UPSC Prelims Previous Year Questions

Science & TechnologyBiology and Human PhysiologyBiological Adaptation and ExtremophilesMedium

Question details

Type:: Statement based
Skill:: Concept understanding
Tags:: Biological Adaptation and Extremophiles · Biology and Human Physiology
Related topics:: Desert and Semi-Arid Ecosystems · Plant Structure and Physiology

Classification and difficulty are editorial labels. Explanations are awaiting review.

2018 · Q2

Which of the following leaf modifications occur(s) in the desert areas to inhibit water loss? 1. Hard and waxy leaves 2. Tiny leaves 3. Thorns instead of leaves Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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Science & TechnologyScientific Research, Institutions and InnovationIntellectual Property, Standards and MetrologyEasy

Question details

Type:: Single choice
Skill:: Connecting topics
Tags:: Intellectual Property, Standards and Metrology · Scientific Research, Institutions and Innovation
Related topics:: Grading, Quality Standards and Agricultural Certification · Global Trade Governance, WTO and Trade Agreements

Classification and difficulty are editorial labels. Explanations are awaiting review.

2018 · Q26

India enacted The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 in order to comply with the obligations to

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Science & TechnologyDefence and Strategic TechnologiesMissiles, Guidance and Strategic Delivery SystemsEasy

Question details

Type:: Single choice
Skill:: Fact recall
Tags:: Missiles, Guidance and Strategic Delivery Systems · Defence and Strategic Technologies
Related topics:: Collective Security, Military Alliances and NATO

Classification and difficulty are editorial labels. Explanations are awaiting review.

2018 · Q43

What is “Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)”, sometimes seen in the news?

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Science & TechnologySpace Science and Space ProgrammesSatellite Navigation, Positioning and AugmentationMedium

Question details

Type:: Statement based
Skill:: Concept understanding
Tags:: Satellite Navigation, Positioning and Augmentation · Space Science and Space Programmes
Related topics:: Internet of Things, Sensors and Smart Systems

Classification and difficulty are editorial labels. Explanations are awaiting review.

2018 · Q55

In which of the following areas can GPS technology be used? 1. Mobile phone operations 2. Banking operations 3. Controlling the power grids Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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Science & TechnologyComputing, AI and Digital TechnologiesCybersecurity, Encryption and Digital SafetyEasy

Question details

Type:: Single choice
Skill:: Fact recall
Tags:: Cybersecurity, Encryption and Digital Safety · Computing, AI and Digital Technologies
Related topics:: Cybersecurity, Data Security and Critical Infrastructure

Classification and difficulty are editorial labels. Explanations are awaiting review.

2018 · Q58

The terms ‘WannaCry, Petya and EternalBlue’ sometimes mentioned in the news recently are related to

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Science & TechnologySpace Science and Space ProgrammesSatellite Navigation, Positioning and AugmentationMedium

Question details

Type:: Statement based
Skill:: Fact recall
Tags:: Satellite Navigation, Positioning and Augmentation · Space Science and Space Programmes
Related topics:: Indian Space Missions and Programmes

Classification and difficulty are editorial labels. Explanations are awaiting review.

2018 · Q61

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?

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Science & TechnologySpace Science and Space ProgrammesAstronomy, Cosmology and AstrophysicsMedium

Question details

Type:: Statement based
Skill:: Concept understanding
Tags:: Astronomy, Cosmology and Astrophysics · Space Science and Space Programmes
Related topics:: Atomic, Nuclear and Particle Physics

Classification and difficulty are editorial labels. Explanations are awaiting review.

2018 · Q62

Consider the following phenomena: 1. Light is affected by gravity. 2. The Universe is constantly expanding. 3. Matter warps its surrounding space-time. Which of the above is/are the prediction/predictions of Albert Einstein's General Theory of Relativity, often discussed in media?

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Science & TechnologyComputing, AI and Digital TechnologiesBlockchain and Distributed Ledger TechnologiesMedium

Question details

Type:: Pairs
Skill:: Connecting topics
Tags:: Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies · Computing, AI and Digital Technologies
Related topics:: Atomic, Nuclear and Particle Physics · Gene Editing, Gene Therapy and Genetic Engineering

Classification and difficulty are editorial labels. Explanations are awaiting review.

2018 · Q64

Consider the following pairs: Terms sometimes seen in news : Context/Topic 1. Belle II experiment : Artificial Intelligence 2. Blockchain technology : Digital/Cryptocurrency 3. CRISPR – Cas9 : Particle Physics Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

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Science & TechnologyBiology and Human PhysiologyPlant Structure and PhysiologyEasy

Question details

Type:: Single choice
Skill:: Concept understanding
Tags:: Plant Structure and Physiology · Biology and Human Physiology
Related topics:: Greenhouse Gases and the Carbon Cycle

Classification and difficulty are editorial labels. Explanations are awaiting review.

2018 · Q65

Which of the following statements best describes "carbon fertilization"?

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Science & TechnologyComputing, AI and Digital TechnologiesInternet of Things, Sensors and Smart SystemsHard

Question details

Type:: Single choice
Skill:: Concept understanding
Tags:: Internet of Things, Sensors and Smart Systems · Computing, AI and Digital Technologies
Related topics:: Telecommunication, Mobile and Wireless Networks

Classification and difficulty are editorial labels. Explanations are awaiting review.

2018 · Q66

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?

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Science & TechnologyChemistry and Materials ScienceNanotechnology, Composites and Advanced MaterialsMedium

Question details

Type:: Statement based
Skill:: Concept understanding
Tags:: Nanotechnology, Composites and Advanced Materials · Chemistry and Materials Science
Related topics:: Industrial Policy, Manufacturing and MSMEs · Medical Devices, Imaging and Digital Health

Classification and difficulty are editorial labels. Explanations are awaiting review.

2018 · Q84

“3D printing” has applications in which of the following? 1. Preparation of confectionery items 2. Manufacture of bionic ears 3. Automotive industry 4. Reconstructive surgeries 5. Data processing technologies Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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Science & TechnologySpace Science and Space ProgrammesLaunch Vehicles, Propulsion and Reusable Space SystemsMedium

Question details

Type:: Statement based
Skill:: Connecting topics
Tags:: Launch Vehicles, Propulsion and Reusable Space Systems · Space Science and Space Programmes
Related topics:: Indian Space Missions and Programmes · Earth Observation and Space Applications

Classification and difficulty are editorial labels. Explanations are awaiting review.

2018 · Q95

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?

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Themes in Science & Technology· 11

PYQs on Science & Technology

Prelims 2018

Science & Technology

Themes in Science & Technology· 11

PYQs on Science & Technology

Prelims 2018

Prelims 2018, question 2: Biological Adaptation and Extremophiles

Prelims 2018, question 26: Intellectual Property, Standards and Metrology

Prelims 2018, question 43: Missiles, Guidance and Strategic Delivery Systems

Prelims 2018, question 55: Satellite Navigation, Positioning and Augmentation

Prelims 2018, question 58: Cybersecurity, Encryption and Digital Safety

Prelims 2018, question 61: Satellite Navigation, Positioning and Augmentation

Prelims 2018, question 62: Astronomy, Cosmology and Astrophysics

Prelims 2018, question 64: Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies

Prelims 2018, question 65: Plant Structure and Physiology

Prelims 2018, question 66: Internet of Things, Sensors and Smart Systems

Prelims 2018, question 84: Nanotechnology, Composites and Advanced Materials

Prelims 2018, question 95: Launch Vehicles, Propulsion and Reusable Space Systems