Science & Tech – UPSC Prelim – GS – Question Paper

UPSC Prelim GS Question Paper – 2026

79. Which of the following statements about DHRUV16 is/are correct?

1. It is the third chip fabricated under the DIR-V Programme.
2. It is India’s first homegrown 10 GHz, 64-bit dual-core microprocessor.

Select the answer using the code given below:

a) 1 only

b) 2 only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

81. ‘X’, born in the UK, was conferred the Nobel Prize in 2025. He was a professor in an American university when this prize was announced. Identify ‘X’.

a) Michel T. Devoret

b) Richard Robson

c) John Clarke

d) Joel Mokyr

83. Which one of the following pairs of semiconductor plants in India and their locations is not correctly matched?

Semiconductor Plant | Location

a) CG Power and Industrial Solutions Pvt. Ltd. | Gujarat

b) Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test Pvt. Ltd. | Assam

c) HCL-Foxconn Joint Venture India Chip Ltd. | Madhya Pradesh

d) Silicon Port Ltd. | Odisha

84. Which of the following statements with regard to India’s indigenous new high resolution weather model, the Bharat Forecast System, is/are correct?

1. Its objective is to generate forecasts at the Panchayat cluster level.
2. It was developed by IIT Delhi.

Select the answer using the code given below:

a) 1 only

b) 2 only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

86. Which of the following statements regarding blockchain technology are correct?

1. Records stored in databases may be made visible to relevant stakeholders without risk of alteration.
2. Copies of entire databases are stored on multiple computers in a network.
3. Blockchain is a blend of public and private blockchain making it accessible.
4. Mathematical algorithms make it impossible to change/delete any record once accepted.

Select the answer using the code given below:

a) 1 and 3 only

b) 2 and 4 only

c) 1, 2 and 4

d) 1 and 4 only

41. Which of the following statements with regard to genetic medicine is/are correct?

1. Genetic medicines correct/compensate for the faulty genes responsible for disease.
2. Engineered viruses and lipid nanoparticles are used as carriers of the genetic medicine.
3. Genetic medicines alter the entire DNA sequence.

Select the answer using the code given below:

a) 1 only

b) 2 and 3 only

c) 1 and 2 only

d) 1, 2 and 3

42. Which of the following statements with regard to Large Language Models (LLMs) used in machine learning is/are correct?

1. LLMs assign probabilities to the next possible words and then pick the one with the highest probability.
2. LLMs process data through mathematical optimisation to minimise prediction errors.
3. LLMs produce unbiased outputs.

Select the answer using the code given below:

a) 1 only

b) 2 and 3 only

c) 1 and 2 only

d) 1, 2 and 3

43. Which of the following statements with regard to stealth technology is/are correct?

1. Stealth objects have a very small radar cross-section and are coated with Radar Absorbing Material.
2. Stealth objects can be detected using specific frequencies.
3. Stealth objects are coated with metamaterials to increase the scattering of electromagnetic radiation.

Select the answer using the code given below :

a) 1 only

b) 2 and 3 only

c) 1 and 2 only

d) 1, 2 and 3

44. Which of the following statements with regard to Black Boxes used in modern aircrafts is/are correct?

1. They carry a beacon emitting red light pulses to facilitate underwater detection.
2. They record both the cockpit voice and flight data.
3. Their memory units are made using either stainless steel or titanium.

Select the answer using the code given below:

a) 1 only

b) 2 and 3 only

c) 1 and 2 only

d) 1, 2 and 3

45. Which of the following statements with regard to Green Hydrogen is/are correct?

1. It is decarbonised hydrogen obtained from natural gas reforming combined with carbon capture and storage (CCS).
2. It is produced using electrolysis of water with electricity generated by renewable energy.
3. National Green Hydrogen Mission of India aims for abatement of nearly 50 MMT of annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

