Daily subject-wise quiz : Science and Technology MCQs on C-295 aircraft, Perseid meteors and more (Week 122)

Indian Express

3 days ago

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.
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With reference to the Global Astrometric Interferometer for Astrophysics (Gaia) mission, consider the following statements:
1. It was designed for mapping the cosmos through precise measurement of the location and movement of stars and other celestial bodies.
2. Gaia was positioned in the Lagrange point 1 (L1).
3. The data from the Gaia mission allowed scientists to recreate a 3-D map of the galaxy.
4. The mission was launched by NASA in collaboration with the Canadian Space Agency.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Explanation
— The European Space Agency (ESA) shut down its space observatory mission, Gaia.Gaia was launched in December 2013 aiming to create the most precise, three-dimensional map of the galaxy. It began taking observations on July 24, 2014, finally shutting its eyes on January 15, 2025. Hence, statement 4 is not correct.
— Originally named Global Astrometric Interferometer for Astrophysics (GAIA), the mission was renamed Gaia. Gaia was designed for astrometry, the science of mapping the cosmos, through precise measurement of the location and movement of stars and other celestial bodies. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
— Gaia was positioned in the Lagrange point 2 (L2), around 1.5 million kilometres 'behind' the Earth, when viewed from the Sun. This effectively allows the spacecraft to view the larger cosmos unhindered by the planet, the Sun and the Moon. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
— Gaia has transformed the way the Milky Way galaxy is viewed. Its data allowed scientists to recreate not just a 3-D map of the galaxy, but also how it will change over time. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.
With reference to the Perseid meteors, consider the following statements:
1. It can be seen from anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere.
2. Perseids are especially well-known for their fireballs.
3. The name Perseid is believed to derive from the Perseus constellation.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Explanation
— The Perseid meteor shower, one of the most well-known celestial events, occurs annually around this time. It will be visible on August 12 and 13, best viewed around dawn on August 13.
— The Perseid meteors can be seen from anywhere in the Northern Hemisphere. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
— The name Perseid is believed to derive from the Perseus constellation. It peaks annually in mid-August and is considered one of the best meteor showers. Perseids, usually swift and bright, leave trails of light and colour behind them as they traverse through the night sky. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
— Since they originate from larger particles made of cometary debris, Perseids are especially well-known for their fireballs, which are larger blasts of colour and light that last longer than typical meteor streaks. These fireballs provide a clearer perspective since they are brighter. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.
The blue of the sky is a result of:
(a) Scattering of light
(b) Interference of light
(c) Polarization of light
(d) Total Internal Reflection
Explanation
— February 28 is marked as National Science Day in India. On this day in 1928, Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman discovered a new way light scatters. This was later known as the 'Raman Effect', and won him the Nobel Prize in Physics 1930.
— When light strikes a material, it interacts with the materials' molecules and exchanges energy. Now when this light is scattered by the material, a portion of the light is of a different wavelength, and thus of a different colour. An example of this — and the phenomenon that led Raman to his discovery — is the blue colour of oceans, which is the result of the scattering of sunlight by water molecules. Similarly, the blue of the sky is a result of the scattering of sunlight by air molecules.
Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.
Which of the following statements about Graphene is not correct?
1. It is an electrically and thermally conductive material.
2. It is a two-atom-thick layer of carbon atoms arranged in a square lattice.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation
— Graphene is a one-atom-thick layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
— It is the building-block of Graphite, but graphene is a remarkable substance on its own with a multitude of astonishing properties.
— It is the thinnest, most electrically and thermally conductive material in the world, while also being flexible, transparent and incredibly strong. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
— Graphene is also known as a wonder material due to its vast potential in the energy and medical world.
Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.
Cervarix and Gardasil are mentioned in the context of:
(a) Monkeypox Vaccine
(b) Swine Flu Vaccine
(c) Marburg Virus Disease Vaccine
(d) Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine
Explanation
— Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) comprises more than 100 viruses worldwide, of which at least 14 cause cancer. HPV 16 and 18 are responsible for about 70 per cent of the global disease burden. It is the most common sexually transmitted infection.
— Cervarix and Gardasil are the currently available HPV vaccines:
(1) Cervarix is a bivalent vaccine that protects you against HPV types 16 and 18.
(2) Gardasil is available in quadrivalent and non-valent forms that protect you against HPV strains 6, 11, 16 and 28 (and 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58 in nine-valent or Gardasil 9).
