UPSC Prelims 2017 GS Paper I · Q44 of 100 General Science easy

The terms 'Event Horizon', 'Singularity', 'String Theory' and 'Standard Model' are sometimes seen in the news in the context of

  1. (a) Observation and understanding of the Universe ✓ UPSC's answer
  2. (b) Study of the solar and the lunar eclipses
  3. (c) Placing satellites in the orbit of the Earth
  4. (d) Origin and evolution of living organisms on the Earth

Why the answer is (a)

• 'Event horizon' and 'singularity' describe black holes; 'string theory' is a candidate theory of quantum gravity; the 'Standard Model' is the theory of fundamental particles and forces.

• All are terms of cosmology and particle physics — the observation and understanding of the Universe — option (a).

• They are unrelated to eclipses (b), satellite launches (c) or biological evolution (d).

• Hence option (a).

Why the other options are wrong

(b) Study of the solar and the lunar eclipses
These are not eclipse-related terms.
(c) Placing satellites in the orbit of the Earth
These are not satellite-launch terms.
(d) Origin and evolution of living organisms on the Earth
These are physics terms, not biology.

Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2017, held on 18 June 2017. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.

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