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 851–860 of 1113 questions
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Explanation
One of the primary goals of the National Quantum Mission is to develop intermediate-scale quantum computers with fifty to one thousand physical qubits over an eight-year period. These computers will utilize various platforms, such as superconducting and photonic systems. Achieving this target will enable India to perform complex computations that are beyond the reach of traditional classical computers, opening new frontiers in science.Explanation
The National Quantum Mission plans to establish four thematic hubs to focus on key areas of quantum technology.Assertion (A): The National Quantum Mission emphasizes the development of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technologies.
Reason (R): QKD provides a highly secure communication method based on the principles of quantum mechanics, making it resistant to classical hacking.
Explanation
The National Quantum Mission emphasizes the development of Quantum Key Distribution because it offers a revolutionary way to secure communications. QKD uses the principles of quantum mechanics to create unhackable encryption keys, making communication resistant to even the most advanced classical hacking techniques. This technology is vital for protecting sensitive national data and ensuring secure government and commercial communications.Explanation
A key target of the National Quantum Mission is to establish satellite-based secure quantum communications over long distances. Specifically, the mission aims to achieve quantum communication between ground stations in India over a range of two thousand kilometers. This achievement would represent a major milestone in building a secure quantum network that can span the entire country for strategic applications.Explanation
The National Quantum Mission identifies several core applications for different quantum technologies. Quantum sensing is specifically targeted for high-precision timing and navigation systems, which are essential for both civilian and military purposes. These sensors utilize the extreme sensitivity of quantum states to measure various physical quantities with unprecedented accuracy, far exceeding the capabilities of traditional sensors used in current technology.Explanation
The Government of India has allocated an estimated budget of six thousand crore rupees for the National Quantum Mission. this funding is intended for the period from 2023-24 to 2030-31. The investment will support extensive research, infrastructure development, and the establishment of thematic hubs to ensure that India remains at the forefront of the global quantum technology revolution.Explanation
The National Green Hydrogen Mission focuses exclusively on promoting the production of green hydrogen, which is generated using renewable energy and water electrolysis. Producing grey hydrogen through coal gasification is not an objective of the mission, as it involves significant carbon emissions. The primary aim is to decarbonize the economy and make India a global leader in clean energy production and export.| Hydrogen Type | Production Method |
|---|---|
| A. Green Hydrogen | i. Coal gasification without carbon capture |
| B. Grey Hydrogen | ii. Electrolysis of water using renewable energy |
| C. Blue Hydrogen | iii. Natural gas reforming without carbon capture |
| D. Brown Hydrogen | iv. Natural gas reforming with carbon capture and storage |
Explanation
Different types of hydrogen are classified based on their production methods. Green hydrogen is produced through the electrolysis of water using renewable energy. Grey hydrogen comes from natural gas reforming without carbon capture, while blue hydrogen uses the same process but includes carbon capture and storage. Brown hydrogen is generated through coal gasification without any measures to capture carbon emissions.Explanation
Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, India has set a target to achieve a green hydrogen production capacity of five million metric tonnes per year by 2030. This ambitious goal is designed to help the country transition to a low-carbon economy and reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels. Achieving this capacity will require significant scaling of renewable energy and electrolyser manufacturing.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 851 | (c) Department of Science and Technology (DST) |
| 852 | (b) 50 to 1000 qubits |
| 853 | (a) Quantum Biology |
| 854 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 855 | (b) 2000 kilometres |
| 856 | (a) Quantum Sensing - High precision timing and navigation |
| 857 | (c) 6,000 crore |
| 858 | (d) It aims to produce grey hydrogen using coal gasification techniques. |
| 859 | (c) A-ii, B-iii, C-iv, D-i |
| 860 | (b) 5 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) |
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.