Q31. Consider the following
1. Aarogya Setu
2. CoWIN
3. DigiLocker
4. DIKSHA
Which of the above are built on top of open-source digital platforms ?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Solution: D
Open-source software (OSS) is computer software that is released under a license in which the copyright holder grants users the rights to use, study, change, and distribute the software and its source code to anyone and for any purpose.
Aarogya Setu: On 2nd April 2020, India launched Aarogya Setu mobile App for helping augment the efforts of limiting the spread of COVID19, with an objective of enabling Bluetooth based contact tracing, mapping of likely hotspots and dissemination of relevant information about COVID19. It is open source software. Hence option 1 is correct.
COWIN: CoWIN is an Indian government web portal for COVID-19 vaccination registration, owned and operated by India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. It displays booking slots of COVID-19 vaccine available in the nearby areas and can be booked on the website. Initially it was not an open-source digital platform, but in July, 2019 it was made open source. Hence option 2 is correct.
DigiLocker is an initiative by the government to offer Indian citizens a free platform to store and access important documents. The platform uses several open source technologies to deliver a mass solution and contributes back to the ever-growing community. Hence option 3 is correct.
DIKSHA: DIKSHA (Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing) is a national platform for school education, an initiative of National Council for Education Research and Training (NCERT), Ministry of Education. DIKSHA was developed based on the core principles of open architecture, open access, open licensing diversity, choice and autonomy as outlined in the Strategy and Approach Paper for the National Teacher Platform released in 2017. Hence option 4 is correct.
Q32. With reference to Web 3.0, consider the following statements :
1. Web 3.0 technology enables people to control their own data.
2. In the Web 3.0 world, there can be blockchain based social networks.
3. Web 3.0 is operated by users collectively rather than a corporation.
Which of the statements given above are correct ?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution D
Web 3.0 represents the next iteration or phase of the evolution of the web/internet and potentially could be as disruptive and represent as big a paradigm shift as Web 2.0 did. Web 3.0 is built upon the core concepts of decentralization, openness, and greater user utility. Web3 will deliver a “decentralized and fair internet where users control their own data”. Hence, statements 1 is correct.
The concept of Web3, also called Web 3.0, is used to describe a potential next phase of the internet. The model, a decentralised internet to be run on blockchain technology, would be different from the versions in use, Web 1.0 and Web 2.0. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Web3 enables peer to peer (seller to buyer) transactions by eliminating the role of the intermediary. In web3, users will have ownership stakes in platforms and applications unlike now where tech giants control the platforms. Hence, statements 3 is correct.
Q33. With reference to “Software as a Service (SaaS)”, consider the following statements :
1. SaaS buyers can customise the user interface and can change data fields.
2. SaaS users can access their data through their mobile devices.
3. Outlook, Hotmail and Yahoo! Mail are forms of SaaS.
Which of the statements given above are correct ?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution D
Software as a service (SaaS) is a software distribution model in which a cloud provider hosts applications and makes them available to end users over the internet. In this model, an independent software vendor (ISV) may contract a third-party cloud provider to host the application.
In the software-on-demand SaaS model, the provider gives customers network-based access to a single copy of an application that the provider created specifically for SaaS distribution. The application’s source code is the same for all customers, and when new features or functionalities are released, they are rolled out to all customers. Depending on the service-level agreement (SLA), the customer’s data for each model may be stored locally, in the cloud or both locally and in the cloud. Organizations can integrate SaaS applications with other software using application programming interfaces (APIs). For example, a business can write its own software tools and use the SaaS provider’s APIs to integrate those tools with the SaaS offering. Thus, SaaS buyers can customise the user interface and can change data fields. This also allows SaaS users to access their data through their mobile devices. Hence, Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct.
Email services are also an example of SAAS, which are provided by companies like Yahoo, Hotmail and Outlook. So, statement 3 is correct.
Q34. Which one of the following statements best reflects the idea behind the “Fractional Orbital Bombardment System” often talked about in the media ?
(a) A hypersonic missile is launched into space to counter the asteroid approaching the Earth and explode it in space.
(b) A spacecraft lands on another planet after making several orbital motions.
(c) A missile is put into a stable orbit around the Earth and deorbits over a target on the Earth.
(d) A spacecraft moves along a comet with the same speed and places a probe on its surface
Solution C
In October 2021, China was suspected to have tested Fractional Orbital Bombardment System.
A Fractional Orbital Bombardment System (FOBS) is a warhead delivery system that uses a low earth orbit towards its target destination. Just before reaching the target, it deorbits through a retrograde engine burn. The flight path of the warhead from the system does not reveal the target location till the payload hits the destination.
Q35. Which one of the following-is the context in which the term “qubit” is mentioned ?
(a) Cloud Services
(b) Quantum Computing
(c) Visible Light Communication Technologies
(d) Wireless Communication Technologies
Solution B
Quantum computing holds the promise to solve some of our planet’s biggest challenges – in the areas of environment, agriculture, health, energy, climate, materials science, and others we haven’t encountered yet. For some of these problems, classical computing is increasingly challenged as the size of the system grows.
Just as bits are the fundamental object of information in classical computing, qubits (quantum bits) are the fundamental object of information in quantum computing. While a bit, or binary digit, can have a value either 0 or 1, a qubit can have a value that is either 0, 1 or a quantum superposition of 0 and 1. Qubits can be in a state of 0 or 1 or (unlike a classical bit) in a linear combination of both states. The name of this phenomenon is superposition.
