Science & Technology MCQs - 2026-10-21

NISQ (Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum) is the widely accepted term for the current generation of quantum computers, characterized by their limited qubit count and susceptibility to noise and errors, which prevents full error correction.

IBM has been at the forefront of developing superconducting quantum processors, regularly releasing new generations with higher qubit counts and improved performance, often named after birds (e.g., Eagle, Osprey, Condor).

Maintaining qubit coherence (the ability of qubits to retain their quantum state) for longer durations and significantly reducing error rates are fundamental and the most critical challenges in building large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers. While other factors are important, these are core technical hurdles.

The four selected astronaut candidates for the Gaganyaan mission underwent their initial generic space training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Russia. Subsequent mission-specific training is being conducted in India.

The LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3), formerly known as GSLV Mk-III, is the designated heavy-lift launch vehicle for the Gaganyaan mission, capable of carrying the Orbital Module into low Earth orbit.

The first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission (G1) was initially targeted for Q4 2024. Assuming a reasonable progression and successful execution within the revised timelines, by early 2026, it would have been successfully completed, allowing for the progression to the second uncrewed mission (G2) and eventually the crewed mission.