Daily Prelims MCQs – Science, Technology, Environment and Geography – 5th June 2025
- TPP
- Jun 5
- 10 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Welcome to today’s handpicked set of Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) from the Science, Technology, Environment and Geography section — crafted specially for the UPSC Prelims! These questions aren’t just a quiz — they’re a smart way to see how current affairs connect with core concepts, just like UPSC asks in the exam.
Each question is based on recent news and backed by clear explanations to help you build strong links between dynamic events and static knowledge.
Today’s topics include: role of trees near a volcano in an eruption, CRISPR, Tianwen-2 mission, Rocket propulsion relies on, planet Uranus, Perito Moreno glacier, Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO), bow echo, Mediterranean, Black, Caspian, and Arabian Seas, Karreguttalu Hill (KGH) region and more...
Use this as your daily revision boost to sharpen your understanding, stay exam-ready, and master how UPSC turns news into questions.
Click Here to read the Current Affairs Pointers (CAP) for January 2025- April 2025.
QUESTION 1
With reference to the CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats), consider the following statements:
It is an immune system found in microbes such as bacteria which fights invading viruses.
When a virus infects a bacterial cell, CRISPR helps to establish a memory in the form of antibodies, like in humans.
Base editing is a new version of the CRISPR-Cas9 technology.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer (b)
Explanation:
A nine-month-old child born with a rare genetic disease has become the first (known) person to successfully get personalised gene-editing treatment, according to a paper published on May 15 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
To treat him, scientists and doctors from the University of Pennsylvania and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia developed a personalised treatment based on “base editing”, a new version of the decade-old CRISPR-Cas9 technology. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
Scientists believe this method has the potential to treat thousands of unusual genetic illnesses. However, there are significant obstacles to its widespread acceptance.
What is CRISPR?
After being infected with a virus, individuals develop an “immune memory” in the form of antibodies. When they are infected with the same virus again, these antibodies readily recognise and neutralise the pathogens.
CRISPR, an immunological mechanism found in microbes such as bacteria that fights invading viruses, stands for “clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats”. When a virus infects a bacterial cell, CRISPR contributes to the establishment of a memory — but one that is genetic rather than in the form of antibodies, as in humans. Hence, statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is not correct.
When a virus infects a bacterial cell, the bacterium removes a portion of the virus’s genome and inserts it into its own genome. CRISPR then creates a new “guide” RNA using the freshly acquired DNA.
During a subsequent attack by the same virus, the guide RNA immediately detects and attaches to virus DNA. The guide RNA then instructs an enzyme (a type of protein) called Cas9 to serve as “molecular scissors” to cut and remove the virus DNA.
QUESTION 2
With reference to the Tianwen-2 mission, consider the following statements:
This mission will be launched by Japan, being its first mission to survey and sample a near-Earth asteroid.
It will investigate an asteroid called 469219 Kamo‘oalewa, which orbits the Sun at a distance relatively close to Earth.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer (b)
Explanation:
China will launch its first mission to survey and sample a near-Earth asteroid this week. Known as the Tianwen-2 mission, the probe will investigate an asteroid called 469219 Kamo‘oalewa, which orbits the Sun at a distance relatively close to Earth. Hence, statement 1 is not correct and statement 2 is correct.
If the mission is successful, China will join a small group of countries, including the United States and Japan, that have successfully sampled and returned asteroids to Earth.
Kamo’oalewa was found in 2016 by the Pan-STARRS 1 asteroid survey telescope on Haleakalā, Hawaii. It is one of only seven asteroids classified as quasi-satellites of Earth, which are satellites that circle the Sun but are gravitationally impacted by the planet due to their proximity.
QUESTION 3
Consider the following statements:
Statement 1: When the leaves from trees near a volcano turn greener, it is indicative of the fact that it is active and is about to erupt soon.
Statement 2: Greener trees detect early signs of an active volcano by tracing the volcanic carbon dioxide (CO₂).
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is the correct explanation for Statement 1.
(b) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is not the correct explanation for Statement 1.
