UPSC IAS Archives

31. Consider the following statements : Biofilms can form on medical imp

Consider the following statements :

Biofilms can form on medical implants within human tissues.
Biofilms can form on food and food processing surfaces.
Biofilms can exhibit antibiotic resistance.

Which of the statements given above are correct ?

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1 and 2 only

2 and 3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

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UPSC IAS – 2022

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All three statements regarding biofilms are correct.

– Statement 1 is correct: Biofilms are a significant cause of infections on medical implants like catheters, prosthetic joints, and heart valves, as bacteria can attach to the surface and form a protective layer.
– Statement 2 is correct: Biofilms readily form on surfaces in food processing environments and on the food itself, leading to spoogenic (spoilage-causing) and pathogenic contamination.
– Statement 3 is correct: Biofilms provide microorganisms with increased resistance to antibiotics, disinfectants, and the host immune system. This is due to the protective matrix, altered growth rates of cells within the biofilm, and genetic exchange.

Biofilms are complex communities of microorganisms encased in a self-produced extracellular matrix. They can adhere to various surfaces, both living and non-living, and are ubiquitous in many environments, posing challenges in healthcare, food safety, and industrial settings.

32. Consider the following communication technologies : Closed-circuit T

Consider the following communication technologies :

Closed-circuit Television
Radio Frequency Identification
Wireless Local Area Network

Which of the above are considered Short-Range devices/technologies ?

1 and 2 only

2 and 3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

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All three technologies – Closed-circuit Television (CCTV), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), and Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) – are considered short-range devices/technologies, especially when compared to long-range communication systems like cellular networks or satellite communication.

– CCTV systems, particularly wireless ones, operate within a limited range, typically covering a building or property.
– RFID systems, especially passive RFID, have very short read ranges (centimeters to meters), though active RFID can extend this. They are primarily for local identification or tracking.
– WLAN (Wi-Fi) is designed for local area coverage within buildings, homes, or limited outdoor hotspots, typically extending tens to hundreds of meters.

The term “short-range” is relative. While ranges vary greatly within each category based on specific implementation (e.g., frequency, power), in the general context of communication technologies, all three are typically used for localized communication or surveillance rather than wide-area networking or long-distance transmission.

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33. Which one of the following is the context in which the term “qubit” is

Which one of the following is the context in which the term “qubit” is mentioned?

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Cloud Services

Quantum Computing

Visible Light Communication Technologies

Wireless Communication Technologies

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UPSC IAS – 2022

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The term “qubit” is mentioned in the context of Quantum Computing.

– A qubit, or quantum bit, is the basic unit of information in quantum computing.
– Unlike a classical bit which can represent either 0 or 1, a qubit can represent 0, 1, or a superposition of both states simultaneously.
– Qubits leverage quantum mechanical phenomena like superposition and entanglement to perform computations fundamentally different from classical computers.
– Cloud Services, Visible Light Communication, and Wireless Communication Technologies are related to classical computing and communication paradigms, where the basic unit of information is the classical bit.

The development of stable and controllable qubits is a major challenge in building practical quantum computers. Different physical implementations of qubits exist, such as superconducting circuits, trapped ions, photonic systems, and topological qubits.

34. Which one of the following statements best reflects the idea behind th

Which one of the following statements best reflects the idea behind the “Fractional Orbital Bombardment System” often talked about in media ?

A hypersonic missile is launched into space to counter the asteroid approaching the Earth and explode it in space.

A spacecraft lands on another planet after making several orbital motions.

A missile is put into a stable orbit around the Earth and deorbits over a target on the Earth.

A spacecraft moves along a comet with the same speed and places a probe on its surface.

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The statement that best reflects the idea behind the “Fractional Orbital Bombardment System” is that a missile is put into a stable orbit around the Earth and deorbits over a target on the Earth.

