Q1. Answer the following in about 20 words each: (2001, 2 marks)
(a) What is ‘handshake’ in computer language?
Answer: In computer language, a handshake refers to the initial process between devices establishing communication parameters, like speed and authentication.
(b) What is ‘ethernet’ and what is it used for?
Answer: Ethernet is a wired networking technology for connecting devices within a Local Area Network (LAN) for efficient data sharing.
(c) What is ‘digital signature’ and what is it used for?
Answer: A digital signature is a secure electronic stamp that verifies document authenticity and prevents tampering.
(d) What do the following stand for?
(i) DRAM
Answer: DRAM stands for Dynamic Random-Access Memory, a vital type of computer memory that provides temporary data storage.
(ii) JPEG
Answer: Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) – compresses digital images, balancing quality with file size.
(iii) ASCII
Answer: ASCII stands for American Standard Code for Information Interchange, a fundamental character encoding scheme for electronic communication.
(iv) IMAP
Answer: IMAP stands for Internet Message Access Protocol, enabling remote email management and synchronized access across multiple devices.
(e) What is a WAP-enabled phone?
Answer: A WAP-enabled phone refers to an older phone capable of basic internet access using the Wireless Application Protocol (WAP).
Q2. Answer the following in about 20 words each: (2002, 2 marks)
(a) What is a digital camera?
Answer: A digital camera is an electronic device capturing and storing images as digital data.
(b) What is firewall in Computer Language?
Answer: In computer networks, a firewall is a security system that controls incoming and outgoing traffic, acting as a barrier between trusted and untrusted networks.
(c) What is multimedia?
Answer: Multimedia is the integration of text, audio, visuals, and animations for interactive communication.
(d) What do the following stand for?
(i) HTML
Answer: HyperText Markup Language – the foundation for structuring and displaying web pages.
(ii) FTP
Answer: FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. It’s a widely used communication protocol for transferring files between computers on a network.
(iii) MELOPS
Answer: Management of Electronic Learning Operations and Performance
(iv) PLANIT
Answer: Planning Analysis Network for Territorial Infrastructure
(e) What is Piracy?
Answer: Piracy is unlawful seizure at sea for private gain, violating international law.
Q3. Explain Wifi (150 words).(2008, 15 Marks)
Answer:
Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) is a technology that utilizes radio waves to create a wireless local area network (WLAN). It facilitates high-speed data transfer between devices like laptops, smartphones, and the internet, eliminating the need for physical cables. Wi-Fi networks operate on specific frequencies (commonly 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) and function through access points (routers) that transmit and receive data packets. This enables devices within the network range to connect to the internet or communicate directly with each other.
Wi-Fi’s significance lies in its widespread adoption, fostering mobile internet access in homes, offices, public spaces (PM WANI initiative), and even educational institutions. It plays a crucial role in digital connectivity, impacting areas like e-governance, online education, and information dissemination, making it relevant for the UPSC exam.
Q4. Explain the components of Robots.( 2008, 15Marks)
Answer:
Robots, a key facet of automation, integrate various components to function. Here’s a breakdown:
- Mechanical Structure: The robot’s body, often metallic, houses its internal mechanisms. This includes linkages, joints, and actuators (motors) that enable movement and manipulation.
- Sensors: These act as the robot’s eyes and ears, gathering data from the environment. Cameras, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), and touch sensors are common examples, providing feedback for navigation and task execution.
- Control System: The robot’s “brain” is a computer loaded with software (control program). It receives sensor data, interprets it based on the program, and sends instructions to the actuators for movement.
- Power Supply: Robots require an energy source, typically batteries or an external power cord. This fuels the electrical components and allows for operation.
- End Effector: This is the tool attached to the robot’s manipulator arm. Depending on the task, it can be a gripper, welding torch, or any specialized tool for interacting with the environment.
The effective interplay of these components allows robots to perform tasks with precision and repeatability, making them valuable tools in various sectors.
Q5. Write about the ‘bhuvan’ website. (2009, 3 Marks)
Answer:
Bhuvan is an Indian government portal (https://bhuvan.nrsc.gov.in/) offering geospatial information and services. Developed by ISRO, it empowers government agencies and citizens with tools for visualization, analysis, and decision-making on various socio-economic and environmental issues.
Q6. What is ‘cloud computing’? Bring out its essential features and list its advantages and limitations. (2010, 12 marks)
Answer:
Cloud computing is the on-demand delivery of IT resources like servers, storage, databases, and software over the internet. Imagine accessing computing power from a vast pool, akin to using electricity without managing a power plant. This eliminates the need for upfront investment in physical infrastructure, making it attractive for government initiatives.
Essential features:
- Scalability: Resources can be easily scaled up or down based on demand, ensuring efficient use of public funds.
- Accessibility: Services are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection, promoting remote work and citizen service delivery in remote areas.
- Security: Cloud providers offer robust security measures, but data security in the cloud requires careful consideration.
Advantages:
- Cost-effective: Pay-as-you-go model reduces upfront costs and facilitates budget management.
