Science & Technology - Solved Questions (2021 - 1995) - 3 - UPSC PDF Download

Question 51: What are the reasons for the people’s resistance to the introduction of Bt brinjal in India?    [2012 - I]
1. Bt brinjal has been created by inserting a gene from a soil fungus into its genome.
2. The seeds of Bt brinjal are terminator seeds and therefore, the farmers have to buy the seeds before every season from the seed companies.
3. There is an apprehension that the consumption of Bt brinjal may have adverse impact on health.
4. There is some concern that the introduction of Bt brinjal may have adverse effect on the biodiversity. Select the correct answer using the codes given below :
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Correct Answer is Option (c)

3rd and 4th statements are correct hence the option (c) is right.

Question 52: With reference to ‘stem cells’, frequently in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct?    [2012 - I]
1. Stem cells can be derived from mammals only.
2. Stem cells can be used for screening new drugs.
3. Stem cells can be used for medical therapies. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (b)

Stem cells can be used for medical therapies also can be used for screening new drugs.

Question 53: Microbial fuel cells are considered a source of sustainable energy. Why ? [2011 - I]
1. They use living organisms as catalysts to generate electricity from certain substrates.
2. They use a variety of inorganic materials as substrates.
3. They can be installed in waste water treatment plants to cleanse water and produce electricity. Which of the following statements given above is/ are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (d)

Microbial fuel cells transform organic wastes directly into electricity through microbially catalyzed electrochemical reactions.

Question 54: A genetically engineered form of brinjal, known as the Btbrinjal, has been developed. The objective of this is    [2011 - I]
(a) to make it pest-resistant.
(b) to improve its taste and nutritive qualities.
(c) to make it drought-resistant.
(d) to make its shelf-life longer.

Correct Answer is Option (a)

Bt Brinjal is a transgenic brinjal created by inserting a gene cry1Ac from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis into Brinjal. This is said to give the Brinjal plant resistance against lepidopteran insects like the Brinjal Fruit and Shoot Borer Leucinodes orbonalis and Fruit Borer Helicoverpa armigera.

Question 55: Recently , “oil zapper” was in the news. What is it ? [2011 - I]
(a) It is an eco-friendly technology for the remediation of oily sludge and oil spills
(b) It is the latest technology developed for undersea oil exploration
(c) It is a genetically engineered high biofuel yielding maize variety
(d) It is the latest technology to control the accidentally caused flames from oil wells.

Correct Answer is Option (a)

The oil zapper feeds on hydrocarbon compounds present in crude oil and oily sludge (a hazardous hydrocarbon waste generated by oil refineries) and converts them into harmless CO₂ and water. The scientific term for the above-mentioned process is bioremediation.

Question 56: Genetically modified "golden rice" has been engineered to meet human nutritional requirements. Which one of the following statements best qualifies golden rice ? [2010]
(a) The grains have been fortified with genes to provide three times higher grain yield per acre than other high yielding varieties
(b) Its grains contain pro-vitamin A which upon ingestion is converted to vitamin A in the human body
(c) Its modified genes cause the synthesis of all the nine essential amino acids
(d) Its modified genes cause the fortification of its grains with vitamin D.

Correct Answer is Option (b)

Golden rice is genetically modified rice. It contains Beta carotene and other carotenoids. Provitamin A (Beta carotene) which upon ingestion converted to Vitamin A in the body.

Question 57: With reference to the treatment of cancerous tumours, a tool called cyber knife has been making the news. In this context, which one of the following statements is not correct ?    [2010]
(a) It is a robotic image guided system
(b) It delivers an extremely precise dose of radiation.
(c) It has the capability of achieving sub-millimetre accuracy.
(d) It can map the spread of tumour in the body

Correct Answer is Option (b)

The Cyber Knife VSI Robotic Radiosurgery System is a non-invasive alternative to surgery for the treatment of both cancerous and non-cancerous tumours anywhere in the body including the Prostate, Lung, Brain, Spine, Liver, Pancreas and Kidney. The treatment delivering beams of high-dose radiation to tumours with extreme accuracy offers new hope to patients worldwide.

