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Science & Technology

923 questions asked in UPSC Prelims.

2019 · Q75Science & TechnologyComputer & Information Technologymoderate

With reference to communication technologies, what is/are the difference/differences between LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and VoLTE (Voice over Long-Term Evolution)? 1. LTE is commonly marketed as 3G and VoLTE is commonly marketed as advanced 3G. 2. LTE is data-only technology and VoLTE is voice-only technology. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  1. (a)1 only
  2. (b)2 only
  3. (c)Both 1 and 2
  4. (d)Neither 1 nor 2
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Official answer(d) Neither 1 nor 2

2019 · Q91Science & TechnologyComputer & Information Technologymoderate

In the context of digital technologies for entertainment, consider the following statements : 1. In Augmented Reality (AR), a simulated environment is created and the physical world is completely shut out. 2. In Virtual Reality (VR), images generated from a computer are projected onto real-life objects or surroundings. 3. AR allows individuals to be present in the world and improves the experience using the camera of smart-phone or PC. 4. VR closes the world, and transposes an individual, providing complete immersion experience. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. (a)1 and 2 only
  2. (b)3 and 4
  3. (c)1, 2 and 3
  4. (d)4 only
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Official answer(b) 3 and 4

2019 · Q93Science & TechnologyBiotechnology & Geneticsdifficult

With reference to the recent developments in science, which one of the following statements is not correct?

  1. (a)Functional chromosomes can be created by joining segments of DNA taken from cells of different species.
  2. (b)Pieces of artificial functional DNA can be created in laboratories.
  3. (c)A piece of DNA taken out from an animal cell can be made to replicate outside a living cell in a laboratory.
  4. (d)Cells taken out from plants and animals can be made to undergo cell division in laboratory petri dishes.
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Official answer(a) Functional chromosomes can be created by joining segments of DNA taken from cells of different species.

2019 · Q94Science & TechnologyComputer & Information Technologymoderate

Consider the following statements : A digital signature is 1. an electronic record that identifies the certifying authority issuing it 2. used to serve as a proof of identity of an individual to access information or server on Internet 3. an electronic method of signing an electronic document and ensuring that the original content is unchanged Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. (a)1 only
  2. (b)2 and 3 only
  3. (c)3 only
  4. (d)1, 2 and 3
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Official answer(c) 3 only

2019 · Q96Science & TechnologyBiotechnology & Geneticsmoderate

‘RNA interference (RNAi)’ technology has gained popularity in the last few years. Why? 1. It is used in developing gene silencing therapies. 2. It can be used in developing therapies for the treatment of cancer. 3. It can be used to develop hormone replacement therapies. 4. It can be used to produce crop plants that are resistant to viral pathogens. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  1. (a)1, 2 and 4
  2. (b)2 and 3
  3. (c)1 and 3
  4. (d)1 and 4 only
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Official answer(a) 1, 2 and 4

2019 · Q97Science & TechnologySpace Technology & Astronomyeasy

Recently, scientists observed the merger of giant ‘blackholes’ billions of light-years away from the Earth. What is the significance of this observation?

  1. (a)‘Higgs boson particles’ were detected.
  2. (b)‘Gravitational waves’ were detected.
  3. (c)Possibility of inter-galactic space travel through ‘wormhole’ was confirmed.
  4. (d)It enabled the scientists to understand ‘singularity’.
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Official answer(b) ‘Gravitational waves’ were detected.

2019 · Q98Science & TechnologyHealth & Diseasesmoderate

Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India? 1. Genetic predisposition of some people 2. Taking incorrect doses of antibiotics to cure diseases 3. Using antibiotics in livestock farming 4. Multiple chronic diseases in some people Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  1. (a)1 and 2
  2. (b)2 and 3 only
  3. (c)1, 3 and 4
  4. (d)2, 3 and 4
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Official answer(b) 2 and 3 only

2019 · Q100Science & TechnologyHealth & Diseasesmoderate

Which one of the following statements is not correct?

