[DAY 34] 60 DAY RAPID REVISION (RaRe) SERIES for UPSC Prelims 2024 – SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, CURRENT AFFAIRS & CSAT TEST SERIES!

Solution (c)

• Palliative care is also known as supportive care which is required in the terminal cases of Cancer, AIDS etc. and can be provided relatively simply and inexpensively. (Hence statement 1 is correct)
  • Effective palliative care requires a broad multidisciplinary approach that includes the family and makes use of available community resources.
• The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India constituted an expert group on Palliative care which submitted its report ‘Proposal of Strategies for Palliative Care in India’ in November, 2012.
  • On the basis of the Report, an EPC note for 12th Five Year Plan was formulated.
• No separate budget is allocated for the implementation of National Palliative Care Program.
  • However, the Palliative Care is part of the ‘Mission Flexipool’ under National Health Mission (NHM). (Hence statement 2 is correct)

Solution (c)

• Meningitis is an inflammation (swelling) of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. These membranes are called meninges.
• The most common causes of meningitis are viral and bacterial infections. Other causes may include:
  • cancer
  • fungi
  • drug-induced reactions
• Transmission: Infections that cause meningitis can be spread through sneezing and coughing.

 (Hence option (c) is the correct answer)

Symptoms:

• Common symptoms of meningitis are neck stiffness, fever, confusion or altered mental status, headaches, nausea and vomiting.
• Less frequent symptoms are seizures, coma and neurological deficits (for example hearing or vision loss, cognitive impairment, or weakness of the limbs).
• Types of meningitis caused by viruses or bacteria can have similar symptoms. Symptoms may be stronger in some types of meningitis than in others and require different treatment.

Treatment and Prevention:

• Meningitis is a medical emergency. It is potentially fatal within 24 hours and requires urgent medical attention.
• Meningitis can vary in severity, appropriate treatment and care depending on the cause.
  • Meningitis caused by bacteria requires immediate antibiotic treatment.
• Vaccines offer the best protection against common types of bacterial meningitis.
• Antibiotics for close contacts of those with meningococcal disease, when given promptly, decreases the risk of transmission.

Hence both the statements are correct.

Solution (b)

Bacteria

• The human body is inhabited by millions of tiny living organisms, which, all together, are called the human microbiota.
• Bacteria are microbes found on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and especially in the gut. We acquire these bacteria during birth and the first years of life, and they live with us throughout our lives.
• The human microbiota is involved in healthy growth, in protecting the body from invaders, in helping digestion, and in regulating moods.
• Some changes in the microbiota may occur during our growth, depending on the foods we eat, the environment in which we live, the people and animals that interact with us, or medicines that we take, such as antibiotics.
• The human microbiota helps us to keep us healthy, but sometimes these bacteria can also be harmful.
• We need to take good care of our microbiota to avoid the development of some diseases, such as obesity and asthma.
• We should eat healthy foods that contribute to the development of a healthy microbiota. (Hence statement 1 is correct)

Fungi

• The fungal disease sometimes referred to as mycosis, is a condition brought on by fungi.
• More than one billion people worldwide suffer from fungus infections each year, which are widespread and prevalent. (Hence statement 2 is correct)
• Other animals can develop a variety of fungal illnesses, some of which can be transferred from animals to people.
• Fungal infections are quite common and rare as well- they can be categorized by site of infection, geography, and immuno-comprised target as well as in biological classification.

Most common:

• Fungal nail infections
• Vaginal candidiasis or vaginal yeast infection
• Ringworm
• Candida infections of the mouth, throat, and esophagus

Fungal diseases based on geographic location

• Blastomycosis- caused by moist soil fungus in US and Canada
• Cryptococcus Gattai infection- tropical and sub-tropical areas
• Para coccidioidomycosis- central and south America
• Coccidioidomycosis (valley fever)- southwestern US, Mexico, central and south America
• Histoplasmosis- due to bird or bat droppings.

Virus

• Infected host cells (eukaryotic or prokaryotic) can be cultured and grown, and then the growth medium can be harvested as a source of the virus.
• Viruses replicate only within living cells.
• Some viruses are restricted in the kinds of cells in which they replicate, and a few have not yet been cultivated at all under laboratory conditions.
• However, most viruses are grown in cultured cells, embryonated hen’s eggs, or laboratory animals. (Hence statement 3 is incorrect)

Solution (c)

