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Science & TechnologyMediumAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2022, GS Paper I

In the context of vaccines manufactured to prevent COVID-19 pandemic, consider the following statements: 1. The Serum Institute of India produced COVID-19 vaccine named Covishield using mRNA platform. 2. Sputnik V vaccine is manufactured using vector based platform. 3. COVAXIN is an inactivated pathogen based vaccine. Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

Correct answer

B. 2 and 3 only

Explanation

The correct answer is B, 2 and 3 only. Sputnik V uses adenovirus vectors and Covaxin uses killed (inactivated) virus; Covishield is not an mRNA vaccine.

Covishield is the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine made in India by the Serum Institute. It uses a harmless chimpanzee adenovirus (ChAdOx1) as a vector to carry the gene for the coronavirus spike protein into our cells. Sputnik V, developed by Russia's Gamaleya Institute, also uses a vector platform, with two different human adenoviruses (Ad26 and Ad5) for its two doses. Covaxin, developed by Bharat Biotech with ICMR and the National Institute of Virology, contains whole SARS-CoV-2 virus that has been inactivated so it cannot multiply.

Statement 1 is wrong: mRNA vaccines were those of Pfizer–BioNTech and Moderna, not Covishield.

So A and C are wrong because each includes the false statement 1, and D is wrong for the same reason.

Exam tip: Covishield and Sputnik V = viral vector; Covaxin = inactivated virus; Pfizer and Moderna = mRNA; ZyCoV-D = DNA.

Practice Questions

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Q1.Science & TechnologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2017, GS Paper IHard

With reference to 'Quality Council of India (QCI)', consider the following statements:

1. QCI was set up jointly by the Government of India and the Indian Industry.

2. Chairman of QCI is appointed by the Prime Minister on the recommendations of the industry to the Government.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

  1. A.1 only
  2. B.2 only
  3. C.Both 1 and 2
  4. D.Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Both 1 and 2

QCI is a joint body of the government and industry, and its chairperson is appointed by the Prime Minister on the industry's recommendation.

Q2.Science & TechnologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2026, GS Paper IMedium

Which of the following statements with regard to India's Deep Ocean Mission is/are correct?

1. It was launched by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India.

2. Matsya-6000 has been designed to carry 3 people for deep sea exploration.

3. Samudrayaan is a project under this mission.

Select the answer using the code given below:

  1. A.1 only
  2. B.2 and 3 only
  3. C.1 and 2 only
  4. D.1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Correct answer: B. 2 and 3 only

Samudrayaan is part of the Deep Ocean Mission and its vehicle Matsya-6000 is built to take three people into the deep sea; the mission belongs to the Ministry of Earth Sciences.

Q3.Science & TechnologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2026, GS Paper IMedium

Which of the following statements with regard to the National Quantum Mission (NQM) is/are correct?

1. It aims at developing intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50 - 1000 physical qubits.

2. Its implementation includes setting up of four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) in academic and national R&D institutes across India.

Select the answer using the code given below:

  1. A.1 only
  2. B.2 only
  3. C.Both 1 and 2
  4. D.Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Both 1 and 2

The mission targets intermediate-scale quantum computers of 50 to 1000 physical qubits and is being carried out through four Thematic Hubs.

Q4.Science & TechnologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2026, GS Paper IMedium

Which of the following statements with regard to GenomeIndia Project is/are correct?

1. It is a part of the Human Genome Project.

2. The project is funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India.

3. Its primary aim is to build a catalogue of genetic diversity of the Indian population.

Select the answer using the code given below:

  1. A.1 only
  2. B.2 and 3 only
  3. C.1 and 2 only
  4. D.1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Correct answer: B. 2 and 3 only

GenomeIndia is India's own national programme, paid for by the Department of Biotechnology, and its goal is a reference catalogue of Indian genetic variation.

Q5.Science & TechnologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2018, GS Paper IHard

In the Indian context, what is the implication of ratifying the 'Additional Protocol' with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) ?

  1. A.The civilian nuclear reactors come under IAEA safeguards.
  2. B.The military nuclear installations come under the inspection of IAEA.
  3. C.The country will have the privilege to buy uranium from the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
  4. D.The country automatically becomes a member of the NSG.
Show answer
Correct answer: A. The civilian nuclear reactors come under IAEA safeguards.

For India, the Additional Protocol strengthens IAEA oversight of the civilian nuclear facilities India has chosen to place under safeguards; its military programme stays outside.