[DAY 29] 60 DAY RAPID REVISION (RaRe) SERIES for UPSC Prelims 2025 – SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, CURRENT AFFAIRS & CSAT TEST SERIES!

Solution (d)

Explanation:

Quantum Technology is based on the principles of Quantum mechanics developed in the early 20th century to describe nature at the scale of atoms and elementary particles. It finds its application in various areas such as secure communication, disaster management through better prediction, computing, simulation, chemistry, healthcare, cryptography, etc. Hence, option d is the correct answer.

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• Li-Fi (Light Fidelity) Technology is a bidirectional wireless system that uses visible light (400-800 Terahertz) for communication. It was first unveiled in 2011 and, unlike wifi, which uses radio frequency, LiFi technology only needs a light source with a chip to transmit an internet signal through light waves. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

It transmits data with the help of Light Emitting Diode (LED). The On/off activity of the LED transmitter enables data transmission in accordance with the incoming binary codes. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Solution (a)

Explanation:

• The National Quantum Mission, planned for 2023-2031 aims to seed, nurture, and scale up scientific and industrial R&D and create a vibrant & innovative ecosystem in Quantum Technology (QT). It is implemented by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) under the Ministry of Science & Technology. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

India is the seventh country to have a dedicated quantum mission after the US, Austria, Finland, France, Canada and China. It will target developing intermediate scale quantum computers with 50-100 physical qubits in 5 years and 50-1000 physical qubits in 8 years. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• Intellectual Property Rights are outlined in Article 27 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which provides for the right to benefit from the protection of moral and material interests resulting from authorship of scientific, literary or artistic productions. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

The importance of intellectual property was first recognized in the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property (1883) and the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works (1886). Both treaties are administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purposes of Patent Procedure was signed much later in 1977. Hence, statement 2 is INCORRECT.

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• The National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy 2016 was adopted in May 2016 as a vision document to guide future development of IPRs in the country. It encompasses and brings to a single platform all IPRs, taking into account all inter-linkages and thus aims to create and exploit synergies between all forms of intellectual property (IP), concerned statutes and agencies. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.

• Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce, Government of India, has been appointed as the nodal department to coordinate, guide and oversee the implementation and future development of IPRs in India. The ‘Cell for IPR Promotion & Management (CIPAM)’, setup under the aegis of DIPP, is to be the single point of reference for implementation of the objectives of the National IPR Policy. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

India is a member of the World Trade Organisation and committed to the Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property (TRIPS Agreement). And India’s IPR regime is in compliance with the WTO’s agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Solution (d)

Explanation:

The dark web refers to encrypted online content and allows individuals to hide their identity and location from others. Dark web content is not indexed by conventional search engines. To access the dark web, users must install a private browser, like the TOR Browser, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN), and ensure their computer remains safe and secure. Hence, option d is the correct answer.

Solution (a)

Explanation:

• The ‘G’ in 5G stands for ‘generation.’ 5G is the fifth and newest generation of cellular network technology and it allows more devices to use the network than ever before. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

• The speed of 4G is up to 100Mbps, while the speed of 5G is up to 10Gbps (not 100 Gbps). The biggest difference between 4G and 5G is latency. 5G can offer low latency under 5 milliseconds, while 4G latency ranges from 60 ms to 98 ms. Lower latency brings advancements in other areas, such as faster download speeds. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

5G networks, like any new technology is vulnerable to security threats such as hacking and cyberattacks. Further, concerns about personal privacy may also arise as a result of the increased use of data and connected devices enabled by 5G technology. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

Solution(b)

Explanation: 

Visible light communication (VLC) is a data communications variant which uses visible light between 400 and 800 THz (375–780 nm). VLC is a subset of optical wireless communications technologies. Hence Statement 1 is correct.

The light can transmit information either directly or reflected from a surface. It can do so while dimmed. However, light cannot penetrate obstacles such as walls. Thus, for wireless communication purposes VLC cannot be used for long distances. Hence Statement 2 is incorrect.

