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Science & Tech Target- 2018

(Series-1)
General Science for UPSC Exams……
What to read & How to read
(Analysis of 2015, 2016 & 2017 Papers)

By
Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari
- Scientist in IIT Delhi
- Author of Mc Graw Hill Publication for Science & Technology
- last 17 years teaching experience for UPSC aspirant
 Analysis of General Science for Prelims Exam…
Topics 2015 2016 2017

Current events of National &

International importance

History of India and Indian National

Movement
India and World Geography

Indian Polity and Governance

Economics and Social Development

General issues of Environmental

Ecology
General Sciences 14 18 15

Grand Total 100 100 100

 Prelims Exam analysis
(year wise number of question)
2017
Year 2015 2016

Biology no no 3

Physics no no 0

Chemistry 0 0 0

Sc. & Tech. 10 15 12

Grand Total 14 18 15
 UPSC Prelims
2017

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(Particle Physics) 1. The terms ‘Event Horizon’, ‘singularity’ and
‘String Theory’ and ‘Standard Model’ are some times seen in the news
in the context of (General Science & Technology)
(a) Observation and understanding of the Universe
(b) Study of the solar and lunar eclipses
(c) Placing satellite in the orbit of the Earth
(d) Origin and evolution of living organism

(Defence Technology) 2. Consider the following in respect of Indian

Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS): (General Science & Technology)
1. Inaugural IONS was held in India in 2015 under the chairmanship of the
Indian Navy.
2. IONS is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime co-operation
among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

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(Miscellaneous) 3. Consider the following pairs: (General Science &
Technology)
Commonly used/consumed mater
unwanted or controversial chemicals
1. Lipstick : Lead
2. Soft drinks: Brominated vegetable oil
3. Chinese fast food: Monosodium Glutamate
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1,2 and 3 only

(Miscellaneous) 4. Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs) are used to

create digital display in many devices. What are the advantages of
OLED display over liquid crystal display. (General Science &
Technology)
1. OLED displays can be fabricated on flexible plastic substrates.
2. Roll-up-displays embedded in clothing can be made using OLEDs.
3. Transparent displays are possible using OLEDs.
Select the correct answer using the code given below
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 2 only
(c) 1,2 and 3
(d) None of the above statements is correct
(Biotechnology) 5. What is the application of Somatic Cell CJ
Nuclear Transfer Technology? (General Science & Technology)
(a) Production of bio-larvicides
(b) Manufacture of biodegradable plastics
(c) Reproductive cloning of animals
(d) Production of organisms free of diseases

(Communication & Information Technology) 6. In India, it is legally

mandatory for which of the following to report on cyber security
incidents? (General Science & Technology)
1. Service providers
2. Data centres
3. Body corporate
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

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(Particle Physics) 7. What is the purpose of 'evolved Laser
Interferometer Space Antenna (eLISA)' project? (General Science &
Technology)
(a) To detect neutrinos
(b) To detect gravitational waves
(c) To detect the effectiveness of missile defence system
(d) To study the effect of solar flares on our communication systems

(Energy) 8. Consider the following statements: (General Science &

Technology)
1. The Nuclear Security Summits are periodically held under the aegis of the
United Nations.
2. The International Panel on Fissile Materials is an organ of International
Atomic Energy Agency.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

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(Health and Diseases) 9. Consider the following statements: (General
Science & Technology)
1. In tropical regions, Zika virus disease is transmitted by the same mosquito
that transmits dengue.
2. Sexual transmission of Zika virus disease is possible.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

(Miscellaneous) 10. Consider the following statements: (General

Science & Technology)
1. The Standard Mark of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is mandatory for
automotive tyres and tubes.
2. AGMARK is a quality Certification Mark issued by the Food and
Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
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(IPR) 11. With reference to the 'National Intellectual Property
Rights Policy', consider the following statements: (General Science
& Technology)
1. It reiterates India's commitment to the Doha Development Agenda and
the TRIPS Agreement.
2. Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion is the nodal agency for
regulating intellectual property rights in India.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

(Biotechnology) 12. With reference to agriculture in India, how can

the technique of `genome sequencing', often seen in the news, be
used in the immediate future? (General Science & Technology)
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:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(Biology) 13. Due to some reasons, if there is a huge fall in the
population of species of butterflies, what could be its likely
consequence/consequences? (General Science & Technology)
1. Pollination of some plants could be adversely affected.
2. There could be a drastic increase in the fungal infections of some cultivated
plants.
3. It could lead to a fall in the population of some species of wasps, spiders and
birds.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

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(Energy) 14. It is possible to produce algae based
biofuels, but what is/are the likely limitation(s) of
developing countries in promoting this industry?
(General Science & Technology)
1. Production of algae based biofuels is possible in seas only and
not on continents.
2. Setting up and engineering the algae based biofuel production
requires high level of expertise/technology until the construction
is completed.
3. Economically viable production necessitates the setting up of
large
scale facilities which may raise ecological and social concerns.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

