Home › MPPSC › 2017 › Science & Technology

MPPSC 2017 — Science & Technology Questions with Answers

All 7 Science & Technology previous-year questions from MPPSC 2017, each with the correct answer and a full explanation. Practise them as a free, timed mock test with instant scoring.

1. Q1.Space Science

   With reference to 'Astrosat', the astronomical observatory launched by India, consider the following statements: 1. Other than USA and Russia, India is the only country to have launched a similar observatory into space. 2. Astrosat is a 2000 kg satellite placed in an orbit at 1650 km above the surface of the Earth. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

   • a)1 only
   • b)2 only
   • c)Both 1 and 2
   • d)Neither 1 nor 2

   Explanation: Other countries and agencies (Japan, ESA, China) have also launched space observatories, so statement 1 is wrong. Astrosat weighs about 1513 kg and was placed in a near-equatorial orbit at about 650 km, not 2000 kg at 1650 km, so statement 2 is wrong. Hence neither is correct.

2. Q2.Physics

   The terms 'Event Horizon', 'Singularity', 'String Theory' and 'Standard Model' are sometimes seen in the news in the context of:

   • a)Observation and understanding of the Universe
   • b)Study of the solar and the lunar eclipses
   • c)Placing satellites in the orbit of the Earth
   • d)Origin and evolution of living organisms on the Earth

   Explanation: Event Horizon, Singularity, String Theory and the Standard Model are concepts in astrophysics and particle physics used in the observation and understanding of the Universe. Hence option (a).

3. Q3.Biotechnology

   With reference to agriculture in India, how can the technique of 'genome sequencing', often seen in the news, be used in the immediate future? 1. Genome sequencing can be used to identify genetic markers for disease resistance and drought tolerance in various crop plants. 2. This technique helps in reducing the time required to develop new varieties of crop plants. 3. It can be used to decipher the host-pathogen relationships in crops. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

   • a)1 only
   • b)2 and 3 only
   • c)1 and 3 only
   • d)1, 2 and 3

   Explanation: Genome sequencing can identify genetic markers for traits like disease resistance and drought tolerance (statement 1), reduce the time to develop new crop varieties through marker-assisted selection (statement 2), and help decipher host-pathogen relationships (statement 3). All three are valid applications.

4. Q4.Biotechnology

   With reference to the genetically modified mustard (GM mustard) developed in India, consider the following statements: 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?

   • a)1 and 3 only
   • b)2 only
   • c)2 and 3 only
   • d)1, 2 and 3

   Explanation: India's GM mustard (DMH-11) uses the barnase-barstar-bar gene system from a soil bacterium to enable controlled cross-pollination and hybridization, not broad pest-resistance, so statement 1 is wrong and statement 2 is correct. It was developed by the Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants at the University of Delhi, not jointly by IARI and Punjab Agricultural University, so statement 3 is wrong. Only statement 2 is correct.

5. Q5.Electronics

   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:

   • a)1 and 3 only
   • b)2 only
   • c)1, 2 and 3
   • d)None of the above; all of these are possible with Liquid Crystal displays

   Explanation: OLEDs can be made on flexible plastic substrates (1), allow roll-up displays embedded in clothing (2), and enable transparent displays (3). All three are advantages of OLED over LCD, so 1, 2 and 3.

6. Q6.Cyber Security

   In India, it is legally mandatory for which of the following to report on cyber security incidents? 1. Service providers 2. Data centres 3. Body corporate. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

   • a)1 only
   • b)1 and 2 only
   • c)3 only
   • d)1, 2 and 3

   Explanation: Under the Information Technology Act and CERT-In rules, service providers, intermediaries, data centres and body corporates are all legally required to report cyber security incidents. Hence 1, 2 and 3.

7. Q7.Aviation

   What is 'Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10)', recently in the news?

   • a)It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger.
   • b)It no longer exists in the wild, a few individuals are under captive protection; and now it is impossible to prevent its extinction.
   • c)It is endemic to a particular region of India.
   • d)Both (b) and (c) stated above are correct in this context.

   Explanation: Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10) is a battery-powered electric tilt-wing aircraft (a prototype electric plane) tested by NASA. Hence option (a).