Daily Static Quiz (Science and Tech) December 22, 2025

Daily Static Quiz (Science and Tech) December 22, 2025

Question 1:
Consider the following statements regarding India’s space missions:

I. Aditya-L1 spacecraft operates at the Sun-Earth Lagrangian point L2, positioned 1.5 million kilometers from Earth, providing continuous unobstructed observations of the solar corona.

II. The Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission’s secondary objective includes microgravity research through the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM), which conducts experiments in plant germination and radiation environment monitoring.

III. Gaganyaan’s three-day orbital mission at 400 km altitude is specifically designed to establish India’s capability for human space activities and support future long-duration space missions.

Which of the statements above is/are correct?

(a) Only II and III
(b) Only I and II
(c) Only II
(d) I, II and III

Question 2:
With reference to the Aditya-L1 solar mission, consider the following:

The spacecraft achieved its designated halo orbit around the L1 point after multiple Earth-bound orbital maneuvers and a trans-Lagrangian injection. Which of the following correctly describes the mission timeline and orbital mechanics?

(a) The spacecraft was inserted into orbit in 63 minutes and reached L1 within the same month of launch
(b) The spacecraft completed four Earth-bound orbital raises and reached L1 approximately 126 days after launch
(c) The spacecraft used a single trajectory correction maneuver before achieving halo orbit insertion
(d) The mission required continuous propulsive burns for the entire 126-day transit to L1

Question 3:
Consider the following observations about India’s next-generation space infrastructure:

I. The Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) under development will utilize exclusively cryogenic engines to replace the GSLV.

II. ISRO has announced plans to establish the ‘Bharatiya Antariksh Station’ as an independent space infrastructure by 2035.

III. The LVM-3 rocket is being upgraded with a semi-cryogenic engine to enhance payload capability.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) I and II only
(b) II and III only
(c) I and III only
(d) All are correct

Question 4:
Regarding recent advances in quantum computing and artificial intelligence integration, which of the following is/are accurate?

I. Logical qubits, as an error correction mechanism, have moved from theoretical research to experimental validation in quantum systems.

II. Google’s Quantum Echoes algorithm demonstrates quantum advantage by executing specific computational tasks approximately 13,000 times faster than classical supercomputers on specialized problems.

III. The practical quantum advantage demonstrated by IonQ and Ansys in March 2025 involved medical device simulation outperforming classical high-performance computing by 12%.

Select the correct answer:

(a) I and II only
(b) II and III only
(c) I and III only
(d) All three statements are correct

Question 5:
Consider the following statements about mRNA vaccine technology development:

I. mRNA vaccines encode cancer-associated antigens and activate the immune system, with personalized mRNA cancer vaccines like mRNA-4157 demonstrating 44% reduction in recurrence risk for certain cancer types.

II. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) serve as delivery vehicles for mRNA, and modifications like N1-methylpseudouridine enhanced the stability and efficacy of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines.

III. mRNA-1345 vaccine, currently in Phase III trials, is designed to provide RSV protection in geriatric and immunocompromised populations.

Which statements are correct?

(a) Only I and III
(b) Only II and III
(c) I, II, and III
(d) Only I and II

Question 6:
With respect to protein engineering and enzyme design, which of the following developments represent significant advances?

I. AlphaFold and RoseTTAFold models have enabled de novo protein design through inverse folding and diffusion-based frameworks, facilitating the creation of new functional enzymes with non-natural reaction pathways.

II. Machine learning-guided platforms have enabled directed evolution of enzymes with 30+ fold improvements in catalytic efficiency through automated design-build-test-learn workflows.

III. Cell-free gene expression systems combined with machine learning have achieved simultaneous divergent evolution, converting generalist enzymes into multiple specialist biocatalysts for distinct chemical transformations.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a) Only I
(b) Only II and III
(c) I and III only
(d) All three

Question 7:
Considering recent developments in synthetic biology and genetic engineering:

I. Synthetic small regulatory RNA (sRNA) and CRISPRi/CRISPRa systems enable gene expression regulation without modifying the genome sequence.

