1. What is 'SurfNet'?

(a) It is an artificial intelligence software that can create 3D models from two dimensional photographs.

(b) It is a ransomware, a type of malware that blocks access to a computer or its data and demands money to release it.

(c) It is a software that helps the blind people to surf the internet through voice commands.

(d) It is a software that tracks the prices of virtual currencies globally.

Answer: (a)

Explanation: Scientists, including one of Indian origin, have developed a new artificial intelligence (AI) software called SurfNet that can create three dimensional (3D) models from 2D photographs. When fully developed SurfNet could have significant applications in the fields of 3D searches on the internet. In advance version it may allow future robots to navigate in the real world.

2. Which of the following pollutants are considered for calculating the Air Quality Index in India?

(1) Ammonia

(2) Lead

(3) Ozone

(4) Carbon dioxide

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 2, 3 and 4 only

(c) 1, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (d)

Explanation: The National AQI is published for every month by CPCB along with a numerical value and a colour code which helps in comparing air pollution levels in cities. It is determined on the basis of concentration of 8 pollutants, including Particulate Matter (PM 2.5, PM 10), sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), ammonia (NH3) and lead (Pb). The colour categories are classified into 6 categories depending upon numerical value as Good (0-50), Satisfactory (51-100), Moderately polluted (101-200), Poor (201-300), Very poor (301-400) and Severe (401-500).

3. Under which of the following Mission/Yojana the Union government will employ Embryo Transfer Technology to optimize genetic improvement in cattle?

(a) Rashtriya Gokul Mission

(b) National Mission on Bovine Productivity

(c) Govardhan Gram Yojana

(d) National Mission on Bovine Breeding

Answer: (b)

Explanation: Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries in co-operation with 12 States have undertaken a Mass Embryo Transfer programme in Indigenous Breeds under the scheme, National Mission on Bovine Productivity.

4. Regarding the India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) project, which of the following statements is/are correct?

(1) The project is to be set up in the Brahmagiri mountain range in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra.

(2) The project is jointly supported by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (b)

Explanation: Recently the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF’s) has given environmental clearance to India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) project to be set up in Bodi West hills in Tamil Nadu. The approval was given by MoEF’s Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) after taking up INO project issue as special case. The project aims at building a world

class underground laboratory with a rock cover of approximately 1200 meter. Its mandate is to conduct basic research on elementary particle called neutrino. It is jointly supported by Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Department of Science & Technology (DST), with DAE acting as the nodal agency. The observatory will be located underground in order to provide adequate shielding to the neutrino detector from cosmic background radiation.

5. “Time Crystal” is a strange state of matter unveiled by scientists in 2017. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding “Time Crystal”?

(1) A time crystal is a structure that repeats in time, as well as in space unlike normal three-dimensional crystals which have a repeating pattern in space but remain unchanged as time passes.

(2) A time crystal never reaches thermal equilibrium.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (c)

Explanation: A time crystal or space-time crystal is a structure that repeats in time, as well as in space. Normal three-dimensional crystals have a repeating pattern in space (Crystals, such as diamond and quartz, are made of atoms arranged in a repeating pattern in space) butremain unchanged as time passes. Time crystals repeat themselves in time as well, leading the crystal to change from moment to moment. It was first predicted in 2012 by Nobel Prize winner Frank Wilczek from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. A time crystal never reaches thermal equilibrium, as it is a type of non-equilibrium matter — a form of matter proposed in 2012, and first observed in 2017. This state of matter cannot be isolated from its environment – it is an open system in non-equilibrium.