1. Consider the following statements regarding the Ethereum blockchain platform:
- It is a centralised platform.
- It has transitioned from ‘proof of stake’ to a ‘proof-of-work’ consensus mechanism.
- Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and decentralised finance (DeFi) are based on the Ethereum network.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Only 1 and 3
[D] Only 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Only 3]
Notes:
Ethereum is a decentralised platform, not a centralised one (Statement 1 incorrect). It transitioned from ‘proof-of-work’ to ‘proof-of-stake’ consensus mechanism, not the other way around (Statement 2 incorrect). Popular applications like NFTs and DeFi are indeed based on the Ethereum network (Statement 3 correct).
2. Consider the following statements regarding the recent transition of the Ethereum blockchain platform from ‘proof of work’ to a ‘proof of stake’ consensus mechanism:
- Enhanced security
- High energy consumption
- High cost
- High returns
Which of the above can be considered advantages or disadvantages of this transition? Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 3
[B] Only 2 & 4
[C] Only 1 & 4
[D] Only 1, 2 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only 1 & 4]
Notes:
The transition to proof of stake increases security and enables users to earn returns through staking. Energy consumption and cost are reduced, not increased, with PoS: it reduces Ethereum’s energy use by nearly 99.95% and lowers transaction costs. Thus, options 1 and 4 are correct, while 2 and 3 are not.
3. Drugs, ‘Pretomanid’, ‘Ethambutol’, ‘Pyrazinamide’ etc are used to treat which of the following medical conditions?
[A] Malaria
[B] Tuberculosis
[C] Cancer
[D] Leprosy
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Tuberculosis]
Notes:- For new TB cases, the treatment in intensive phase (IP) consists of four drugs: Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Pyrazinamide & Ethambutol. Injection streptomycin is also given along with four drugs.
- CBNAAT (Cartridges Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test)is used for early diagnosis of Multidrug-Resistant TB (MDR-TB).
- MDR-TB does not respond to at least isoniazid and rifampicin, the 2 most powerful anti-TB drugs.
- Extensively Drug-Resistant TB (XDR-TB) is a form of multidrug-resistant TB with additional resistance to more anti-TB drugs. People who are resistant to isoniazid and rifampicin, plus any fluoroquinolone and at least one of three injectable second-line drugs (amikacin, kanamycin, capreomycin) are said to have XDR-TB.
- Pretomanid is the new drug for treating MDR-TB and XDR-TB.
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