Science & Technology

HOW TO START
GENERAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

for UPSC
Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari
(IIT Delhi, Author of Mc Graw Hill)
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY – 14 Qus
SOLUTION: PRELIMS – 2023

General Science & Technology
for
UPSC & State PSC Exams
By
Former Scientist in IIT Delhi with the association of DST (GoI)
Author of McGraw Hill Publication of Science & Technology & Environment
More than 20 years teaching experiences
Where is the General Sciences
in
General Studies
?????

Analysis of Paper – I (General Science)
SUBJECT 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Current events of National &

International importance
History of India and Indian National

Movement
General Sciences 18 13 16 16 14 18 15 18 20 17 13 18 14
India and World Geography
Indian Polity and Governance

Economics and Social Development
General Issues of Environmental Ecology
Grand Total 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
Prelims Exam analysis (year wise number of question)
SUBJECT 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
BIOLOGY 0 1 6 8 3 0 2 0 1 1 1 0 0
PHYSICS 0 0 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0
CHEMISTRY 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 18 12 6 9 10 18 13 18 19 16 9 18 14
General Sciences 18 13 16 16 14 18 15 18 20 17 13 18 14
Grand Total 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100

Mains analysis
(year wise number of question)
S&T
(Mains) 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Number of
Questions 6 3 4 3 4 3 4 5 3 4
Marks
Distribution
(Total: 250 Marks) 40-60 Marks
Word Limits: (100 / 150 / 200 / 250)
Marks: (7.5 / 10 / 12.5 / 15)

Syllabus for Prelims exam
GENERAL SCIENCE

GS (PAPER – III)
(Syllabus of Mains exam – Science)
Science and Technology‐ developments and their applications and
effects in everyday life, Achievements of Indians in science &
technology; indigenization of technology and developing new
technology.
Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics,

nano‐technology, bio‐technology and issues relating to intellectual
property rights.

ANALYSIS OF MAINS QUESTION PAPER
2014 - 2022

2014 Mains
1.Scientific research in Indian universities is declining, because a career in science is not

as attractive as are business professions, engineering, or administration, and the
universities are becoming consumer-oriented. Critically comment. (200 words)
2.Can overuse and free availability of antibiotics without Doctor’s prescription, be the
contributors to the emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India? What are the
available mechanisms for monitoring and control? Critically discuss the various issues
involved. (200 words)
3.In a globaliszed world, iIntellectual pProperty rRights assume significance and are a
source of litigation. Broadly distinguish between the terms — Copyrights, Patents, and
Trade Secrets. (200 words)

2015 Mains
1.What do you understand by “‘Standard Positioning Systems”’ and “`Precision Positioning

Systems”’ in the GPS era? Discuss the advantages India perceives from its ambitious IRNSS
programme by employing just seven satellites. (200 words)
2.What are the areas of prohibitive labour that can be sustainably managed by robots?
Discuss the initiatives that can propel research in premier research institutes for substantive
and gainful innovation. (200 words)
3.Discuss the advantages and security implications of cloud hosting of servers vis-a-vis
in-house machine-based hosting for government businesses. (200 words)
4.India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL), which has a database containing
formatted information on more than 2 million medicinal formulations is proving a powerful
weapon in the country’s fight against erroneous patents. Discuss the pros and cons of
making this database publicly available under open- source licensing. (200 words)
2016 Mains
1.Give an account of the current status and the targets to be achieved pertaining to
renewable energy sources in the country. Discuss in brief the importance of National
Programme on Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). (200 words)
2.Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space, Science, and Technology. How does
the application of this technology helped India in its socio-economic development? (200
words)
3.Why is nanotechnology one of the key technologies of the 21st century? Describe the
salient features of Indian Government’s Mission on Nanoscience and Technology and the
scope of its application in the development process of the country. (200 words)

MAINS 2017
1.Stem cell therapy is gaining popularity in India to treat a wide variety of medical
conditions including leukaemia, Thallessemia, damaged sornea and several burns.
Describe briefly what stem cell therapy is and what advantages it has over other
treatments?
2.India has achieved remarkable successes in unmanned space missions including the
Chandrayaan and Mars Orbitter Mission, but has not ventured into manned space mission,
both in terms of technology and logistics? Explain critically
3.Give an account of the growth and development of nuclear science and technology in
India. What is the advantage of fast breeder reactor programme in India?

