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Science & Technology

923 questions asked in UPSC Prelims.

2016 · Q91Science & TechnologySpace Technology & Astronomymoderate

Consider the following statements : The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO 1. is also called the Mars Orbiter Mission 2. made India the second country to have a spacecraft orbit the Mars after USA 3. made India the only country to be successful in making its spacecraft orbit the Mars in its very first attempt Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

2015 · Q10Science & TechnologyScience & Technology Institutionsmoderate

Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding National Innovation Foundation–India (NIF)? 1. NIF is an autonomous body of the Department of Science and Technology under the Central Government. 2. NIF is an initiative to strengthen the highly advanced scientific research in India's premier scientific institutions in collaboration with highly advanced foreign scientific institutions. 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(a) 1 only

2015 · Q30Science & TechnologyPhysicsmoderate

In the context of modern scientific research, consider the following statements about ‘IceCube’, a particle detector located at South Pole, which was recently in the news : 1. It is the world’s largest neutrino detector, encompassing a cubic kilometre of ice. 2. It is a powerful telescope to search for dark matter. 3. It is buried deep in the ice. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

2015 · Q32Science & TechnologyComputer & Information Technologymoderate

With reference to ‘Near Field Communication (NFC) Technology’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is a contactless communication technology that uses electromagnetic radio fields. 2. NFC is designed for use by devices which can be at a distance of even a metre from each other. 3. NFC can use encryption when sending sensitive information. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

2015 · Q73Science & TechnologyScience & Technology Institutionseasy

The term 'IndARC', sometimes seen in the news, is the name of

  1. (a)an indigenously developed radar system inducted into Indian Defence
  2. (b)India's satellite to provide services to the countries of Indian Ocean Rim
  3. (c)a scientific establishment set up by India in Antarctic region
  4. (d)India's underwater observatory to scientifically study the Arctic region
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Official answer(d) India's underwater observatory to scientifically study the Arctic region

2015 · Q93Science & TechnologyBiotechnology & Geneticsmoderate

With reference to bio-toilets used by the Indian Railways, consider the following statements : 1. The decomposition of human waste in the bio-toilets is initiated by a fungal inoculum. 2. Ammonia and water vapour are the only end products in this decomposition which are released into the atmosphere. 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(d) Neither 1 nor 2

2015 · Q95Science & TechnologyEnergy & Environmentmoderate

With reference to ‘fuel cells’ in which hydrogen-rich fuel and oxygen are used to generate electricity, consider the following statements : 1. If pure hydrogen is used as a fuel, the fuel cell emits heat and water as by-products. 2. Fuel cells can be used for powering buildings and not for small devices like laptop computers. 3. Fuel cells produce electricity in the form of Alternating Current (AC). Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

2014 · Q7Science & TechnologyEnergy & Environmentmoderate

With reference to technologies for solar power production, consider the following statements : 1. 'Photovoltaics' is a technology that generates electricity by direct conversion of light into electricity, while 'Solar Thermal' is a technology that utilizes the Sun's rays to generate heat which is further used in electricity generation process. 2. Photovoltaics generates Alternating Current (AC), while Solar Thermal generates Direct Current (DC). 3. India has manufacturing base for Solar Thermal technology, but not for Photovoltaics. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

2014 · Q40Science & TechnologyEnergy & Environmentmoderate

In India, cluster bean (Guar) is traditionally used as a vegetable or animal feed, but recently the cultivation of this has assumed significance. Which one of the following statements is correct in this context?

  1. (a)The oil extracted from seeds is used in the manufacture of biodegradable plastics
  2. (b)The gum made from its seeds is used in the extraction of shale gas
  3. (c)The leaf extract of this plant has the properties of anti-histamines
  4. (d)It is a source of high quality biodiesel
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Official answer(b) The gum made from its seeds is used in the extraction of shale gas