2) ‘Wolbachia method’ is sometimes talked about with reference to which one of the following?
(a) Controlling the viral diseases spread by mosquitoes
(b) Converting crop residues into packing material
(c) Producing biodegradable plastics
(d) Producing biochar from thermo-chemical conversion of biomass
Correct Answer :(a) Controlling the viral diseases spread by mosquitoes
3) ‘Aerial metagenomics’ best refers to which one of the following situations?
(a) Collecting DNA samples from air in a habitat at one go
(b) Understanding the genetic makeup of avian species of a habitat
(c) Using air-borne devices to collect blood samples from moving animals
(d) Sending drones to inaccessible areas to collect plant and animal samples from land surfaces and water bodies
Correct Answer :(a) Collecting DNA samples from air in a habitat at one go
4) ‘Microsatellite DNA’ is used in the case of which one of the following?
(a) Studying the evolutionary relationships among various species of fauna
(b) Stimulating ‘stem cells’ to transform into diverse functional tissues
(c) Promoting clonal propagation of horticultural plants
(d) Assessing the efficacy of drugs by conducting series of drug trials in a population
Correct Answer :(a) Studying the evolutionary relationships among various species of fauna
5) Consider the following statements :
1. Carbon fibres are used in the manufacture of components used in automobiles and aircrafts.
2. Carbon fibres once used cannot be recycled.
Which of the statements give above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
1. Detection of car crash/collision which results in the deployment of airbags almost instantaneously.
2. Detection of accidental free fall of a laptop towards the ground which results in the immediate turning of the hard drive
3. Detection of the tit of smartphone which results in the rotation of display between portrait and landscape mode
In how many of the above action is the function of accelerometer required?
7) Consider the following pairs :
Objects in space - Description
1. Cepheids - Giant clouds of dust and gas in space
2. Nebulae - Stars which brighten and dim periodically
3. Pulsars - Neutron stars that are formed when massive stars run out of fuel and collapse
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their flights, while cruise missiles are rocketpowered only in the initial phase of flight.
2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile.
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
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 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
3) With reference to “Software as a Service (SaaS)”, consider the following statements:
1.SaaS buyers can customize 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 speed and places a probe on its surface.
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
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?
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
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
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) With reference to Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), consider the following statements.
1. They enable the digital representation of physical assets.
2. They are unique cryptographic tokens that exist on a blockchain.
3. They can be traded or exchanged at equivalency and therefore can be used as a medium of commercial transactions.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a)l and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only.
(d) 1, 2 and 3
12) Which one of the following statements best describes the role of B cells and T cells in the human body ?
(a)They protect the body from environmental allergens.
(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.
Correct Answer :(D) They protect the body from the diseases caused by pathogens.
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?
2) With reference to street lighting, how do sodium lamps differ from LED lamps?
1.Sodium lamps produce light in 360 degrees but it is not so in the case of LED lamps.
2.As street-lights, sodium lamps have 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
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 collar for wildlife tracking
(d) spread of viral diseases
6) Which one of the following is a reason why astronomical distances are measured in light-years?
(a) Distances among stellar bodies do not change.
(b) Gravity of stellar bodies does not change.
(c) Light always travels in a straight line.
(d) Speed of light is always same.
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 egg.
2.A child inherits mitochondrial diseases entirely from mother and not from 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.
1. Adenoviruses have single-stranded DNA genomes whereas retroviruses have double-stranded DNA genomes.
2. Common cold is sometime 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
1) With reference to carbon nanotubes, consider the following statements:
1.They can be used as carriers of drugs and antigens in the human body.
2.They can be made into artificial blood capillaries for an injured part of 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
10) “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
(b) New Horizons
(c) LISA Pathfinder
(d) Evolved LISA
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
5) 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
6) 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
Correct Answer :(A) Digital security infrastructure
7) Which of the following statements are correct regarding the general difference between plant and animal cells?
1.Plant cells have cellulose cell walls whilst animal cells do not.
2.Plant cells do not have plasma membrane unlike animal cells which do.
3.Mature plant cell has one large vacuole whilst 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
8) 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
Correct Answer :(A) Digital security infrastructure
9) With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence an 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
10) With reference to Visible Light Communication (VLC) technology, which of the following statements are correct?