MAINS 2018
1.Discuss the work of ‘Bose-Einstein Statistics’ done by Prof. Satyendra Nath Bose and
show how it revolutionized the field of Physics. (150 Words, 10 Marks)
2. Why is there so much activity in the field of biotechnology in our country? How has
this activity benefitted the field of biopharma? (250 Words, 15 Marks
3.With growing energy needs should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy
programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy. (250 Words, 15
Marks)

2019 Mains
Q1. What is India’s plan to have its own space station and how will it benefit our space
programme? (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks
Q 2. What is Cyber Dome Project? Explain how it can be useful in controlling internet
crimes in India. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks
Q 3. How is the government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine

from patenting by pharmaceutical companies? (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks
Q 4. How can biotechnology improve the living standards of farmers? (Answer in 250
words) 15 Marks

MAINS 2020
1.What do you understand by nanotechnology and how is

it helping in health sector? (Answer in 150 words)
2.How is science interwoven deeply with our lives? What are the striking changes in agriculture
triggered off by the science-based technologies? (Answer in 150 words)
3.Discuss different types of cybercrimes and measures required to be taken to fight the menace.
(Answer in 150 words)
4.COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented devastation worldwide. However, technological

advancements are being availed readily to win over the crisis. Give an account of how technology
was sought to aid management of the pandemic. (Answer in 250 words)
5.Describe the benefits of deriving electric energy from sunlight in contrast to the conventional
energy generation. What are the initiatives offered by our Government for this purpose?
(Answer in 250 words)
MAINS 2021
Q1. How is the S-400 air defence system technically superior to any other system
presently available in the world? (Answer in 150 words)
Q2. What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology?
How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of society? (Answer in
250 words)
Q3. The Nobel Prize in Physics of 2014 was jointly awarded to Akasaki, Amano and
Nakamura for the invention of Blue LEDs in the 1990s. How has this invention impacted
the everyday life of human beings? (Answer in 250 words)

MAINS 2022
1.Each year a large amount of plant material, cellulose, is deposited on the surface of Planet Earth.
What are the natural processes this cellulose undergoes before yielding carbon dioxide, water and
other end products ? (Answer in 150 words) 10
2.12. Do you think India will meet 50 percent of its energy needs from renewable energy by 2030 ?
Justify your answer. How will the shift of subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables help achieve the
above objective ? Explain. (Answer in 250 words) 15
3.Launched on 25th December, 2021, James Webb Space Telescope has been much in the news since
then. What are its unique features which make it superior to its predecessor Space Telescopes ? What
are the key goals of this mission ? What potential benefits does it hold for the human race? (Answer
in 250 words) 15
4.. What is the basic principle behind vaccine development? How do vaccines work? What
approaches were adopted by the Indian vaccine manufacturers to produce COVID-19 vaccines ?
(Answer in 250 words) 15
MAINS 2023
1. How does e-Technology help farmers in production and marketing of agricultural produce? Explain it. (Answer
in 150 words) 10 [Interdisciplinary nature]
2. Introduce the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI). How does AI help clinical diagnosis? Do you perceive any threat to
privacy of the individual in the use of AI in the healthcare? (Answer in 150 words) 10
3. Discuss several ways in which microorganisms can help in meeting the current fuel shortage. (Answer in 150 words) 10
4. The use of unmanned aerial vehicles(UAVs) by our adversaries across the borders to ferry arms/ammunitions, drugs, etc.,
is a serious threat to the internal security. Comment on the measures being taken to tackle this threat. (Answer in 150
words) 10 [Interdisciplinary nature]
5. The adoption of electric vehicles is rapidly growing worldwide. How do electric vehicles contribute to reducing carbon
emissions and what are the key benefits they offer compared to traditional combustion engine vehicles? (Answer in 250
words) 15 [Interdisciplinary nature]
6. What is the main task of India’s third mood mission which could not be achieved in its earlier mission? List the countries
that have achieved this task. Introduce the subsystems in the spacecraft launched and explain the role of the ‘Virtual
Launch Control Centre’ at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre which contributed to the successful launch from
Sriharikota. (Answer in 250 words) 15
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY – 14 Qus
SOLUTION: PRELIMS – 2023

ENERGY
SET A B C D
Source
Q. No 60 90 50 40
With reference to green hydrogen, consider the Source:- Current Classes + Class Discussion + Book
following statements:
1.It can be used directly as a fuel for Statement-I
internal combustion. It is right
2. It can be blended with natural gas and
used as fuel for heat or power generation. Statement-II
3.It can be used in the hydrogen fuel cell to run Hydrogen CNG
vehicles. It is right
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one Statement-III
(b) Only two It is right
(c) All three
(d) None

