Science and Technology

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Consider the following statements regarding India's scientific outreach initiatives in September 2026:

"Vigyan Ki Baat" is a monthly lecture series launched by the Department of Science & Technology (DST).
The second edition of the series focuses on foundational physical sciences and quantum technology.
CSIR-NIScPR is the nodal institution for implementing the Digital Library of Scientific Achievements.

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

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct; the series was launched by DST to deepen the public connect with science. Statement 2 is correct; the second edition (Sept 26) features the S.N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences focusing on quantum tech and physical sciences. Statement 3 is correct; CSIR-NIScPR acts as the nodal body for the "Digital Library of Scientific Achievements," a common repository for showcasing the work of India's scientific institutions to the public.

2.In the context of synthetic biology, a "chassis" refers to:

AThe regulatory framework for biotech patents
BA standardized, well‑characterized organism used to host engineered genetic circuits
CThe protein scaffold for enzyme immobilization
DThe lipid bilayer of a synthetic vesicle

Explanation

A chassis is a host cell (commonly E. coli, yeast, or a minimal genome bacterium) that provides the cellular machinery for executing synthetic genetic constructs, analogous to a vehicle frame in engineering.

3.A block of mass 5 kg slides down a frictionless inclined plane of height 8 m. What is its speed at the bottom?

A7.84 m/s
B8.00 m/s
C9.90 m/s
D12.65 m/s

Explanation

Using conservation of mechanical energy: mgh = ½ mv² → v = √(2gh) = √(2×9.8×8) ≈ √(156.8) ≈ 12.52 m/s. Wait, calculation: 2*9.8*8 = 156.8, sqrt = 12.52 m/s. The closest option is 12.65 m/s (index 3). Correct answer is option index 3.

In studies conducted by Donna G. Blackmond and Yujiro Hayashi on L-proline–catalysed reactions in mixed phase systems, how is asymmetric amplification (+NLE) achieved without using multi-ligand metal complexes?

A
By heating the reaction mixture to eliminate the L-enantiomer completely.
B
By forming a solid precipitate of the racemic compound above the solubility limit, leaving a liquid phase with an enriched eutectic composition.
C
By adding chiral crown ethers that destroy the proline molecular skeleton.
D
By passing circularly polarized light continuously through the organocatalytic reactor.

Explanation

Option (b) is correct: Blackmond and Hayashi independently showed that when scalemic proline is present above its solubility limit, a racemic solid compound precipitates out. The solution phase remaining achieves a eutectic composition enriched in ee (around 50% ee), thereby displaying a +NLE for ee< 50% without requiring ML metal-ligand complexes.
Options (a), (c), and (d) are incorrect: Option (a) would destroy reactivity; (c) is factually incorrect; (d) relates to separate symmetry-breaking initiation experiments, not proline mixed-phase eutectic amplification.

5.The half‑life of a radioactive isotope is:

AThe time taken for the activity to become half of its initial value
BThe time taken for the mass to reduce by half
CThe time taken for one atom to decay
DThe time taken for the emitted radiation to be reduced by half

Explanation

Half‑life is defined as the time required for half of the radioactive nuclei in a sample to decay, which reduces the activity to 50 % of its original value.

6.Which quantum algorithm provides exponential speed‑up for integer factorisation, posing a threat to RSA encryption?

AGrover’s algorithm
BShor’s algorithm
CDeutsch‑Jozsa algorithm
DQuantum Fourier Transform

Explanation

Shor’s algorithm can factor large integers in polynomial time on a sufficiently large quantum computer, undermining the security of RSA and related public‑key cryptosystems.

7.The ‘endosymbiotic theory’ proposes that mitochondria originated from:

AA photosynthetic cyanobacterium engulfed by an archaeal cell.
BA proteobacterial cell engulfed by a primitive eukaryote.
CA virus that integrated into the host genome.
DA plasmid that acquired a membrane.

Explanation

According to the endosymbiotic theory, an ancestral aerobic proteobacterium was engulfed by an early eukaryotic cell, eventually evolving into mitochondria.

8.Which ethical concern is most prominent when deploying AI‑based facial recognition for fan identification in stadiums?

AAlgorithmic bias in player selection
BData privacy and consent of spectators
COver‑reliance on AI for coaching decisions
DCarbon footprint of AI hardware

Explanation

Facial‑recognition systems collect biometric data of spectators. The primary ethical issue is safeguarding privacy, obtaining informed consent, and preventing misuse of personal data.

9.In the human circulatory system, the foramen ovale is a structure that:

AConnects the right and left ventricles in the adult heart
BAllows blood flow between the left and right atria in the fetus
CSeparates the pulmonary and systemic circuits
DRegulates blood pressure in the aorta

Explanation

The foramen ovale is an opening between the right and left atria in the fetal heart, enabling oxygen‑rich blood from the placenta to bypass the non‑functional fetal lungs.

10.Synthetic biology aims to:

ACreate artificial intelligence that mimics human cognition
BEngineer organisms with novel functions by redesigning genetic circuits
CDevelop high‑temperature superconductors for power grids
DProduce nanomaterials using top‑down lithography

Explanation

Synthetic biology combines engineering principles with biology to design and construct new biological parts, devices, and systems, such as microbes that produce bio‑fuels, pharmaceuticals, or environmental sensors.

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