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Science & TechnologyMediumAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2026, GS Paper I

Which of the following statements with regard to genetic medicine is/are correct ? 1. Genetic medicines correct/compensate for the faulty genes responsible for disease. 2. Engineered viruses and lipid nanoparticles are used as carriers of the genetic medicine. 3. Genetic medicines alter the entire DNA sequence. 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

Correct answer

C. 1 and 2 only

Explanation

The correct answer is C, 1 and 2 only. Genetic medicines fix or make up for a faulty gene using delivery vehicles such as viruses and lipid nanoparticles, but they do not rewrite a person's whole DNA.

Genetic medicine includes gene therapy, gene editing and RNA-based drugs. Gene therapy adds a working copy of a gene, gene editing tools such as CRISPR-Cas9 change a small, targeted stretch of DNA, and RNA drugs switch a gene's output up or down. Because these molecules cannot enter cells on their own, they are packed into carriers: modified, harmless viruses such as adeno-associated virus, or lipid nanoparticles, the same fatty bubbles used in mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. The change made is limited to the gene that causes the disease.

A is wrong: statement 2 is also correct.

B is wrong: statement 3 is false and statement 1 is true.

D is wrong: genetic medicines do not alter the entire DNA sequence.

Exam tip: genetic medicine = targeted fix of one faulty gene; carriers = viral vectors (AAV, lentivirus) and lipid nanoparticles.

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Q1.Science & TechnologyAsked in: CDS · CDS-I 2017, GKEasy

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited handed over the first two indigenously designed and manufactured light combat aircrafts to the Indian Air Force in 2016. What is the name of these new combat aircrafts?

  1. A.Marut
  2. B.Garud
  3. C.Tejas
  4. D.Pushpak
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Tejas

Tejas is India's indigenous Light Combat Aircraft, and the first two were handed over to the Indian Air Force on 1 July 2016 to form No. 45 Squadron, the Flying Daggers.

Q2.Science & TechnologyAsked in: CDS · CDS-I 2017, GKMedium

Which of the following statements about Bitcoin is/are correct? 1. It is a decentralized virtual currency. 2. It is generated through complex computer software systems. 3. The Reserve Bank of India recognized it as a legal tender in January 2016. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

Bitcoin is a decentralised digital currency created by computer software, but the Reserve Bank of India has never made it legal tender.

Q4.Science & TechnologyAsked in: CDS · CDS-I 2025, GKMedium

"Million Minds Augmenting National Aspirations and Knowledge" (MANAK), a scheme under the flagship programme, Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE), caters to :

  1. A.The college students studying in the undergraduate programme in the age group of 19 - 25 years.
  2. B.The research scholars in recognized research laboratories of national importance.
  3. C.The college teachers of the country.
  4. D.The school children studying in classes 6 - 10 in the age group of 10 - 15 years.
Show answer
Correct answer: D. The school children studying in classes 6 - 10 in the age group of 10 - 15 years.

INSPIRE-MANAK is the school-level part of INSPIRE. INSPIRE is run by the Department of Science and Technology to draw young talent into science.

Q5.Science & TechnologyAsked in: CDS · CDS-II 2016, GKMedium

Which one of the following statements is not correct?

  1. A.BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile made by India and Russian Federation.
  2. B.The name BrahMos came from two rivers, Brahmaputra of India and Moskva of Russia.
  3. C.Indian military scientists were capable of integrating BrahMos cruise missile with Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter.
  4. D.Defence Research and Development Organization is the manufacturer of Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter.
Show answer
Correct answer: D. Defence Research and Development Organization is the manufacturer of Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter.

The Sukhoi-30 MKI is not made by DRDO; it was designed by Russia's Sukhoi bureau and is built in India under licence by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) at Nashik.