Information and Communication Technology: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Science and Technology)

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: LiFi (Light Fidelity) uses visible light, ultraviolet, or infrared light to transmit data. This technology works through light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which modulate light signals at extremely high speeds to carry information. Unlike traditional radio frequency-based wireless systems, LiFi leverages the light spectrum for communication.

Statement 2 is correct: LiFi is a wireless communication technology that does not require cables for data transmission. In laboratory conditions, it has demonstrated speeds significantly faster than WiFi, reaching up to 224 Gbps. However, its performance depends on line-of-sight and is more suitable for indoor environments.

Explanation

Near Field Communication (NFC) is a short-range wireless technology that allows devices to communicate by tapping or bringing them close together. NFC is used in various applications, including contactless payments, data exchange, and access control.

Statement 1 is correct: NFC is a short-range wireless communication technology that enables devices to exchange data over distances typically up to 4 centimeters. It operates by generating electromagnetic fields through inductive coupling at a frequency of 13.56 MHz, which facilitates the transfer of information between devices. This contactless technology is widely used in mobile payments, access control, and data exchange.

Statement 2 is incorrect: NFC technology is designed for an operation distance of a few centimeters(not meter). This makes it more difficult for attackers to record the communication between an NFC Forum Device and an NFC Forum Tag compared to other wireless technologies which have a working distance of several meters.

Statement 3 is correct: NFC technology incorporates encryption methods to secure data transmission, ensuring that sensitive information remains protected during exchange. Techniques such as AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) are commonly employed to maintain confidentiality and integrity.

Explanation

Biometrics identification is a form of identification and access control. Biometric identifiers are the distinct, measurable characteristics used to label individuals. Physiological characteristics are distinguished from behavioural traits when classifying biometric identifiers. Fingerprint, palm veins, face recognition, DNA, palm print, hand geometry, iris recognition, retina, and odour/scent are examples of physiological biometric identifiers. Visible and near - infrared light used captures and analyzes the unique patterns in the colored part of the eye surrounding the pupil. It is a highly reliable and accurate biometric method used in security and access control systems. It is used in Aadhaar biometric identification in India. Retinal scanning maps the unique pattern of blood vessels in the retina at the back of the eye. This method is highly accurate but less commonly used due to its intrusive nature, requiring the user to position their eye close to the scanner. Voice recognition analyzes the unique characteristics of an individual’s voice, such as tone, pitch, and rhythm, for authentication. It is widely used in phone-based security systems and other applications requiring remote verification.

Explanation

Option (a) is correct: Bluetooth operates in the 2.4 GHz Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band. Wi-Fi, depending on the standard, operates in the 2.4 GHz and/or 5 GHz bands.

Option (b) is incorrect: Bluetooth is typically used for short-range communication, forming Personal Area Networks (PANs), such as connecting peripherals like headphones or keyboards to a computer. Wi-Fi is used for Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), providing network connectivity within a local area like a home or office. Neither Bluetooth nor Wi-Fi is typically used for Wireless Wide Area Networks (WWANs), which cover broader areas and are usually associated with cellular networks.

Option (c) is incorrect: Bluetooth does not require a direct line of sight between devices as it can transmit data through obstacles like walls or furniture, though the presence of obstacles can affect the range and quality of the connection. Wi-Fi also does not require line of sight and can cover greater distances than Bluetooth, with its signals capable of passing through walls and other obstructions, though signal strength may degrade with obstacles.

Option (d) is incorrect: Since statement (b) is incorrect the fourth statement ("The statements (a) and (b) given above are correct in this context") is also incorrect.

Explanation

A VPN is a technology that creates a secure, encrypted connection(computer network) over a public internet network (such as the internet) to allow remote users to access their organization’s private network securely. It ensures that data transmitted between the user and the organization’s network is protected from interception or unauthorized access. A VPN encrypts the data transmitted between the user’s device and the VPN server. This ensures that even if the data is intercepted it cannot be read by unauthorized parties. They allow users to bypass geo-restrictions and access content that may be blocked in their region (e.g., streaming services, websites, or social media platforms).

Explanation

The 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz ISM band (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical) is a part of the radio frequency spectrum commonly used for short-range communication technologies. This range is globally available for unlicensed use, making it ideal for a variety of wireless communication applications. Bluetooth devices, cordless phones, microwave ovens, Wi-Fi baby monitors, wireless cameras, and RFID systems operate in the 2.4 to 2.5 GHz range of the radio frequency band. While it allows a variety of devices to operate within it, managing interference is a key challenge in environments with multiple devices using the same frequency. This range is commonly used due to its balance between range and data capacity, making it suitable for short-range communication and other applications.

Explanation

LASIK is primarily used to treat refractive errors such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. LASIK uses a laser to reshape the cornea, allowing light entering the eye to be properly focused onto the retina, improving vision. The goal of LASIK is to correct refractive errors and thereby reduce or eliminate the need for corrective eyewear like glasses or contact lenses. LASIK is typically not recommended for individuals under the age of 18 because their eyes may still be changing. Additionally, people over the age of 40 may not be ideal candidates due to presbyopia, a condition that affects near vision.

Explanation

WiMAX (WIMAX forum was formed in June 2001 to promote conformity and interoperability) is a communication technology that provides high-speed wireless broadband internet access. It is designed to offer both fixed and mobile broadband services over long distances, often as a replacement or supplement to traditional wired broadband technologies like digital subscriber line (DSL) or cable. Broadband Internet Access, Wireless Backhaul (for wireless link between a cellular base station and the core network) and Mobile Broadband etc. are based on WiMAX technology. It provides high-speed internet access, bridging the connectivity gap for both urban and rural areas, especially in the last-mile segment.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Adam Osborne introduced the first portable computer, the Osborne 1, in 1981, which marked the beginning of portable computing. The computer featured a 12.7-centimetre (5-inch) screen and weighed Nearly 12 kg. However, the machine still required an AC outlet for power.

Statement 2 is correct: Ian Wilmut is a British scientist who, in 1996, led the team that cloned Dolly the sheep. Dolly was the first mammal cloned using somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), a process where the nucleus of an adult somatic cell is transferred into an enucleated egg cell. Dolly’s creation marked a major milestone in the field of biotechnology and cloning.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: A smart card is a physical card embedded with an integrated circuit chip, which can be a microcontroller or a memory chip. This chip enables the card to store and process data, making it useful for applications like secure identification and payment systems.

Statement 2 is correct: Digital technology relies heavily on modern communication infrastructures, including satellites and fiber optics, which enable high-speed and efficient data transmission.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Digital libraries are organized collections of digital materials, such as text, images, and multimedia, which can be accessed through the internet or local electronic systems, making them available in multiple forms.