This set covers the core ideas behind artificial intelligence, blockchain, quantum computing, 5G, semiconductors, cloud computing and cybersecurity. UPSC frames these as concept questions, so knowing what each technology does and how it differs from others helps more than memorising jargon.
How to practise: read each question and tap the option you think is correct. You will see right away whether you got it, along with a short explanation, and your score is tracked at the bottom of the screen. This set has 15 questions.
Topics covered in this set
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning
- Generative AI and deepfakes
- Blockchain and consensus methods
- Quantum computing and cryptography
- 5G, semiconductors and Li-Fi
- Cloud, edge computing and cybersecurity
UPSC Science and Technology MCQs with answers and explanations
Q1. Which of the following best describes machine learning?
a) Programs that follow only fixed rules written by a programmer
b) Hardware that stores data permanently
c) Systems that learn patterns from data and improve their performance without being explicitly programmed for each task
d) A type of computer virus
Q2. What is the main difference between supervised and unsupervised learning?
a) Supervised learning uses labelled data, while unsupervised learning finds patterns in unlabelled data
b) Supervised learning needs no data at all
c) Unsupervised learning is always done by humans
d) Supervised learning works only on images
Q3. The Turing test, proposed by Alan Turing in 1950, is meant to judge
a) the speed of a processor
b) whether a machine can show behaviour that a human cannot distinguish from human behaviour
c) the memory capacity of a computer
d) the security of an encryption method
Q4. A Generative Adversarial Network (GAN), often used to create deepfakes, consists of
a) a single network trained only on text
b) a database of stored images
c) a blockchain and a smart contract
d) two networks, a generator that creates content and a discriminator that judges whether it is real
Q5. Which of the following is correct about a blockchain?
a) It is a distributed ledger in which blocks are linked using cryptographic hashes, making past records hard to alter
b) It is a central database controlled by one bank
c) It is a type of computer hardware
d) It can only be used for cryptocurrencies
Q6. In blockchains, how does proof of stake differ from proof of work?
a) Proof of stake requires solving harder puzzles
b) Proof of stake selects validators based on the cryptocurrency they lock up, using far less energy
c) Proof of stake needs no network of computers
d) Proof of stake is used only by Bitcoin
Q7. A qubit differs from a classical bit because it
a) can store only the value 0
b) is made only of silicon
c) can exist in a superposition of 0 and 1 at the same time
d) works only at room temperature
Q8. Why are quantum computers seen as a threat to some current encryption methods?
a) They can delete encrypted files remotely
b) They cannot read encrypted data
c) They make internet speeds slower
d) Algorithms such as Shor's could factor large numbers quickly, breaking methods like RSA
Q9. Which of the following is correct about 5G networks?
a) They offer higher data speeds and much lower latency than 4G
b) They use only frequencies below 1 MHz
c) Their high-frequency bands travel farther than 4G signals
d) They cannot support Internet of Things devices
Q10. Adding phosphorus, a pentavalent element, to pure silicon produces
a) a p-type semiconductor
b) an n-type semiconductor
c) a superconductor
d) an insulator
Q11. In cloud computing, an email service such as Gmail used through a web browser is an example of
a) Infrastructure as a Service
b) Platform as a Service
c) Software as a Service
d) Hardware as a Service
Q12. Ransomware is malicious software that
a) speeds up a computer
b) only displays advertisements
c) copies itself without causing harm
d) encrypts a victim's files and demands payment to restore access
Q13. Phishing refers to
a) tricking people through fake emails, messages or websites into revealing sensitive information
b) overloading a server with traffic to make it crash
c) a hardware fault in network cables
d) a method of compressing data
Q14. Edge computing is mainly used to
a) store all data in one distant data centre
b) process data close to where it is generated, reducing delay
c) replace the internet entirely
d) increase the power use of devices
Q15. Li-Fi technology transmits data using
a) radio waves
b) sound waves
c) visible light, often from LED bulbs
d) copper telephone lines
Quick revision notes
- Machine learning lets systems learn from data, and deep learning uses multi-layer neural networks.
- Supervised learning uses labelled data, while unsupervised learning finds patterns in unlabelled data.
- A blockchain is a distributed ledger whose blocks are linked by cryptographic hashes; Ethereum moved to proof of stake in 2022.
- Qubits use superposition and entanglement, and Shor's algorithm threatens RSA encryption.
- Phosphorus doping gives n-type silicon and boron doping gives p-type silicon.
- Cloud models are IaaS, PaaS and SaaS, and CERT-In is India's national cyber incident response agency.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between AI, machine learning and deep learning?
Artificial intelligence is the broad goal of machines doing tasks that need human intelligence. Machine learning is one approach to AI in which systems learn from data. Deep learning is a type of machine learning that uses many-layered neural networks.
Will quantum computers replace ordinary computers?
No, quantum computers are expected to be faster only for specific problems such as factoring, simulation of molecules and some optimisation tasks. Everyday tasks will still run on classical computers. Quantum machines also need special conditions, often very low temperatures.
Why are semiconductors strategically important?
Semiconductor chips power phones, vehicles, defence systems and data centres. Chip manufacturing is concentrated in a few countries, so supply disruptions affect many industries. India has launched the India Semiconductor Mission to build domestic capacity.
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