Daily subject-wise quiz : Science and Technology MCQs on Advanced Light Helicopter, extravehicular activities and more (Week 107)

Indian Express

23-04-2025

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.
With reference to Lymphatic Filariasis (LF), consider the following statements:
1. It is usually acquired in childhood.
2. It is commonly known as elephantiasis.
3. India has a goal to eliminate lymphatic filariasis by 2025.
4. It is transmitted by the bite of a Culex mosquito.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
— Elephantiasis, also known as lymphatic filariasis, is a disfiguring disease caused by infection with nematodes (roundworms) from the Filariodidea family, which are transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitos. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
— Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) is a disfiguring and debilitating disease that mainly develops in childhood. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
— In the early stages, there are either no signs or vague symptoms. Although there are no visible symptoms, the lymphatic system is compromised. This stage can last several years. Infected people continue to transmit the disease. The long-term physical repercussions include painful swollen limbs (lymphoedema or elephantiasis). In endemic areas, males frequently develop hydrocele.
2027. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.
— The disease is transmitted through the bite of a Culex mosquito that breeds in unclean or polluted water. Hence, statement 4 is correct.
The 'colossal squid', which is nearly impossible to spot on camera, belongs to:
(a) Porifera
(b) Echinodermata
(c) Annelida
(d) Mollusca
— A team of scientists, on board a research vessel in the South Atlantic, recorded a juvenile colossal squid, only a foot long, 2,000 feet under the ocean's surface.
— Colossal squid have proved extremely difficult to notice, especially on video. Because of their huge, sensitive eyes, they are likely to avoid research equipment that is bright and loud. As a result, researchers know relatively little about the enormous squid's food, lifespan, and reproductive features.
— A cephalopod is any member of the molluscan class Cephalopoda, including squids, octopuses, cuttlefish, and nautiluses. The cephalopod was initially discovered in 1925, when scientists recovered arm parts from two squid in the stomach of a sperm whale. Until last month, humanity had never seen it in its natural environment, the deep waters of the Southern Ocean.
Extravehicular Activities refers to:
(a) Activities performed by space-suited astronauts outside their spacecraft in orbit above the Earth.
(b) A fictional scientific method for analysing environmental force directions.
(c) A technical-sounding term for aligning electromagnetic field directions.
— Don Pettit, NASA's oldest serving astronaut, returned to Earth on April 20 after spending more than 220 days aboard the International Space Station.
— On September 11, 2024, the 70-year-old began a seven-month science mission onboard the Roscosmos Soyuz MS-26 spacecraft. The mission's crew also included Russian cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner.
— In total, the veteran astronaut has spent over 590 days in space and performed at least 13 spacewalks. A spacewalk, also known as an 'extravehicular activity (EVA),' is a length of time spent outside a spaceship by an astronaut in space.
Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.
With the help of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), scientists have detected the presence of at least one of two molecules of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) in the atmosphere of the distant planet K2-18b.
These molecules are associated with life, and these gases are produced by:
1. Bacteria
2. Marine phytoplankton
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
— Scientists used the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to find at least one of two dimethyl sulphide (DMS) and dimethyl disulphide (DMDS) molecules in the atmosphere of the faraway planet K2-18b, which is around 124 light years away.
— DMS and DMDS molecules are related to life, and on our planet, bacteria and marine phytoplankton produce these gases.
— K2-18b is a sub-Neptune exoplanet orbiting its star, the red dwarf K2-18. Even if the existence of DMS or DMDS suggests that the planet may host life, scientists are investigating non-biological reasons. The researchers believe that additional observations and analysis are required to corroborate these findings and rule out other origins of these chemicals.
— The recent development demonstrates JWST's amazing capability in investigating exoplanets. It is a crucial milestone in the search for life beyond Earth.
1. It is an indigenously designed and developed multirole helicopter by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL).
2. The project was initiated in the mid 1960s.
3. The ALH provides shore-based and organic search and rescue (SAR) capability to vital arms of the military.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
— According to reports, the military's complete fleet of Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) would be grounded. The ALHs were grounded in January after an Indian Coast Guard helicopter crashed in Porbandar during a training mission, killing all three people aboard.
— The Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) program is an indigenously designed and developed 5.5 tonne multirole helicopter by RWRDC, HAL, Bengaluru. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
— The project was launched in the mid-1980s, and the first flight took place in August 1992. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
— The ALH provides shore-based and organic search and rescue (SAR) capability to important military arms. Their reach and capability are unmatched by the lowly Chetaks and Cheetahs. Hence, statement 3 is correct.