Diseases: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Science and Technology)
2 previous year UPSC Prelims questions on Diseases (Science and Technology). Choose an option to see the answer and explanation.
Explanations state facts as of the year each question was asked; words like “recently” refer to that year.
Showing 1–2 of 2 questions
UPSC 2014Science and Technology · Diseases
Q1. Consider the following pairs:
Vitamin Deficiency:
Disease
1. Vitamin C
Scurvy
2. Vitamin D
Rickets
3. Vitamin E
Night blindness
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
Explanation
Pair 1 is correctly matched: Scurvy is caused by a deficiency of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid). It leads to symptoms like bleeding gums, bruising, fatigue, and poor wound healing.
Pair 2 is correctly matched: Rickets occurs due to Vitamin D deficiency, which impairs calcium absorption, leading to soft and weak bones in children. In adults, it can lead to osteomalacia.
Pair 3 is incorrectly matched: Night blindness is caused by a deficiency of Vitamin A, not Vitamin E. Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining healthy vision, particularly in low-light conditions. Vitamin E deficiency, on the other hand, may lead to nerve and muscle damage or immune system issues.
Additional insight:
Vitamin Deficiency and Associated Conditions:
Vitamin Deficiency Condition Vitamin A Night blindness Vitamin B1 Beriberi Vitamin B2 Ariboflavinosis Vitamin B3 Pellagra Vitamin B5 Paresthesia Vitamin B6 Anemia Vitamin B7 Dermatitis, enteritis Vitamin B9 & Vitamin B12 Megaloblastic anemia Vitamin C Scurvy, Swelling of Gums Vitamin D Rickets & Osteomalacia Vitamin E Less fertility Vitamin K Non-clotting of blood
UPSC 2014Science and Technology · Diseases
Q2. Consider the following diseases: 1. Diphtheria 2. Chickenpox 3. Smallpox Which of the above diseases has/have been eradicated in India?
Explanation
Diphtheria has not been eradicated in India. It remains a public health concern, with cases still reported annually. It is a bacterial disease caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It primarily affects the respiratory system, causing symptoms such as a sore throat, fever, and difficulty breathing. A characteristic thick gray membrane forms on the throat and tonsils in severe cases. Diphtheria spreads through respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated objects. It is preventable through the DPT (Diphtheria-Pertussis-Tetanus) vaccine, which is part of India’s Universal Immunization Programme (UIP). Chickenpox has not been eradicated in India. It is a common infectious disease, particularly among children, and continues to occur throughout the country. It is caused by the Varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a highly contagious virus that spreads through respiratory droplets or direct contact with blisters. Symptoms include an itchy rash with red spots or blisters, fever, and fatigue. Following extensive surveillance and immunization campaigns, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared India free of smallpox in 1977. It is caused by the Variola virus, was one of the deadliest diseases in history, with a high mortality rate of 30%. It presented with symptoms like high fever, severe headache, and distinctive pus-filled blisters. Smallpox spread through direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated objects.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
1
2014
(a) 1 and 2 only
2
2014
(b) 3 only
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Diseases?
This page covers 2 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Diseases (Science and Technology), asked from 2013 to 2021. Each has the correct answer and an explanation.
How should I use previous year UPSC questions for Prelims?
Attempt each question first, then open the answer and read the explanation for every option. Repeat by chapter, and track which statements UPSC reuses across years. Previous year questions show the exam pattern and difficulty level.
Which years are covered for Diseases?
Questions on Diseases (Science and Technology) are available for 9 years, from 2013 to 2021. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
