SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Science and Technology Strategy

1. Weightage given since 2011
2. How to Prepare
3. Physical Science and Current Events
4. Chemical Science and Current Events
5. Biological Science and Current Events
6. Technology: Bio-technology, IT and Communication, Space Technology and Current Events
7. Sources to Prepare
8. Previous Years UPSC Questions and Solution

Science and Technology is an important part of Prelims syllabus. It covers not only the static portion but dynamic as well. In recent years, UPSC is emphasizing on dynamic cum analytical aspect of Science and Technology (S & T)

Weightage given since 2011:

The importance of Science and Technology can be seen from the number of questions asked in previous years. Last year there were more questions on environment, so less in Science. Considering the trend, in 2015, we can expect more number of questions from this section.

How to Prepare?

While analyzing the questions, it is clear that almost all questions are analytical and demands clarity of concepts rather than only facts. It is getting even tougher for an aspirant to prepare the analytical aspect because none of the static sources teaches about it, be it NCERT or NIOS etc. So, the question is “How to Prepare Science and Technology”?

In this article We will simplify this aspect and make it simpler for a beginner to understand that now UPSC is not about ‘Learn by Heart’ but ‘Learn by Art’.

All of you must be aware of ‘Art of Living’. Here we will learn ‘Art of Learning’. This strategy will not be in consonance with other strategy that you read on IASbaba. The reason is simple. S&T is abstract and unpredictable also. All of you are aware of study materials to be followed. We will be no exception in telling you the same resources.

After going through this article you will understand the choices we are going to create for you. If you want to mug up NCERTS/NIOS or any coaching stuff, you are free. Introspect about your preparation and ask yourself? Whether UPSC questions are solvable with the approach you have? If yes, proceed and stop wasting time on any website, even IASbaba.com. Here, we are trying to sharpen your thought process and smart learning skills. Smart learning is an ‘ART’

Art is not to go through all the texts available in the market and create a book store in your room and get tensed. It is a hard fact that people keep on piling resources in order to learn but what they earn? They earn tension, fatigue and most importantly a sense of satisfaction that they have at least read all the collections once.

S&T includes basic science like Physical, Chemical, Biological, Bio-Chemistry and Technology. Very basic way to prepare this section is to get acquainted with current developments with respect to all the domains, part of S&T. Here we classify the domains and let you understand the very diversified and analytical nature of questions asked. Ours will not be a bookish or coaching strategy. You may differ, you may have your own strategy, you may like any other strategy but this is what our experience has shown us. Let us proceed and start with Basic Science. Concentrate on following explanations

Physical Science and Current Events

There is no need of doing research in Physics to solve the questions. Questions from this section are basic and deal more with current happening or some phenomenon in news. There is no need to study physics as a core subject. We are dividing the aspects to be learnt and also the way to approach it.

Current Events

Focus

Current aspects of Physics can be broadly understood under following headings which are directional that you will find while reading newspapers.

Graphene– It was asked in UPSC because in 2010, Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded on the work of Graphene. The question was on its properties rather than other facts.
Higg’s Boson– A buzz for quite a long time because of its groundbreaking research hence asked by UPSC. Always concentrate on properties and reasons on which the news is based on. Do not go in deep research.
Big Bang Theory– Reason for continuous expansion of the Universe, the reasons behind it and the proof available.
Dark Energy and Dark Matter– Quite often in news. Scientists are still trying to solve the mystery behind its existence.

Now see the question asked by UPSC

Graphene is frequently in news recently. What is its importance? (2011)

1. It is a two-dimensional material and has good electrical conductivity.
2. It is one of the thinnest but strongest materials tested so far.
3. It is entirely made of silicon and has high optical transparency.
4. It can be used as ‘conducting electrodes’ required for touch screens, LCDs and organic LEDs.

