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UPSC Prelims 2022

100 questions, in the order they were asked.

2022 · Q28Science & TechnologyMaterials & Engineeringmoderate

With reference to India, consider the following statements : 1. Monazite is a source of rare earths. 2. Monazite contains thorium. 3. Monazite occurs naturally in the entire Indian coastal sands in India. 4. In India, Government bodies only can process or export monazite. Which of the statements given above are correct ?

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

2022 · Q32Science & TechnologyComputer & Information Technologymoderate

With reference to Web 3·0, consider the following statements : 1. Web 3·0 technology enables people to control their own data. 2. In Web 3·0 world, there can be blockchain based social networks. 3. Web 3·0 is operated by users collectively rather than a corporation. Which of the statements given above are correct ?

  1. (a)1 and 2 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

2022 · Q33Science & TechnologyInformation Technologymoderate

With reference to “Software as a Service (SaaS)”, consider the following statements : 1. SaaS buyers can customise the user interface and can change data fields. 2. SaaS users can access their data through their mobile devices. 3. Outlook, Hotmail and Yahoo! Mail are forms of SaaS. Which of the statements given above are correct ?

  1. (a)1 and 2 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

2022 · Q34Science & TechnologyDefence Technologymoderate

Which one of the following statements best reflects the idea behind the “Fractional Orbital Bombardment System” often talked about in media ?

  1. (a)A hypersonic missile is launched into space to counter the asteroid approaching the Earth and explode it in space.
  2. (b)A spacecraft lands on another planet after making several orbital motions.
  3. (c)A missile is put into a stable orbit around the Earth and deorbits over a target on the Earth.
  4. (d)A spacecraft moves along a comet with the same speed and places a probe on its surface.
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Official answer(c) A missile is put into a stable orbit around the Earth and deorbits over a target on the Earth.

2022 · Q39Science & TechnologyHealth & Diseasesmoderate

In the context of vaccines manufactured to prevent COVID-19 pandemic, consider the following statements : 1. The Serum Institute of India produced COVID-19 vaccine named Covishield using mRNA platform. 2. Sputnik V vaccine is manufactured using vector based platform. 3. COVAXIN is an inactivated pathogen based vaccine. Which of the statements given above are correct ?

  1. (a)1 and 2 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(b) 2 and 3 only

2022 · Q40Science & TechnologySpace Technology & Astronomymoderate

If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth ? 1. GPS and navigation systems could fail. 2. Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions. 3. Power grids could be damaged. 4. Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth. 5. Forest fires could take place over much of the planet. 6. Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed. 7. Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over polar regions could be interrupted. Select the correct answer using the code given below :

  1. (a)1, 2, 4 and 5 only
  2. (b)2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only
  3. (c)1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
  4. (d)1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7
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Official answer(c) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only

2022 · Q41Environment & EcologyClimate Changeeasy

“Climate Action Tracker” which monitors the emission reduction pledges of different countries is a :

  1. (a)Database created by coalition of research organisations
  2. (b)Wing of “International Panel of Climate Change”
  3. (c)Committee under “United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change”
  4. (d)Agency promoted and financed by United Nations Environment Programme and World Bank
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Official answer(a) Database created by coalition of research organisations

2022 · Q42Environment & EcologyInternational Environmental Treaties & Summitsmoderate

Consider the following statements : 1. “The Climate Group” is an international non-profit organization that drives climate action by building large networks and runs them. 2. The International Energy Agency in partnership with the Climate Group launched a global initiative “EP100”. 3. EP100 brings together leading companies committed to driving innovation in energy efficiency and increasing competitiveness while delivering on emission reduction goals. 4. Some Indian companies are members of EP100. 5. The International Energy Agency is the Secretariat to the “Under2 Coalition”. Which of the statements given above are correct ?

  1. (a)1, 2, 4 and 5
  2. (b)1, 3 and 4 only
  3. (c)2, 3 and 5 only
  4. (d)1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
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Official answer(b) 1, 3 and 4 only

2022 · Q43Environment & EcologyWater & Wetland Conservationeasy

“If rainforests and tropical forests are the lungs of the Earth, then surely wetlands function as its kidneys.” Which one of the following functions of wetlands best reflects the above statement ?

  1. (a)The water cycle in wetlands involves surface runoff, subsoil percolation and evaporation.
  2. (b)Algae form the nutrient base upon which fish, crustaceans, molluscs, birds, reptiles and mammals thrive.
  3. (c)Wetlands play a vital role in maintaining sedimentation balance and soil stabilization.
  4. (d)Aquatic plants absorb heavy metals and excess nutrients.
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Official answer(d) Aquatic plants absorb heavy metals and excess nutrients.

2022 · Q44Environment & EcologyPollution & Waste Managementmoderate

In the context of WHO Air Quality Guidelines, consider the following statements : 1. The 24-hour mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 15 μg/m3 and annual mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 5 μg/m3. 2. In a year, the highest levels of ozone pollution occur during the periods of inclement weather. 3. PM10 can penetrate the lung barrier and enter the bloodstream. 4. Excessive ozone in the air can trigger asthma. Which of the statements given above are correct ?

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

2022 · Q46Science & TechnologyMaterials & Engineeringmoderate

With reference to polyethylene terephthalate, the use of which is so widespread in our daily lives, consider the following statements : 1. Its fibres can be blended with wool and cotton fibres to reinforce their properties. 2. Containers made of it can be used to store any alcoholic beverage. 3. Bottles made of it can be recycled into other products. 4. Articles made of it can be easily disposed of by incineration without causing greenhouse gas emissions. Which of the statements given above are correct ?

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