(c) Statement 1 is correct but Statement 2 is incorrect.
(d) Statement 1 is incorrect but Statement 2 is correct.
Answer (a)
Explanation:
NASA has created a new method of observing volcano patterns by tracking tree health using satellite photos. In collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution’s AVUELO (Airborne Validation Unified Experiment: Land to Ocean), space agency experts say they can detect early signals of volcanic eruptions by analysing the changing colours of tree leaves.
The scientists discovered that when the leaves of trees surrounding a volcano turn greener, it indicates that the volcano is active and may erupt soon. Tracing the CO₂ consumption patterns of nearby trees can help detect early indicators of an active volcano. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct.
Research indicates that rising magma beneath Earth’s surface emits CO₂ and SO₂ into the atmosphere. While detecting sulphur dioxide in the atmosphere is relatively simple, scientists suggest that traces of volcanically produced carbon dioxide are far more difficult to identify. CO₂ can be difficult to identify from other gases in the atmosphere.
Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is the correct explanation for Statement 1.
QUESTION 4
Rocket propulsion relies on:
Newton’s first law of motion
Newton’s third law of motion.
Archimedes’ Principle
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 2 and 3 only
Answer (b)
Explanation:
Ballistic missiles are still used today, but they are far more complex. A ballistic missile is one that is only powered during the initial stages of its flight. After that, it follows a parabolic course, much like a pebble tossed into the air, but quicker and farther.
A typical intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) may reach altitudes of more than 1,000 kilometres and speeds of Mach 20 (20 times the speed of sound). Once launched, they are virtually impossible to intercept. But pure ballistic routes are predictable — which is both their strength and weakness.
Guided missiles are equipped with sensors (such as radar, infrared, or GPS) and control systems (gyroscopes, fins, and internal thrusters) that allow them to direct themselves while in flight.
Rocket propulsion follows Newton’s Third Law, which states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. The rocket moves ahead as it burns fuel and expels petrol from the back. The major problem isn’t only travelling fast; it’s also regulating flight at high speeds.
QUESTION 5
With reference to the planet Uranus, consider the following statements:
It is pale blue-green in colour because its atmosphere absorbs the red wavelengths of sunlight.
As per the study, Uranus’ atmosphere is primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, along with small amounts of methane.
Uranus’ axis of rotation is nearly parallel to its orbital plane.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer (c)
Explanation:
Uranus, the seventh planet from the Sun, owes its pale blue-green colour to its atmosphere that absorbs the red wavelengths of sunlight, according to a new study. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
The Hubble photos of Uranus were obtained between 2002 and 2022. According to the study, Uranus’ atmosphere is mostly made of hydrogen and helium, with trace amounts of methane, water, and ammonia. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Uranus is situated between Saturn and Neptune. Uranus, the seventh planet from the Sun, is one of the least studied planets in our solar system, which is why the latest research study could be significant. Scientists who wrote the paper also supplied additional information regarding seasonal changes on the planet. Unlike other planets, Uranus’ axis of rotation is almost parallel to its orbital plane. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
QUESTION 6
With reference to the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO), consider the following statements:
It is a moving system of winds, clouds, and pressure that brings rain as it circles around the equator.
This system typically travels westward at a speed of 4-8 metres per second.
When MJO is in the active phase, it results in drought.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer (a)
Explanation:
The southwest monsoon arrived in Kerala on May 24, eight days earlier than usual, although it reached Mumbai two weeks earlier on May 26. This was also the earliest monsoon to arrive in Mumbai on record.
Several large-scale atmospheric-oceanic and local causes contributed to the early monsoon onset, but the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) was a crucial driver, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The MJO is a moving system of winds, clouds, and pressure that produces rain as it circles the equator. The phenomena is named after Roland Madden and Paul Julian, two scientists who discovered it in 1971 while working at the National Centre for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
The system normally moves eastward at a speed of 4-8 metres per second. It travels across the world in 30-60 days on average, but can sometimes take 90 days. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
As it moves, intense MJO activity frequently divides the world into two parts: one in which the MJO is active and produces rainfall, and another in which it suppresses rainfall. MJO causes higher-than-normal rainfall during the active phase, whereas in the suppressed phase, the area receives less than average rainfall. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.