1.VLC uses electromagnetic spectrum wavelengths 375 to 780 nm.
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
11) With reference to “Blockchain Technology”, consider the following statements:
1.It is a public ledger that everyone can inspect, but which no single user controls.
2.The structure and design of blockchain is such that all the data in it are about cryptocurrency only.
3.Applications that depend on basic features of blockchain can be developed without anybody’s permission.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1 and 3 only
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
13) In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept under “IAEA Safeguards” while others are not?
(a) Some use uranium and other use thorium
(b) Some use imported uranium and others use domestic supplies
(c) Some are operated by foreign enterprises and other are operated by domestic enterprises
(d) Some are State-owned and others are privately-owned
Correct Answer :(B) Some use imported uranium and others use domestic supplies
UPSC Prelims Sci And Tech - 2019
1) For the measurement/estimation of which of the following are satellite images/remote sensing data used?
1. Chlorophyll content in the vegetation of a specific location
2. Greenhouse gas emissions from rice paddies of a specific location
3. Land surface temperatures of a specific location
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
2) 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
3) Recently, India signed a deal known as ‘Action Plan for Prioritization and Implementation of Cooperation Areas in the Nuclear Field’ with which of the following countries?
(a) Japan
(b) Russia
(c) The United Kingdom
(d) The United States of America
4) 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?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 4 only
5) 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 plasma and animals can be made to undergo cell division in laboratory petri dishes.
Correct Answer :(A) Functional chromosomes can be created by joining segments of DNA taken from cells of different species.
6) Consider the following:
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?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
8) 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.
(a) 1, 2 and 4
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 1 and 4 only
9) 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 inter-galactic space travel through 'wormhole' was confirmed.
(d) It enabled the scientists to understand 'singularity'.
Correct Answer :(B) 'Gravitational waves' were detected.
10) 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
11) What is Cas9 protein that is often mentioned in 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 genetically modified crops
Correct Answer :(A) A molecular scissors used in targeted gene editing
12) Which one 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 arc 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.
Correct Answer :(B) Hepatitis B. unlike Hepatitis C, does not have a vaccine.
UPSC Prelims Sci And Tech- 2018
1) Consider the following:
Commonly used/consumed materials. Unwanted or controversial chemicals likely to be found in them.
1.Lipstick — Lead
2.Soft Drinks — Brominated vegetable oils
3.Chinese fast food — Monosodium glutamate
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
2) With reference to India's satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements:
1.PSLVs launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
2.Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
3.GSLV Mk III is a four-staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
4) What is "Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)", sometimes seen in the news?
(a) An Israeli radar system
(b) India's indigenous anti-missile programme
(c) An American anti-missile system
(d) A defence collaboration between Japan and South Korea.
6) 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?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) None
8) 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?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
10) 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?
(a) Border Gateway Protocol
(b) Internet of Things
(c) Internet Protocol
(d) Virtual Private Network
15) 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?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
1.In tropical regions, Zika virus disease is transmitted by ‘the same mosquito that transmits dengue.
2.Sexual transmission of Zika virus disease is possible
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
2) What is the purpose of ‘evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antenna’ (eLISA) project?
(a) To detect neutrinos
(b) To detect gravitational waves
(c) To detect the effectiveness of missile defence system
(d) To study the effect of solar flares on our communication systems
3) What is the application of Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer Technology?
(a) Production of biolarvicides
(b) Manufacture of biodegradable plastics
(c) Reproductive cloning of animals
(d) Production of organisms free of diseases
Correct Answer :(C) Reproductive cloning of animals
4) With reference to agriculture in India, how can the technique of 'genome sequencing', often seen in the news, be used in the immediate future?
1.Genome sequencing can be used to identify genetic markers for disease resistance and drought tolerance in various crop plants.
2.This technique helps in reducing the time required to develop new varieties of crop plants.
3.It can be used to decipher the host-pathogen relationships in crops
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a)1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
6) Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs) are used to create digital display in many devices. What are the advantages of OLED displays over Liquid Crystal displays?