– The Fractional Orbital Bombardment System (FOBS) was a strategic weapon system developed by the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
– It involved launching a warhead into a low Earth orbit, but not completing a full orbit (hence “fractional orbital”). The warhead would travel along a depressed trajectory, orbit the Earth for a fraction of a pass, and then deorbit and hit a target.
– The primary advantage was that it could approach a target from any direction, potentially bypassing missile defense systems that were primarily oriented to detect intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) coming over the North Pole.
– Option A describes a hypothetical asteroid defense scenario. Option B describes interplanetary spacecraft landing. Option D describes a spacecraft interacting with a comet.

FOBS was tested but never operationally deployed due to arms control treaties (specifically, the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 which prohibits placing weapons of mass destruction in orbit) and technical limitations. It was considered a form of strategic nuclear weapon delivery.

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35. With reference to “Software as a Service (SaaS)”, consider the followi

With reference to “Software as a Service (SaaS)”, consider the following statements :

SaaS buyers can customise the user interface and can change data fields.
SaaS users can access their data through their mobile devices.
Outlook, Hotmail and Yahoo! Mail are forms of SaaS.

Which of the statements given above are correct ?

1 and 2 only

2 and 3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

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This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2022

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All three statements are correct regarding Software as a Service (SaaS).

– Statement 1: SaaS offerings often allow buyers (typically businesses) to customize aspects of the user interface (e.g., branding, layout preferences) and change or add data fields to suit their specific needs and workflows, especially in business application SaaS like CRM or ERP.
– Statement 2: A key benefit of SaaS is accessibility from anywhere with an internet connection, including via mobile devices through dedicated apps or mobile-responsive web interfaces. This is a standard feature of most modern SaaS applications.
– Statement 3: Web-based email services like Outlook.com (formerly Hotmail) and Yahoo! Mail are classic examples of SaaS. The provider hosts the application (email server and interface), and users access it over the internet via a web browser or email client, paying nothing or a subscription fee for premium features.

SaaS is one of the main categories of cloud computing services, alongside Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS). It reduces the need for users to install, manage, and update software, making it convenient and often more cost-effective.

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36. With reference to Web 3.0, consider the following statements : Web 3

With reference to Web 3.0, consider the following statements :

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Web 3.0 technology enables people to control their own data.
In Web 3.0 world, there can be blockchain based social networks.
Web 3.0 is operated by users collectively rather than a corporation.

Which of the statements given above are correct ?

1 and 2 only

2 and 3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

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UPSC IAS – 2022

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All three statements correctly describe key characteristics and possibilities associated with Web 3.0.

– Statement 1: Web 3.0 aims to empower users with greater control over their data, moving away from centralized platforms where personal data is owned and controlled by corporations. This is a core principle of the decentralized web.
– Statement 2: Blockchain technology is a fundamental component enabling decentralization and data ownership in Web 3.0. It can be used to build decentralized applications (dApps), including social networks, where interactions and data storage are distributed across a network rather than controlled by a single entity.
– Statement 3: Web 3.0 envisions a more decentralized internet, where power is distributed among users and contributors rather than concentrated in large corporations that currently dominate the web. This is facilitated by technologies like blockchain, peer-to-peer networks, and decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs).

Web 3.0 (also known as the Semantic Web or Decentralized Web, although definitions can vary) is often characterized by decentralization, data ownership, artificial intelligence, and connectivity. It builds upon the concepts of Web 1.0 (read-only web) and Web 2.0 (interactive, social web dominated by platforms).

37. Consider the following: Aarogya Setu CoWIN DigiLocker DIKSHA Whi

Consider the following:

Aarogya Setu
CoWIN
DigiLocker
DIKSHA

Which of the above are built on top of open-source digital platforms ?

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1 and 2 only

2, 3 and 4 only

1, 3 and 4 only

1, 2, 3 and 4

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UPSC IAS – 2022

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All four platforms mentioned (Aarogya Setu, CoWIN, DigiLocker, DIKSHA) are built on or utilize open-source digital platforms/components to a significant extent.

– Aarogya Setu: While initially launched with proprietary code, the core code of Aarogya Setu was later open-sourced by the Indian government.
– CoWIN: The CoWIN platform’s architecture and several components leverage open-source technologies. The government has emphasized its development on open standards and open-source principles.
– DigiLocker: DigiLocker is built on open-source cloud infrastructure (like Apache CloudStack) and utilizes open standards and APIs (like Aadhaar API) for interoperability. Its platform components are also partly open-sourced or designed with open principles.
– DIKSHA: DIKSHA is built on the Sunbird platform, which is an open-source digital infrastructure specifically designed for learning and knowledge sharing, developed by EkStep Foundation.