• H5N1 is a highly pathogenic subtype of avian influenza (AI) that causes severe disease and death in birds.
• This subtype has caused a number of human infections through close contact with infected birds, or contaminated environments and is often fatal.
• It can cause illness in humans and many other animal species.
• A bird-adapted strain of H5N1, called HPAI A(H5N1) for highly pathogenic avian influenza virus of type A of subtype H5N1, is the highly pathogenic causative agent of H5N1 flu, commonly known as avian influenza (“bird flu”).
• It is enzootic (maintained in the population) in many bird populations, especially in Southeast Asia. (Hence both statements 1 and 2 are correct)

Solution (d)

• A stem cell is a cell with the unique ability to develop into specialized cell types in the body. (Hence option (d) is the correct answer)
• Blood stem cells are produced in the bone marrow and can become any kind of blood cell the body needs.
• Stem cells are constantly dividing and maturing into different types of blood cells, replacing older and worn-out blood cells in the body. They produce billions of new blood cells every day.
• If the stem cells cannot make enough new blood cells, many serious health problems can occur. These problems may include infections, anemia, or bleeding.

Muscle cell

• A muscle cell is also known as a myocyte when referring to either a cardiac muscle cell (cardiomyocyte) or a smooth muscle cell, as these are both small cells.
• A skeletal muscle cell is long and threadlike with many nuclei and is called a muscle fiber.
• A muscle cell, known technically as a myocyte, is a specialized animal cell which can shorten its length using a series of motor proteins specially arranged within the cell.
• While several associated proteins help, actin and myosin form thick and thin filaments which slide past each other to contract small units of a muscle cell.
• These units are called sarcomeres, and many of them run end-to-end within a larger fiber called a myofibril.
• A single muscle cell contains many nuclei, which are pressed against the cell membrane.
• A muscle cell is a long cell compared to other forms of cells, and many muscle cells connect together to form the long fibers found in muscle tissue.

Ectodermal cell

• The ectoderm is one of the primary layers of cells that exists in an embryo.
• The ectoderm cells differentiate into cells that form a number of external structures such as skin, sweat glands, skin sensor receptors, and hair follicles.

Endodermal cells

• The endodermal cells generate only the lining of the digestive tube and its glands; mesodermal mesenchyme cells will surround this tube to provide the muscles for peristalsis.
• The ectoderm gives rise to the skin and the nervous system.
• The mesoderm specifies the development of several cell types such as bone, muscle, and connective tissue.
• Cells in the endoderm layer become the linings of the digestive and respiratory system, and form organs such as the liver and pancreas.

Solution (a)

• Recently, at least one person died and around 100 were confirmed or suspected to be infected by blastomycosis in the United States.
• It is an infection caused by a fungus of the genus Blastomyces.
• It is found in moist soil and decomposing wood and leaves in the mid-western, south-central and south-eastern states of the US.
• Transmission:
• The microscopic spores from the fungus can get dispersed in the air and travel freely.
• Human beings can contract blastomycosis by inhaling the spores.
• It is not contagious between animals and people through the air.
• The symptoms of blastomycosis in animals are similar to the symptoms in humans.
• Symptoms: Fever, Cough, Breathing difficulty and muscle aches etc.
• Treatment: Itraconazole is a type of antifungal medication that is typically used to treat mild to moderate blastomycosis.

Hence option (a) is the correct answer.

Solution (a)

Global Leaders Group on Antimicrobial Resistance

• The Global Leaders Group on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR Leaders) consists of world leaders and experts from across sectors working together to accelerate political action on antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
• It was established in November 2020 following the recommendation of the Interagency Coordination Group (IACG) on Antimicrobial Resistance to strengthen global political momentum and leadership on AMR. The inaugural meeting of the Group took place in January 2021.
• One Health Global Leaders Group on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) launched by United Nations Tripartite organizations.

World Health Organization (WHO), UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the International Organization on Animal Health (OIE). (Hence, statement (a) is correct).

• The group performs an independent global advisory and advocacy role and works to maintain urgency, public support, political momentum and visibility of the AMR challenge on the global health and development agenda.
• India is a member of the Initiative.

Solution (a)

• The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) recently alerted states about smaller outbreaks for five diseases—typhoid, malaria, dengue, scrub typhus and hepatitis A.
• It is an institute under the Indian Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. (Hence statement 2 is incorrect)
• The Director, an officer of the Public Health sub-cadre of Central Health Service, is the administrative and technical head of the Institute.
• History:
• The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), formerly National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) had its origin as Central Malaria Bureau, established at Kasauli (Himachal Pradesh) in 1909 and following expansion was renamed in 1927 as the Malaria Survey of India.
• In view of the drastic reduction achieved in the incidence of malaria under National Malaria Eradication Programme (NMEP), Government of India decided to reorganize and expand the activities of the institute to cover other communicable diseases.
• Thus in 1963 the erstwhile MII was renamed as National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) to shoulder these additional responsibilities.
• In year 2009, NICD transforms into National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) with a larger mandate of controlling emerging and re-emerging diseases.
• Headquarters: New Delhi.

