How many Science & Tech questions appear in UPSC Prelims?

Consider the following types of vehicles : I. Full battery electric vehicles II. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles III. Fuel cell electric hybrid vehicles How many of the above are considered as alternative powertrain vehicles?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(d) None

Answer: (c)

Trap: Similar Sounding

Candidates may think 'fuel cell electric hybrid' is not a separate category from hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, or may confuse 'alternative powertrain' as applying only to fully electric vehicles, leading them to pick (b) Only two.

2025 Q2Science & Tech

With reference to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), consider the following statements : I. All types of UAVs can do vertical landing. II. All types of UAVs can do automated hovering. III. All types of UAVs can use battery only as a source of power supply. How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(d) None

Answer: (d)

Trap: Absolute Qualifier

The keyword 'All types' is the absolute qualifier trap. Fixed-wing UAVs cannot hover or do vertical landing, and many UAVs use fuel engines. Candidates who think of only multirotor drones may mark (c).

2025 Q3Science & Tech

In the context of electric vehicle batteries, consider the following elements : I. Cobalt II. Graphite III. Lithium IV. Nickel How many of the above usually make up battery cathodes?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(d) All the four

Answer: (c)

Trap: Common Misconception

Graphite is used in battery anodes, not cathodes. Candidates who know all four are 'battery materials' but don't distinguish cathode vs anode will pick (d) All four.

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