Daily Current Affairs Quiz: November 08, 2025

Answer: A [These engines enhance the capacity to carry larger payloads.]
Explanation:

Statement A is correct – Cryogenic and semi-cryogenic engines provide significantly higher thrust compared to earlier propulsion systems. This allows ISRO to launch heavier payloads, which is crucial for ambitious missions such as deep space exploration (e.g., Mars, Moon), launching large communication satellites, and human spaceflight missions like Gaganyaan. The CE20 engine, for example, is designed to produce 20 tonnes of thrust, enabling the LVM3 launch vehicle to carry payloads up to 4000 kg to GTO.

Statement B is incorrect – ISRO’s cryogenic work supports reusability, but fully reusable spacecraft within five years is unlikely, as key technologies like stage recovery are still under development.

Statement C is incorrect – Cryogenic engines are not limited to LEO; they are primarily used for high-energy missions like GTO launches and deep space missions (e.g., Chandrayaan-3).

Statement D is incorrect – Cryogenic engines work alongside, not in place of, traditional boosters. Boosters are still essential for initial lift-off and early-stage thrust.

Answer: C [It allows restart and fine control during later stages.]
Explanation:

Liquid fuel is preferred in the upper stages of launch vehicles primarily because it offers the ability to restart and precisely control thrust during flight. This capability is essential for conducting complex maneuvers such as orbital insertion, trajectory correction, and satellite positioning. Unlike solid fuel, which burns continuously once ignited and cannot be stopped or adjusted mid-flight, liquid fuel engines can be throttled, shut down, and reignited as needed. This fine control makes liquid fuel ideal for the later stages of space missions where accuracy is critical.

Answer: A [1 only]
Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: the primary goal of the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM) is to convert the spent fourth stage (PS4) of the PSLV rocket into a functional platform for conducting short-duration scientific and technological experiments in orbit. This innovative reuse helps maximize the utility of each launch and supports in-space research.

Statement 2 is incorrect: POEM is not designed to serve as a power backup system for other satellites. Satellites carry independent power systems such as solar panels and batteries.

Statement 3 is incorrect: POEM is not meant to deorbit the PSLV rocket stages. In fact, it remains in orbit for experimental purposes rather than ensuring re-entry or disposal.

Statement 4 is incorrect: Continuous monitoring of Earth’s climate is not among POEM’s objectives. Such tasks are performed by dedicated Earth observation or climate monitoring satellites.

Answer: A [Statement 1 and 2 only]
Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Earth Observation Satellites (EOS) are primarily designed for remote sensing — they collect data about the Earth’s surface, oceans, and atmosphere using optical, radar, and infrared sensors. This data helps in mapping, environmental monitoring, and agricultural assessments.

Statement 2 is correct: ISRO’s EOS missions such as Resourcesat, Cartosat, Oceansat, and RISAT have played a vital role in disaster management (like floods and cyclones), natural resource monitoring (agriculture, forests, water bodies), and climate and environmental studies.

Statement 3 is incorrect: EOS data is not used exclusively for national security. It is widely shared with research institutions, private users, and international agencies for scientific, developmental, and commercial purposes.

Answer: A [Statement 1 and Statement 2 only]
Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The Vikram lander of Chandrayaan-2 was specifically designed to perform a soft landing on the lunar surface near the South Pole, a region unexplored by previous missions.

Statement 2 is correct: The Pragyan rover, housed inside Vikram, was intended to carry out in-situ chemical and mineralogical analysis of the lunar surface using its scientific instruments like APXS (Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer) and LIBS (Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscope).

Statement 3 is incorrect: The Vikram lander crash-landed on the Moon due to a last-minute loss of communication and control during descent, and hence Pragyan was never deployed. Therefore, no surface data was transmitted.