Functions:

• It functions as the nodal agency in the country for disease surveillance facilitating prevention and control of communicable diseases. (Hence statement 1 is correct)
• In coordination with the State Governments, NCDC has the capacity and capability for disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, and rapid response to contain and combat outbreaks.
• It also deals with Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR), an emerging area of concern with far-reaching consequences.
• It also provides referral diagnostic support, capacity building and technical support to States/UTs in the country.

Solution (a)

• Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has recently started conducting joint inspections of identified Drug Manufacturing Units along with the State Drugs Control Administration.
• It is the Central Drug Authority for discharging functions assigned to the Central Government under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940. (Hence statement 3 is correct)
• It works under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) of India. (Hence statement 1 is incorrect)
• Under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, CDSCO is responsible for –
• Approval of Drugs.
• Conduct Clinical Trials.
• Laying down the standards for Drugs.
• Control over the quality of imported Drugs in the country.
• Coordination of the activities of State Drug Control Organizations.
• Further CDSCO along with state regulators, is jointly responsible for the grant of licenses to certain specialised categories of critical Drugs such as vaccines and sera, etc. (Hence statement 4 is correct)
• The Indian government has announced plans to subject all medical devices, including implants and contraception, to CDSCO scrutiny.
• Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI): DCGI is the head of the department of the CDSCO of the Government of India responsible for approval of licenses of specified categories of drugs such as blood and blood products, IV fluids, vaccines and sera in India. (Hence statement 2 is correct)
• DCGI also sets standards for the manufacturing, sales, import, and distribution of drugs in India.

Solution (a)

• Recently, the World Health Organisation has declared the global monkeypox outbreak a ‘public health emergency of international concern’ (PHEIC).
• Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease that occurs primarily in tropical rainforest areas of Central and West Africa and is occasionally exported to other regions. (Hence statement 1 is incorrect)
• Monkeypox virus is an enveloped double-stranded DNA virus that belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus of the Poxviridae family.
• The first case of monkeypox in humans was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo during a period of intensified effort to eliminate smallpox. (Hence statement 2 is correct)
• Scientists have so far discovered two distinct genetic groups of monkeypox virus—Central African and West African.

Cause

• It is caused by monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae.
• Monkeypox belongs to the same family of viruses as smallpox. But Smallpox had a higher fatality rate than monkeypox.
• Smallpox was declared eradicated worldwide in 1980.

Symptoms

• Monkeypox is characterised by flu-like symptoms and swelling of the lymph nodes, which gradually progresses to a widespread rash all over the face and body.

Transmission

• Monkeypox virus is mostly transmitted to people from wild animals such as rodents and primates, but human-to-human transmission also occurs.
• It spreads from one person to another via respiratory droplets.

Treatment

• There is currently no specific treatment recommended for monkeypox. (Hence statement 3 is incorrect)
• Vaccination against smallpox was about 85% effective in preventing monkeypox.
• Thus, prior childhood smallpox vaccination may result in a milder disease course.

Solution (b)

• The CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) technology works in a simple way — it locates the specific area in the genetic sequence which has been diagnosed to be the cause of the problem, cuts it out, and replaces it with a new and correct sequence that no longer causes the problem.
• The technology replicates a natural defense mechanism in some bacteria that uses a similar method to protect itself from virus attacks.
• Because the entire process is programmable, it has a remarkable efficiency, and has already brought almost miraculous results.
• There are a whole lot of diseases and disorders, including some forms of cancer, that are caused by an undesired genetic mutation.
  • These can all be fixed with this technology. (Hence statement 2 is correct)
  • There are vast applications elsewhere as well.
• Genetic sequence of disease-causing organisms can be altered to make them ineffective. (Hence statement 1 is correct)
• Genes of plants can be edited to make them withstand pests, or improve their tolerance to drought or temperature. (Hence statement 3 is incorrect)

Solution (a)

• Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that typically affects people older than 65. (Hence statement 1 is incorrect)
  • When it affects younger individuals, it is considered early onset.
• The disease destroys brain cells and nerves, and disrupts the message-carrying neurotransmitters.
• Eventually, a person with Alzheimer’s loses the ability to perform day-to-day activities. (Hence statement 2 is correct)
• Symptoms include memory loss, difficulty in completing familiar tasks, confusion with time or place, problems in speaking and writing, decreased or poor judgment, and changes in mood and personality.
• Alzheimer’s disease is also the most common cause of dementia — which is a syndrome and not a disease in itself, and whose symptoms include loss of memory, thinking skills, problems with language, changes in mood and deterioration in behaviour.
• Treatment:
• There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, because its exact causes are not known. (Hence statement 3 is incorrect)

Most drugs being developed try to slow down or stop the progression of the disease.