Question 58: In the context of CO₂ emission and Global Warming, what is the name of a market driven device under the UNFCC that allows developing countries to get funds/ incentives from the developed countries to adopt better technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions?    [2009]
(a) Carbon Footprint
(b) Carbon Credit Rating
(c) Clean Development Mechanism
(d) Emission Reduction Norm

Correct Answer is Option (c)

The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), defined in Article 12 of the Protocol, allows a country with an emission-reduction or emission-limitation commitment under the Kyoto Protocol (Annex B Party) to implement an emission-reduction project in developing countries.

Question 59: In the context of alternative sources of energy, ethanol as a viable bio-fuel can be obtained from [2009]
(a) Potato
(b) Rice
(c) Sugarcane
(d) Wheat

Correct Answer is Option (c)

Sugarcane ethanol is an alcohol-based fuel produced by the fermentation of sugarcane juice and molasses. Because it is a clean, affordable and low-carbon biofuel, sugarcane ethanol has emerged as a leading renewable fuel for the transportation sector.

Question 60: Which one of the following Union Ministries is implementing the Biodiese1 Mission (as Nodal Ministry)?    [2008]
(a) Ministry of Agriculture
(b) Ministry of Science and Technology
(c) Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
(d) Ministry of Rural Development

Correct Answer is Option (d)

The Committee on Development of Bio-fuels set-up by the Planning Commission in July, 2002, in its report of April, 2003, recommended launching of the National Commission on Bio-diesel. Ministry of Rural development was designated as the Nodal Ministry for this Mission.

Question 61: Consider the following statements:    [2006]
1. ELISA test is employed as the first and most basic test for an individual to detect cancer.
2. Almost 50 per cent of human beings have Rh+ blood while the remaining have Rh– blood. 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

Correct Answer is Option (d)

ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay) is most widely used in detecting the presence of HIV antibodies. Rh+ blood group is found in more than 85% of people.

Question 62: Which one of the following is the landmark performance of Dr. V. Mohan Reddy, an Indian, born doctor working in U.S.A. during February, 2005?    [2005]
(a) Research on human stem cell which is likely to revolutionise treatment of deadly disease like cancer.
(b) Successful open heart procedure called arterial switch performed on an infant.
(c) Research on genetic engineering which can help in treatment of deadly disease like AIDS.
(d) Successful brain surgery to revive the function of nearly dead brain of a premature born infant.

Correct Answer is Option (b)

Dr. V. Mohan Reddy in February 2005 performed successful open heart surgery of premature baby of 700 gms.

Question 63: With reference to the latest developments in stem cell research, consider the following statements   [2002]
1. The only source of human stem cells are the embryos at blastocyst stage.
2. The stem cells can be derived without caisining destruction to blastocysts.
3. The stem cells can regenerate themselves in vitro virtually forever.
4. Indian research centres also created a few cell lines which can be developed into many types of tissues. Which of these statements are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 4 

(b) 1, 2 and 3
(c) 1, 2 and 4
(d) 3 and 4

Correct Answer is Option (d)

Stem cells are a class of undifferentiated cells, that are able to differentiate into specialized cell types. Sources are:
(i) Embryo formed during the blastocyst phase of embryological development.
(ii) Adult tissue (adulstem cells)

Question 64: The American multinational company, Monsanto, has produced an insect-resistant cotton variety that is undergoing field trials in India. A toxic gene from which one of the following bacteria has been transferred to this transgenic cotton?    [2001]
(a) Bacillus subtilis
(b) Bacillus thuringiensis
(c) Bacillus anyloliquifanciens
(d) Bacillus globlii

Correct Answer is Option (b)

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is an insecticide with unusual properties that make it useful for pest control in certain situation. Bt is a naturally occurring bacterium common in soils throughout the world. Several strains can infect and kill insects.

