannot be further divided into smaller particles while retaining the properties of the element. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

The modern atomic theory, developed in the early 20th century, expanded the understanding of the atom's structure. It introduced the concept of a central nucleus composed of protons and neutrons, with electrons orbiting the nucleus in specific energy levels or electron shells. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Isotopes are variants of an element that have the same number of protons (atomic number) but different numbers of neutrons, resulting in different mass numbers. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

Radioisotopes are isotopes with unstable nuclei and they undergo radioactive decay, emitting radiation in the form of alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays. Hence, statement 2 is correct.