Latest news with #Chandrayaan3
Indian Express
07-05-2025
- Science
- Indian Express
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: 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.
Indian Express
30-04-2025
- Science
- Indian Express
Potential presence of primitive lunar mantle material at landing site: Study
The Shiv Shakti point, where the world's first lunar landing was facilitated by India's Chandrayaan 3 in 2023, could hold a promising potential site for scientists to study the most primitive mantle samples on the lunar surface. The Shiv Shakti point is located at the southern high-latitude highlands of the nearside of the Moon. Scientists from Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) used data gathered by Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer onboard the Pragyan rover. They compared metal remnants and elemental concentrations of sulfur, potassium, sodium among others at the Shiv Shakti point where Chandra-yaan 3 landed on August 23, 2023. Sulfur, potassium and sodium can give insights into the mantle composition and chemistry. 'There is an anomalous depletion in sodium and potassium at the site, whereas there is an enrichment in sulfur found in the soils at the highland landing site,' said the study published in the journal Nature Communications Earth and Environment. Detailing its significance and the plausible reasons for both depletion and abundance of certain metals, the researchers said, 'There is a potential presence of primitive lunar mantle materials at the landing site, which was excavated during formation of the South Pole-Aitken basin, around 4.3 Ga (billion years) ago and may have got redistributed by subsequent impacts on the SPA basin ejecta. While the primitive mantle contributed to the excess sulfur, it later got mixed up with the materials at the landing site,' the paper noted. The South Pole-Aitken basin is one of the largest known impact craters on the lunar surface. The low levels of sodium and potassium at the Shiv Shakti point, the researchers said, could suggest that these elements may not have originally existed at the place and time of the very formation of the SPA basin. The variations in the elemental concentrations revealed by Chandrayaan 3 data has overturned findings made by previous lunar missions — the Apollo 16 and Luna 20 by the US and the Soviets, respectively. According to the PRL team, Chandrayaan 3 data noted the concentration of sulfur to be 300-500 parts per million higher than in soils gathered by the above missions. The Indian team is studying this anomalous difference in the concentrations and trace the causes at the landing site.
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Chandrayaan 3 gives world insight into 4.3bn-yr-old material on moon
1 2 Ahmedabad: In a major breakthrough in understanding the formation and composition of the Moon, scientists at the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad analysed volatiles from an area around the South Polar region. This region is believed to host lunar primitive mantle materials ejected from a basin about 4.3 billion years ago. It is the first time a space agency analysed samples this old in this region of the Moon, reports Parth Shastri. The findings were recently published in the Nature journal 'Communications: Earth and Environment'. The study, ' Primitive lunar mantle materials at the Chandrayaan-3 landing site', is authored by Rishitosh Sinha, Neha Panwar, Neeraj Srivastava, Dwijesh Ray, and Anil Bhardwaj, among others. You Can Also Check: Ahmedabad AQI | Weather in Ahmedabad | Bank Holidays in Ahmedabad | Public Holidays in Ahmedabad Anil Bhardwaj, director of PRL and a co-author of this study, said that this new finding makes the Chandrayaan-3 landing site a promising location to access primitive mantle samples, which are otherwise lacking in the existing lunar collections. The concentrations of volatile elements were measured at the Shiv Shakti Point in the South Pole region of the Moon using the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) onboard the Pragyan Rover of the mission. The readings from the volatile elements from the Shiv Shakti Point in the South Pole region were analysed by a PRL team. The results at the site showed a very different composition of elements such as sulphur, sodium, and potassium compared to the results of earlier missions such as Apollo, Luna, and Chang'e. The major result included relatively high sulphur content and relatively low sodium and potassium levels, primarily due to the location of the lander. Researchers said that the location of Chandrayaan 3 's landing in 2023 was close to the SPA basin, whereas the majority of the other missions landed near the Procellarum KREEP Terrane (PKT), an area rich in potassium and other incompatible elements, providing a limited view of the Moon's composition. Most importantly, the findings support the idea that the Chandrayaan 3 site holds some of the oldest and most primitive materials from the Moon's deep interior. The researchers at PRL said that the data not only reinforces the lunar magma ocean hypothesis but also opens new opportunities for studying ancient mantle materials. 