Emerging Technologies

Alternative powertrain vehicles are those that do not use conventional petrol/diesel engines. Instead, they rely on clean energy sources like electricity or hydrogen.

* I. BEVs – Run fully on batteries and electric motors. * II. FCEVs – Use hydrogen to make electricity via a fuel cell. * III. FCEHVs – Combine hydrogen fuel cell + battery + electric motor.

All three are alternatives to traditional fuel vehicles.

Majorana 1 chip is linked to quantum computing and deep learning is part of machine learning, but AWS did not introduce the Majorana 1 chip.

* I. Majorana 1 chip – Expected to advance quantum computing. * II. AWS introducing Majorana 1 – Incorrect, it's a Microsoft project. * III. Deep learning – A subset of machine learning.

Only statements I and III are correct.

In lithium-ion batteries, the cathode is typically made of materials that include Cobalt, Lithium, and Nickel, depending on the chemistry used.

* I. Cobalt: Used in cathodes like LCO and NMC. * II. Graphite: Used in the anode, not the cathode. * III. Lithium: Core element in cathode materials (like LCO, LFP). * IV. Nickel: Found in cathode types like NMC and NCA.

Three of the four are used in cathodes.

Alternatively, you can use mnemonic CoLiNi to remember Cathode forming materials.

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) powered by hydrogen generate electricity by combining hydrogen (H₂) with oxygen (O₂) in a fuel cell. This process produces electricity, heat, and the only exhaust emission is water vapour (H₂O), making hydrogen fuel cells zero-emission.

Metaverse: This term accurately describes a network of interconnected, persistent 3D virtual spaces.

Key characteristics of the metaverse often include:

* Interoperability: Users can move between different virtual worlds seamlessly.

* User-Generated Content: Users can create, own, and trade virtual assets.

* Social Interaction: The metaverse facilitates social experiences and interactions.

_Let's look at why the other options are incorrect:_

* Big data analytics: This involves analyzing large and complex datasets to uncover patterns and insights. It's not directly related to virtual worlds.

* Cryptography: This focuses on secure communication and data protection techniques. While relevant to security within a metaverse, it doesn't define the concept itself.

* Virtual matrix: This term is not commonly used to describe the concept outlined in the question. The term 'matrix' is often associated with a grid-like structure or a virtual reality environment, but not the broader interconnected network the question describes.

Statement 1 is correct: Hydrogels are widely used in biomedical applications, especially in controlled drug delivery systems. Their high water content, biocompatibility, and ability to swell and release drugs in a controlled manner make them ideal for:

- Transdermal drug delivery - Oral and ocular delivery - Injectable drug systems

Statement 2 is incorrect: Hydrogels are not commonly used in mobile air-conditioning systems. These systems typically use refrigerants and mechanical components (like compressors, condensers, and evaporators) to provide cooling. While hydrogels can absorb and release moisture, they are not suitable for the cooling and dehumidification processes involved in air conditioning.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Hydrogels are not used in the formulation of industrial lubricants. Lubricants generally consist of base oils (mineral, synthetic, or vegetable) and additives for enhancing properties like viscosity, anti-wear, and corrosion resistance. Hydrogels do not possess the required lubricating properties, especially under high pressure and temperature conditions.

* Car Crash Detection and Airbag Deployment: Modern cars use accelerometers as part of a complex system to detect rapid deceleration that can indicate a crash. The accelerometer data, along with other sensors, triggers the airbag deployment almost instantaneously.

* Laptop Fall Detection and Hard Drive Shut Off: Some laptops use accelerometers to detect a sudden fall or impact. This can trigger the hard drive heads to retract or park, protecting the drive from potential damage.

* Smartphone Tilt Detection and Display Rotation: Accelerometers are widely used in smartphones to detect orientation changes (tilt). This allows the device to automatically switch the display between portrait and landscape mode depending on how you hold the phone.

* In all these scenarios, the accelerometer detects changes in acceleration or tilt, which is then used by the system to perform the specific action.

Therefore, all three statements are correct.

* Carbon fibres are highly valued for their unique properties like strength, lightness, and stiffness. They are widely used in the manufacturing of various components in automobiles and aircraft to reduce weight and improve performance.

* Carbon Fiber Recycling: While traditional carbon fibre recycling methods were limited, advancements are being made in this field. Here are some possibilities

1. Mechanical recycling - This process breaks down carbon fibres into smaller pieces for use in applications where their original form is not necessary.

2. Chemical recycling -This method dissolves the resin holding the fibres together, potentially allowing the extraction of reusable carbon fibres.

3. Thermal recycling - High temperatures are used to convert the resin into usable materials while recovering the carbon fibres.

