Science and Technology MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Science and Technology - Download Free PDF

The correct answer is option 2.In News

• Down To Earth: What is ‘noma’, the latest addition to WHO’s list of neglected tropical diseases.

Key PointsNoma:

• The World Health Organization (WHO) on December 15, 2023 added one of the world’s most underrecognised health challenges, noma, to its official list of neglected tropical diseases (NTD). Hence statement 2 is correct.
• Also known as cancrum oris or gangrenous stomatitis.
• it is a severe gangrenous disease of the mouth and face with a mortality rate of approximately 90 per cent.
• Noma mainly affects children aged 2-6 years old and is found most commonly among those living in poor communities.
• There is an extreme lack of awareness regarding the disease.
• The name of the disease comes from the Greek word “nomē”, meaning “to devour”, as noma eats away facial tissue and bones if not treated early.
• Noma is associated with a number of risk factors, including poor oral hygiene, malnutrition, weakened immune systems, infections, and extreme poverty. While the disease is not contagious, it prefers to attack when the body’s defences are weak. The disease begins with gum inflammation and is thought to be caused by bacteria found in the mouth.
• The NTD is frequently seen in developing countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where it occurs almost exclusively among poor children usually aged 3-10 years
• The patients who survive face many consequences, like significant facial disfigurement, spasm of the jaw muscles, oral incontinence and speech problems, according to a 2003 study.
• The disease is also called the ‘face of poverty’, as effective drugs like sulfonamides and penicillin and adequate surgical treatment for the effects remain inaccessible for many due to extreme poverty.
• Noma was common in the Western world in previous centuries, according to a 2001 study. When economic progress enabled the poorest families to feed their children adequately, the disease vanished. The disease was also reported in Europe in concentration camps during World War 2.

Additional Information Neglected tropical Diseases:

• NTDs are a group of infections that are most common among marginalised communities in the developing regions of Africa, Asia and the Americas. They are caused by a variety of pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, protozoa and parasitic worms.
• NTDs affect more than a billion people globally.
• There are 21 NTDs. 
• These diseases generally receive less funding for research and treatment.
• Examples of NTDs are: snakebite envenomation, scabies, yaws, trachoma, Leishmaniasis and Chagas disease etc.
• India carries the largest burden of at least 11 of these diseases, with parasitic illnesses like kala-azar and lymphatic filariasis affecting millions of people throughout the country – often the poorest and most vulnerable.
• London Declaration on NTDs: It was adopted on 30th January, 2012 to recognise the global burden of NTDs. Officials from the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Bank, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, representatives from leading global pharmaceutical companies as well as representatives of several national governments met at London’s Royal College of physicians to pledge to end the diseases.

The correct answer is Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct.

• Statement 1 is correct because Bedmap3 is indeed compiled from over 60 years of data and offers greater resolution and accuracy than its previous versions, with 82 million data points.
• Statement 2 is correct as the research was led by the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), a key institution in polar science.
• Statement 3 is incorrect because the thickest ice on Bedmap3 is actually found in an unnamed canyon in Wilkes Land, not in the Astrolabe Basin in Adélie Land, which was previously thought to have the thickest ice.

In News

• Bedmap3 has been released, offering the most detailed map of Antarctica's hidden landscape to date.

Key Points

Key Features of Bedmap3:

• Data Collection:
  • Compiled from over 60 years of data
  • Sources include planes, satellites, ships, and even dog-drawn sleds
• Enhanced Detail:
  • Contains 82 million data points, twice the number in earlier versions
  • Offers greater resolution and higher accuracy
• New Discoveries:
  • Thickest ice found in an unnamed canyon in Wilkes Land (4,757 m thick)
  • Replaces the earlier belief that the Astrolabe Basin in Adélie Land held the thickest ice
• Comprehensive Coverage: Fills in critical gaps in East Antarctica, including:
  • South Pole
  • Dronning Maud Land
  • Princess Elizabeth Land
• Scientific Significance
  • Climate Research Tool: Essential for predicting how Antarctica’s ice sheet may respond to climate change
  • Geological Insights: Helps model ice sheet behavior, study bedrock interactions, and understand continental-scale landscape evolution
  • Global Impact: Enhances forecasts of global sea-level rise and supports future Antarctic expeditions and research

The correct answer is Statement 1, Statement 2, and Statement 3.