QUESTION 7
The Perito Moreno glacier was in the news. It is part of:
(a) Alps Mountains
(b) Himalayas Mountains
(c) Andes Mountains
(d) Atlas Mountains
Answer (c)
Explanation:
Argentina’s most famous glacier, the Perito Moreno glacier, which has a surface area of 250 sq km (lies in the Andes Mountains), is crumbling. It lost a colossal block of ice, equivalent to a 20-story building, plunging 70 m into water below.
Argentina’s most famous glacier, the Perito Moreno glacier, which has a surface area of 250 sq km (the total area of Patna, Bihar), is crumbling. Just weeks ago, it lost a colossal block of ice, equivalent to a 20-story building, plunging 70 m into water below.
QUESTION 8
With reference to the bow echo, consider the following statements:
It is a line of storms, also called a squall line.
It is used to classify Tsunamis.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer (a)
Explanation:
The severe storm that pounded Delhi on Sunday had a unique structure, according to weather radar imagery from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The storm resembled a crescent or an archer’s bow. In technical terminology, such storm presentations are referred to as “bow echoes”.
A bow echo is a line of storms, also known as a squall line, on radar that resembles a bow. This storm line may occasionally be embedded in a bigger squall line. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
A bow echo can range from 20 to 100 kilometres and last three to six hours.
Ted Fujita, a Japanese-American meteorologist who developed the tornadoes classification system, coined the word in the 1970s. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
QUESTION 9
Consider the following statements:
Statement 1: Western Disturbances also impact the weather outside the winter season.
Statement 2: In the last 70 years, Western Disturbances have become more common in May, June, and July, months where they were previously rare.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is the correct explanation for Statement 1.
(b) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is not the correct explanation for Statement 1.
(c) Statement 1 is correct but Statement 2 is incorrect.
(d) Statement 1 is incorrect but Statement 2 is correct.
Answer (a)
Explanation:
Western Disturbances are rain-bearing wind systems that begin east of Afghanistan and Iran and pick up moisture from the Mediterranean, Black, Caspian, and Arabian Seas.
These are examples of extratropical cyclones caused by low-pressure zones created by the interplay of polar and tropical winds. Western Disturbances are embedded in the subtropical westerly jet stream, which is a high-altitude, fast-moving air movement that runs from west to east in the Earth’s atmosphere and passes over the Himalayan and Tibetan highlands.
They are most abundant during the boreal winter months (December to March) and have an impact on the weather in India, notably the northwest, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan.
Western Disturbances are also now impacting the weather outside the winter season. In the last 70 years, they have become more common in May, June, and July, months where they were previously rare, according to the 2024 study. One reason for this trend could be the “delayed northward retreat of the subtropical jet, which historically has occurred before the onset of the summer monsoon.” Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct.
Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is the correct explanation for Statement 1.
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QUESTION 10
Karreguttalu Hill (KGH) region — a known stronghold of Naxalite groups was in the news. It is located in:
(a) Telangana-Chhattisgarh region
(b) Chhattisgarh-Madhya Pradesh region
(c) Maharashtra-Karnataka region
(d) Karnataka-Telangana region
Answer (a)
Explanation:
The Centre stated that incidences of violence by Left Wing Extremism (LWE) have decreased to 374 in 2024 from its maximum number of 1936 in 2010.
While LWE-related violence has decreased by 81 per cent, “the total number of deaths, including civilians and security forces, has also reduced by 85 per cent — from 1005 deaths in 2010 to 150 in 2024,” according to a government news statement.
The news release continued: “Recently, in one of the biggest anti-Naxal operations in the country’s history, security forces achieved a major breakthrough in the fight against LWE along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border.”
It stated that a huge operation was carried out between April 21 and May 11, 2025, in the Karreguttalu Hill (KGH) region, which is a renowned stronghold of Naxalite organisations.
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