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Defense Nuclear Tech

Asked 30 times in UPSC Prelims · first asked 1995 · last asked 2025

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With reference to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), consider the following statements: I. All types of UAVs can do vertical landing. II. All types of UAVs can do automated hovering. III. All types of UAVs can use battery only as a source of power supply. How many of the statements given above are correct?

2025Sci & Tech
AOnly one
BOnly two
CAll the three
D

Explanation

Not all types of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) can do vertical landing or automated hovering. Additionally, not all UAVs rely solely on batteries as a power supply. Different types of UAVs have varying capabilities and power sources depending on their design and purpose.

What is the common characteristic of the chemical substances generally known as CL-20, HMX and LLM-105, which are sometimes talked about in media?

2025Sci & Tech
AThese are alternatives to hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants
BThese are explosives in military weapons
CThese are high-energy fuels for cruise missiles
DThese are propulsion fuels

Explanation

CL-20, HMX, and LLM-105 are all explosives commonly used in military weapons due to their high explosive power and stability. These substances are known for their ability to release a large amount of energy in a controlled manner, making them suitable for military applications such as ammunition and warhead production.

With reference to India's defence, consider the following pairs: Aircraft type - Description: I. Dornier-228 - Maritime patrol aircraft II. IL-76 - Supersonic combat aircraft III. C-17 Globemaster III - Military transport aircraft. How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

2025Sci & Tech
AOnly one
BOnly two
CAll the three
D

Explanation

Dornier-228 is indeed a maritime patrol aircraft used by the Indian Navy. IL-76 is a strategic airlifter and not a supersonic combat aircraft. C-17 Globemaster III is a military transport aircraft. Therefore, only two pairs out of the three are correctly matched in the given question.

Consider the following aircraft: 1. Rafael 2. MiG-29 3. Tejas MK-1. How many of the above are considered fifth generation fighter aircraft?

2024Sci & Tech
AOnly one
BOnly two
CAll three
D

Explanation

Rafael, MiG-29, and Tejas MK-1 are not considered fifth-generation fighter aircraft. Fifth-generation fighters are characterized by advanced stealth capabilities, integrated avionics, and networked data fusion systems. The mentioned aircraft belong to earlier generations and do not possess the full range of features associated with fifth-generation fighters like the F-22 Raptor or F-35 Lightning II.

Which of the following is/are correctly matched in terms of equivalent rank in the three services of Indian Defence forces? Army - Airforce - Navy: 1. Brigadier - Air Commodore - Commodore 2. Major General - Air Vice Marshal - Vice Admiral 3. Major - Squadron Leader - Lieutenant Commander 4. Lieutenant Colonel - Group Captain - Captain. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

2024Sci & Tech
A1 and 4
B1 and 3
C2, 3 and 4
D3 only

Explanation

In the Indian Defence forces, the equivalent ranks in the three services are not directly interchangeable due to the differences in the organizational structures and traditions of the Army, Air Force, and Navy. Therefore, the matching of Major - Squadron Leader - Lieutenant Commander is the only correct match as these ranks are equivalent in their respective services.

Which of the following statements about 'Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023' are correct? 1. This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh. 2. It commenced in Aundh (Pune). 3. Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation. 4. Indian Air Force was a part of this exercise. Select the answer using the code given below:

2024Sci & Tech
A1, 2 and 3
B1, 2 and 4
C1, 3 and 4
D2, 3 and 4

Explanation

Exercise Mitra Shakti is a joint military exercise between India and Sri Lanka, not Bangladesh. It focuses on enhancing interoperability and operational efficiency in counter-terrorism operations. The exercise usually takes place in Pune, not Aundh specifically, and the Indian Army, not the Indian Air Force, participates in this exercise.