• Statement 1 is correct as Vikram 3201 is the first fully indigenous 32-bit processor developed by ISRO, qualified for use in extreme conditions of launch vehicles.
• Statement 2 is correct because ISRO collaborated with the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL), Chandigarh, to develop the indigenous microprocessors.
• Statement 3 is correct as the two microprocessors developed by ISRO are Vikram 3201 and Kalpana 3201, with distinct specifications for space and aerospace applications.

In News

• ISRO developed two indigenous 32-bit microprocessors, Vikram 3201 and Kalpana 3201, which are optimized for space missions and launch vehicle avionics.

Key Points

• Microprocessors Developed:

  • Vikram 3201:

    • Type: First fully indigenous 32-bit processor

    • Qualification: Qualified for use in extreme conditions of launch vehicles

    • Capabilities:

      • Processes 32-bit data for efficient computations

      • Supports floating-point arithmetic for complex calculations

      • Backward-compatible with 16-bit Vikram 1601 (operational since 2009)

    • Design: Fabricated at SCL’s 180nm CMOS semiconductor facility

    • Software Tools:

      • In-house developed Ada compiler, assembler, linker, and simulator

      • C compiler under development

  • Kalpana 3201:

    • Type: 32-bit SPARC V8 RISC microprocessor

    • Instruction Set: Based on IEEE 1754 Instruction Set Architecture

    • Compatibility: Open-source software toolsets, tested with flight software

    • Optimized Performance: Focus on efficiency, high-speed processing with simplified instructions

Validation and Applications:

• Space Validation:

  • Vikram 3201 tested during PSLV-C60 mission (March 2025) in the Mission Management Computer of the POEM-4 module

• Launch Vehicle Avionics:

  • Enhances navigation, guidance, and control systems for space missions

Additional Developments:

• Miniaturization of Avionics:

  • Reconfigurable Data Acquisition System (RDAS): Integrates 24-bit Sigma-Delta ADCs

  • Multi-Channel Low Drop-out Regulator IC: For high-reliability power management

• Collaboration:

  • MoU signed between SCL and ISRO to develop miniaturized unsteady pressure sensors for wind tunnel applications

The correct answer is Pandora will use a 17-inch all-aluminum telescope to observe at least 20 exoplanets and their host stars.

In News

• NASA has selected SpaceX to launch the Pandora mission, which will study at least 20 exoplanets and their host stars.
• The mission aims to determine how changes in stars affect observations of exoplanet atmospheres.
• Pandora is funded under the Astrophysics Pioneers program, which focuses on smaller, cost-effective science missions.
• It will use a 17-inch (45 cm) all-aluminum telescope to observe exoplanet transits and obtain near-infrared spectra.

Key Points

• Option 1 is incorrect: The Pandora mission does not focus on black holes or galaxy formation.
• Option 2 is incorrect: Pandora is not a reusable deep-space spacecraft; it is an exoplanet research mission.
• Option 3 is correct: Pandora will use a 17-inch all-aluminum telescope to observe at least 20 exoplanets and their host stars.
• Option 4 is incorrect: Pandora is not part of the Artemis program and is unrelated to Moon exploration.

Additional Information

• Mission Management: Jointly led by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
• Launch Contract: SpaceX was awarded the contract under the Venture-Class Acquisition of Dedicated and Rideshare (VADR) program.
• Observation Strategy: Pandora will observe each exoplanet 10 times for 24 hours per visit during its primary mission.
• Scientific Significance: Data from Pandora will enhance observations from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope and upcoming Habitable Worlds Observatory.

The Correct Answer is Near Threatened.

In News

• As Antarctic sea ice shrinks, iconic emperor penguins are in more peril.

Key Points

• Climate change is causing early melting of Antarctic sea ice, endangering Emperor Penguins.

