Daily Static MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams - Science and Technology (8 December 2023)

Daily Static MCQs Quiz for UPSC, IAS, UPPSC/UPPCS, MPPSC. BPSC, RPSC & All State PSC Exams

Subject : Science and Technology(8 December 2023)

1. Consider the following statements:

1. Recombinant DNA technology involves the insertion of foreign DNA into host organisms.
2. Polymerase Chain Reaction is a technique used to amplify DNA sequences.
3. CRISPR-Cas9 is a genome-editing tool that uses RNA to target specific DNA sequences.
4. Gel electrophoresis is a method used to separate and analyze DNA fragments based on their size.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four

Answer: (D)

Explanation: Recombinant DNA technology, also known as genetic engineering, is the process of combining DNA from different organisms and inserting it into a host organism. The goal is to produce new genetic combinations that are useful in science, medicine, agriculture, and industry. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a powerful and versatile technique used to amplify specific DNA sequences. It is one of the most important tools in molecular biology and has various applications in research, diagnostics, and forensics. Hence, statement 2 is correct. CRISPR-Cas9 is a cutting-edge genome-editing technology that uses short RNA molecules to target specific DNA sequences and repair genes responsible for genetic diseases. Hence, statement 3 is correct. Gel electrophoresis is a laboratory technique that separates DNA, RNA, or protein mixtures by size. It's also used to separate and purify proteins and nucleic acids based on their charge, size, or conformation. Hence, statement 4 is correct.


2. Consider the following statements about black hole:

1. It emit light and other forms of electromagnetic radiation.
2. These are regions in space where gravity is so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape.

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

Answer: (B)

Explanation: Black holes themselves do not emit light or other forms of electromagnetic radiation. However, they can be indirectly detected by observing the effects they have on nearby matter. As matter falls into a black hole, it forms an accretion disk, and the intense gravitational forces can generate X-rays and other radiation. So, while black holes don't emit light, their presence can be inferred by the radiation emitted from surrounding matter. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
lack holes are formed when massive stars collapse under their own gravity, creating regions where the gravitational pull is so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape. This boundary beyond which nothing can escape is called the event horizon. Anything that crosses this boundary is effectively lost to the external universe, making black holes invisible to direct observation. Hence, statement 2 is correct.


3. Consider the following statements:

Statement-I:
Quantum computers can perform certain calculations exponentially faster than classical computers.
Statement-II:
Quantum computers leverage the principles of superposition and entanglement to process information in parallel.

Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement –II is the correct explanation of Statement-I
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
(a) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
(a) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Answer: (A)

Explanation: Quantum computers exploit the principles of quantum mechanics, such as superposition and entanglement, to process information in parallel. This allows them to solve certain types of problems much faster than classical computers, which are limited to sequential processing. Hence, statement-I is correct.
Superposition allows a quantum bit (qubit) to be in a state of 0 and 1 simultaneously, while entanglement allows qubits to be linked together in a way that classical bits cannot. These unique properties enable quantum computers to perform parallel computations, significantly increasing their processing power. Hence, statement-II is correct.
By leveraging superposition and entanglement, quantum computers can perform parallel processing, which allows them to solve certain problems exponentially faster than classical computers. Hence, Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.


4. Consider the following statements:

1. The Chernobyl disaster in 1986 was caused by a nuclear fusion reaction gone wrong. 2. Nuclear power plants use control rods to regulate the rate of nuclear reactions. 3. The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster was triggered by a massive earthquake.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

Answer: (B)

Explanation: The Chernobyl disaster was caused by a nuclear fission reaction, not a fusion reaction. The disaster occurred on April 26, 1986 at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in the Soviet Union. The reactor core overheated, causing a steam explosion and fire. The explosion was chemical, driven by gases and steam. Hence statement 1 is not correct.
Control rods are made of materials that absorb neutrons, thus slowing down the fission chain reaction and controlling the power output of the reactor. Operators can adjust the position of the control rods to maintain a stable power level or shut down the reactor in case of emergencies. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
In 2011, a powerful earthquake off the coast of Japan led to a tsunami that knocked out the power supply and cooling systems at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. This resulted in overheating of the reactor cores and subsequent meltdowns, releasing radioactive material into the environment. Hence, statement 3 is correct.


5.Consider the following in the context of Indian defense Technoly :

1. Arjun
2. T-72
3. Akash
4. INS Vikramaditya
5. Pinaka

How many of the above-mentioned are domestically developed in India ?

(a) Only one
(b) Only three
(c) Only four
(d) All five

Answer: (B)

Explanation: Arjun: This main battle tank is completely designed and developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It showcases India's indigenous capability in developing advanced armored vehicles.
Akash: This surface-to-air missile system is also entirely developed by DRDO. It exemplifies India's self-reliance in air defense technology.
Pinaka: This multi-barrel rocket launcher system is another testament to India's indigenous defense technology development. DRDO designed and built this system, making it a significant achievement.
T-72: While India licenses the production of T-72 tanks, the original design and development belong to the Soviet Union. Although India has made some modifications to the design, it remains fundamentally a foreign technology.
INS Vikramaditya: This aircraft carrier was originally the Soviet Navy's Admiral Gorshkov. India purchased it from Russia and subsequently refitted it to become INS Vikramaditya. While India has contributed significantly to its modernization, it is not an entirely domestically developed vessel.