UPSC Essentials | Daily subject-wise quiz : Science and Technology MCQs on Pralay Missile, Goldilocks zone and more (Week 128)

QUESTION 1

With reference to the Pralay Missile, consider the following statements:

1. It is an indigenously developed liquid propellant quasi-ballistic missile.

2. It is capable of carrying multiple types of warheads against various targets.

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

— Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted two consecutive successful flight tests of the Pralay missile from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island.

— Pralay is an indigenously developed solid propellant quasiballistic missile employing state-of-the-art guidance and navigation to ensure high precision. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.

— The missile is capable of carrying multiple types of warheads against various targets. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

— The missile equipped with modern technologies will give a further technological boost to the Armed Forces against threats.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

(Source: drdo.gov.in)

QUESTION 2

The Goldilocks zone refers to:

(a) habitable zone around the star.

(b) the boundary between Earth’s crust and mantle.

(c) the outermost layer of a planet’s atmosphere.

(d) the region where asteroids are found between Mars and Jupiter.

Explanation

— Scientists have discovered a new planet that may have all the right conditions to sustain life spotted by NASA’s James Webb Telescope, researchers at Cornell University have said that the planet may have an atmosphere similar to our own, meaning it could potentially have liquid water on its surface, either in the form of an ocean or ice.

— The planet is part of the TRAPPIST-1, a small red dwarf star system that features at least seven planets and is 40 light-years away. First discovered in 2016, the star system has been studied by astronomers for years, as it lies in the Goldilocks zone, which is essentially a habitable zone around the star. However, the excitement faded away after two of the three planets in the Goldilocks zone were found to have no atmosphere.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 3

With reference to Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2025, consider the following statements:

1. It is the biannual bilateral exercise between India and the US.

2. The first edition of the joint India-US Exercise Yudh Abhyas was held in 2010.

3. This year, the exercise was held in Alaska.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Explanation

— The 21st edition of Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2025, the annual bilateral exercise between India and the US, has ended after two weeks of intense engagement, signalling steady military ties between the two countries despite the strain in relations between Delhi and Washington. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.

— The exercise, held from September 1 to 14 at Fort Wainwright and the Yukon Training Area in Alaska, brought together approximately 450 Indian Army forces, headed by a battalion of the Madras Regiment, and soldiers from the US Army’s 11th Airborne Division. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

— The exercise was underway when the first visible signs of a thaw in the India-US bilateral chill came earlier this month, with US President Donald Trump saying the two countries have a “special relationship” and “there is nothing to worry about”. In his response, PM Narendra Modi had said he “deeply appreciated” and “fully” reciprocated Trump’s sentiments and positive assessment of bilateral ties.

— The first edition of the India-US joint military exercise Yudh Abhyas was conducted in 2002. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 4

Which of the following statements are correct about sodium-ion batteries?

1. It can be extracted from seawater at lower costs.

2. It is environmentally friendly.

3. It can be transported at zero volts.

4. It has a very low operating temperature range.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2, 3 and 4

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Explanation

— A fast-charging sodium-ion (Na-ion) battery that can charge up to 80% in six minutes and claims to survive over 3,000 charge cycles, making it virtually similar to more common lithium-ion batteries.

Sodium-ion (Na-ion) batteries

— It is way more abundant than lithium and can be extracted from seawater at relatively lower costs. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— It is more environmentally friendly. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

— It can be transported at zero volt, making it safer, unlike lithium, which is less environmentally friendly and must be always stored with a minimum charge, increasing fire risks. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

— It uses aluminum, which is cheaper than copper used in the lithium-ion battery tech.

— Sodium-ion batteries also have a higher operating temperature range and are hence safer, given that these can be used in more extreme temperatures without the risk of thermal runaway. Hence, statement 4 is not correct.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 5

With reference to the ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC), consider the following statements:

1. It is responsible for providing a ground segment network for Earth Observation.

2. It does not provide support to other agencies’ launch vehicle missions.

3. It is headquartered in Ahmedabad.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 1 only

(c) 1, 2 and 3

(d) 1 and 2 only

Explanation

— The ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC), one of the ground segment arms of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was established on September 06, 1976. The yearlong Golden Jubilee Celebrations commenced on September 10, 2025 in Bengaluru.

— ISTRAC headquartered in Bengaluru is responsible for providing ground segment network for Earth Observation, Space Science & Interplanetary Satellites and all launch vehicle Missions of ISRO and also providing support to other agencies launch vehicle missions. Hence, statement 1 is correct and statements 2 and 3 are not correct.

— ISTRAC manages deep space tracking and space situational awareness from stations around India and abroad, playing a critical role in India’s space efforts. Since 1976, ISTRAC has played an important role in supporting ISRO’s operations, ranging from early satellite launches to modern interplanetary exploratory missions and human spaceflight missions in the near future.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

(Source: http://www.isro.gov.in)

Previous Daily Subject-Wise-Quiz

Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 124)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 128)

Daily subject-wise quiz —  Science and Technology (Week 127)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 127)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 127)

Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 127)

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