- Enhanced collaboration: Cloud platforms enable real-time collaboration between government departments and citizens.
- Disaster recovery: Data redundancy in the cloud ensures business continuity in case of natural disasters.
Limitations:
- Reliance on internet connectivity: Disruptions can hinder service delivery.
- Vendor lock-in: Dependence on a specific provider can limit flexibility in switching services.
- Data privacy concerns: Ensuring data privacy and security in the cloud requires strong policies and frameworks.
Cloud computing offers a paradigm shift for government IT infrastructure, promoting efficiency, accessibility, and collaboration. However, a nuanced understanding of its limitations is crucial for successful implementation.
Q7. What is Wolfram Alpha and why has it been in the news recently? (Your answer should be in a sentence or two only) (2010, 3 Marks)
Answer:
Wolfram Alpha, a computational knowledge engine sometimes mentioned alongside UPSC due to its vast factual database, has recently garnered attention for its potential applications in research and education.
Q8. Differentiate between Compact Disc (CD), Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) and Blu-ray Disc. (2011,5 Marks)
Answer:
CDs (700 MB), DVDs (4.7 GB), and Blu-ray discs (25 GB) are optical storage mediums differing in capacity and application. CDs store music, DVDs hold movies, and Blu-ray discs accommodate high-definition videos due to their superior storage capacity.
Q9. Write about the MABEL robot. (2011, 2 marks)
Answer: MABEL, the Michigan Anthropomorphic Biped With Electronic Legs, was a bipedal robot by the University of Michigan. Designed in 2009, it held the title of the world’s fastest bipedal robot with knees, achieving speeds of 3.6 m/s (6.8 mph). This achievement in legged robot locomotion has applications in disaster response and agile mobility tasks.
Q10. Write about Tiangong-1 ( 2011, 2 Marks)
Answer:
Tiangong-1, China’s first space station prototype, orbited Earth from 2011 to 2018. It served as a crewed scientific laboratory and tested docking capabilities. After its operational lifespan, it re-entered Earth’s atmosphere in April 2018.
Q11. Write about K-computer (2011, 2 Marks)
Answer:
The K computer, named for the Japanese term for 10 quadrillion operations per second (10 petaflops), was a world-leading supercomputer developed by Fujitsu. Installed at RIKEN in Kobe, Japan, it tackled challenges in climate research, disaster prediction, and medical advancements. Its massive processing power made it a forerunner in high-performance computing.
Q12. The sequoia supercomputer was launched this hat year. What are its specific features and what is its purpose? (2012, 5 Marks)
Answer:
The Sequoia supercomputer, launched in 2012, wasn’t just powerful, it was world-leading. Built for nuclear stockpile stewardship, its massive parallel processing capabilities tackled complex simulations at unprecedented detail.
Q13. Discuss the advantage and security implications of cloud hosting of servers vis-a-vis in-house machine- based hosting for government businesses. (2015, 12 Marks)
Answer:
Cloud hosting offers scalability, flexibility, and cost efficiency for government IT, but raises data security concerns and dependence on providers. In-house servers provide control but require high upfront costs and constant maintenance. A risk-benefit analysis is crucial for choosing the optimal model, potentially including a hybrid approach.
Q14. 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. (2015,12 Marks)
Answer:
Prohibitive labour, characterized by danger, drudgery, or high physical demand, can be effectively tackled through robotic intervention. Robots excel in:
- Hazardous environments: Cleaning up toxic spills or bomb disposal can be done by robots, minimizing human risk.
- Repetitive tasks: Manufacturing assembly lines or precision agriculture can be automated, boosting efficiency.
- Extreme conditions: Deep sea exploration or firefighting in infernos become safer with robots.
To propel research in premier institutes, we need:
- Collaborative efforts: Academia, industry, and government can work together to identify priority areas.
- Targeted funding: Increased public and private investment can accelerate research and development.
- Skill development: A skilled workforce is crucial to maintain, program, and develop advanced robots.
- Innovation competitions: Encouraging healthy competition can lead to breakthroughs in robotics.
This focus on research and development will ensure that robots become a sustainable solution for prohibitive labour, improving safety, productivity, and working conditions.
Q15. Introduce the concept of Artificial Intelligence (Al). How does Al help clinical diagnosis? Do you perceive any threat to privacy of the individual in the use of Al in healthcare? (150words) (2023, 10 Marks)
Answer:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to intelligent systems that mimic human cognitive functions. In healthcare, AI excels at analysing vast medical data (electronic health records, medical imaging) to identify patterns and trends invisible to human doctors.
AI algorithms can assist clinical diagnosis in two ways:
- Advanced Diagnostics: AI can analyse medical images (X-rays, MRIs) with high accuracy, flagging potential abnormalities and aiding early disease detection, like cancers.
- Predictive Analytics: AI can analyse patient data to predict potential health risks, allowing for preventive measures and personalized medicine approaches.
While AI offers immense potential, privacy threats exist. Sharing vast amounts of sensitive medical data raises concerns about unauthorized access and misuse. Robust data security protocols and anonymization techniques are crucial to safeguard patient privacy.
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