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Information and Communication Technology

13 UPSC Prelims MCQs tagged "Information and Communication Technology". Free practice with answer keys, explanations, and timed mock tests on Anantam IAS.

  1. Consider the following statements: Statement I: Some rare earth elements are used in the…

    Consider the following statements: Statement I: Some rare earth elements are used in the manufacture of flat television screens and computer monitors. Statement II: Some rare earth elements have phosphorescent properties. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    1. ABoth Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I
    2. BBoth Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II does not explain Statement I
    3. CStatement I is correct but Statement II is not correct
    4. DStatement I is not correct but Statement II is correct
    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: A

    Statement I: Correct Rare earth elements like europium, terbium, and yttrium are essential in flat TV screens and monitors due to their role in producing vibrant colors and enhancing display quality.

    Statement II: Correct These elements exhibit phosphorescence—absorbing energy and slowly emitting light—which is key to their use in color reproduction and brightness in displays.

    Relationship: Statement II explains why rare earth elements are crucial in displays, confirming the reason behind Statement I.

    Therefore, both statements are correct and related.

  2. Which one of the following is the context in which the term “qubit” is…

    Which one of the following is the context in which the term "qubit" is mentioned?

    1. ACloud Services
    2. BQuantum Computing
    3. CVisible Light Communication Technologies
    4. DWireless Communication Technologies
    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: B

    - A qubit is the fundamental unit of information in quantum computing, analogous to the bit in classical computing.

    - However, unlike a bit that can only be either 0 or 1, a qubit can exist in a superposition of both states simultaneously.

    - This property of qubits allows quantum computers to perform certain calculations much faster than traditional computers.

  3. With reference to “Software as a Service (SaaS)”, consider the following statements: 1. SaaS…

    With reference to "Software as a Service (SaaS)", consider the following statements: 1. SaaS buyers can customize the user interface and can change data fields. 2. SaaS users can access their data through their mobile devices. 3. Outlook, Hotmail and Yahoo! Mail are forms of SaaS. Which of the statements given above are correct?

    1. A1 and 2 only
    2. B2 and 3 only
    3. C1 and 3 only
    4. D1, 2 and 3
    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: D

    Statement 1 is correct. In many cases, Software as a Service (SaaS) providers allow some degree of customization of the user interface and data fields to meet the specific needs of their customers.

    Statement 2 is correct. One of the key benefits of SaaS is its accessibility from anywhere with an internet connection, including mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. SaaS applications are often designed to be mobile-friendly, allowing users to access their data and perform tasks on the go.

    Statement 3 is correct. Outlook, Hotmail, and Yahoo! Mail are examples of web-based email services that operate on the SaaS model. Users access these email services through web browsers without needing to install or maintain any software locally on their devices. The email data is stored and managed remotely on servers operated by the service providers.

    Therefore, all statements are correct.

  4. Consider the following statements: A digital signature is 1. an electronic record that identifies…

    Consider the following statements: A digital signature is 1. an electronic record that identifies the certifying authority issuing it 2. used to serve as a proof of identity of an individual to access information or server on Internet 3. an electronic method of signing an electronic document and ensuring that the original content is unchanged Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. A1 only
    2. B2 and 3 only
    3. C3 only
    4. D1, 2 and 3
    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: C

    Statement 1 is incorrect. A digital signature doesn't directly identify the certifying authority that issued it. It uses a complex cryptographic process involving a public-key infrastructure (PKI) where a trusted third party (Certificate Authority) verifies the signer's identity and issues a digital certificate used for creating the signature.

    Statement 2 is incorrect. While digital signatures can be used for authentication purposes in certain scenarios, they are not the primary method for user identification when accessing information or servers on the internet. Usernames, passwords, and other credentials are more commonly used.

    Statement 3 is correct. It ensures the integrity of an electronic document by creating a unique digital fingerprint that is linked to the content. Any alteration to the document would invalidate the signature.

