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Topics / Sci & Tech

Science

Asked 21 times in UPSC Prelims · first asked 2000 · last asked 2025

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All 21 questions

Newest first — expand for options, answers, and explanations

In the context of electric vehicle batteries, consider the following elements: I. Cobalt II. Graphite III. Lithium IV. Nickel. How many of the above usually make up battery cathodes?

2025Sci & Tech
AOnly one
BOnly two
COnly three
DAll the four

Explanation

Cobalt, graphite, and lithium are commonly used in battery cathodes for electric vehicles. These elements play crucial roles in enhancing the performance and efficiency of the batteries by providing stability, conductivity, and energy storage capacity. Nickel is primarily used in battery anodes rather than cathodes in electric vehicle batteries.

With reference to the carbon nanotubes, consider the following statement: 1. They can be used as the 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?

2020Sci & Tech
A1 and 2 only
B2, 3 and 4 only
C1, 3 and 4 only
D1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation

In a recent study, Delhi researchers developed a sensor using carbon nanotubes to detect cancer cells, confirming statement #3. Since option a is ruled out and statement #4 is consistent across the remaining options, we can consider it as correct. Britannica suggests that carbon nanotubes have potential for targeted drug delivery and nerve cell regeneration, supporting the possibility of using them as carriers of drugs and antigens in the human body (#1). Research also indicates that artificial blood capillaries could be created using carbon nanotubes, aligning with statement #2. Therefore, the correct answer is option "c".

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?

2020Sci & Tech
A1 and 2 only
B2 and 3 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Explanation

Drones are currently capable of effectively performing all three activities mentioned. They can be used for spraying pesticides on crop fields, monitoring active volcanoes, and collecting breath samples from spouting whales for DNA analysis. This information has been confirmed by various reputable sources such as The Hindu, Science USA News, and Reuters.

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?

2018Sci & Tech
A1 and 3 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Explanation

In the given pairs, Belle II experiment is related to particle physics, not Artificial Intelligence. Blockchain technology is correctly matched with Digital/Cryptocurrency. CRISPR-Cas9 is associated with genome editing, not particle physics. Therefore, the correct match is option (b) 2 only.

Consider the following pairs of Terms sometimes seen in news vs 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?

2018Sci & Tech
A1 and 3 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Explanation

The CRISPR-Cas9 technology is a revolutionary genome editing tool that has the potential to greatly impact the field of biology by enabling precise editing of genomes. Therefore, the association of CRISPR-Cas9 with Particle Physics, as suggested in option 3, is incorrect. This rules out options A, C, and D. The correct answer is option B, as the pairing of Blockchain technology with Digital/Cryptocurrency is accurate.

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 code given below

2017Sci & Tech
A1 and 3 only
B2 only
C1, 2 and 3
DNone of the above statements is correct

Explanation

Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs) offer several advantages over Liquid Crystal displays. They can be manufactured on flexible plastic substrates, allowing for the creation of roll-up displays that can be integrated into clothing. Additionally, OLED technology enables the development of transparent displays. Therefore, the correct answer is option (c) - 1, 2, and 3.

Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding National Innovation Foundation-India (NIF)? 1. NIF is an autonomous body of the Department of Science and Technology under the Central Government 2. NIF is an initiative to strengthen the highly advanced scientific research in India's premier scientific institutions Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

2015Sci & Tech
A1 only
B2 only
CBoth 1 and 2
DNeither 1 nor 2

Explanation

The National Innovation Foundation-India (NIF) is an independent organization operating under the Department of Science and Technology within the Central Government. Established in February 2000 in Ahmedabad, its primary objective is to offer support to innovations originating at the grassroots level.

Graphene is frequently in news recently. What is its importance? 1. It is a two-dimensional material and has good electrical conductivity. 2. It is one of the thinnest but strongest materials tested so far. 3. It is entirely made of silicon and has high optical transparency. 4. It can be used as 'conducting electrodes' required for touch screens, LCDs and organic LEDs. Which of the statements given above are correct?

2012Sci & Tech
A1 and 2 only
B3 and 4 only
C1, 2 and 4 only
D1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation

Graphene has been making headlines recently due to its unique properties. It is a two-dimensional material with excellent electrical conductivity and is known to be among the thinnest and strongest materials ever examined. Additionally, graphene is made entirely of silicon and boasts high optical transparency. One of its key applications is serving as conducting electrodes essential for touch screens, LCDs, and organic LEDs. The correct statements about graphene from the given options are 1, 2, and 4.

What is the difference between a CFL and an LED lamp? (1) To produce light, a CFL uses mercury vapour and phosphor while an LED lamp uses semi-conductor material (2) The average life span of a CFL is much longer than that of an LED lamp (3) A CFL is less energy-efficient as compared to an LED lamp

2011Sci & Tech
A1 only
B2 and 3 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Explanation

In the realm of lighting, there are two common types of bulbs - CFL and LED. CFL bulbs rely on mercury vapor and phosphor to emit light, while LED bulbs utilize semiconductor material for the same purpose. Furthermore, CFL bulbs tend to have a longer lifespan compared to LED bulbs. However, LED bulbs outshine CFL bulbs when it comes to energy efficiency. The correct answer to the question lies in statements (1) and (3) - making option (c) the right choice. When it comes to LED bulbs, they are often arranged in clusters with diffuser lenses. This design feature has expanded the range of applications for LED lighting within households.

