UPSC prelims science and tech previous year questions

Importance of science and tech in UPSC exam

Science and technology is an important area in the UPSC prelims as it accounts for a significant percentage of the questions. As technology and scientific advancements are rapidly changing the world we live in, it is important for future civil servants to have a sound understanding of these developments to serve their country better. UPSC prelims exams have been known to ask questions on various aspects of science and technology, including topics like space, biotechnology, nanotechnology, information technology, environmental science, and health, to name a few. In addition, a thorough understanding of scientific and technological concepts and their applications can help future civil servants solve some of the pressing problems facing the country. For example, the recent COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of scientific and technological advances in areas such as healthcare, vaccine development, and disease tracking. Overall, a sound knowledge of science and technology is essential for aspiring civil servants to tackle some of the challenges of the 21st century and to serve their country to the best of their abilities.

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UPSC prelims science and tech questions

Prelims 2022 science and tech questions

1. Consider the following:

1. Aarogya Setu
2. COWIN
3. DigiLocker
4. DIKSHA

Which of the above are built on top of open-source digital platforms?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2, 3 and 4 only

(c) 1, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

2. 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 following given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

3. 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?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

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

(a) A hypersonic missile is launched into space to counter the asteroid approaching the Earth and explode it in space.

(b) A spacecraft lands on another planet after making several orbital motions.

(c) A missile is put into a stable orbit around the Earth and deorbits over a target on the Earth.

(d) A spacecraft moves along a comet with the same surface. speed and places a probe on its

5. Which one of the following is the context in which the term “qubit” is mentioned?

(a) Cloud Services

(b) Quantum Computing

(c) Visible Light Communication Technologies

(d) Wireless Communication Technologies

6. Consider the following communication technologies:

1. Closed-circuit Television
2. Radio Frequency Identification
3. Wireless Local Area Network

Which of the above are considered of the Short-Range devices/technologies?

(a) 1 and 2 only.

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

7. Consider the following statements:

1. Biofilms can form on medical implants within human tissues.
2. Biofilms can form on food and food processing surfaces.
3. Biofilms can exhibit antibiotic resistance.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

8. Consider the following statements in respect of probiotics :

1. Probiotics are made of both bacteria and yeast.
2. The organisms in probiotics are found in foods we ingest but they do not naturally occur in our gut.
3. Probiotics help in the digestion of milk sugars.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 3

(d) 2 and 3

9. 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?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

10. 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:

(a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only

(b) 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only

(c) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7

11. Which one of the following statements best describes the role of B cells and T cells in the human body?

(a) They protect the environmental allergens. body

(b) They alleviate the body’s pain and inflammation.

(c) They act as immunosuppressants in the body.

(d) They protect the body from the diseases caused by pathogens.

12. Consider the following statements:

1. Other than those made by humans, nanoparticles do not exist in nature.
2. Nanoparticles of some metallic oxides are used in the manufacture of some cosmetics.
3. Nanoparticles of some commercial products which enter the environment are unsafe for humans.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 1 and 2

(d) 2 and 3

13. Consider the following statements: DNA Barcoding can be a tool to:

1. assess the age of a plant or animal.
2. distinguish among species that look alike.
3. identify undesirable animal or plant materials in processed foods.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 1 and 2

(d) 2 and 3

Solution

Science and tech 2021 prelims questions

1. Water can dissolve more substances than any other liquid because.
(a) It is dipolar in nature.
(b) It is a good conductor of heat
(c) It has high value of specific heat
(d) It is an oxide of hydrogen

2. With reference to street lighting, how do sodium lamps differ from LED lamps?
1. Sodium lamps produce light at 360 degrees but it is not so in the case of LED lamps.
2. As street lights, sodium lamps have a longer life span than LED lamps.
3. The spectrum of visible light from sodium lamps is almost monochromatic while LED lamps offer significant colour advantages in street lighting.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

