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UPSC CSE Prelims 2016 — Science & Technology Questions with Answers

All 10 Science & Technology previous-year questions from UPSC CSE Prelims 2016, each with the correct answer and a full explanation. Practise them as a free, timed mock test with instant scoring.

1. Q1.ICT

   With reference to 'LiFi', recently in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct?

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

   Explanation: Li-Fi (Light Fidelity) transmits data using visible light and is a wireless technology far faster than Wi-Fi. Both statements are correct.

2. Q2.Biotechnology

   In the context of the developments in Bioinformatics, the term 'transcriptome', sometimes seen in the news, refers to

   • a)a category of enzymes used in genome editing
   • b)the complete set of mRNA molecules expressed by an organism
   • c)description of the mechanism of gene expression
   • d)a mechanism of genetic mutations occurring in cells

   Explanation: The transcriptome is the complete set of mRNA molecules expressed by an organism. Hence option (b).

3. Q3.ICT

   'Project Loon', sometimes seen in the news, is related to

   • a)waste management technology
   • b)wireless communication technology
   • c)solar energy production technology
   • d)water conservation technology

   Explanation: Project Loon used high-altitude balloons to provide internet/wireless communication access. Hence option (b).

4. Q4.Defence

   Which one of the following is the best description of 'INS Astradharini', that was in the news recently?

   • a)Amphibious warship
   • b)Nuclear-powered submarine
   • c)Torpedo launch and recovery vessel
   • d)Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier

   Explanation: INS Astradharini is an indigenous torpedo launch and recovery vessel of the Indian Navy. Hence option (c).

5. Q5.Aviation

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

   • a)An electric aircraft tested by NASA
   • b)A solar-powered two-seater aircraft designed by Japan
   • c)A space observatory launched by China
   • d)A reusable rocket designed by ISRO

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

6. Q6.Biology

   Which of the following statements is/are correct? Viruses can infect

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

   Explanation: Viruses can infect bacteria (bacteriophages), fungi (mycoviruses) and plants. Hence 1, 2 and 3.

7. Q7.Nuclear Energy

   India is an important member of the 'International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor'. If this experiment succeeds, what is the immediate advantage for India?

   • a)European Central Bank
   • b)International Monetary Fund
   • c)International Bank for Reconstruction and Development
   • d)Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development

   Explanation: ITER is a nuclear fusion research project; success would enable India to build fusion reactors for power generation. Hence option (d).

8. Q8.e-Governance

   Regarding 'DigiLocker', sometimes seen in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct?

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

   Explanation: DigiLocker is a Government digital locker under the Digital India programme that lets users access their e-documents from anywhere. Both statements are correct.

9. Q9.Space

   With reference to 'Astrosat', the astronomical observatory launched by India, which of the following statements is/are correct?

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

   Explanation: Other countries (e.g., Japan, Europe) have also launched space observatories, so 1 is wrong. Astrosat weighs about 1500 kg and orbits at about 650 km, so 2 is wrong. Hence neither.

10. Q10.Space

    Consider the following statements: The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO

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

    Explanation: Mangalyaan is the Mars Orbiter Mission (1) and India was the first to succeed in its very first Mars attempt (3). It was not the second after the USA (statement 2 misstates the order), so 2 is wrong. Hence 1 and 3 only.