Select the answer using the code given below:

a) 1 only

b) 2 and 3 only

c) 1 and 2 only

d) 1, 2 and 3

46. Consider the following statements with regard to involvement of private entities in India’s space programme:

1. The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) is an autonomous agency formed to facilitate participation of private entities.
2. Agnikul Cosmos launched the world’s first flight using 3D-printed rocket engine.
3. Skyroot Aerospace has developed liquid fuel for GSLV.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 only

b) 2 and 3 only

c) 1 and 2 only

d) 1, 2 and 3

47. Which of the following statements with regard to drone swarms is/are correct?

1. They use Terahertz band of frequency to communicate with the command centre.
2. Individual drones in the swarm can communicate with other drones in the swarm.
3. GPS Spoofing is a commonly used technique to counter drone swarm attack.

Select the answer using the code given below :

a) 1 only

b) 2 and 3 only

c) 2 only

d) 1, 2 and 3

48. Which of the following statements with regard to GenomeIndia Project is/are correct?

1. It is a part of the Human Genome Project.
2. The project is funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India.
3. Its primary aim is to build a catalogue of genetic diversity of the Indian population.

Select the answer using the code given below:

a) 1 only

b) 2 and 3 only

c) 1 and 2 only

d) 1, 2 and 3

49. Which of the following statements with regard to the National Quantum Mission (NQM) is/are correct?

1. It aims at developing intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits.
2. Its implementation includes setting up of four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) in academic and national R&D institutes across India.

Select the answer using the code given below:

a) 1 only

b) 2 only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

50. Which of the following statements with regard to India’s Deep Ocean Mission is/are correct?

1. It was launched by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India.
2. Matsya-6000 has been designed to carry 3 people for deep sea exploration.
3. Samudrayaan is a project under this mission.

Select the answer using the code given below:

a) 1 only

b) 2 and 3 only

c) 1 and 2 only

d) 1, 2 and 3

UPSC Prelim GS Question Paper – 2025

41. Consider the following types of vehicles :

1. Full battery electric vehicles
2. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles
3. Fuel cell electric hybrid vehicles

How many of the above are considered as alternative (powertrain) vehicles?

(A) Only one

(B) Only two

(C) All the three

(D) None

42. With reference to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), consider the following statements :

1. All types of UAVs can do vertical landing.
2. All types of UAVs can do automated hovering.
3. All types of UAVs can use battery only as a source of power supply.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(A) Only one

(B) Only two

(C) All the three

(D) None

43. 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?

(A) Only one

(B) Only two

(C) Only three

(D) All the four

45. Consider the following substances :
    I.  Ethanol
    II.  Nitroglycerine
    III. Urea

Coal gasification technology can be used in the production of how many of them?

(A) Only one

(B) Only two

(C) All the three

(D) None

46. What is the common characteristic of the chemical substances generally known as CL-20, HMX and LLM-105, which are sometimes talked about in media?

(A) These are alternatives to hydro-fluorocarbon refrigerants

(B) These are explosives in military weapons

(C) These are high-energy fuels for cruise missiles

(D) These are fuels for rocket propulsion

47. Consider the following statements :
    I.  It is expected that Majorana 1 chip will enable quantum computing.
    II.  Majorana 1 chip has been introduced by Amazon Web Services (AWS).
    III.  Deep learning is a subset of machine learning.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(A) I and II only

(B) II and III only

(C) I and III only

(D) I, II and III

48. With reference to monoclonal antibodies, often mentioned in news, consider the following statements :
    I.  They are man-made proteins.
    II.  They stimulate immunological function due to their ability to bind to specific antigens.
    III.  They are used in treating viral infections like that of Nipah virus.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(A) I and II only

(B) II and III only

(C) I and III only

(D) I, II and III

49. Consider the following statements :
    I.  No virus can survive in ocean waters.
    II. No virus can infect bacteria.
    III. No virus can change the cellular transcriptional activity in host cells.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(A) Only one

(B) Only two

(C) All the three

(D) None

79. Consider the following pairs:

    Country               Resource-rich in

I.  Botswana : Diamond

II.  Chile : Lithium

III. Indonesia     :      Nickel

In how many of the above rows is the given information correctly matched?

