Emerging Information Technologies

Statement 1 is correct. Carbon nanotubes are being explored for their potential use as drug and antigen carriers in the human body. Their unique properties allow them to attach drugs or antigens and deliver them to specific target cells. Statement 2 is incorrect. While research is ongoing, using carbon nanotubes for artificial blood capillaries in the human body is still in the theoretical or experimental stages. Statement 3 is correct. Carbon nanotubes show promise in developing biosensors due to their high electrical conductivity and sensitivity to changes in their environment. This makes them suitable for detecting biomolecules like enzymes, DNA, or toxins. Statement 4 is partially true. Some studies have found that carbon nanotubes are non-degradable, also some studies have shown them to be degradable. The official answer key of the UPSC has given 'C' as the correct answer.

Statement 1 is correct. Blockchain technology operates as a decentralized and transparent ledger that records transactions across a network of computers. The ledger is publicly accessible, allowing anyone to inspect the transactions recorded on it. Additionally, no single user or entity has control over the entire blockchain network, as it is distributed among multiple nodes. Statement 2 is incorrect. While blockchain technology is best known for its association with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, the blockchain itself is capable of recording various types of data beyond just financial transactions. Blockchain can be used to record and verify any type of digital information, such as contracts, identity documents, supply chain data, and more. Statement 3 is correct. Blockchain technology enables the development of decentralized applications (DApps) that can operate without the need for central authority or permission. Developers can create applications that utilize the basic features of blockchain, such as transparency, immutability, and decentralization, without requiring approval from a central entity.

In India, the term "Public Key Infrastructure" (PKI) is used in the context of digital security infrastructure. PKI is a system that facilitates secure electronic communication and transactions by using digital certificates, certificate authorities, and other related components. It plays a vital role in ensuring the authenticity, confidentiality, and integrity of data exchanged online.

In Andhra Pradesh, drones were banned from spraying fertilizers, however, it is practised in many parts of the world. In Peru, a crater was inspected with the help of drones. It has also been used for collecting water samples from aquatic animals to get their DNA data. All three functions mentioned have been performed in different parts of the world.

* AI is now being used to analyze industrial data, optimize processes, and predict energy usage patterns. This allows for targeted interventions to reduce overall consumption. * AI can now generate more creative and coherent text formats compared to 2020. While still under development, some AI-generated content can be quite engaging, blurring the lines between human and machine creation. * AI has become a powerful tool in medical diagnosis. AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of medical data, identify complex patterns, and assist healthcare professionals in diagnosis and treatment planning. * Text-to-speech conversion using AI continues to be a well-established technology. AI can now generate natural-sounding speech with various accents and emotions, making it a valuable tool for various applications. * While significant wireless transmission of electricity over long distances remains a challenge, there has been progress in short-range wireless charging and localized energy transfer using AI-powered systems. Note: From the current status of AI development, all the listed applications of AI are feasible. However, this question was asked by the UPSC in 2020 when Generative AI was yet to become mainstream. UPSC's official answer key gave 'B' as the correct answer.

* The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) was adopted by the European Union (EU) in April 2016 and came into effect on 25th May 2018. * The GDPR is a landmark regulation aimed at strengthening data protection and privacy rights for individuals within the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA). * It sets strict guidelines on how personal data is collected, stored, and processed, and applies to organizations handling the data of EU citizens, regardless of where they are based. * Australia, Canada, and the United States of America have their own data protection laws, but they are separate from GDPR.

Statement 1 is incorrect: LTE is actually marketed as 4G, not 3G. VoLTE is not marketed as advanced 3G, but rather as an advancement over 4G LTE, allowing for voice calls over the 4G network. Statement 2 is incorrect: LTE does primarily focus on providing high-speed data services, but it's not a data-only technology. VoLTE, on the other hand, is not a voice-only technology. It allows for voice calls to be made over the 4G LTE network, but it doesn't exclude data services. Therefore, both statements are incorrect.

Statement 1 is incorrect. AR enhances the real world, not shuts it out. Augmented reality (AR) overlays digital elements on top of the real world, allowing users to see both simultaneously. Statement 2 is incorrect. Virtual Reality (VR) creates a completely immersive and simulated environment that replaces the real world. Users wear a headset that blocks out their surroundings and projects a computer-generated world they can interact with. Statement 3 is correct. AR often utilises the camera on a smartphone or PC to overlay digital elements onto the real world you see through the camera. This can enhance experiences in gaming, education, and even product visualisation. Statement 4 is correct. VR creates a closed world, shutting out the physical environment and transporting the user entirely into a simulated one. This provides a highly immersive experience, often used for gaming, entertainment, and even training simulations.

Statement 1 is incorrect. A digital signature doesn't directly identify the certifying authority that issued it. It uses a complex cryptographic process involving a public-key infrastructure (PKI) where a trusted third party (Certificate Authority) verifies the signer's identity and issues a digital certificate used for creating the signature. Statement 2 is incorrect. While digital signatures can be used for authentication purposes in certain scenarios, they are not the primary method for user identification when accessing information or servers on the internet. Usernames, passwords, and other credentials are more commonly used. Statement 3 is correct. It ensures the integrity of an electronic document by creating a unique digital fingerprint that is linked to the content. Any alteration to the document would invalidate the signature.

Statement 1 is correct. Wearable devices can perform several tasks, and out of given options, all three are achievable.
Many smartwatches and wearables with GPS functionality can track a person's location. This can be helpful for navigation, fitness tracking, or safety purposes. Statement 2 is correct. Wearable sleep trackers can monitor sleep patterns, including sleep duration, sleep stages (deep sleep, light sleep, REM sleep), and sleep quality. Statement 3 is correct. Some wearables can function as hearing aids, amplifying sounds and improving hearing for people with hearing loss. Therefore, the correct answer is 1, 2, and 3.