Daily Static Quiz (Science and Tech) December 15, 2025

Daily Static Quiz (Science and Tech) December 15, 2025

Question 1:

Consider the following statements regarding the utilization of geostationary orbit slots:

1. Geostationary satellites maintain fixed positions relative to Earth’s rotation and operate at altitudes of approximately 36,000 kilometers above the equator.
2. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) allocates geostationary orbit slots based on first-come-first-served principle, ensuring every nation receives equal distribution.
3. Orbital debris from defunct satellites can cause cascading collisions, thereby reducing the functional lifetime of operative geostationary satellites.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Question 2:

With reference to India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), consider the following statements:

1. PSLV is designed primarily to carry payloads to geosynchronous transfer orbit for communication satellites.
2. PSLV utilizes solid and liquid fuel engines in a coordinated sequence for multi-stage propulsion.
3. The variant PSLV-XL incorporates a more powerful fourth stage capable of carrying heavier payloads to polar sun-synchronous orbits.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Question 3:

Assertion (A): The Chandrayaan-3 mission successfully demonstrated soft-landing capabilities on the lunar south pole region, which holds significant water ice deposits essential for future lunar resource utilization.

Reason (R): The lunar south pole receives continuous solar radiation throughout the lunar day, making resource extraction more efficient compared to equatorial regions.

(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true, but R is false
(d) A is false, but R is true

Question 4:

Consider the following technologies employed in contemporary Earth observation satellites:

1. Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) can penetrate cloud cover and operates independently of solar illumination for topographic mapping.
2. Hyperspectral imaging captures data across hundreds of spectral bands, enabling precise identification of mineral composition and vegetation stress.
3. Multi-spectral sensors always provide superior spatial resolution compared to panchromatic sensors due to increased band frequency.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) Only 1
(d) Only 3

Question 5:

With respect to the Artemis Program and lunar exploration objectives, which one of the following represents a primary technological advancement not previously achieved in the Apollo missions?

(a) Utilization of reusable spacecraft components to reduce mission costs and enable sustained lunar presence
(b) Establishment of crewed lunar orbiting stations without surface landing requirements
(c) Deployment of autonomous rovers for initial reconnaissance missions
(d) Extraction of water resources from subsurface lunar deposits for propellant generation

Question 6:

Consider the following applications of nanotechnology:

1. Nanoparticles of silver are utilized in medical textiles and wound dressings for their antimicrobial properties.
2. Gold nanoparticles are employed exclusively in diagnostic imaging and do not have therapeutic applications in cancer treatment.
3. Carbon nanotubes are integrated into composite materials for aerospace applications to enhance structural strength while reducing weight.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Question 7:

With reference to blockchain technology in governance and digital transactions, consider the following statements:

1. Blockchain’s immutability feature arises from cryptographic hashing of sequential data blocks, making retroactive alteration computationally impractical.
2. Smart contracts on blockchain networks execute predetermined conditions automatically without requiring intermediary verification or approval.
3. All blockchain implementations inherently consume equivalent energy resources as Bitcoin’s proof-of-work consensus mechanism.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Question 8:

Consider the following statements regarding microorganisms and genetic modification:

1. CRISPR-Cas9 technology enables precise editing of genetic sequences by creating targeted double-strand breaks in DNA and utilizing cellular repair mechanisms.
2. Horizontal gene transfer in bacteria occurs exclusively through direct cell-to-cell contact and never through environmental medium exposure.
3. Genetically modified microorganisms can be engineered to synthesize pharmaceuticals, produce biofuels, and remediate polluted soil through metabolic engineering.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Question 9:

Assertion (A): Virus particles lack independent metabolic machinery and must obligatorily invade host cells to complete their replication cycle, thus classifying them between living and non-living entities.

Reason (R): All viruses possess identical genetic material composition, replication strategies, and host cell preferences across different viral species.

(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true, but R is false
(d) Both A and R are false

Question 10:

With respect to antibiotic resistance mechanisms in pathogenic bacteria, which one of the following represents the most significant long-term threat to antimicrobial therapy?