Question 65: Hybridoma technology is a new biotechnological approach for commercial production of    [2000]
(a) monoclonal antibodies
(b) interferon
(c) antibiotics
(d) alcohol

Correct Answer is Option (a)

Hybridoma technology is used to commercially production of monoclonal antibodies. The monoclonal antibodies are protective protein produced by the clone of single immune cell.

Question 66: Insect-resistant cotton plants have been genetically engineered by inserting a gene from a/an [2000]
(a) virus
(b) bacterium
(c) insect
(d) plant

Correct Answer is Option (b)

Insect resistant cotton plants have been genetically engineered by inserting a gene from bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis.

Question 67: Assertion (A): “DNA finger printing” has become a powerful tool to establish paternity and identity of criminals in rape and assault cases.
Reason (R): Trace evidences such as hairs, saliva and dried semen are adequate for DNA analysis.   [2000]
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true

Correct Answer is Option (a)

DNA finger printing is the technique which identify paternity and criminals in rape cases, by the help of any tissue sample, hair, saliva or dried semen.

Question 68: Assertion (A): Dolly was the first cloned mammal.
Reason (R): Dolly was produced by in vitro fertilization.   [1999]
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true

Correct Answer is Option (d)

Cloning is a process, which artificially performed in laboratory ( in vitro). Dolly was a clonned animal, but not the first cloned mammal. A mice was cloned first.

Question 69: Assertion (A): Insect resistant transgenic cotton has been produced by inserting Bt gene. Reason (R): The Bt gene is derived from a bacterium.    [1999]
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true

Correct Answer is Option (b)

Bt-cotton is a transgenic crop of bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis. This gene confers the genetically modified plant, resistance against a variety of insects and pests.

Question 70: Which one of the following techniques can be used to establish the paternity of a child? [1997]
(a) Protein analysis
(b) Chromosome counting
(c) Quantitative analysis of DNA
(d) DNA finger printing

Correct Answer is Option (d)

DNA finger printing technology is the process of establishing the biological paternal relationship between individual and his alleged child on the analysis of sample cells taken from each of them.
DNA finger printing can solve cases of rape murder etc.

Question 71: Which of the following professional(s) are more likely to run the risk of a permanent change in their cell’s DNA?    [1996]
1. Researchers using Carbon 14 isotope
2. X-ray technician
3. Coal miner
4. Dyer and painter Select the correct answer by using the codes given below Codes: (a) 2 alone
(b) 1 , 2 and 3
(c) 1, 2 and 4
(d) 1, 3 and 4

Correct Answer is Option (c)

X–Ray technique, C14 and Dyer technique is very important technique for permanent change in DNA. But in coal miner, C14 amount is very very less. So, there is no risk of change in DNA.

Question 72: In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept under “IAEA Safeguards” while others are not ?    [2020-I]
(a) Some use uranium and others use thorium
(b) Some use imported uranium and others use domestic supplies
(c) Some are operated by foreign enterprises and others are operated by domestic enterprises
(d) Some are State-owned and others are privately owned

Correct Answer is Option (b)

• As per the India-US Civilian Nuclear Deal, India can maintain 2-types of nuclear reactors. Certain reactors, in which we are using the domestic fuel, India can keep them outside the purview of IAEA. 
• However, the reactors in which we are using imported fuel, they will be mandatorily under the IAEA inspection.

• There are at present 22 operational reactors, of which 14 are under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards as these use imported fuel. Ref: 2019’s Economic Times Article.

Question 73: India is an important member of the ‘International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor’. If this experiment succeeds, what is the immediate advantage for India?    [2016-I]
(a) It can use thorium in place of uranium for power generation
(b) It can attain a global role in satellite navigation
(c) It can drastically improve the efficiency of its fission reactors in power generation
(d) It can build fusion reactors for power generation

Correct Answer is Option (d)

(i) The ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) project aims to make the long awaited transition from experimental studies of plasma physics to full-scale electricity-producing fusion power stations.
(ii) As such project started in 2006, to find whether Nuclear fusion can be a source of energy and electricity in future. Hence (d) is the apt choice.