3. The term “ACE2” is talked about in the context of
(a) genes introduced in the genetically modified plants
(b) development of India’s own satellite navigation system
(c) radio collars for wildlife tracking
(d) spread of viral diseases

4. Bisphenol A (BPA), a cause of concern, is a structural/key component in the manufacture of which of the following kinds of plastics?
(a) Low-density polyethylene
(b) Polycarbonate
(c) Polyethylene terephthalate
(d) Polyvinyl Chloride

5. “Triclosan” considered harmful when exposed to high levels for a long time, is most likely present in which of the following?
(a) Food preservatives
(b) Fruit ripening substances
(c) reused plastic containers
(d) Toiletries

6. Which one of the following is a reason why astronomical distances are measured in light-years?
(a) Distance among stellar bodies do not change
(b) Gravity of stellar bodies does not change
(c) Light always travels in straight line
(d) Speed of light is always same

7. With reference to recent developments regarding ‘Recombinant vector Vaccines’, consider the following statements:
1. Genetic engineering is applied in the development of these vaccines.
2. Bacteria and viruses are used as vectors.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

8. In the context of hereditary diseases, consider the following statements:
1. Passing on mitochondrial diseases from parent to child can be prevented by mitochondrial replacement therapy either before or after in vitro fertilization of the egg.
2. A child inherits mitochondrial diseases entirely from the mother and not from the father.
Which of the statements given above is’/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

9. Bollgard I and Bollgard II technologies are mentioned in the context of
(a) Clonal propagation of crop plants
(b) Developing genetically modified crop plants
(c) Production of plant growth substances
(d) Production of biofertilizers

10. In a pressure cooker, the temperature at which the food is cooked depends mainly upon which of the following?
1. Area of the hole in the lid
2. Temperature of the flame
3. Weight of the lid
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1,2 and 3

11. Consider the following:
1. Bacteria
2. Fungi
3. Virus
Which of the above can be cultured in an artificial/ synthetic medium?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1,2 and 3

12. Consider the following statements:
1. Adenoviruses have single-stranded DNA genomes whereas retroviruses have double-stranded DNA genomes.
2. Common cold is sometimes caused by an adenovirus whereas AIDS is caused by a retrovirus.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

13. Which one of the following is used in preparing a natural mosquito repellent?

a) Congress grass
b) Elephant grass
c) Lemon grass
d) Nut grass

Solution

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Science and Technology 2020 questions

(1) Plant cells have cellulose cell walls whilst animal cells do not.

(2) Plant cells do not have plasma membranes unlike animal cells which do.

(3) Mature plant cell has one large vacuole whilst an animal cell has many small vacuoles.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Q 2. In the context of recent advances in human reproductive technology, ‘Pronuclear Transfer” is used for

(a) Fertilization of egg in vitro by the donor sperm

(b) Genetic modification of sperm producing cells

(c) Development of stem cells into functional embryos

(d) Prevention of mitochondrial diseases in offspring

Q 3. What is the importance of using Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines in India?

(1) These vaccines are effective against pneumonia as well as meningitis and sepsis.

(2) Dependence on antibiotics that are not effective against drug-resistant bacteria can be reduced.

(3) These vaccines have no side effects and cause no allergic reactions.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Q 4. With reference to the carbon nanotubes, consider the following statement :

(1) They can be used as the carriers of drugs and antigens in the human body.

(2) They can be made into artificial blood capillaries for an injured part of the human body.

(3) They can be used in biochemical sensors.

(4) Carbon nanotubes are biodegradable.

Which of the statements given above are correct ?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2, 3 and 4 only

(c) 1, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q 5. Consider the following statements :

(1) Genetic changes can be introduced in the cells that produce eggs or sperms of a prospective parent.

(2) A person’s genome can be edited before birth at the early embryonic stage.

(3) Human induced pluripotent stem cells can be injected into the embryo of a pig.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Q 6. With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following?

(1) Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units

(2) Create meaningful short stories and songs

(3) Disease diagnosis

(4) Text-to-speech conversion

(5) Wireless transmission of electrical energy

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only

(b) 1, 3, and 4 only {?}

(c) 2, 4, and 5 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Q 7. With reference to visible light communication (VLC) technology, which of the following statements are correct?