Which of the statements given above are correct?(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Solution: (c)

Recently there was news related to ‘Indian Neutrino Observatory’ to be set in Tamil Nadu. There is no need to research on INO in detail. So what to Focus on? – Have a basic understanding of Neutrions, its sources and application

Let us illustrate this with a previous year question (2010 UPSC Prelims Paper)

India-based Neutrino Observatory is included by the Planning Commission as a mega science project under the 11th five-Year Plan. In this context, consider the following statements:

1. Neutrinos are chargeless elementary particles that travel close to the speed of light.

2. Neutrinos are created in nuclear reactions of beta decay.

3. Neutrinos have a negligible, but nonzero mass.

4. Trillions of Neutrinos pass through human body every second.

Which of the statements given above are correct ?

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 1, 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Solution (d)

A Question from current affairs

‘Neutrino’ has been quite frequent in news due to important scientific research. What are the possible sources of neutrinos?

(a) Big Bang

(b) Cosmic Rays

(d) Nuclear Bomb

(e) Geological Reactions

(f) Nuclear Reactors

(g) Sun

Correct codes are-

(a) 1,2,4,6 and 7

(b) 1,2,3,5,and 7

(d) 1,2,3,4,5,6 and 7

Answer: D

Note: Was it a shocker? This is how UPSC frames questions. Do they ask questions from heaven? Of course not, looking at the questions asked, can anyone tell the sources to prepare? So the purpose is to understand and know the trend on which your preparation has to be based.

Now, let us look into one more buzzing issue of recent times. Quite often you witness articles in ‘The Hindu’ about scientists discussing their experience and discoveries about Dark Energy and Dark Matter. Now, this is something UPSC may be interested in.

Keep asking yourself, if you need to learn everything about Dark Energy and Dark Matter? If you will read like this, we are sure it will take become another ‘5 year Plan’ for you to satisfy your preparation level. In a day, you have 24 hours and UPSC requires you to prepare hell of subjects and domains. How will you crack this exam in a year or so if your strategy is of a slow learner/crammer?

Consider the statements about ‘Dark Energy and Dark Matter’.

(1) Dark energy attracts while Dark matter repels.

(2) While dark energy shows itself only on the largest cosmic scale, dark matter exerts its influence on individual galaxies as well as the universe at large.

Correct statement(s) is/are

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 2

(d) None

Answer: Only 2

Note: Are you able to focus now? Or still confused or stuck with bulging notes or books? If yes, then you need to introspect about your preparation strategy. If this article is making sense to you then proceed to next level and decide accordingly.

Concepts: Forces in Nature and Naturally Occurring Phenomenon

Focus

Gravitational Force– Basic concept, its impact on earth and on other heavenly bodies. Its relation and reaction with other known forces etc. Try to simplify your learning process. There is lot to learn in less time.
Electromagnetic Force and Energy– Same as above

Rotation and Revolution of Earth-Its effects on other natural phenomenon, How they are responsible for any change on Earth? Whether they are inclusive or exclusive of other changes?

Recent phenomenon in news– Solar Flares etc

Note: NCERT texts cover these basics. Hence the questions asked in the last 3 years could have been answered though some thought it was tricky.

Example (2013 Prelims Questions Paper):

Consider the following:

1. Electromagnetic radiation
2. Geothermal energy
3.Gravitational force
4.Plate movements
5.Rotation of the earth
6. Revolution of the earth

Which of the above are responsible for bringing dynamic changes on the surface of the earth?

(a) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only
(b) 1, 3, 5 and 6 only
(c) 2, 4, 5 and 6 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

Solution: D

Note: Recent trend suggests that a question can be put in geography, environment as well as Science domain depending on various dimensions. For example, above question is evidently asking for physical forces that we learnt in Physics but then the scope of the question also covers geographical aspect as well. Do not get puzzled over such points whether the question is from Physics or Geography or anything. Basically, UPSC is framing questions on concepts and a single question can have one concept or five concepts at the same time. If you are weak in any of the given concept then it becomes quite difficult to solve the question, unless the ‘technique of elimination’ can come to your rescue

Now let us check any random issue from Current Affairs of this year. Recently Solar Flares were in news.