* These recycling technologies are still evolving, but they offer a more sustainable approach to using carbon fibres. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

Statement 1 is correct. A key aspect of Web 3.0 is the concept of decentralization, where users have more control and ownership over their personal data, rather than having it stored and controlled by centralized platforms.

Statement 2 is correct. Blockchain technology is a core component of Web 3.0, and it can enable the creation of decentralized, user-owned social networks and platforms.

Statement 3 is correct. The decentralized nature of Web 3.0 means that it is not controlled by a single corporation or entity, but rather operated and maintained collectively by the users and participants in the network.

Therefore, all three statements regarding Web 3.0 are correct.


Out of the listed communication technologies, all three can be considered short-range devices/technologies.

Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV): CCTV systems primarily use cables or wireless connections with a limited range, typically within a building or a designated area.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID): RFID uses radio waves to identify objects. The reading range of RFID tags depends on the specific technology but generally falls within the short-range category, from a few centimetres to a few meters.

Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN): WLANs, commonly known as Wi-Fi networks, typically operate within a range of tens of meters indoors and up to hundreds of meters outdoors depending on factors like signal strength and frequency band. While the range might be slightly larger than the others on this list, WLANs still fall under the short-range classification compared to technologies like cellular networks or satellite communication.

Statement 1 is incorrect: Nanoparticles can exist in nature (natural nanoparticles). Volcanic eruptions, forest fires, and natural weathering processes can all create nanoparticles.

Statement 2 is correct: Some cosmetics incorporate nanoparticles of ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for sun protection or other purposes.

Statement 3 is also correct: The safety of nanoparticles in consumer products is a complex issue and a growing area of research. Some nanoparticles might pose potential health or environmental risks depending on their specific properties and how they interact with the body or the environment.

Statement 1 is Correct: Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can be functionalized with various bioactive molecules, such as drugs and antigens. This allows them to act as efficient delivery systems that can cross biological membranes to reach specific target sites in the body.

Statement 2 is Incorrect: While carbon nanotubes have been explored as scaffolds in tissue engineering, their use as artificial blood capillaries remains largely experimental and has not been established as a validated application. Blood capillaries require precise biological compatibility, flexibility, and permeability that CNTs alone cannot replicate. Hence, the claim that they can be made into functional artificial blood capillaries for injured parts of the human body is not sufficiently supported, and UPSC's official answer key treats this statement as incorrect.

Statement 3 is Correct: Due to their high surface-to-volume ratio and unique electrical properties, carbon nanotubes are ideal components for biochemical sensors used to detect biological molecules like glucose, proteins, or DNA with high sensitivity.

Statement 4 is Correct: Research has demonstrated that carbon nanotubes can be broken down by oxidative enzymes such as myeloperoxidase (MPO) found in human neutrophils, establishing their biodegradability under certain conditions.

⚠️ Caveat: Statement 4 remains a subject of ongoing scientific debate. While certain studies confirm enzymatic biodegradation of CNTs, this is not universally accepted, as biodegradability is highly dependent on the type, length, surface functionalization, and structural properties of the nanotube. In many real-world conditions, CNTs are considered persistent and non-biodegradable. The UPSC answer key treats Statement 4 as correct, but candidates should be aware of this nuance.

Statement 1 is correct. Blockchain technology operates as a decentralized and transparent ledger that records transactions across a network of computers. The ledger is publicly accessible, allowing anyone to inspect the transactions recorded on it. Additionally, no single user or entity has control over the entire blockchain network, as it is distributed among multiple nodes.

Statement 2 is incorrect. While blockchain technology is best known for its association with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, the blockchain itself is capable of recording various types of data beyond just financial transactions. Blockchain can be used to record and verify any type of digital information, such as contracts, identity documents, supply chain data, and more.

Statement 3 is correct. Blockchain technology enables the development of decentralized applications (DApps) that can operate without the need for central authority or permission. Developers can create applications that utilize the basic features of blockchain, such as transparency, immutability, and decentralization, without requiring approval from a central entity.

Statement 1 is Correct: AI-driven automation and smart sensors optimize energy use in industrial units by predicting demand, monitoring equipment health, and adjusting operations in real-time to reduce waste.

Statement 2 is Incorrect: At the time of the 2020 UPSC examination, creating truly meaningful short stories and songs — possessing coherent narrative structure, genuine emotional depth, and creative intent — was considered beyond the effective reach of AI. The ability to produce such content meaningfully and autonomously, rather than through pattern recombination, had not been demonstrated at a level considered reliable or effective.

Statement 3 is Correct: AI is highly effective in medical diagnostics, particularly in analyzing medical imagery such as X-rays and MRIs to detect diseases like cancer, pneumonia, and diabetic retinopathy with high precision.