1.OLED displays can be fabricated on flexible plastic substrates.
2.Roll-up displays embedded in clothing can be made using OLEDs.
3.Transparent displays are possible using OLEDs.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None of the above statement is correct
The Mangalyaan launched by ISRD
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 statement(s) given above is/are corect?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
4) With reference to 'Astrosat, the astronomical observatory launched by India, which of the following statement(s) in/are correct?
1.Other than USA and Russia, India is the only country to have launched a similar observatory into space
2. Astrosat is a 2000 ky satellite placed in an orbit at 1650 km above the surface of the Earth
Select the correct answer using the codes given below
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
5) Which one of the following is the best description of "INS Astradharin, that was in the news recently?
1.Other than USA and Russia, India is the only country to have launched a similar observatory into space
2. Astrosat is a 2000 ky satellite placed in an orbit at 1650 km above the surface of the Earth
Select the correct answer using the codes given below
Correct Answer :(C) Torpado launch and recovery vessel
7) Which one of the following is the best description of "INS Astradharin, that was in the news recently?
(a) it can use thorium in place of uranium for power generation
(b) It can attain a global role in satellite navigation
(c) can drastically improve the efficiency of its fission reactors in power generation
(d) It can build fusion reactors for power generation
Correct Answer :(D) It can build fusion reactors for power generation
8) In the context of the developments in Bioinformatics, the term transcriptome sometimes seen in the news, refers to
(a) a range of enzymes used in genome editing
(b) the full range of mRNA molecules expressed by an organism
(c) the description of the mechanism of gene expression
(d) a mechanism of genetic mutation taking place in cells
Correct Answer :(B) the full range of mRNA molecules expressed by an organism
9) With reference to pre-packed items in India, it is mandatory to the manufacturer to put which of the following information on the main label, as per the Food Safety and Standards
(Packaging and Labelling) Regulation, 20117
1. List of ingredients including additives
2. Nutrition information
3. Recommendations, if any, made by the medical profession about the possibility of any allergic reaction
Select the conect answer using the codes given below
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1,2 and 4 only
(d) 1 and 4 only
11) With reference to 'Bitcoins sometimes seen in the news, which of the following statement(s) is/are correct?
1. Bitcoins are tracked by the Central Banks of the countries
2. Anyone with Bitcoin address can send and receive Bitcoins from anyone else with a Bitcoin address 3. Online payments can be sent without either side knowing the identity of the other
Select the correct answer using the codes given below
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c)3 only
(d) 1,2 and 3
12) What is "Greased Lightning 10 (GL-10), recently in the news?
(a) Electric plane tested by NASA
(b) Solar-powered two-seater aircraft designed by Japan
(c) Space observatory launched by China
(d) Reusable rocket designed by ISRO
(a)An agency formed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to check misuse of drugs by sportspersons
(b) A non-governmental organization and emergency medical assistance which specializes in international humanitarian aid
(c) An organization to develop applications of nanotechnology in medicine
(d) An organization of medical practitioners funded by the European Union which came out reach against spread of AIDS
Correct Answer :(B) A non-governmental organization and emergency medical assistance which specializes in international humanitarian aid
UPSC Prelims Sci And Tech- 2015
1) With reference to fly ash produced by the power plants using coal as fuel, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. Fly ash can be used in the production of bricks for building construction.
2. Fly ash can be used as a replacement for some of the Portland cement contents ofconcrete.
3. Fly ash is made up of silicon dioxide and calcium oxide only, and does not contain any toxic elements
Select the correct answer using the code given below
2) 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 buries deep in the ice.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
3) What is "Greased Lightning 10 (GL-10), recently in the news?
(a) the limits of habitable zone above the surface of the Earth
(b) regions inside the Earth where shale gas is available
(c) search for the Earth-like planets in outer space
(d) search for meteorites containing precious metals
Correct Answer :(C) search for the Earth-like planets in outer space
4) 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?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
8) With reference to 'Near Field Communication (NFC) Technology, which of the following 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 codes given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
3) Which one of the following is the process involved in photosynthesis ?
