UPSC Prelims 1996 · General Studies
Question 123: Science and Technology
Consider the following statements: At the present level of technology available in India, solar energy can be conveniently used to I. Supply hot water to residential buildings. II. Supply water for minor irrigation projects. III. Provide street lighting. IV. Electrify a cluster of villages and small towns. Of these statements
AnswerThe answer is (d).
At the technology then available in India, solar energy could conveniently heat water for homes (I), run solar pumps for minor irrigation (II) and light streets using photovoltaic cells (III). Electrifying a cluster of villages and small towns (IV) was not practical at the cost and technology of the time. So I, II and III.
- I. Solar water heaters supply hot water to homes.
- II. Solar pumps can supply water for minor irrigation.
- III. Solar cells can power street lighting.
- IV. Electrifying villages and small towns was not practical then.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Includes IV, which was not practical at the time.
- (b) Includes IV and leaves out II and III.
- (c) Leaves out solar pumps for minor irrigation.
- (d) Right: hot water, irrigation pumps and street lighting.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
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.