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UPSC Science & Technology PYQs 2020 | Vaidra | Vaidra
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Science & Technology UPSC PYQ 2020

14 questions from the UPSC 2020 examination.

14 questions

1Mediumprelims2 marks
Computer & Information Technology

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:

A1, 2 and 3 only
B1, 2 and 4 only
C1, 3 and 4 only
D2, 3 and 4 only
2Mediumprelims2 marks
Biotechnology & Genetics

In the context of recent advances in human reproductive technology, “Pronuclear Transfer” is used for

Afertilization of egg in vitro by the donor sperm
Bgenetic modification of sperm producing cells
Cdevelopment of stem cells into functional embryos"
Dprevention of mitochondrial diseases in offspring
3Mediumprelims2 marks
Biotechnology & Genetics

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 ?

A1 only
B2 and 3 only
C2 only
D1, 2 and 3
4Mediumprelims2 marks
Health & Diseases

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 :

A1 only
B1 and 2 only
C3 only
D1, 2 and 3
5Mediumprelims2 marks
Computer & Information Technology

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:

A1, 2, 3 and 5 only
B1, 3 and 4 only
C2, 4 and 5 only
D1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
6Mediumprelims2 marks
Energy & Environment

In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept under “IAEA Safeguards” while others are not?

ASome use uranium and others use thorium
BSome use imported uranium and others use domestic supplies
CSome are operated by foreign enterprises and others are operated by domestic enterprises
DSome are State-owned and others are privately-owned
7Mediumprelims2 marks
Space Technology & Astronomy

“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

AVoyager-2
BNew Horizons
CLISA Pathfinder
DEvolved LISA
8Easyprelims2 marks
Biology

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

A1 and 2 only
B2 and 3 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3
9Mediumprelims2 marks
Computer & Information Technology

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 ?

A1 only
B1 and 2 only
C2 only
D1 and 3 only
10Hardprelims2 marks
Materials & Engineering

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 ?

A1 and 2 only
B2, 3 and 4 only
C1, 3 and 4 only
D1, 2, 3 and 4
11Mediumprelims2 marks
Computer & Information Technology

In India, under cyber insurance for individuals, which of the following benefits are generally covered, in addition to payment for the loss of funds and other benefits? 1. Cost of restoration of the computer system in case of malware disrupting access to one's computer 2. Cost of a new computer if some miscreant wilfully damages it, if proved so 3. Cost of hiring a specialized consultant to minimize the loss in case of cyber extortion 4. Cost of defence in the Court of Law if any third party files a suit Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A1, 2 and 4 only
B1, 3 and 4 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2, 3 and 4
12Easyprelims2 marks
Computer & Information Technology

In India, the term 'Public Key Infrastructure' is used in the context of

ADigital security infrastructure
BFood security infrastructure
CHealth care and educational infrastructure
DTelecommunication and transportation infrastructure
13Mediumprelims2 marks
Energy & Environment

With reference to solar water pumps, consider the following statements: 1. Solar power can be used for running surface pumps but not for submersible pumps. 2. Solar power can be used for running centrifugal pumps but not the ones with piston. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A1 only
B2 only
CBoth 1 and 2
DNeither 1 nor 2
14Mediumprelims2 marks
Defence Technology

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 ?

A1 and 2 only
B2 and 3 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3
Science & Technology — All Years|All Subjects