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(Health and Diseases) 15. Which of the following are the objectives
of 'National Nutrition Mission'? (General Science & Technology)
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:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only
(d) 3 and 4 only

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 UPSC Prelims
2016

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(Biotechnology) 1. In the context of the developments in
Bioinformatics, the term ‘transcriptome’, sometimes seen in the news,
refers to
(a) a range of enzymes used in genome editing
(b) the full range of mRNA molecules expressed by an organism
(c) the description of the mechanism of gene expression
(d) a mechanism of genetic mutations taking place in cells
Solution: B

(Health and diseases) 2. ‘Mission Indradhanush’ launched by the

Government of India pertains to
(a) immunization of children and pregnant women
(b) construction of smart cities across the country
(c) India’s own search for the Earth-like planets in outer space
(d) New Educational Policy
Solution: A

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(Communication & Information) 3. ‘Project Loon’, sometimes seen in
the news, is related to
(a) waste management technology
(b) wireless communication technology
(c) solar power production technology
(d) water conservation technology
Solution: B

(Energy) 4. ‘Net metering’ is sometimes seen in the news in the

context of promoting the
(a) production and use of solar energy by the households/consumers
(b) use of piped natural gas in the kitchens of households
(c) installation of CNG kits in motor-cars
(d) installation of water meters in urban households
Solution: A

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(Defence) 5. Which one of the following is the best description of
‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently?
(a) Amphibious warfare ship
(b) Nuclear-powered submarine
(c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel
(d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier
Solution: C

(Defence) 6. What is ‘Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10)’, recently in

the news?
(a) Electric plane tested by NASA
(b) Solar-powered two-seater aircraft designed by Japan
(c) Space observatory launched by China
(d) Reusable rocket designed by ISRO
Solution: A

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(Health & Diseases) 7. Which of the following statements is/are
correct?
Viruses can infect
bacteria
fungi
plants
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: D

(Communication & Information) 8. `SWAYAM’, an initiative of the

Government of India, aims at
(a) promoting the Self Help Groups in rural areas
(b) providing financial and technical assistance to young start-up
entrepreneurs
(c) promoting the education and health of adolescent girls
(d) providing affordable and quality education to the citizens for free
Solution: D
(Energy) 9. In which of the following regions of India are shale
gas resources found?
Cambay Basin
Cauvery Basin
Krishna-Godavari Basin
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: D

(Energy) 10. On which of the following can you find the Bureau of
Energy Efficiency Star Label?
Ceiling fans
Electric geysers
Tubular fluorescent lamps
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: D
(Energy) 11. India is an important member of the ‘International
Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor’. If this experiment succeeds,
what is the immediate advantage for India?
(a) It can use thorium in place of uranium for power generation
(b) It can attain a global role in satellite navigation
(c) It can drastically improve the efficiency of its fission reactors in power
generation
(d) It can build fusion reactors for power generation
Solution: D

(Energy & Environment) 12. Consider the following statements:

The International Solar Alliance was launched at the United Nations Climate
Change Conference in 2015.
The Alliance includes all the member countries of the United Nations.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution: A
(Communication & Information) 13. Regarding DigiLocker’,
sometimes seen in the news, which of the following statements is/are
correct?
It is a digital locker system offered by the Government under Digital India
Programme.
It allows you to access your e-documents irrespective of your physical location.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution: C

(Space) 14. With reference to `Astrosat’, the astronomical

observatory launched by India, which of the following statements
is/are correct?
Other than USA and Russia, India is the only country to have launched a similar
observatory into space.
Astrosat is a 2000 kg satellite placed in an orbit at 1650 km above the surface
of the Earth.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution: D
(Space) 15. Consider the following statements:
The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO
is also called the Mars Orbiter Mission
made India the second country to have a spacecraft orbit the Mars after USA
made India the only country to be successful in making its spacecraft orbit
the Mars in its very first attempt
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: C

(Communication & Information) 16. With reference to ‘Li-Fi’,

recently in the news, which of the following statements is/are
correct?
It uses light as the medium for high-speed data transmission.
It is a wireless technology and is several times faster than ‘WiFi’.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution: C
(Energy) 17. Which one of the following is a purpose of `UDAY’, a
scheme of the Government?
(a) Providing technical and financial assistance to start-up entrepreneurs in the
field of renewable sources of energy
(b) Providing electricity to every household in the country by 2018
(c) Replacing the coal-based power plants with natural gas, nuclear, solar, wind
and tidal power plants over a period of time
(d) Providing for financial turnaround and revival of power distribution companies
Solution: D

(Defence) 18. With reference to ‘Organization for the Prohibition of

Chemical Weapons (OPCW)’, consider the following statements:
It is an organization of European Union in working relation with NATO and WHO.
It monitors chemical industry to prevent new weapons from emerging.
It provides assistance and protection to States (Parties) against chemical
weapons threats.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: B
 UPSC Prelims
2015

