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Q1Science·Computers, ICT and Emerging TechPYQ 2026
Which of the following statements regarding the features of blockchain technology are correct?
1. Records stored in the database may be made visible to relevant stakeholders without risk of alteration.
2. Copies of the entire database are stored on multiple computers on a network, syncing within seconds.
3. Consortium blockchain is a blend of public and private blockchains allowing selective data access.
4. Mathematical algorithms make it impossible to change or delete any data once recorded and accepted.
Select the answer using the code given below:
- A1 and 3
- B2 and 4 only
- C1, 2 and 4Correct
- D1 and 4 only
Why the other options are incorrect
- Option A
Statement 1 describes the intended transparency and integrity benefit, but statement 3 uses the usual description of a hybrid blockchain rather than the defining feature of a consortium chain. Consortium governance is shared among selected organisations; visibility and permissions are separate design choices.
- Option B
This includes replication and accepted-record integrity but omits statement 1, which the provisional key also accepts. Cryptographic links and consensus make unauthorised changes detectable and difficult; they do not provide unconditional immunity to every attack or governance change.
- Option D
This omits statement 2, which expresses the replicated-ledger model accepted by the key. Full nodes maintain and reconcile ledger copies, but “entire database” on every computer and “within seconds” are not universal guarantees across all blockchain designs.
Q2Science·Computers, ICT and Emerging TechPYQ 2026
Which of the following statements with regard to the National Quantum Mission (NQM) is/are correct?
1. It aims at developing intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits.
2. Its implementation includes setting up of four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) in academic and national R&D institutes across India.
Select the answer using the code given below:
- A1 only
- B2 only
- CBoth 1 and 2Correct
- DNeither 1 nor 2
Explanation
UPSC provisional key: (C), Series A question 49. Both statements are correct. DST lists development of intermediate-scale computers with 50–1,000 physical qubits and four hubs for quantum computing, communication, sensing and metrology, and materials and devices. These are mission objectives and organisational arrangements, not a claim that every target machine is already operational.
Sources: UPSC provisional answer key · DST: National Quantum Mission objectives and thematic hubs
Why the other options are incorrect
- Option A
The 50–1,000 physical-qubit development target is correct, but the answer is incomplete. The mission also has four thematic hubs, organised by distinct quantum-technology areas rather than by a single computing project.
- Option B
The four-hub implementation structure is correct, but statement 1 is also true. The stated range concerns physical qubits; it should not be confused with a promise of the same number of error-corrected logical qubits.
- Option D
Both statements are explicitly included in DST’s mission description. Rejecting them would confuse the development target with current achievement and overlook the four distinct thematic research hubs.
Q3Science·Computers, ICT and Emerging TechPYQ 2025
Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: Some rare earth elements are used in the manufacture of flat television screens and computer monitors.
Statement-II: Some rare earth elements have phosphorescent properties.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
- ABoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-ICorrect
- BBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
- CStatement-I is correct but Statement-II is not correct
- DStatement-I is not correct but Statement-II is correct
Explanation
Correct. Rare earth elements like europium and terbium are used in display phosphors. Their phosphorescent properties are the reason they are employed in screens and monitors.
Why the other options are incorrect
- Option B
Statement-II directly explains why rare earth elements are used in displays, so this choice is incomplete.
- Option C
Statement-II is factually correct; several rare earths exhibit phosphorescence.
- Option D
Statement-I is correct; rare earths are widely used in display manufacturing.
Q4Science·Computers, ICT and Emerging TechPYQ 2025
In the context of electric vehicle batteries, consider the following elements:
1. Cobalt
2. Graphite
3. Lithium
4. Nickel
How many of the above usually make up battery cathodes?
- AOnly one
- BOnly two
- COnly threeCorrect
- DAll the four
Explanation
Correct. Cobalt, lithium and nickel are standard cathode components in Li-ion batteries. Graphite is used as the anode material, not the cathode.
Why the other options are incorrect
- Option A
Cobalt, lithium and nickel are all commonly used in cathode chemistry (e.g., NMC and NCA batteries), so more than one is correct.
- Option B
Three of the four elements are cathode materials, not just two.
- Option D
Graphite serves as the anode in lithium-ion batteries and is not a cathode material.
Q5Science·Computers, ICT and Emerging TechPYQ 2025
Consider the following statements:
1. Indian Railways have prepared a National Rail Plan (NRP) to create a future ready railway system by 2028.
2. 'Kavach' is an Automatic Train Protection system developed in collaboration with Germany.
3. 'Kavach' system consists of RFID tags fitted on track in station section.
Which of the statements given above are not correct?
- A1 and 2 onlyCorrect
- B2 and 3 only
- C1 and 3 only
- D1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Correct. The NRP target year is 2030, not 2028, and Kavach was developed indigenously by RDSO (Research Designs and Standards Organisation), not with Germany.
Why the other options are incorrect
- Option B
Statement 1 is also incorrect as the NRP target is 2030, not 2028.
- Option C
Statement 2 is incorrect; Kavach is an indigenous system and was not developed in collaboration with Germany.
- Option D
Statement 3 is correct; Kavach does use RFID tags on the track in station sections as part of its signalling system.
Q6Science·Computers, ICT and Emerging TechPYQ 2024
Which one of the following words/phrases is most appropriately used to denote "an interoperable network of 3D virtual worlds that can be accessed simultaneously by millions of users, who can exert property rights over virtual items"?
- ABig data analytics
- BCryptography
- CMetaverseCorrect
- DVirtual matrix
Explanation
Correct. The Metaverse describes an interoperable network of persistent 3D virtual worlds where users can interact, own virtual property, and conduct transactions.