• Emperor Penguin is the largest among the 18 penguin species and one of the largest birds overall.

• It breeds in about 54 colonies, especially in the Ross Sea and Weddell Sea.

• They endure extreme conditions: temperatures as low as -50°C and winds up to 200 km/h.

• Melting ice affects their habitat by reducing sea ice concentration, thickness, and duration.

• Listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.

• Penguins are aquatic, flightless birds, found mainly in the Southern Hemisphere.

• World Penguin Day is celebrated on 25th April each year.

• The Galapagos Penguin is the only species found north of the equator.

The correct answer is Prithvi.

Key Points

• Prithvi was the first Indian missile.
• It was a surface-to-surface ballistic missile.
• It was inducted into the Forces Command in 2003.
• It was developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP).
• It was developed by Defence Research Development Organization.
• Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was the brain behind this project.
• He was the former President of India, famously known as the Missile Man of India.

The correct answer is Sindhu Netra Satellite.

Key Points

• The Sindhu Netra satellite has been developed by the young scientists of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• ISRO launched the 'Sindhu Netra' satellite using, PSLV-C51 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh on 28 February 2021.
• It is capable of automatically identifying the warships and merchant ships operating in the Indian Ocean region.

Important Points

• India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV-C51 also launched Amazonia-1 along with 18 co-passenger satellites from Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR, Sriharikota.
• Amazônia-1 or SSR-1 is the first Earth observation satellite developed by Brazil and launched by NSIL with the help of ISRO.
• It is the 1st dedicated commercial mission of NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), a GoI company under the Space Department

Additional Information

• DRDO
  • DRDO stands for Defence Research and Development Organisation.
  • Headquarters: New Delhi
  • Founded: 1958
  • Motto : Balasya Mulam Vigyanam (Strength's Origin is in Science)
  • Chairperson: Dr Samir V Kamat

The correct answer is 2024.

Mistake Points

• Two uncrewed Gaganyan missions will be launched in 2023-2024 and the final crewed Gaganyaan mission will be launched in 2024.

Key Points

• According to Union Minister of State for Space Jitendra Singh, India's first human space flight mission under the 'Gaganyaan program' is scheduled to launch in the fourth quarter of 2024.
• Gaganyaan, India's first human space mission, is set to launch in 2024.
• Two uncrewed Gaganyan missions, uncrewed mission 'G1'(in the last quarter of 2023) and the second uncrewed mission 'G2' in the second quarter of 2024
• The second mission will carry "Vyommitra", a spacefaring human-robot developed by ISRO, in the second quarter of 2024.

Important Points

•  India will become the fourth nation in the world to launch a Human Spaceflight Mission after USA, Russia and China.
• The major missions viz., Test vehicle flight for the validation of Crew Escape System performance and the 1st Uncrewed mission of Gaganyaan (G1) are scheduled during the beginning of 2nd half of 2022. 
• The astronaut training facility is getting established in Bengaluru and in advanced stage of completion.
• Basic Aeromedical training and flying practice completed as part of the Indian leg of training.
• The design of all systems of Gaganyaan has been completed. 
• The configuration and design of ground infrastructure have been completed and modifications needed are being implemented.

The correct answer is Iran.

Key Points

• Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard launched a second satellite into space in March 2022.
• The Noor-2 satellite reached a low orbit on the Ghased satellite carrier.
• Ghased is a three-phase, mixed fuel satellite carrier. 
• The Guard launched its first Noor satellite in 2020, revealing to the world it ran its own space programme.

Important Points

• Noor 2 is orbiting at an altitude of 500 kilometres (311 miles). 
• The three-stage Qased, or "Messenger", carrier launched the Noor 2, from the Shahroud space port.
• The same type of rockets, which use a combination of liquid and solid fuels, carried the first military satellite.

Additional Information

• Iran:
  • Capital - Tehran.
  • Currency - Iranian rial.
  • President - Ebrahim Raisi.
  • National Sport - Freestyle wrestling.

The correct answer is PSLV-C52.

