UPSC Prelims 2017
Science & Technology Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 1 — Observation and understanding of the Universe

All four terms are fundamental concepts in cosmology and theoretical physics. Event Horizon is the boundary around a black hole beyond which nothing can escape its gravitational pull. Singularity refers to a point of infinite density and gravity, such as at the center of a black hole or the initial state of the Big Bang. String Theory is a theoretical framework attempting to unify all fundamental forces of nature by describing particles as vibrating strings. Standard Model is the established theory in particle physics describing fundamental particles and three of the four forces (excluding gravity). These concepts are central to understanding the structure, origin, and evolution of the Universe, making Option 1 the correct answer.

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 3 — Both 1 and 2

✅ Statement 1 – Correct: Zika virus is primarily transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito in tropical regions. This is the same mosquito species that transmits dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever. The mosquito becomes infected when it bites an infected person and can then transmit the virus to other people through subsequent bites.

✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Sexual transmission of Zika virus is well-documented and possible. The virus can be transmitted through vaginal, anal, and oral sex. It can persist in semen for several months, making sexual transmission a significant route of infection even in areas without active mosquito transmission. Pregnant women are particularly at risk as Zika can cause severe birth defects.

Therefore, both statements are correct.

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 4 — 1, 2 and 3

✅ Statement 1 – Correct: Service providers are legally mandated to report cybersecurity incidents to CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team) under Section 70B of the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Information Technology (The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team and Manner of Performing Functions and Duties) Rules, 2013.

✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Data centres are explicitly listed among the entities required to mandatorily report cybersecurity incidents to CERT-In under the IT (CERT-In) Rules, 2013. This includes incidents like data breaches, unauthorized access, and system compromises within six hours of noticing or being brought to notice.

✅ Statement 3 – Correct: Body corporates (companies and organizations) are required to report specified cybersecurity incidents to CERT-In under the IT Act, 2000, and associated rules. This obligation ensures timely response to cyber threats affecting business operations and sensitive data.

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 3 — 1, 2 and 3

✅ Statement 1 – Correct: OLEDs use thin films of organic compounds that can be deposited on flexible plastic or metal foil substrates, unlike LCDs which require rigid glass panels. This enables bendable and foldable displays.

✅ Statement 2 – Correct: The inherent flexibility of OLED technology allows fabrication of roll-up displays that can be embedded in clothing, wearables, and other flexible surfaces—applications impossible with rigid LCD technology.

✅ Statement 3 – Correct: OLED pixels emit light independently without requiring a backlight, and the organic layers can be made semi-transparent. This enables creation of transparent displays where the screen is see-through when not displaying content, unlike LCDs which are always opaque due to their backlight and liquid crystal structure.

All three statements correctly identify key advantages of OLED over LCD technology.

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 2 — 2 and 3 only

❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: Algae-based biofuel production is not restricted to seas. Algae can be cultivated on land using open ponds, closed photobioreactors, or wastewater treatment systems. Continental production is technically feasible and widely practiced.

✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Setting up algae biofuel facilities requires advanced biotechnology, sophisticated engineering for photobioreactors, precise cultivation control systems, and extraction technology. This high-tech infrastructure poses significant challenges for developing countries with limited technical expertise and capital.

✅ Statement 3 – Correct: Large-scale algae cultivation facilities need extensive land/water resources, significant energy inputs, and water usage. These requirements can trigger ecological concerns (biodiversity impact, water depletion) and social issues (land acquisition, displacement of communities, competition with food production).

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 2 — To detect gravitational waves

The evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (eLISA), now known as LISA (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna), is a space-based gravitational wave observatory designed to detect low-frequency gravitational waves from cosmic sources. It uses laser interferometry to measure tiny distortions in spacetime caused by passing gravitational waves from events such as merging supermassive black holes, extreme mass ratio inspirals, and galactic binary systems. This ESA-led mission (with NASA contribution) operates in the millihertz frequency range, complementing ground-based detectors like LIGO that observe higher frequencies. The detection of gravitational waves opens a new window to observe the universe and test Einstein's general relativity in extreme conditions.

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 4 — 1, 2 and 3

✅ Statement 1 – Correct: Genome sequencing identifies specific genetic markers linked to desirable traits such as disease resistance and drought tolerance. This enables targeted breeding programs to develop improved crop varieties with enhanced resilience.

✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Traditional crop breeding takes years or even decades. Genome sequencing accelerates this process by allowing precise identification of beneficial genes, enabling marker-assisted selection and reducing the time required to develop new varieties from 10-15 years to just 3-5 years.

✅ Statement 3 – Correct: Genome sequencing helps decode the genetic interactions between host plants and pathogens. Understanding these host-pathogen relationships enables scientists to develop targeted disease management strategies and breed crops with enhanced resistance mechanisms.

All three statements correctly describe immediate applications of genome sequencing in Indian agriculture, making it a powerful tool for crop improvement and food security.

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 3 — Reproductive cloning of animals

Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) is a cloning technique where the nucleus of a somatic (body) cell from a donor organism is transferred into an enucleated egg cell (an egg whose nucleus has been removed). The reconstructed egg is then stimulated to divide and develop into an embryo, which is implanted into a surrogate mother to produce a genetically identical clone of the donor organism. This process is called reproductive cloning.

Famous example: Dolly the sheep (1996) was the first mammal successfully cloned using SCNT technology. This technology has applications in livestock breeding, conservation of endangered species, and biomedical research. However, it is not related to biolarvicides, biodegradable plastics, or producing disease-free organisms through this specific mechanism.

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 3 — Both 1 and 2

The National Intellectual Property Rights Policy, adopted in 2016, explicitly reiterates India's commitment to international IPR frameworks including the TRIPS Agreement and the Doha Development Agenda, which provides flexibilities for developing nations. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), formerly known as the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, serves as the nodal agency for IPR policy formulation and implementation in India.

✅ Statement 1 – Correct: The National IPR Policy reiterates India's commitment to the Doha Development Agenda and the TRIPS Agreement, ensuring access to flexibilities like compulsory licensing for affordable medicines.

✅ Statement 2 – Correct: The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (now DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry is indeed the nodal agency for regulating and implementing IPR policy in India.