2023 GS Paper I, all questions
UPSC Prelims 2023 · GS Paper I
Question 67: Science and Technology
'Wolbachia method' is sometimes talked about with reference to which one of the following?
aControlling the viral diseases spread by mosquitoes
bConverting crop residues into packing material
cProducing biodegradable plastics
dProducing biochar from thermo-chemical conversion of biomass
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (a).
The Wolbachia method uses a common bacterium that lives naturally in many insects. When introduced into Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, it reduces their ability to transmit dengue, Zika, chikungunya and yellow fever viruses, and can also suppress mosquito populations. It is used to control viral diseases spread by mosquitoes; it has nothing to do with crop-residue packaging, bioplastics or biochar.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Correct: Wolbachia-carrying mosquitoes transmit fewer viruses.
- (b) Packing material from crop residues is unrelated to Wolbachia.
- (c) Biodegradable plastics come from other microbial or plant processes.
- (d) Biochar comes from pyrolysis of biomass, not Wolbachia.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2023, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.