“A solar flare is a sudden flash of brightness observed over the Sun’s surface or the solar limb, which is interpreted as a large energy release”. Consider the statements with reference to it

(1) They are always followed by a colossal mass ejection.

(2) The flare ejects clouds of neutrons, ions, and atoms through the corona of the sun into space.

(3) They produce radiation across electromagnetic spectrum at all wavelength except visible

Correct code is/are

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 1,2 and 3

(d) None

Answer: None

Natural Processes: Look around you and try to find out science involved in various natural processes.

Focus

While going through NCERTS or any source, pay more attention on concepts explaining any natural phenomenon. For instance:
What causes a Rainbow?
Dispersion in nature, Spectrum, Total Internal Reflection, Refraction and
Concepts like why the sky is blue in colour?
Why does the sun appear Red during sunrise and sunset (the physics behind it needs to be known)
Why do stars twinkle?
What is a Pole Star? Where/which direction it is visible also needed.
Surface tension and capillary actions
Phenomenon related to heat and light
Similarly you should know the reason behind what causes lightning, thunderstorms and the various types of clouds (also is given in Geography texts of NCERT)

Note:

Search on the net for all such phenomenon and know the basic science behind them.
Trust us; NCERTS are best source to prepare for these aspects. The only thing that matters is ‘How you prepare from NCERT’?

We will illustrate with an example

During a thunderstorm, the thunder in the skies is produced by the (2013)

1. Meeting of cumulonimbus clouds in the sky
2. Lightning that separates the nimbus clouds
3. Violent upward movement of air and water particles

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3
(C) 1 and 3
(d) None of the above produces the thunder

Solution: C

Consider the following phenomena: (2013)

1. Size of the sun at dusk
2. Colour of the sun at dawn
3. Moon being visible at dawn
4. Twinkle of stars in the sky
5. Polestar being visible in the sky

Which of the above are optical illusions?

(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 3, 4 and 5
(c) 1, 2 and 4
(d) 2, 3 and 5

Solution: C

Chemical Science: Chemistry and Current Events

Focus

General phenomenon of chemistry or chemical change like anomalous expansion of water, density of water is also covered in NCERT.
Elements in nature: radioactive (Ex: Thorium, Uranium) and non-radioactive, Carbon Dating, Lead- its harmful effects and uses (Ex: is it used in Petrol and pencils?)
Nuclear Energy- Focus on Neutrons, use of Heavy Water, controlled and uncontrolled chain reaction and nuclear reactors. Locations of Nuclear reactors in India
Properties of elements and compounds that you encounter in news like Ethanol, Methanol etc.
Terms like Antioxidant, Isotopes and Artificial Rains etc.

Note: You will find lots of articles in newspapers dealing with chemistry. Stick to the basics and learn the relevant concept based on NCERTS only. Here at IASbaba, we will be updating you on everyday basis on How to pick the issue and solve questions.

Example:

The surface of a lake is frozen in severe winter, but the water at its bottom is still liquid. What is the reason? (2011)

(a) Ice is a bad conductor of heat
(b) Since the surface of the lake is at the same temperature as the air, no heat is lost
(c) The density of water is maximum at 4°C
(d) None of the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above is correct

Solution: C

The function of heavy water in a nuclear reactor is to (2011)

(a) Slow down the speed of neutrons
(b) Increase the speed of neutrons
(c) Cool down the reactor
(d) Stop the nuclear reaction

Solution. A

Which of the following is/are the example/examples of chemical change? (2014)

(1) Crystallization of sodium chloride

(2) Melting of ice

(3) Souring of milk

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(d) None

Answer: b

Note: See these questions from Current affairs and learn. Everyone has learnt or found news about sugar industries and issues related to it. Have you pondered upon chemistry aspect? Everyone knows that Ethanol is used as Fuel. It is also a by-product of Sugar making process. Now let us enhance the concept.

