Science – Medium Level – GK Questions

LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) calculates distance via time-of-flight of laser pulses. Critical for autonomous vehicles, robotics, topographic mapping, archaeology. [[ISRO, MeitY Reports]]

Supercritical CO₂ (above 31°C, 73 atm) has gas-like diffusivity and liquid-like solvation power. Non-toxic, non-flammable, easily separable. Embodies green chemistry principles. [[NCERT Chemistry Class 12]]

Computed Tomography (CT) rotates X-ray source/detectors around patient; computer reconstructs slices. Superior for bone, trauma, lung imaging. Higher radiation dose than X-ray radiography. [[NCERT Physics Class 12]]

DPDP Act 2023 establishes framework for processing personal data, emphasizing consent, purpose limitation, data principal rights. Aligns with global standards while addressing Indian context. [[MeitY Reports]]

AMR arises via mutation, horizontal gene transfer. Misuse of antibiotics accelerates resistance. India's National Action Plan on AMR (2017) addresses surveillance, stewardship, R&D. Critical global health threat. [[MoHFW, WHO Reports]]

Smart Cities Mission (2015) promotes area-based development with sustainable mobility, water/energy efficiency, ICT integration, and citizen participation. 100 cities selected across India. [[MoHUA Reports]]

AR enhances real-world view with computer-generated elements (text, 3D models) via smartphones, glasses. Applications: education, navigation, retail, industrial maintenance. Distinct from VR (fully immersive). [[MeitY Reports]]

Microplastics (<5 mm) originate from degraded larger plastics or microbeads. Found in oceans, soil, air, and human tissues. India banned single-use plastics (2022) to address this crisis. [[CPCB, MoEFCC Reports]]

Electroluminescence in LEDs: electron-hole recombination across bandgap emits photons (light). Energy (color) determined by semiconductor bandgap (e.g., GaAsP for red). Energy-efficient lighting. [[NCERT Physics Class 12]]

MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) uses publish-subscribe model for efficient machine-to-machine communication. Ideal for sensor networks, smart homes, industrial IoT. [[MeitY Guidelines]]

ZBNF (Subhash Palekar) uses Jeevamrut (microbial culture), Bijamrita (seed treatment), Mulching, and Waaphasa (soil aeration) to enhance soil health and reduce costs. Promoted in several Indian states. [[MoA Reports]]

Ultrasound (>20 kHz) penetrates tissues; echoes create images (sonography). Also used in cleaning, NDT, pest repellents. Non-ionizing and safe for prenatal scans. [[NCERT Physics Class 11]]

Immutability: once data is added to a block and chained via hashes, altering it requires recalculating all subsequent blocks across the network—computationally infeasible. Core to trustless systems. [[NITI Aayog Reports]]

Light-dependent reactions: chlorophyll absorbs photons, excites electrons, splits water, generates ATP/NADPH. Calvin cycle uses these to fix CO₂. Foundation of life on Earth. [[NCERT Biology Class 11]]

Blue carbon ecosystems store carbon in biomass and sediments at rates higher than terrestrial forests. Conservation supports climate mitigation and coastal protection. India has significant mangrove cover. [[MoEFCC, UNEP Reports]]

Gut microbes train immune cells, produce vitamins (K, B12), ferment fiber to SCFAs. Dysbiosis linked to obesity, IBD, mental health. Probiotics/prebiotics modulate microbiome. [[ICMR Reports, NCERT Biology Class 12]]

Waste incineration burns MSW to generate steam, driving turbines for electricity. Reduces landfill volume but requires emission controls. Part of integrated waste management. [[MoEFCC Guidelines]]

Perovskite PV cells (hybrid organic-inorganic) offer high efficiency, low cost, and flexibility. Challenges: stability, scalability. India's National Solar Mission supports R&D in next-gen PV. [[MNRE Reports]]

Forensic imaging (e.g., FTK Imager, dd) creates exact clones preserving metadata and deleted files. Essential for legal evidence collection without altering original data. [[CERT-In Guidelines]]

NAQI monitors 8 pollutants: PM10, PM2.5, NO₂, SO₂, CO, O₃, NH₃, Pb. CO₂ is a greenhouse gas but not a criteria air pollutant for NAQI. Important distinction for environmental exams. [[CPCB Guidelines]]