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IT and Emerging Technologies — Practice Questions

UPSC Prelims-pattern practice questions on emerging technologies with full explanations — blockchain, quantum mission, edge computing, generative AI and 5G.

5 Questions Updated Oct 2026 #upsc#practice-questions#science-technology

Questions

These are original UPSC-pattern practice questions. Attempt each one before revealing the answer.

UPSC Practice · Prelims GS I Qetq-1

Consider the following statements about blockchain technology:

  1. It is a distributed ledger in which copies of the record are held by many participants.
  2. A central authority must approve every transaction before it is added to the chain.
  3. It can be used for purposes other than cryptocurrencies, such as supply-chain tracking.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

  1. A Only one
  2. B Only two
  3. C All three
  4. D None
Solution

Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is incorrect — transactions are validated by a consensus mechanism among participants, not by a central authority. That is the defining feature of a blockchain. Only two statements are correct.

Answer: B

UPSC-pattern practice question
UPSC Practice · Prelims GS I Qetq-2

Consider the following statements about India’s National Quantum Mission:

  1. It was approved by the Union Cabinet in 2023.
  2. It is implemented by the Department of Science and Technology.
  3. It aims to develop intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50 to 1,000 physical qubits.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A 1 only
  2. B 1 and 2 only
  3. C 2 and 3 only
  4. D 1, 2 and 3
Solution

All three are correct. The Cabinet approved the mission in April 2023 (₹6,003.65 crore, 2023-24 to 2030-31). The DST implements it, and its targets include intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50–1,000 physical qubits within eight years.

Answer: D

UPSC-pattern practice question
UPSC Practice · Prelims GS I Qetq-3

Which one of the following best describes edge computing?

  1. A Storing all data in a few very large central data centres
  2. B Processing data close to where it is generated to reduce delay and bandwidth use
  3. C Using quantum processors at the outer edge of a network
  4. D Encrypting data at the boundary between two national networks
Solution

Edge computing moves processing close to the data source — sensors, vehicles, factory machines — to cut latency and reduce the data sent to the cloud. Option A describes centralised cloud computing; options C and D are invented distractors playing on the word “edge”.

Answer: B

UPSC-pattern practice question
UPSC Practice · Prelims GS I Qetq-4

In the context of generative artificial intelligence, the term “hallucination” refers to

  1. A a model producing fluent but factually incorrect or fabricated output
  2. B a model refusing to answer a question outside its training data
  3. C an attack in which an adversary alters training data
  4. D a model generating images instead of text
Solution

Hallucination is when a generative model produces confident, fluent output that is false — for example, a non-existent citation. Refusal is a different behaviour; altering training data is data poisoning; switching output type is unrelated.

Answer: A

UPSC-pattern practice question
UPSC Practice · Prelims GS I Qetq-5

Consider the following statements regarding 5G technology:

  1. Higher-frequency bands can carry more data but cover shorter distances than lower-frequency bands.
  2. Network slicing allows several virtual networks with different characteristics to run on one physical network.
  3. Commercial 5G services were launched in India in October 2022.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A 1 and 2 only
  2. B 2 and 3 only
  3. C 1, 2 and 3
  4. D 1 and 3 only
Solution

All three are correct. Millimetre-wave bands give more bandwidth but propagate poorly, so they need dense small cells. Network slicing lets an operator run, say, a low-latency industrial slice alongside a consumer broadband slice. Commercial 5G was launched in India on 1 October 2022.

Answer: C

UPSC-pattern practice question
UPSC Practice · Mains GS III 10 marks · 150 words Qetq-m1

Why is domestic semiconductor manufacturing considered vital for India’s strategic autonomy? Discuss the challenges in building it.

Solution

Introduction: Chips sit inside phones, vehicles, telecom networks, weapons and AI data centres. Global production is concentrated in a few places, so supply disruptions or export controls can halt entire industries. India launched the ₹76,000-crore Semicon India Programme in December 2021.

Body:

  • Strategic case: secure supply for defence and critical infrastructure; trusted hardware free of hidden vulnerabilities; reduced import bill for electronics; leverage in global supply chains.
  • Progress: Micron ATMP at Sanand (2023); Tata Electronics fab at Dholera and OSAT units in Assam and Gujarat (2024); a large chip-design workforce.
  • Challenges: very high capital cost and long gestation; need for uninterrupted power and ultra-pure water; missing ecosystem of specialty chemicals, gases and equipment; shortage of fab-trained engineers; competition from established hubs offering larger subsidies; rapid technology obsolescence.
  • Way forward: begin with mature nodes (used in vehicles, power electronics and defence), cluster development, partnerships with trusted countries, design-linked incentives, and university–industry training.

Conclusion: Semiconductors are the foundation of digital sovereignty; India’s strategy should combine its design strength with patient, cluster-based manufacturing.

UPSC-pattern practice question

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