'A comparison of the APXS measured abundances with the other available data revealed anomalous depletion in sodium and potassium, but enrichment in sulphur in the soils at the highland landing site. This study has revealed the potential presence of primitive lunar mantle materials at the landing site, which was excavated during the formation of the South Pole-Aitken (SPA) basin 4.3 Ga (4.3 billion years) ago and redistributed by subsequent impacts on the SPA basin ejecta,' read a release by ISRO on the groundbreaking discovery. The primitive mantle contributed to the excess sulphur, which mixed with the materials at the landing site, said Rishitosh Sinha, the lead author of this study. The low levels of sodium and potassium at the landing site suggest that the KREEP (potassium, rare earth elements, and phosphorus) might not have existed at the place and time of SPA basin formation, said Neha Panwar, a co-author of this study. Neeraj Srivastava, a co-author of this study, said that the primitive mantle samples are crucial for studying the early evolution of the Moon. Ahmedabad: In a major breakthrough in understanding the formation and composition of the Moon, scientists at the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad analysed volatiles from an area around the South Polar region. This region is believed to host lunar primitive mantle materials ejected from a basin about 4.3 billion years ago. It is the first time a space agency analysed samples this old in this region of the Moon, reports Parth Shastri. The findings were recently published in the Nature journal 'Communications: Earth and Environment'. The study, 'Primitive lunar mantle materials at the Chandrayaan-3 landing site', is authored by Rishitosh Sinha, Neha Panwar, Neeraj Srivastava, Dwijesh Ray, and Anil Bhardwaj, among others. Anil Bhardwaj, director of PRL and a co-author of this study, said that this new finding makes the Chandrayaan-3 landing site a promising location to access primitive mantle samples, which are otherwise lacking in the existing lunar collections. The concentrations of volatile elements were measured at the Shiv Shakti Point in the South Pole region of the Moon using the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) onboard the Pragyan Rover of the mission. The readings from the volatile elements from the Shiv Shakti Point in the South Pole region were analysed by a PRL team. The results at the site showed a very different composition of elements such as sulphur, sodium, and potassium compared to the results of earlier missions such as Apollo, Luna, and Chang'e. The major result included relatively high sulphur content and relatively low sodium and potassium levels, primarily due to the location of the lander. Researchers said that the location of Chandrayaan 3's landing in 2023 was close to the SPA basin, whereas the majority of the other missions landed near the Procellarum KREEP Terrane (PKT), an area rich in potassium and other incompatible elements, providing a limited view of the Moon's composition. Most importantly, the findings support the idea that the Chandrayaan 3 site holds some of the oldest and most primitive materials from the Moon's deep interior. The researchers at PRL said that the data not only reinforces the lunar magma ocean hypothesis but also opens new opportunities for studying ancient mantle materials. 'A comparison of the APXS measured abundances with the other available data revealed anomalous depletion in sodium and potassium, but enrichment in sulphur in the soils at the highland landing site. This study has revealed the potential presence of primitive lunar mantle materials at the landing site, which was excavated during the formation of the South Pole-Aitken (SPA) basin 4.3 Ga (4.3 billion years) ago and redistributed by subsequent impacts on the SPA basin ejecta,' read a release by ISRO on the groundbreaking discovery. The primitive mantle contributed to the excess sulphur, which mixed with the materials at the landing site, said Rishitosh Sinha, the lead author of this study. The low levels of sodium and potassium at the landing site suggest that the KREEP (potassium, rare earth elements, and phosphorus) might not have existed at the place and time of SPA basin formation, said Neha Panwar, a co-author of this study. Neeraj Srivastava, a co-author of this study, said that the primitive mantle samples are crucial for studying the early evolution of the Moon.
