Q1051. Which of the following statements regarding India’s GEMCOVAC-19 is incorrect?
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.
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Q1052. Match the vaccine type in List I with its key indigenous Indian example in List II and select the correct answer.
| Vaccine Type | Key Indian Indigenous Example |
|---|---|
| A. Whole-virion Inactivated | i. Corbevax |
| B. DNA Plasmid Vaccine | ii. ZyCoV-D |
| C. mRNA Vaccine | iii. Covaxin |
| D. Protein Subunit Vaccine | iv. GEMCOVAC-19 |
Explanation
India’s COVID-19 vaccine portfolio includes diverse technological platforms. Covaxin is a whole-virion inactivated vaccine, while ZyCoV-D is a DNA plasmid vaccine. GEMCOVAC-19 represents the indigenous mRNA platform, and Corbevax is a protein subunit vaccine. This variety demonstrates the comprehensive technical capability of the Indian biotechnology sector to develop multiple types of vaccines for public health needs and global exports.
Q1053. Consider the following statements:
Statement I: mRNA vaccines enter the nucleus of the host cell and integrate with the human genome to confer immunity.
Statement II: Once the viral protein is created by the host cell, the cell breaks down the mRNA instruction and removes it.
Which of the following is correct?
Statement I: mRNA vaccines enter the nucleus of the host cell and integrate with the human genome to confer immunity.
Statement II: Once the viral protein is created by the host cell, the cell breaks down the mRNA instruction and removes it.
Which of the following is correct?
Explanation
mRNA vaccines do not enter the nucleus or integrate with the human genome, so Statement I is incorrect. After the viral protein is made, the cell breaks down the mRNA, so Statement II is correct.
Q1054. Which of the following is the most appropriate description of the primary advantage of mRNA vaccine platforms over traditional vaccine methods?
Explanation
The primary advantage of mRNA technology is its flexibility and speed. Because these vaccines are based on genetic sequences rather than growing live pathogens, scientists can quickly update the code to match new viral variants. This allows for the rapid development of updated boosters. This platform provides a powerful tool for responding to fast-evolving viruses and potential future pandemics more effectively than traditional methods.
Q1055. Identify the odd one out among the components typically found in a formulated mRNA vaccine.
Explanation
A formulated mRNA vaccine consists of the messenger RNA sequence, lipid nanoparticles for delivery, and various buffers and salts to maintain stability and pH levels. It does not contain any live, weakened, or killed virus particles. This makes the platform inherently safe from the risk of causing the disease it is designed to prevent, as no actual viral components are injected.
Q1056. What was the effect of using lyophilization (freeze-drying) technology in the development of India’s indigenous mRNA vaccine?
Explanation
Lyophilization, or freeze-drying, was a critical technological breakthrough for India’s indigenous mRNA vaccine. By converting the vaccine into a stable powder form that can be reconstituted at the time of use, researchers eliminated the need for extreme sub-zero storage. This innovation allows the vaccine to be stored and transported at 2-8°C, making it practical for use in tropical climates and remote regions.
Q1057. The Government of India’s AIRAWAT initiative is primarily related to which of the following technological domains?
Explanation
AIRAWAT is India’s dedicated cloud computing infrastructure for Artificial Intelligence. It was established to provide a high-performance platform for researchers, startups, and government agencies to process large datasets and train complex AI models. By centralizing these resources, AIRAWAT aims to accelerate indigenous AI development and place India among the top nations in global supercomputing and artificial intelligence capabilities.
Q1058. The Bhashini mission, launched by the Indian government, utilizes Artificial Intelligence conceptually to achieve which primary objective?
Explanation
The Bhashini mission uses AI to break language barriers by providing a National Public Digital Platform for languages.
Q1059. In the context of AI in healthcare in India, what defines the role of AI in disease screening programs like diabetic retinopathy detection?
Explanation
In healthcare, AI is being used as a powerful screening tool to detect diseases early, especially in areas with fewer specialists. AI systems can be trained to analyze retinal scans for signs of diabetic retinopathy with high accuracy. This allows for rapid, large-scale screening in rural clinics, where the software identifies patients at risk, who can then be referred to specialists for treatment.
Q1060. Which of the following statements correctly identifies the nodal agency that formulated the ‘National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence’ in India?
Explanation
NITI Aayog is the nodal agency responsible for formulating the ‘National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence’ in India. The strategy, titled ‘#AIforAll’, focuses on leveraging AI for social inclusion and economic growth. It identifies five key sectors--healthcare, agriculture, education, smart cities, and infrastructure--where AI can have the most significant impact on the lives of citizens and the overall national economy.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 1051 | (a) It requires ultra-low temperature storage at -70°C, similar to the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines |
| 1052 | (c) A-iii, B-ii, C-iv, D-i |
| 1053 | (d) Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct |
| 1054 | (d) They allow rapid redesign and scaling for emerging viral variants. |
| 1055 | (b) Attenuated live virus |
| 1056 | (c) It ensured vaccine stability at standard refrigerator temperatures. |
| 1057 | (a) Artificial Intelligence Research, Analytics and Knowledge Assimilation platform |
| 1058 | (b) To break language barriers by providing a National Public Digital Platform for languages using AI models |
| 1059 | (b) AI algorithms analyze retinal images to identify early signs of blindness without immediate need for a human ophthalmologist |
| 1060 | (a) NITI Aayog |
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.