Q231. Which of the following is the fundamental function of an Operating System (OS)?
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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Q232. Consider the following statements about the Linux operating system:
I. It is an open-source operating system.
II. It is based on the Unix OS architecture.
III. Its kernel was originally developed by Linus Torvalds.
IV. It is strictly available only as a Command Line Interface (CLI).
V. Android OS is built on a modified Linux kernel.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. It is an open-source operating system.
II. It is based on the Unix OS architecture.
III. Its kernel was originally developed by Linus Torvalds.
IV. It is strictly available only as a Command Line Interface (CLI).
V. Android OS is built on a modified Linux kernel.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Linux is an influential open-source operating system based on Unix architecture, with a kernel originally developed by Linus Torvalds. It is widely utilized across various platforms, including Android mobile devices. Contrary to the idea that it is strictly a command-line interface, most modern Linux distributions offer sophisticated graphical user interfaces, making the system accessible to both developers and everyday users.
Q233. Identify the incorrect statement regarding the Windows operating system.
Explanation
threading Windows is a proprietary operating system developed by Microsoft that supports advanced features like the Cortana assistant and the NTFS file system. A critical technical characteristic of modern Windows versions is their robust support for multi-threading, which allows multiple parts of a program to execute concurrently. This capability is essential for maximizing the performance of modern multi-core processors in multitasking.
Q234. A computer executing multiple programs simultaneously by rapidly switching the CPU among them is demonstrating which concept?
Explanation
Multitasking is the ability of an operating system to execute multiple tasks or programs seemingly at the same time. This is achieved through rapid context switching, where the CPU allocates small time slices to different processes in quick succession. This technique allows users to perform various activities, such as browsing the web while listening to music, without perceiving any significant delays.
Q235. The Android operating system, predominantly used in mobile devices, is technically based on which core?
Explanation
The Android operating system is built upon a modified version of the Linux kernel, which provides the core services required for hardware management, memory allocation, and process execution. By utilizing the proven stability and security of the Linux architecture, Android provides a robust foundation for millions of mobile applications. This open-source base has facilitated the widespread adoption of Android across hardware.
Q236. Given below are the steps in a computer’s booting process:
I. OS Kernel loading into RAM
II. Power-On Self Test (POST)
III. BIOS execution
IV. Execution of init/systemd processes
Select the correct chronological arrangement.
I. OS Kernel loading into RAM
II. Power-On Self Test (POST)
III. BIOS execution
IV. Execution of init/systemd processes
Select the correct chronological arrangement.
Explanation
The booting process follows a strict chronological sequence to ensure hardware readiness. It begins with the execution of BIOS, followed immediately by the Power-On Self Test to check system components. Once hardware is verified, the OS kernel is loaded into RAM from secondary storage. Finally, initialization processes like systemd start, bringing the operating system into a fully functional user state.
Q237. Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as
Reason (R).
Assertion (A): Open-source operating systems like Linux allow users to view, modify, and distribute the source code.
Reason (R): This transparency makes open-source systems entirely immune to all forms of malware.
Reason (R).
Assertion (A): Open-source operating systems like Linux allow users to view, modify, and distribute the source code.
Reason (R): This transparency makes open-source systems entirely immune to all forms of malware.
Explanation
Open-source operating systems like Linux promote transparency by allowing users to inspect, modify, and distribute the source code. While this collaborative environment often leads to rapid security patches and community-driven improvements, it does not make the system entirely immune to malware. All software remains susceptible to various security threats, regardless of whether the source code is public or proprietary.
Q238. Which of the following correctly pairs the operating system type with its characteristic?
Explanation
A Batch Operating System is designed to process similar jobs in groups without direct user intervention, maximizing throughput for repetitive tasks. In contrast, Real-Time OS must meet strict timing constraints, and Time-Sharing OS allows multiple users to share CPU resources simultaneously. These different OS types are tailored to specific processing requirements, ranging from scientific calculations to interactive personal computing.
Q239. Which of the following is generally not considered a direct function of an operating system?
Explanation
Operating systems are responsible for fundamental tasks like managing memory, coordinating process scheduling, and organizing file systems. These functions ensure the efficient use of hardware resources. However, source code compilation is the responsibility of specialized development tools called compilers. While the OS provides the environment for compilers to run, the actual translation of high-level code into machine language is not.
Q240. Which interface is most appropriate for users requiring visual metaphors like windows, icons, and menus to interact with the OS?
Explanation
A Graphical User Interface uses visual elements like windows, icons, and menus to allow users to interact with the operating system intuitively. This contrasts with a Command Line Interface, which requires text-based commands. GUIs have made computing accessible to a broad audience by providing a user-friendly way to navigate files, launch applications, and manage settings through direct manipulation of metaphors.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 231 | (a) Managing computer hardware and software resources |
| 232 | (a) I, II, III, and V only |
| 233 | (b) Windows completely lacks support for multi-threading. |
| 234 | (a) Multitasking |
| 235 | (c) Linux Kernel |
| 236 | (b) III, II, I, IV |
| 237 | (c) A is true but R is false. |
| 238 | (b) Batch OS - Groups similar jobs for sequential execution without user interaction |
| 239 | (d) Source code compilation |
| 240 | (a) Graphical User Interface (GUI) |
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.