Statement 4 is Correct: Text-to-Speech conversion is a mature and well-established application of AI that utilizes natural language processing and neural networks to synthesize human-like speech from written text.

Statement 5 is Incorrect: Wireless transmission of electrical energy is a physical engineering process based on electromagnetic induction or microwaves. This is a function of physics and hardware, and not a task performed by Artificial Intelligence.

Statement 1 is correct. Wearable devices can perform several tasks, and out of given options, all three are achievable. Many smartwatches and wearables with GPS functionality can track a person's location. This can be helpful for navigation, fitness tracking, or safety purposes.

Statement 2 is correct. Wearable sleep trackers can monitor sleep patterns, including sleep duration, sleep stages (deep sleep, light sleep, REM sleep), and sleep quality.

Statement 3 is correct. Some wearables can function as hearing aids, amplifying sounds and improving hearing for people with hearing loss.

Therefore, the correct answer is 1, 2, and 3.

* Cirrus clouds do not reflect a lot of solar radiation into space. As they form at high altitudes and cold temperatures, they trap long-wave radiation and have a climate impact similar to greenhouse gases. Thus, thinning cirrus clouds would reduce the absorption of infrared radiation and are proposed as a form of climate engineering to reduce global warming.


* Another proposed Geo-engineering technique involves injecting reflective sulphate aerosol particles into Earth's lower stratosphere to cast a small proportion of the inbound sunlight back into space and cool the planet off.

Thus, both are climate engineering/ Geo-engineering techniques to reduce global warming.

Statement 1 is incorrect. AR enhances the real world, not shuts it out. Augmented reality (AR) overlays digital elements on top of the real world, allowing users to see both simultaneously.

Statement 2 is incorrect. Virtual Reality (VR) creates a completely immersive and simulated environment that replaces the real world. Users wear a headset that blocks out their surroundings and projects a computer-generated world they can interact with.

Statement 3 is correct. AR often utilises the camera on a smartphone or PC to overlay digital elements onto the real world you see through the camera. This can enhance experiences in gaming, education, and even product visualisation.

Statement 4 is correct. VR creates a closed world, shutting out the physical environment and transporting the user entirely into a simulated one. This provides a highly immersive experience, often used for gaming, entertainment, and even training simulations.

Pair 1 is incorrect: The Belle II experiment is a particle physics experiment designed to study the properties of B mesons. It is not related to artificial intelligence.

Pair 2 s correct: Blockchain technology is the underlying technology behind cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. It is a distributed ledger technology that ensures secure and transparent transactions.


Pair 3 is incorrect: CRISPR-Cas9 is a gene-editing technology used in the field of molecular biology to edit genes. It is not related to particle physics.


Therefore, only pair 2 is correctly matched.

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a process of making three dimensional solid objects from a digital file. It is used in a wide range of industries and has various applications.

It can be used to create intricate and customized shapes in confectionery items like chocolates, candies, and other desserts.

It has been used to create customized bionic ears for people with hearing impairments.

It is used in the automotive industry for rapid prototyping, manufacturing of customized parts, and even some production of vehicle components.

It is used in reconstructive surgeries to create patient-specific implants, prosthetics, and surgical guides.

It can be used to create specialized components and parts for data processing technologies, such as computer hardware.

Therefore, all the five statements are correct.

The scenario described involves various devices (smartphone, geyser, smart mirror, refrigerator, car, etc.) communicating with each other and with the user, and automatically performing tasks based on certain triggers. This is characteristic of the Internet of Things (IoT).


Option B is correct: Internet of Things (IoT) is a system of interrelated computing devices, mechanical and digital machines, objects, animals or people that are provided with unique identifiers (UIDs) and the ability to transfer data over a network without requiring human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction.

Option A is incorrect: Border Gateway Protocol is a protocol used to exchange routing information across the internet and is not relevant to the scenario described.

Option C is incorrect: Internet Protocol is a set of rules for sending and receiving messages at the Internet address level, but it doesn't cover the broad range of device intercommunication described in the scenario.

Option D is incorrect: A Virtual Private Network is a technology for using the internet or another intermediate network to connect computers to isolated remote computer networks that would otherwise be inaccessible, which also doesn't fit the scenario.

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Smart India Hackathon (SIH) is not a scheme for developing Smart Cities. Instead, it is a nationwide initiative aimed at identifying innovative digital technology solutions to solve real-world challenges across various sectors.

Statement 2 is correct: The Government of India launched the Smart India Hackathon to encourage students and professionals to develop innovative digital solutions for challenges in agriculture, health, education, energy, environment, and other domains. It serves as a platform for young minds to engage in problem-solving and contribute to technological advancements.