(a) Overuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics in clinical settings alone
(b) Routine application of antibiotics in livestock farming combined with improper disposal of pharmaceutical waste in environmental systems
(c) Patient non-compliance with complete antibiotic courses exclusively
(d) Genetic mutations occurring only in bacterial species exposed to laboratory conditions

ANSWER KEY AND EXPLANATIONS

QUESTION 1

Correct Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only

Explanation:

Statement 1 – CORRECT: Geostationary satellites orbit at an altitude of approximately 35,786 kilometers (36,000 km) above Earth’s equatorial plane. They maintain a fixed position relative to Earth’s surface by matching Earth’s rotation (period of 24 hours), appearing stationary to ground observers. This geosynchronous orbit is essential for weather monitoring, telecommunications, and broadcasting applications.

Statement 2 – INCORRECT: The ITU allocation process for geostationary orbit slots does not follow a simple first-come-first-served principle. Instead, the ITU employs a complex coordination mechanism that attempts to balance national interests with the physical limitations of the orbit. Countries have rights through the ITU’s Radio Regulations, and allocation considers factors like interference potential, geographic service areas, and orbital stability. Additionally, orbital scarcity means that equitable distribution has never been achieved; developed nations secured most slots historically, while developing nations often lack adequate orbital positions for their needs.

Statement 3 – CORRECT: Orbital debris, including fragments from satellite collisions and defunct satellites, poses a genuine threat to operational geostationary satellites. This phenomenon, known as Kessler Syndrome, demonstrates that even small debris traveling at extreme velocities (approximately 17,500 mph in Earth orbit) can cause catastrophic damage to functional satellites. Each collision generates additional debris, creating cascading collision chains that reduce the functional lifetime of operative satellites and increase collision probability exponentially.

QUESTION 2

Correct Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only

Explanation:

Statement 1 – INCORRECT: PSLV is specifically designed to place satellites into polar and sun-synchronous orbits rather than geosynchronous transfer orbits. Geosynchronous transfer orbit access is the primary domain of GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle). PSLV’s design emphasizes reliability for placing Earth observation and scientific satellites into lower Earth orbits and sun-synchronous trajectories, making it ideal for reconnaissance missions and meteorological applications.

Statement 2 – CORRECT: PSLV employs a sophisticated four-stage propulsion system combining both solid and liquid rocket engines. The first stage (PS1) uses solid fuel, the second stage (PS2) utilizes liquid propellant, the third stage (PS3) again employs solid fuel, and the fourth stage (PS4) incorporates liquid engines. This coordinated multi-fuel approach optimizes performance, payload capacity, and mission flexibility. The alternating solid-liquid configuration enables precise orbital insertion and provides maneuvering capabilities.

Statement 3 – CORRECT: PSLV-XL represents an advanced variant incorporating an enlarged fourth stage with more powerful liquid engines. This enhancement increases payload capacity from approximately 1,600 kg to 1,800 kg for polar sun-synchronous orbits. The XL variant successfully launched satellites including Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle payloads, demonstrating enhanced capability for heavier scientific missions while maintaining the reliability that made standard PSLV the workhorse launch vehicle for Indian space programs.

QUESTION 3

Correct Answer: (c) A is true, but R is false

Explanation:

Assertion – CORRECT: Chandrayaan-3 successfully accomplished a soft-landing on the lunar south polar region on August 23, 2023, achieving India’s first soft-landing capability. The south pole region is scientifically significant because it contains permanently shadowed craters that may harbor water ice deposits. These subsurface ice resources are crucial for future lunar missions requiring in-situ resource utilization (ISRU), enabling production of drinking water, oxygen generation through electrolysis, and rocket propellant synthesis.