ENERGY: Nuclear Energy – Chapter 4
SET A B C D
Source
Q. No 11 21 81 71
Consider the following statements Class Room Discussion
Statement-I
India, despite having uranium deposits, depends on coal for Statement-I
most of its electricity production Despite having uranium deposit – Yes
Statement-II: Depends on coal for most of it electricity production –
Uranium, enriched to the extent of at least 60%, is required for Yes
the production of electricity It is right
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above
statements? Statement-II
(a)Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Uranium enriched – 3% onwards for electricity
Statement-ll is the correct explanation for Statement-l production
(b)Both Statement-1 and Statement-II are correct and According to UPSC - at least 60% is required
Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I It is wrong
(c) Statement-1 is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-1 is incorrect Statement-II is correct

ENERGY: Chapter-3
SET A B C D
Source
Q. No 7 37 97 57
About three-fourths of world's cobalt, a According to International Energy Agency Report (2022)
metal required for the manufacture of
batteries for electric motor vehicles, is Contribution of different source of batteries, worldwide
produced by 1. 60% Lithium
2. 30% cobalt
(a) Argentina
3. 10% Nickel
(b) Botswana
(c)the Democratic Republic of the Around 74% source of Cobalt in batteries – Democratic Republic
Congo of the Congo
(d) Kazakhstan

ENERGY: Chapter 3
SET A B C D
Source
Q. No 99 59 9 49
Consider the following heavy industries:
1. Fertilizer plants Source: Current Classes + classroom programme + Book
2. Oil refineries National Green Hydrogen Mission
3. Steel plants
Green hydrogen is expected to play a
significant role in decarbonizing how many of
the above industries?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

ENERGY: Chapter 3
SET A B C D
Source
Q. No 66 76 36 16
With reference to coal-based thermal power Statement-I
plants in India, consider the following Some of the area in India have used of Sea water at coal based
statements: thermal power plant. It is proposed only coal based thermal power
plant should not setup in such area.
1. None of them uses seawater.
It is wrong
2.None of them is set up in water-
stressed district. Statement-II
3.None of them is privately owned. How Approximately 40% of India’s thermal power plants are in water
many of the above statements are scarce areas.
correct? It is wrong
(a) Only one
(b) Only two Statement-III
(c) All three Adani power limited, is largest private thermal power producers in
(d) None India- installed capacity – 13650 MW.
It is wrong

SPACE TECHNOLOGY
SET A B C D
Source
Q. No 57 87 47 37
Which one of the following countries has its Source: classroom Discussion
own Satellite Navigation System?
(a) Australia Global GPS system
(b) Canada NAVSTAR - USA
GLONASS – RUSSIA
(c) Israel
BEIDOU – CHINA
(d) Japan GALILEO – EU
Few countries have own satellite navigation system

Japan – Quasi – Zenith satellite system (QZSS)
India – GAGAN, IRNSS

NANOTECHNOLOGY
SET A B C D
Source
Q. No 53 83 43 33
Consider the following statements : Source: Class Discussion Nanotechonology
1.Carbon fibres are used in the
Manufacture of components used In Statement-I
automobiles and aircrafts. It is used in wings etc. (aircrafts, spacecrafts etc.)
Discussed in class during discussion of fullerene, CNT, Graphene.
2.Carbon fibres once used cannot be
It is right
recycled.
Which of the statements given above is/are Statement-II
correct? Carbon fibres are difficult to recycle but we can do through the
(a) 1 Only help of modern processes so it is not problematic.
(b) 2 Only It is wrong
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY
SET A B C D
Source
Q. No 58 88 48 38
Consider the following statements: Source: Class Discussion + Book
1.Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at
subsonic speeds throughout their flights, while Statement-I
cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the Connecting topics – Space & Defence technology
initial phase of flight. Ballistic Missiles – are Rocket Powered (carry propallent)
2.Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise Cruise Missiles-Jet propelled (Jet Engine Technology)
missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled It is wrong
intercontinental ballistic missile.
Which of the statements given above is/are Statement-II
correct? Agni-V is long range (5000km+)
(a) 1 only BrahMos is two stage, cruise missile
(b) 2 only It is wrong
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

BIOTECHNOLOGY
SET A B C D
Source
Q. No 69 79 39 19
Aerial metagenomics' best refers to which one
of the following situations? Study DNA from bodies of water and soil to identify species
(a)Collecting DNA samples from air in a living there.
habitat at one go
(b)Understanding the genetic makeup of avian Some how connected with eDNA (environmental DNA) – Sources
species of a habitat of these DNA are secreted feces, mucous, gametes, skin, hair,
(c) Using air-borne devices to collect carcasses etc.
blood samples from moving animals
(d)Sending drones to inaccessible areas to
collect plant and animal samples from land
surfaces and water bodies.

