UPSC Essentials | Daily Subject-Wise Quiz: Science and Technology MCQs (Week 149)
Are you gearing up for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) Prelims 2026? This Science and Technology quiz is designed to help you assess your progress and revise critical static syllabus topics. Written by Nitendra Pal Singh, this 9-minute read offers a comprehensive review of key concepts.
Quiz Overview and Importance
UPSC Essentials presents its initiative of subject-wise quizzes to aid aspirants in revising essential topics from the static portion of the syllabus. Today's focus is on Science and Technology, covering diverse areas such as astronomy, defense technology, space missions, and advanced materials. Attempting this quiz will enhance your understanding and readiness for the upcoming exam.
Question 1: The Oort Cloud
With reference to the Oort Cloud, consider the following statements:
- These are made of icy pieces of space debris.
- It is the boundary of the Sun's gravitational influence, where orbiting objects can turn around and return closer to our Sun.
- It lies between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.
- It is directly observable through modern space telescopes.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four
Relevance: The Oort Cloud is frequently in the news due to its association with long-period comets, interstellar objects, and deep-space exploration missions. UPSC Prelims often includes conceptual questions on Solar System structure, making this topic crucial under Science & Technology (Space), especially for mission-based and astronomy-based factual matching questions.
Explanation: The Oort Cloud is a theoretical shell of icy space debris, some pieces larger than mountains, orbiting the Sun at distances up to 1.6 light years. It spans from 5,000 to 100,000 astronomical units (AU), where one AU is the distance from the Sun to Earth (approximately 93 million miles or 150 million km). Statement 1 is correct as it consists of icy debris. Statement 2 is correct because it marks the boundary of the Sun's gravitational influence, where objects can reverse direction. However, statement 3 is incorrect; the Oort Cloud is located beyond the Kuiper Belt, not between Mars and Jupiter. Statement 4 is also incorrect, as it has never been directly observed but is inferred from mathematical models and comet observations. Thus, only two statements are correct, making option (b) the answer. Source: science.nasa.gov.
Question 2: Boeing P-8I Aircraft
With reference to the Boeing P-8I aircraft, consider the following statements:
- It is a multi-role Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Anti-Submarine Warfare (LRMR ASW) aircraft.
- India is set to procure six additional Boeing P-8I aircraft from France.
- It can be armed with Harpoon anti-ship missiles and torpedoes.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None
Relevance: The Boeing P-8I is significant for enhancing India's maritime surveillance and Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region. This topic is often in the news due to defense procurements, Indo-Pacific strategy, and naval modernization, making it a key focus for UPSC Prelims.
Explanation: The Boeing P-8I is indeed a multi-role LRMR ASW aircraft, so statement 1 is correct. However, statement 2 is incorrect; India is procuring six additional aircraft from the United States, not France, as part of an inter-governmental agreement. Statement 3 is correct, as the P-8I can be equipped with Harpoon anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, and depth charges for anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare. Therefore, two statements are correct, and option (b) is the answer. Additional source: indiannavy.gov.in.
Question 3: HiRISE Camera
The HiRISE camera is the primary, high-resolution imaging instrument aboard:
(a) Nasa's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO)
(b) ISRO's Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan)
(c) ESA's Mars Express
(d) China's Tianwen-1 orbiter
Relevance: HiRISE is frequently highlighted for providing high-resolution images of Mars, aiding in landing site analysis and surface studies. This topic is important under Science & Technology for comparative knowledge of Mars missions by NASA, ISRO, ESA, and China.
Explanation: The High-Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera is the primary high-resolution imager on NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO). It has been instrumental in analyzing Martian terrain, including recent tests where AI used HiRISE images to plan safe routes for the Perseverance rover, identifying hazards like sand traps and boulders. This underscores the growing role of AI in space exploration. Thus, option (a) is correct. Source: AP.
Question 4: Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPMs)
Which of the following are the applications of the Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPMs)?
- Electric vehicle motors
- Wind turbine generators
- Precision sensors
- Aerospace systems
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 (c) 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Relevance: REPMs are regularly in the news due to supply chain challenges, China's dominance, and India's efforts in key mineral security. UPSC Prelims often links rare earth elements to their strategic and industrial applications, making this topic highly relevant.
Explanation: Rare Earth Permanent Magnets are powerful magnets known for their high magnetic force and stability, suitable for advanced technical uses. The Union Budget 2026-27 proposes Dedicated Rare Earth Corridors in states like Odisha and Kerala to boost mining and manufacturing, aligning with national goals like Atmanirbhar Bharat and Net Zero 2070. REPMs are used in electric vehicle motors, wind turbine generators, precision sensors, aerospace systems, defense equipment, and consumer electronics. Therefore, all four applications listed are correct, making option (d) the answer. Source: pib.gov.in.
Question 5: National Large Solar Telescope (NLST)
Consider the following statements about the National Large Solar Telescope:
- It is a 2-metre aperture solar telescope, coming up in the Merak region near the Pangong Tso lake.
- It will operate in the visible and near-infrared wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum.
- Currently, the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory and the Udaipur Solar Observatory are operational in India.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Relevance: The NLST is crucial for India's expanding focus on solar research, especially post-missions like Aditya-L1. UPSC often includes questions on astronomical instruments, wavelengths, and Indian space infrastructure, making this factual combination highly pertinent.
Explanation: The National Large Solar Telescope, approved in the Union Budget, is a 2-metre aperture telescope to be located in Merak near Pangong Tso lake in Ladakh. It will operate in visible and near-infrared wavelengths, aiding studies of solar dynamics and space weather. Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Once operational in 5-6 years, NLST will become India's third ground-based solar observatory, joining the existing Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (Tamil Nadu) and Udaipur Solar Observatory (Rajasthan), so statement 3 is also correct. Thus, option (d) is the answer.
Conclusion and Further Resources
This quiz covers essential Science and Technology topics for UPSC Prelims 2026. Regular practice with such quizzes can significantly boost your revision efforts. For more resources, explore previous daily subject-wise quizzes on History, Polity, Economy, Environment, and International Relations. Stay updated with the latest UPSC cues by subscribing to relevant newsletters and following official channels.
