Test: Science and Technology MCQs (August 2024 Current Affairs) - UPSC MCQ

1. Valeri Polyakov - Mir Space Station: Correct. Valeri Polyakov holds the record for the longest stay in space with 438 days aboard the Mir Space Station from 1994 to 1995.

2. Frank Rubio - ISS: Correct. US astronaut Frank Rubio completed 371 days on the International Space Station (ISS) from 2022 to 2023.

3. Aspartame - Sugar Alcohol: Incorrect. Aspartame is an artificial sweetener, not a sugar alcohol. Sugar alcohols are different from artificial sweeteners; they are derived from sugars and include substances like erythritol and xylitol.

4. Sucralose - Artificial Sweetener: Correct. Sucralose is an artificial sweetener, commonly used as a sugar substitute.

Thus, three out of four pairs are correctly matched.

1. Polaris Dawn Mission - First private spacewalk by professional astronauts: Incorrect. The Polaris Dawn Mission aims to conduct the first-ever private spacewalk involving non-professional astronauts.

2. Jared Isaacman - Leader of Polaris Dawn Mission: Correct. Jared Isaacman is indeed the leader of the Polaris Dawn Mission.

3. Van Allen Belts - Discovered in 1968: Incorrect. The Van Allen Belts were discovered in 1958 by American physicist James Van Allen.

4. Astra Missile - Developed by Bharat Dynamics Limited: Correct. The Astra missile has been indigenously developed and is manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL).

Thus, two pairs are correctly matched.

Let's analyze each statement:

1. GM crops can be engineered to provide higher levels of essential nutrients, aiding in addressing malnutrition in developing regions.

- This statement is correct. Genetically modified crops can indeed be engineered to enhance their nutritional content, which can help combat malnutrition, especially in developing countries.

2. In India, the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is responsible for reviewing and approving activities related to genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

- This statement is correct. The GEAC operates under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in India and is tasked with the review and approval of GMOs-related activities.

3. The Supreme Court of India has approved the commercial cultivation of genetically modified mustard known as Dhara Mustard Hybrid (DMH-11).

- This statement is incorrect. The Supreme Court issued a split verdict on the matter and referred it to the Chief Justice for further adjudication. As of the provided information, the Supreme Court has not granted final approval for the commercial cultivation of DMH-11.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B.

- Statement 1: Correct. The Polaris Dawn mission aims to reach an altitude of around 700 kilometers (435 miles) above Earth, attempting to surpass the altitude record of 1,373 kilometers set by NASA's Gemini 11 mission in 1966.

- Statement 2: Correct. This mission will mark the first instance of a private spacewalk involving non-professional astronauts.

- Statement 3: Incorrect. The mission's planned altitude of around 700 kilometers is higher than the altitude of the International Space Station (ISS), which orbits at approximately 400 kilometers.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only.

Statement-I correctly explains that high temperatures lead to reduced lift in aircraft due to less dense air. As temperatures rise, the air becomes less dense, affecting the lift generated by the aircraft wings.
Statement-II provides a fundamental principle of aircraft flight, stating that an aircraft takes flight when the lift generated by its wings exceeds its weight. This principle underscores the relationship between lift and weight in aircraft operations, explaining the key concept behind aircraft flight.

1. Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) - Established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986

- Correct. The GEAC is indeed a statutory body established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, to oversee GMO-related activities in India.

2. Dhara Mustard Hybrid (DMH-11) - Developed by scientists at IIT Delhi

- Incorrect. Dhara Mustard Hybrid (DMH-11) was developed by scientists at Delhi University, not IIT Delhi.

3. GM Crops Resistance - Can be engineered to resist specific pests and diseases

- Correct. GM crops can indeed be genetically modified to resist specific pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.

4. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) - Oversees commercial cultivation of GM crops in India

- Incorrect. The commercial cultivation of GM crops in India is overseen by the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, not by FSSAI. FSSAI regulates food safety standards, including those for GM foods, but does not oversee cultivation.