Consider the following statements: Statement-I: India, despite having uranium deposits, depends on coal for most of its electricity production. Statement-II: Uranium, enriched to the extent of at least 60%, is required for the production of electricity. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

2023Sci & Tech
ABoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
BBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
CStatement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
DStatement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Explanation

India does have uranium deposits, but it relies heavily on coal for electricity generation due to various reasons such as infrastructure, cost, and availability. While uranium enriched to at least 60% is required for nuclear weapons, nuclear power plants typically use uranium enriched to around 5% for electricity production.

Consider the following statements: 1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their flights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of flight. 2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

2023Sci & Tech
A1 only
B2 only
CBoth 1 and 2
DNeither 1 nor 2

Explanation

Ballistic missiles are rocket-propelled at supersonic speeds throughout their flights, while cruise missiles are jet-propelled and can fly at subsonic or supersonic speeds. Agni-V is an intercontinental ballistic missile developed by India, capable of carrying nuclear warheads, while BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile jointly developed by India and Russia, known for its precision strike capabilities.

In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept under "IAEA Safeguards" while others are not?

2020Sci & Tech
ASome use uranium and others use thorium
BSome use imported uranium and others use domestic supplies
CSome are operated by foreign enterprises and others are operated by domestic enterprises
DSome are State-owned and others are privately-owned

Explanation

Under the India-US Civilian Nuclear Deal, India has the option to operate two types of nuclear reactors. Reactors that utilize domestically sourced fuel are exempt from IAEA oversight, while reactors powered by imported fuel must undergo mandatory inspections by the IAEA. Currently, there are 22 operational reactors in India, with 14 of them being subject to IAEA safeguards due to their dependence on imported fuel.

What is "Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)", sometimes seen in the news?

2018Sci & Tech
AAn Israeli radar system
BIndia's indigenous anti-missile Programme
CAn American anti missile system
DA defence collaboration between Japan and South Korea

Explanation

The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system is an American anti-missile system created to intercept and destroy short and medium-range ballistic missiles in the last stage of their flight. In 2017, the USA deployed this system in South Korea due to concerns over North Korean missile tests. However, this move caused tension with China, which believes that the presence of US weaponry could disrupt the security balance in the region.

Which one of the following is the best description of 'INS Astradharini', that was in the news recently?

2016Sci & Tech
AAmphibious warfare ship
BNuclear-powered submarine
CTorpedo launch and recovery vessel
DNuclear-powered aircraft carrier

Explanation

INS Astradharini, recently in the news, is a torpedo launch and recovery vessel constructed by Shoft Shipyard for the Indian Navy. This vessel, designed and built in India, was commissioned by the Indian Navy on 6 October 2015 at the Naval Base in Visakhapatnam.

What is "Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)", sometimes seen in the news?

2016Sci & Tech
AAn Israeli radar system
BIndia's indigenous anti-missile Programme
CAn American anti missile system
DA defence collaboration between Japan and South Korea

Explanation

THAAD, also known as Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, is an American anti-missile system that is used to intercept and destroy short and medium-range ballistic missiles in their final phase of flight. In 2017, the USA deployed this system in South Korea in response to North Korean missile tests. However, this move caused tension with China, as they were concerned that the presence of American military equipment could disrupt the security balance in the region.

India is an important member of the 'International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor'. If this experiment succeeds, what is the immediate advantage for India?

2016Sci & Tech
AIt can use thorium in place of uranium for power generation
BIt can attain a global role in satellite navigation
CIt can drastically improve the efficiency of its fission reactors in power generation
DIt can build fusion reactors for power generation

Explanation

India's participation in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor project is significant. If the experiment is successful, India will have the immediate advantage of being able to build fusion reactors for power generation. The ITER project, initiated in 2006, aims to move from experimental plasma physics studies to developing fusion power stations for electricity production. This makes option (d) the correct choice for India's benefits from this project.

With reference to Agni-IV Missile, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is a surface-to-surface missile. 2. It is fuelled by liquid propellant only 3. It can deliver one-tonne nuclear warheads about 7500 km away. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

2014Sci & Tech
A1 only
B2 and 3 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Explanation

The Agni-IV Missile is a type of missile that is launched from the ground and targets other ground-based locations. It is powered by solid propellant and has the capability to transport one-tonne nuclear warheads up to a distance of about 4000 km.