Key Points

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, PSLV-C52, carrying three satellites on 14 Feb 2022 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
• It was carrying EOS-04, a radar imaging satellite.
• The other two satellites include one student satellite (INSPIREsat-1) from IIST, and a technology demonstrator satellite (INS-2TD) from ISRO.

Additional Information

• ​India’s Polar rocket, Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV-C51 has successfully launched Amazonia-1 of Brazil and 18 other satellites from the spaceport.
• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) had launched the 51st mission of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV C49 in 2020.
  • ISRO Chairman: Shri S. Somanath (as of Feb 2022).
  • ISRO Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka.
  • ISRO established: 15 August 1969.
• Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched the country’s newest satellite named EMISAT, from PSLV C-45, from Sriharikota launch station.

The correct answer is ISRO.

• The word 'Vyommitra' is made up of two words of the Sanskrit language 'Vyom' and 'Mitra' which means space and friend respectively.
• This is the prototype of the Half-Humanoid female robot developed by ISRO.
• It was unveiled on 22 January 2020.

Additional Information 

• Vyommitra is planned to be sent on the manned space mission in December 2021 which will help the male astronauts.
• Under the "Gaganyaan" program, Vyommitra will be sent to unmanned missions at the end of this year and also next year before the astronauts left.
• The aim of its creation is that ISRO does not want to fly animals on board for its experiments like other nations do to find out how the human body reacts during long-duration in space.
• This humanoid robot will understand what weightlessness and radiation can do to a human body.

The correct answer is the Indian Institute of Science (IISc).

Important Points

• A team of engineers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) had developed an intensive care unit (ICU) grade ventilator under the name of ‘Project Praana’.
• Recently, the team has successfully completed the prototyping of the ventilator, which is now in the process of being commercialised.
• The affordable ventilator uses only components made in India or components which are easily available in the domestic markets.
• The team developed the ventilator in a record 35 days.

The correct answer is Russia.

Key Points

• Yuri Borisov, the newly appointed director-general of  Roscosmos announced the plan to withdraw from the International Space Station.
• International Space Station was launched in the year 1998,and it has been continuously occupied since  November 2000. Along with Russia and USA the other countries includes Canada, Japan and 11 European countries.

Additional Information

• India is planning to lauch its first manned mission called Gaganyaan . Under this mission 3 people will be carried to space and willl stay there for a week.

The correct answer is 1991.

Key Points

• PARAM 8000:
  • The PARAM 8000 was the first machine in the series and was built from scratch.
  • Vijay P. Bhatkar is best known as the architect of India's national initiative in supercomputing where he led the development of Param supercomputers.
    • He developed the first Indian supercomputer, the PARAM 8000, in 1991.
  • PARAM is a series of supercomputers designed and assembled by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC).
  • PARAM means "supreme" in the Sanskrit language.
  • As of November 2020, the latest and fastest machine in the series is the PARAM Siddhi AI which ranks 63rd in the world.

Additional Information

• C-DAC:
  • C-DAC headquarters is in Pune, Maharastra. 
  • C-DAC was created in November 1987, originally as the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing Technology (C-DACT).
  • This was in response to issues purchasing supercomputers from foreign sources.
  • The Indian Government decided to try and develop indigenous computing technology.

The correct answer is Vikas.

Key Points

• ISRO successfully conducted a 25-second qualification test for its liquid propellant-based Vikas engine to be used under the Gaganyaan mission, in January 2022.
• The test was conducted at the ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragri, Tamil Nadu.
• It was done to see how the engine performed in conditions that were not optimal, such as change in the fuel-oxidizer ratio or pressure in the fuel chamber.

Important Points

•  Three more tests will be conducted, totalling a duration of 75 seconds, to test the engine under varying conditions.
• Then, a long-duration test for 240 seconds will be conducted to qualify the engine for carrying humans to space.
• Two Vikas engines have already been tested for 240 seconds each under optimal operating conditions.
• This is one of the three engines that the space agency will have to qualify to finally make the entire launch vehicle human rated .