Statement 3 is incorrect: While the hackathon focuses on digital technology innovations, it is not specifically centered on digital financial transactions. Instead, it covers a wide range of sectors where technology can drive efficiency and innovation.

Hence, correct answer is option (B).


Statement 1 is correct: Li-Fi (Light Fidelity) utilizes light waves for data transmission. It uses rapid flickering of light, invisible to the human eye, to carry information.

Statement 2 is correct: Li-Fi is a wireless technology and has the potential to be significantly faster than Wi-Fi. While actual speeds depend on various factors, Li-Fi boasts theoretical speeds exceeding 100 Gbps compared to the current Wi-Fi standards offering up to 11 Gbps.

Hence, option C is the correct answer.

Project Loon was an ambitious initiative by Loon LLC, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc. (Google's parent company), aimed at providing internet connectivity to remote and underserved regions worldwide.

The project deployed high-altitude balloons in the stratosphere, equipped with networking technology to create an aerial wireless network, functioning like floating cell towers. These balloons were designed to deliver internet access in disaster-hit areas and regions with poor infrastructure.

However, despite its technological success, Project Loon was discontinued in January 2021 due to difficulties in achieving commercial sustainability.

Hence, the correct answer is option B.

Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10) is an experimental, hybrid-electric aircraft developed and tested by NASA as part of its research into advanced aeronautics.

Key Features of GL-10: 1. Hybrid-electric Design: The GL-10 is a subscale, remotely-piloted aircraft that integrates both electric and conventional propulsion for efficiency and flexibility. 2. VTOL Capability: It is a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft, meaning it can take off and land like a helicopter but transition into fixed-wing flight for greater range and efficiency. 3. Potential Applications: NASA is testing the GL-10 as a future unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), with potential applications in cargo transport, surveillance, and scientific research. 4. Distributed Electric Propulsion: The aircraft showcases distributed electric propulsion technology, which uses multiple electric motors and propellers to enhance thrust, control, and efficiency, paving the way for more advanced electric aircraft in the future.

Statement 1 is incorrect: Bitcoins are not tracked by central banks in the same way as traditional fiat currencies. Instead of a centralized tracking system, Bitcoin transactions are recorded on a decentralized public ledger called the blockchain. However, this ledger does not inherently link transactions to individual users, as Bitcoin addresses function pseudonymously rather than being tied directly to identities.

Statement 2 is correct: Anyone with a Bitcoin address can send and receive Bitcoins from another Bitcoin address. These addresses function similarly to account numbers but do not necessarily require identity verification, making transactions more accessible and less dependent on traditional banking systems.

Statement 3 is correct: Bitcoin enables online payments with a degree of anonymity. While all transactions are permanently recorded on the blockchain, the identities of the sender and receiver are not explicitly revealed, only their Bitcoin addresses appear. However, absolute anonymity is not guaranteed, as advanced blockchain analysis can sometimes trace transactions back to individuals.

Hence the correct answer is option B. 2 and 3 only.

Statement 1 is correct: Targeted drug delivery is a promising application of nanotechnology in medicine. Nanoparticles can be designed to carry drugs specifically to diseased cells, reducing side effects and improving treatment efficacy.

Statement 2 is correct: Nanotechnology is being explored for gene therapy by creating nanocarriers that can deliver genetic material (e.g., DNA or RNA) into specific cells. This holds the potential for treating various genetic disorders.

Therefore, both statements are correct.

Statement 1 is correct. Near Field Communication (NFC) is indeed a contactless communication technology that relies on electromagnetic radio fields to transmit data between devices in close proximity.

Statement 2 is incorrect. NFC operates over a very short range, typically requiring devices to be within a few centimetres of each other for successful communication. A meter is far too large a distance for NFC to function effectively.

Statement 3 is correct. NFC can employ encryption to safeguard sensitive information during transmission. This is an important security feature for applications like contactless payments.


Statement 1 is Correct: NFTs enable the digital representation of physical assets through a process called tokenization. This allows real-world items such as real estate, physical artwork, or luxury goods to be represented by a digital token on a blockchain, facilitating easier transfer of ownership and reducing fraud.

Statement 2 is Correct: NFTs are unique cryptographic tokens that exist on a blockchain, which is a distributed ledger technology. Unlike cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, which are fungible, each NFT has a unique identification code and metadata that distinguishes it from any other token.

Statement 3 is Incorrect: NFTs are "non-fungible," meaning they cannot be traded or exchanged at equivalency. Fungible assets, like fiat currency or Bitcoin, are identical to each other and can be used for commercial transactions. Because every NFT is unique and has a different value, they cannot function as a standard medium of exchange.