Target 2018 UPSC – Science & Technology Current Affairs

Table of Contents

Particle Physics

1. The term ‘Event Horizon’, ‘Singularity’, ‘string theroy’ and ‘standard
model’ are some times seen in the news in  the context of [UPSC (Pre)  2017]
(a) Observation and understanding of the
(b) Study of the solar and lunar eclipses
(c) Placing satellite in the orbit of the earth
(d) Origin and evolution of living organism.
2. What is the purpose of ‘evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antennd’
(eLISA) project? [UPSC (Pre) 2017]
(a) To detect neutrinos
(b) To detect gravitational waves
(c) To dect the effectiveness of missile defence system
(d) To study the effect of solar flares on Communication system.
3. The term ‘Goldilocks Zone’
is often seen in the news in the context of [UPSC (Pre)—2015]
(a)  the limits of habitable zone above the surface of the Earth
(b)  region inside the Earth where shale gas is available
(c)  search for the Earth-Iike planets in outer space
(d)  search for meteorites containing precious metals
4. In the context of modem scientific research, consider the
following statements about ‘Ice Cube’, a particle detector
located at South Pole, which was recently in the
news: [UPSC (Pre)—2015].
1. It is the world’s largest neutrino detector, encompassing a cubic kilo metre of ice.
2. It is a powerful telescope to search for dark matter.
3. It is buried deep in the ice.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only  (c) 1and3only  (d) 1,2and3
5. The efforts to detect the existence of Higgs Boson particle have
become frequent news in the recent past. What is/are the
importance/importances of discovering this particle?
[UPSC (Pre)  – 2013]
1.It will enable us to understand as to why elementary particles have mass.
2.It will enable us in the near future to develop the technology of
transferring matter from one point to another without traversing the
physical space between them.
3. It will enable us to create better fuels for nuclear fission.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
6. A team of scientists at Brook-haven National Laboratory
including those from India created the heaviest anti-matter
(anti-helium). What is/are the implications of the creation
of anti-matter? [UPSC (Pre)  – 2012]
1.It will make mineral prospecting and oil exploration easier and cheaper.
2.It will help probe the possibility of the existence of stars and galaxies made of anti-matter.
3. It will help understand evolution of the universe.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
7. Which of the following is/are cited by the  scientists as
evidence/evidences for the continued expansion of universe?
[UPSC (Pre)  – 2012]
1. Detection of microwave
2. Observation of redshift phenomenon in space
3. Movement of asteroids in space
4. Occurrence of supernova explosions in space
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4
(d) None of the above can be as an evidence
8. Electrically charged particles from space travelling at speeds of
several hundred km/sec. can severely harm living beings if they reach
the surface of the Earth. What prevents them from reaching the surface of
the Earth? [UPSC (Pre)  – 2012]
(a) The Earth’s magnetic field diverts them towards its poles.
(b) Ozone layer around the Earth reflects them back to outer space.
(c) Moisture in the upper layers of atmosphere prevents them from reaching the surface of the Earth.
(d) None of the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above is correct.