(1) VLC uses electromagnetic spectrum wavelengths 375 to 780nm

(2) VLC is known as long-range optical wireless communication

(3) VLC can transmit large amounts of data faster than Bluetooth

(4) VLC has no electromagnetic interference

Select the correct answer using the code given below

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 1, 2 and 4 only

(c) 1, 3 and 4 only

(d) 2, 3 and 4 only

Q 9. In India, the term “Public Key Infrastructure” is used in the context of

(a) Digital security infrastructure

(b) Food security infrastructure

(c) Health care and education infrastructure

(d) Telecommunication and transportation infrastructure

Q 10. Consider the following activities :

(1) Spraying pesticides on a crop field

(2) Inspecting the craters of active volcanoes

(3) Collecting breath samples from spouting whales for DNA analysis

At the present level of technology, which of the above activities can be successfully carried out by using drones ?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Q 11. The experiment will employ a trio of spacecraft flying in formation in the shape of an equilateral triangle that has sides one million kilometres long, with lasers shining between the craft.” The experiment in question refers to

(a) Voyager-2

(b) New Horizons

(c) LISA Pathfinder

(d) Evolved LISA

Q 12. With reference to solar water pumps, consider the following statements:

(1) Solar power can be used for running surface pumps and not for submersible pumps,

(2) Solar power can be used for running centrifugal pumps and not the ones with piston.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution

Science and Techchnology prelims questions 2019

Q 1. The word ‘Denisovan’ is sometimes mentioned in media in reference to

(a) fossil of a kind of dinosaurs

(b) an early human species

(c) a cave system found in North-East India

(d) a geological period in the history of Indian subcontinent

Q 2. With reference to the recent developments in science, which one of the following statements is not correct?

(a) Functional chromosomes can be created by joining segments of DNA taken from cells of different species.

(b) Pieces of artificial functional DNA can be created in laboratories.

(c) A piece of DNA taken out from an animal cell can be made to replicate outside a living cell in a laboratory.

(d) Cells taken out from plants and animals can be made to undergo cell division in laboratory petri dishes.

Q 3. ‘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 virtual pathogens.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1, 2 and 4

(b) 2 and 3

(c) 1 and 3

(d) 1 and 4 only

Q 4. 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.

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1,3 and 4

(d) 2,3 and 4

Q 5. What is cas9 protein that is often mentioned in the news ?

(a) A molecular scissors used in targeted gene editing.

(b) A biosensor used in the accurate detection of pathogens in patients.

(c) A gene that makes plants pest-resistant

(d) A herbicidal substance synthesized in generally modified crops

Q 6. Which of the following statements is not correct?

(a) Hepatitis B virus is transmitted much like HIV.

(b) Hepatitis B, unlike Hepatitis C, does not have a vaccine.

(c) Globally, the number of people infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses are several times more than those infected with HIV.

(d) Some of those infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses do not show the symptoms for many years.

Q 7. 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

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Q 8. 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 the 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 a smart-phone or PC.

(4) VR closes the world, and transposes an individual, providing a complete immersion experience.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 and 4

(c) 1, 2 and 3

(d) 4 only

Q 9. Consider the following statements about a digital signature:

(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 of server on the 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?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1,2 and 3

Q 10. In the context of wearable technology, which of the following tasks is/are accomplished by wearable devices?

(1) Location identification of a person

(2) Sleep monitoring of a person

(3) Assisting the hearing impaired person

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Q 11. Recently, scientists observed the merger of giant ‘blackholes’ billions of light-years away from the earth. What is the significance of this observation?

(a) ‘Higgs boson particles’ were detected.

(b) ‘Gravitational waves’ were detected.

(c) Possibility of intergalactic space travel through ‘wormhole’ was confirmed.

(d) It enabled the scientists to understand ‘singularity’.

Solution

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