Medium Level – GK Questions

Partitioning divides a physical disk into logical sections (partitions) that can be formatted with different file systems, used for multiple OS installations, or separate data organization. Tools: Disk Management (Windows), fdisk/gparted (Linux). Enables better organization, security, and recovery strategies.

Lower frequency bands (like 700 MHz) have longer wavelengths that penetrate buildings and obstacles better, providing wider coverage with fewer towers. Higher bands (3.5 GHz, 26 GHz) offer higher capacity but shorter range, requiring denser infrastructure. 5G deployments use band combinations for coverage+capacity.

Switch operates at Data Link Layer (Layer 2), using MAC addresses to forward frames to specific ports within a LAN. More efficient than hubs (broadcast to all ports). Managed switches support VLANs, QoS, and security features. Routers operate at Layer 3 using IP addresses.

UPI transactions are instant and irrevocable once completed. Senders must verify recipient details before confirming. For erroneous transactions, users must contact recipient for refund or raise dispute with bank/NPCI. Always double-check VPA/amount before sending money via UPI.

Drone Logistics uses unmanned aerial vehicles for last-mile delivery, especially in remote/hilly areas with poor road connectivity. India's Drone Rules 2021 facilitate commercial drone operations. Applications: medical supplies, e-commerce, agriculture spraying. Requires airspace management and safety protocols.

COUNT() returns the number of rows that match a specified condition. COUNT(*) counts all rows; COUNT(column) counts non-NULL values. Used with GROUP BY for segmented counts. Other aggregates: SUM (total), AVG (mean), MIN/MAX (extremes). Essential for reporting and analytics queries.

PSLV has launched over 300 foreign satellites for 34+ countries, establishing ISRO as a reliable, cost-effective launch service provider. Notable missions: PSLV-C37 (104 satellites in one launch), PSLV-C44 (Microsat-R). Commercial launches generate revenue and foster international cooperation.

Inherence-based authentication uses biometric traits inherent to the user: fingerprint, iris, face, voice, or behavioral patterns. Part of multi-factor authentication (MFA). Advantages: hard to lose/share; challenges: privacy concerns, spoofing risks, and accessibility for disabled users.

e-NAM (Electronic National Agriculture Market) is an online trading platform connecting APMC mandis across India. Enables transparent price discovery, wider market access, and reduced intermediation for farmers. Integrated with quality assaying, payment settlement, and logistics services for efficient agricultural trade.

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) transmits voice calls as data packets over IP networks (internet, LAN). Examples: WhatsApp calls, Zoom, Skype, corporate PBX. Advantages: lower cost, integration with apps, advanced features. Quality depends on bandwidth, latency, and jitter management.

CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) memory stores BIOS/UEFI settings (boot order, system time, hardware config) and is powered by a coin-cell battery (CR2032). If battery dies, settings reset to defaults and system clock loses time. Replacing battery restores persistent storage.

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) automatically assigns IP addresses, subnet masks, gateway, and DNS settings to devices joining a network. Eliminates manual configuration errors and simplifies network management. Uses DORA process: Discover, Offer, Request, Acknowledge.

UPI allows linking multiple bank accounts to one Virtual Payment Address (VPA). Users can select default account or choose at transaction time. Simplifies management, enables fund routing flexibility, and maintains single identity across banks. Managed securely via NPCI's central switch.

Public Wi-Fi networks often lack encryption, allowing attackers on same network to intercept unencrypted traffic (HTTP, emails, credentials). VPN creates encrypted tunnel protecting data in transit. Best practice: avoid sensitive transactions on public Wi-Fi, use HTTPS, enable firewall, and connect via VPN.

Optical Fiber Communication transmits data as light pulses through glass/plastic fibers, offering high bandwidth, low attenuation, and immunity to electromagnetic interference. Backbone of modern internet, undersea cables, and BharatNet. Enables high-speed broadband, 5G backhaul, and data center interconnects.

JOIN combines rows from multiple tables using related columns (usually primary/foreign keys). Types: INNER JOIN (matching rows), LEFT/RIGHT JOIN (all rows from one side), FULL OUTER JOIN (all rows). Essential for normalized database queries retrieving related data across tables.

Virtualization uses hypervisor software to create multiple virtual machines (VMs) on one physical server, each running independent OS. Improves resource utilization, enables testing, disaster recovery, and cloud infrastructure. Types: full virtualization, para-virtualization, containerization (Docker).

Disabling SSID broadcast hides network name from public scans, adding obscurity layer. However, strong security requires WPA3 encryption, complex password, MAC filtering, and regular firmware updates. WEP is broken; default passwords are easily guessable; open networks offer no protection.

Static IP is manually configured and remains constant, used for servers, printers, remote access. Dynamic IP is assigned by DHCP server and may change on reboot/lease expiry, typical for home users. Static IPs cost more but provide reliability for services requiring consistent addressing.

UPI AutoPay enables mandate-based recurring payments for subscriptions (OTT, utilities, mutual funds). Users set amount, frequency, and validity; payments execute automatically without manual intervention each time. Enhances convenience while maintaining security with transaction limits and notifications.