‘Ethanol’ has widespread usages and application. Consider the statements with reference to it

(1) It cannot be used as rocket propellant

(2) It can be used in thermometer

(3) It can be used as an antiseptic

(4) It causes cancer

(5) It can cause birth defects

(6) It cannot be used in DNA extraction because it is highly toxic

Correct code/s

(a) 1 ,2 ,3 and 5

(b) 1 ,2, 4 ,5 and 6

(d) 2,3,4 and 5

Answer: (d)

Mercury and its compounds are toxic; despite it is used in variety of products. It is used in

(1) Medicines

(2) Paints

(3) Eye-Drops

(4) Antiseptics

(5) Fungicides

Select the correct codes

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 1,2,3

(d) 1,2,3,4 and 5

Answer: D

Note: Do not get threatened as you will learn gradually. The process of concept building takes time. Once you learn this way, preparation becomes more enjoyable. Also, concept building cannot be taught. It has to come from within. Yes, you just need a way to build it. There is no guarantee in UPSC but there is way to understand its nerves. Questions from this section are random and analytical. No one can meditate and tell you that these are the sources to prepare from. And no single book will suffice the demand of it. No institute will let you know the requirement. They cannot because this exam is not about reading so much. It is aboutHow, What and Why to study of any concept or topic

S and T-2

PDF

Biological Science: Bio-Chemistry and Current Events

Focus

Cause for ripening of fruits and how can it be delayed
Transplanting of seeds and advantages/disadvantages.
Natural Processes of animals and plants- Cell biology
Photosynthesis in Plants
Carbohydrates and Proteins- Any important aspect in news
Trans fats, Omega Fatty Acids etc- Focus on Properties
Properties of Oil and Water at different temperature and Pressure.

Note: Make sure you prepare relevant concepts without going deep. Otherwise the deeper you go the weirder life gets. Remember this Funda

Let us see previous year’s questions

Fruits stored in a cold chamber exhibit longer storage life because (2013)

(a) exposure to sunlight is prevented
(b) concentration dioxide in the is increased of carbon environment
(c) rate of respiration is decreased
(d) there is an increase in humidity

Solution: C

Many transplanted seedlings do not grow because (2013)

(a) the new soil does not contain favorable minerals
(b) most of the root hairs grip the new soil too hard
(c) most of the root hairs are lost during transplantation
(d) leaves get damaged during transplantation

Solution: C

Note: Current affair is never ending. But it has enough content to assure that UPSC will not frame questions from sky. See these questions from recent current affairs.

Recently a ban on burning of tires was making news. Consider the statement with reference to it.

1. It cannot cause cancer.

2. It releases SO2, CO2 and oxides of nitrogen

3. It can result in mutation

4. It can emit toxic aromatic hydrocarbons

Correct code/s

(a) 1 and 4

(b) 2,3 and 4

(d) 1,2,3 and 4

Answer: 1,2,3 and 4

Which among the following are ‘Nocturnal’ in nature?

1. Bat

2. Catfish

3. Kiwi

4. Koala

Correct Codes

(a) 1,2 and 3

(b) 1,3 and 4

(d) Only 1

Answer: C

Consider the following plants:

1. Rhodendron

2. Rose

3. Mulberry

4. Curry leaf Plant

Which of these plants are propagated by stem cuttings?