  1. (a)Hepatitis B virus is transmitted much like HIV.
  2. (b)Hepatitis B, unlike Hepatitis C, does not have a vaccine.
  3. (c)Globally, the number of people infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses are several times more than those infected with HIV.
  4. (d)Some of those infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses do not show the symptoms for many years.
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Official answer(b) Hepatitis B, unlike Hepatitis C, does not have a vaccine.

2018 · Q7Science & TechnologyEnergy & Environmentmoderate

What is/are the consequence/consequences of a country becoming the member of the 'Nuclear Suppliers Group' ? 1. It will have access to the latest and most efficient nuclear technologies. 2. It automatically becomes a member of "The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)". Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

  1. (a)1 only
  2. (b)2 only
  3. (c)Both 1 and 2
  4. (d)Neither 1 nor 2
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Official answer(a) 1 only

2018 · Q28Science & TechnologyComputer & Information Technologymoderate

With reference to digital payments, consider the following statements : 1. BHIM app allows the user to transfer money to anyone with a UPI-enabled bank account. 2. While a chip-pin debit card has four factors of authentication, BHIM app has only two factors of authentication. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

  1. (a)1 only
  2. (b)2 only
  3. (c)Both 1 and 2
  4. (d)Neither 1 nor 2
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Official answer(a) 1 only

2018 · Q33Science & TechnologyEnergy & Environmentmoderate

In the Indian context, what is the implication of ratifying the 'Additional Protocol' with the 'International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)' ?

  1. (a)The civilian nuclear reactors come under IAEA safeguards.
  2. (b)The military nuclear installations come under the inspection of IAEA.
  3. (c)The country will have the privilege to buy uranium from the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
  4. (d)The country automatically becomes a member of the NSG.
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Official answer(a) The civilian nuclear reactors come under IAEA safeguards.

2018 · Q61Science & TechnologySpace Technology & Astronomymoderate

With reference to the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), consider the following statements : 1. IRNSS has three satellites in geostationary and four satellites in geosynchronous orbits. 2. IRNSS covers entire India and about 5500 sq. km beyond its borders. 3. India will have its own satellite navigation system with full global coverage by the middle of 2019. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

  1. (a)1 only
  2. (b)1 and 2 only
  3. (c)2 and 3 only
  4. (d)None
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Official answer(a) 1 only

2018 · Q63Science & TechnologyBiotechnology & Geneticsmoderate

With reference to the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mustard) developed in India, consider the following statements : 1. GM mustard has the genes of a soil bacterium that give the plant the property of pest-resistance to a wide variety of pests. 2. GM mustard has the genes that allow the plant cross-pollination and hybridization. 3. GM mustard has been developed jointly by the IARI and Punjab Agricultural University. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

  1. (a)1 and 3 only
  2. (b)2 only
  3. (c)2 and 3 only
  4. (d)1, 2 and 3
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Official answer(b) 2 only

2018 · Q66Science & TechnologyComputer & Information Technologyeasy

When the alarm of your smartphone rings in the morning, you wake up and tap it to stop the alarm which causes your geyser to be switched on automatically. The smart mirror in your bathroom shows the day's weather and also indicates the level of water in your overhead tank. After you take some groceries from your refrigerator for making breakfast, it recognises the shortage of stock in it and places an order for the supply of fresh grocery items. When you step out of your house and lock the door, all lights, fans, geysers and AC machines get switched off automatically. On your way to office, your car warns you about traffic congestion ahead and suggests an alternative route, and if you are late for a meeting, it sends a message to your office accordingly. In the context of emerging communication technologies, which one of the following terms best applies to the above scenario ?

  1. (a)Border Gateway Protocol
  2. (b)Internet of Things
  3. (c)Internet Protocol
  4. (d)Virtual Private Network
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Official answer(b) Internet of Things