Which among the following do/does not belong/belongs to the GSM family of wireless technologies?

2010Sci & Tech
AEDGE
BLTE
CDSL
DBoth EDGE and LTE

Explanation

In May 2009, over 3.8 billion individuals globally utilized the GSM family of wireless technologies. GSM is the most popular wireless technology worldwide. It offers a simple and cost-efficient transition to 3G through GPRS, EDGE, and UMTS-HSPA, as well as advancements beyond 3G with HSPA Evolution (HSPA+) and LTE and System Architecture Evolution (SAE) initiatives.

For outstanding contribution to which one of the following fields is Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize given?

2009Sci & Tech
ALiterature
BPerforming Arts
CScience
DSocial Service

Explanation

The Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize is awarded for remarkable achievements in the field of science and technology.

WiMAX is related to which one of the following

2009Sci & Tech
ABiotechnology
BSpace technology
CMissile technology
DCommunication technology

Explanation

WiMAX is a popular broadband wireless technology that is widely used today. It is designed to provide cost-effective broadband access to both residential and business customers.

Which one of the following organizations won the CSIR Award for Science and Technology (S&T) Innovations for Rural Development, 2006?

2007Sci & Tech
ACLRI
BIARI
CNDDB
DNDRI

Explanation

In 2006, the Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) was honored with the CSIR Award for Science and Technology (S&T) Innovations for Rural Development, marking the institute's first win of this prestigious award.

Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched?

2007Sci & Tech
AWilliam Dickson : Motion Picture film
BCharles Babbage : Programmable Computer
CNicholas Stem : Construction technology
DBrian Greene : String theory

Explanation

Nick started working as a Bioengineering lecturer at Southampton University in January 2011.

Match List-I (Indian Scientist/Scholar) with List-II (Area of Work) and select the correct answer: List-I: A. C. N. R. Rao B. Jagdish Bhagwati C. G. N. Ramachandran D. Ashok Jhunjhunwala List-II: 1. Telecommunications 2. Physics 3. Economics 4. Solid State Chemistry and Material Science

2006Sci & Tech
AA-4; B-3; C-2; D-1
BA-2; B-1; C-4; D-3
CA-4; B-1; C-2; D-3
DA-2; B-3; C-4; D-1

Explanation

In this question, you were asked to match Indian scientists/scholars with their respective areas of work. The correct match is: C. N. R. Rao with Solid State Chemistry and Material Science, Jagdish Bhagwati with Economics, G. N. Ramachandran with Physics, and Ashok Jhunjhunwala with Telecommunications. The correct answer option is (a) A-4; B-3; C-2; D-1.

To which one of the following process is the term CMYK related?

2006Sci & Tech
ARailway signaling
BNavigation
COffset printing
DElectronic voting machine

Explanation

The term CMYK is related to offset printing, where it stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black - the primary colors of pigment used in this printing process.

Which one among the following was awarded the CSIR Diamond Jubilee Technology Award-2004 in September, 2005 by the Prime Minister of India?

2006Sci & Tech
AInfosys Technologies Ltd.
BMidas Communication Technologies
CTata Consultancy Services
DBiocon India Ltd.

Explanation

The CSIR Diamond Jubilee Technology Award-2004 was presented by the Prime Minister of India in September 2005 to Midas Communication Technologies Private Limited.

Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer: List-I (Institutes): A. Central Institute of medicinal and Aromatic Plants B. Centre for DNA Finger Printing and Diagnostics C. Institute of Microbial Technology D. National Institute of Immunology List-II (Location): 1. Chandigarh 2. Hyderabad 3. New Delhi 4. Lucknow

2001Sci & Tech
AA-2; B-4; C-1; D-3
BA-4; B-2; C-1; D-3
CA-2; B-4; C-3; D-1
DA-4; B-2; C-3; D-1

Explanation

In this question, you were asked to match a list of institutes with their respective locations. The Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants is located in Lucknow, the Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics is in Hyderabad, the Institute of Microbial Technology is situated in Chandigarh, and the National Institute of Immunology is based in New Delhi. The correct matching of these institutes with their locations is option (b): A-4; B-2; C-1; D-3.

The theme of Indian Science Congress 2001 was:

2001Sci & Tech
A"Food nutrition and environmental security"
B"Arrest declining interest in pure sciences"
C"Make India energy self-sufficient"
D"Make India I.T. superpower"

Explanation

The 88th Indian Science Congress took place from January 3rd to 7th, 2001. The main theme of this Congress was centered around 'Food nutrition and environmental security'.

Which one of the following materials is very hard and very ductile?

2000Sci & Tech
ACarborundum
BTungsten
CCast iron
DNichrome

Explanation

Tungsten is the material that is both extremely hard and ductile among the options provided. This unique combination of properties makes it ideal for use in filaments and applications that involve high temperatures.

Consider the following features on newer models of motor cars: 1) Radial tyres 2) Streamlined body 3) Multipoint fuel injection 4) Catalytic converter with exhaust. Which of these features make the new models of motor cars more fuel efficient?

2000Sci & Tech
A1 and 2
B2 and 3
C2, 3 and 4
D1, 3 and 4

Explanation

In modern motor cars, features like streamlined body and multipoint fuel injection contribute to increased fuel efficiency. This means that options (b) 2 and 3 are the choices that make newer models of motor cars more fuel efficient.