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 and 3

(d) 1,2,3 and 4

Answer: 1,2,3 and 4

With reference to ‘Phyto-chemicals’, consider the following

1. These are chemical compounds, naturally occurring in plants and animals.

2. They posses antioxidant and hormone like activity.

3. They can be found in apples, tea and carrot

4. They have potential to treat cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes etc

Correct codes

(a) 1,2 and 3

(b) 1,2 and 4

(d) 1,2,3 and 4

Answer: 2,3 and 4

Biology

Focus

Blood group, DNA sequence, DNA related concepts like chromosome, DNA Fingerprinting, Causes for HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B, Swine flu (H1N1)
Diseases in news like TB, Cholera, Foot and Mouth and Ebola etc
Focus on recent outbreaks of such diseases like Ebola and MERS in Guinea, Liberia & MERs in South Korea
Stem Cells – issues and its application.
Viruses and bacteria: Basics and definition, enzymes and catalysts.
Minerals and Vitamins etc

Note: NCERT texts and newspapers are more than enough for this.

A married couple adopted a male child, A few years later; twin boys were born to them. The blood group of the couple is AB positive and O negative. The blood group of the three sons is A positive, B positive, and O positive. The blood group of the adopted son is (2011)

(a) O positive
(b) A positive
(c) B positive
(d) Cannot be determined on the basis of the given data

Solution. A

Which of the following statements is / are correct? (2013)

1. Viruses lack enzymes necessary for the generation of energy.
2. Viruses can be cultured in any synthetic medium.
3. Viruses are transmitted from one organism to another by biological vectors only.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution: C

Now check some questions from current affairs

Consider the statements with reference to ‘Ebola Virus’

1. Fruit bats and animals like monkeys are natural hosts.

2. It spreads through direct contact with the blood, secretions, body fluids and aerosol transmission.

3. It can be diagnosed through electron microscopy and ELISA test only.

Correct statement is/are

(a) Only 1

(b) 1 and 2

(d) None

Answer: None, Monkeys are not natural host. It is Fruit bat. It does not spread through Aerosol Transmission. And, it can be diagnosed through more methods also.

Which of the following can be as a result of ‘Malnutrition’?

1. Obesity

2. Marasmus

3. Kwashiorkar

4. Anorexia

Correct Codes

(a) 2 and 3

(b) 2,3 and 4

(d) 1,2,3 and 4

Answer: (d)

‘Globally, Preterm Birth (PTB) is the single largest cause of neonatal deaths’. Consider the following statements with respect to PTB

(1) A birth that takes place before the mother has been pregnant for 7 months construes a preterm birth.

(2) India has the highest number of PTB worldwide.

(3) Major reason of PTB is the lack of healthcare facilities in the country.

Identify the incorrect statement/s

(a) Only 3

(b) 1, 2 and 3

(d) 1 and 2

Answer: (c )

Technology: Bio-technology, IT and Communication, Space Technology and Current Events

Focus

Technologies in news by Indian agencies like DRDO & CSIR- Example Bio toilets are very much in news developedby DRDO and to be deployed in various parts of the country.
Application of these technologies- Example Bio toilets- Focus on its working and applications- Environment friendly, will assist in handling open defecation etc. Work on Bacterial decomposition, maintenance is easy & water and biogas release etc. Same way for ISRO- example GAGAN, Supercomputers etc
Differences between the related technologies. Difference between Near Field Communication, Wi-fi, Wi-Max and Blue-tooth – their range of frequencies
Latest trends in technology like CFL and LED, Blu-Ray Discs and DVD, HD , Plasma TV, Wi-fi, Wi-Max, GSM, CDMA etc.

Illustration (2011 Prelims Questions Paper)

What is the difference between a CFL and an LED lamp?

1. To produce light, a CFL uses mercury vapour and phosphor while an LED lamp uses semiconductor material.
2. The average life span of a CFL is much longer than that of an LED lamp.
3. A CFL is less energy-efficient as compared to an LED lamp.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution: C

Bio-Technology

Focus

Genetic Engineering- DNA Fingerprinting and DNA profiling etc.
Genetically Modified(GM) crops – Bt-Brinjal, Bt-Cotton, Golden Rice, etc –
Focus:
issues, advantages and disadvantages.
Regulatory Boards and Commissions set-up with regard to GM crops
Examples: Brinjal- What are the reasons for resistance of farmers for Bt-crops? Field trails- their advantages.

