Discover a curated collection of UPSC Mains Topic Wise Questions focusing on Science & Technology across miscellaneous areas. Dive into a diverse array of questions meticulously crafted to enhance your understanding and preparation for the UPSC Main examination. This resource provides a structured approach to mastering various key concepts essential for addressing miscellaneous science and technology-related issues. Whether you’re a beginner seeking foundational knowledge or an advanced candidate refining your understanding, these questions offer valuable insights and practice opportunities. With a strategic emphasis on topic-wise questions, aspirants can enhance analytical skills and develop a comprehensive understanding of science and technology in miscellaneous domains. Elevate your preparation, grasp essential insights, and optimize your performance in the UPSC Mains with proficiency in miscellaneous science and technology topics.
Q1. Write brief note on the ‘Aerostat’ balloon. (2010, 2 Marks)
Answer: An Aerostat is a lighter-than-air aircraft that uses a buoyant gas, typically helium or hydrogen, to float in the atmosphere. Unlike airships, aerostats do not have their own propulsion system and rely on wind currents for movement.
In simpler terms, an Aerostat balloon is a balloon that floats in the air because it is filled with a gas that is lighter than air. These balloons do not have their own engine and cannot be steered, so they rely on wind currents to move around.
Key points for UPSC:
- Lighter-than-air aircraft
- Uses buoyant gas (helium or hydrogen)
- No propulsion system
- Relies on wind currents for movement
Q2. Comment on HRP-2 M Choromet. (2010, 5 Marks)
Answer: HRP-2 M Choromet, likely refers to a Human Resource Planning (HRP) model from 2010. The UPSC would assess its relevance to Indian workforce demographics and strategic goals. In evaluating the model, the UPSC would consider factors such as:
- Accuracy in forecasting skill gaps and talent requirements.
- Alignment with India’s economic and social development plans.
- Effectiveness in promoting equity and inclusion in the workforce.
- Feasibility of implementation in the Indian context.
Q3. Comment on Maglev vehicles. (2010, 5 Marks)
Answer: Maglev vehicles utilize magnetic levitation to achieve high speeds (over 500 kmph) with minimal noise and wear. However, high infrastructure costs, limited operational routes, and safety concerns restrict their widespread adoption.
- High-speed transportation corridors connecting major cities, reducing travel times significantly.
- Environmentally friendly alternative to conventional trains with minimal emissions and noise pollution.
However, challenges remain:
- Massive investment required for infrastructure development.
- Feasibility of integrating Maglev with existing transportation systems.
- Addressing safety concerns related to electromagnetic fields and potential emergencies.
Q4. Comment on Super absorbent polymers (SAP). (2011, 5 Marks)
Answer: Superabsorbent polymers (SAP) hold promise for mitigating water scarcity in agriculture by enhancing soil moisture retention and reducing irrigation demands. The UPSC would be interested in assessing their potential impact on water conservation and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Q5. What is ‘Dreamliner’ aircraft and why has it been in the news recently? (Your answer should be in a sentence or two only). (2010, 3 Marks)
Answer: The Dreamliner is a Boeing 787, a wide-body jet airliner known for its fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. While not a recent development (first introduced in 2011), it may have been in the news for various reasons, such as specific operational issues or new route deployments by airlines.
Q6. What is Nisarga-Runa technology of BARC? (2011, 5 Marks)
Answer: Nisarga-Runa is a software suite developed by Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) for simulating nuclear reactor operations. This technology is crucial for ensuring the safety and efficiency of nuclear power plants.
Q7. Differentiate between ‘spin-drying’ and ‘tumble-drying’ technology with reference to drying of washed clothes (2011, 5 Marks)
Answer: Spin-drying: A final stage in washing machines using centrifugal force to extract water by rapidly rotating the drum, forcing water out through perforations. Leaves clothes damp.
Tumble-drying: Uses a separate appliance with a heated rotating drum that tumbles clothes with hot air to evaporate moisture, vented out of the machine. Dries clothes completely.
Q8. Write about the International Year of Chemistry. (2011, 5 Marks)
Answer: The United Nations declared 2011 the International Year of Chemistry (IYC), recognizing its contributions to human well-being. Led by UNESCO and IUPAC, the year aimed to raise public awareness of chemistry and its role in addressing global challenges like sustainable development.
Q9. Comment on the significance of Rasarnava in studying the history of Indian Chemistry (2012, 5 Marks)
Answer: The Rasarnava, a 12th-century treatise on metallic preparations, offers valuable insights into India’s alchemical practices, medicinal applications of minerals, and metallurgical techniques, making it a key text for understanding the history of Indian chemistry.
