
Daily subject-wise quiz : Science and Technology MCQs on genome-edited rice, Shiv Shakti point and more (Week 109)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today's subject quiz on Science and Technology to check your progress.
1. They are climate-resilient.
2. These varieties have been developed by the SAARC Agriculture Centre.
3. The variety 'Kamala' targets the Drought and Salt Tolerance (DST) gene to improve the plant's resilience to harsh soil and climate conditions.
4. The variety 'Pusa DST Rice 1' has been developed using genome editing technology targeting the Cytokinin Oxidase 2 (CKX2) gene.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
— The Agriculture Minister announced the introduction of two genome-edited rice varieties, the first of their kind in the country. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) produced these two climate-resilient types, which conserve water and increase yields, utilising cutting-edge genome editing technology. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
— The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) produced these two climate-resilient types, which conserve water and increase yields, utilising cutting-edge genome editing technology. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
— DRR DHAN 100 (KAMALA): Developed by the ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research (ICAR-IIRR) in Hyderabad, this variety offers much higher yields, better drought tolerance, and earlier maturity than its parent variety, Samba Mahsuri (BPT 5204).
— According to the ICAR, DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala) was developed utilising genome editing techniques to improve grain numbers per panicle by targeting the Cytokinin Oxidase 2 (CKX2) gene (also known as Gn1a). Hence, statement 4 is not correct.
— PUSA DST RICE 1: The ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI) in Delhi created this novel genome-edited variety from the widely grown fine-grain variety known as MTU1010.
— The new variety, Pusa DST Rice 1, was created by Site Directed Nuclease 1 (SDN1) genome editing and targets the Drought and Salt Tolerance (DST) gene to increase the plant's resistance to harsh soil and climate conditions. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.
1. It is located at the southern high-latitude highlands of the nearside of the Moon.
2. It is the point where India's Chandrayaan 3 facilitated the world's first lunar landing.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation
— The Shiv Shakti point, where India's Chandrayaan 3 made the world's first lunar landing in 2023, could be a good location for scientists to explore the lunar surface's most primordial mantle samples. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
— Shiv Shakti point is located in the southern high-latitude highlands of the Moon's nearside. Scientists from the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) used data from the Pragyan rover's Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer. They compared metal remains to elemental quantities of sulphur, potassium, and sodium, among others, near the Shiv Shakti location where Chandra-yaan 3 landed on August 23, 2023. Sulphur, potassium, and sodium can help us understand the mantle's composition and chemistry. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
— 'There is an anomalous depletion of sodium and potassium at the site, whereas there is an enrichment in sulphur found in the soils at the highland landing site,' according to the study published in the journal Nature Communications Earth and Environment.
— The South Pole-Aitken basin is one of the largest known impact craters on the moon.
With reference to the spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), consider the following statements:
1. It is a debilitating genetic condition which affects motor neurons that control movement.
2. The condition is caused by mutations which cause a deficiency of a protein.
3. For the treatment, scientists used an oral drug called risdiplam.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
— SMA is a debilitating genetic disorder that damages motor neurons, causing gradual muscle weakness. 'About one in every 10,000 births has some form of the condition, making it a leading genetic cause of death in infants and children,' according to Nature's article. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
— Mutations in the survival motor neurone gene (SMN1) produce a deficit of a protein required for the survival of motor neurones in the spinal cord. 'This keeps muscles from getting messages from the brain, leading them to deteriorate. According to a New Atlas research, in its most severe form, SMA-1, motor abilities degrade rapidly and patients often live only two to three years. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
— Scientists utilised an oral medication called risdiplam, which is prescribed to patients to delay the course of SMA. Risdiplam is normally administered to a patient shortly after birth; the earlier the intervention, the better the outcomes appear to be, according to the New Atlas analysis. As a result, in the current trial, scientists chose to administer the medication before birth for the first time. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
1. It is the process by which single atomic nuclei diffuse to form two or more smaller nuclei.
2. The sun, along with all other stars, is powered by Nuclear fusion.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation
— An experimental nuclear fusion reactor in China triggered a lot of excitement by keeping its operational state maintained for more than 1,000 seconds, or over 17 minutes, which is a new record. Nuclear fusion is what produces the energy in the Sun, or any other star.
— Nuclear fusion is the process by which two light atomic nuclei merge to produce a single heavier nucleus, releasing enormous amounts of energy. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
— Fusion reactions occur in a state of matter known as plasma, which is a hot, charged gas composed of positive ions and free-moving electrons that differs from solids, liquids, and gases.
— Nuclear fusion powers the sun and all of the other stars. To fuse in our sun, nuclei must contact at extraordinarily high temperatures, perhaps 10 million degrees Celsius. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.
(Other Source: http://www.iaea.org)
QUESTION 5
Which of the following launches was the ISRO 's 100th rocket launch?
(a) NVS-02
(b) XPoSat
(c) SPADEX
— ISRO's 100th Rocket Launch: With the first launch of 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation reached a historic milestone by carrying out 100 launches. The GSLV-F15 launched the navigation satellite NVS-02.
— The space agency evolved from the Indian National Committee for Space Research, which was established in 1962 by the Department of Atomic Energy. The Indian Space Research Organisation that we know today was established in 1969, the same year that the United States sent men to the moon. A distinct space department was established in 1972.
— Isro has created at least six versions of launch vehicles, four of which are still operational. The first two generations of launchers are no longer being used. The four-stage, solid fuel vehicle SLV-3, capable of carrying 40 kg to low earth orbit, flew three times during development and once during operation. There were only four development flights of its upgraded variant, which could lift 150 kg into low earth orbit.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