II. Advanced CRISPR variants with expanded PAM (Protospacer Adjacent Motif) recognition, such as SpRY (targeting NRN and NYN PAMs), have eliminated the need for monitoring off-target activity.

III. Machine learning has accelerated the identification of suitable enzymes for metabolic engineering through high-throughput screening platforms combined with in silico prediction tools.

Which statements are accurate?

(a) I and III only
(b) II and III only
(c) I and II only
(d) All three

Question 8:
With reference to 5G, edge computing, and emerging network technologies:

I. 5G and edge computing are complementary technologies where 5G increases data transmission speeds while edge computing reduces latency by bringing processing closer to end-users.

II. Edge computing is inherent to 5G standards as the primary mechanism to achieve ultra-low latency targets of 1 millisecond network latency.

III. 6G development focuses on AI-driven network optimization and ultra-low latency capabilities, with commercial viability expected around 2030.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a) I and III only
(b) Only II and III
(c) All three
(d) Only I and II

Question 9:
Consider the following regarding artificial photosynthesis technology:

I. Artificial photosynthesis systems rely on chlorophyll-like materials to absorb visible light and initiate chemical reactions for hydrogen and oxygen production.

II. Photo-electrochemical cells represent a category of artificial photosynthesis technology that integrates light absorption and water splitting into a single semiconductor-based unit.

III. AI-driven smart grids have been identified as a critical component for optimizing energy production and distribution in practical artificial photosynthesis systems.

Which statements are correct?

(a) I and II only
(b) II and III only
(c) All three
(d) Only III

Question 10:
With respect to integration of AI and blockchain in cybersecurity:

I. AI algorithms can analyze blockchain transactions in real-time to identify fraudulent activities, while blockchain ensures immutable records.

II. Decentralized identity management using blockchain with AI-enhanced biometric verification methods can reduce identity theft risks.

III. AI-enhanced cryptographic methods within blockchain systems are being developed to ensure resistance against future quantum computing threats.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a) Only I and II
(b) Only II and III
(c) All three
(d) Only I and III

ANSWER KEY WITH DETAILED EXPLANATIONS

Answer 1: (a) Only II and III

Explanation:

Statement I is incorrect: Aditya-L1 operates at the Sun-Earth L1 Lagrangian point, not L2. The L1 point is positioned approximately 1.5 million kilometers from Earth toward the Sun, whereas L2 is on the opposite side away from the Sun. Aditya-L1 achieved its halo orbit insertion on January 6, 2024, and provides continuous unobstructed views of the solar corona because it is positioned between Earth and Sun.​

Statement II is correct: The Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission’s primary objective is to demonstrate autonomous docking capabilities between satellites. Its secondary objective includes microgravity research through POEM-4 (PSLV Orbital Experimental Module), which utilizes the spent fourth stage of the PSLV as an orbital platform. This module conducts experiments in plant growth studies (germination and growth of seeds in microgravity) and radiation environment measurements to assess their impact on biological systems.​

Statement III is correct: Gaganyaan is India’s human spaceflight program targeting a 400 km orbital mission with a three-astronaut crew for a three-day duration. This mission is designed to establish India’s capability for human spaceflight activities and gather data to support future long-duration missions, including the planned Bharatiya Antariksh Station.​

Answer 2: (b)

Explanation:

Option (b) is correct. According to the official mission timeline, Aditya-L1 was launched on September 2, 2023, aboard PSLV-C57 and achieved Earth orbit insertion after 63 minutes and 20 seconds. The spacecraft then underwent four Earth-bound orbital maneuvers (on September 3, 5, 10, and 15) to gradually increase its orbit. The Trans-Lagrangian Point 1 Injection (TL1I) occurred on September 19, 2023. Finally, Aditya-L1 achieved Halo Orbit Insertion (HOI) at the L1 point on January 6, 2024, approximately 126 days after launch.​

Option (a) is incorrect because the spacecraft did not reach L1 within the same month; it required 126 days of transit.

Option (c) is incorrect because a Trajectory Correction Maneuver (TCM1) was performed on October 6, 2023, following the TL1I maneuver.