Reason – INCORRECT: The lunar south pole does not receive continuous solar radiation throughout the lunar day. Rather, the polar region contains permanently shadowed craters that never receive direct sunlight due to the Moon’s low axial tilt (approximately 1.5 degrees). This permanent shadow creates extreme cold temperatures (below -100°C), enabling preservation of water ice that would otherwise sublime. In contrast, equatorial regions experience extended periods of solar illumination. The perpetual darkness of south polar craters is precisely why water ice deposits have accumulated and persisted for billions of years. Therefore, resource extraction at the lunar poles is challenging because of minimal solar illumination, requiring advanced power systems and thermal management solutions, not because of continuous sunlight.

QUESTION 4

Correct Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

Statement 1 – CORRECT: Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) functions as an active remote sensing instrument, generating its own microwave radiation rather than relying on reflected solar energy. This technology easily penetrates cloud cover, atmospheric moisture, and dust, enabling continuous Earth observation regardless of weather conditions or solar illumination. SAR’s ability to detect surface deformation, vegetation structure, and soil moisture through cloud cover makes it invaluable for agricultural monitoring, disaster assessment, and climate research.

Statement 2 – CORRECT: Hyperspectral imaging captures data across hundreds of contiguous spectral bands (often 100-400 bands), compared to multispectral sensors that typically use 3-10 bands. This extensive spectral information enables precise discrimination of mineral types, vegetation species, water body characteristics, and geological formations. The high spectral resolution permits identification of subtle compositional variations, vegetation stress through chlorophyll absorption patterns, and mineral absorption signatures that multispectral systems cannot resolve.

Statement 3 – INCORRECT: This statement represents a fundamental misconception about remote sensing instruments. Panchromatic sensors actually provide superior spatial resolution compared to multispectral or hyperspectral sensors. Panchromatic sensors collect data across a broad wavelength range (typically visible to near-infrared) as a single band, enabling pixel resolutions reaching 0.3-1 meter for commercial satellites. In contrast, hyperspectral sensors sacrifice spatial resolution to achieve spectral detail, typically achieving 10-30 meter resolution. This is an inherent trade-off in remote sensing: increased spectral information demands larger pixels, reducing spatial detail. Therefore, Statement 3 is factually inverted.

QUESTION 5

Correct Answer: (d) Extraction of water resources from subsurface lunar deposits for propellant generation

Explanation:

The Artemis Program introduces technological capabilities fundamentally distinct from the Apollo Program, which operated during 1969-1972. Let us examine each option:

(a) INCORRECT: Reusable spacecraft components achieved through the Lunar Module’s modular design were conceptually similar in Apollo. However, Artemis emphasizes sustained presence through lunar bases and in-situ resource utilization rather than brief flag-and-footprint missions. While reusability is enhanced, it represents evolutionary rather than revolutionary advancement.

(b) INCORRECT: Crewed lunar orbiting without surface landing was technically possible during Apollo through circumlunar missions (Apollo 8, 10). Artemis explicitly requires surface landing and extended surface operations through the Gateway station, not abandoning them.

(c) INCORRECT: Autonomous rovers existed during Apollo operations (Soviet Lunokhod missions preceded Apollo). Artemis incorporates enhanced autonomy through artificial intelligence and remote robotic systems, but autonomous surface exploration is not novel to Artemis.

(d) CORRECT: This represents the transformative technological distinction. While Apollo missions collected water ice evidence through samples, Artemis explicitly targets water ice extraction and processing from subsurface lunar deposits through cryogenic systems and resource prospecting technologies. Converting extracted water into rocket propellant through electrolysis (producing hydrogen and oxygen) represents a fundamentally new capability enabling sustained lunar operations through in-situ resource utilization. This technology transforms the Moon from an exploration destination into a logistics depot, enabling deep space missions without transporting all propellant from Earth.

QUESTION 6

Correct Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only

Explanation:

Statement 1 – CORRECT: Silver nanoparticles possess well-documented antimicrobial properties arising from their ability to penetrate bacterial cell membranes and disrupt cellular functions through silver ion release. These nanoparticles are widely integrated into medical textiles, surgical bandages, wound dressings, and hospital fabrics to prevent infection and accelerate healing. Their antimicrobial efficacy against multidrug-resistant bacteria makes them valuable in clinical applications, particularly for patients with compromised immune systems or severe burn injuries.