BIOTECHNOLOGY
SET A B C D
Source
Q. No 70 80 40 20
'Microsatellite DNA' is used in the case of which Source : Book
one of the following?
(a)Studying the evolutionary Microsatellite DNA are also called short sequence repeats or
relationships among various species of fauna. tandem repeats.
(b)Stimulating 'stem cells' to transform into
diverse functional tissues Microsatellite genotypes are useful for estimating the
(c)Promoting clonal propagation of relationship among individuals of unknown ancestory.
horticultural plants.
(d)Assessing series of drug trial in a
population

Health & Diseases
SET A B C D
Source
Q. No 51 81 41 31
Consider the following statement in relation to Source: Book
Janani Suraksha Yojana: First statement:-
1.It is a safe motherhood intervention of the Intervention of the National Rural Health Mission.
State Health Department. It is wrong
2. Its objective is to reduce maternal and
neonatal mortality among poor pregnant women Second statement:-
3.I aims to promote institutional delivery among It is right
poor pregnant women
4.Its objective includes providing public health Third statement:-
facilities to sick infants up to one year of age. It is right
How many of the statements given above are
correct? Fourth statement:-
(a) Only one It’s objective includes providing public health facilities to sick infants
(b) Only two upto one year of age because 13 lakhs infants die within 1 year, 2/3
(c) Only three of them in first month.
(d) Only four It is right

Health & Diseases
SET A B C D
Source
Q. No 52 82 42 32
Consider the following statements in the context of Campaign of Poshan Abhiyan – 2018
intervention being Undertaken under Anaemia Mukt Bharat
Strategy : First statement:-
1.It provides prophylactic calcium Supplements for pre- It is iron-plus initiatives
school Children, adolescents pregnant Women. It is wrong
2.It runs a campaign for delayed cord Clamping at the time of Second statement:-
child- Birth. Promoting practices of delayed clamping
3.It provides for periodic deworming to children and It is right
adolescents Third statement:-
4.It addresses non-nutritional causes of anaemia in No relation of deworming – killing of worm infant children
endemic pockets With special focus on malaria, below 18 years of age.
hemoglobinopathies and fluorosis. Blue, Iron, folic acid tablets provides once a week
How many of the Statements given above are correct? Deworming tablets every six months.
(a) Only one It is right
(b) Only two Fourth statement:-
(c) Only three It is right
(d) All four

Health & Diseases
SET A B C D
Source
Q. No 67 77 37 17
'Wolbachia method' is sometimes talked about
with reference to which one of the following/ Aedes mosquitoes are introduced with the bacterium in the
(a)Controlling the viral diseases spread by Laboratory and then researchers release them into the wild.
mosquitoes.
(b)Converting crop residues into packing It will compete with various viral diseases – dengue, zika,
material chicken guinea etc.
(c) Producing biodegradable plastics
(d)Producing biochar from thermochemical
conversion of biomass.

MISCELLANEOUS
SET A B C D
Source
Q. No 54 84 44 34
Consider the following action : Statement-I
1.Detection of car crash/collision which results Almost instantaneously
in the deployment of airbags almost 1/10 of second (30 milliseconds)
instantaneously. Note:- eye blink in 100 milliseconds
2.Detection of accidental free fall of a laptop It is right
towards the ground which result in the immediate
turning off of the hard drive Statement-II
3.Detection of the tilt of the smart- phone which Crash sensor i.e. Accelerometer
results in the rotation of display between portrait Accelerometer based free fall/ Anti-slippage protection for HDD (it
and landscape mode protects data & drive both)
In how many of the above action is the function of It is a Micro-Electro Mechanical System (MEMS)
accelerometer required? It is right
(a) Only one
(b) Only two Statement-III
(c) Only three Accelerometer communicate with gyroscope and the magnetometer.
(d) None When phone rotate-accelerometer detect changes in acceleration
It is right

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HOW TO START

GENERAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari

Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari

Current events of National &

History of India and Indian National

India and World Geography

Indian Polity and Governance

General Issues of Environmental Ecology