UPSC 2017 Science & Technology Previous Year Questions

Question 1

What is the purpose of 'evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (eLISA)' project?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. To detect neutrinos | To detect gravitational waves | To detect the effectiveness of missile defence system | To study the effect of solar flares on our communication systems. eLISA (Evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antenna) was a proposed space-based interferometer mission for detecting gravitational waves.

Question 2

In India, it is legally mandatory for which of the following to report on cyber security incidents? 1. Service providers. 2. Data centres. 3. Body corporate. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. 1 only | 1 and 2 only | 3 only | 1, 2 and 3. Under Indian cyber-security rules, service providers, intermediaries/data centres and body corporates are required to report specified cyber-security incidents to the prescribed authority/CERT-In.

Question 3

What is the application of Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer Technology?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Production of biolarvicides | Manufacture of biodegradable plastics | Reproductive cloning of animals | Production of organisms free of diseases. Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer is the technique used for reproductive cloning of animals, as in Dolly the sheep.

Question 4

Consider the following pairs: Commonly used/consumed materials - Unwanted or controversial chemicals likely to be found in them: 1. Lipstick - Lead 2. Soft drinks - Brominated vegetable oils 3. Chinese fast food - Monosodium glutamate. Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. 1 only | 2 and 3 only | 1 and 3 only | 1, 2 and 3. Lead may be found as an unwanted contaminant in lipstick, brominated vegetable oil has been used in some soft drinks, and MSG is associated with Chinese/fast-food flavouring. All pairs are correctly matched.

Question 5

Which of the following practices can help in water conservation in agriculture? 1. Reduced or zero tillage of the land 2. Applying gypsum before irrigating the field 3. Allowing crop residue to remain in the field Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. 1 and 2 only | 3 only | 1 and 3 only | 1, 2 and 3. Reduced/zero tillage improves soil moisture retention and reduces runoff, while crop residue acts as mulch. Applying gypsum is mainly for sodic soil reclamation, not a general water-conservation practice.

Question 6

Consider the following pairs: Tradition - Community: 1. Chaliha Sahib Festival - Sindhis 2. Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra - Gonds 3. Wari-Warkari - Santhals. Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. 1 only | 2 and 3 only | 1 and 3 only | None of the above. Chaliha Sahib is associated with Sindhis. Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra is linked to Uttarakhand traditions, and Wari-Warkari to Maharashtra/Varkari tradition, not Santhals.

Question 7

With reference to agriculture in India, how can the technique of 'genome sequencing', often seen in the news, be used in the immediate future? 1. Genome sequencing can be used to identify genetic markers for disease resistance and drought tolerance in various crop plants. 2. This technique helps in reducing the time required to develop new varieties of crop plants. 3. It can be used to decipher the host-pathogen relationships in crops. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. 1 only | 2 and 3 only | 1 and 3 only | 1, 2 and 3. Genome sequencing helps identify markers for traits such as disease resistance and drought tolerance, speeds breeding by marker-assisted selection, and supports study of host-pathogen relationships. All three uses are valid.

Question 8

Which of the following are the objectives of 'National Nutrition Mission'? 1. To create awareness relating to malnutrition among pregnant women and lactating mothers. 2. To reduce the incidence of anaemia among young children, adolescent girls and women. 3. To promote the consumption of millets, coarse cereals and unpolished rice. 4. To promote the consumption of poultry eggs. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. 1 and 2 only | 1, 2 and 3 only | 1, 2 and 4 only | 3 and 4 only. The National Nutrition Mission/Poshan Abhiyaan targets malnutrition awareness and reduction of anaemia among children, adolescent girls and women. Promotion of millets or poultry eggs is not listed as its specific objective here.

Question 9

Local self-government can be best explained as an exercise in

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Federalism | Democratic decentralisation | Administrative delegation | Direct democracy. Local self-government is best understood as democratic decentralisation, transferring decision-making to elected local bodies.

Question 10

Which of the following gives 'Global Gender Gap Index' ranking to the countries of the world?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. World Economic Forum | UN Human Rights Council | UN Women | World Health Organization. The Global Gender Gap Index is published by the World Economic Forum.

UPSC 2017 Science & Technology PYQs with Answers