  5. With reference to communication technologies, what is/are the difference/differences between LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and…

    With reference to communication technologies, what is/are the difference/differences between LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and VoLTE (Voice over Long-Term Evolution)? 1. LTE is commonly marketed as 3G and VoLTE is commonly marketed as advanced 3G. 2. LTE is data-only technology and VoLTE is voice-only technology. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    1. A1 only
    2. B2 only
    3. CBoth 1 and 2
    4. DNeither 1 nor 2
    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: D

    Statement 1 is incorrect: LTE is actually marketed as 4G, not 3G. VoLTE is not marketed as advanced 3G, but rather as an advancement over 4G LTE, allowing for voice calls over the 4G network.

    Statement 2 is incorrect: LTE does primarily focus on providing high-speed data services, but it's not a data-only technology. VoLTE, on the other hand, is not a voice-only technology. It allows for voice calls to be made over the 4G LTE network, but it doesn't exclude data services.

    Therefore, both statements are incorrect.

  6. The terms ‘Wanna Cry, Petya and Eternal Blue’ sometimes mentioned in the news recently…

    The terms 'Wanna Cry, Petya and Eternal Blue' sometimes mentioned in the news recently are related to

    1. AExo-planets
    2. BCrypto-currency
    3. CCyberattacks
    4. DMinisatellites
    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: C

    The terms 'WannaCry, Petya and EternalBlue' are all related to cyber attacks.

    * 'WannaCry' is a ransomware that locks users' devices and prevents them from accessing data and software until a certain ransom is paid to its creator.

    * 'Petya' is another type of ransomware that spreads rapidly through networks that use Microsoft Windows.

    * The Petya and WannaCry cyber-attacks in May and June 2017 are two of the biggest in history and impacted the finances of companies throughout the globe.

    * 'EternalBlue' is a cyber exploit developed by the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA). It was used in the 2017 WannaCry ransomware attack and exploits a vulnerability in the Microsoft implementation of the Server Message Block (SMB) Protocol.

  7. The identity platform `Aadhaar’ provides open “Application Programming Interfaces (APIs)”. What does it imply?…

    The identity platform `Aadhaar' provides open "Application Programming Interfaces (APIs)". What does it imply? 1. It can be integrated into any electronic device. 2. Online authentication using iris is possible. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. A1 only
    2. B2 only
    3. CBoth 1 and 2
    4. DNeither 1 nor 2
    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: C

    The availability of open APIs for Aadhaar means that the Aadhaar system can be easily integrated into various electronic devices, such as smartphones, laptops, point-of-sale terminals, etc. This allows these devices to leverage the Aadhaar platform for authentication and other services.

    The Aadhaar APIs provide the capability to perform online authentication using biometric modalities like fingerprint and iris scans. This allows for secure identity verification and authentication through electronic devices and applications.

    Therefore, both statements 1 and 2 are correct.

  8. Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs) are used to create the digital display in many…

    Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs) are used to create the digital display in many devices. What are the advantages of OLED displays over Liquid Crystal displays? 1. OLED displays can be fabricated on flexible plastic substrates. 2. Roll-up displays embedded in clothing can be made using OLEDs. 3. Transparent displays are possible using OLEDs. Select the correct answer using the code given below

    1. A1 and 3 only
    2. B2 only
    3. C1, 2 and 3
    4. DNone of the above statements is correct
    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: C

    An organic light-emitting diode (OLED) is a light-emitting diode (LED) in which the emissive electroluminescent layer is a film of organic compound that emits light in response to an electric current.

    Statement 1 is correct: One of the key advantages of OLED technology is that the organic light-emitting materials can be deposited on flexible plastic or metal foil substrates, enabling the creation of flexible and foldable displays.

    Statement 2 is correct: The flexibility of OLED displays allows for the creation of roll-up or rollable displays, which can be integrated into clothing and other flexible surfaces.

    Statement 3 is correct: OLED display technology can be used to create transparent displays, where the light-emitting pixels can be made semi-transparent, allowing the display to be integrated into various surfaces and objects.

    Therefore, all three statements are correct.

