Science and Tech
Science and Tech
General Studies
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Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari
Syllabus for Prelims exam om
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GENERALSCIENCE
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Grand Total 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
Prelims Exam analysis (year wise number of question)
SUBJECT 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
BIOLOGY 0 1 6 8 3 0 2 0 1 1 1 0 0 2
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0 0 4 0 1 0 0 0 ail. 0 0 2 0 0 0
PHYSICS g m
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CHEMISTRY 0 0 0 1 0 0 for m 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
Only
General Sciences 18 13 16 16 14 18 15 18 20 17 13 18 14 15
Grand Total 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
S&T
(Mains)
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
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m 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
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Marks ro hil
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Distribution ma
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40-60 Marks
(Total: 250 Marks) ly
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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)
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2. Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space, Science,
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the application of this technology helped India inl y foits
ma r socio-economic development? (200
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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)
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?
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)
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
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Q 2. What is Cyber Dome Project? Explain how it can bela@useful gm in controllinginternet
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crimes in India. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks mai l 2 r
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Q 4. How can biotechnology improve the living standards of farmers? (Answer in 250
words) 15 Marks
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)
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3. Discuss different types of cybercrimes and measures required
h il l a@ to be taken to fight the menace.
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(Answer in 150 words) ma
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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)
Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari
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)
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Q2. What are the research and developmental achievements h il l a @
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How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer
f or
m a sections of society? (Answer in
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250 words) On
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)
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 i l . co to renewables help achieve the
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above objective ? Explain. (Answer in 250 words) 15 gm
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3. Launched on 25th December, 2021, James Webb Space
O Telescope has been much in the news since
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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
Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari
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
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4.The use of unmanned aerial vehicles(UAVs) by our adversaries across the borders to ferry arms/ammunitions, drugs, etc.,
ll a@hi
is a serious threat to the internal security. Comment on the measures being o
a il2r taken to tackle this threat. (Answer in 150
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words) 10 [Interdisciplinary nature] n l y for
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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
Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari
UPSC PRELIMS 2024: Solution a @
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Q. No. 46 6 56 86 The National Biofuel Coordination Committee (NBCC) has set the
initial indicative targets for blending of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)
1. Consider the Following with aviation turbine fuel (ATF).
materials:
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
1. Agricultural Residue It is a type of fuel produced from biomass sources such as
2. Corn Grain used cooking oil, waste animal
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various types of organic gm waste including maize, foodgrains, rice,
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3. Waste water treatmentsludge and waste wood. ai l 2 r oh
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These
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biomass materials are processed to
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4. Wood mill waste create synthetic
O n ly f jet fuel substitutes.
• Agriculture Residue is a biomass source
Which of the above can be used as • Corn grain is edible so cant use directly as a source of biomass. (It
feedstock for producing Sustainable may be right bcz of surplus production we can use them as a
aviation Fuel ? biomass source)
(a) 1 and 2 only • Waste water treatment sludge have presence of organiccompound
those can be convert in ethanol or butanol through microbial
(b) 3 and 4 only
activity.
(c) 1, 2, 3 and 4 • Wood mill waste is also source of biofuel production.
(d) 1, 3 and 4 only Answer: C
(c) Metaverse
by-product of weapons development. a light weight, compact spacecraft power systems and
Which of the statements given above are correct ? distant based small level of power generation on earth
(a) 1 and 2 only in certain localised areas.
(b) 2 and 3 only
It is best to use in that area where have weak sunlight
or no sunlight effect.
(c) 1 and 3 only
Answer: b (more accuracy) or d
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Dr. Ravi P.Agrahari
SET Set – A Set – B Set – C Set – D
Q. No. 33 13 63 93
4. Which one of the following is Nitric oxide naturally synthesise in human body and do
synthesized in human body that dilates vasodilation.
It synthesise in inner lining of blood vessel i.e
blood vessels and increase blood flow ?
Endothelial wall and Mitochondria also in certain
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(b) Nitrous oxide or a
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3. Tracking the migration of animals. o rm
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In how many of the above activities can Answer: c
the radars be used ?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) none
Dr. Ravi P.Agrahari
SET Set – A Set – B Set – C Set – D
Q. No. 35 15 65 95
Kindly see class room discussion & Book
6. Consider the following aircraft:
1. Rafael Rafale: 4.5 Generation
MiG –29: 4 Generation
2. MiG-29 Tejas : 4.5 Generationom
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3. Tejas MK-1 ro hil l a
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How many of the above are considered On
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Answer: None
fifth generation fighter aircraft ?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
7. In which of the following are Hydrogels are crosslinked polymer networks swollen
hydrogels used ? with water.
1. Controlled drug delivery in patients Owing to their soft and water-containing nature,
hydrogels are promising m materials for applications in
2. Mobile air-conditioning systems a i l . co
many fields, such a @
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3. Preparation of industrial lubricants roboticsrand
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Select the correct answer using the • It is used in controlled drug delivery in patients.
code given below: • In mobile air-conditioning systems it can be use to
(a) 1 only absorb moisture from room to reduce humidity.