Why the other options are incorrect
- Option A
Big data analytics refers to examining large datasets to uncover patterns, not 3D virtual worlds.
- Option B
Cryptography is the practice of secure communication techniques, unrelated to virtual worlds.
- Option D
Virtual matrix is not a standard technology term; the described concept is known as the Metaverse.
Q7Science·Computers, ICT and Emerging TechPYQ 2024
Consider the following activities:
1. Identification of narcotics on passengers at airports or in aircraft
2. Monitoring of precipitation
3. Tracking the migration of animals
In how many of the above activities can radars be used?
- AOnly one
- BOnly two
- CAll threeCorrect
- DNone
Explanation
Correct. Millimetre-wave scanners (a radar type) detect concealed substances at airports, weather radars monitor precipitation, and Doppler radars track animal migration patterns.
Why the other options are incorrect
- Option A
Radars have applications in all three areas, not just one.
- Option B
Radar technology is versatile enough to be used in all three activities listed.
- Option D
Radar technology is used in all three activities listed.
Q8Science·Computers, ICT and Emerging TechPYQ 2022
With reference to "Software as a Service (SaaS)", consider the following statements:
1. SaaS buyers can customise the user interface and can change data fields.
2. SaaS users can access their data through their mobile devices.
3. Outlook, Hotmail and Yahoo! Mail are forms of SaaS.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- A1 and 2 only
- B2 and 3 only
- C1 and 3 only
- D1, 2 and 3Correct
Explanation
Correct. SaaS allows interface customisation, is accessible via mobile devices, and web-based email services are standard SaaS examples.
Why the other options are incorrect
- Option A
Web-based email services like Outlook and Yahoo Mail are classic examples of SaaS, so statement 3 is also correct.
- Option B
SaaS platforms do allow customisation of interfaces and data fields, so statement 1 is also correct.
- Option C
SaaS is accessible from any device with a browser, including mobile devices, so statement 2 is also correct.
Q9Science·Computers, ICT and Emerging TechPYQ 2022
Consider the following:
1. Aarogya Setu
2. CoWIN
3. DigiLocker
4. DIKSHA
Which of the above are built on top of open-source digital platforms?
- A1 and 2 only
- B2, 3 and 4 only
- C1, 3 and 4 only
- D1, 2, 3 and 4Correct
Explanation
Correct. All four platforms — Aarogya Setu, CoWIN, DigiLocker and DIKSHA — are built on open-source digital platforms as part of India's digital public infrastructure strategy.
Why the other options are incorrect
- Option A
DigiLocker and DIKSHA are also built on open-source platforms, so this is incomplete.
- Option B
Aarogya Setu is also built on open-source technologies, so excluding it is incorrect.
- Option C
CoWIN is also built on open-source digital infrastructure, so excluding it is incorrect.
Q10Science·Computers, ICT and Emerging TechPYQ 2022
With reference to Web 3.0, consider the following statements:
1. Web 3.0 technology enables people to control their own data.
2. In the Web 3.0 world, there can be blockchain-based social networks.
3. Web 3.0 is operated by users collectively rather than a corporation.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- A1 and 2 only
- B2 and 3 only
- C1 and 3 only
- D1, 2 and 3Correct
Explanation
Correct. Web 3.0 emphasises user data ownership, supports blockchain-based social networks, and relies on decentralised community governance rather than corporate control.
Why the other options are incorrect
- Option A
Statement 3 is also correct; decentralisation and community governance are core principles of Web 3.0.
- Option B
Statement 1 is also correct; user data sovereignty is a foundational concept of Web 3.0.
- Option C
Statement 2 is also correct; blockchain-based social networks like Mastodon alternatives on Web 3.0 already exist.
Q11Science·Computers, ICT and Emerging TechPYQ 2022
Consider the following communication technologies:
1. Closed-circuit Television
2. Radio Frequency Identification
3. Wireless Local Area Network
Which of the above are considered Short-Range devices/technologies?
- A1 and 2 only
- B2 and 3 only
- C1 and 3 only
- D1, 2 and 3Correct
Explanation
Correct. CCTV, RFID and WLAN are all classified as short-range devices/technologies, operating within limited distances from a few centimetres to approximately 100 metres.
Why the other options are incorrect
- Option A
WLAN (Wi-Fi) is also a short-range wireless technology with typical range of tens of metres indoors.
- Option B
CCTV systems also operate over short distances using coaxial or short-range wireless links.
- Option C
RFID is a well-known short-range technology operating from a few centimetres to a few metres.
Q12Science·Computers, ICT and Emerging TechPYQ 2022
With reference to Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), consider the following statements:
1. They enable the digital representation of physical assets.
2. They are unique cryptographic tokens that exist on a blockchain.
3. They can be traded or exchanged at equivalency and therefore can be used as a medium of commercial transactions.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- A1 and 2 onlyCorrect
- B2 and 3 only
- C1 and 3 only
- D1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Correct. NFTs can represent physical assets digitally and are unique blockchain tokens. However, being non-fungible means they cannot be traded at equivalency like currency.
Why the other options are incorrect
- Option B
Statement 3 is incorrect; the defining property of NFTs is that they are non-fungible and cannot be exchanged at equivalency.
- Option C
Statement 3 is wrong; NFTs are unique and non-interchangeable, unlike fungible tokens such as cryptocurrencies.
- Option D
Statement 3 contradicts the fundamental nature of NFTs — they are non-fungible and thus not exchangeable at par.