UPSC Science and technology Previous Year Questions

Describe the context and salient features of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. (Answer in 150 words)

What are asteroids? How real is the threat of them causing extinction of life? What strategies have been developed to prevent such a catastrophe? (Answer in 250 words)

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 spacecraft.
3. RTGs can use Plutonium-238, which is a by-product of weapons development.
Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. A1 and 2 only
2. B2 and 3 only
3. C1 and 3 only
4. D1, 2 and 3

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?

1. ABoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I.
2. BBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I.
3. CStatement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect.
4. DStatement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct.

Which one of the following is synthesised in the human body that dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow?

1. ANitric oxide
2. BNitrous oxide
3. CNitrogen dioxide
4. DNitrogen pentoxide

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?

1. AOnly one
2. BOnly two
3. CAll three
4. DNone

Consider the following aircraft:
1. Rafale
2. MiG-29
3. Tejas MK-1
How many of the above are considered fifth-generation fighter aircraft?

1. AOnly one
2. BOnly two
3. CAll three
4. DNone

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:

1. A1 only
2. B1 and 2 only
3. C2 and 3 only
4. D1, 2 and 3

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

1. AHydrogen peroxide
2. BHydronium
3. COxygen
4. DWater vapour

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

1. AIrrigation of terraced crop fields
2. BLift irrigation of cereal crops
3. CLong duration energy storage
4. DRainwater harvesting system

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”?

1. ABig data analytics
2. BCryptography
3. CMetaverse
4. DVirtual matrix