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(HEALTH AND DISEASE) 1. Among the following, which were
frequently mentioned in the news for the outbreak of Ebola virus
recently? [UPSC (Pre) - 2015]
(a) Syria and Jordan (b) Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia
© Philippines and Papua New Guinea (d) Jamaica, Haiti and Surinam

(ENERGY) 2. With reference to ‘fly ash’ produced by the power

plants using coal as fuel, which of the following statements is/are
correct? [UPSC (Pre) - 2015]
1. Fly ash can be used in the production of bricks for building construction.
2. Fly ash can be used as a replacement for some of the Portland cement
contents of concrete.
3. Fly ash is made up of silicon dioxide and calcium oxide only, and does not
contain any toxic elements.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 (d) 3 only

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(NANOTECH) 3. With reference to the use of nano-technology in health
sector, which of the following statements is/are correct? [UPSC (Pre) -
2015]
1. Targeted drug delivery is made possible by nanotechnology.
2. Nanotechnology can largely contribute to gene therapy.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

(Particle Physics) 4. In the context of modem scientific research,

consider the following statements about ‘Ice Cube’, a particle detector
located at South Pole, which was recently in the news: [UPSC (Pre) -
2015]
1. It is the world’s largest neutrino detector, encompassing a cubic kilo metre of
ice.
2. It is a powerful telescope to search for dark matter.
3. It is buried deep in the ice.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
(COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION) 5. With reference to ‘Near
Field Communication (NFC) Technology’, which of the following
statements is/are correct? [UPSC (Pre) - 2015]
1. It is a contactless communication technology that uses electromagnetic radio
fields.
2. NFC is designed for use by devices which can be at a distance of even a
metre from each other.
3. NFC can use encryption when sending sensitive information.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

(Particle Physics) 6. The term ‘Goldilocks Zone’ is often seen in the

news in the context of [UPSC (Pre) - 2015]
(a) the limits of habitable zone above the surface of the Earth
(b) region inside the Earth where shale gas is available
© search for the Earth-Iike planets in outer space
(d) search for meteorites containing precious metals

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(BIOTECHNOLOGY) 7. The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee
is constituted under the [UPSC (Pre) - 2015]
(a) Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
(b) Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999
(c) Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
(d) Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972

(SPACE) 8. In which of the following activities are Indian Remote

Sensing (IRS) satellites used? [UPSC (Pre) - 2015]
1. Assessment of crop productivity 2. Locating groundwater resources
3. Mineral exploration 4. Telecommunications
5. Traffic studies
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 4 and 5 only
(c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

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(MISCELLANEOUS) 9. The term ‘Ind ARC’ sometimes seen in the
news, is the name of [UPSC (Pre) - 2015]
(a) an indigenously developed radar system inducted into Indian Defence
(b) India’s satellite to provide services to the countries of Indian Ocean Rim
© a scientific establishment set up by India in Antarctic region
(d) India’s underwater observatory to scientifically study the Arctic region

(HEALTH AND DISEASE) 10. HINI virus is sometimes mentioned in

the news with reference to which one of the following diseases?
[UPSC (Pre) - 2015]
(a) AIDS (b) Bird flu
(c) Dengue (d) Swine flu

(MISCELLANEOUS) 11. With reference to bio-toilets used by the

Indian Railways, consider the following statements: [UPSC (Pre) -
2015]
1. The decomposition of human waste in the bio- toilets is initiated by a
fungal inoculums.
2. Ammonia and water vapour are the only end products in this decomposition
which are released into the atmosphere.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(ENERGY) 12. With reference to ‘fuel cells’ in which hydrogen-rich
fuel and oxygen are used to generate electricity, consider the
following statements: [UPSC (Pre) - 2015]
1. It pure hydrogen is used as a fuel, me fuel cell emits heat and water as by
products.
2. Fuel cells can be used for powering buildings and not for small devices like
laptop computers,
3. Fuel cells produce electricity in the form of Alternating Current (AC).
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

(IPR) 13. Which of the following has/have been accorded

‘Geographical Indication’ status? [UPSC (Pre) - 2015]
1. Banaras Brocades and Sarees
2. Rajasthani Daal-Bati-Churma
3. Tirupathi Laddu
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

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(ENERGY) 14. With reference to the Indian Renewable Energy
Development Agency Limited (IREDA), which of the following
statements is/are correct? [UPSC (Pre) - 2015]
1. It is a Public Limited Government Company.
2. It is a Non-Banking Financial Company.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

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UNITS Science & Technology 2015 2016 2017

UNIT-1 Energy 3 6 2
UNIT-2 Space Technology 1 2
UNIT-3 Communication & 1 4 1
Information Technology
UNIT-4 Defence Technology 3 1
UNIT-5 Robotics - AI & 1
Nanotechnology
UNIT-6 IPR 1 1
UNIT-7 Particle Physics 1 2
UNIT-8 Biotechnology 1 1 2
UNIT-9 Health & Disease + 2 2 2
Various immunisation
Programme
UNIT-10 Miscellaneous 3 3
UNIT-11 BIOLOGY 1
UNIT-12 PHYSICS + CHEMISTRY
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Science & Technology

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