Question 74: To meet its rapidly growing energy demand, some opine that India should pursue research and development on thorium as the future fuel of nuclear energy. In this context, what advantage does thorium hold over uranium? [2012 - I]
1. Thorium is far more abundant in nature than uranium.
2. On the basis of per unit mass of mined mineral, thorium can generate more energy compared to natural uranium.
3. Thorium produces less harmful waste compared to uranium. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (d)

Thorium fuel generates no new bomb-usable material in the waste profile; the waste consists of the radioisotope Uranium-233, or U233, which is virtually impossible to weaponize/ Thorium fuel will generate more energy per unit of mass than uranium fuel by a factor of approximately 30. Thorium is four times more abundant in nature than uranium, and is widely distributed throughout the Earth's crust. All statements in this question are correct.

Question 75: In the year 2008, which one of the following conducted a complex scientific experiment in which sub-atomic particles were accelerated to nearly the speed of light?    [2009]
(a) European Space Agency
(b) European Organization for Nuclear Research
(c) International Atomic Energy Agency
(d) National Aeronautics and Space administration

Correct Answer is Option (b)

European organisation for Nuclear Research conducted a complex scientific experiment in year 2008, in which sub. atomic particles were accelerated to nearly the speed of light.

Question 76: In which one of the following locations is the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project to be built? [2008]
(a) Northern Spain
(b) Southern France
(c) Eastern Germany
(d) Southern Italy

Correct Answer is Option (b)

ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor ) is an international nuclear fusion research and engineering megaproject, which is currently building the world's largest experimental tokamak nuclear fusion reactor adjacent to the Cadarache facility in the south of France.

Question 77: In which one of the following areas did the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research make significant progress in the year 2005’?    [2006]
(a) Reprocessing the uranium-plutonium mixed carbide fuel of the Fast Breeder Test Reactor.
(b) New applications of radioisotopes in metallurgy.
(c) A new technology for production of heavy water.
(d) A new technology for high level nuclear waste management.

Correct Answer is Option (a)

The Indira Gandhi Centre has established a comprehensive R & D infrastructure over the entire range of FBR technology, spanning reactor engineering, metallurgy and materials, chemistry of fuels and materials, fuel reprocessing and reactor safety studies. Development of the indigenous plutonium-uranium mixed carbide nuclear fuel for the fast breeder test reactor. The fuel has performed satisfactorily and produced for the first time in our country, nuclear electricity from a fast reactor.

Question 78: In the context of recent advances in human reproductive technology, ‘Pronuclear Transfer” is used for    [2020-I]
(a) Fertilization of egg in vitro by the donor sperm
(b) Genetic modification of sperm producing cells
(c) Development of stem cells into functional embryos
(d) Prevention of mitochondrial diseases in offspring

Correct Answer is Option (d)

2016-The Hindu: Pronuclear transfer technology was used for creation of a “three-parent baby” — It has DNA from 1) father 2) mother 3) female donor- so as to prevent mitochondrial disease..

Question 79: What is "Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)", sometimes seen in the news?
(a) An Israeli radar system
(b) India's indigenous anti-missile Programme
(c) An American anti missile system
(d) A defence collaboration between Japan and South Korea

Correct Answer is Option (c)

The THAAD system is designed to intercept and destroy short and medium-range ballistic missiles during their final phase of flight. USA installed this system in South Korea in 2017, in the wake North Korean missile tests. But this angered China, who feels that deployment of American armaments will upset the regional security balance. [Ref Indian Express May 2017]

Question 80: Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently?   [2016-I]
(a) Amphibious warfare ship
(b) Nuclear-powered submarine
(c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel
(d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier

Correct Answer is Option (c)

INS Astradharini is an indigenously designed and built torpedo launch and recovery vessel built by Shoft Shipyard for Indian Navy. It was commissioned by Indian Navy on 6 October 2015 at Naval Base in Visakhapatanam.