— The WHO now recommends one or two-dose schedules for girls aged between 9 and 14 years, one or two-dose schedules for girls and women aged between 15 and 20 years and two doses with a six-month interval for women older than 21 years.
Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.
With reference to Airbus C-295 military transport aircraft, consider the following statements:
1. It is set to replace the ageing Avro aircraft of the IAF.
2. India received it from Israel, marking an important milestone in strengthening its defence capabilities.
Which of the above given statements is/are true?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation
— India on Saturday received the last of its 16 Airbus C-295 military transport aircraft from Spain, marking an important milestone in strengthening its defence capabilities, the Indian Embassy in Spain said.
— The C-295, a transport aircraft of 5-10 tonne capacity with contemporary technology, is set to replace the ageing Avro aircraft of the IAF.
Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.
With reference to 'Time Crystals', consider the following statements:
1. This is a new phase of matter, first proposed by a Nobel Laureate in 2012, which, unlike ordinary crystals that repeat in space, has a structure that repeats in time.
2. They violate the laws of thermodynamics.
3. Time crystals cannot exist in perfect equilibrium at absolute zero temperature.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 2 and 3 only
Explanation
— Ordinary crystals (like salt or diamond) have atoms arranged in a repeating pattern in space.
— Time crystals have a structure that repeats in time, meaning their particles move in a periodic pattern without any energy input.
— This is a new phase of matter, first proposed by Nobel Laureate Frank Wilczek in 2012.
— Time crystals do not violate the laws of thermodynamics.
— They operate in non-equilibrium systems and can avoid reaching thermal equilibrium, but this doesn't violate thermodynamics—it's just an unusual behavior.
— Time crystals cannot exist in perfect equilibrium at absolute zero temperature.
— They require a non-equilibrium system (like being driven by a laser or microwave field), which makes them dynamic and not truly at rest. It's cutting-edge science with potential implications for quantum computing and fundamental physics.
Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.
What is the objective of NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope?
(a) To monitor Earth's climate and track hurricanes in real time.
(b) To search for signs of life on Jupiter's moons through direct landing missions.
(c) To repair and upgrade the Hubble Space Telescope.
(d) Settle essential questions in the areas of dark energy, exoplanets, and astrophysics.
Explanation
According to science.nasa.gov,
— Named after NASA's first chief astronomer, the 'mother of the Hubble Space Telescope,' the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope will have a field of view at least 100 times larger than Hubble's, potentially measuring light from a billion galaxies in its lifetime.
— Its objective is to settle essential questions in the areas of dark energy, exoplanets, and astrophysics.
— It is expected to be launched by May 2027.
Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.
Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 120)
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Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 121)
Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 121)
Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 121)
Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 121)
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Manas Srivastava leads the UPSC Essentials section of The Indian Express (digital). He majorly writes on UPSC, other competitive exams and education-related projects. In the past, Manas has represented India at the G-20 Youth Summit in Mexico. He is a former member of the Youth Council, GOI. A two-time topper/gold medallist in History (both in graduation and post-graduation) from Delhi University, he has mentored and taught UPSC aspirants for more than five years. His diverse role in The Indian Express consists of writing, editing, anchoring/ hosting, interviewing experts, and curating and simplifying news for the benefit of students. He hosts the YouTube talk show called 'Art and Culture with Devdutt Pattanaik' and a LIVE series on Instagram and YouTube called 'LIVE with Manas'.His talks on 'How to read a newspaper' focus on newspaper reading as an essential habit for students. His articles and videos aim at finding solutions to the general queries of students and hence he believes in being students' editor, preparing them not just for any exam but helping them to become informed citizens. This is where he makes his teaching profession meet journalism. He is also the editor of UPSC Essentials' monthly magazine for the aspirants. He is a recipient of the Dip Chand Memorial Award, the Lala Ram Mohan Prize and Prof. Papiya Ghosh Memorial Prize for academic excellence. He was also awarded the University's Post-Graduate Scholarship for pursuing M.A. in History where he chose to specialise in Ancient India due to his keen interest in Archaeology. He has also successfully completed a Certificate course on Women's Studies by the Women's Studies Development Centre, DU. As a part of N.S.S in the past, Manas has worked with national and international organisations and has shown keen interest and active participation in Social Service. He has led and been a part of projects involving areas such as gender sensitisation, persons with disability, helping slum dwellers, environment, adopting our heritage programme. He has also presented a case study on 'Psychological stress among students' at ICSQCC- Sri Lanka. As a compere for seminars and other events he likes to keep his orating hobby alive. His interests also lie in International Relations, Governance, Social issues, Essays and poetry. ... Read More