UPSC Essentials | Daily subject-wise quiz : Science and Technology MCQs on average temperatures of planets, deficiency of magnesium and more (Week 105)

QUESTION 1

With reference to the Biomass mission, consider the following statements:

1. The Indian Space Research Organisation has launched the Biomass mission to map the world’s forests.

2. It will provide information about the state of the planet’s forests and how they are changing, which will help expand the knowledge about the role forests play in the carbon cycle.

3. The satellite will be placed in a geo-synchronous orbit (GSO).

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Explanation

— The European Space Agency’s (ESA) new mission to survey the world’s forests will launch later this month. The Biomass mission will give information about the state of the planet’s forests and how they are changing, thereby expanding our understanding of the significance of forests in the carbon cycle. Hence, statement 1 is not correct and statement 2 is correct.

— The mission will launch on April 29 atop the Vega C rocket from Europe’s spaceport in French Guiana. It will be deployed in a sun-synchronous orbit (SSO), a form of orbit in which satellites are in sync with the Sun, at an altitude of around 666 km. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

— Biomass is ESA’s seventh Earth Explorer mission. The space agency launched satellites as part of the Earth Explorer programme to observe various parts of the planet’s system.

— Forests are an important part of the global carbon cycle because they store vast amounts of carbon. Scientists estimate that forests absorb approximately 16 billion metric tonnes of CO2 each year and presently store 861 gigatonnes of carbon in their branches, leaves, roots, and soils.

— The project will also enable scientists to better measure how carbon levels are changing as humans continue to cut down forests and increase CO2 levels in the atmosphere.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 2

With reference to the Sudan virus disease (SVD), consider the following statements:

1. It is a severe disease belonging to the same family as Ebola virus disease.

2. There is no person-to-person transmission in SVD.

3. The outbreak of Sudan virus disease (SVD) was declared in Algeria.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Explanation

— Sudan viral disease is a severe disease from the same family as Ebola virus disease. It is caused by the Sudan virus (SUDV) and can be lethal. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— It is characterised by an initial onset of fever with non-specific symptoms/signs (e.g., abdominal discomfort, anorexia, lethargy, malaise, myalgia, sore throat), which is generally followed by nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and, on rare occasions, a varied rash.

— Since the Sudan viral disease (SVD) outbreak was declared in Uganda on January 30, 2025, a total of 14 cases (including 12 confirmed cases and two suspected cases) have been documented, with four deaths (two confirmed and two probable). Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

— Person-to-person transmission occurs by direct contact with blood, other bodily fluids, organs, or contaminated surfaces and materials, with the risk beginning at the first clinical indications and increasing with illness severity. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

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

QUESTION 3

The Breakthrough Prizes are awarded for which of the following categories?

1. Life Sciences

2. Fundamental Physics

3. Sustainable development

4. Mathematics

5. Applied Chemistry

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1, 2, 3 and 5

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 2, 4 and 5 only

(d) 1, 2 and 4 only

Explanation

— The 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics was granted to 13,508 researchers working on four collaborative projects at CERN, the European particle physics laboratory near Geneva, Switzerland.

— The “Oscars of Science” prize was revealed on April 5 as part of the 11th annual Breakthrough Prizes. Six prizes totalling $3 million each were announced in Life Sciences, Mathematics, and Fundamental Physics.

— The awards were founded in 2013 by Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan, former Google CEO Sergey Brin, Anne Wojcicki of genomics startup 23&Me, and tech investor pair Yuri and Julia Milner.

— The Breakthrough Prize is granted in three categories: life sciences, fundamental physics, and mathematics.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

Read more: To read in detail about the Breakthrough Prize 2025: What to know about the awards dubbed ‘Oscars of Science’

QUESTION 4

Consider the following planets:

1. Earth

2. Mercury

3. Venus

4. Jupiter

5. Saturn

What is the correct chronological order of the average temperatures of these planets (low to high)?

(a) 3—2—1—4—5

(b) 2—3—1—4—5

(c) 5—4—1—2—3

(d) 5—4—1—3—2

Explanation

— The eight planets of the solar system are Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, with Pluto being classified as a dwarf planet.

— Planets’ temperatures are mostly determined by their structural properties and closeness to the Sun. However, Venus stands out as a unique situation because its thick atmosphere creates a greenhouse effect, resulting in surface temperatures that exceed the melting point of lead.

— Mercury, on the other hand, has a slow rotation and a scant atmosphere, resulting in a temperature differential of more than 1000°F between its day and night sides, with nighttime temperatures dropping to as low as -290°F (-179°C), according to NASA. Meanwhile, temperature readings for Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune are taken at atmospheric levels equivalent to sea level pressure on Earth.

(Table Source: NASA/Solar System Temperatures)

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 5

The deficiency of magnesium in the human body can lead to:

1. consequences for cardiovascular health

2. increased risk of hypertension

3. tired and lethargic feeling

4. weakening of muscles and bones

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 2 and 3 only

(b) 1, 2 and 3

(c) 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation

— Magnesium is essential for a variety of body activities, including energy production and muscle and bone health. However, despite its significance, many people are ignorant of the dangers of magnesium insufficiency. A deficiency’s symptoms may appear modest at first, but if left untreated, they can lead to major health issues.

— According to Dr. Rakesh Gupta, Senior Consultant in Internal Medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, weariness and weakness are among the first indicators of magnesium deficiency. Magnesium is required for cellular energy generation, which aids in the conversion of food into energy.

— When your body is low in magnesium, it fails to perform this conversion efficiently, leaving you fatigued and lethargic. In addition to weariness, muscle cramps, spasms, or twitches may occur, notably in the legs, foot, or even facial muscles. These difficulties emerge because magnesium is required for normal muscular activity and relaxation.

— Low magnesium levels can cause irritation, anxiety, and, in severe cases, seizures. Magnesium plays an important part in neurotransmitter activity, which helps regulate mood and cognitive functioning. Severe magnesium deficiency has even been related to depression and other mood disorders because it impairs brain function.

— Magnesium deficiency can potentially have major effects on cardiovascular health. Low magnesium levels can cause irregular heartbeats, palpitations, and an increased risk of hypertension. Chronic magnesium shortage can raise the risk of heart disease and stroke over time.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

Previous Daily Subject-Wise-Quiz

Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 105)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 105)

Daily subject-wise quiz —  Science and Technology (Week 104)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 104)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 104)

Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 104)

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