UPSC 2008 Science and Technology Questions with Answers

Explanation

The Ministry of Rural Development was designated as the nodal ministry for implementing the National Biodiesel Mission during its initial phases. The mission focused on cultivating Jatropha curcas, a non-edible oilseed crop, on wastelands to produce biodiesel. Jatropha is a plant of Latin American origin, which is now widespread throughout arid and semi-arid tropical regions of the world. This initiative aimed to achieve energy security, promote rural development, and provide an alternative source of livelihood for farmers in marginal and degraded lands.

Explanation

Selene-1 also known as Kaguya is a lunar orbiter mission launched by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) using the H-IIA rocket. Its primary objectives were to study the Moon’s origin, evolution, and surface features with unprecedented detail. It mapped the Moon’s mineral composition and gravity anomalies which provided crucial data about its internal structure and geology. As one of the most advanced lunar exploration missions of its time contributing significantly to understanding the Moon’s evolution and mineral distribution.

Explanation

ISRO successfully conducted a rocket test using cryogenic engines at the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) located in Mahendragiri in Tamil Nadu. ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) is equipped with the state-of-the-art facilities necessary for realising the cutting edge propulsion technology products for the Indian space programme. Formerly, IPRC was known as LPSC, Mahendragiri. The IPRC is responsible for developing cryogenic propulsion systems essential for high-performance launch vehicles. A cryogenic engine uses supercooled liquids, typically liquid oxygen (LOX) and liquid hydrogen (LH2) as propellants. These engines are highly efficient because cryogenic fuels have a higher specific impulse, meaning they provide greater thrust for a given mass of fuel.

Explanation

Options (a), (c) and (d) are incorrect: Apophis was a near-Earth asteroid named after the Egyptian God of chaos. Spitzer is an infrared space telescope launched by NASA in 2003. TechSar is a reconnaissance satellite equipped with synthetic-aperture radar, used for surveillance and intelligence purposes.

Option (b) is correct: Cassini was a groundbreaking planetary exploration mission led by NASA, European Space Agency (ESA), and the Italian space agency (ASI). This advanced robotic spacecraft was designed to study Saturn, its rings, and its moons in extraordinary detail. As part of the mission, Cassini carried the ESA-built Huygens probe, which landed on Saturn’s largest moon, Titan. During its descent through Titan’s dense atmosphere, Huygens captured remarkable images and data, eventually landing on an icy floodplain damp with liquid methane.

Explanation

India purchased the Barak anti-missile defence systems from Israel. The Barak system is developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in collaboration with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, is a surface-to-air missile designed to intercept and destroy incoming threats such as anti-ship missiles, aircraft, and drones. It is part of India’s naval defence system and is installed on various Indian Navy warships to enhance their anti-missile capabilities.

Explanation

5.5 ton class helicopter with twin engines. is an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for military and civilian applications. Equipped with twin Shakti engines, it operates at altitudes up to 20,000 feet, making it suitable for diverse terrains. Dhruv is used for troop transport, search and rescue, reconnaissance, medical evacuation, and disaster relief. Its variants include the armed Rudra and the upgraded Mark III. As a symbol of India’s self-reliance in defense, Dhruv has been exported to countries like Nepal and Mauritius, enhancing India’s defense diplomacy.

Explanation

ITER, which stands for International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor, is a massive international collaboration aimed at harnessing the power of nuclear fusion. This groundbreaking project is being constructed in Cadarache, Southern France. ITER aims to replicate nuclear fusion, where light atomic nuclei combine to release vast energy, offering a limitless, clean power source. Using a tokamak design, it employs powerful magnetic fields to heat plasma to over 150 million degrees Celsius. The project is a global collaboration involving China, the EU, India, Japan, Korea, Russia, and the US. India has provided in-wall shielding components and the cryo lines and cryo distribution system, crucial for the reactor’s operation.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: A jet engine relies on the oxygen in the Earth’s atmosphere for combustion. In space, where there is no atmosphere, a jet engine cannot function because it cannot obtain the necessary oxygen for burning fuel.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Rockets do carry their own supply of oxygen, but typically, the oxygen is not in gas form. It is usually stored as a liquid oxidizer (e.g., liquid oxygen, LOX) along with the fuel.

Explanation

Option (b) is correct: Rubies and sapphires are both varieties of the mineral corundum, which is chemically known as aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃). The difference between rubies and sapphires lies in the trace elements present in them. Rubies get their red color from the presence of trace amounts of chromium. Sapphires can come in various colors, but they are typically blue due to trace amounts of iron and titanium. Options (a), (c) and (d) are incorrect:

Silicon dioxide (SiO₂) is the chemical compound for quartz, Lead tetroxide (Pb₄O₆) is a compound containing lead and oxygen and Boron nitride (BN) is a compound of boron and nitrogen. All three are not related to rubies or sapphires.

Explanation

Option (c) is correct: Xenon: Approximately 0.0000087% of Earth’s atmosphere, known as "stranger gas" due to its unusual behavior among noble gases. Unlike other noble gases, xenon can form compounds with other elements, such as xenon fluorides. It is used in high-intensity discharge lamps and flash lamps for bright illumination, explored as an anesthetic agent and in imaging techniques for the brain, heart, and lungs, and utilized in ion propulsion systems for satellites, contributing to efficient space travel. Options (a), (b) and (d) are incorrect:

Argon (Ar): Approximately 0.934% of Earth’s atmosphere, used in welding to create an inert atmosphere, in incandescent and fluorescent light bulbs to protect filaments from oxidation, and has potential as a neuroprotectant in medical applications. Neon: Neon (Ne) makes up about 0.0018% of Earth’s atmosphere. It is known for its use in neon signs that emit a reddish-orange glow. Neon is also used in lasers with helium to create specific light wavelengths. It helps detect leaks by identifying trace gases and is used as a cryogenic material for preserving biological specimens. Nitrous Oxide: Nitrous Oxide (N₂O), also called laughing gas, is colorless, odorless, and non-flammable. It has anesthetic properties and is used for minor surgeries and dental procedures. In the culinary field, it is used in whipped cream dispensers. In racing, it enhances engine power by allowing more fuel to burn, improving performance.