DAY – 69 (InstaTest-69): Insta 75 Days Revision Plan-2022: Topic – Science & Technology Full Syllabus (Third Revision), PREVIOUS YEAR UPSC PAPER 2017, March 2022 CA

Solution: A

What Is Dark Matter?

By fitting a theoretical model of the composition of the universe to the combined set of cosmological observations, scientists have come up with the composition that we described above, ~68% dark energy, ~27% dark matter, ~5% normal matter.

What is dark matter?

We are much more certain what dark matter is not than we are what it is. First, it is dark, meaning that it is not in the form of stars and planets that we see. Observations show that there is far too little visible matter in the universe to make up the 27% required by the observations. Second, it is not in the form of dark clouds of normal matter, matter made up of particles called baryons.

Solution: B

2^nd Stage of Nuclear Program

Reactor Used – Fast breeder Reactor

Fuel – Mixture of Uranium-238 and Plutonium-239

No Moderator is needed.

Sodium is used as coolant

Pu-239 is a fissile material and on reaction this too results in extra neutrons than current chain reaction needs. These extra neutrons again are absorbed by U-238 and converted to Pu-239. At this stage more fuel is generated than is consumed. That is why it is called ‘Breeder reactor’.

This reactor doesn’t use Moderator as at high speed of neutrons only, does Pu-239 produces extra neutrons.

Further, 2^nd stage is crucial for 3rs stage as it will convert Thorium-232 (which occurs naturally) into Uranium – 233 by transmutation.

Solution: B

CERN’s main focus is particle physics – the study of the fundamental constituents of matter – but the physics programme at the laboratory is much broader, ranging from nuclear to high-energy physics, from studies of antimatter to the possible effects of cosmic rays on clouds.

Since the 1970s, particle physicists have described the fundamental structure of matter using an elegant series of equations called the Standard Model. The model describes how everything that they observe in the universe is made from a few basic blocks called fundamental particles, governed by four forces.

Solution: D

Space technology to safeguard thatched roofs

The scientists of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) are planning to use the technology that protects rocket launch vehicles from high-temperature fire to protect the thatched roofs and even prevent water seepage in concrete buildings.

Details:

The technology uses the ceramic-polymer hybrid (CASPOL). CASPOL is water-based ready-to-coat product. It was originally developed to protect the rockets from high temperature and fire to which they are exposed during the initial moments of launch. Caspol can withstand up to 800 degree Celsius. The centre has described the product as one which is eco-friendly as it is free of toxic materials.

Benefits:

• This could protect public transport systems and poor men residing in thatched homes from fire accidents. Seats in automobiles, public transport system and seat cushions of railway coaches can be made fireproof when Caspol is applied.
• Besides its ability to protect against fire and high temperature, Caspol can also make surfaces waterproof. When applied over the concrete surface of buildings, fill up the micro cracks and holes on concrete to prevent water from seeping in.
• Also, when applied over concrete surface of buildings, the high emissivity of the product reduces the temperature inside the building by at least 5 to 6 degree Celsius.

Solution: B

Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) Mission:

The Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission is directed by NASA to the Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) with support from several NASA centers:  the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), Johnson Space Center (JSC), Glenn Research Center (GRC), and Langley Research Center (LaRC). 

DART is a planetary defense-driven test of technologies for preventing an impact of Earth by a hazardous asteroid.

Solution: A

Physicists and engineers at CERN use the world’s largest and most complex scientific instruments to study the basic constituents of matter – fundamental particles. Subatomic particles are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives us clues about how the particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature. We want to advance the boundaries of human knowledge by delving into the smallest building blocks of our universe.

The instruments used at CERN are purpose-built particle accelerators and detectors. Accelerators boost beams of particles to high energies before the beams are made to collide with each other or with stationary targets. Detectors observe and record the results of these collisions.

Founded in 1954, the CERN laboratory sits astride the Franco-Swiss border near Geneva. It was one of Europe’s first joint ventures and now has 23 member states.

Who are our Member States?

Today CERN has 23 Member States: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

Cyprus and Slovenia are Associate Member States in the pre-stage to Membership. Croatia, India, Lithuania, Pakistan, Turkey and Ukraine are Associate Member States.

Solution: D

What is the LHC?

The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is the world’s largest and most powerful particle accelerator. It first started up on 10 September 2008, and remains the latest addition to CERN’s accelerator complex. The LHC consists of a 27-kilometre ring of superconducting magnets with a number of accelerating structures to boost the energy of the particles along the way.

The beams inside the LHC are made to collide at four locations around the accelerator ring, corresponding to the positions of four particle detectors – ATLAS, CMS, ALICE and LHCb.

ALICE (A Large Ion Collider Experiment) is a detector dedicated to heavy-ion physics at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). It is designed to study the physics of strongly interacting matter at extreme energy densities, where a phase of matter called quark-gluon plasma forms.

The Large Hadron Collider beauty (LHCb) experiment specializes in investigating the slight differences between matter and antimatter by studying a type of particle called the “beauty quark”, or “b quark”.

The Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) is a general-purpose detector at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). It has a broad physics programme ranging from studying the Standard Model (including the Higgs boson) to searching for extra dimensions and particles that could make up dark matter. Although it has the same scientific goals as the ATLAS experiment, it uses different technical solutions and a different magnet-system design.

ATLAS is one of two general-purpose detectors at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). It investigates a wide range of physics, from the search for the Higgs boson to extra dimensions and particles that could make up dark matter. Although it has the same scientific goals as the CMS experiment, it uses different technical solutions and a different magnet-system design.

Solution: D

Mission Innovation (MI) is a global initiative of 24 countries and the European Commission (on behalf of the European Union) working to reinvigorate and accelerate global clean energy innovation with the objective to make clean energy widely affordable.

MI was announced at UNFCCC COP21 on November 30, 2015, as world leaders came together in Paris to commit to ambitious efforts to combat climate change.

India is a member of this initiative.

Solution: C

Air-independent propulsion

Context: DRDO is a step closer to boosting endurance of submarines with the indigenous Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) System. It has successfully tested the operation of the indigenous land-based prototype.

What is Air-independent propulsion?

It is a technology which allows a non-nuclear submarine to operate without the need to access atmospheric oxygen (by surfacing or using a snorkel).

It can augment or replace the diesel-electric propulsion system of non-nuclear vessels.

It is based on the combustion of stored oxygen and ethanol to augment battery-powered propulsion.

Significance of AIP:

• AIP significantly improves stealth because it enables a submarine to generate electricity for services and battery charging and propulsion while completely submerged.
• AIP systems also generate electricity, powering a submarine to operate and also generate oxygen, lighting and amenities for crew.
• The Non-nuclear submarines running on battery power or AIP can be virtually silent.

Solution: B

Solution: D

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation 5 Young Scientists Laboratories of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in Bengaluru today.

DRDO Young Scientist Laboratories (DYSLs) are located in five cities viz, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad. Each lab will work on a key advanced technology of importance to the development of futuristic defence systems viz, Artificial intelligence, Quantum technologies, Cognitive technologies, Asymmetric technologies and Smart materials.

The establishment of the five DRDO Young Scientist Labs lays down the foundation for research and development of futuristic technologies. It will be a big leap forward for DRDO  from the goal of making India self reliant to future ready in defence technologies.

Solution: A

Siddha system is one of the oldest systems of medicine in India. The term ‘Siddha’ means achievements and ‘Siddhars’ were saintly persons who achieved results in medicine. Eighteen Siddhars were said to have contributed towards the development of this medical system. Siddha literature is in Tamil and it is practised largely in Tamil speaking part of India and abroad. The Siddha System is largely therapeutic in nature.

According to the tradition it was Shiva who unfolded the knowledge of Siddha system of medicine to his concert Parvati who handed it down to Nandi Deva and the Siddhars. The Siddhars were great scientists in ancient times.

According to tradition, the origin of Siddha system of medicine is attributed to the great Siddha ‘Agastiyar’. Some of his works are still standard books of medicine and surgery being used among the Siddha Medical practitioners.

Basic Concepts of Siddha

The principles and doctrines of this system, both fundamental and applied, have a close similarity to Ayurveda, with specialization in Iatro-chemistry. According to this system the human body is the replica of the universe and so are the food and drugs irrespective of their origin.

Solution: D

What is DNA fingerprinting?

It is a technique, for identification of an individual by examining their DNA.

DNA, or Deoxyribonucleic acid, is the basic building block of life. This component in cells contains all the information about an organism and it also helps transfer the characteristics to the next generation.

The DNA of each individual is composed of Bases [Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Guanine (G), and Cytosine (C)], Sugar and a Phosphate. Two bases link to each other using hydrogen bonds to form base pairs.

“Every human has three billion such base pairs. Though 99.7% of the make up is similar between any two people; there is a 0.3% difference which accounts to almost 10 million different base pairs. By examining this we can identify the relation between two people. There is a 50% match between a child and his/her father or mother. Between siblings it can range anywhere between 25% to 75%. Monozygotic twins show a 100% match,” explains Dr. Madhusudan Reddy, staff scientist and in-charge at Lab of DNA Fingerprinting Services, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Hyderabad.

Can DNA fingerprinting be done only with blood samples?

Blood, bones, hair with root, saliva, semen, teeth, and tissue can also be used to study the DNA.

What are its uses?

– For criminal identification

– To resolve disputes of maternity /paternity

– To identify mutilated remains

– In cases of exchange of babies in hospital wards,

– In forensic wildlife (The arrangement of the nucleotides is unique to any living form (except identical twins) be animals, plants, or microbes.)

Solution: B

Rohtang Pass:

• It is a high mountain pass on the eastern Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas around 51 km (32 mi) from Manali Himachal Pradesh.
• It connects the Kullu Valley with the Lahaul and Spiti Valleys of Himachal Pradesh, India. Manali-Leh Highway, a part of NH 21, transverses Rohtang Pass.
• River Ravi rises west of the Rohtang pass in the Kullu Hills

Solution: A

Nirmal Paintings are a popular form of paintings done in Nirmal District, Telangana, India. They form a small-scale industry in the town. The craftsmen have formed a community and stay at Nirmal and practice their art in the form of a small-scale business. The paintings have golden hues

Solution: D

Solution:

• North Agaléga island, which is part of the island nation of Mauritius.
• Indian workers are laying the groundwork for what is expected to be an Indian naval military facility.
• Although both the Mauritian and Indian governments are denying it.
• India asserts that these new facilities are part of its Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) policy, which aims to increase maritime cooperation between countries in the region. Mauritius, for its part, has indicated that its coast guard personnel will use the new facilities.

