Science and Technology previous Year Questions from 2018 (UPSC/ IAS)

1. With reference to India’s satellite launch  vehicles, consider the following statements: (upsc / IAS 2018)

(1) PSLVs launch 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.?

2. With reference to the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), consider the following statements : (Pre18 Set-D) (upsc / IAS 2018)

(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?

3. The identity platform ‘Aadhaar’ provides open “Application Programming Interfaces (APIs)”.

What does it imply? (upsc / IAS 2018)

(1) It can be integrated into any electronic device.

(2) Online authentication using iris is possible.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

4. The identity platform ‘Aadhaar’ provides open “Application Programming Interfaces (APIs)”.

What does it imply? (upsc / IAS 2018)

(1) It can be integrated into any electronic device.

(2) Online authentication using iris is possible.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

5. “3D printing” has applications in which of the following? (upsc / IAS 2018)

(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 :

6. The terms ‘Wanna Cry, Petya and Eternal Blue’ sometimes mentioned in the news recently are related to  (upsc / IAS 2018)

7. In which of the following areas can GPS technology be used? (upsc / IAS 2018)

(1) Mobile phone operations

(2) Banking operations

(3) Controlling the power grids

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

8. 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 min-or 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?  (upsc / IAS 2018)

9. Which of the following leaf modifications occur(s) in the desert areas to inhibit water loss? (upsc / IAS 2018)

(1) Hard and waxy leaves

(2) Tiny leaves

(3) Thorns instead of leaves

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

10. With reference to the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mustard) developed in India, consider the following statements :   (upsc / IAS 2018)

(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 ?

11. Consider the following: (upsc / IAS 2018)

(1) Birds

(2) Dust blowing

(3) Rain

(4)Wind blowing.

Which of the above spread plant diseases?

12. Consider the following statements: (upsc / IAS 2018)

(1) The Earth’s magnetic field has reversed every few hundred thousand years.

(2) When the Earth was created more than 4000 million years ago, there was 54% oxygen and no carbon dioxide.

(3) When living organisms originated, they modified the early atmosphere of the Earth.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

13. Consider the following pairs of Terms sometimes seen in news vs Context    (upsc / IAS 2018)

(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 ?

14. Consider the following phenomena (upsc / IAS 2018)

(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 ?

15. Consider the following phenomena (upsc / IAS 2018)

(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 ?