UPSC Essentials | Daily subject-wise quiz : Science and Technology MCQs on space anaemia, traumatic asphyxia and more (Week 96, 97 and 98)

QUESTION 1

With reference to the vitamin B12, consider the following statements:

1. It has a crucial role in keeping the blood and nerve cells healthy.

2. Deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to fatigue and muscle weakness.

3. It is a water-insoluble nutrient.

4. It is available only in animal-based sources and is not present in plant-based sources.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All four

Explanation

— Vitamin B12 stands out for its crucial role in keeping the blood and nerve cells healthy, as well as its contribution to DNA synthesis. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— Improving vitamin B12 absorption is a multifaceted process, from dietary choices to lifestyle adjustments. Deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to fatigue, irritability, confusion, muscle weakness, tingling sensations, and even anaemia. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

— Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble nutrient necessary for red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA production. A lack of sufficient vitamin B12 can impair these processes, leading to both short-term symptoms and long-term complications. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

— Fiona Sampat, Clinical Dietitian at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, suggested including these foods:

— Animal-Based Sources: Organ Meats (Liver and kidneys especially lamb), seafood, meat, dairy products and eggs.

— Plant-Based and Fortified Options: Fortified Cereals, Nutritional Yeast, and Fortified Plant-Based Milks. Hence, statement 4 is not correct.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 2

Which of the statements about Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are correct?

1. It aims to achieve net-zero emissions while ensuring energy security.

2. These have a power generation capacity ranging from less than 30 MWe to 300+ MWe.

3. These are cost-effective alternatives to conventional large nuclear reactors.

4. They are suitable only for on-grid and not for off-grid applications.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2, 3 and 4

(c) 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Explanation

— Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited France from February 10 to 12, at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron.

— France is a pioneer in civil nuclear energy, generating over 70% of its electricity from nuclear power.

— France has promised to construct nuclear power reactors at Jaitapur, Maharashtra. However, many projects have encountered difficulties such as excessive costs and outstanding technical and legal constraints. However, the focus has shifted to Small Modular Reactor (SMR) and Advanced Modular Reactor (AMR) technologies.

What are Small Modular Reactor (SMR)?

— India is extensively researching Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as a critical component of its energy transition strategy, with the goal of achieving net-zero emissions while maintaining energy security. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— SMRs are advanced nuclear reactors with power generation capacities ranging from less than 30 MWe to over 300 MWe. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

— It offers a versatile, scalable, and cost-effective alternative to traditional big nuclear reactors. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

— Given India’s rising energy demands and the need for dependable, low-carbon power, SMRs can play a game-changing role in supplementing renewable energy sources and stabilising the grid.

— SMRs’ modular design enables factory-based manufacture, lowering construction deadlines and costs, making them suitable for both on-grid and off-grid applications, including distant deployment. Hence, statement 4 is not correct.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

(Other Source: pib.gov.in)

QUESTION 3

With reference to traumatic asphyxia, consider the following statements:

1. It occurs when extreme pressure is applied to the lower body or lower abdomen.

2. Preventing traumatic asphyxia involves ensuring proper safety measures in high-risk environments, avoiding overcrowding, and implementing effective emergency response strategies.

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

— A tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station on February 15 night killed at least 18 persons, according to a senior railway official who confirmed the incident to PTI.

— According to a statement released on Sunday by the RML Hospital, five of the 18 victims of the stampede at the New Delhi Railway Station died as a result of acute asphyxia.

What is traumatic asphyxia?

— Traumatic asphyxia, also referred to as crush asphyxia, occurs when extreme pressure is applied to the chest or upper abdomen. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.

— According to Dr. Modi, this strong strain stops the diaphragm from extending, rendering normal respiration impossible. Furthermore, the pressure drives blood back into the upper body, resulting in obvious indications such as petechiae (purplish-red discolouration caused by broken capillaries) in the face, neck, and eyes. Another common indication is swelling in the head and upper body.

— However, if treated promptly, recovery is feasible with medical intervention, such as oxygen therapy and monitoring for internal injuries. Preventing traumatic asphyxia entails taking correct safety precautions in high-risk areas, preventing overcrowding, and creating effective emergency response plans. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 4

Which of the following have collaborated for the development of the X59 supersonic jet?

1. NASA

2. European Space Agency

3. Lockheed Martin

4. Airbus SE

5. ISRO

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 5 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 4 only

Explanation

— NASA recently fired up the X59 supersonic jet that might someday help revive commercial supersonic jets. Developed in collaboration with Lockheed Martin, the US space agency tested the jet between October and February.

— It is based on a single modified F414-GE-100 engine, and the quiet supersonic jet produces a sonic thud rather than a boom.

— NASA’s new X59 supersonic jet attempts to address the issue by positioning the engine on top of the aircraft rather than at the bottom or sides. According to the agency, the jet emits a sonic thump rather than a sonic boom, which may minimise the quantity of noise that reaches the ground.

— The X59 supersonic jet will fly at a height of 55,000 feet (16,764 meters) at a maximum speed of 1,489 kilometres per hour.