The Indian government has promoted the adoption of open-source software in its e-governance initiatives to ensure transparency, cost-effectiveness, security, and interoperability. These platforms are examples of this policy in action, leveraging open-source foundations or open-sourcing their own code.

38. The “Miyawaki method” is well known for the :

The “Miyawaki method” is well known for the :

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Promotion of commercial farming in arid and semi-arid areas

Development of gardens using genetically modified flora

Creation of mini forests in urban areas

Harvesting wind energy on coastal areas and on sea surfaces

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The “Miyawaki method” is well known for the creation of mini forests in urban areas.

– The Miyawaki method is a technique pioneered by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki.
– It involves planting diverse native tree and shrub species very densely in a small area, after preparing the soil to be rich in organic matter.
– This method aims to accelerate the growth of a forest ecosystem, creating a dense, biodiverse mini-forest in a relatively short time (often cited as 10 times faster than conventional methods).
– It is particularly popular for creating green spaces, improving air quality, and enhancing biodiversity in urban environments where space is limited.
– Options A, B, and D describe unrelated concepts (commercial farming, genetically modified flora, wind energy harvesting).

The method emphasizes using native species suitable for the local conditions and planting them close together to encourage competition and faster growth towards canopy closure. These mini-forests are also referred to as “tiny forests”.

39. “Biorock technology” is talked about in which one of the following sit

“Biorock technology” is talked about in which one of the following situations ?

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Restoration of damaged coral reefs

Development of building materials using plant residues

Identification of areas for exploration/extraction of shale gas

Providing salt licks for wild animals in forests/protected areas

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UPSC IAS – 2022

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“Biorock technology” is talked about in the context of the restoration of damaged coral reefs.

– Biorock technology, also known as Mineral Accretion Technology or Seament, is a process that uses a low-voltage electrical current passed through submerged metallic structures in seawater.
– This process causes minerals naturally dissolved in seawater (like calcium carbonate) to precipitate onto the structure, forming a hard layer similar in composition to natural reef rock.
– Corals transplanted onto these structures grow significantly faster and are more resilient to stress factors like high temperatures and pollution, aiding in reef restoration.
– Options B, C, and D relate to completely different fields (building materials, energy exploration, wildlife management).

The technology was invented by architect Wolf Hilbertz and biophysicist Thomas Goreau. It is considered a promising technique for accelerating the growth and survival of corals and other marine organisms, particularly in degraded reef environments.

40. Which of the following are nitrogen-fixing plants ? Alfalfa Amarant

Which of the following are nitrogen-fixing plants ?

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Alfalfa
Amaranth
Chickpea
Clover
Purslane (Kulfa)
Spinach

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1, 3 and 4 only

1, 3, 5 and 6 only

2, 4, 5 and 6 only

1, 2, 4, 5 and 6

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2022

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The nitrogen-fixing plants among the given options are Alfalfa, Chickpea, and Clover.

– Nitrogen fixation is the process by which atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) is converted into ammonia (NH₃) or related nitrogenous compounds. In agriculture, this is primarily done by bacteria, notably Rhizobia, which live symbiotically in the root nodules of leguminous plants.
– Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is a legume and fixes nitrogen.
– Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) is not a legume and does not fix nitrogen.
– Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) is a legume and fixes nitrogen.
– Clover (Trifolium spp.) is a legume and fixes nitrogen.
– Purslane (Kulfa) (Portulaca oleracea) is not a legume and does not fix nitrogen.
– Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is not a legume and does not fix nitrogen.

Nitrogen-fixing plants play a crucial role in natural ecosystems and agriculture by increasing soil fertility. They are often used in crop rotation and as cover crops. While legumes are the most common examples of symbiotic nitrogen fixers, certain other plants (like Alnus) also host nitrogen-fixing bacteria (like Frankia).