Science – GK Questions

XRD analyzes diffraction patterns of X-rays scattered by crystal lattice, revealing atomic arrangement, unit cell parameters, phase identification. Fundamental for materials characterization. [[NCERT Chemistry Class 12]]

Atal Bhujal Yojana (2020) is a World Bank-assisted scheme for participatory groundwater management in water-stressed areas. Aims to improve water security and livelihoods. [[Jal Shakti Ministry Reports]]

DSSCs mimic photosynthesis: dye molecules absorb photons, inject electrons into TiO₂ semiconductor, regenerated by electrolyte. Low-cost, flexible alternative to silicon PV; active research area. [[MNRE Reports]]

Passport Seva (https://portal.passportindia.gov.in) is the integrated online platform for passport services: application, appointment, tracking, grievance redressal. Part of Mission Mode Projects under Digital India. [[MEA Reports]]

Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) offers ₹5 lakh annual coverage for ~50 crore beneficiaries. World's largest government-funded healthcare program. [[NHA, MoHFW Reports]]

Flow reactors offer precise temperature/residence time control, easier scale-up, reduced waste, and safer handling of hazardous intermediates. Aligns with green chemistry principles. [[NCERT Chemistry Class 12]]

Depletion region: majority carriers diffuse across junction, recombine, leaving immobile ions. Creates built-in potential barrier. Fundamental to diode rectification, transistor operation. [[NCERT Physics Class 12]]

Sendai Framework emphasizes proactive risk reduction: understanding risk, strengthening governance, investing in resilience, enhancing preparedness. India aligns national policies with its targets. [[NDMA, UNDRR Reports]]

PMGDISHA (2017) trains rural citizens in digital skills: operating devices, internet usage, digital payments, e-governance services. Key for inclusive digital India. [[MeitY Reports]]

BLAST (Basic Local Alignment Search Tool) compares nucleotide/protein sequences against databases to find regions of similarity. Fundamental for evolutionary studies, functional annotation, diagnostics. [[NCERT Biology Class 12]]

Zeolites (e.g., ZSM-5) have shape-selective pores for catalytic cracking, isomerization. Solid acid catalysts easily separated from products. Critical for clean fuel production. [[NCERT Chemistry Class 12]]

Pumped hydro stores energy by pumping water uphill during low demand; releases through turbines during peak. Accounts for >90% of global grid storage capacity. India has several operational plants. [[MNRE Reports]]

UPI security: MPIN for app access, OTP for transaction verification, biometric (fingerprint/face) for device unlock. Multi-factor authentication minimizes fraud risks. [[NPCI, RBI Guidelines]]

Agricultural drones equipped with multispectral sensors assess crop health (NDVI), soil moisture, pest infestation. Enable precision application of inputs, optimizing yield and sustainability. [[MoA Reports, ISRO]]

MOFs are porous crystalline materials with tunable pores. Applications: hydrogen/methane storage, CO₂ capture, drug delivery, catalysis. Active area of materials chemistry research. [[NCERT Chemistry Class 12]]

Adaptation combines hard (seawalls), nature-based (mangroves buffer storms), and social measures (planning, early warning). India's National Adaptation Fund supports such projects. [[MoEFCC, NDMA Reports]]

QKD (e.g., BB84 protocol) uses quantum properties: any eavesdropping disturbs quantum states (uncertainty), detectable by legitimate users. Enables theoretically unbreakable encryption. India's National Quantum Mission supports R&D. [[DST Reports]]

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]]

Pluripotent cells (embryonic stem cells, iPSCs) can form all embryonic lineages (ectoderm, mesoderm, endoderm) but not extra-embryonic tissues. Totipotent (zygote) can form entire organism. [[NCERT Biology Class 12]]

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]]