Day-683 | Daily MCQs | UPSC Prelims | SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Answer: A
Explanation
Ammonia (NH3) is a nitrogen and hydrogen-based chemical compound widely used in the production of fertilisers and industrial chemicals. Green ammonia production is where the process of making ammonia is 100% renewable and carbon-free.
Statement 1 is incorrect: Production of green ammonia requires green hydrogen and atmospheric nitrogen. Methane reforming process involves the use of natural gas to produce traditional ammonia, also known as grey ammonia.
To produce green ammonia, green hydrogen must first be obtained through a process of water electrolysis. That is, water is decomposed into hydrogen and oxygen, using electrical energy generated from renewable sources. The hydrogen is then combined with atmospheric nitrogen through a process known as Haber-Bosch synthesis, which allows hydrogen and nitrogen to react at high pressure and temperature in the presence of a catalyst to form ammonia.
Statement 2 is correct: Another possible new use for green ammonia is as a fuel for ships and it could play a relevant role in the decarbonisation of the maritime sector. Ammonia is considered an energy vector as it enables efficient hydrogen transport and storage. It involves an additional process called “cracking” which consists of re-splitting the NH molecule to recover the hydrogen contained in it. The hydrogen is then used as fuel.
Statement 3 is incorrect: While hydrogen liquefies at a temperature of -253°C, ammonia only requires cooling to -33°C. Liquefaction is necessary to transport and store these compounds. The lower requirements for ammonia make this process much more competitive and energy efficient than H2 transport. However, this statement is incorrect because the room temperature is considered as temperature between 20-25 degree celsius.

Answer: B
Explanation
Out of the given options – Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium and Aspartame are artificial sweeteners.
An Artificial sweetener is a food additive that provides a sweetness like that of sugar while containing significantly less food energy than sugar-based sweeteners, making it a zero-calorie or low-calorie sweetener. Some of the common artificial sweeteners are saccharin sodium, aspartame, acesulfame potassium, sucralose, neotame, and isomaltulose.
Fructose is a type of natural sugar known as a monosaccharide. Like other sugars, fructose provides four calories per gram. Fructose is also known as “fruit sugar” because it primarily occurs naturally in many fruits. It also occurs naturally in other plant foods such as honey, sugar beets, sugar cane and vegetables.
Sucralose is an artificial organochlorine sweetener (OC) that is a common ingredient in the world’s food supply. Sucralose is about 600 times sweeter than sucrose (table sugar). Unlike sucrose, which melts when baked at high temperatures, sucralose maintains its granular structure when subjected to dry, high heat (e.g., in a 180 °C or 350 °F oven). Furthermore, in its pure state, sucralose begins to decompose at 119 °C (246 °F).
Acesulfame potassium (or ACE-K) is a highly versatile artificial sweetener that manufacturers use in a wide range of foods and drinks. Unlike similar sweeteners, it is stable when heated. Because of this property, many baked goods contain acesulfame potassium.
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a sodium salt (and not sugar) of glutamic acid. It is added to many foods to enhance flavor. MSG is commonly found in canned foods, soups, fast foods, etc. In India, it is popular by a brand name called Ajinomoto which is a Japanese company.
Aspartame is an artificial non-saccharide sweetener 200 times sweeter than sucrose and is commonly used as a sugar substitute in foods and beverages.

Answer: A
Explanation
Dementia India Alliance (DIA), a non-profit organisation, in partnership with Sneha Sandhya Age Care Foundation, organised the ‘Blue Button Movement’ programme on the World Alzheimer’s Day on 21st September 2023 in Visakhapatnam. The ‘Blue Button’ movement carries a deep symbolism for those suffering from dementia. The ability to button one’s own clothes is a sign of independence and the loss of it is an indicator of the early stage of dementia.
About Dementia
Dementia is not a specific disease but is rather a general term for the impaired ability to remember, think, or make decisions that interfere with doing everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. Though dementia mostly affects older adults, it is not a part of normal aging.
Causes
Dementia is caused by damage to or loss of nerve cells and their connections in the brain. The symptoms depend on the area of the brain that’s damaged. Dementia can affect people differently.
Common symptoms include:
Cognitive changes
● Memory loss, which is usually noticed by someone else
● Problems communicating or finding words
● Trouble with visual and spatial abilities, such as getting lost while driving
● Problems with reasoning or problem-solving
● Trouble performing complex tasks
● Trouble with planning and organizing
● Poor coordination and control of movements
● Confusion and disorientation
Psychological changes
● Personality changes.
● Depression.
● Anxiety.
● Agitation.
● Inappropriate behavior.
● Being suspicious, known as paranoia.
● Hallucinations

Answer: B
Explanation
• Statement 1 is correct: Detection of sulphur is a manifestation of the fact that volcanic eruptions are present on the Moon.
• Statement 2 is correct: There are chances that this Sulphur could be trapped in water ice. It is probable that the water ice present near the south pole region was exposed to lunar radiation due to which it broke down and released Sulphur.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: Although Moonquakes are common on the Moon. The Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA) attached to the Vikram lander detected the seismic activity on the surface of the Moon. However, the presence of sulphur and the occurrence of moonquakes are two isolated observations.
• Statement 4 is incorrect: The presence of sulphur and water can potentially lead to transforming the moon into a transiently habitable in future. But, there is little evidence to suggest that the Moon was once habitable in the past as mere the detection of sulphur and water does not lead to the confirmation of life in the past.

Answer: A
Explanation
• Statement 1 is correct: Pulsars and magnetars are both types of neutron stars, which are basically the cores of giant stars left over when the stars themselves explode in events called supernovae.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: Magnetars are differentiated from other neutron stars by having even stronger magnetic fields, and by rotating more slowly in comparison. Most observed magnetars rotate once every two to ten seconds, whereas pulsars rotate one to ten times per second.