Q10. You are stationed in a small district town in the plains of Northern India. The summer has been severe. Suddenly, a colleague, who had been out since morning, returns to the office complaining of headache, restlessness and confusion. Shortly, he becomes unconscious. His body temperature is 40°C. What first aid steps would you take to revive him? (2012, 5 Marks)
Answer: Move colleague to shade, loosen clothing, wet skin with cool water and fan, offer sips of cool water/electrolyte drink if conscious, monitor vital signs and call for medical help.
Q11. Explain the issues highlighted through the work of Palagummi Sainath.(2012, 2 marks)
Answer: Palagummi Sainath’s journalistic work shone a light on chronic issues plaguing rural India, including agrarian distress, widespread poverty, and deep-rooted social inequalities.
Q12. What is an FRP composite material? How are they manufactured? Discuss their applications in the aviation and automobile industries. [100 words] ( 2013, 5 Marks)
Answer: FRP (Fiber-Reinforced Plastic) composites are lightweight, high-strength materials made by combining:
- Reinforcement fibers: Glass, carbon, or aramid fibers that provide strength.
- Polymer matrix: Resin that binds the fibers and transfers stress.
Manufacturing:
- Mold preparation: A mold is created with the desired shape.
- Layering: Fibers are arranged in the mold according to the required strength.
- Resin application: Resin is applied to soak and bind the fibers.
- Curing: The mold is heated or exposed to pressure to harden the resin.
Applications:
- Aviation: Aircraft structures (wings, fuselage) due to their lightweight and high strength-to-weight ratio.
- Automobile industries: Car bodies, frames, and components for improved fuel efficiency and performance.
Q13. Mob violence is emerging as a serious law and order problem in India. By giving suitable examples, analyze the causes and consequences of such violence. (250 words)
(2017, 15 Marks)
Answer: Mob violence, characterized by uncontrolled public disorder and brutality, has become a significant challenge to India’s internal security.
Causes:
- Communal Tensions: Deep-seated religious and caste divisions can be easily exploited by rumors and inflammatory rhetoric. The 2017 Alwar lynching in Rajasthan, where a dairy farmer was killed based on suspicion of cow smuggling fueled by religious sentiments, exemplifies this.
- Social Media Misinformation: The rapid spread of unverified information through platforms like WhatsApp has triggered deadly mob attacks, such as the 2018 WhatsApp lynchings fueled by rumors of child abduction.
- Erosion of Trust in Institutions: Public perception of a weak and unresponsive criminal justice system can lead to a belief that vigilante action is necessary. The 2015 Dadri lynching, where a man was killed over rumors of cow slaughter due to perceived police inaction, highlights this concern.
- Socio-economic Disparities: Frustration with poverty and lack of opportunities can create an environment conducive to mob violence, especially when manipulated by vested interests.
Consequences:
- Loss of Life and Property: The immediate impact is often devastating, with innocent people killed and property destroyed.
- Social Disintegration: Mob violence breeds fear and mistrust, creating lasting divisions within communities, jeopardizing India’s social fabric.
- Breakdown of Law and Order: Frequent occurrences erode public faith in the rule of law, weakening the authority of law enforcement and the judiciary.
- Economic Impact: Mob violence disrupts businesses, hinders investment, and discourages economic activity, impacting local economies.
Conclusion:
Addressing mob violence requires a multi-pronged approach. Fostering social harmony, promoting media literacy to counter misinformation, strengthening law enforcement, and ensuring swift justice are crucial. By upholding the rule of law and building public trust, India can effectively tackle this growing menace.
Q14. 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? (250 words) (2021, 15 Marks)
Answer: The invention of blue LEDs by Akasaki, Amano, and Nakamura in the 1990s has revolutionized lighting technology, impacting our everyday lives in several profound ways:
- Energy Efficiency: Blue LEDs are significantly more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs. This translates to lower electricity bills for individuals and substantial energy savings on a national level.
- Solid-State Lighting: LEDs, unlike incandescents, lack filaments. This makes them durable, compact, and resistant to shock, ideal for various applications. Homes, offices, and public spaces now benefit from energy-saving LED lighting.
- Display Technology: Blue LEDs, combined with red and green LEDs, enabled the creation of high-resolution, full-color displays for TVs, smartphones, and computer monitors. This has enhanced our visual experience and revolutionized communication and entertainment.
- Medical Applications: Blue LEDs play a crucial role in phototherapy treatments for various medical conditions like neonatal jaundice and skin disorders. Their compact size also allows for their use in medical equipment.
- Agricultural Applications: Light-emitting diodes can be precisely tailored to specific wavelengths, enabling the development of LED grow lights. This allows for controlled indoor farming, potentially increasing agricultural output and reducing dependence on sunlight.
In conclusion, the invention of blue LEDs has had a cascading effect on various aspects of our lives. From lighting our homes to powering our devices and even influencing agricultural practices, this innovation exemplifies the transformative power of scientific advancement.
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