UPSC Prelims 2018 · GS Paper I
Question 55: Science and Technology
In which of the following areas can GPS technology be used ?
- 1.Mobile phone operations
- 2.Banking operations
- 3.Controlling the power grids
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).
GPS gives precise position and, just as important for many users, very accurate time. Mobile networks use GPS time signals to synchronise their base stations. Banking and stock-exchange systems use it to time-stamp transactions. Power grids use GPS-synchronised timing to monitor and control the grid in real time. So GPS technology is used in all three areas.
- 1. Mobile networks synchronise base stations using GPS time.
- 2. Banking uses GPS time stamps for transactions.
- 3. Grid monitoring and control use GPS-synchronised timing.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 1 is correct, (b) goes: it leaves 1 out.
What you needed to know: Mobile networks synchronise base stations using GPS time.
- Then, if you were sure statement 2 is correct, (a) and (c) go: each of them leaves 2 out.
What you needed to know: Banking uses GPS time stamps for transactions.
Only (d) is left. You didn’t need statement 3.
Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incomplete: banking and power grids also use GPS.
- (b) Incomplete: mobile phone operations also use GPS.
- (c) Incomplete: banking also uses GPS time stamps.
- (d) Right: all three use GPS positioning or timing.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2018, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.