UPSC Prelims 1996 · General Studies

Question 102: Science and Technology

Of the four landmarks in medical history given below, which one was the first to take place?

aOrgan transplant

bBypass surgery

cTest-tube baby

dPlastic surgery

AnswerThe answer is (d).

Plastic surgery is the oldest of the four: Sushruta described reconstruction of the nose in ancient India, long before modern medicine. The first successful organ transplant (a kidney) came in 1954, bypass surgery in the 1960s, and the first test-tube baby (Louise Brown) in 1978. Remember: plastic surgery - ancient India (Sushruta).

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) The first successful organ transplant, of a kidney, was in 1954.
(b) Bypass surgery was first done in the 1960s.
(c) The first test-tube baby was born in 1978.
(d) Right: plastic surgery has ancient roots, with nose reconstruction described by Sushruta.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

Practise this paper timedPrevious question Next question

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1996, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.