Bluetooth transmits data at the rate of 300kbps (kilobytes per second), while VLC can transmit data in the range between mbps -gbps (megabytes per second to gigabytes per second). Hence Statement 3 is correct.

VLC has the characteristic to resist electromagnetic interference. So, it does not cause Electromagnetic interference. Hence Statement 4 is correct.

Solution(d)

Explanation

A blockchain is a decentralised, distributed, and oftentimes public, digital ledger consisting of records called blocks that is used to record transactions across many computers so that any involved block cannot be altered retroactively, without the alteration of all subsequent blocks. Hence Statement 1 is correct. 

Blockchain technology can be used in property exchanges, bank transactions, healthcare, smart contracts, supply chain, and even in voting for a candidate. Hence Statement 2 is incorrect

The great advantage to an open, permissionless, or public, blockchain network is that guarding against bad actors is not required and no access control is needed. Hence  Statement 3 is correct

Solution(d)

Explanation

Long term Evolution (LTE) is commonly marketed as 4G LTE. Hence Statement 1 is incorrect 

VoLTE is an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) specification which enables a variety of services to operate seamlessly on the network rather than having to switch to different applications for voice or video. Hence Statement 2 is incorrect

Solution (c)

Explanation

LiFi is a Visible Light Communications system transmitting wireless internet communications at very high speeds. Hence Statement 1 is correct. 

LiFi transmission speeds can go over 100 Gbps, 14 times faster than WiGig, also known as the world’s fastest WiFi. Hence Statement 2 is correct.

Solution (c)  

Explanation

NFC technology is perfectly designed to exchange data between two devices through a simple touch gesture. Hence Statement 1 is correct.

NFC technology is designed for an operation distance of a few Centimetre, this makes it more difficult for attackers to record the communication between an NFC Forum Device and an NFC Forum Tag compared to other wireless technologies which have a working distance of several meters. Hence Statement 2 is incorrect.

The security level of the NFC communication is by default higher compared to other wireless communication protocols. Hence Statement 3 is correct.

Solution:(d)

Explanation:

• • In computer science Biometrics identification is used as a form of identification and access control. Biometric identifiers are the distinct, measurable characteristics used to label individuals. 
  • Behavioural Indicators: Physiological characteristics are distinguished from behavioural traits when classifying biometric identifiers. Fingerprint, palm veins, face recognition, DNA, palm print, hand geometry, iris recognition, retina, and odour/scent are examples of physiological biometric identifiers. Gait, voice, and typing rhythm are behavioural indicators. 

• Iris scanning: It is a form of biometric technology which uses visible and near-infrared light to take a high-contrast photograph of a person’s iris. Hence Statement 1 is correct.

• Retinal scanning: It maps the unique patterns of a person’s retina. The blood vessels within the retina absorb light more readily than the surrounding tissue and thus easily identify with appropriate lighting. It is highly accurate and difficult to spoof, in terms of identification. Hence Statement 2 is correct. 

Voice recognition: It is a computer software program which can decode the human voice. It is used to operate a device or perform commands. Hence Statement 3 is correct.

Solution (a)

Explanation:

Solution: option (b) 

Explanation:

• VPN: An encrypted connection between a device and a network via the Internet is known as a virtual private network, or VPN. Secure transmission of sensitive data is aided by the encrypted connection. It makes it impossible for unauthorised parties to eavesdrop on the traffic and enables remote work for the user. 
• By creating secure connections over the Internet, a VPN expands a company network. Traffic stays private while travelling because it is encrypted between the device and the network. Even smartphones and tablets can connect through a VPN. Hence correct answer is option (b).

Solution: Option (d)

Explanation

Cloud Computing is primarily broadly categorized as:

1. Infrastructure-as-a-Service.
2. Platform-as-a-Service.
3. Software-as-a-Service.

Infrastructure as a service (IaaS) is a type of cloud computing service that offers essential compute, storage and networking resources on demand, on a pay-as-you-go basis.

Software as a service (SaaS) is a software distribution model in which a cloud provider hosts applications and makes them available to end users over the internet. 