Thus, only pairs 1 and 3 are correctly matched.

1. Correct: The Boeing Starliner did encounter a helium leak before launch and additional leaks during transit to the ISS. These issues have been significant enough to raise concerns about astronaut safety and the operational capacity of the ISS.

2. Incorrect: While Russian cosmonaut Valeri Polyakov does hold the record for the longest continuous stay in space at 438 days, it was aboard the Mir Space Station, not the ISS. This distinction is crucial as the ISS and Mir are different space stations.

3. Correct: Microgravity can indeed lead to Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS) due to changes in body fluid distribution, which increases intracranial pressure and affects vision.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B.

1. Correct: The Axiom-4 mission is indeed aimed at establishing a sustainable human presence in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). This aligns with Axiom Space's ongoing efforts to promote commercial space activities and long-term human habitation in space.

2. Incorrect: The mission will be operated by Axiom Space using a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft, not a Blue Origin New Shepard spacecraft. This is a key detail distinguishing the operational aspects of the mission.

3. Correct: The mission will feature a diverse crew of astronauts from various countries. This highlights the international interest in space exploration and fosters global partnerships and collaborative space initiatives.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option C.

1. Reduced Lift: Correctly matched. Higher temperatures lead to less dense air, which indeed decreases the lift generated by aircraft wings.

2. Engine Performance Deterioration: Correctly matched. The combustion process in aircraft engines suffers due to lower oxygen availability in thinner air, leading to decreased engine thrust.

3. Extended Landing Distances: Correctly matched. Reduced reverse thrust effectiveness in less dense air does increase the distance required for landing.

4. Operational Constraints: Incorrectly matched. Airports in high-altitude areas, not low-altitude areas, are especially susceptible to temperature-related flight restrictions.

Thus, pairs 1, 2, and 3 are correctly matched, while pair 4 is not.

Statement-I correctly describes the situation of Sunita Williams and Barry "Butch" Wilmore staying on the ISS due to technical issues with the Boeing Starliner. Statement-II accurately highlights the potential health effects on astronauts due to extended exposure to microgravity, including bone density loss and muscle atrophy. While both statements are factually correct, they address different aspects and do not directly explain each other. Hence, option (b) is the most appropriate as it acknowledges the correctness of both statements without implying a direct connection between them.

High temperatures negatively impact aircraft operations by decreasing lift due to less dense air, requiring planes to achieve higher speeds and utilize longer runways for takeoff. Additionally, engine performance deteriorates as a result of lower oxygen availability in thinner air, making takeoff more challenging. These effects can lead to extended landing distances and operational constraints, especially in high-altitude areas during extreme heat.

Extended exposure to microgravity in space can lead to bone density loss among astronauts. The absence of gravitational force can cause astronauts to lose up to 1% of bone mass monthly, increasing the risk of conditions like osteoporosis and fractures. This highlights the importance of counteracting these effects through rigorous exercise programs during space missions.

The main goal of the Axiom-4 Mission is to promote commercial activities in space, such as scientific research and technological advancement. This mission aims to showcase the feasibility of commercial space stations for business and innovation, emphasizing the commercial aspect of space exploration.

Statement-I is accurate in describing Nano-MIND technology, which indeed enables wireless and precise modulation of specific deep brain neural circuits using magnetism. Conversely, Statement-II inaccurately describes the International Space Station (ISS). The ISS, while indeed a modular space station launched in 1998, is designed primarily for research and serves as a microgravity laboratory in space. It is not specifically designed for the purpose of altering or modulating brain neural circuits through magnetism. Hence, Statement-I is correct concerning Nano-MIND technology, while Statement-II is incorrect regarding the ISS.

The primary goal of the Polaris Dawn mission is to redefine commercial space exploration by attempting a high-orbit mission and facilitating the first-ever private spacewalk involving non-professional astronauts. This mission aims to mark a significant milestone by conducting a private spacewalk at an altitude exceeding that of the International Space Station, showcasing advancements in commercial spaceflight capabilities.