Question 81: The term 'IndARC', sometimes seen in the news, is the name of    [2015-I]
(a) an indigenously developed radar system inducted into Indian Defence
(b) India's satellite to provide services to the countries of Indian Ocean Rim
(c) a scientific establishment set up by India in Antarctic region
(d) India's underwater observatory to scientifically study the Arctic region

Correct Answer is Option (b)

IndARC stands for India's underwater observatory to scientifically study the Arctic region. This is the country's first underwater moored observatory in the Kongsfjorden fjord, half way between Norway and the North Pole. It represents a major milestone in India's scientific endeavours in the Arctic region. It is developed by Earth System Science Organisation (ESSO), National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCAOR), National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) and Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS). IndARC was deployed from RV Lance which is a research vessel belonging to the Norwegian Polar Institute.

Question 82: With reference to Agni-IV Missile, which of the following statements is/are correct?    [2014 - I]
1. It is a surface-to-surface missile.
2. It is fuelled by liquid propellant only
3. It can deliver one-tonne nuclear warheads about 7500 km away 

Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (a)

Agni IV is a surface-to-surface missile. It is fuelled by solid propellant. It can deliver one-tonne nuclear warheads about 4000 km away.

Question 83: Consider the following statements:   [2009]
1. INS Sindhughosh is an aircraft carrier.
2. INS Viraat is a submarine. 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

Correct Answer is Option (d)

INS Sindhughosh (S55) is the lead ship of her class of diesel-electric submarines of the Indian Navy. INS Viraat is a Centaur-class aircraft carrier in service with the Indian Navy.

Question 84: In the context of Indian defence, consider the following statements: [2009]
1. The Shourya missile flies with a speed of more than 8 Mach.
2. The range of Shourya missile is more than 1600 km. 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

Correct Answer is Option (d)

The missile flew at 7.5 Mach, that is 7.5 times the speed of sound and covered its full range of 700 km in 500 seconds

Question 85: In the context of the Indian defence, what is ‘Dhruv’?
(a) Aircraft-carrying warship    [2008]
(b) Missile-carrying submarine
(c) Advanced light helicopter
(d) Intercontinental ballistic missile

Correct Answer is Option (c)

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has developed the Dhruv advanced light helicopter (ALH), a light (5.5t class) multirole and multimission helicopter for army, air force, navy, coastguard and civil operations for both utility and attack roles by day and night.

Question 86: From which one of the following did India buy the Barak anti-missile defence systems?    [2008]
(a) Israel
(b) France
(c) Russia
(d) USA

Correct Answer is Option (a)

Barak is an Israeli surface-to-air missile (SAM) designed to be used as a ship-borne point-defense missile system against aircraft, anti-ship missiles, and UAVs. India and Israel jointly developed and produced it.

Question 87: What is the Galileo Project which has been in news recently?    [2007]
(a) An intercountry programme of missile shield developed by the United States of America
(b) A project developed by India with assistance from Canada
(c) An environmental protection project being developed by Japan
(d) A multi-satellite navigation project being developed by the European Union

Correct Answer is Option (d)

Galileo is the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) that is currently being created by the European Union (EU) and the European Space Agency (ESA).

Question 88: Consider the following statements: [2007]
1. In November, 2006, DRDO successfully conducted the interception test using Prithvi-II missile.
2. Prithivi-II is a surface-to-surface missile and can be deployed to guard the metros against air attacks. 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

Correct Answer is Option (c)

Prithvi Air Defence( (PAD) missile was tested in November 2006, followed by AAD in December 2007. With the test of the PAD missile, India became the fourth country to have successfully developed an Anti-ballistic missile system, after United States, Russia, and Israel. On 6 March 2009, India again successfully tested its missile defence shield, during which an incoming "enemy" missile was intercepted at an altitude of 75 km.

Prithvi is a tactical surface-to-surface short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) developed by DRDO of India under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP) .It is also a single-stage liquid fuelled missile having a maximum warhead mounting capability of 500 kg, but with an extended range of 250 km (160 mi).