(A) Only one

(B) Only two

(C) All the three

(D) None

81. Consider the following statements :

Statement I :

Some rare earth elements are used in the manufacture of flat television screens and computer monitors.

Statement II :

Some rare earth elements have phosphorescent properties.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

(A) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I

(B) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II does not explain Statement I

(C) Statement I is correct but Statement II is not correct

(D) Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct

82. Consider the following statements :
    I.  Indian Railways have prepared a National Rail Plan (NRP) to create a future ready railway system by 2028.
    II. ‘Kavach’ is an Automatic Train Protection system developed in collaboration with Germany.
    III. ‘Kavach’ system consists of RFID tags fitted on track in station section.

Which of the statements given above are not correct?

(A) I and II only

(B) II and III only

(C) I and III only

(D) I, II and III

83. Consider the following space missions :

1. Axiom-4
2. SpaDeX
3. Gaganyaan

How many of the space missions given above encourage and support micro-gravity research?

(A) Only one

(B) Only two

(C) All the three

(D) None

84. With reference to India’s defence, consider the following pairs :

   Aircraft type                        Description

 I. Dornier-228 : Maritime patrol aircraft

 II. IL-76 : Supersonic combat aircraft

 III. C-17 Globemaster III :     Military transport aircraft

How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

(A) Only one

(B) Only two

(C) All the three

(D) None

94. GPS-Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) uses a system of ground stations to provide necessary augmentation. Which of the following statements is/are correct in respect of GAGAN?
    I. It is designed to provide additional accuracy and integrity.
    II. It will allow more uniform and high quality air traffic management. 
    III. It will provide benefits only in aviation but not in other modes of transportation.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(A) I, II and III

(B) II and III only

(C) I only

(D) I and II only

UPSC Prelim GS Question Paper – 2024

88. Which one of the following words/phrases is most appropriately used to denote “an interoperable network of 3D virtual worlds that can be accessed simultaneously by millions of users, who can exert property rights over virtual items.”?

(a) Big data analytics

(b) Cryptography

(c) Metaverse

(d) Virtual matrix
 

91. With reference to radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs), consider the following statements:

1. RTGs are miniature fission reactors.
2. RTGs are used for powering the onboard systems of spacecrafts.
3. RTGs can use Plutonium-238, which is a by-product of weapons development.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3
 

92. Consider the following statements:

Statement-I:

Giant stars live much longer than dwarf stars.

Statement-II:

Compared to dwarf stars, giant stars have a greater rate of nuclear reactions.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I

(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I

(c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect

(d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
 

94. Consider the following activities:

1. Identification of narcotics on passengers at airports or in aircraft
2. Monitoring of precipitation
3. Tracking the migration of animals

In how many of the above activities can radars be used?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None
 

95. Consider the following aircraft:

1. Rafael
2. MiG-29
3. Tejas MK-1

How many of the above are considered fifth generation fighter aircraft?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None
 

96. In which of the following are hydrogels used?

1. Controlled drug delivery in patients
2. Mobile air-conditioning systems
3. Preparation of industrial lubricants

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3
 

97. Which one of the following is the exhaust pipe emission from Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles, powered by hydrogen?

(a) Hydrogen peroxide

(b) Hydronium

(c) Oxygen

(d) Water vapour
 

98. Recently the term “pumped-storage hydropower” is actually and appropriately discussed in the context of which one of the following?

(a) Irrigation of terraced crop fields

(b) Lift irrigation of cereal crops

(c) Long duration energy storage

(d) Rainwater harvesting system
 

99. “Membrane Bioreactors” are often discussed in the context of:

(a) Assisted reproductive technologies

(b) Drug delivery nanotechnologies

(c) Vaccine production technologies

(d) Wastewater treatment technologies
 

93. Consider the following statements:

Statement-I:

In a nuclear reactor, the release of energy is the result of nuclear fission.