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 5

When a massive celestial body — such as a galaxy or cluster of galaxies — creates a gravitational field which distorts and amplifies the light from distant galaxies that are behind it but in the same line of sight is known as:

(a) Gravitational wave

(b) Gravitational Potential

(c) Gravitational pull

(d) Gravitational lensing

Explanation

— The ESA’s Euclid space telescope discovered an unusual ring of light, known as an Einstein ring, surrounding a galaxy almost 590 million light-years away from Earth.

— Euclid’s photos of the Einstein ring, taken in September 2023 but released recently, show a bright ball of light in the centre, surrounded by a bright, foggy ring. The ring was discovered around NGC 6505, a galaxy discovered in the nineteenth century.

— An Einstein ring is a ring of light around a form of dark matter, galaxy or cluster of galaxies.

— It is primarily an example of gravitational lensing. Gravitational lensing is a phenomenon that occurs when a massive celestial body, such as a galaxy or cluster of galaxies, generates a gravitational field that distorts and amplifies light from distant galaxies behind it but in the same line of sight, according to a report on the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) website.

— In the recently discovered Einstein ring, NGC 6505 served as the gravitational lens. The light from a distant unidentified galaxy, 4.42 billion light-years away, was warped and amplified by the nearer galaxy. A light-year is the distance light travels in a single year, which is 9.46 trillion kilometres.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 6

NASA’s PREFIRE (Polar Radiant Energy in the Far-InfraRed Experiment) mission will study:

(a) Gravitational waves

(b) Asteroid deflection by changing an asteroid’s motion in space

(c) Imaging of astronomical radio sources

(d) Heat loss to space in Earth’s polar regions

Explanation

— The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) launched one of the two climate satellites, which would study heat emissions at Earth’s poles.

— NASA and the University of Wisconsin-Madison (US) collaborated to construct the PREFIRE mission (Polar Radiant Energy in the Far-InfraRed Experiment).

— The two shoebox-sized cube satellites, or CubeSats, will measure how much heat the Arctic and Antarctica — two of the world’s coldest locations — emit into space and how this affects the planet’s climate.

— Far-infrared radiation, with wavelengths ranging from 3 μm to 1,000 μm, accounts for a significant portion of the heat emitted from the Arctic and Antarctica. However, there is currently no method for measuring this form of energy. As a result, there is a knowledge gap about the planet’s energy balance.

— The observations of the PREFIRE mission will help us understand the fundamentals of Earth’s heat balance, allowing us to better predict how our ice, seas, and weather will change in the face of global warming.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 7

Which one of the following words/phrases is most appropriately used to denote “an interoperable network of 3D virtual worlds that can be accessed simultaneously by millions of users, who can exert property rights over virtual items”? (UPSC PYQ 2024)

(a) Big data analytics

(b) Cryptography

(c) Metaverse

(d) Virtual matrix

Explanation

— The Metaverse is transforming industries worldwide. According to a new report, it is poised to present a $13 billion opportunity globally and India’s Metaverse and Web3 market is projected to reach $200 billion by 2035.

— The paper, which is based on an in-depth analysis of Web3 and Metaverse technologies, provides information about key use cases and their potential impact on growth areas. It explains how the two will help construct the next version of the Internet and pioneer the next wave of digital adoption in India’s sectors. The Web3 and Metaverse market prospects are predicted to grow at a rate of approximately 40% per year.

— The metaverse is a new three-dimensional digital realm that employs virtual reality, augmented reality, and other modern internet and semiconductor technology to provide individuals with lifelike personal and professional experiences online.

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 8

Which one of the following is synthesised in human body that dilates blood vessels and increase blood flow? (UPSC 2024)

(a) Nitric oxide

(b) Nitrogen pentoxide

(c) Nitrous oxide

(d) Nitrogen dioxide

Explanation

— Blood circulation is essential for the body because it allows the transportation of oxygen and nutrients to cells.

— Diet plays a vital role in blood flow because certain food items can promote healthy blood flow in your body and help provide protection against blocked arteries.

— Pomegranates are particularly high in polyphenol antioxidants and nitrates, which are potent vasodilators. Consuming pomegranate — as a juice, raw fruit, or supplement may improve blood flow.

— Beetroots are rich in nitrates, which can be converted into nitric oxide in the body.

— Nitric oxide helps relax and dilate blood vessels, leading to improved circulation.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 9

Which of the following effects are caused due to space anaemia?

1. Increase in red blood cell count

2. Increase in haemoglobin

3. Reduction in blood volume

Select the correct answer using the codes given below

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Explanation

— NASA has revealed that astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore, who were flown to the International Space Station (ISS) in June aboard Boeing’s Starliner capsule, will have to spend an extended period of time in orbit.

— Space anaemia is a disorder that astronauts experience during and after long-term space missions. According to Dr Singhla, space anaemia is mostly caused by the body’s adaptation to the unique environment of space, as opposed to anaemia on Earth, which is frequently caused by nutritional inadequacies or chronic disorders.

