Recently, scientists observed the merger of giant 'blackholes' billions of lightyears away from the Earth. What is the significance of this observation?

UPSC Prelims & Mains Questions

Recently, scientists observed the merger of giant 'blackholes' billions of lightyears away from the Earth. What is the significance of this observation?

A)

'Higgs boson particles' were detected.

B)

'Gravitational waves' were detected.

C)

Possibility of inter-galactic space travel through 'wormhole' was confirmed.

D)

It enabled the scientists to understand 'singularity'.

Correct Answer : 'Gravitational waves' were detected.

Note :

In the experiment it was observed that the two black holes that merged were massive : one hole was 31 times the mass of the sun, and the other was 25 solar masses. They twisted together to form a single spinning hole 53 times more massive than our star. The missing three suns' worth of mass became energy, expelled as gravitational waves.

In the experiment it was observed that gravitational wave detectors, detected signals from events involving objects other than black holes. Whereas black holes emit no electromagnetic radiation and are impossible to directly observe, other potential sources of gravitational waves — colliding neutron stars, supernovas, binary star mergers — can be seen through conventional telescopes. Hence the second statement is correct.

Year : 2019

Category : Science and Technology

Recently Updated in UPSC Questions

Q.

With reference to 'IFC Masala Bonds', sometimes seen in the news, which of the statements given below is/ are correct? (2016)

1. The International Finance Corporation, which offers these bonds, is an arm of the World Bank.

2. They are rupee-denominated bonds and are a source of debt financing for the public and private sector.

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

Correct Answer : Option (C) - Both 1 and 2

Note :

* The World Bank Group, which is a vital source of financial and technical assistance to developing countries, consists of five distinct yet complementary organizations, viz.,

* International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD),

* International Development Association (IDA),

* International Finance Corporation (IFC), hence, statement 1 is correct.

* Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA),

* International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID).

* Masala Bonds are rupee-denominated borrowings issued by Indian entities in overseas markets. Masala means ‘spices’ and the term was used by International Finance Corporation (IFC) to popularise the culture and cuisine of India on foreign platforms. The objective of Masala Bonds is to fund infrastructure projects in India, fuel internal growth via borrowings and internationalize the Indian currency. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Year : 2022

Category : General Studies

Q.

Consider the following statements:

1. The Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme was launched during 1996-97 to provide loan assistance to poor farmers.

2. The Command Area Development Programme was launched in 1974-75 for the development of water-use efficiency,

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

Correct Answer : Option (B) - 2 only

Note :

The Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) was launched in 1996 as a central assistance programme, with the aim to accelerate creation of irrigation potential.

The Command Area Development (CAD) programme was initiated in 1974-75 with a view to bridging the gap between the potential created and its utilisation and optimising agricultural productivity through better management of land and water use in the command areas served by selected major and medium irrigation projects.

Year : 2015

Category : General Studies

Advertisement