Cloud platform services, also known as Platform as a Service (PaaS), provide cloud components to certain software while being used mainly for applications. 

Big data as a service (BDaaS) is the delivery of data platforms and tools by a cloud provider to help organizations process. Hence correct answer is option D.

Solution: option (c) 

Explanation: 

Cambridge Bitcoin Electricity Consumption Index, by the Centre for Alternative Finance at the University of Cambridge. shows that Bitcoin mining alone used up more energy than Belgium and Finland (bit.ly/3cpu86E). According to Digiconomist, Ethereum gobbled up as much power as Switzerland. The Bitcoin network generates huge amounts of carbon dioxide, as much as Turkmenistan, and Ethereum’s CO2 emissions rival New Zealand’s. As if this was not enough, the obsolete ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) mining equipment that crypto miners use produces a colossal 36,000 tonnes of electronic waste every year.  Hence Statement 1 is correct. 

‘Proof of work’ is a consensus mechanism that allows miners to validate cryptocurrency transactions by deciphering increasingly complicated mathematical puzzles. Whoever solves a puzzle validates that transaction and gets the mined crypto; solving these arcane problems requires heavy computing power and therefore uses tremendous energy. Hence Statement 2 is correct.

Solution: option (c)

Explanation:

Near Field Communication (NFC)  

It is a contactless communication technology based on an electromagnetic radio frequency (RF). Hence, Statement 1 is correct. 

It uses a base frequency of 13.56 MHz. 

It is perfectly designed to exchange data between two devices through a simple touch gesture. 

It is designed for an operating distance of a few centimetres. Hence, Statement 2 is incorrect. 

This makes it more difficult for attackers to record the communication as compared to other wireless technologies which have a working distance of several meters. 

It can use encryption when sending sensitive information. Hence, Statement 3 is correct. 

Solution: option (c)

Explanation:

India has inaugurated a National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS): A pan-India searchable database of crime and criminal-related fingerprints.

NAFIS is developed by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). Hence Option (c)  is correct answer.

Solution: option (a)  

Explanation: 

It is aimed to build an extra decentralized web that puts one in control of their data and identity. Hence Statement 1 is correct.

web 5.0 is web 2.0 plus web 3.0 that will allow users to ‘own their identity on the internet and control their data’. Hence Statement 2 is incorrect

Solution (d)

Statement Analysis:

Context: Union Minister, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying released the annual publication of ‘Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2024’ of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying on the occasion of National Milk Day celebrated in New Delhi.

• The Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2024 (BAHS) was released by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• The top three producers of milk are Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• The top three producers of eggs are Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana. Hence statement 3 is correct.
• The top three producers of meat are West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Hence statement 4 is correct.

Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2077745#:~:text=As%20released%20in%20BAHS%202024,the%20estimates%20of%202022%2D23

Solution (c)

Statement Analysis:

Context: Balrampur Chini Mills, Uttar Pradesh one of India’s leading sugar producers, announced a Rs 2,000 crore investment in India’s first bioplastics factory to produce Bioplastics. 

• Bioplastics are derived from renewable organic sources. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• Bioplastics are produced by extracting sugar from plants like corn and sugarcane and converting it into polylactic acids (PLAs). Alternatively, they can be made from polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) from microorganisms which are then polymerized into bioplastic. 
• They are not always biodegradable. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• The production of Bioplastics absorbs carbon dioxide (CO2) and contributes to a neutral or potentially negative carbon balance, helping reduce the carbon footprint compared to fossil-based plastics. 
• Bioplastics are as strong and durable as traditional plastics, making them ideal for use in a variety of applications such as food packaging, agricultural films, and medical supplies. Hence statement 3 is correct.

Source: The Hindu

Solution (c)

Statement Analysis:

Context: Carbon trade, being relied upon to accelerate emission cuts around the world, has been largely ineffective till now, and only a very small number of projects have resulted in real emissions reductions, a new study published in Nature Journal has found.

• Carbon Credits refer to carbon emissions reductions or removals, measured in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e). Hence statement 1 is correct.