Question 89: The experiment will employ a trio of spacecraft flying in formation in the shape of an equilateral triangle that has sides one million kilometres long, with lasers shining between the craft.” The experiment in question refers to    [2020-I]
(a) Voyager-2
(b) New Horizons
(c) LISA Pathfinder
(d) Evolved LISA

Correct Answer is Option (d)

2016’s the Hindu Article gives a description about Evolved LISA fitting the question statement. So, (d) answer.

Question 90: For the measurement/estimation of which of the following are satellite images/remote sensing data used?    [2019-I]

1. Chlorophyll content in the vegetation of a specific location
2. Greenhouse gas emissions from rice paddies of a specific location
3. Land surface temperatures of a specific location Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (d)

China’s HY-1C marine satellite is expected to improve China’s ocean remote sensing capability. It can detect chlorophyll and suspended sediment concentrations and dissolved organic matter, which can affect ocean colour, as well as temperatures on the sea surface. So that means Remote Sensing can help in both statement 1 and statement 3. there is only one such option (d).

Question 91: With reference to India's satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements: [2018-I]
1. PSLVs launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
2. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
3. GSLV Mk III is a four-staged launch l vehicle with the first and third stages l using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines. Which of the statements given above is/are correct.?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 2
(d) 3 only

Correct Answer is Option (a)

• ISRO developed PSLV to launch satellites into polar orbits and GSLV to launch geosynchronous satellites into geostationary orbits. Geostationary satellites orbit around the earth in 24 hours and since the earth rotates with the same period, the satellite would appear fixed from any point on earth. So, statement#2 is wrong. 
• GSLV is a 3-stage launch vehicle, where first 2 stages are similar to PSLV with same solid and liquid nature of fuel but the third stage is completely different, i.e., cryogenic stage. So third statement is WRONG. By elimination, we're left with answer A: only 1.

Question 92: With reference to the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), consider the following statements: [2018-I]
1. IRNSS has three satellites in geostationary and four satellites in geosynchronous orbits.
2. IRNSS covers entire India and about 5500 sq. km beyond its borders.
3. India will have its own satellite navigation system with full global coverage by the middle of 2019. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) None

Correct Answer is Option (a)

• In IRNSS, Out of the seven satellites of space segment; four satellites are in geosynchronous orbit and three satellites are in geostationary orbit. So 1st statement is right. "D" is eliminate(d) [And we no longer need to worry about the validity of statement #3, because there is no option where 1 and 3 are together.] 
• IRNSS covers an area of about 1,500 km around Indi(a) So, 2nd statement is wrong. B and C are eliminate(d) Therefore, Answer has to be A) 1 only.

Question 93: The terms 'Event Horizon', 'Singularity', `String Theory' and 'Standard Model' are sometimes seen in the news in the context of    [2017-I]
(a) Observation and understanding of the Universe
(b) Study of the solar and the lunar eclipses
(c) Placing satellites in the orbit of the Earth
(d) Origin and evolution of living organisms on the Earth

Correct Answer is Option (a)

• Nature is governed by four fundamental forces - electromagnetic, strong, weak and gravitational. Standard Model explains the first three forces. (TheHindu, 2017, April)
• Event horizon is the imaginary boundary surrounding the black hole from beyond which light cannot escape and The singularity constitutes the centre of a black hole and is hidden by the object's "surface". 
• All these point to answer "A".

Question 94: ‘Project Loon’, sometimes seen in the news, is related to   [2016-I]
(a) waste management technology    
(b) wireless communication technology
(c) solar power production technology
(d) water conservation technology

Correct Answer is Option (d)

(i) Project loon is a network of balloons travelling on the edge of space, designed to extend internet connectivity to people in rural & remote areas worldwide.

(ii) Under Project Loon, Google Inc. aims to provide internet connectivity via using helium balloons. Hence (b) is the apt choice.