The function of heavy water in a nuclear reactor is to:

2011Sci & Tech
Aslow down the speed of neutrons
Bincrease the speed of neutrons
Ccool down the reactor
Dstop the nuclear reaction

Explanation

Heavy water serves as a moderator in a nuclear reactor, reducing the speed of fast neutrons to facilitate nuclear fission.

With reference to the treatment of cancerous tumours, a tool called cyberknife has been making the news. In this context, which one of the following statements is not correct?

2010Sci & Tech
AIt is a robotic image guided system
BIt delivers an extremely precise dose of radiation.
CIt has the capability of achieving sub-millimetre accuracy.
DIt can map the spread of tumour in the body

Explanation

In the field of cancer treatment, a tool called CyberKnife has gained attention for its innovative approach. This tool is a robotic system that uses image guidance to deliver precise radiation doses to cancerous tumours. It is known for its high level of accuracy, capable of achieving sub-millimetre precision. However, one statement that is not correct is that the CyberKnife can map the spread of tumours in the body.

Under the administration of which one of the following is the Department of Atomic Energy?

2009Sci & Tech
APrime Minister's Office
BCabinet Secretariat
CMinistry of Power
DMinistry of Science and Technology

Explanation

The Department of Atomic Energy is overseen directly by the Prime Minister's Office and is headquartered in Mumbai.

In the context of Indian defence, consider the following statements: 1. The Shourya missile flies with a speed of more than 8 Mach. 2. The range of Shourya missile is more than 1600 km. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

2009Sci & Tech
A1 only
B2 only
CBoth 1 and 2
DNeither 1 nor 2

Explanation

Shourya missile has a speed exceeding 8 Mach and a range of over 1600 km. The correct statements are neither 1 nor 2.

Consider the following statements: 1. INS Sindhughosh is an aircraft carrier. 2. INS Viraat is a submarine. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

2009Sci & Tech
A1 only
B2 only
CBoth 1 and 2
DNeither 1 nor 2

Explanation

In the given statements, the first one states that INS Sindhughosh is an aircraft carrier, which is incorrect. INS Sindhughosh is actually a diesel-electric submarine in the Indian Navy. The second statement mentions that INS Viraat is a submarine, which is also incorrect. INS Viraat is, in fact, an aircraft carrier belonging to the Centaur-class and is in service with the Indian Navy. Therefore, neither of the statements is correct.

From which one of the following did India buy the Barak anti-missile defence systems?

2008Sci & Tech
AIsrael
BFrance
CRussia
DUSA

Explanation

India purchased the Barak anti-missile defence systems from Israel. The Barak system is a surface-to-air missile designed for ship-based defense against aircraft, anti-ship missiles, and UAVs. It was jointly developed and produced by India and Israel.

Consider the following statements: 1. In November, 2006, DRDO successfully conducted the interception test using Prithvi-II missile. 2. Prithivi-II is a surface-to-surface missile and can be deployed to guard the metros against air attacks. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

2007Sci & Tech
A1 only
B2 only
CBoth 1 and 2
DNeither 1 nor 2

Explanation

In November 2006, the DRDO accomplished a successful interception test using the Prithvi-II missile. This missile is a surface-to-surface weapon that can be utilized to protect metropolitan areas from aerial attacks. Both statements are correct.

In which one of the following areas did the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research make significant progress in the year 2005'?

2006Sci & Tech
AReprocessing the uranium-plutonium mixed carbide fuel of the Fast Breeder Test Reactor.
BNew applications of radioisotopes in metallurgy.
CA new technology for production of heavy water.
DA new technology for high level nuclear waste management.

