UPSC CSE Prelims
Internet of Things (IoT) Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Practice solved questions for Internet of Things (IoT) with detailed step-by-step solutions, key insights, and trend analysis for UPSC CSE PRELIMS.
Solved Previous Year Questions
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In the context of wearable technology, which of the following tasks is/are accomplished by wearable devices?
- Location identification of a person
- Sleep monitoring of a person
- Assisting the hearing impaired person
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 4 — 1, 2 and 3
Wearable technology devices are capable of performing all three mentioned tasks through integrated sensors and connectivity features. Modern wearables combine GPS, biometric sensors, and audio processing capabilities to assist users in various ways.
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: Smartwatches and fitness trackers with GPS functionality can identify and track a person's real-time location for navigation, safety, and fitness tracking purposes.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Wearable devices equipped with accelerometers and heart rate sensors can monitor sleep patterns, including duration, stages (REM, deep, light sleep), and overall sleep quality.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: Hearing aid wearables and some smartwatches can amplify sounds and process audio to assist hearing-impaired persons by improving sound clarity and volume.
📝 Short Notes: Wearable Technology
- Definition: Electronic devices worn on the body that incorporate sensors, processors, and wireless connectivity to collect data and provide services.
- Common Types: Smartwatches, fitness trackers, smart glasses, hearing aids, health monitors, and smart clothing.
- Key Features: Real-time health monitoring (heart rate, blood oxygen, ECG), GPS tracking, notifications, activity tracking, and biometric authentication.
- Health Applications: Continuous glucose monitoring for diabetics, fall detection for elderly, stress monitoring, and remote patient monitoring.
- Technology Components: Sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, heart rate, GPS), Bluetooth/Wi-Fi connectivity, battery management, and companion mobile apps.
- Examples: Apple Watch, Fitbit, Google Glass, Cochlear implants, Samsung Galaxy Watch, and Garmin fitness trackers.
When the alarm of your smartphone rings in the morning, you wake up and tap it to stop the alarm which causes your geyser to be switched on automatically. The smart mirror in your bathroom shows the day's weather and also indicates the level of water in your overhead tank. After you take some groceries from your refrigerator for making breakfast, it recognises the shortage of stock in it and places an order for the supply of fresh grocery items. When you step out of your house and lock the door, all lights, fans, geysers and AC machines get switched off automatically. On your way to the office, your car warns you about traffic congestion ahead and suggests an alternative route, and if you are late for a meeting, it sends a- message to your office accordingly. In the context of emerging communication technologies, which one of the following term best applies to the above scenario?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 2 — Internet of Things
The scenario describes an interconnected ecosystem where everyday devices (smartphone, geyser, smart mirror, refrigerator, car, etc.) communicate with each other autonomously, exchange data over a network, and perform automated tasks based on triggers without requiring direct human intervention. This is the defining characteristic of the Internet of Things (IoT), which connects physical objects embedded with sensors, software, and network connectivity to collect and exchange data.
Why other options are incorrect:
❌ Option 1 – Border Gateway Protocol: BGP is a routing protocol used to exchange routing information between autonomous systems on the internet; it is not related to device intercommunication.
❌ Option 3 – Internet Protocol: IP is a foundational protocol for addressing and routing packets across networks, but does not encompass the intelligent device-to-device communication described.
❌ Option 4 – Virtual Private Network: VPN is a technology for creating secure, encrypted connections over public networks, not for enabling smart device ecosystems.
📝 Short Notes: Internet of Things (IoT)
- Definition: IoT is a network of physical objects embedded with sensors, software, and connectivity that enables them to collect, exchange, and act on data autonomously.
- Key Components: Sensors/devices, connectivity (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular), data processing platforms, and user interfaces.
- Applications: Smart homes (automated lighting, thermostats), smart cities (traffic management, waste management), healthcare (wearable health monitors), agriculture (precision farming), and industrial automation.
- Benefits: Increased efficiency, real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, energy conservation, and enhanced user convenience.
- Challenges: Security vulnerabilities, privacy concerns, interoperability issues between different devices/standards, and data management complexity.
- Examples in India: Smart cities mission, precision agriculture initiatives, connected vehicles, and smart grid projects for electricity distribution.
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Common questions about Internet of Things (IoT) in UPSC CSE PRELIMS