Q761. The use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in consumer products like socks and refrigerators is primarily due to their:
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 761–770 of 1113 questions
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Q762. Which application uses nanostructured materials to significantly increase the efficiency of converting sunlight into electricity?
Explanation
Nanotechnology is being used to improve the efficiency and lower the cost of photovoltaic cells.
Q763. Nanoparticles can cross the blood-brain barrier. This property is advantageous for:
Explanation
The blood-brain barrier is a highly selective filtering mechanism that protects the brain from harmful substances in the blood but also prevents most therapeutic drugs from reaching brain tissue. Some specially engineered nanoparticles are small enough and have the right surface properties to cross this barrier. This is a major breakthrough, as it allows for the targeted delivery of drugs.
Q764. In energy storage, how do nanomaterials improve the performance of batteries (e.g., lithium-ion)?
Explanation
In batteries like lithium-ion, the use of nanomaterials in the electrodes significantly increases their total surface area. This provides more sites for the chemical reactions that store and release energy to occur, and it allows lithium ions to move in and out of the electrodes more quickly. This results in batteries that can charge much faster and store more energy.
Q765. Identify the potential negative impact (toxicity) associated with nanotechnology.
Explanation
A major health concern with nanotechnology is the potential toxicity of inhaled nanoparticles. Because of their extremely small size, these particles can bypass the lungs natural clearance mechanisms and penetrate deep into the respiratory system. From there, they can enter the bloodstream and travel to other organs, where they may cause inflammation, oxidative stress, or other types of cellular damage.
Q766. The term ‘smart drugs’ in nanotechnology refers to drugs that:
Explanation
In nanotechnology, smart drugs refer to advanced drug delivery systems designed to transport medication directly to the diseased site in the body while leaving healthy cells untouched. These systems often consist of nanoparticles that encapsulate the drug and are engineered to release their cargo only when they encounter a specific biological trigger, such as a change in pH or specific enzymes.
Q767. Consider the following statements regarding the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC):
Statement I: GEAC is the apex body in India responsible for approving the commercial release of genetically modified crops.
Statement II: GEAC functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Which of the following represents the correct option?
Statement I: GEAC is the apex body in India responsible for approving the commercial release of genetically modified crops.
Statement II: GEAC functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Which of the following represents the correct option?
Explanation
The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee is the primary regulatory body in India established under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Its main responsibility is to assess and approve the safety and environmental impact of genetically modified organisms before they are released for large-scale field trials or commercial cultivation. This ensures that biotechnology products are safe for human consumption.
Q768. Biopiracy refers to:
Explanation
Biopiracy is the unethical or illegal practice of commercially exploiting biological resources and the traditional knowledge of indigenous communities without providing fair compensation or obtaining proper authorization. This often involves companies from developed nations obtaining patents on traditional medicines found in developing countries, effectively stealing the resource and restricting its use by the original communities who first discovered its beneficial properties.
Q769. The controversial patenting of which famous Indian agricultural product by an American company in the late 1990s is a classic example of biopiracy?
Explanation
In the late 1990s, an American company was granted a US patent for Basmati rice lines and grains. This caused a major international controversy because Basmati is a traditional aromatic rice variety grown for centuries in the Indian subcontinent. India challenged the patent, arguing that it was a case of biopiracy and that the company had not created a new variety.
Q770. Which of the following traditional Indian plants was the subject of a major biopiracy battle regarding its wound-healing properties, leading to the revocation of a US patent?
Explanation
The attempt to patent the wound-healing use of turmeric (haldi) in the United States led to a major biopiracy battle, and the patent was revoked after India showed prior traditional knowledge.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 761 | (a) Antimicrobial and antibacterial properties |
| 762 | (c) Photovoltaic (solar) cells |
| 763 | (d) Treatment of neurological conditions and brain tumors |
| 764 | (a) Larger surface area for efficient charge transport |
| 765 | (c) Inhaled particles entering the blood and causing harm |
| 766 | (a) Targeted delivery systems that release under conditions |
| 767 | (a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct. |
| 768 | (a) Unauthorized exploitation of resources and knowledge |
| 769 | (d) Basmati Rice |
| 770 | (b) Turmeric (Haldi) |
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.