Science and Technology (Part-III)

Total Questions: 28

1. Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs) are used to create digital display in many devices. What are the advantages of OLED displays over Liquid Crystal displays? [2017-1]

1. OLED displays can be fabricated on flexible plastic substrates.

2. Roll-up displays embedded in clothing can be made using OLEDs.

3. Transparent displays are possible using OLEDs.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Correct Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 3
Solution:OLEDs can be formed on any substrate such as glasses, cloths, plastic and other bendable substrates. So accordingly, all three are possible. Answer "c".
The Differences between LED and OLED:
OLEDLED
OLEDs are made of organic materials.LEDs are made from inorganic compounds.
The pixels of an OLED are self illuminating.The LEDs used to light an LED display.
OLED are expensive, though OLED prices  are dropping significantly. LED are currently less expensive than OLED displays.
OLED feature a wider viewing angle than do LED.LED feature a limited viewing angle.
With OLED panels, the colours do not get washed out when viewers watch from extreme angles.In LED panels, the colours sometimes get washed out when viewers watch from extreme angles.
OLED technology offers the ability to develop lighter and thinner display.LED are heavier and thicker display.
OLED are more energy efficient. OLEDs have better Power efficiency.LED consume more energy efficient when compared to their OLED counte rparts.
Response Time of OLEDs is faster than that of LED.Response Time of LED is slower than that of OLED.

2. Consider the following pairs of Terms sometimes seen in news vs Context/Topic: [2018-1]

1. Belle II experiment: Artificial Intelligence

2. Blockchain technology: Digital/ Cryptocurrency

3. CRISPR-Cas9: Particle Physics

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

Correct Answer: (b) 2 only
Solution:

Belle II experiment: The High Energy Accelerator Research Organisation (KEK) completed the much-awaited ‘rolling-in’ of the Belle-II experiment in Tsukuba, Japan. This experiment is designed to study violations of the Standard Model and dark matter. Belle-II has better sensitivity, some 50 times higher, than its predecessor, Belle. So, pair 1 is not correctly matched.
Blockchain technology: Blockchain is a shared, immutable ledger that facilitates the process of recording transactions and tracking assets in a business network. An asset can be tangible (a house, car, cash, land) or intangible (intellectual property, patents, copyrights, branding). Cryptocurrencies/digital or virtual currencies run on blockchain, a record of all transactions updated and held by currency holders. So, pair 2 is correctly matched.
CRISPR-Cas9: CRISPR-Cas9 is a unique genome editing technology that enables geneticists and medical researchers to edit parts of the genome by removing, adding or altering sections of the DNA sequence. So, pair 3 is not correctly matched.

3. When the alarm of your smartphone rings in the morning, you wake up and tap it to stop the alarm which causes your geyser to be switched on automatically. The smart min-or in your bathroom shows the day's weather and also indicates the level of water in your overhead tank. After you take some groceries from your refrigerator for making breakfast, it recognises the shortage of stock in it and places an order for the supply of fresh grocery items. When you step out of your house and lock the door, all lights, fans, geysers and AC machines get switched off automatically. On your way to office, your car warns you about traffic congestion ahead and suggests an alternative route, and if you are late for a meeting, it sends a message to your office accordingly. In the context of emerging communication technologies, which one of the following term" best applies to the above scenario? [2018-1]

Correct Answer: (b) Internet of Things
Solution:The IoT is the network of physical objects which are accessed through the Internet. Internet of Things (IoT) has a broad scope, a heart patient can do heart monitoring easily, farm animals can be easily sensed with a help of biochip transponder, an automobile that has built-in sensors can alert the driver when tire pressure is low. So, "b" is the correct term related to above passage.
  • IoT devices usually have some form of built-in intelligence, which allows them to gather data and make decisions without human intervention. Following are the general working principles of IoT.
  • Data Ingestion: IoT devices or sensors collect data from the environment and provide inputs such as temperature and humidity for further processing in clouds.
  • Data transmission: The data is transmitted to the cloud via Gateway.
  • Gateway uses both cellular and satellite communication to transmit data.
  • Data processing: Data processed at cloud level generates optimal response.
  • For example, to check the temperature range of an Air Conditioner.
  • Data visualization: It is about showing information and alerting for proactive response.
  • Data analysis and prediction: Data analytics make use of collected data over time to provide actionable insight. It helps in predicting future events.
  • For example, by analysing data, future malfunctioning of machines can be predicted

