UPSC Essentials | Daily subject-wise quiz : Environment, Geography, Sci-Tech MCQs on Regenerative Braking System, snow fungus and more (Week 68)

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

2. The mission has failed to land on Saturn’s largest moon Titan.

3. It was jointly launched by NASA and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

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 3 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 observations, the mission discovered methane clouds, lakes, and canyons overflowing with hydrocarbons. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

— 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 2

With reference to the snow fungus, consider the following statements:

1. It is an edible mushroom with a gelatinous texture.

2. It commonly grows in Africa.

3. It improves the immune system.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1, 2 and 3

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1 and 3 only

Explanation

— There are numerous names for snow fungus, such as Tremella fuciformis, silver ear fungus, white fungus and snow mushroom.

— According to digital creator Lisa Baisl, snow fungus is an edible medicinal mushroom with a gelatinous texture and a coral shape. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— It commonly grows in Asia and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for years. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

— It is slimy in texture and has got a plain taste which makes it applicable in many dishes ranging from soups to desserts. Most of the time it comes in dried form and must be soaked in water before being used.

— Snow fungus is a powerful immune system booster, skin enhancer and is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It is also believed to increase hydration and is used for improving lung function and relieving fatigue. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 3

With reference to the online platform “MeDevIS”, consider the following statements:

1. It is designed to boost access to medical technologies and devices.

2. The platform has been introduced by the World Health Organisation.

3. The platform does not cover any medical devices for infectious diseases like COVID-19.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Explanation

— The World Health Organisation (WHO) has launched MeDevIS (Medical Devices Information System), the world’s first open-access clearinghouse for medical device information. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

— It is intended to assist governments, regulators, and users in making decisions about the selection, procurement, and use of medical devices for diagnosing, testing, and treating diseases and health conditions. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— The MeDevIS platform contains 2301 different types of medical devices used to treat a wide range of health conditions, including reproductive, maternal, neonatal, and child health, noncommunicable diseases including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes, as well as infectious disorders like COVID 19. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

(Source: http://www.who.int)

QUESTION 4

With reference to the Regenerative Braking System (RBS) in trains, consider the following statements:

1. When regenerative braking is employed, the kinetic energy of the train is released as heat.

2. The trains in India do not have this braking system.

3. The efficiency of RBS is better compared to a loco haul train.

4. It can save up to 30 per cent of electrical energy.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All four

Explanation

— A standard electric train braking system employs dynamic braking, in which the train’s kinetic energy is released as waste, primarily in the form of heat. When regenerative braking is used, the current in the electric motors is reversed, which slows the train. At the same time, the electro motors generate electricity, which is then returned to the power distribution system. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— The Regenerative Braking System is more efficient than a loco haul train. Regenerative braking systems reuse kinetic energy. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

— This generated electricity can be utilised to power additional trains in the network or to offset power demands from other loads, such as station lighting.

— The Vande Bharat Express provides several superior amenities that will provide passengers an aircraft-like travel experience. Vande Bharat Trains’ safety measures, such as the Advanced Regenerative Braking System, contribute to their green footprint. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

— Furthermore, it can save up to 30% on electrical consumption. Hence, statement 4 is correct.

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

(Source: er.indianrailways.gov.in, http://www.ctc-n.org)

QUESTION 5

Which of the following forms part of the coastal ecosystems?

1. Mangroves

2. Coral reefs

3. Sea-grasses

4. Sand dunes

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 2 and 3 only

(b) 1 and 4 only

(c) 1, 2 and 3

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation

— In a study published in the journal Nature, researchers looked at how coastal habitats like mangroves, marshes and coral reefs retreated and adapted at the end of the last Ice Age and how they could cope with predicted sea level rises in this century.

— Coastal areas have become increasingly important in recent years as a result of rising human populations and rapid development near coasts.

— Beaches are found between the lowest low tide level and a landward limit, which is typically defined by a coastal cliff or dune with permanent vegetation or a man-made structure.

— The coastal ecosystem includes a diverse range of coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, coral reefs, seagrasses, salt marshes, and sand dunes. The coastline includes rocky headlands, sandy beaches, estuaries, lagoons, and so on.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

(Other Source: irrigation.kerala.gov.in)

Previous Daily Subject-Wise-Quiz

Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 68)

Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 67)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment, Geography, Science and Technology (Week 67)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 68)

Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 67)

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