— Space anaemia, which is defined by a decrease in red blood cells and haemoglobin levels, presents particular challenges for astronauts on long-duration missions. Hence, 1 and 2 are not correct.

— According to Dr Singhla, space anaemia arises as a consequence of these fluid shifts. In a microgravity environment, the body’s physiological mechanisms adjust to the new fluid distribution, leading to a reduction in the overall blood volume. Hence, 3 is correct.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 10

With reference to the Cassini-Huygens mission, consider the following statements:

1. The mission aims to study the planet Saturn and its system, its natural satellites and rings.

2. It was launched by NASA.

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

— US space agency NASA’s Cassini-Huygens spacecraft launched in October 1997, may have died seven years ago after it was crushed and vaporised as it plunged into the atmosphere of Saturn, it continues to surprise space enthusiasts. The spacecraft reportedly generated a large amount of data that is still being analysed.

— Cassini-Huygens, a space research mission initiated by NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Italian Space Agency. It comprised NASA’s Cassini space probe and ESA’s Huygens lander. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

— The mission attempted to explore Saturn, including its system, natural satellites, and rings. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— Cassini is the fourth space mission to investigate Saturn and the first to enter its orbit, staying there from 2004 to 2017. The spacecraft is named after two astronomers, Giovanni Cassini and Christiaan Huygens.

— In 2005, Huygens landed on Saturn’s biggest moon, Titan. Along with Cassini’s observations, the mission discovered methane clouds, lakes, and canyons overflowing with hydrocarbons.

— After nearly 20 years of operation, the spacecraft ran out of fuel, making navigation impossible. In its dying minutes, the spacecraft transformed into an atmospheric probe, returning scientific data from Saturn until its destruction.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 11

The term ‘Snowblind’ refers to:

(a) Blind spot in Antarctica

(b) Asteroid

(c) Operating system

(d) Malware

Explanation

— A banking malware called ‘Snowblind’ is targeting Android users to steal banking credentials. This malware exploits a built-in security feature to bypass anti-tamper protection in apps handling sensitive information.

— Snowblind, unlike other Android malware, exploits a feature known as ‘seccomp’, which stands for secure computing’. It is a component of the core Linux kernel and the Android operating system that checks programs for signs of manipulation.

— Snowblind can also disable biometric and two-factor authentication, which are two security features typically used by financial apps to prevent unauthorised access. Snowblind, like most Android malware, affects users who install apps from untrusted sources.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 12

With reference to Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), consider the following statements:

1. It was conceived in 1999 following the war in Kargil, during which India’s military could not use the American Global Positioning System (GPS) in the conflict zone.

2. It is operationally referred to as the Navigation with India Constellation (NavIC) system. 

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’s space agency on February 2 reported the partial failure of its NVS-02 navigation satellite due to the non-firing of its engines in space. This was the latest in a series of setbacks suffered by the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), operationally referred to as the Navigation with India Constellation (NavIC) system.

The IRNSS was conceived in 1999 following the war in Kargil, during which India’s military could not use the American Global Positioning System (GPS) in the conflict zone. (India and the US now cooperate in many fields, and Washington has approved the system.)

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 13

CROPS, which stands for Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies is related to:

(a) Bhabha Atomic Research Centre ( BARC )

(b) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)

(c) Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

(d) None of the above

Explanation

The lobia (black-eyed pea) seeds that the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) sent to space on December 30 as a part of its Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS) germinated last month. 

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 14

He invented the crescograph, a device for measuring the growth of plants. A crater on the moon has also been named in his honour. He is also considered as the father of Bengali science fiction. Identify the scientists.

(a) Sir Acharya Prafulla Chandra Roy

(b) Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis

(c) Satyendra Nath Bose

(d) Jagadish Chandra Bose

Explanation

Born on November 30, 1858, in Munsiganj in present-day Bangladesh, Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose was a physicist, biologist, biophysicist, botanist and archeologist, and an early writer of science fiction. He is considered the father of Bengali science fiction. He invented the crescograph, a device for measuring the growth of plants. A crater on the moon has also been named in his honour.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 15

Which of the following is NOT represented by any of the three Es in the Government of India’s BioE3 policy?

(a) Economy

(b) Environment 

(c) Employment

(d) Education

Explanation

The Centre unveiled its BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) policy last year. On the face of it, the policy appears to be a routine attempt to create incentives and opportunities to energise growth in the biotech sector. But it is, in fact, about transforming existing industrial and manufacturing processes across various sectors to make them more sustainable and environment-friendly, and less wasteful.

The policy seeks to achieve this by harnessing the power of biotechnology, and developing new manufacturing methods that replicate, or mimic, processes found in natural biological systems. Government officials are calling it the first step towards the industrialisation of biology, which can have profound impacts on the economy.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

Previous Daily Subject-Wise-Quiz

Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 98)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 98)

Daily subject-wise quiz —  Science and Technology (Week 95)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 95)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 95)

Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 95)

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