Statement-II:

Nuclear fission is the process in which the nucleus of a heavy atom splits into two or more lighter nuclei.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I

(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I

(c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect

(d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

UPSC Prelim GS Question Paper – 2023

21. Consider the following statements :

Statement-I: India, despite having uranium deposits, depends on coal for most of its electricity production.

Statement-II: Uranium, enriched to the extent of at least 60%, is required for the production of electricity.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

28. Consider the following statements:

1. Some microorganisms can grow in environments with temperature above the boiling point of water.
2. Some microorganisms can grow in environments with temperature below the freezing point of water.
3. Some microorganisms can grow in a highly acidic environment with a pH below 3.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

50. Consider the following infrastructure sectors:

1. Affordable housing
2. Mass rapid transport
3. Health care
4. Renewable energy

How many of the above does UNOPS Sustainable Investments in Infrastructure and Innovation (S3i) initiative focus for its investments?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All four

79. ‘Aerial metagenomics’ best refers to which one of the following situations?

(a) Collecting DNA samples from air in a habitat at one go

(b) Understanding the genetic makeup of avian species of a habitat

(c) Using air-borne devices to collect blood samples from moving animals

(d) Sending drones to inaccessible areas to collect plant and animal samples from land surfaces and water bodies

80. ‘Microsatellite DNA’ is used in the case of which one of the following?

(a) Studying the evolutionary relationships among various species of fauna

(b) Stimulating ‘stem cells’ to transform into diverse functional tissues

(c) Promoting clonal propagation of horticultural plants

(d) Assessing the efficacy of drugs by conducting series of drug trials in a population

82. Consider the following statements in the context of interventions being undertaken under Anaemia Mukt Bharat Strategy:

1. It provides prophylactic calcium supplementation for pre-school children, adolescents and pregnant Women.
2. It runs a campaign for delayed Cord clamping at the time of child birth.
3. It provides for periodic deworming to children and adolescents.
4. It addresses non-nutritional causes of anaemia in endemic pockets with special focus on malaria, hemoglobinopathies and fluorosis.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All four

83. Consider the following statements:

1. Carbon fibers are used in the Manufacture of components used in automobiles and aircrafts.
2. Carbon fibers once used cannot be recycled.

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

84. Consider the following actions:

1. Detection of car crash/collision which results in the deployment of airbags almost instantaneously
2. Detection of accidental free fall of a laptop towards the ground which results in the immediate turning off of the hard drive
3. Detection of the tilt of the smart phone which results in the rotation of display between portrait and landscape mode.

In how many of the above actions is the function of accelerometer required?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

85. With reference to the role of bio filters in Recirculating Aquaculture System, consider the following statements:

1. Biofilters provide waste treatment by removing uneaten fish feed.
2. Biofilters convert ammonia present in fish waste to nitrate.
3. Biofilters increase phosphorus as nutrient for fish in water.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

86. Consider the following pairs:

Objects in space : Description

1. Cepheids : Giant clouds of dust and gas in space
2. Nebulae : Stars which brighten and dim periodically
3. Pulsars : Neutron stars that are formed when massive stars run out of fuel and collapse

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

87. Which one of the following countries has its own Satellite Navigation System?

(a) Australia

(b) Canada

(c) Israel

(d) Japan

88. Consider the following statements:

1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their flights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of flight.
2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile.

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

90. With reference to green hydrogen, consider the following statements:

1. It can be used directly as a fuel for internal combustion.
2. It can be blended with natural gas and used as fuel for heat or power generation.
3. It can be used in the hydrogen fuel cell to run vehicles.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

92. With reference to Central Bank digital currencies, consider the following statements:

1. It is possible to make payments in a digital currency without using the US dollar or SWIFT system.
2. A digital currency can be distributed with conditions programmed into it such as a time-frame for spending it.