Solution: A

Solution:

• INS Vikrant, also known as Indigenous Aircraft Carrier 1 (IAC-1), is an aircraft carrier constructed by the Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) for the Indian Navy. It is the first aircraft carrier to be built in India.
• It is named ‘Vikrant’ as a tribute to India’s first aircraft carrier, Vikrant (R11). The name Vikrant means “courageous” in Sanskrit. The motto of the ship is “Jayema Saṁ Yudhi Spr̥dhaḥ”,means “I defeat those who fight against me.”

Solution: A

Solution:

• The European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN) have embarked on a new, global, multi-year initiative focused on eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls (VAWG) – The Spotlight Initiative.

• The Initiative is so named as it brings focused attention to this issue, moving it into the spotlight and placing it at the centre of efforts to achieve gender equality and women’s empowerment, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Solution: C

Solution:

• The Keibul Lamjao National Park is a national park in the Bishnupur district of the state of Manipur in India.
• It is 40 km2 (15.4 sq mi) in area, the only floating park in the world, located in North East India, and an integral part of Loktak Lake.
• The national park is characterized by floating decomposed plant material locally called phumdi.
• It was created in 1966 as a wildlife sanctuary to preserve the natural habitat of the endangered Eld’s deer (Cervus eldi eldi).
• It has many reptiles including Rock Python.

Solution: D

Solution:

• The nilgai prefers areas with short bushes and scattered trees in scrub forests and grassy plains.
• It is common in agricultural land, but rarely in dense forest. Major populations occur in the Indian and Nepal Terai. It was thought to be extinct in Bangladesh. The nilgai was introduced to Texas in the 1920s to 1930s. As of 2008, the feral population in Texas is nearly 37,000.
• The nilgai is categorised as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. The nilgai has been associated with Indian culture since the Vedic period (1500–500 BCE). They were hunted in the Mughal era (16th to 19th centuries) and are depicted in numerous miniatures. Nilgai have been considered a pest in several north Indian states, as they ravage crop fields and cause considerable damage. In Bihar, authorities have classified the nilgai as vermin

Solution: B

Acid rain increase in ammonia in the soil due to a decrease in other nutrients decrease the rate of decomposition. The nitrate level of the soil is also found to decrease.  Acid rain impact on Indian soils is less, because Indian soils are mostly alkaline.

Solution: C

Solution” Most fungi prefer an acidic environment. Most blue-green bacteria prefer an alkaline environment. So, microbial species in the soil and water shift from bacteria-bound to fungi-bound.

Solution: D

Solution: The ecological niche describes how a species interacts within an ecosystem.  The niche of a species depends on both biotic and abiotic factors, which affect the ability of a species to survive and endure.The greater the niche diversity, the more is ecosystem stability

Solution: D

Solution: Indonesia has the largest coral reef area in the world. India, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Chagos have the maximum coral reefs in South Asia. The Great Barrier Reef of Australia is the largest aggregation of coral reefs

Ans: (b)

The sanctuary, which hosts two-thirds of the world’s great one-horned

rhinoceroses, is a World Heritage Site.

it is home to the highest density of tigers among protected areas in the world

and was declared a Tiger Reserve in 2006 (now the highest tiger density is in

Orang National Park, Assam).

It is recognized as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International.

Answer: D

Solution: Let E and H represent the number of students who can speak English and Hindi, respectively.

Answer: B

Solution:  LCM of 6.5.7.10 and 12 – 420

So the bells will toll together after every 420 s i.e. 7 min

Now, 7 x 8 = 56 and 7 x 9 = 63

Thus, in 1 h (or 60 min) the bells will toll together 8 times excluding the one at the start

Answer: A

Solution:- Let the price of ghee before increment be Rs x.

consumption of ghee = 10kg( given )

Then expenditure on ghee  = 10x

After increment, expenditure on ghee = 110% of 10x = 11x

Price of ghee = 132 % of x = x  X 132/100 = 33x/25 per kg

New consumption = 11x x 25 /33x  = 8 1/3 kg

Answer: B

Solution:  Part filled by X in 1st min and Y in the 2nd min

=(1/6 + 1/7) = 13/42

Part filled by ( X + Y ) working alternately in 6 min== ½ x 13/42 x6 = 13/14

Remaining part = (1 – 13/14 ) = 1/14

Now , it is the turn of X , one  – The sixth part is filled in 1 min .

One – fourteenth part is filled in ( 6x 1/14 )min = 3/7 min

Required time = (6+ 3/7) =  6 3/7   min

Answer: B

Solution: According to the passage, the studies ignore allocation problems because of analysts inherent preferences for the simple model of perfect completion