Statement 2 – INCORRECT: This statement contains a significant inaccuracy. Gold nanoparticles do have substantial therapeutic applications beyond diagnostic imaging. In cancer treatment, gold nanoparticles function as photothermal therapy agents—absorbing near-infrared radiation and converting it to localized heat that destroys cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Additionally, gold nanoparticles serve as drug delivery vehicles, carrying chemotherapeutic agents directly to tumor sites with enhanced targeting specificity. They also enhance immunotherapy by triggering immune system activation against cancer cells. Therefore, gold nanoparticles possess both diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities.

Statement 3 – CORRECT: Carbon nanotubes (cylindrical structures of carbon atoms arranged in hexagonal patterns) demonstrate exceptional mechanical properties, exhibiting tensile strength 100 times greater than steel at one-sixth the weight. These properties make them ideal for aerospace composite materials, where weight reduction directly translates to fuel efficiency and increased payload capacity. Carbon nanotube-reinforced composites are incorporated into aircraft fuselages, rotor blades, space structures, and spacecraft components. Their thermal and electrical conductivity also enables applications in advanced electronics and thermal management systems.

QUESTION 7

Correct Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

Statement 1 – CORRECT: Blockchain’s immutability derives from cryptographic hashing, where each block contains a unique hash generated from its data plus the previous block’s hash (creating a chain). This cryptographic linking means altering any historical block would change its hash, which would invalidate all subsequent blocks. Proof-of-work consensus mechanisms require solving computationally intensive cryptographic puzzles, making retroactive alterations impractical because an attacker would need to recalculate and outcompute the entire network to alter even one transaction. This computational barrier is proportional to network size and processing power dedicated to mining.

Statement 2 – CORRECT: Smart contracts are self-executing code protocols written on blockchain networks (particularly Ethereum) that automatically execute predetermined conditions without requiring intermediary oversight. When specified conditions are met, the contract executes automatically—transferring assets, releasing funds, or triggering complex financial instruments. This automation eliminates intermediaries, reduces transaction costs, and ensures objective execution of contract terms without human discretion or delay.

Statement 3 – INCORRECT: This statement incorrectly generalizes Bitcoin’s energy consumption to all blockchain systems. Proof-of-work consensus (used by Bitcoin and Ethereum 1.0) is computationally intensive, consuming enormous electricity. However, alternative consensus mechanisms dramatically reduce energy requirements. Proof-of-Stake (PoS), employed by Ethereum 2.0 and other networks, requires approximately 99.95% less energy than proof-of-work by eliminating mining competitions. Other mechanisms like delegated proof-of-stake, proof-of-authority, and proof-of-history consume even minimal energy. Therefore, blockchain energy consumption varies enormously based on consensus methodology, not uniformly matching Bitcoin’s consumption pattern.

QUESTION 8

Correct Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only

Explanation:

Statement 1 – CORRECT: CRISPR-Cas9 represents a revolutionary gene-editing technology adapted from bacterial immune systems. The mechanism functions as follows: The Cas9 protein, guided by RNA sequences, locates target DNA regions and creates precise double-strand breaks at specific genomic locations. Cellular DNA repair machinery subsequently attempts to rejoin broken ends through non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) or homology-directed repair (HDR). These repair processes introduce mutations that disable genes or enable precise insertions of corrective genetic sequences. This precision, efficiency, and relative simplicity make CRISPR-Cas9 superior to earlier gene-editing techniques.

Statement 2 – INCORRECT: Horizontal gene transfer in bacteria occurs through multiple mechanisms beyond direct cell-to-cell contact. Three primary methods exist: (1) Conjugation – direct transfer through physical bridges between cells (the contact-based mechanism referenced); (2) Transformation – uptake of naked DNA from the environmental medium released by lysed cells; (3) Transduction – transfer via bacteriophages (viruses) that inject genetic material from one bacterium into another. Environmental medium exposure is crucial, particularly transformation, where bacteria scavenge genetic fragments from dead organisms. This horizontal gene transfer explains rapid antibiotic resistance spread and bacterial adaptation to new substrates.

