UPSC Essentials | Daily subject-wise quiz : Science and Technology MCQs on Artemis II, solar storms and more (Week 146)

3. For the first time, the space agency is inviting the public to send their names to the Moon aboard Artemis II.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Relevance: UPSC asks such questions to test whether candidates track major global science–technology developments, not just static facts. Missions like Artemis II show long-term strategic goals, which UPSC increasingly links with geopolitics and technology.

Explanation

— Nasa is working on another historic mission for human space exploration through Artemis II, which is going to send astronauts farther than any human has ever gone before in the 21st century. The Artemis II mission is expected to lift off as early as February 6, with backup launch opportunities later till April.

— Artemis II builds on the success of the uncrewed Artemis I in 2022, and will demonstrate a broad range of capabilities needed on deep space missions. The Artemis II test flight will be NASA’s first mission with crew aboard the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— This will be the first time humans travel beyond low-Earth orbit and circle the Moon since the final Apollo mission in 1972.

— The crew includes Nasa astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen. Together, they will travel aboard the Orion spacecraft, which will loop around the Moon before returning to Earth. The mission is designed to test systems and procedures needed for future lunar landings. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

— Nasa is giving people around the world a chance to be part of the mission in a symbolic way. The space agency is inviting the public to send their names to the Moon aboard Artemis II. Anyone who registers will have their name stored on an SD card that will fly inside the Orion spacecraft during the mission.

— NASA has invited the public to send their names to the Moon before. Similar “Send Your Name” efforts have been carried out in the past, including on Artemis I and other Mars missions. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 2

With reference to the solar storms, consider the following statements:

1. These storms are caused by huge bursts of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun.

2. It cannot disturb Earth’s magnetic field.

3. It is responsible for creating auroras near Earth’s poles.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 2 and 3 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 1, 2 and 3

(d) 1 and 2 only

Relevance: Solar storms are frequently in the news due to their impact on satellites, GPS, power grids, and communication systems. UPSC uses such topics to test understanding of Sun–Earth interactions and space weather, a rising S&T theme.

Explanation

— A surge of intense solar activity from the Sun is moving toward Earth and could light up the night sky with rare auroral displays on Monday evening and into early Tuesday. Scientists say the event may allow people in places that don’t usually see the northern lights to catch a glimpse, while also posing some risks to satellites, GPS systems and other space-based technology.

— Alongside the radiation storm, a strong geomagnetic storm reached Earth on Monday afternoon, which can sometimes interfere with power grids. These storms are caused by huge bursts of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun, known as coronal mass ejections, that disturb Earth’s magnetic field when they strike. Hence, statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is not correct.

(Image: X/ Insider Page)

— The latest eruption was triggered by an X-class solar flare, the most powerful type, marking the first major flare of the year. Such activity is also responsible for creating auroras near Earth’s poles. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

— When charged particles collide with gases high in the atmosphere, they produce glowing waves of colour known as the northern and southern lights.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 3

Consider the following statements about Monoclonal antibodies:

1. These are naturally-produced antibody molecules that can restore, enhance, modify or mimic our immune systems.

2. They can be used to treat cancer.

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

Relevance: Monoclonal antibodies are a key tool in modern medicine and biotechnology, frequently in news. The question links basic biology with current health technologies, making them high-yield for Prelims.

Explanation

— The drug, Nivolumab, is effective against a range of cancers. Global pharmaceutical company ER Squibb and Sons, better known as Bristol Myers-Squibb (BMS), currently holds its patent in India.

— To fight an infection, our bodies create proteins known as antibodies. Nivolumab is a monoclonal antibody drug which acts by enhancing the immune response to fight cancerous cells. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

— Monoclonal antibodies are lab-produced antibody molecules that can restore, enhance, modify or mimic our immune systems. These are used for targeted cellular action. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.

— This form of treatment is called immunotherapy. Nivolumab is similar to another immunotherapy monoclonal drug called Pembrolizumab, marketed as Keytruda by Merck (also currently under patent protection in India).

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 4

With reference to the cyanobacterial engineered living material (C-ELM), consider the following statements:

1. It is a biomaterial.

2. It incorporates living cyanobacteria within translucent panels that can be mounted on the interior walls of buildings.

3. It captures carbon dioxide only during its manufacturing process and not after installation in buildings

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 2 only

Relevance: C-ELM is an example of cutting-edge biotechnology for climate mitigation, a theme UPSC increasingly focuses on. It links science & technology with environment and sustainable construction, an important prelims intersection.

Explanation

— The biomaterial, known as a cyanobacterial engineered living material (C-ELM), incorporates living cyanobacteria within translucent panels that can be mounted on the interior walls of buildings. As the microorganisms grow through photosynthesis, they capture carbon dioxide from the air. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct.

— Through a process called biomineralisation, the captured CO2 is converted into calcium carbonate, effectively trapping the carbon. A kilogram of C-ELM can capture up to 350g of carbon dioxide, while the same amount of traditional concrete would emit approximately 500g of CO2. A wall covered with 150 square metres of these panels could sequester about one tonne of carbon dioxide. C-ELM continues to capture CO₂ during use through ongoing photosynthesis. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

— The potential of this biomaterial is immense. If scaled up and widely implemented, it could significantly reduce the construction industry’s carbon footprint.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 5

With reference to Hydrogen as fuel, consider the following statements:

1. It takes too much time to refuel compared to batteries.

2. The biggest challenge in implementing hydrogen as fuel is its low density.

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

Relevance: Hydrogen fuel is part of renewable energy and green technology topics. UPSC focuses on challenges in adoption, storage, and environmental benefits, linking science & technology with energy policy.

Explanation

— Hydrogen is appealing because it burns cleanly: when combined with oxygen in a fuel cell, it produces electricity and releases only water vapour as exhaust.

— Unlike batteries, which must be recharged, hydrogen can be refueled quickly — much like petrol or diesel — making it attractive for long-haul trucks, buses, ships, and potentially even planes. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.

If properly harnessed, it could power homes, balance electricity grids, and store renewable energy from solar and wind farms for months at a time, smoothing out supply when the sun isn’t shining and the wind isn’t blowing. In principle, it could provide a backbone for a carbon-free society.

— The biggest challenge in implementing hydrogen as fuel is its low density. At room temperature, one kilogram of hydrogen would fill about 11 cubic meters — the size of a small bedroom. Petrol, by contrast, packs the same mass into just over a liter. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

Previous Daily Subject-Wise-Quiz

Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 141)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 146)

Daily subject-wise quiz —  Science and Technology (Week 145)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 145)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 145)

Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 145)

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