UPSC (Prelims) 2020 Science & Technology Previous Year Questions

In the context of recent advances in human reproductive technology, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following?
(a) fertilization of egg in vitro by the donor sperm
(b) genetic modification of sperm producing cells
(c) development of functional embryo
(d) prevention of mitochondrial diseases in offspring

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. Transmission of electrical energy
   Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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 used in biochemical sensors.
3. Carbon nanotubes are biodegradable.
4. Carbon nanotubes are non-biodegradable.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

'The experiment will create a super-equilateral triangle that has sides one million kilometres long.' According to the given description, the experiment is referring to:
(a) Voyager-2
(b) New Horizons
(c) LISA Pathfinder
(d) Evolved LISA

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?

Consider the following statements:

1. These vaccines are antibiotics that are not effective against drug-resistant bacteria.
2. Dependence on antibiotics as vaccines becomes ineffective against drug-resistant bacteria.
3. Some are novel antigens that are not effective against drug-resistant bacteria and do not cause an allergic reaction.
4. These vaccines have no side effects and are not effective against drug-resistant bacteria.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
   (From page_019: actual Q42 is about vaccines vs antibiotics. The actual extracted text reads: 'Consider the following statements regarding vaccines: 1. These vaccines are antibiotics... Select the correct answer')

With reference to recent advances in human reproductive technology, consider the following statements:

1. A new variety of seedless pomegranate has been produced.
2. A variety of disease-resistant tomato has been produced.
   (From page_019 actual text: 'With reference to recent advances in human reproductive technology, consider the following statements about Surrogacy. The Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill 2019 provides which of the following?')
   Actual Q43 extracted: With reference to farming activities in India, consider the following statements:
3. Spraying of crops with crops is used as a method for protection
4. Spraying of neem-based pesticides on crops to prevent pest attack
5. Farmer can successfully carry out activities using a crop

With reference to the Visible Light Communication (VLC) technology, which of the following statements is/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:

With reference to 'Blockchain Technology', consider the following statements:

1. It is a public ledger that everyone can inspect but no single user controls.
2. The structure and design of blockchain is such that all the data in it is 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?

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

Which of the following statements are correct regarding the general differences between plant and animal cells?

1. Plant cells have no plasma membrane, animal cells do.
2. Plant cells lack centrioles while animal cells do not.
3. Mature plant cell has one large vacuole while animal cell has many small vacuoles.
   Select the correct answer using the code given below:

In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept under 'IAEA Safeguards' while others are not?
(a) Some use uranium and others use thorium.
(b) Some are operated by foreign enterprises and others are operated by domestic enterprises.
(c) Some are State-owned and others are privately-owned.
(d) Some use imported uranium and others use domestically supplied uranium.

Under the online cyber insurance for individuals, which of the following benefits are generally available, in addition to payment for the loss of funds and other benefits?

1. Cost of a new computer if the computer system is one of malware disrupting the individual's computer
2. Cost of a new computer if the computer system is one of malware disrupting and capable of remaining monitors is already blocked by the is disrupting the individual's computer
3. Cost of hiring a specialised consultant to minimise the loss in case of cyber extortion
4. Cost of defence in the Court of Law if any cybercrime is committed
   Select the correct answer using the code given below:
   (a) 1 and 2 only
   (b) 1, 3 and 4 only
   (c) 2 and 3 only
   (d) 1, 2 and 4 only

Steel slag can be the material for which of the following?

1. Construction of road
2. Improvement of agricultural soil
3. Production of cement
4. Production of biodiesel
   Select the correct answer using the code given below:
   (a) 1 and 2 only
   (b) 1, 2 and 3 only
   (c) 1 and 4 only
   (d) 2, 3 and 4 only

With reference to chemical fertilizers in India, consider the following statements:

1. Ammonium, which is a major source of nitrogen for plants, is prepared from natural gas.
2. Sulphur, which is a raw material for the preparation of phosphoric acid fertilizers, is a by-product of oil refineries.
3. Potash, which is a raw material for the preparation of potassium fertilizers, is abundantly available in India.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
   (a) 1 only
   (b) 1 and 2 only
   (c) 2 and 3 only
   (d) 1, 2 and 3