UPSC Key: Joint Parliamentary Committee, Moon Base Programme and Indus script

QUESTION 1 Based on the statements provided about Voyager 2, the correct conclusion is that all three statements are correct. Voyager 2 is indeed one of the farthest human-made objects in space, powered by radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs), and NASA has developed a "Big Bang" fix to reconfigure Voyager 2's onboard power systems, extending its operational life.

QUESTION 2 According to the information given, the Phi X-174 is a bacteriophage that is genetically engineered and can infect only bacteria, not humans. This makes option (a) the correct answer, as it accurately describes Phi X-174 as a naturally occurring bacteriophage that infects only bacteria and cannot infect humans.

QUESTION 3 Among the statements regarding the Moon Base programme, only one statement is correct. The Moon Base indeed has humanity's first lunar outpost near the Moon's North Pole. However, it would primarily serve as a temporary robotic research station, not as a sustained human presence. NASA has also invited ISRO to join the Moon Base programme. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.