(a) Potential energy is released to form free energy
(b) Free energy is converted into potential energy and stored
(c) Food is unidized to release carbon dioxide and water
(d) Oxygen is taken, and carbon dioxide and water vapour are given out.
5) Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding vegetative propagation of plants?
1. Vegetative propagation produces clonal population
2. Vegetative propagation helps in eliminating the virus
3. Vegetative propagation can be practiced most of the year
Select the correct answer using the code given below
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 3 only
(d) 1 and 3 only
1. Maize can be used for the production of starch
2. Of extracted from mauze can be a feedstock for biodiesel
3. Alcoholic beverages can be produced by using maize.
Which of the statements given above is/are corect?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
12) Which of the following pair(s) is/are correctly matched?
Spacecraft : Purpose
1. Cassini Huygens : Orbiting the Venus and transmitting data to the Earth
2. Messenger : Mapping and investigating the Mercury
3. Voyager 1 & 2 : Exploring the outer solar system
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
14) With reference to technologies for solar power production, consider the following
1. Photovoltaics is a technology that generates electricity by direction 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 generate 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 statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None
16) There is some concern regarding the nanoparticles of some chemical elements that are used by the industry in the manufacture of various products. Why ?
1. They can accumulate in the environment, and contaminate water and soil.
2. They can enter the food chains.
3. They can trigger the production of free radicals.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
17) 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?
(a) The oil extracted from seeds is used in the manufacture of biodegradable plastics
(b) The gum made from its seeds is used in the extraction of shale gas
(c) The leaf extract of this plant has the properties of ant-histamines
(d) It is a source of high quality biodiesel
Correct Answer :(B) The gum made from its seeds is used in the extraction of shale gas
18) With reference to two non-conventional energy sources called 'coalbed methane' and shale gas', consider the following statements:
1. Coalbed methane is the pure methane gas extracted from coal seams, while shale gas is a mixture of propane and butane only that can be extracted from fine-grained sedimentary rocks.
2. In India, abundant coalbed methane sources exist, but so far no shale gas sources have been found.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
3) Improper handling and storage of cereal grains and oilseeds result in the production of toxins known as aflatoxins which are not generally destroyed by normal cooking process. Aflatoxins are produced by
6) Which of the following statements is/are correct
1. Vinises lack enzymes necessary for the generation of energy
2. Viruses can be cultured in any synthetic medium
3. Viruses are transmitted from one organism to another by biological vectors only
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
8) Fruits stored in a cold chamber exhibit longer storage life because
(a) exposure to sunlight is prevented
(b) concentration of carbon dioxide in the environment in increased
(c) rate of respiration is decreased
(d) mere is an increase in humidity
Correct Answer :(C) rate of respiration is decreased
9) The known forces of nature can be divided into four classes, viz. gravity, electromagnetism, weak nuclear force and strong nuclear force. With reference to them, which one of the following statements is not correct?
(a) Gravity is the strongest of the four
(b) Electromagnetism acts only on particles with an electric charge
(c) Weak nuclear force coupes radioactivity
(d) strong nuclear force holds protons and neutrons inside the nucleus of an atom
Correct Answer :(A) Gravity is the strongest of the four
10) Consider the following phenomena:
1. Sure of the sun at dusk
2. Colour of the sun at dawn
3. Moon being visible at dawny
4. Twinkle of stars in the sky
5. Polestar being visible in the sky
Which of the above are optical illusions?
(a) 1,2 and 3 only
(b) 2,4 and 5 only
(c) 1,2 and 4 only
(d) 2,3 and 5 only
11) Due to improper/indiscriminate disposal of old and used computers or their parts, which of the following are released into the environment as e-waste?
12) The efforts to detect the existence of Higgs boson particle have become frequent news in the recent past. What is/are the importance (s) of discovering this particle?
1.It will enable us to understand as to why elementary particles have mass.
2. It will enable us in the near future to develop the technology of tranferring matter from one point to another without traversing the physical space between them.
3. It will enable us to create better fuels for nuclear fission.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
13) Many transplanted seedlings do not grow because
(a) the new soil does not contain favourable minerals
(b) most of the root hairs grip the new soil too hard
(c) most of the root hairs are lost during transplantation
(d) leaves get damaged during transplantation