Solution (c)

Cervavac, a vaccine developed by the Serum Institute of India (SII), has recently acquired market authorization from the Drugs Controller General of India (DGCI).

It is India’s first Quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus Vaccination (qHPV) designed to protect women from cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer is a prevalent sexually transmitted infection.

It is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.

It is mostly caused by long-term infection with particular forms of HPV.

It is the second most prevalent cancer form and the second leading cause of cancer death in women of reproductive age (15-44).

Hence all the statements are correct.

Solution (d)

Test explained

Solution (a)

• Bacteria and Fungi can be cultured in an artificial/ synthetic medium. Whereas viruses require a living host cell for replication. Viruses replicate only within living cells. Some viruses are restricted in the kinds of cells in which they replicate, and a few have not yet been cultivated at all under laboratory conditions.
• Infected host cells (eukaryotic or prokaryotic) can be cultured and grown, and then the growth medium can be harvested as a source of the virus.

(Hence statement 1 and 2 are incorrect and 3 is correct)

Solution (c)

Solution (a)

Solution (c)

Solution (b)

Solution (c)

• Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) forms the easternmost limit of the Himalayan Terai forests in India. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• It is situated in the Gangetic plains bio-geographic zone of the country.
• The forest of this region has a combination of bhabar and terai tracts.
• Rivers Gandak, Pandai, Manor, Harha, Masan, and Bhapsa flow through various parts of the reserve.
• It is the only tiger reserve in the West Champaran district of Bihar.
• Palamu Tiger Reserve is the only tiger reserve in Jharkhand. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
• It is surrounded by the Royal Chitwan National Park of Nepal in the north. Hence statement 3 is correct.
• Its vegetation is dominated by the moist mixed deciduous forest. Hence statement 4 is correct.
• It also includes open-land vegetation, sub-mountainous semi-evergreen formations, freshwater swamps, riparian fringes, alluvial grasslands, high hill savannahs, and wetlands.

Solution (a)

• The Strait of Gibraltar is a narrow waterway separating Europe from Africa. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
• It is one of the busiest waterways in the world. Approximately 300 ships cross the Strait every day, about one ship every 5 minutes.
• It is bordered by Spain and the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar in the north.
• It is bordered by Morocco and the Spanish exclave of Ceuta in the south. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
• Its depth ranges from 300 to 900 meters, and it forms a significant gap between the high plateau of Spain and the Atlas Mountains of Northern Africa.
• It connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean. Hence statement 3 is correct.
• An important port located on the strait is the Moroccan port of Tanger-Med, near Tangier.

Solution (b)

• Reindeers are known to see ultraviolet light. It helps them to spot predators whose white fur is more visible in UV light. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• They can use their nose to warm the air they breathe in before it enters their lungs.
• They are spotted in Europe, Asia, and North America. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• Both male and female reindeer grow antlers. However, male reindeer antlers tend to be twice as big.
• They are herbivores that are found in polar and arctic climates.
• They are classified as vulnerable on the IUCN List. Hence statement 3 is incorrect.

Note: Researchers have discovered that the more time reindeer spend ruminating, the less time they spend in non-rapid eye movement (non-REM) sleep. It might help reindeer get enough sleep during the summer months when food is abundant and reindeer feed almost 24/7.

Solution (b)

• Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act of 2016 includes mental illness, cerebral palsy, autism, chronic neurological conditions, speech and language disability, thalassemia, hemophilia, sickle cell disease, multiple disabilities including deaf blindness, acid attack victims, Parkinson’s disease, and muscular dystrophy as types of disabilities. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• It increases the quantum of reservations for people suffering from disabilities from 3% to 4% in government jobs and from 3% to 5% in higher education institutes.
• Every child with a benchmark disability between the age group of 6 and 18 years shall have the right to free education.
• “Person with a disability” means a person with long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with barriers, hinder his full and effective participation in society equally with others.
• India has ratified the United Nations Convention on Rights of Persons with Disability in 2007. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• It was adopted in 2006, and defines persons with disabilities as those “who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others”.
• The subject of ‘relief of the disabled and unemployable’ is specified in the state list of the seventh schedule of the Indian constitution. Hence statement 3 is incorrect.
• Article 41 of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) states that the State shall make effective provisions for securing the right to work, education, and public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness, and disablement, within the limits of its economic capacity and development.