• Hydrogels have received extensive attention as
(b) 1 and 2 only functional lubricants because of their excellent anti-
(c) 2 and 3 only friction and anti-wear properties.
Answer: d
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Dr. Ravi P.Agrahari
SET Set – A Set – B Set – C Set – D
Q. No. 37 17 67 97
8. Which one of the following is the Discuss in class, book and current updates.
exhaust pipe emission from fuel cell
It emit water vapour and warm air.
Electric vehicles powered by hydrogen ? In this process have no environmental emission.
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(a) Hydrogen peroxide ail.
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(b) Hydronium ly f
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(c) Oxygen
(d) Water vapour
Answer: d
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How many of the above belong to the On
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pea family ?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) none
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is called: In addition, aail2rtotal
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of Rs 8.82 crore of ‘Operation
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(a) Operation Sankalp Territory of Ladakh during the current financial year
2022-23.
(b) Operation Maitri
The funds are being utilised for various activities like
(c) Operation Sadbhavana Human Resource/Skill Development, Sports, Healthcare,
National Integration, Infrastructure Development,
(d) Operation Madad Ecology, Environment and Education.
Answer: c
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ENERGY
SET A B C D
Source
Q. No 60 90 50 40
With reference to green hydrogen, consider the Source:- Class Discussion + Book
following statements:
1. It can be used directly as a fuel for Statement-I
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internal combustion. It is right ail.
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2. It can be blended with natural gas and used as hil l a @
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fuel for heat or power generation. Statement-II or ma
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3. It can be used in the hydrogen fuel cell to run nly
Hydrogen OCNG
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
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
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Statement-II: ai for most of it electricity production –
Depends ongmcoal
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Uranium, enriched to the extent of at least 60%, is required for Yes 2rohilla
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Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above On
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-1is correctbut Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-1 is incorrect Statement-II is correct
SET A B C D
Source
Q. No 7 37 97 57
About three-fourths of world's cobalt, a According to InternationalEnergy Agency Report (2022)
metal required for the manufacture of
batteries for electric motor vehicles, is Contribution of different source om
of batteries, worldwide
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1. 60% Lithium ai
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(a) Argentina 2. 30% cobalt rohilla
3. 10% Nickel m ail2
(b) Botswana for
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(c) the Democratic Republic of the
Around 74% source of Cobalt in batteries – Democratic Republic
Congo of the Congo
(d) Kazakhstan
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 HydrogenMission
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3. Steel plants ail.
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Green hydrogen is expected to play a ro hil
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significant role in decarbonizing how many of ly for
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the above industries?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
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. ai l . c om
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2.None of them is set up in water- illa@
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3.None of them is privately owned. How On
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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
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 m
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(c) Israel GLONASS – RUSSIA gma
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BEIDOU – CHINA h illa
(d) Japan a il2r
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GALILEO –foEU
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Few countries have own satellite navigation system
Japan – Quasi – Zenith satellite system (QZSS)
India – GAGAN, IRNSS
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, co
m spacecrafts etc.)
a i l .
2. Carbon fibres once used cannot be Discussed in class during @
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a
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recycled. m
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Which of the statements given above is/are O nly
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
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 m& Defence technology
initial phase of flight. co
Ballistic Missiles – aregmRocket ail. Powered (carry propallent)
2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise Cruise Missiles-Jet @
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a
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missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled It is wrongor mail
intercontinental ballistic missile. ly f
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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
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 com
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(b) Understanding the genetic makeup of avian Some how connected il l a @
with eDNA (environmental DNA) – Sources
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species of a habitat of these DNA i l 2
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(c) Using air-borne devices to collect carcassesly f
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blood samples from moving animals
(d)Sending drones to inaccessible areas to
collect plant and animal samples from land
surfaces and water bodies.
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. i l . co
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(b)Stimulating 'stem cells' to transform into gm
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diverse functional tissues Microsatellite a il2r genotypes are useful for estimating the
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(c)Promoting clonal propagation of o
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relationship
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horticultural plants.
(d)Assessing series of drug trial in a
population
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 l . co
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a i
2. It runs a campaign for delayed cord Clamping at the time of Second statement:- @
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Promoting
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3. It provides for periodic deworming to children and Itoisr right
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adolescents O
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
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. com
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(b) Converting crop residues into packing It will compete with @
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various viral diseases – dengue, zika,
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material chicken guinea ro h
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(c) Producing biodegradable plastics for
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(d) Producing biochar from thermochemical
conversion of biomass.
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 il.c
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towards the ground which result in the immediate gm
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turning off of the hard drive Statement-II ail2ro
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3. Detection of the tilt of the smart- phone which Crash sensor l y fori.e. Accelerometer
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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
Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari
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