Option (d) is incorrect because the spacecraft did not require continuous propulsive burns; it used strategic orbital maneuvers during specific phases.​

Answer 3: (b) II and III only

Explanation:

Statement I is incorrect: The Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) under development will utilize a combination of semi-cryogenic, liquid, and cryogenic engines, not exclusively cryogenic engines. This tri-engine configuration is designed to provide enhanced flexibility and performance for various mission profiles.​

Statement II is correct: ISRO has announced plans to establish the ‘Bharatiya Antariksh Station’ (BAS) as India’s independent space infrastructure by 2035. This station will support long-duration crewed missions and scientific research.​

Statement III is correct: The LVM-3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3) rocket, also known as GSLV Mk III, is being upgraded with a semi-cryogenic engine to enhance its payload delivery capability and operational flexibility.​

Answer 4: (d) All three statements are correct

Explanation:

Statement I is correct: Logical qubits have advanced from theoretical research into the experimental validation phase. In 2025, researchers are conducting increased experimentation with logical qubits as error correction mechanisms mature. This represents a critical milestone in moving quantum computing toward practical, fault-tolerant systems.​

Statement II is correct: Google announced the Quantum Echoes algorithm breakthrough in 2025, demonstrating that their Willow quantum processor executes the out-of-order time correlator algorithm approximately 13,000 times faster than classical supercomputers. This represents one of the first verified instances of quantum advantage on specialized computational tasks.​

Statement III is correct: In March 2025, IonQ and Ansys achieved a significant practical milestone by running a medical device simulation on IonQ’s 36-qubit quantum computer that outperformed classical high-performance computing by 12 percent. This represents one of the first documented cases of quantum computing delivering genuine practical advantage over classical methods in a real-world application.​

Answer 5: (c) I, II, and III

Explanation:

Statement I is correct: mRNA vaccines encode cancer-associated antigens and activate the immune system to recognize and attack tumor cells. mRNA-4157, a personalized neoantigen-based mRNA cancer vaccine, demonstrated a 44% reduction in recurrence risk (HR = 0.56) when combined with pembrolizumab compared to pembrolizumab monotherapy alone.​

Statement II is correct: Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) serve as essential delivery vehicles for mRNA therapeutics. The modification of mRNA nucleotides, particularly N1-methylpseudouridine (a modification of pseudouridine), significantly enhanced the stability and efficacy of mRNA vaccines. This modification was crucial for the development and success of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines during the pandemic.​

Statement III is correct: mRNA-1345, developed by Moderna, is an mRNA vaccine specifically designed to protect against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). The vaccine is currently undergoing Phase III clinical trials (NCT05330975, NCT06067230) and has received FDA fast-track designation for administration in individuals aged 60 years and older.​

Answer 6: (d) All three

Explanation:

Statement I is correct: AlphaFold and RoseTTAFold represent transformative advances in protein structure prediction and design. These AI models employ diffusion-based frameworks and inverse folding approaches that have enabled the de novo design of entirely new enzymes with non-natural reaction pathways. AlphaFold3 uses a unified diffusion-based framework for comprehensive biomolecular prediction, while RFDiffusion specifically enables novel protein generation and ProteinMPNN provides inverse folding for sequence-structure co-optimization.​

Statement II is correct: Machine learning-guided platforms have achieved dramatic improvements in enzyme engineering. By integrating cell-free DNA assembly, cell-free gene expression, and functional assays in automated design-build-test-learn (DBTL) workflows, researchers have demonstrated catalytic efficiency improvements ranging from 5.9-fold to 34-fold increases in enzyme activity. For example, engineering of an amide synthetase (McbA) achieved 34-fold improvement over wild-type enzyme.​

Statement III is correct: Researchers have successfully developed high-throughput, ML-guided protein engineering frameworks combining cell-free gene expression with directed evolution. These systems enabled simultaneous divergent evolution campaigns that converted a generalist enzyme into multiple specialist biocatalysts, each optimized for distinct chemical transformations. This approach represents a paradigm shift in rapid enzyme development, sometimes completing what would normally take months in days.​

Answer 7: (a) I and III only

Explanation:

