UPSC Prelims 2017 Science and Technology questions: topic-wise weightage
UPSC Prelims 2017 asked 8 science and technology questions in GS Paper I, spread over 3 topics. See the science and technology weightage for 2017 below, then attempt each question with the official answer and an explanation.
Science and Technology 2017: questions by topic
- Biology, health and biotechnology3
- Space technology4
- Physics and chemistry in daily life; energy and nuclear technology1
Counted from the 8 questions on this page, tagged by topic in the Battle IAS PYQ bank.
Seeing 8 Science and Technology questions spread over 3 topics can feel overwhelming. That's exactly why the Battle IAS PYQ Book maps every question topic by topic, so you know what to study first. Download free sample
Biology, health and biotechnology 3
Consider the following statements :
- 1. In tropical regions, Zika virus disease is transmitted by the same mosquito that transmits dengue.
- 2. Sexual transmission of Zika virus disease is possible.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
Answer (c) & explanation
Both statements are correct (c). Zika, a flavivirus, is spread mainly by Aedes aegypti (1). This is the same day-biting mosquito that carries dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever, and it breeds in clean, standing water. Zika can also spread sexually (2), through blood transfusion, and from mother to foetus, where it can cause microcephaly (an abnormally small head). The 2015–16 outbreak in Brazil led the WHO to declare a public health emergency of international concern.
India has seen outbreaks in Gujarat (2017), Rajasthan, Kerala and Maharashtra. Notice the control methods, such as source reduction and Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes that cut virus spread. Also remember the different carrier for malaria: the Anopheles mosquito.
Answer as per the official UPSC answer key.
With reference to agriculture in India, how can the technique of ‘genome sequencing’ often seen in the news, be used in the immediate future ?
- 1. Genome sequencing can be used to identify genetic markers for disease resistance and drought tolerance in various crop plants.
- 2. This technique helps in reducing the time required to develop new varieties of crop plants.
- 3. It can be used to decipher the host-pathogen relationships in crops.
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
Answer (d) & explanation
All three are correct (d). Genome sequencing reads an organism's full DNA. In crops, it helps scientists find genetic markers for traits such as disease resistance and drought tolerance (1). These markers drive marker-assisted selection, which can cut years off breeding new varieties (2). Sequencing both the crop and its pathogen shows how infection works, revealing host–pathogen relationships (3) and helping to design resistance.
India helped sequence rice, wheat, tomato and chickpea. Notice the new tools: in 2025, ICAR released the world's first genome-edited rice varieties (DRR Dhan 100 Kamala and Pusa DST Rice 1) using SDN-1/2 editing, which India exempts from GM rules. Pusa Basmati 1509 with blast resistance came from marker-assisted breeding.
Answer as per the official UPSC answer key.
What is the application of Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer Technology ?
Answer (c) & explanation
SCNT is used for reproductive cloning of animals (c). In Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer, the nucleus of a body (somatic) cell is placed into an egg whose own nucleus has been removed. The egg is then made to divide and grows into a genetic copy of the donor. Dolly the sheep (1996, Roslin Institute) was the first mammal cloned this way. In India, NDRI Karnal cloned the buffalo Garima (2010), and India later cloned a Gir calf and cloned camels in Dubai. SCNT has nothing to do with biolarvicides (a), bioplastics (b), or disease-free organisms (d).
It is also used for therapeutic cloning, to make patient-matched stem cells. Notice the ethics: India bans human reproductive cloning under ICMR guidelines.
Answer as per the official UPSC answer key.
Space technology 4
The terms ‘Event Horizon’, ‘Singularity’, ‘String Theory’ and ‘Standard Model’ are sometimes seen in the news in the context of
Answer (a) & explanation
These terms are about understanding the Universe (a). An event horizon is the boundary around a black hole from which nothing, not even light, can escape. A singularity is the point of infinite density at its centre, where general relativity breaks down. String theory tries to unify gravity with quantum physics by treating particles as tiny vibrating strings. The Standard Model describes the fundamental particles and three of the four forces, and its last missing piece, the Higgs boson, was found at CERN in 2012. None of this relates to eclipses (b), satellites (c), or the evolution of life (d).