Question 95: The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO
1. is also called the Mars Orbiter Mission
2. made India the second country to have a spacecraft orbit the Mars after USA
3. made India the only country to be successful in making its spacecraft orbit the Mars in its very first attempt Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (d)

(i) The Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), also called Mangalyaan. It is India’s first interplanetary mission and ISRO has become the fourth space agency to reach Mars, after the Soviet space program, NASA, and the European Space Agency. It is the first Asian nation to reach Mars orbit, and the first nation in the world to do so in its first attempt.
(ii) Statement 1 and 3 are right. Apart from India and USA, Russia and European space agency also have it. European Space Agency’s Mars Express has two components 1) Mars Orbiter 2) Beagle 2 Lander. Hence 2nd statement is wrong. Hence by elimination we are left with choice (c).

Question 96: With reference to ‘Astrosat’, the astronomical observatory launched by India, which of the following statements is/are correct?    [2016-I]
1. Other than USA and Russia, India is the only country to have launched a similar observatory into space.
2. Astrosat is a 2000 kg satellite placed in an orbit at 1650 km above the surface of the Earth. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer is Option (d)

(i) India has become only the fifth country after the US, Russia, Europian Union and Japan, to have an eye scanning the exotic depths of the universe after the ASTROSAT, the Indian Space Research Organisation’s multi-wavelength space observatory, was successfully placed in orbit.

(ii) Astrosat weighs 1513 kgs. Hence 2nd statement also wrong.

Question 97: Which of the following pairs is/are correctly matched?   [2014 - I]

Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (b)

Cassini–Huygens is an unmanned spacecraft sent to the planet Saturn. Therefore, option 1 is wrong, this eliminates option (a), (c) and (d). Now we are left with final answer B only 2 and 3. MESSENGER is a robotic NASA spacecraft orbiting the planet Mercury. Voyager 1 (September 1977) and voyager 2 (Aug 1977) were launched to study the outer Solar System.

Question 98: With reference to technologies for solar power production, consider the following statements:   [2014 - I]
1. ‘Photovoltaics’ is a technology that generates electricity by direct conversion of light into electricity, while ‘Solar Thermal’ is a technology that utilizes the Sun’s rays to generate heat which is further used in electricity generation process.
2. Photovoltaics generates Alternating Current (AC), while Solar Thermal generates Direct Current (DC).
3. India has manufacturing base for Solar Thermal technology, but not for Photovoltaics. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None

Correct Answer is Option (a)

Photovoltaics' is a technology that generates electricity by direct conversion of light into electricity, while 'Solar Thermal' is a technology that utilizes the Sun's rays to generate heat which is further used in electricity generation process. Both Photovoltaic cells and solar thermal generate direct current (DC). India has a manufacturing base for both.

Question 99: Consider the following statements:    [2010]
The satellite Oceansat-2 launched by India helps in
1. estimating the water vapour content in the atmosphere.
2. predicting the onset of monsoons.
3. monitoring the pollution of coastal waters. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (d)

Oceansat-2 continues with the service of oceansat-1. The main objectives of oceansat-2 are to study surface winds and ocean surface strata, observation of chlorophyll concentration, monitoring of phytoplanktion blooms, study of atmospheric aerosol and suspended sediments in wath.

Question 100: In the context of space technology, what is “Bhuvan”, recently in the news?    [2010]
(a) A mini satellite launched by ISRO for promoting the distance education in India
(b) The name given to the next Moon Impact Probe, for Chandrayan-II
(c) A geoportal of ISRO with 3 D imaging capabilities of India
(d) A space telescope developed by India

Correct Answer is Option (c)

Bhuvan, is a software application which allows users to explore a 2D/3D representation of the surface of the Earth. ISRO launched the beta version of its web-based GIS tool, Bhuvan, on August 12, 2009. Bhuvan offers detailed imagery of Indian locations compared to other Virtual Globe Software, with spatial resolutions ranging up to 1 metre.

