Q1031. The Government of India launched the National Quantum Mission (NQM) in 2023. What is the total budget outlay approved for this mission spanning 2023-2031?
Science and Technology: RAS Prelims MCQs
1113 RAS Prelims practice MCQs on science and technology are on this page, in 6 chapters. They cover the basics of everyday science, computers and information technology, defence and space technology in India, genetics, biotechnology and nanotechnology, science and technology policies and government programmes, and recent advances with Indian contributors and indigenisation. Each question has an answer and an explanation.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 1031–1040 of 1113 questions
Browse Science and Technology chapters
Q1032. In the context of quantum computing advances, how does a qubit fundamentally differ from a classical bit?
Explanation
In classical computing, a bit is the basic unit of information and can only exist as either 0 or 1. A quantum bit, or qubit, leverages the principle of superposition, allowing it to represent both 0 and 1 simultaneously. This property enables quantum computers to perform complex calculations in parallel, potentially solving certain problems much faster than any classical supercomputer.
Q1033. Which of the following defines the phenomenon of Quantum Entanglement, a core principle leveraged in quantum computing and communications?
Explanation
Quantum entanglement is a phenomenon where particles become deeply linked, such that the quantum state of one particle cannot be described independently of the others. Even if separated by vast distances, a measurement on one particle immediately influences the state of the entangled partner. This principle is fundamental for developing secure quantum communication networks and high-speed quantum computing architectures.
Q1034. Which of the following statements concerning Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), recently tested by Indian agencies like ISRO and DRDO, is incorrect?
Explanation
Quantum Key Distribution is unique because its security is guaranteed by the fundamental laws of physics rather than mathematical complexity. Unlike RSA encryption, which can be broken by powerful computers solving difficult math problems, QKD uses quantum states of light to detect any attempted eavesdropping. If an interceptor tries to measure the key, the quantum state changes, immediately alerting the users.
Q1035. Match the quantum term in List I with its description in List II and select the correct answer.
| Quantum Term | Description |
|---|---|
| A. Superposition | i. The loss of quantum states into the environment |
| B. Decoherence | ii. A quantum computer solving a problem no classical computer can solve in a feasible amount of time |
| C. Qubit | iii. The basic unit of quantum information |
| D. Quantum Supremacy | iv. The ability to exist in multiple states simultaneously |
Explanation
Quantum technology involves several key concepts: superposition allows multiple simultaneous states, while decoherence represents the loss of these states due to environmental interaction. A qubit is the fundamental unit of quantum information. Quantum supremacy is achieved when a quantum processor performs a specific task that would be practically impossible for the most powerful classical supercomputers to complete.
Q1036. Consider the following statements:
Statement I: The National Quantum Mission aims to develop intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits in 8 years.
Statement II: India is the first country in the world to launch a dedicated government mission for quantum technology.
Which of the following is correct?
Statement I: The National Quantum Mission aims to develop intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits in 8 years.
Statement II: India is the first country in the world to launch a dedicated government mission for quantum technology.
Which of the following is correct?
Explanation
The National Quantum Mission aims to develop intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50 to 1000 qubits over an eight-year period. While this is a significant national initiative, India is not the first country to launch a dedicated government mission for quantum technology; several other nations, including the United States, China, and Canada, had already established similar large-scale national programs.
Q1037. Identify the odd one out among algorithms used in computing architectures.
Explanation
Shor’s algorithm, Grover’s algorithm, and Quantum Phase Estimation are specifically designed to run on quantum computers to solve complex problems like factoring and searching exponentially faster. Bubble Sort is a traditional sorting algorithm used in classical computer science. While it is a standard tool for conventional programming, it does not utilize quantum mechanics and is not categorized as a quantum algorithm.
Q1038. The National Quantum Mission proposes setting up four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs). Which of the following is an exception and is NOT one of the planned thematic areas?
Explanation
The National Quantum Mission is structured around four primary Thematic Hubs located at top academic and R&D institutes. These hubs focus on Quantum Computing, Quantum Communication, Quantum Sensing and Metrology, and Quantum Materials and Devices. These areas represent the most promising applications of quantum science. Quantum Genetic Engineering is currently not a recognized or planned thematic area under this national mission.
Q1039. Consider the following statements regarding quantum technology developments in India:
I. ISRO successfully demonstrated free-space Quantum Communication over a distance of 300 meters.
II. QSim is a Quantum Computer Simulator Toolkit developed indigenously by IISc, IIT Roorkee, and C-DAC.
III. Quantum computers require operating temperatures close to absolute zero to maintain qubit stability.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. ISRO successfully demonstrated free-space Quantum Communication over a distance of 300 meters.
II. QSim is a Quantum Computer Simulator Toolkit developed indigenously by IISc, IIT Roorkee, and C-DAC.
III. Quantum computers require operating temperatures close to absolute zero to maintain qubit stability.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
India has made significant strides in quantum technology, including successful free-space communication demonstrations by ISRO. The development of the QSim toolkit provides a platform for researchers to simulate quantum circuits on classical computers. Furthermore, achieving quantum stability typically requires extremely low temperatures near absolute zero to prevent decoherence, a challenge addressed by modern cryogenic systems used in quantum research laboratories.
Q1040. Covaxin, developed indigenously in India for COVID-19, is based on which of the following vaccine platforms?
Explanation
Covaxin is an indigenous Indian vaccine developed using the whole-virion inactivated platform. This traditional technology involves growing the SARS-CoV-2 virus in large quantities and then "killing" or inactivating it using chemicals. The dead virus cannot cause disease or replicate within the body, but it remains intact enough to be recognized by the immune system, which then develops a protective response.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 1031 | (b) Rs. 6,003 crore |
| 1032 | (a) A qubit exists in a simultaneous superposition of both 0 and 1 |
| 1033 | (c) A state where two or more particles become correlated such that the state of one instantly determines the state of the other, regardless of distance |
| 1034 | (d) QKD relies on the computational difficulty of factoring large prime numbers, much like RSA encryption. |
| 1035 | (c) A-iv, B-i, C-iii, D-ii |
| 1036 | (c) Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect |
| 1037 | (a) Bubble Sort algorithm |
| 1038 | (c) Quantum Genetic Engineering |
| 1039 | (d) I, II, and III |
| 1040 | (d) Whole-virion inactivated technology |
Key facts from Science and Technology
- The RPSC paper is General Knowledge and General Science, so science questions come with a strong dose of applied and recent topics.
- Everyday science questions test the laws and terms of physics, chemistry and biology through examples.
- Defence and space questions pair a missile, satellite or mission with its year and organisation.
- Policy questions ask for the year, the body and the aim of schemes like STIP, the National Quantum Mission and BioE3.
- Health, environment and agriculture are on a separate page, with their own chapters.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Science and Technology?
This page has 1113 practice MCQs on Science and Technology. Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Which chapters does the science and technology set cover?
Six chapters: basics of everyday science; computers, information and communication technology; defence and space technology in India; genetics, biotechnology and nanotechnology; science and technology policies and government programmes; and recent advances, Indian contributors and indigenisation.
Is science and technology part of the RAS Prelims syllabus?
Yes. The RPSC paper is called General Knowledge and General Science, and its syllabus lists science and technology topics along with environment, health, agriculture and government programmes, so questions can come from any of these areas.
How should I prepare science for RAS Prelims?
Revise the concepts by examples, then learn the missions, schemes and scientists with their year and organisation. Attempt each chapter, read the explanations and keep a list of the facts you missed.