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

95. Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: India’s public sector health care system largely focuses on curative care with limited preventive, promotive and rehabilitative care.

Statement-II: Under India’s decentralized approach to health care delivery, the States are primarily responsible for organizing health services.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

(c) Statement-l is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

77. ‘‘Wolbachia method’ is sometimes talked about with reference to which one of the following?

(a) Controlling the viral diseases spread by mosquitoes

(b) Converting crop residues into packing material

(c) Producing biodegradable plastics

(d) Producing biochar from thermo- chemical conversion of biomass

UPSC Prelim GS Question Paper – 2022

19. With reference to Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, consider the following statements:

1. Private and public hospitals must adopt it.
2. As it aims to achieve universal health coverage, every citizen of India should be part of it ultimately.
3. It has seamless portability across the country.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

22. “System of Rice Intensification” of cultivation, in which alternate wetting and drying of rice fields is practised, results in :

1. Reduced seed requirement
2. Reduced methane production
3. Reduced electricity consumption

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

33. With reference to “Software as a Service (SaaS)”, consider the following statements :

1. SaaS buyers can customise the user interface and can change data fields.
2. SaaS users can access their data through their mobile devices.
3. Outlook, Hotmail and Yahoo! Mail are forms of SaaS.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

34. Which one of the following statements best reflects the idea behind the “Fractional Orbital Bombardment System” often talked about in media ?

(a) A hypersonic missile is launched into space to counter the asteroid approaching the Earth and explode it in space.

(b) A spacecraft lands on another planet after making several orbital motions.

(c) A missile is put into a stable orbit around the Earth and deorbits over a target on the Earth.

(d) A spacecraft moves along a comet with the same speed and places a probe on its surface.

37. Consider the following statements :

1. Biofilms can form on medical implants within human tissues.
2. Biofilms can form on food and food processing surfaces.
3. Biofilms can exhibit antibiotic resistance.

Which of the statements given above are correct ?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

40. If a major solar storm (solar-flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth ?

1. GPS and navigation systems could fail.
2. Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions.
3. Power grids could be damaged.
4. Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth.
5. Forest fires could take place over much of the planet.
6. Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed.
7. Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over polar regions could be interrupted.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only

(b) 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only

(c) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7

45. With reference to “Gucchi” sometimes mentioned in the news, consider the following statements:

1. It is a fungus.
2. It grows in some Himalayan forest areas.
3. It is commercially cultivated in the Himalayan foothills of north-eastern India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 1 and 2

(d) 2 and 3

46. With reference to polyethylene terephthalate, the use of which is so widespread in our daily lives, consider the following statements :

1. Its fibres can be blended with wool and cotton fibres to reinforce their properties.
2. Containers made of it can be used to store any alcoholic beverage.
3. Bottles made of it can be recycled into other products.
4. Articles made of it can be easily disposed of by incineration without causing greenhouse gas emissions.

Which of the statements given above are correct ?

(a) 1 and 3

(b) 2 and 4

(c) 1 and 4

(d) 2 and 3

90. Certain species of which one of the following organisms are well known as cultivators of fungi?

(a) Ant

(b) Cockroach

(c) Crab

(d) Spider

38. Consider the following statements in respect of probiotics :
    1. Probiotics are made of both bacteria and yeast.
    2. The organisms in probiotics are found in foods we ingest but they do not “naturally occur in our gut.
    3. Probiotics help in the digestion of milk sugars.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 3

(d) 2 and 3

35. Which one of the following is the context in which the term “qubit” is mentioned ?

(a) Cloud Services

(b) Quantum Computing

(c) Visible Light Communication Technologies

(d) Wireless Communication Technologies

36. Consider the following communication technologies :
    1. Closed-circuit Television
    2. Radio Frequency Identification
    3. Wireless Local Area Network

    Which of the above are considered Short-Range devices/technologies?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

31. Consider the following :
    1. Aarogya Setu
    2. CoWIN
    3. DigiLocker
    4. DIKSHA

Which of the above are built on top of open-source digital platforms?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2, 3 and 4 only