  9. Regarding ‘DigiLocker’, sometimes seen in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct?…

    Regarding 'DigiLocker', sometimes seen in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is a digital locker system offered by the Government under Digital India Programme. 2. It allows you to access your e-documents irrespective of your physical location. Select the correct answer using the code given below

    1. A1 only
    2. B2 Only
    3. CBoth 1 and 2
    4. DNeither 1 nor 2
    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: C

    Statement 1 is correct: DigiLocker is a cloud-based digital locker system launched by the Government of India under the Digital India Programme. Its primary objective is to reduce reliance on physical documents by providing secure digital storage and access to e-documents issued by government departments, educational institutions, and other entities.

    Statement 2 is correct: DigiLocker enables users to access their electronic documents (e-documents) anytime, anywhere, provided they have an internet connection. This enhances convenience, eliminates the need to carry physical documents, and ensures secure and verifiable digital storage.

    Therefore, both statements are correct.

  10. In addition to fingerprint scanning, which of the following can be used in the…

    In addition to fingerprint scanning, which of the following can be used in the biometric identification of a person? 1. Iris scanning 2. Retinal scanning 3. Voice recognition Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    1. A1 only
    2. B2 and 3 only
    3. C1 and 3 only
    4. D1, 2 and 3
    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: D

    Statement 1 is Correct: Iris scanning uses mathematical pattern-recognition techniques on images of the iris, which contains complex and unique patterns that remain stable throughout a person's life. Statement 2 is Correct: Retinal scanning identifies individuals by mapping the unique patterns of blood vessels on the retina at the back of the eye, which is a highly accurate physiological biometric. Statement 3 is Correct: Voice recognition identifies individuals based on unique vocal characteristics, including physical traits of the vocal tract and behavioral patterns like pitch and cadence.

  11. In India, it is legally mandatory for which of the following to report on…

    In India, it is legally mandatory for which of the following to report on cybersecurity incidents? 1. Service providers 2. Data centres 3. Body corporate Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    1. A1 only
    2. B1 and 2 only
    3. C3 only
    4. D1, 2 and 3
    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: D

    Statement 1 is Correct: Under Section 70B of the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the CERT-In Rules 2013, service providers are legally required to report cybersecurity incidents to the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In). Statement 2 is Correct: Data centres are explicitly listed as entities that must mandatorily report cybersecurity incidents to CERT-In under the Information Technology (CERT-In) Rules, 2013. Statement 3 is Correct: The IT Act and associated rules mandate that body corporates must report specified types of cybersecurity incidents to CERT-In to ensure national cyber security.

  12. In India, the term “Public Key Infrastructure” is used in the context of

    In India, the term "Public Key Infrastructure" is used in the context of

    1. ADigital security infrastructure
    2. BFood security infrastructure
    3. CHealth care and education infrastructure
    4. DTelecommunication and transportation infrastructure
    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: A

    In India, the term "Public Key Infrastructure" (PKI) is used in the context of digital security infrastructure.

    PKI is a system that facilitates secure electronic communication and transactions by using digital certificates, certificate authorities, and other related components. It plays a vital role in ensuring the authenticity, confidentiality, and integrity of data exchanged online.

  13. With reference to street lighting, how do sodium lamps differ from LED lamps? 1.…

    With reference to street lighting, how do sodium lamps differ from LED lamps? 1. Sodium lamps produce light in 360 degrees but it is not so in the case of LED lamps. 2. As street-lights, sodium lamps have longer life span than LED lamps. 3. The spectrum of visible light from sodium lamps is almost monochromatic while LED lamps offer significant colour advantages in street lighting. Select the correct answer using the code given below

    1. A3 only
    2. B2 only
    3. C1 and 3
    4. D1, 2 and 3
    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: C

    Statement 1 is correct. Sodium lamps emit light in a 360-degree pattern, while LED lamps are directional.

    Statement 2 is incorrect. LED lamps generally have a longer lifespan compared to sodium lamps.

    Statement 3 is correct. Sodium lamps emit monochromatic light, whereas LED lamps offer a wider spectrum of visible light, providing significant colour advantages in street lighting.