4. In which of the following areas can GPS technology be used? [2018-1]

1. Mobile phone operations

2. Banking operations

3. Controlling the power grids

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Correct Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution:2018: Government's EASE framework for Public sector Banks provides for developing mobile app to locate nearest ATMs (so that can be possible only via GPS.) In 2016, PNB bank had already launched android mobile apps enabling the customer to locate nearest PNB ATM using GPS. so, yes second statement is right, GPS can indeed be used in Banking operations.

2016: The Department of Telecom has mandated that mobile phones sold in India will come with a dedicated 'panic button' and Global Positioning System (GPS) facility that can be used to send out a signal in case of distress. This is aimed at improving the safety of women and ensuring a quick response from security agencies. So, first statement is right. Thus we are left with correct answer, d: 1, 2 and 3.

5. "3D printing" has applications in which of the following? [2018-1]

1. Preparation of confectionery items

2. Manufacture of bionic ears

3. Automotive industry

4. Reconstructive surgeries

5. Data processing technologies

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Correct Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Solution:

Bioprinting process in which living tissues can be 3d-printed using stem-cell containing bio ink. This means 3D printing has applications in bionic ears (#2) and reconstructive surgeries (#4). There is only one option where 2 and 4 are together i.e. Option d: all statements correct.
3D printing, commonly known as Additive manufacturing (AM), is an emerging technology that is rapidly transforming manufacturing processes worldwide. This revolutionary method creates 3-dimensional objects by successively layering materials under computer control. 3D printing involves layering materials like plastics, composites, or bio-materialsto create objects that range in shape, size, rigidity, and colour. Compared to traditional subtractive techniques, 3D printing offers immense design flexibility, reduced waste, and the ability to produce complex geometries.
As one of the largest and fastest-growing economies, India holds tremendous potential for adopting 3D printing technologies. The 'Make in India' initiative and vision for self-reliance have brought additive manufacturing into sharp focus.

6. With reference to communication technologies, what is/are the difference/differences between LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and Vo LTE (Voice over Long-Term Evolution)? [2019-1]

1. LTE is commonly marketed as 3G and Vo LTE is commonly marketed as advanced 3G.

2. LTE is data-only technology and Vo LTE is voice-only technology.

Select the correct answer using the code given below

Correct Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution:Vo LTE allows an operator to offer both voice and data over a 4G LTE network. The big advantage of Vo LTE is that call quality is superior to 3G and 2G connections (through which voice is usually routed) as much more data can be transferred via 4G.
From above statement, we can infer: VOLTE associated with 4g so #1 is wrong. VOLTE allows both data and voice so #2 is wrong.
Difference Between LTE and VoLTE
S.No.LTEVoLTE
1.The full form of LTE is Long Term Evolution.The full form of VoLTE stands for Voice over Long Term Evolution.
2.LTE does not provide rich quality voice calls while using data service.VoLTE allows users to enjoy good quality voice calls with data service.
3.LTE was begun by Airtel in India.VoLTE was begun by the Jio in India.
4.It takes more time than VoLTE to connect a call. (upto 7 seconds)It connects the call and users very fast.
5.In LTE you require additional software to make video calls such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and more.In VoLTE you do not need any additional software to make video calls.
6.LTE originated in 2012.VoLTE originated in 2016.
7.During the voice calls, the data connection gets off.During the voice calls, the data connection does not get off.

7. In The Context Of Digital Technologies for entertainment, consider the following statements: [2019-1]

1. In Augmented Reality (AR), a simulated environment is created and the physical world is completely shut out.

2. In Virtual Reality (VR), images generated from the computer are projected onto real life objects or surroundings.

3. AR allows individual to be present in the world and improves the experience using the camera of smart-phone or PC.

4. VR closes the world, and transposes an individual, providing complete immersion experience.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: (b) 3 and 4
Solution:Virtual Reality: computer-generated simulation of real-life environments that are primarily achieved with the use of headsets. When worn, the user's vision and hearing are stimulated to provide realistic experiences.

