UPSC 2016 Science & Technology Previous Year Questions

Question 1

In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index? 1. Carbon dioxide 2. Carbon monoxide 3. Nitrogen dioxide 4. Sulfur dioxide 5. Methane Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. 1, 2 and 3 only | 2, 3 and 4 only | 1, 4 and 5 only | 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. India's AQI considers pollutants including carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide, along with particulate matter, ozone, ammonia and lead. Carbon dioxide and methane are not part of the city AQI calculation.

Question 2

On which of the following can you find the Bureau of Energy Efficiency Star Label? 1. Ceiling fans 2. Electric geysers 3. Tubular fluorescent lamps Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. 1 and 2 only | 3 only | 2 and 3 only | 1, 2 and 3. BEE star labels apply to appliances including ceiling fans, electric geysers and tubular fluorescent lamps.

Question 3

The term 'Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership' often appears in the news in the context of the affairs of a group of countries known as

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. G20 | ASEAN | SCO | SAARC. RCEP was negotiated among ASEAN and its free-trade partners, so it is seen in the context of ASEAN-centred regional economic affairs.

Question 4

'Belt and Road Initiative' is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. African Union | Brazil | European Union | China. The Belt and Road Initiative is China's transcontinental infrastructure and connectivity strategy.

Question 5

'SWAYAM', an initiative of the Government of India, aims at

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. promoting the Self Help Groups in rural areas | providing financial and technical assistance to young start-up entrepreneurs | promoting the education and health of adolescent girls | providing affordable and quality education to the citizens for free. SWAYAM is an online education platform intended to provide free/affordable access to quality courses for citizens/students.

Question 6

'Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres)', often in the news, is:

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. a division of World Health Organization | a non-governmental international organization | an inter-governmental agency sponsored by European Union | a specialized agency of the United Nations. Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres is an independent international non-governmental medical humanitarian organization.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. Electric plane tested by NASA | Solar-powered two-seater-aircraft designed by Japan | Space observatory launched by China | Reusable rocket designed by ISRO. Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10) was an electric/hybrid-electric remotely piloted aircraft tested by NASA.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Amphibious warfare ship | Nuclear-powered submarine | Torpedo launch and recovery vessel | Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. INS Astradharini is an indigenously built torpedo launch and recovery vessel used for testing torpedoes.

Question 9

With reference to pre-packaged items in India, it is mandatory to the manufacturer to put which of the following information on the main label, as per the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations, 2011? 1. List of ingredients including additives 2. Nutrition information 3. Recommendations, if any, made by the medical profession about the possibility of any allergic reactions 4. Vegetarian/non-vegetarian Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. 1, 2 and 3 | 2, 3 and 4 | 1, 2 and 4 | 1 and 4 only. Packaged food labels must show ingredients including additives, nutrition information and vegetarian/non-vegetarian status. Medical-profession allergy recommendations are not a mandatory main-label item in this form.

Question 10

'Mission Indradhanush' launched by the Government of India pertains to

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. immunization of children and pregnant women | construction of smart cities across the country | India's own search for the Earth-like planets in outer space | New Educational Policy. Mission Indradhanush is an immunization programme targeting children and pregnant women who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated.

UPSC 2016 Science & Technology PYQs with Answers