Question 101: What is the purpose of the US Space Agency’s Themis Mission, which was recently in the news?    [2008]
(a) To study the possibility of life on Mars
(b) To study the satellites of Saturn
(c) To study the colourful of display of high latitude skies
(d) To build a space laboratory to study the stellar explosions

Correct Answer is Option (c)

The Themis mission, comprising five identical probes, aims to gain new insights into the colourful displays in high-latitude skies.
In particular, scientists want to understand what triggers a sudden brightening of the lights. A US space agency (NASA) has blasted off from Cape Canaveral in Florida.

Question 102: Which one of the following is a spacecraft?    [2008]
(a) Apophis
(b) Cassini
(c) Spitzer
(d) TechSar

Correct Answer is Option (b)

Cassini is an unmanned spacecraft sent to the planet Saturn.

Question 103: ISRO successfully conducted a rocket test using cryogenic engines in the year 2007. Where is the teststand used for the purpose, located?    [2008]
(a) Balasore
(b) Thiruvananthapuram
(c) Mahendragiri
(d) Karwar

Correct Answer is Option (c)

It is located in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu.

Question 104: Selene-1, the lunar orbiter mission belongs to which one of the followings? [2008]
(a) China
(b) European Union
(c) Japan
(d) USA

Correct Answer is Option (c)

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) launched the Lunar Orbit Explorer "KAGUYA" (SELENE) at on September 14, 2007, from the Tanegashima Space Center. The major objectives of the mission are to understand the Moon's origin and evolution and to observe the Moon in various ways in order to utilize it in the future.

Question 105: Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched?    [2007]
(a) Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE) : Satellite Programme
(b) Falcon: Under - sea cable system
(c) Discovery: Space shuttle
(d) Atlantis: Space station

Correct Answer is Option (d)

Atlantis was a Space Shuttle orbiter of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Question 106: NASA’s Deep Impact space mission was employed to take detailed pictures of which comet nucleus?   [2007]
(a) Halley’s Comet
(b) Hale-Bopp
(c) Hyakutake
(d) Tempel 1

Correct Answer is Option (d)

Deep Impact was a NASA space probe launched fromCape Canaveral Air Force Station on January 12, 2005. It was designed to study the interior composition of the comet Tempel 1.

Question 107: Consider the following statements:    [2003]
1. India launched its first full-fledged meteorological satellite (METSAT) in September, 2002 2. For the first time, the space vehicle PSLV C-4 carried a payload of more than 1000 kg into a geosynchronous orbit Which of these statement is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer is Option (c)

METSAT was the first Indian (ISRO), Meterological geostationary satellite designed to simultaneously obtain atmospheric cloud cover, water vapour and temperature data. PSLV–C4 carried a payload of 1060 kg in to a geosynchronous orbit.

Question 108: Assertion (A): Artificial satellites are always launched from the earth in the eastward direction. Reason (R): The earth rotates from west to east and so the satellite attains the escape velocity.    [2002]
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true but R is NOT a correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true

Correct Answer is Option (c)

The surface velocity of rotation varies from point to point on the Earth. It is about 1600 km per hour or about 460 meters in a second near the equator. The velocity gradually reduces as we move to the poles and it is practically zero there. A satellite launched from the sites near the equator towards the east direction will get an initial boost equal to the velocity of Earth surface. This is similar to an athlete circling round and round before throwing a discus or a shot put. The initial boost helps in cutting down the cost of rockets used to launch the satellites. This is the major reason for launching satellites in the east ward direction. But this benefit can be taken only for such satellites which are placed in geo-stationary orbit or which circle the Earth parallel to the equator.

Question 109: With reference to Indian satellites and their launchers, consider the following statements: [2002]
1. All the INSAT series of satellites were launched abroad.
2. PSLVs were used to launch IRS-series of satellites.
3. India used the indigenously built cryogenic engines foer the first time for powering the third stage of GSLV.
4. GSAT, launched in the year 2001, has payloads to demonstrate digital broadcasts and internet services. Which of these statements are correct?
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2 and 4
(d) 1 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (a)

All the statements about the Indian satellite given in the question are correct.