DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS QUIZ – 9 December 2024

Ans. c

Explanation
Why in News: An 89-year-old individual living in the UK passed away as a result of an excessive intake of vitamin D.

• Vitamin D, also known as calciferol, is a fat-soluble vitamin.

Sources of Vitamin D:

• Sunlight exposure initiates vitamin D synthesis in the skin, serving as the primary natural source.
• Foods high in vitamin D include fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel, along with fortified dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese.
• Additional sources comprise eggs, sunlight-exposed mushrooms, and fortified plant-based milk alternatives.

Role of Vitamin D:

• Vitamin D plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health by regulating the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, supporting bone health, and modulating immune function.
• It promotes strong bones and teeth, reduces the risk of osteoporosis, and aids in muscle function.
• With purported anti-inflammatory properties, vitamin D may help mitigate the risk of certain chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, and certain cancers.

Vitamin D Toxicity:

• Excessive intake of vitamin D supplements can lead to vitamin D toxicity or hypervitaminosis.
• Hypercalcemia, characterized by elevated levels of calcium, is a direct consequence of excessive vitamin D levels.
• Symptoms of hypercalcemia may include confusion, disorientation, excessive thirst, frequent urination, and kidney damage.

Symptoms and Treatment:

• Initial symptoms of vitamin D toxicity may involve nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, constipation, weakness, and weight loss.
• Treatment typically involves discontinuing vitamin D supplementation and reducing dietary sources.
• In severe cases of hypercalcemia, medical interventions such as intravenous fluids, diuretics, or medications to lower calcium levels may be required.

Ideal Intake:

• The recommended daily amount of vitamin D for adults is around 10 micrograms.
• The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for most adults ranges from 600 to 800 IU per day, with an upper limit of 4,000 IU per day to prevent toxicity.

Ans. d
Explanation:
Why in News: The commencement of nomination submissions for the initial phase of the Lok Sabha elections occurred recently.
Nomination Process: The nomination process commences with the issuance of the notification for the Lok Sabha elections.
Candidate Registration: Candidates register their names with the Election Commission, asserting their suitability as contenders for garnering public votes in the Lok Sabha elections.
Eligibility: Voter List Inclusion: Any Indian citizen listed in the voter list is eligible to nominate themselves for a Lok Sabha seat.
Party Nomination: When a candidate receives a nomination from a political party, it implies that the candidate has been endorsed by the party.
Independent Candidates: Independent candidates file their nominations along with their chosen symbols. The Election Commission reviews their application for the symbol and assigns the party symbol accordingly.
District Election Officer: The nomination form, along with the requisite security deposit, is submitted to the District Election Officer, accompanied by an affidavit.
Required Documents: Nominators must submit their passport-sized photo, Aadhar card, PAN card, domicile certificate, and caste certificate.
Property Details: Candidates are obligated to provide details regarding their movable and immovable properties, income, expenditure, as well as loans of their spouse and dependent children.
Legal Cases against the Candidate : If any criminal case is pending against the candidate or if they are involved in a court case or have received a conviction in any case, they are required to inform the Election Commission.
Withdrawal Process: Candidates have the option to withdraw their nomination after a stipulated period following the initial nomination.

Ans. c
Explanation:
Why in News: Russia, China veto U.S. bid on Gaza ‘ceasefire’ at UN Security Council
Statements 1 and 3 Correct: The composition and role of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The UNSC comprises 5 permanent member states (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) and 10 non-permanent member states elected by the United Nations General Assembly for 2-year terms.

The UNSC does not possess the authority to approve the admission of new member states to the United Nations. This responsibility lies with the United Nations General Assembly. While the Security Council evaluates membership applications and offers recommendations, the final decision rests with the General Assembly, which requires a two-thirds majority vote to admit a new member state.

Statement 2 is incorrect. The concept of “veto power” in the UNSC grants exclusive authority to the 5 permanent member states to block the adoption of resolutions. Any negative vote or “veto” from a permanent member can hinder the adoption of a resolution, irrespective of support from other members. It is important to note that the Secretary-General does not possess veto power within the Security Council.

Ans. c
Explanation:
Why in News: Recently, scientists have discovered a novel mechanism through which Ebola replicates within the human body, pinpointing a potential target for drug development aimed at halting the spread of the viral illness.
About Ebola:
Ebola virus disease (EVD, or Ebola) is an uncommon yet highly severe illness affecting humans.
Viral Origin: Caused by various species of viruses belonging to the Ebolavirus genus, primarily prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa.
Origins of Name: Named after the Ebola River, situated close to a village in the Democratic Republic of Congo where the disease was first identified.
Transmission:
Limited Contagion: Ebola is less contagious compared to common viruses such as colds, influenza, or measles.
Mode of Spread: Transmission occurs through contact with the skin or bodily fluids of infected animals like monkeys, chimps, or fruit bats, followed by person-to-person transmission through similar means.
High-Risk Activities: Those involved in caring for the sick or handling the deceased are particularly vulnerable to contracting the disease.
Non-Airborne Transmission: Ebola does not spread through air, water, or food, and asymptomatic individuals do not transmit the virus.
Symptoms:
Onset and Progression: Symptoms typically manifest between two to 21 days after exposure to the virus, initially resembling flu-like symptoms but can escalate to severe vomiting, bleeding, and neurological complications.