Few Examples from Previous Year Question Paper’s

A genetically engineered form of brinjal, known as the Bt-brinjal, has been developed. The objective of this is (2011)

(a) To make it pest-resistant
(b) To improve its taste and nutritive qualities
(c) To make it drought-resistant
(d) To make its shelf-life longer

Solution. A

Recombinant DNA technology (Genetic Engineering) allows genes to be transferred (2013)

1. Across different species of plants.

2. From animals to plants.

3. From microorganisms to higher organisms.

Select the correct solution using the codes given below.

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution: A

Space and Communication Systems

Focus

Satellites and Orbits- Indian Remote Sensing & its applications- In Agriculture, mineral explorations, ground water measurement, sea ice, coastal monitoring and flood monitoring etc. Others like recent IRNSS systems to be used in Telecommunications. You should focus on how they differ in their approach.
Recent missions like MOM, ROVER and ROSSETTA Missions.
Types of satellites and their functions
Applications and range of frequencies of bands like Ku, Ka etc

Few Examples from Previous Year Question Paper’s

Satellites used for telecommunication relay are kept in a geostationary orbit. A satellite is said to be in such an orbit when: (2011)

1. The orbit is geosynchronous.
2. The orbit is circular,
3. The orbit lies in the plane of the Earth’s equator.
4. The orbit is at an altitude of 22,236 km.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2,3 and 4

Solution: A

IT and Communication Systems

Focus

Mobile, Telephony, Optic Fiber Communications and related concepts- Difference between 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G.
Programmes like National telecom Policy-2012, specific features etc
Technologies in news- NFC, Long Term Evolution, Internet.org
Issues- Net Neutrality, Internet of things, Semantic web etc

Networks

Focus

Physical and Virtual Network and related concepts like VPN, WAN, LAN, router and hub, NFC, Wi-fi, Wi-Max, Bluetooth etc.

Example (2011 Prelims Questions Paper):

What is “Virtual Private Network”?

(a) It is a private computer network of an organization where the remote users can transmit encrypted information through the server of the organization

(b) It is a computer network across a public internet that provides users access to their organization’s network while maintaining the security of the information transmitted

(d) None of the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above is a correct description of Virtual Private Network

Solution: B

Note: This section can be answered if you are reading newspaper daily and would have searched internet for its basics when the word/article had appeared in the Newspaper.

Hence please don’t skip the Science & Technology article of ‘The Hindu’ every Thursday for recent developments.

Now, lets see how questions can be framed from Current Affairs (newspaper)

The term ‘Polymorphism’ is associated with

1. Genetics

2. Material science

3. Computer science

Correct Codes

(a) 2 and 3

(b) Only 2

(d) 1,2 and 3

Answer: 1, 2 and 3

Sources to Prepare and points to remember

What have you learnt from this article?
Do you still feel Science & Technol0gy questions are difficult to solve?
IASbaba does not claim to give the best strategy. The only purpose is ‘to aware you’ about time and learning process.
We will be updating you on everyday basis on all the aspects of UPSC Civil Services Exam.
In our Prelims Plan, you will get questions based on this strategy for whole Paper 1 on daily basis.
NCERT– Class 6th to 10th and Biology- class 12th
Read NCERT’S carefully and relate the concepts while reading newspapers
The Hindu-Thursday Edition
Share your thoughts about this strategy in the comment box and let us know the feedback so that we improve and learn from you. Since we believe ‘learning should Always be Two-Way’

INFOLAB

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Weightage given since 2011:

Physical Science and Current Events

Concepts: Forces in Nature and Naturally Occurring Phenomenon

Focus

Natural Processes: Look around you and try to find out science involved in various natural processes.

S and T-2

Biological Science: Bio-Chemistry and Current Events

Focus

Biology

Focus

Focus

Focus

Focus

No comments:

Post a Comment