• These credits are generated by projects that absorb or reduce carbon emissions and are certified by international bodies like the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and the Gold Standard. 
• The concept of carbon credit, introduced in the Kyoto Protocol, in 1997 and reinforced by the Paris Agreement, 2015 aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through carbon trading.  Hence statement 2 is incorrect.

Each carbon credit permits the emission of one tonne of CO₂ or its equivalent.  Hence statement 3 is correct.

Consider the following statements regarding the Global Soil Conference 2024:

1. It was organised by the Indian Society of Soil Science (ISSS) in collaboration with the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS).
2. Its theme was “Caring Soils Beyond Food Security: Climate change mitigation & Ecosystem Services”. 

Which of the above statement/s is/are correct?

Solution (b)

Statement Analysis:

Context: A remarkable archaeological discovery has come to light at Kanhirapoil in Madikkai panchayat where 24 pairs of prehistoric footprints and a human figure have been found carved into rock on private property. Experts believe these carvings date back to the Megalithic period, providing a fascinating glimpse into ancient culture.

Hence option b is correct.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/prehistoric-rock-cut-footprints-and-human-figure-unearthed-at-kanhirapoil/article68893518.ece#:~:text=SUBSCRIBE%20%26%20SAVE-,The%20carvings%2C%20made%20with%20iron%20tools%2C%20include%20footprints%20varying%20in,four%20circular%20pits%20around%20it

Solution (c)

Statement Analysis:

Context: The Hon’ble Minister of Jal Shakti digitally launched the newly developed “Bhu-Neer” portal during the concluding ceremony of India Water Week 2024. 

• The Bhu-Neer portal aims to improve groundwater regulation, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and sustainability in groundwater usage. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• It has a centralized database for groundwater compliance and policies, enhancing the Ease of Doing Business by simplifying groundwater regulation. 
• It was developed by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC). Hence statement 2 is correct.

Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2074919

 Solution (c)

Statement Analysis:

Context: Completely ignoring the demands of the developing nations for mobilization of at least 1.3 trillion dollars a year in climate finance, the developed countries managed to force an agreement at the COP29 meeting in Baku, promising to put together just 300 billion dollars a year, that too from 2035.

Baku Harmoniya Climate Initiative for Farmers is a platform that brings together the dispersed landscape of existing climate initiatives in the field of food and agriculture, to make support for farmers easier to find and to facilitate access to finance. It was launched by Azerbaijan in partnership with Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Hence option c is correct.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/world/india-rejects-cop29-climate-finance-deal-calls-optical-illusion-9687012/

Solution (d)

Statement Analysis:

Context: A team of scientists from SACON (The Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History) in Anaikatti, has discovered a new frog species during a two-year study in Meghalaya. They have named the species as ‘Raorchestes asakgrensis’, after the Eman Asakgre Community Reserve in the Garo Hills of Meghalaya, where it was discovered, to honour the people who supported them.

• Raorchestes asakgrensis is a new species of frog. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
• It is found at an elevation of 174 meters in Eman Asakgre, this small arboreal frog is distinctive for its pointed snout and visible tympanum.
• Males measure about 20.49 mm in snout-vent length, with females slightly larger at 22.8 mm. 
• Males call from shrubs at dusk, perched 1.5 meters or higher, with calling activity peaking after the first monsoon rains.
• It was named after the Eman Asakgre Community Reserve in the Garo Hills of Meghalaya, where it was discovered, to honour the local community’s support in conservation efforts. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.

Source: https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2024/Nov/21/sacon-team-from-tns-anaikatti-discovers-new-frog-species-in-meghalaya-during-two-year-study

Solution (b)

Statement Analysis:

Context: The Union Minister of Culture and Tourism will confer the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar for the years 2022 and 2023 to 82 young artists in a special ceremony at Dr Ambedkar International Centre, Janpath, New Delhi.

• Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puruskar was instituted by the Sangeet Natak Akademi. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• The reason behind instituting the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar was to encourage and motivate young artists in the field of music, dance, drama, folk and tribal art forms and other allied performing art forms of the country. 
• It is given annually to outstanding young artists in the fields of music, dance, drama, folk & tribal arts, and puppetry. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• It carries a purse of Rs 25,000/-, a plaque and an angavastram. Hence statement 3 is incorrect.

Note:

Ustad Bismillah Khan was a famous Shehnai musician. He also played at the first Republic Day celebration in 1950. He was the first Indian to be invited to perform at the prestigious Lincoln Center Hall in the United States of America.

Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2075433

Solution (a)

Statement Analysis:

Context: Eight months after the inauguration of the National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC) in Bihar, the country’s first centre dedicated to conserving the endangered Gangetic river dolphin, remains non-operational.

• Bihar is home to around half of the estimated Gangetic dolphins in India. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• Ganges River Dolphins inhabit the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• The National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC) is located near the Ganga River in Patna, Bihar. Hence statement 3 is incorrect.
• NDRC was inaugurated in 2024 and dedicated to researching and conserving the Gangetic River dolphin. It is located strategically near the Ganga River and aims to facilitate studies on dolphin behaviour, habitat, and conservation threats. 

Note:

Protection Status of the Ganges River Dolphin: 

• Endangered on the IUCN List
• Schedule I  in the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972
• Appendix I in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
• Appendix I in the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS)

Source: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/wildlife-biodiversity/indias-first-dolphin-research-centre-remains-non-operational-8-months-since-inauguration#:~:text=Eight%20months%20after%20the%20inauguration,expensive%20equipment%20and%20skilled%20manpower

Solution (b) 

Explanation:

Inference 1 is incorrect: The given inference seems to be based on the lines “All societies evolved their modes of dividing their history into periods: dynastic and regnal was the one prevalent in India, Iran, the Turko-Mongol regions, besides Europe.” These lines show that all societies divide history in different ways, but it does not mean that every society has a religious history. In the context of this passage, the religious history is specific to European society. So, this inference is not correct. 

Inference 2 is correct: It can be inferred from the lines – “The all-too-familiar triad of historical periodization — ancient, medieval, modern — now universal, has rather specific provincial and temporal origins. … The triad took birth in Europe around the 16th and 17th centuries, first in the history of theology and steadily in society’s history, finding its largely evolved form in 1688 at the hands of Cellarius, a German.”

Solution (c) 

Explanation:

Option (a) is incorrect: The passage states the impact of culture on women, but how women affect the culture is not discussed in the passage. So, the context that culture and women molding each other is not a part of the passage. Hence, this option is not the best crux of the passage. 

Option (b) is incorrect: The passage does talk about the discrimination faced by girls, but the main theme of the passage is how culture impacts men and women. Inculcating the values of equality and respect for girls could be a peripheral argument. It is not the best crux of the passage. Therefore, this answer option is incorrect. 

Option (c) is correct:  The passage is about the impact of culture on men and women. This is visible in the lines “However, many Asian, Indian, Hispanic, and Latino cultures believe that girls (even if the youngest) should take care of the males in the family. It’s often acceptable for boys to bend the rules whereas girls are expected to follow the rules.” These lines show that it is the culture which shapes the values of boys and girls, and hence, we can state that culture has a deep impact on men and women in society. So, this is the best crux of the passage. 

Solution (c)

Explanation:

In two throws of dice, n(S) = (6 × 6) = 36

Let E = event of getting a sum 9 = [(3, 6), (4, 5), (5, 4), (6, 3)]

Therefore P(E) = n(E)/n(S)

=> 4/36 = 1/9

Solution (d) 

Explanation:

The number of people who remembered at least one dream in Group Y = 11 + 68 = 79 Required probability = 79/200 Hence, option (d) is correct.

Solution (a)

Explanation:

The answer will be given by the HCF of 378 and 675.

378 = 2 x 33 x 7

675 = 33 x 52

Hence, HCF of the two is 33 = 27.

Hence, the number of sections is given by: ((378/27) + (675/27) = 14 + 25 = 39 sections

Test explained