Augmented Reality: superimposition of computer- generated images on existing environments to make them more interactive. It is utilised in the form of applications for mobile devices such as Pokemon GO. So, #2 is wrong. This eliminates A and C. Based on the same sentence, #3 is correct. So, b is the answer.

8. Consider the following statements about a digital signature: [2019-1]

1. An electronic record that identifies the certifying authority issuing it.

2. Used to serve as a proof of identity of an individual to access information of server on Internet.

3. an electronic method of signing an electronic document and ensuring that the original content is unchanged.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: (c) 3 only
Solution:As per the Corporate Affairs Ministry website, Digital Signature means an electronic signature useful to authenticate the identity of the sender of a message or the signer of an electronic document. This ensures that the original content of the document is not changed. So #3 is right. The other statements are related to Digital Signature Certificates (DSC) which is a separate mechanism.
Types of Digital Signatures: There are three types of digital signatures Class-1, Class-2 and Class-3, each of them have different security levels:
  1. Class-1 certificate: These are issued for both business personnel and private use. The class-1 certificate confirms that the information provided is authentic and it is not in conflict with the information of recognised consumer databases. These are used in places where the risks and consequences of data compromise are not of major significance.
  2. Class-2 certificate: These are issued to both business personnel and for private use. The certificate confirms that the information provided is authentic and it is not in conflict with recognised pre-verified databases. These are used in environments where the risk of data compromise are moderate. It can include transactions having substantial monetary value, or access to important private information etc.
  3. Class-3 certificate: These are issued to individuals and organisations primarily intended for e-commerce applications, and for other important purposes. It provides the highest level of security where the person needs to be present himself/herself in front of the registration authority for proving his or her identity.

9. In the context of wearable technology, which of the following tasks is/are accomplished by wearable devices? [2019-1]

1. Location identification of a person

2. Sleep monitoring of a person

3. Assisting the hearing impaired person

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Correct Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution:Wearable devices such as smart watches can track GPS location of a person and monitor his heart rate and sleeping pattern so 1 and 2 are right. There is only one option d where they're together.

But just to crosscheck validity of third statement: 2018-Feb theHindu: Re Sound company's newest product, a hearing aid, LINX 3D was named an Honoree in both the Accessible Tech and Wearable Tech categories at Consumer Electronics Show (CES), in Las Vegas. So #3 is right Answer d: 1, 2 and 3.

10. Consider the following activities: [2020-1]

1. Spraying pesticides on a crop field

2. Inspecting the craters of active volcanoes

3. Collecting breath samples from spouting whales for DNA analysis

At the present level of technology, which of the above activities can be successfully carried out by using drones?

Correct Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution:Drone used for spraying pesticides on a crop field says the Hindu. So #1 is correct.
Drone can be used for monitoring active volcanoes, says Science USA news.
Drones can be used for doing statement#3, says reuters com article.
So all three correct.
As an emerging technology, drones bring forth a series of growing challenges that demand holistic solutions.
• Privacy: Drones have high resolution cameras that capture images and videos from great heights and can invade personal spaces and record without consent.
• Ethical concerns: Drone applications in conflict zones provide tactical advantages, including precise strikes and reduced risk to military personnel. This leads to discussions concerning the ethics of remote warfare when humans do not directly engage in battle.
• Environmental impact: Drones, especially fossil fuel-powered ones, contribute to carbon emissions and worsen climate change.
• Airspace issues: Since drones occupy airspace, full manned aircraft may not be able to reach heights rivaling those of a jet, concerns have been raised about drones causing disasters and emergencies.
• Legal and Regulatory: The advancement of drone technology has surpassed the development of legal and regulatory frameworks. Governments claim that targeted killings by drones are justified under international law. The absence of clear guidelines raises questions about accountability and transparency.