Explanation

In the year 2005, the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research achieved significant progress in reprocessing the uranium-plutonium mixed carbide fuel of the Fast Breeder Test Reactor. This advancement was a part of their research and development efforts focused on various aspects of Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) technology, such as reactor engineering, metallurgy, chemistry of fuels and materials, fuel reprocessing, and reactor safety studies. The successful development of indigenous plutonium-uranium mixed carbide nuclear fuel for the fast breeder test reactor marked a milestone as it enabled the generation of nuclear electricity from a fast reactor in India for the first time.

Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched?

2005Sci & Tech
AArjun : Indigenously produced Main Battle Tank (MBT)
BPhalcon : Cruise missile supplied by Russia to India
CSaras : Indigenously developed civilian passenger aircraft
DOperation Seabird: New Indian naval base at Karwar

Explanation

In the given options, the pair that is not correctly matched is (b) Phalcon: Cruise missile supplied by Russia to India. The correct pairing for Phalcon is that it is a radar system provided by Israel to India.

INS Trishul acquired by the Indian Navy in 2003 has been built by:

2004Sci & Tech
AIsrael
BUSA
CRussia
DFrance

Explanation

The Indian Navy acquired INS Trishul in 2003, and it was constructed by Russia.

With reference to Indian defence, which one of following statements is NOT correct?

2003Sci & Tech
AWith the induction of Prithvi-II, the IAF is the only air force in the world with surface to surface ballistic missiles under its command
BSukhoi-30 MKI jet fighters can launch air-to-air and air-to-surface precision missiles
CTrishul is a supersonic surface to air missile with a range of 30 km
DThe indigenously built INS Prabal can launch

Explanation

India's Prithvi-II missile is a domestically developed surface-to-surface missile that has been incorporated into the Indian Air Force. This missile was created by DRDO as part of India's Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP).

Consider the following statements regarding the armed forces: 1. First batch of women pilots was commissioned in Indian Air Force in 1996 2. Officers' Training Academy is located in Nagpur 3. Southern Command of Indian Navy has it headquarters at Chennai 4. One of the Regional Headquarters of Coast Guard is located at Port Blair Which of these statements are correct?

2001Sci & Tech
A1, 2, 3 and 4
B2, 3 and 4
C3 only
D4 only

Explanation

The first batch of women pilots was inducted into the Indian Air Force in 1996. The Officers' Training Academy is situated in Nagpur. The headquarters of the Southern Command of the Indian Navy is located in Chennai. One of the Regional Headquarters of the Coast Guard is situated in Port Blair. The correct statement among these is that the first batch of women pilots was commissioned in 1996.

Which one of the following elements is essential for the construction of nuclear reactors?

1998Sci & Tech
ACobalt
BNickel
CZirconium
DTungsten

Explanation

Zirconium is a crucial element used in nuclear reactors as it serves as the cladding material for fuel rods because of its low neutron absorption qualities.

Which one of the following is a modern tank?

1996Sci & Tech
ABhim
BAkash
CArjun
DPrithvi

Explanation

The modern tank developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is called Arjun.

'Yellow cake', an item of smuggling across border is

1995Sci & Tech
Aa crude form of heroin
Ba crude form of cocaine
Curanium oxide
Dunrefined gold

Explanation

Yellow cake, a substance often smuggled across borders, is uranium oxide (U3O8), a radioactive material primarily utilized in the production of nuclear fuel.

The difference between a nuclear reactor and an atomic bomb is that

1995Sci & Tech
Ano chain reaction takes place in nuclear reactor while in the atomic bomb there is a chain reaction
Bthe chain reaction in nuclear reactor is controlled
Cthe chain reaction in nuclear reactor is not controlled
Dno-chain reaction takes place in atomic bomb while it takes place in nuclear reactor

Explanation

Nuclear reactors and atomic bombs differ in terms of chain reactions. In a nuclear reactor, the chain reaction is controlled with the use of control rods. On the other hand, in an atomic bomb, the chain reaction is uncontrolled. The correct option is (b) - the chain reaction in a nuclear reactor is controlled.