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Dear UPSC Aspirants,
100 weeks, countless questions, infinite learning! As we celebrate 100 weeks of UPSC Essentials quizzes, here are a few questions from past UPSC CSE prelims in Science and Technology that highlight what makes the subject questions difficult by tricking aspirants on basics which sometimes are missing in reliable books on the subject. While the difficulty of questions might vary as per individual’s preparation, it is the attitude and approach towards the question which makes the difference.
Check them out to see if you know the correct answers, and avoid falling into the trap of UPSC on similar themes for the upcoming Prelims 2025.
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You read it, but did you register it?
‘Wolbachia method’ is sometimes talked about with reference to which one of the following? (UPSC 2023)
(a) Controlling the viral diseases spread by mosquitoes
(b) Converting crop residues into packing material
(c) Producing biodegradable plastics
(d) Producing biochar from thermo-chemical conversion of biomass
Explanation
— Any UPSC aspirant who regularly reads the newspaper must have come across the ‘Wolbachia method.’ But did you think that UPSC would throw a tiny ally into the fight against a tiny villain? Well, here it is, as UPSC loves to catch aspirants off guard. These simple terms were in the news, and if you had paid attention, you would have answered correctly.
— Wolbachia can be found naturally in some insect species. While certain mosquitoes carry Wolbachia, it is not found naturally in Aedes aegypti, the mosquito species that transmits dengue and other diseases like chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever.
— The Australian-based research group World Mosquito Program (WMP) revealed that Aedes aegypti mosquitos can no longer spread dengue when they possess Wolbachia. This is because the dengue virus is unable to grow inside the mosquito when these bacteria are present.
— The argument is that releasing mosquitoes containing the Wolbachia bacteria causes them to interbreed with the local wild insects. Wolbachia will spontaneously spread across several generations of mosquitoes. Wolbachia carriers will eventually account for a considerable proportion of the local mosquito population, making a bite less likely to transfer the virus to people.
According to the official key of UPSC, option (a) was the correct answer.
Think you know history? Think again! How well do you track scientific discoveries?
The word ‘Denisovan’ is sometimes mentioned in media in reference to (UPSC 2019)
(a) fossils of a kind of dinosaurs
(b) an early human species
(c) a cave system found in North-East India
(d) a geological period in the history of Indian subcontinent
Explanation
— Scientific discoveries shape our understanding of the past—but how well do you keep up with them? This question was a reminder that UPSC often blends history with science, testing not just your knowledge but your ability to connect the dots. Staying updated on scientific breakthroughs is key to tackling such questions.
— According to recent study, Denisovans, a human species with minimal fossil evidence (a jaw bone and some teeth discovered in a cave in Siberia), belonged to a group known as Homo Longi. Many modern humans, from Tibet to Indonesia and Australia, carry their DNA as well. They are more closely linked to modern humans than to Neanderthals.
Who were the Denisovans?
— They existed many thousands of years ago, coexisting alongside Neanderthals in some areas and interbreeding with early modern humans in others. They were originally recognised as a distinct species in 2010, following the discovery of a fragment of a finger bone and two teeth going back about 40,000 years in the Denisovan Cave in Siberia. In 2019, another fossil – a mandible with teeth — was discovered on the Tibetan plateau.
— Denisovans were formerly thought to be restricted to frigid, high-altitude regions such as Siberia and the Himalayas. The discovery demonstrates that they were likewise adapted to a warm climate.
According to the official key of UPSC, option (b) was the correct answer.
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You read about it and memorized it—but were you truly aware of the details?
The term ‘ACE2’ is talked about in the context of (UPSC 2021)
(a) genes introduced in the genetically modified plants
(b) development of India’s own satellite navigation system
(c) radio collars for wildlife tracking
(d) spread of viral diseases
Explanation
— This UPSC question tested candidates’ awareness of scientific breakthroughs in health and genetics, highlighting the blend of Science and Current Affairs. During the pandemic, ACE2 became a buzzword, linking genetics to disease susceptibility. UPSC often picks terms from ongoing global discussions—were you paying attention?
— It’s not just about memorization; UPSC is testing your awareness. The key to cracking such questions? Stay updated on scientific developments that shape global events.
— The human enzyme ACE2, which enables the novel coronavirus to infect the cell, is also key in protecting against cardiovascular, lung and kidney diseases.
— Because of their chromosomes, women have two copies of the ACE2 gene and men have only one copy. This does not seem to make women more susceptible to Covid-19 infection, the research found, it rather protects them from the complications associated with the virus.
— ACE2 is a gene linked to the X chromosome. And women have twice as many active genetic instructions to make ACE2.
According to the official key of UPSC, option (d) was the correct answer.
Living in a digital world? Unfamiliar but important terms, UPSC is testing your tech threat awareness
The terms ‘WannaCry, Petya and EternalBlue,’ sometimes mentioned in the news are related to (UPSC 2018) C
(a) Exoplanets
(b) Cryptocurrency
(c) Cyber attacks
(d) Mini satellites
Explanation
— Living in the digital world entails constant communication, quick information interchange, and rising cybersecurity problems. Deepfake, blockchain, and zero-day exploit are key terms for comprehending upcoming technology risks. UPSC currently assesses candidates on digital literacy and cybersecurity knowledge, therefore, these ideas are vital for preparation.
— Petya ransomware has infected many computers and networks of some big corporations in what is being seen as a significant cyber attack. The Petya cyberattack comes shortly after the WannaCry ransomware outbreak, which affected over 300,000 systems globally, including those in India.
— EternalBlue is a vulnerability that affects Windows 10, 8, 7, and even XP. The US National Security Agency (NSA) produced EternalBlue, as well as other hacking tools.
According to the official key of UPSC, option (c) was the correct answer.
Love Sci-Fi Movies? Here’s How UPSC Makes Them Relevant
A recent movie titled The Man Who Knew Infinity is based on the biography of (UPSC 2016)
(a) S. Ramanujan
(b) S. Chandrasekhar
(c) S. N. Bose
(d) C. V. Raman
Explanation
— UPSC often picks questions inspired by books—but it doesn’t stop there. It can even draw from movies. The Man Who Knew Infinity brought Srinivasa Ramanujan’s brilliance to the big screen—did you know its real-life inspiration?
— UPSC goes beyond textbooks, Biopics, documentaries, and even sci-fi films can spark exam-worthy questions. Stay curious, stay aware.
— Dev Patel’s portrayal of renowned Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan in “The Man Who Knew Infinity” was rather ironic, given that mathematics was the actor’s Achilles’ heel in school.
— The most accurate description of Ramanujan’s early life can be found in Robert Kanigel’s 1991 biography, The Man Who Knew Infinity, from which the film was adapted.
According to the official key of UPSC, option (a) was the correct answer.
Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 100)
Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 100)
Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 99)
Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 99)
Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 99)
Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 99)
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