Are you on the journey to crack the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) Prelims 2026? Consistent revision and self-assessment are key pillars of success. To aid aspirants in this mission, a dedicated subject-wise quiz series focuses on the static portion of the syllabus. Today's edition delves into the dynamic and often challenging domain of Science and Technology, covering topics from advanced materials to digital fundamentals and indigenous space technology.
Revising Core Concepts Through Targeted Questions
This quiz is designed not just to test recall but to reinforce conceptual understanding and application. It features questions on cutting-edge materials like Metal-Organic Frameworks, the basic building blocks of digital technology, and India's strategic advancements in semiconductors. Let's explore the questions and their detailed explanations to solidify your grasp on these crucial topics.
Question 1: The Versatile World of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs)
The quiz presented a question on the real-world applications of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs). Candidates had to identify correct uses from a list including water harvesting, hydrogen storage, catalysis, conductors, and corrosion-resistant marine coatings.
MOFs are a fascinating class of porous materials constructed from metal ions or clusters connected by organic linkers. This unique architecture creates vast internal surface areas, making them exceptionally versatile.
The correct applications from the list are water harvesting, hydrogen storage, and catalysis. MOFs can capture water vapor from arid air, offering a potential solution for water scarcity. Their porous nature is ideal for storing hydrogen gas safely, a critical challenge for clean energy. Furthermore, they are extensively used as catalysts to speed up chemical reactions.
However, MOFs are generally poor electrical conductors and lack the long-term durability required for harsh environments like marine coatings. Therefore, the correct answer was option (b) – 1, 2, and 3 only.
Question 2: Demystifying Binary Code
This question tested fundamental knowledge of binary code, the language of computers. Aspirants had to evaluate statements about its digits, representational capability, usage scope, and dependence on decimal place value.
Binary code is a base-2 numeral system using only two digits: 0 and 1. It is the foundational language of all digital systems because electronic circuits can easily represent these two states as 'off' and 'on'.
The only correct statement among the given ones is that it can represent data like photos and text. Every piece of digital information is ultimately encoded into unique sequences of 1s and 0s.
The system is not limited to modern computers but is also the bedrock of all digital communication systems. Moreover, it depends on a place value system based on powers of 2, not the decimal system (powers of 10). Hence, only one statement was correct, making option (a) the right choice.
Question 3: Vikram 3201 – India's Indigenous Microprocessor
This question highlighted a significant achievement in India's pursuit of technological self-reliance. Vikram 3201 was correctly identified as an indigenous microprocessor developed for strategic and space applications by ISRO's Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL).
This chip represents a crucial step in reducing dependence on imported semiconductors for critical sectors like defense and space exploration. Microprocessors are the 'brains' of electronic devices, and developing them domestically is a strategic imperative.
Question 4: The Collaborative SWOT Satellite Mission
Mapping Earth's water bodies with unprecedented detail is the goal of the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite. The question tested knowledge of the international collaboration behind this mission.
SWOT is a joint venture led by NASA (USA) and CNES (France), with significant contributions from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and the UK Space Agency. It uses advanced radar technology to measure the height of water in oceans, lakes, and rivers, providing vital data for climate science and water resource management.
Question 5: Defining the Metaverse
Based on a previous year's UPSC question, this tested conceptual clarity on emerging digital ecosystems. The description of 'an interoperable network of 3D virtual worlds... where users can exert property rights over virtual items' perfectly defines the Metaverse.
The Metaverse concept, powered by VR, AR, and blockchain, points to a future digital economy with significant implications for governance, society, and business, making it a relevant area for UPSC aspirants.
Why Regular Quiz Practice is Essential for UPSC Aspirants
Engaging with such quizzes serves multiple purposes. It helps in active revision of static syllabus portions, identifies areas of weakness, and familiarizes aspirants with the diverse framing of questions—from direct factual checks to application-based and 'most appropriate' type questions. The explanations provided bridge gaps in understanding, turning a simple test into a potent learning tool.
For comprehensive preparation, aspirants are encouraged to follow the entire subject-wise quiz series covering Polity, Economy, Environment, History, and International Relations. Subscribing to dedicated UPSC newsletters and joining relevant forums can provide a steady stream of curated content and current affairs analysis, keeping candidates updated and engaged in their preparation journey for the 2026 examination.
