Day-530 | Daily MCQs | UPSC Prelims | SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Answer: C
Explanation:
Context:
The ISRO has planned to set up a second launch site and had identified the coastal town in Tamil Nadu for taking up missions that require small satellite launch vehicles as compared to the one in Sriharikota which is currently in use for missions undertaken by the space agency. The geographic location of the country’s second spaceport to be set up at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu has a strategic advantage over launch pads in Sriharikota — small satellite launch vehicles (SSLV) can fly straight to the south pole without burning fuel to swerve around Sri Lanka on the way.

● Statement 1 is correct: Kulasekharapatnam Spaceport is being developed as the second spaceport of the Indian Space Research Organisation near Kulasekharapatnam town of southern India. It is located in Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu.
● Statement 2 is incorrect: It is inefficient and costly to launch small satellite launch vehicle (SSLV) which carries small payloads into polar orbit from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. This is because if a satellite is directly launched in south direction for polar orbit insertion, there is a risk of direct crossing of launch vehicle over Sri Lanka which may pose a risk in case of an unfortunate mission failure. To avoid this risk, the rocket has to follow curved path. This increases fuel cost and reduces payload capacity. The new space port will ensure straight line trajectory which will be fuel efficient.

Answer: B
Explanation
Context: India has recently landed Chandrayaan 3 on Moon’s South Pole. This has increased interest among the global fraternity in NASA’s Artemis mission.
With Artemis mission, NASA will land the first woman and first person of color on the Moon, using innovative technologies to explore more of the lunar surface than ever before. NASA will collaborate with commercial and international partners and establish the first long-term presence on the Moon. Then, the NASA will use what we learn on and around the Moon to take the next giant leap.

Answer: D
Explanation:
Context: India is looking to fast track talks with France for three additional submarines as Pakistan is set to get four Chinese Yuan attack subs this year, marking a paradigm shift in Islamabad’s naval fleet. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, the state-run company which makes ships and submarines, is in talks with France’s Naval Group for building three advanced submarines at its Mumbai dockyard.

● Statement 1 is correct: The nuclear submarines use air independent propulsion system since they are powered by nuclear energy to generate steam to run the submarine. Air is not used for nuclear fission energy. On the other hand, diesel submarines require air for combustion to generate power which is used to recharge batteries. When diesel submarines go underwater, it is the battery which powers the submarines. So, a diesel submarine has to come to the surface frequently which reduces its stealth capability.
● Statement 2 is correct: The nuclear submarines are bulkier which reduces its swift movement. However, diesel submarine offers a wider range of customisation in terms of size. Moreover, they operate swiftly in shallow water.

Answer: A
Explanation:
Context: The UK is undertaking a groundbreaking project to create the world’s most powerful laser, called “Vulcan 20-20,”. This laser, anticipated to be a million billion times brighter than the sun, is expected to be helpful in various scientific fields, including clean energy and cancer treatment.
Vulcan 20-20 will be able to study a range of subjects in brand new detail, for example:
● This laser will generate a primary beam with a staggering energy output of 20 Petawatts (PW), accompanied by eight high-energy beams with outputs of up to 20 Kilojoules (KJ). That’s why the name Vulcan 20 20 Project.
● Learning about astrophysical phenomena by using lasers as tools to replicate interstellar conditions.
● Aiding in research towards a potential new frontier for clean energy, laser fusion.
● Expand the possibilities of plasma physics and its technological applications.
● The ground-breaking power of Vulcan 20-20 will be able to conduct physics experiments that step into brand new unknowns and explore beyond the present Standard Model.
● It is expected to create numerous skilled jobs in science and engineering, contributing to the UK’s science sector and overall economic growth.

Answer: A
Explanation:
Context: Researchers from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal (IISER Bhopal) identified a specific circular RNA (circRNA) called ‘ciTRAN’, which plays a crucial role in the multiplication of the AIDS-causing HIV-1 virus within the human body.

● Statement 1 is incorrect: Circular RNAs are more stable than linear RNAs because circular RNAs form extra covalent bond creating a continuous closed loop. Because circular RNA does not have ends, they are resistant to exonuclease-mediated degradation and are presumably more stable than most linear RNA in cells.
● Statement 2 is incorrect: Circular RNAs are found in all eukaryotes. Recent studies have confirmed their presence even in viruses which remain inactive outside host cells.
● Statement 3 is correct: Circular RNAs have been linked to diseases like AIDS and cancer. The RNA or Ribonucleic acid is a molecule in living cells that carries genetic information and helps in the production of proteins. RNAs are in general straight-chain, free-end structures but one form of RNA called ‘circRNA’ forms a closed-loop. The circRNA plays a pivotal role in regulating gene expression and is essential for various biological processes.