Indian team discovers rare ‘bow and arrow’ radio galaxy two billion light years from Earth

Which one of the following is a reason why astronomical distances are measured in light-years?

1. A. Distances among stellar bodies do not change.
2. B. Gravity of stellar bodies does not change.
3. C. Light always travels in a straight line.
4. D. Speed of light is always same.

Consider the following statements with regard to involvement of private entities in India's space programme :

1. The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) is an autonomous agency formed to facilitate participation of private entities.
2. Agnikul Cosmos launched the world's first flight using 3D-printed rocket engine.
3. Skyroot Aerospace has developed liquid fuel for GSLV.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

1. A. 1 only
2. B. 2 and 3 only
3. C. 1 and 2 only
4. D. 1, 2 and 3

GPS-Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) uses a system of ground stations to provide necessary augmentation. Which of the following statements is/are correct in respect of GAGAN?

I. It is designed to provide additional accuracy and integrity.
II. It will allow more uniform and high quality air traffic management.
III. It will provide benefits only in aviation but not in other modes of transportation.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. A. I, II and III
2. B. II and III only
3. C. I only
4. D. I and II only

Recently, scientists observed the merger of giant ‘blackholes’ billions of light-years away from the Earth. What is the significance of this observation?

1. A. ‘Higgs boson particles’ were detected.
2. B. ‘Gravitational waves’ were detected.
3. C. Possibility of intergalactic space travel through ‘wormhole’ was confirmed.
4. D. It enabled the scientists to understand ‘singularity’.

Consider the following pairs :
Objects in space: Description
1. Cepheids: Giant clouds of dust and gas in space
2. Nebulae: Stars which brighten and dim periodically
3. Pulsars: Neutron stars that are formed when massive stars run out of fuel and collapse

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

1. A. Only one
2. B. Only two
3. C. All three
4. D. None

What is the purpose of ‘evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (eLISA)’ project?

1. A. To detect neutrinos
2. B. To detect gravitational waves
3. C. To detect the effectiveness of missile defence system
4. D. To study the effect of solar flares on our communication systems

Consider the following statements regarding: The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO

1. is also called the Mars Orbiter Mission
2. made India the second country to have a spacecraft orbit the Mars after USA
3. made India the only country to be successful in making its spacecraft orbit the Mars in its very first attempt

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A. 1 only
2. B. 2 and 3 only
3. C. 1 and 3 only
4. D. 1, 2 and 3

Which of the following statements about Rare Earth Elements (REEs) and Critical Minerals is/are correct ?

1. Modern technological innovations including Artificial Intelligence, robotics and space exploration extensively utilise Rare Earth Elements (REEs).
2. China has the highest share in mining of REEs followed by India.
3. The Government of India launched the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) in 2025 to establish a robust framework for self-reliance in the critical mineral sector.
4. Rare Earth Elements are a set of 13 metallic elements.

Select the answer using the code given below :

1. A. 1 and 3 only
2. B. 3 only
3. C. 1, 3 and 4
4. D. 1, 2 and 4

“The experiment will employ a trio of spacecraft flying in formation in the shape of an equilateral triangle that has sides one million kilometres long, with lasers shining between the craft”. The experiment in question refers to

1. A. Voyager
2. B. New Horizons
3. C. LISA Pathfinder
4. D. Evolved LISA

Consider the following space missions:

I. Axiom-4
II. SpaDeX
III. Gaganyaan

How many of the space missions given above encourage and support micro-gravity research?

1. A. Only one
2. B. Only two
3. C. All the three
4. D. None

Does tribal development in India centre around two axes, those of displacement and of rehabilitation? Give your opinion.

Achieving sustainable growth with emphasis on environmental protection could come into conflict with poor people’s needs in a country like India – Comment.

How do you account for the growing fast food industries given that there are increased health concerns in modern society? Illustrate your answer with the Indian experience.

India aims to become a semiconductor manufacturing hub. What are the challenges faced by the semiconductor industry in India? Mention the salient features of the India Semiconductor Mission.

Mahatma Jotirao Phule’s writings and efforts of social reforms touched issues of almost all subaltern classes. Discuss.

Do you think that globalization results in only an aggressive consumer culture? Justify your answer.

With reference to the recent discovery of RAD-BAARG, consider the following statements: 1. It is a newly identified exoplanet located approximately two billion light-years from Earth. 2. Its unique 'bow and arrow' shape is attributed to the interaction of its radio plasma with a large bow-shock structure. 3. The discovery was made by an Indian-led team using the LOFAR Two-metre Sky Survey. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A. 1 and 2 only
2. B. 2 and 3 only
3. C. 1 and 3 only
4. D. 1, 2 and 3

Which of the following statements best describes 'RAD@home Astronomy Collaboratory', recently mentioned in the news?

1. A. It is an international consortium for developing next-generation space telescopes.
2. B. It is India's first citizen science research platform in astronomy.
3. C. It is a government-funded agency responsible for launching Indian satellites.
4. D. It is a private company specializing in space tourism.

Consider the following statements regarding 'Radio Galaxies': 1. They are a type of active galaxy that emits very high amounts of energy in the form of radio waves. 2. They are powered by supermassive black holes at their core. 3. The 'bow-shock' structures observed in some radio galaxies are formed when the host galaxy moves slower than the speed of sound in the surrounding intra-cluster medium. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A. 1 only
2. B. 1 and 2 only
3. C. 2 and 3 only
4. D. 1, 2 and 3

The discovery of RAD-BAARG by an Indian-led team highlights India's growing prowess in space science and the potential of citizen science initiatives. Discuss the significance of such discoveries for India's scientific landscape and the role of citizen science platforms in fostering innovation and research.

Introduce the RAD-BAARG discovery and its Indian connection. Elaborate on how such discoveries enhance India's global standing in space science and technology. Discuss the concept of citizen science, its benefits (e.g., democratizing research, talent identification, cost-effectiveness), and challenges in the Indian context, using RAD@home as an example.

The 'bow and arrow' morphology of RAD-BAARG provides a unique insight into the interaction between radio plasma and large-scale shock fronts in the intergalactic medium. Examine the scientific principles behind such phenomena and the crucial role of advanced observational facilities like LOFAR and emerging technologies like AI/ML in unraveling cosmic mysteries.

Begin by explaining the scientific phenomenon of radio galaxies, supermassive black holes, and the formation of bow-shock structures due to supersonic galactic infall. Detail how LOFAR enabled the detection of RAD-BAARG's faint structures. Conclude by discussing the broader impact of advanced radio astronomy facilities (LOFAR, SKA) and emerging technologies (AI/ML) in pushing the boundaries of astronomical research.