Statement I is correct: Synthetic small regulatory RNA (sRNA), CRISPRi (CRISPR interference), and CRISPRa (CRISPR activation) represent powerful tools for regulating gene expression without modifying the genome sequence itself. These systems allow for precise control of gene activity through transcriptional regulation rather than permanent genetic changes.​

Statement II is incorrect: While advanced CRISPR variants like SpRY have been engineered to recognize expanded PAM sequences (NRN and NYN PAMs) and broadened PAM specificities, researchers explicitly acknowledge that these less restricted gene-editing systems have yet to be fully optimized in primary immune cells and require continued monitoring of off-target activity. The statement that there is no need to monitor off-target effects is inaccurate.​

Statement III is correct: Machine learning has significantly accelerated enzyme discovery and selection for metabolic engineering. High-throughput screening platforms combined with in silico (in-computer) prediction tools, particularly utilizing BioMatchMaker® and similar AI-assisted platforms, enable researchers to rapidly identify suitable wild-type enzyme sequences for specific chemical transformations from large databases, substantially reducing the time from concept to implementation.​

Answer 8: (c) All three

Explanation:

Statement I is correct: 5G and edge computing are indeed complementary and symbiotic technologies. 5G increases data transmission speeds by approximately ten times that of 4G, while edge computing reduces latency by processing data closer to end-users. Both technologies work together to enable real-time applications requiring minimal latency and high throughput.​

Statement II is correct: Edge computing is inherent to 5G standards as the primary mechanism to achieve the ultra-low latency targets of 1 millisecond network latency specified in 5G standards. While 5G lab demonstrations show speeds more than twenty times faster than LTE, achieving consistent ultra-low latency in real-world deployments requires edge computing to reduce the distance data must travel for processing.​

Statement III is correct: 6G research and development is actively progressing, with current groundwork being laid for commercial viability around 2030. The technology focuses on several key areas including AI-driven network optimization, ultra-low latency capabilities (potentially below 1ms), extended reality (XR) support, and smart city infrastructure integration.​

Answer 9: (c) All three

Explanation:

Statement I is correct: Artificial photosynthesis systems utilize materials that function analogously to chlorophyll in natural photosynthesis. These synthetic light-absorbing materials capture visible light energy and initiate chemical reactions that split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. The design often incorporates nanotechnology and advanced materials science to optimize light absorption and energy conversion.​

Statement II is correct: Photo-electrochemical cells represent one of three primary categories of artificial photosynthesis technology (alongside photocatalysis and photovoltaic-driven electrolysis). These devices integrate light absorption and water-splitting functions into a single semiconductor-based unit, combining the roles performed separately in other artificial photosynthesis designs.​

Statement III is correct: AI-driven smart grids have been identified as essential for practical implementation of artificial photosynthesis systems. These AI systems optimize energy production and distribution in real-time, enable predictive maintenance by analyzing sensor data to detect faults early, and enhance overall energy optimization by forecasting production and adjusting operations dynamically. This integration is described as “a significant step towards practical artificial photosynthesis systems.”​

Answer 10: (c) All three

Explanation:

Statement I is correct: The combination of AI and blockchain creates powerful synergistic security capabilities. AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of blockchain transaction data in real-time to identify suspicious or fraudulent activities, flagging anomalies for immediate response. Simultaneously, blockchain’s decentralized ledger ensures data immutability and transparency, creating an auditable record of all transactions. This combination addresses both detection and prevention of fraud.​

Statement II is correct: Decentralized identity management using blockchain with AI-enhanced biometric verification methods represents a promising solution to identity theft and unauthorized access challenges. Blockchain’s decentralized architecture prevents identity information from being stored in single locations, reducing breach risks. AI can enhance security through advanced biometric authentication (facial recognition, voice patterns, behavioral analysis) while storing verification data on blockchain, giving users greater control over personal information.​

Statement III is correct: Researchers are actively developing AI-enhanced cryptographic methods within blockchain systems designed to ensure resistance against future quantum computing threats. This represents an important forward-looking initiative since future quantum computers could potentially break today’s standard encryption. The integration of post-quantum cryptographic algorithms with blockchain and AI-based monitoring creates a multi-layered defense against emerging quantum computational threats.

​

Daily Static Quiz