New Indian Express
8 hours ago
- New Indian Express
Tube-net seaweed farming takes root along AP coast
VISAKHAPATNAM: Seaweed farming is gaining popularity along Andhra Pradesh coast as an emerging livelihood, and sustainable marine practice that boosts coastal productivity. Known as the 'Medical Food of the 21st Century', seaweed offers health benefits, and industrial uses ranging from pharmaceuticals to food additives. Despite its potential, commercial seaweed farming in India's open seas remains limited due to strong wave action and environmental factors. Traditional bamboo raft-based mono-line farming, suitable for shallow, calm waters, often fails in rougher coastal areas. To overcome this, scientists have developed a tube net-based farming method using floating high-density polyethylene (HDPE) rafts with a multipoint mooring system. Speaking to TNIE, Joe K Kizhakudan, Principal Scientist and Head of ICAR-CMFRI's Visakhapatnam Regional Centre, said this system has shown structural stability and better yield in turbulent waters up to 10 metres deep. Trials using Kappaphycus alvarezii off Visakhapatnam coast proved successful. Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the government has promoted this system, establishing a unit in Budagatlapalem village in Srikakulam district. Subsidies are being provided to Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and fisher communities. Seaweed is harvested every 45 days, with dry seaweed selling for Rs 80 to Rs 90 per kg. Ten kg of wet seaweed yields 1 kg of dry product. The required tubes last up to 10 years, making the model sustainable with low recurring costs.


Deccan Herald
15 hours ago
- Deccan Herald
Karnataka farmers' agricultural practices 'best in the country': Shivraj Chouhan
'Farms in Karnataka are the best in the country. The techniques used by farmers here are so well-thought-out and modern, they leave me awestruck,' he said at the launch of the Viksit Krishi Sanklap Abhyan (VKSA) at the ICAR-IIHR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research here on Sunday.


Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Experts flag threat of plastic pollution in oceans
Ahead of the United Nations Ocean Conference scheduled from June 9 to 13 in Nice, France, Indian ocean experts have flagged the issue of plastic pollution in oceans along the Indian coastline. UNOC is the most ambitious environmental conference after the 2015 Paris Climate Conference which led to the Paris Agreement, French officials said in a briefing on Friday. 'Ten years after COP21 and the Paris Agreement, UNOC-3 represents a historic opportunity to establish a binding global framework, and the Nice Agreement will constitute a real international pact for the conservation and sustainable use of the ocean,' officials said. Plastic in oceans is among the biggest threats to marine life in India, a global survey involving marine scientists has said. A total of 58 ocean experts from 19 countries participated in the survey. 'It is alarming that around 5% of marine catch from coastal waters contains plastic waste', said Sunil Mohamed, Chair of the Sustainable Seafood Network of India and former principal scientist at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) who is one of three experts from India who participated in the survey. He called for strict measures to tackle the menace through coordinated and joint efforts of public and government agencies. 'There is inherent resilience in ocean ecosystems, and hence good fisheries management and environmental care could greatly help to restore the ecosystems.' 'The main problem is whatever ends up in our rivers and lakes or even in streams in the hilly regions will eventually come to the sea if the waste is not properly collected and disposed of. Aquatic life including fish mainly consume phyto plankton and other plankton. The degraded plastic is mistaken to be plankton and consumed by aquatic life which finally also ends up in the bodies of consumers who are consuming fish and other seafood,' said S Sabu, Associate Professor, Cochin University of Science and Technology, one of the other Indian experts who participated in the survey. 'This also applies to use of pesticides, industrial waste, fertilizers on land which will end up downstream. These carry pollutants and carcinogenic compounds. I highlighted these issues to the MSC,' he added. MSC is an international non-profit organisation, working with over 700 fisheries worldwide. The majority of the scientists were of the view that climate change is the greatest threat to ocean health and biodiversity as it causes ocean warming, sea level rise, and changes in ocean currents and weather patterns among many other impacts. Marine pollution, overfishing and changes to marine habitats also ranked highly in terms of impact, the survey revealed. 'Scientists from every single inhabited continent agree ocean biodiversity is under threat but there is still reason for optimism if we act now to save it for the future,' MSC said last week. The UNOC 3 conference, co-organised by France and Costa Rica, has three priorities. 'First, we want to advocate for the successful conclusion of multilateral processes related to the ocean, in terms of governance and Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreements. The high seas treaty cannot be a failure. If we do not seize the opportunity of UNOC-3, we risk wasting precious years for the sustainable management of the ocean. We're still far from having all the signatories to ratify BBNG throughout the world, but if we manage to get to 60 at the end of the year, that's achievable,' a French official said. BBNJ is a legally binding instrument for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction. India has already signed the BBNJ Treaty last year but not ratified it yet. 'India is proud to join the BBNJ Agreement, an important step towards ensuring that our oceans remain healthy and resilient,' external affairs minister S Jaishankar said in a post on X after signing the treaty at the United Nations headquarters in New York in September last year. UNOC's second priority is to must mobilize public and private funding to achieve SDG 14 (sustainable development goal 14 of the 17 such goals listed by the UN in 2015) which seeks to 'conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development' and support a sustainable blue economy. The third priority is to better disseminate oceanographic knowledge in order to inform global public policy with open access to data, officials said.