Solution (c)

• Huntington’s Disease (HD) is a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• It is caused by a mutation in the huntingtin gene (HTT), leading to the production of a defective form of the huntingtin protein. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• Its symptoms include involuntary movements, cognitive decline, and emotional disturbances. Hence statement 3 is correct.
• It is currently incurable and treatment cannot reverse its progression or slow it down. However, healthcare providers can offer medications to help with certain symptoms.

Solution (b)

• Bikaji Cama (1861-1936) established the Paris Indian Society with co-founders
• Munchershah Burjorji Godrej and S.R. Rana. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• She actively participated in the Indian freedom movement and advocated for Swaraj (self-rule).
• Sucheta Kriplani (1908-1974) founded the All India Mahila Congress in 1940 to advocate women’s rights and empowerment.
• She was the first woman Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• She worked closely with Mahatma Gandhi during the tumultuous time of the Partition riots, accompanying him to Noakhali in 1946.
• Kanaklata Barua (1924-1942) led a group of freedom fighters called Mukti Bahini during the Quit India Movement. She died during a procession to unfurl the Tricolour at Gohpur police station on September 20, 1942. Hence statement 3 is incorrect.

Solution (b)

• Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSC) are formed in very cold conditions over polar regions and within the stratosphere, around 12-19 miles (19-31km) high, far above our normal clouds. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
• These clouds are made of smaller ice particles than those that form more common clouds. These small particles help to scatter light in a different way, which gives them their unique appearance.
• The frequency of these clouds is often a harbinger of ozone depletion, as they play a crucial role in stratospheric chemistry.
• These clouds provide a surface for chemical reactions where benign forms of chlorine are converted into reactive, ozone-destroying forms. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• They also remove nitrogen compounds that would otherwise moderate the destructive impact of chlorine on the ozone layer.

Solution (c)

The Bhoomi Rashi Portal is an e-governance initiative of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Hence statement 1 is correct.

It acts as a single-point platform for the online processing of land acquisition notifications to accelerate highway infrastructure development projects in India.

It intends to expedite the process of land acquisition for National Highways. Hence statement 2 is correct.

This portal would enhance the efficiency of the land acquisition process, ensure transparency and accountability, and result in the e-transfer of benefits directly to the accounts of the beneficiaries.

Solution (a)

• Divya Kala Mela is a unique event showcasing the products and craftsmanship of Divyang entrepreneurs and artisans from across the country. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• It aims to strengthen the economic empowerment of Divyangjan and provide a bigger platform for marketing and showcasing the products and skills of Divyangjan.
• It is organised by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJ&E) through the National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC). Hence statement 2 is incorrect.

Solution (b)

• Kanheri Caves are a group of caves and rock-cut monuments located on the western outskirts of Mumbai.
• The name Kanheri is derived from ‘Kanhagiri’ in Prakrit.
• The name Kanheri occurs in the Nasik inscription of the Satavahana ruler Vasisthiputra Pulumavi. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• The Kanheri caves comprise more than 110 different rock-cut monolithic excavations and are one of the largest single excavations in the country.
• The earliest reference to Kanheri is ascribed to Fa-Hein who visited India during 399-411 CE. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
• Kanheri Caves flourished under the patronage of Satavahana, Traikutakas, Vakatakas, and Silaharas.
• They are located within the forests of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Hence statement 3 is correct.

Note: Grey Francolin (Ortygornis pondicerianus) was reported inside the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) of Mumbai. Grey Francolin is a ground-dwelling bird known for its distinctive calls and cryptic plumage. They are carnivores (insectivores) and herbivores (granivores).

Solution (b)

This is a multiplication series; each number is 3 times the previous number.

Solution (a)

Let the smaller number be x

Then larger number = (x + 1365)

∴ x + 1365 = 6x + 15

⇒ 5x = 1350

⇒ x = 270

∴ Smaller number = 270

Solution (d)

B : A = 200 : 190

C : B = 200 : 180

= C/A

= (C/B)*(B/A)

= (200/180)*(200/190)

= 200/171

∴ C can give to A, a start of (200 – 171) m = 29 m

Solution (b)

The solution of this question is based on the rule,

The HCF of (a^m – 1) and (aⁿ – 1) is given by (a^{HCF of m, n} – 1)

Thus for this question the answer is (3⁵ – 1)

Since, 5 is the HCF of 35 and 125.

Solution (d)

Let the number of quizzes before the last quiz be x.

Let the average score of Ramesh be n.

According to the question,

((nx+97)/x) = 9090x – nx = 97…….(1)

And,

((nx+70)/x) = 8787x – nx = 70……..(2)

Subtract both equations

3x = 27x = 9

Hence, the number of quizzes is 9.