Q36. Consider the following communication technologies :
1. Closed-circuit Television
2. Radio Frequency Identification
3. Wireless Local Area Network
Which, of the above are considered Short-Range devices/technologies ?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution D
Short Range Devices (SRD) are radio devices that offer a low risk of interference with other radio services, usually because their transmitted power, and hence their range, is low. The definition ‘Short Range Device’ may be applied to many different types of wireless equipment, including various forms of:
1. Access control (including door and gate openers)
2. Alarms and movement detectors
3. Closed-circuit television (CCTV)
4. Cordless audio devices, including wireless microphones
5. Industrial control
6. Local Area Networks
7. Medical implants
8. Metering devices
9. Remote control
10. Radio frequency identification (RFID)
11. Road Transport Telematics 12. Telemetry.
Q37. Consider the following statements :
1. Biofilms can form on medical implants within human tissues.
2. Biofilms can form on food and food processing surfaces.
3. Biofilms can exhibit antibiotic resistance.
Which of the statements given above are correct ?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution D
Biofilms are a collective of one or more types of microorganisms that can grow on many different surfaces. Microorganisms that form biofilms include bacteria, fungi and protists.
One common example of a biofilm dental plaque, a slimy build-up of bacteria that forms on the surfaces of teeth. Pond scum is another example.
Biofilms have been found growing on minerals and metals. They have been found underwater, underground and above the ground. They can grow on plant tissues and animal tissues, on food and food processing surfaces and on implanted medical devices such as catheters and pacemakers. Hence statement 1 and 2 are correct.
Bacteria form biofilms, a kind of matrix, during infection in plants and animals. The biofilm shields the bacteria from antibiotics and helps bacteria survive harsh conditions such as extreme temperature or stress. Thus they can exhibit antibiotic resistance. Hence statement 3 is correct.
Q38. Consider the following statements in respect of probiotics :
1. Probiotics are made of both bacteria and yeast.
2. The organisms in probiotics are found in foods we ingest but they do not naturally occur in our gut.
3. Probiotics help in the digestion of milk sugars.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c) 1 and 3 Only
(d)2 and 3 Only
Probiotics are live microorganisms that are intended to have health benefits when consumed or applied to the body. They can be found in yogurt and other fermented foods, dietary supplements, and beauty products. Although people often think of bacteria and other microorganisms as harmful “germs,” many are actually helpful. Some bacteria help digest food, destroy disease-causing cells, or produce vitamins.
Probiotics may contain a variety of microorganisms. The most common are bacteria that belong to groups called Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Other bacteria may also be used as probiotics, and so may yeasts such as Saccharomyces boulardii. Many of the microorganisms in probiotic products are the same as or similar to microorganisms that naturally live in our bodies. Hence statement 1 is correct and statement 2 are not correct.
L. acidophilus is a probiotic bacterium that naturally occurs in the human gut and other parts of the body. This bacterium helps the digestive system break down sugars, such as lactose, into lactic acid. Hence statement 3 is correct.
Q39. In the context of vaccines manufactured to prevent COVID-19 pandemic, consider the following statements :
1. The Serum Institute of India produced COVID-19 vaccine named Covishield using mRNA platform.
2. Sputnik V vaccine is manufactured using vector based platform.
3. COVAXIN is an inactivated pathogen ‘based vaccine.
Which of the statements given. above are correct ?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution B
Covishield produced by the Serum Institute of India, is a recombinant, replication-deficient chimpanzee adenovirus vector encoding the SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) glycoprotein. Following administration, the genetic material of part of corona virus is expressed which stimulates an immune response. It is not an mRNA-based vaccine. Hence statement 1 is not correct.
Sputnik V vaccine is developed by Moscow’s Gamaleya Institute. It is based on non-replicating human adenovirus vector platform. Hence statement 2 is correct.
COVAXIN is a whole-virion inactivated coronavirus vaccine which is also used to manufacture vaccines like Influenza, Rabies and Hepatitis- A. It is manufactured by Bharat Biotech. Hence statement 3 is correct.
In mRNA vaccines, the messenger RNAs trigger an immune response in our bodies which in turn produces antibodies and thus protects us from the infection. In India, the CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology researchers are currently testing a mRNA vaccine candidate against Covid-19.
Q40. If a major solar storm (solar-flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth ?
1. GPS and navigation systems could fail.
2. Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions.
3. Power grids could be damaged.
4. Intense auroras ‘could occur over much of the Earth.
5. Forest fires could take place over much of the planet.
6. Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed.
7. Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over polar regions could be interrupted.
Select the correct answer using the code give-n below :
(a)1, 2, 4 and 5 only
(b)2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only
(c)1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
(d)1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7
Solution C
Solar flares are large explosions from the surface of the sun that emit intense bursts of electromagnetic radiation. Solar flares occur when magnetic energy builds up in the solar atmosphere and is released suddenly. These outbursts are intrinsically linked to the solar cycle — an approximately 11-year cycle of solar activity driven by the sun’s magnetic field.
Different types of flares, particularly X-class flares, affect Earth, satellites and even astronauts. They can lead to failing of GPS and navigation systems and could damage power grids on earth. They could also result in intense auroras over much of the Earth. High intensity solarflares also could disturb space activities. Due to their occurrence, orbits of the satellites could be disturbed and shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over polar regions could be interrupted. Hence options 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 are correct.
It should also be noted that the solar wind directed towards the Earth becomes weaker with deeper penetration towards the topographic surface. So, Solar flares may not result in Tsunami and Forest fires. Hence options 2 and 5 are not correct.