UPSC Essentials | Daily subject-wise quiz : Science and Technology MCQs on India’s first private satellite constellation, microRNA and more (Week 94)

QUESTION 1

With reference to the direct-to-device satellite connectivity, consider the following statements:

1. Using this service, it can help in sending and receiving text messages via a geostationary L-band satellite.

2. This connectivity does not require a cellular tower.

3. BSNL is the first telecom service provider to launch direct satellite connectivity service in India.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Explanation

— Wireless networking and connectivity have greatly improved in the recent decade. However, it is not ideal, and there are numerous isolated, unserviceable areas in India. In such cases, constructing a cellular tower is not financially feasible. State-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), in collaboration with Viasat, a US-based satellite communication business, has developed a magnificent answer to this problem: a direct-to-device satellite connectivity service.

— Direct-to-device satellite communication is not a new technology. In truth, phone manufacturers such as Apple and Google have long provided similar services, just not in India. BSNL is India’s first telecom service provider to offer direct satellite access. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

— BSNL’s direct-to-device satellite connectivity requires three primary components: a smartphone that supports satellite connectivity, a satellite, and a cellular tower. When a phone is unable to latch onto a nearby cellular tower owing to a lower signal, the smartphone connects to a satellite, which then sends the identical signal to the neighbouring tower, completing the connection. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

— According to BSNL’s trials, it can send and receive text messages via a geostationary L-band satellite 36,000 kilometres away from Earth. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 2

With reference to the gravity energy storage, consider the following statements:

1. It involves lifting a heavy mass during excess energy generation and releasing it to produce electricity when demand rises or solar energy is unavailable.

2. It is costlier than other alternatives.

3. The gravity energy storage offers less flexibility in site selection compared to pumped-hydro energy storage.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 2 only

(d) 3 only

Explanation

— Gravity is emerging as the best bet for addressing renewable energy’s fundamental issue: intermittency. Gravity energy storage is a revolutionary technology that stores energy by utilising gravity. It has the potential to be a cornerstone of sustainable energy systems due to its long-term energy storage capacity and low maintenance requirements.

— It is also less expensive than other alternatives, making it an excellent choice for grid-scale applications. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

— Gravity energy entails lifting a heavy mass during excess energy creation and then releasing it to generate electricity when demand increases or solar energy is unavailable. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— Gravity energy storage, as opposed to pumped-hydro, allows for greater site selection freedom. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

— Currently, pumped hydro accounts for approximately 96% of global energy storage. Pumped hydro is a hydroelectric project in which excess energy on the grid is used to pump water uphill to a high elevation reservoir, and when energy demand is met, the water is released, driving a turbine as it flows into the reservoir below.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 3

With reference to the India’s first private satellite constellation, consider the following statements:

1. India’s space tech startup Pixxel launched three of its six hyperspectral imaging satellites.

2. These satellites were launched from Sriharikota.

3. The satellites aim to serve industries such as agriculture, environmental monitoring and defence.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Explanation

— Pixxel, an Indian space technology startup, launched three of its six hyperspectral imaging satellites aboard a SpaceX rocket from California. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— The satellites were launched shortly after midnight in India from the Vandenberg Space Force Base. The launch is a watershed moment for both the country’s expanding private space sector and Google-backed Pixxel, a five-year-old start-up. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

— The satellites intend to use hyperspectral imaging, a technology that captures highly detailed data over hundreds of light bands, to support businesses like agricultural, mining, environmental monitoring, and defence. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

— Such technology can provide insights into enhancing agricultural yields in India’s agrarian economy, tracking resources, monitoring oil spills, and geographic borders in far greater depth than present technologies.

— The remaining three satellites are expected to be deployed in the second quarter of this year.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 4

Blue Ghost and Resilience are used in reference to space. They are:

(a) Asteroids

(b) A group of stars that form a pattern

(c) A system of two stars that are gravitationally bound to and in orbit around each other.

(d) Lunar landers

Explanation

— In a two-for-one moonshot, SpaceX launched a pair of lunar landers for US and Japanese enterprises looking to establish operations on Earth’s dusty companion.

— Firefly’s Blue Ghost, named after a type of firefly found in the Southeastern United States, is expected to arrive on the moon first.

— The slightly larger ispace lander Resilience will take four to five months to arrive, with a landing planned for late May or early June at Mare Frigoris, further north on the moon’s near side.

— Texas-based Firefly Aerospace is flying ten experiments for NASA, including a hoover to collect dirt, a drill to detect temperature below the surface, and a device that future moonwalkers could use to keep sharp, abrasive particles off their spacesuits and equipment.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 5

With reference to the microRNA, consider the following statements:

1. It helps cells control the types and amounts of proteins they make, which has opened up new pathways for diagnosing and treating diseases — from cancers and Alzheimer’s to viral infections.

2. The understanding of microRNA functioning will open a new field of genetic regulation-based discoveries in the agriculture sector.

3. Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine for their 1993 discovery of microRNA.

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

— DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) contains the blueprint for life, whereas RNA (ribonucleic acid) aids in the transcription of information and the production of proteins to sustain it. However, a little molecule known as microRNA, which helps cells manage the types and quantities of proteins they produce, has opened up new avenues for diagnosing and treating diseases ranging from cancer and Alzheimer’s to viral infections. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— This year’s Nobel Prize was awarded to microRNA. Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun received the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine for their 1993 discovery of microRNA. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

— Dr Lekha Dinesh has been working with microRNAs for nearly a decade, she explains why microRNAs are the best biomarkers: “Testing for gene mutations — and these days there are several laboratories that do gene-typing for different types of cancers — does not tell us whether a person has cancer. If they have a particular mutation, they may be at a higher risk for some cancers. Gene testing is not necessary for most cancers — even if you do have the BRCA gene for example, what can you do? If you have family history, you should anyway be getting screened for breast cancer. Genetic testing is necessary only for some newer cancer therapies that target certain genes.”

— Understanding how microRNAs function will pave the way for novel genetic regulation-based discoveries, particularly in healthcare and agriculture. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

— MicroRNAs (miRNA) have the potential to revolutionise personalised medicine, cancer therapy, regenerative medicine, and neurological treatments. MiRNA-based therapies and non-invasive diagnostic methods like liquid biopsies are emerging. Challenges continue, particularly in terms of efficient distribution, off-target effects, and stability.

— The discovery of microRNA is critical because gene regulation and control are basic processes in the cell that inhibit the formation of specific proteins, both qualitatively and quantitatively. Its therapeutic role is important.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

Previous Daily Subject-Wise-Quiz

Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 94)

Daily subject-wise quiz —  Science and Technology (Week 93)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 93)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 93)

Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 93)

Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 93)

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