(c) 1, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

32. With reference to Web 3.0, consider the following statements :
    1. Web 3.0 technology enables people to control their own data.
    2. In Web 3.0 world, there can be blockchain based social networks.
    3. Web 3.0 is operated by users collectively rather than a corporation.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

39. In the context of vaccines manufactured to prevent COVID-19 pandemic, consider the following statements:
    1. The Serum Institute of India produced COVID-19 vaccine named Covishield using mRNA platform.
    2. Sputnik V vaccine is manufactured using vector based platform.
    3. COVAXIN is an inactivated pathogen based vaccine.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

47. Which of the following is not a bird?

(a) Golden Mahseer

(b) Indian Nightjar

(c) Spoonbill

(d) White Ibis

48. Which of the following are nitrogen-fixing plants ?
    1.  Alfalfa
    2.  Amaranth
    3.  Chickpea
    4.  Clover
    5.  Purslane (Kulfa)
    6.  Spinach

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) 1, 3 and 4 only

(b) 1, 3, 5 and 6 only

(c) 2, 4, 5 and 6 only

(d) 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6

99. Consider the following statements:

DNA Barcoding can be a tool to :

1. assess the age of a plant or animal.
2. distinguish among species that look alike.
3. identify undesirable animal or plant materials in processed foods.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 1 and 2

(d) 2 and 3

97. Which one of the following statements best describes the role of B cells and T cells in the human body ?

(a) They protect the body from environmental allergens.

(b) They alleviate the body’s pain and inflammation.

(c) They act as immunosuppressant in the body.

(d) They protect the body from the diseases caused by pathogens.

UPSC Prelim GS Question Paper – 2021

75. With reference to recent developments regarding ‘Recombinant vector Vaccines’, consider the following statements:
    1.  Genetic engineering is applied in the development of these vaccines.
    2.  Bacteria and viruses are used as vectors.

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

78. In a pressure cooker, the temperature at which the food is cooked depends mainly upon which of the following?
    1.  Area of the hole in the lid
    2.  Temperature of the flame
    3.  Weight of the lid

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

79. Consider the following:
    1. Bacteria
    2. Fungi
    3. Virus

Which of the above can be cultured in an artificial/ synthetic medium?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1,2 and 3

80. Consider the following statements:
    1. Adenoviruses have single-stranded DNA genomes whereas retroviruses have double-stranded DNA genomes.
    2. Common cold is sometimes caused by an adenovirus whereas AIDS is caused by a retrovirus.

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

91. Water can dissolve more substances than any other liquid because.

(a) It is dipolar in nature.

(b) It is a good conductor of heat

(c) It has high value of specific heat

(d) It is an oxide of hydrogen

92. With reference to street-lighting, how do sodium lamps differ from LED lamps?
    1. Sodium lamps produce light in 360 degrees but it is not so in the case of LED lamps.
    2. As street-lights, sodium lamps have longer life span than LED lamps.
    3. The spectrum of visible light from sodium lamps is almost monochromatic while LED lamps offer significant colour advantages in street-lighting.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 3 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

93. The term ‘ACE2” is talked about in the context of

(a) genes introduced in the genetically modified plants

(b) development of India’s own satellite navigation system

(c) radio collars for wildlife tracking

(d) spread of viral diseases

94. Bisphenol A (BPA), a cause of concern, is a structural/key component in the manufacture of which of the following kinds of plastics?

(a) Low-density polyethylene

(b) Polycarbonate

(c) Polyethylene terephthalate

(d) Polyvinyl Chloride.

95. ‘Triclosan” considered harmful when exposed to high levels for a long time, is most likely present in which of the following?

(a) Food preservatives

(b) Fruit ripening substances

(c) reused plastic containers

(d) Toiletries.

96. Which one of the following is a reason why astronomical distance are measured in light-years?

(a) Distance among stellar bodies do not change.