Statement 3 – CORRECT: Genetic modification of microorganisms has revolutionized biotechnology applications. Engineered bacteria synthesize insulin, growth hormones, and vaccines for human medicine. Yeast species produce bioethanol for renewable fuels and wine fermentation. Modified microorganisms accumulate heavy metals for bioremediation of contaminated soil and water. Cyanobacteria are engineered to fix atmospheric nitrogen or produce biofuels. These metabolic engineering achievements transform microorganisms into biological factories, producing compounds economically unviable through chemical synthesis.

QUESTION 9

Correct Answer: (c) A is true, but R is false

Explanation:

Assertion – CORRECT: Viruses occupy a unique biological niche between living and non-living entities. Outside host cells, viruses exist as inert particles (virions) lacking metabolism, growth, or reproduction capacity. They cannot synthesize proteins, generate energy, or maintain homeostasis independently. Upon invading host cells, viruses hijack cellular machinery—ribosomes, nucleotides, energy (ATP), and enzymes—to complete their replication cycle and produce progeny virions. This obligate parasitism on host cellular machinery distinguishes viruses from organisms capable of autonomous metabolism and reproduction. Therefore, viruses are considered dependent entities requiring host cells for their life processes.

Reason – INCORRECT: This statement presents a profound misunderstanding of viral diversity. Viruses exhibit extraordinary variation in genetic material, replication mechanisms, and host specificity. Genetic material diversity includes: DNA viruses (single-stranded or double-stranded), RNA viruses (positive-sense, negative-sense, or segmented), and retroviruses with reverse transcriptase enzymes. Replication strategies vary dramatically—some viruses enter cells through receptor-mediated endocytosis, others fuse with cellular membranes. Attachment mechanisms utilize specific viral proteins recognizing host cell receptors. Host range varies from extremely narrow (infecting single bacterial species) to broad (some plant viruses infecting multiple plant families). Therefore, viruses demonstrate remarkable biological diversity in structure, genetics, and function. The assertion is correct based on viral parasitic nature, but the reason is entirely inaccurate regarding viral uniformity.

QUESTION 10

Correct Answer: (b) Routine application of antibiotics in livestock farming combined with improper disposal of pharmaceutical waste in environmental systems

Explanation:

Antibiotic resistance represents a complex public health crisis requiring examination of resistance development mechanisms and transmission pathways:

(a) INCOMPLETE: While overuse in clinical settings contributes to resistance, this factor alone does not encompass the magnitude of the threat. Clinical settings serve primarily humans, and while significant, this pathway is monitored and regulated.

(b) CORRECT – MOST SIGNIFICANT LONG-TERM THREAT: This option identifies the most consequential resistance mechanism. Livestock receive approximately 70% of antibiotics globally in many nations—substantially exceeding human consumption. Subtherapeutic antibiotic doses in animal feed create ideal conditions for resistance selection without curing infections, meaning surviving bacteria are frequently resistant. These resistant bacteria: (1) persist in animal microbiota; (2) contaminate meat and dairy products; (3) disseminate through fecal-contaminated water systems; (4) propagate to human populations through food chains and environmental exposure. Improper pharmaceutical waste disposal further spreads resistance genes through environmental pathways, enabling transfer to environmental bacteria, which then disseminate to human pathogens through genetic exchange. This systemic, global, difficult-to-regulate pathway produces exponential resistance spread exceeding clinical setting resistance rates.

(c) INCOMPLETE: Patient non-compliance creates localized resistance but is less consequential than systemic livestock application. Education and antimicrobial stewardship programs can address compliance issues.

(d) INCORRECT: Genetic mutations occur continuously through natural evolution across all bacterial populations. Laboratory conditions are not necessary; resistance mutations emerge spontaneously in natural environments at baseline rates. Environmental selection pressure (antibiotic exposure) amplifies frequency of pre-existing mutations rather than generating novel mutations exclusively in laboratory settings.

Daily Static Quiz