The Event Horizon Telescope photographed black holes in M87 (2019) and Sagittarius A* (2022). Notice the 2020 Nobel Prize for black-hole research (Penrose, Genzel and Ghez).
Answer as per the official UPSC answer key.
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 ?
- 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 :
Answer (c) & explanation
All three are correct (c). In an OLED display, each pixel is made of organic compounds that give off their own light, so it needs no backlight. The layers are very thin and can be laid on flexible plastic (1). This makes possible foldable and roll-up screens, including ones built into clothing (2), as well as transparent displays (3). Backlit LCDs cannot do any of these easily. OLEDs also show true blacks and high contrast, because a pixel can switch off fully, and they use less power for dark images.
Their drawbacks are burn-in and a shorter life for blue pixels. Notice the next steps: MicroLED and QD-OLED. Foldable phones and rollable TVs now use flexible OLEDs.
Answer as per the official UPSC answer key.
In India, it is legally mandatory for which of the following to report on cyber security incidents ?
- 1. Service providers
- 2. Data centres
- 3. Body corporate
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
Answer (d) & explanation
All three must report cyber incidents (d). Under Section 70B of the IT Act, 2000 and the CERT-In Rules, 2013, service providers (1), data centres (2), body corporates (3) and intermediaries must report cyber security incidents to CERT-In (the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team, under MeitY). CERT-In's April 2022 directions set a six-hour reporting deadline. They also require logs to be kept for 180 days, and VPN providers must store user details for five years.
Critical sectors are protected by NCIIPC under Section 70A. Notice the related laws: the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 and its 2025 Rules, which add a duty to report data breaches to the Data Protection Board.
Answer as per the official UPSC answer key.
What is the purpose of ‘evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (eLISA)’ project ?
Answer (b) & explanation
eLISA is meant to detect gravitational waves (b). The evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antenna, now just LISA, is a European Space Agency mission, with NASA as a partner, planned for launch in the mid-2030s. It will use three spacecraft about 2.5 million km apart, linked by lasers, to pick up low-frequency gravitational waves from merging supermassive black holes. Ground-based LIGO, which first detected gravitational waves in 2015 (Nobel 2017), cannot sense these. Neutrinos (a) are studied by detectors like IceCube and the proposed INO. Missile defence (c) and solar flares (d) are unrelated.
Gravitational waves were predicted by Einstein in 1916. Notice LIGO-India at Hingoli, Maharashtra, approved in 2023, which will join the global detector network.
Answer as per the official UPSC answer key.
Physics and chemistry in daily life; energy and nuclear technology 1
Consider the following pairs :
| Commonly used/consumed materials | Unwanted or controversial chemicals likely to be found in them
| 1. Lipstick | Lead
| 2. Soft drinks | Brominated vegetable oils
| 3. Chinese fast food | Monosodium glutamate
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched ?
Answer (d) & explanation
All three pairs are correct (d). Tests in several countries have found traces of lead in some lipsticks (1), a heavy metal that is toxic even in small doses. Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) was used to keep citrus flavours evenly mixed in soft drinks (2). It is banned in India, the EU and Japan, and the US FDA banned it in 2024 over thyroid concerns. Monosodium glutamate (MSG), sold as Ajinomoto, is the flavour enhancer that gives the umami taste in Chinese fast food (3). It is widely seen as safe but remains controversial.
Notice the related news: the Maggi row of 2015, when FSSAI questioned its MSG labelling and lead levels. Other food additives to know are potassium bromate (banned in bread) and trans fats.
Answer as per the official UPSC answer key.
All years by topic
Every question from 2011 to 2026, grouped by syllabus topic, with year-wise trends.