(b) Gravity of stellar bodies does not change.

(c) Light always travels in straight line.

(d) Speed of light is always same.

48. Which of the following are detritivores?
    1.  Earthworms
    2.  Jellyfish
    3.  Seahorse
    4.  Woodlice

    Select the correct answer using the code given below

a) 1, 2 and 4 only

b) 2, 3, 4 and 4 only

c) 1, 3 and 5 only

d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

50. Which of the following have species that can establish a symbiotic relationship with other organisms?
    1. Cnidarians
    2. Fungi
    3. Protozoa

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

a) 1 and 2 only

b) 2 and 3 only

c) 1 and 3 only

d) 1, 2 and 3

30. In nature, which of the following is/are most likely to be found surviving on a surface without soil?
    1.  Fern
    2.  Lichen
    3.  Moss
    4.  Mushroom

Select the correct answer using the code given below

a) 1 and 4 only

b) 2 only

c) 2 and 3

d) 1, 3 and 4

41. Which one of the following is used in preparing a natural mosquito repellent?
     a) Congress grass
     b) Elephant grass
     c) Lemon grass
     d) Nut grass

76. In the context of hereditary diseases, consider the following statements:
    1. Passing on mitochondrial diseases from parent to child can be prevented by mitochondrial replacement therapy either before or after in vitro fertilization of egg.
    2. A child inherits mitochondrial diseases entirely from mother and not from father.

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

77. Bollgard I and Bollgard II technologies are mentioned in the context of

(a) Clonal propagation of crop plants

(b) Developing genetically modified crop plants

(c) Production of plant growth substances

(d) Production of bio fertilizers

UPSC Prelim GS Question Paper – 2020

1. With reference to the 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?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2, 3 and 4 only

(c) 1, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4

3. The experiment will employ a trio of spacecraft flying in formation in the shape of equilateral triangle that has sides one million km long, with lasers shining between the craft.” the experiment in the question refers to?

(a) Voyager-2

(b) New horizons

(c) LISA pathfinder

(d) Evolved LISA

4. 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?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

5. 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 given code below-

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

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

1. Plant cells have cellulose cell walls whilst animal cells do not.
2. Plant cells do not have plasma membrane unlike animals cells which do
3. Mature plant cell has one large vacuole whilst animal cell has many small vacuoles

Select the correct answer using the given code below-

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

17. In the context of the recent advances in human reproductive technology, Pronuclear transfer technology is used for:

(a) Fertilization of egg into vitro by the donor sperm

(b) Genetic modification of sperm producing cells

(c) Development of stem cells into functional embryos

(d) Prevention of mitochondrial diseases in offspring

18. 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 conversation
5. Wireless transmission of electrical energy

Select the correct answer using the given code below-

(a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only

(b) 1, 3 and 4 only

(c) 2, 4 and 5 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

19. With reference to the “Visible Light Communication” 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 given code below-

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 1, 2 and 4 only

(c) 1, 3 and 4 only

(d) 2, 3 and 4 only

20. With reference to the Blockchain Technology, consider the following statements:

1. It is a public ledger that everyone can inspect, 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 the basic features of blockchain can be developed without anybody’s permission

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 only

(d) 1 and 3 only

68. With reference to solar water pumps, consider the following statements:

1. Solar power can be used for running surface pumps and not for submersible pumps.
2. Solar power can be used for running centrifugal pumps and not the ones with piston.

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

85. 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 use imported uranium and others use domestic supplies.

(c) Some are operated by foreign enterprises and others are operated by domestic enterprises.

(d) Some are State- owned and others are privately-owned.

90. In India, under cyber insurances 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:

(a) 1, 2 and 4 only

(b) 1, 3 and 4 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

2. Consider the following activities :

1. Spraying pesticides on a crop field

2. Inspecting the craters of an active volcano

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 using drones?

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 and 3

(c) 1 and 3

(d) 1, 2 and 3

6. 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