Defence and Space Technology in India: RAS Prelims MCQs
195 RAS Prelims MCQs on defence and space technology in India cover DRDO, the missile programme, nuclear policy and space missions. The founding year of DRDO, its motto, the five missiles of the IGMDP, Agni-V, the Nuclear Doctrine and the major ISRO missions are asked as facts, and each explanation connects the system to its purpose.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 41–50 of 195 questions
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Defence and Space Technology in India
Q41. Arrange the following aerodynamic flight speeds in order from slowest to fastest: I. Supersonic II. Subsonic III. Hypersonic IV. Transonic Which of the following is the correct order?
Explanation
Aerodynamic speeds are categorized based on their relation to the speed of sound. Speeds below this threshold are considered subsonic. As an object approaches the speed of sound, it enters the transonic phase. Exceeding this limit results in supersonic flight. Finally, speeds that are much higher, typically more than five times the speed of sound, are classified as hypersonic. This sequence is fundamental in aerospace engineering.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Defence and Space Technology in India
Q42. The standard BrahMos cruise missile is known to cruise at a maximum speed of approximately:
Explanation
This cruise missile is renowned for its high velocity, which is nearly three times the speed of sound. Traveling at this rate makes it extremely difficult for modern air defense systems to intercept it. Its supersonic speed is maintained throughout the flight, providing a significant tactical advantage by reducing the reaction time available to the enemy. This performance is enabled by a specialized two-stage propulsion system.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Defence and Space Technology in India
Q43. The BrahMos missile’s capability to maintain sustained high-speed flight within the atmosphere relies on the concept of:
Explanation
The flight profile of this supersonic missile involves two distinct stages of propulsion. Initially, a solid-fuel rocket motor accelerates the missile to supersonic velocities. Once this speed is achieved, a liquid ramjet engine takes over, allowing for sustained high-speed flight within the atmosphere. This combination is crucial for maintaining the missile’s ability to cruise at Mach 2.8 while performing maneuvers to evade enemy defensive systems.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Defence and Space Technology in India
Q44. What was the direct effect of India joining the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) on the BrahMos programme?
Explanation
Before joining this international regime, there were restrictions on the transfer of technology for missiles with ranges exceeding three hundred kilometers. Upon becoming a member, India gained the ability to collaborate on and develop longer-range versions of this supersonic cruise missile. This diplomatic and technical milestone enabled the enhancement of the missile’s operational reach, significantly strengthening the nation’s long-distance precision strike capabilities.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Defence and Space Technology in India
Q45. Which of the following statements regarding the BrahMos missile is incorrect?
Explanation
This cruise missile is highly versatile and has been successfully tested for launches from submarines while they are submerged. It also operates on a fire-and-forget principle, meaning it does not require further guidance after launch to hit its target. While it has a low radar signature, statements claiming it is entirely uninterceptable are generally considered hyperbolic, as defensive technologies continue to evolve.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Defence and Space Technology in India
Q46. By definition, how does a cruise missile like BrahMos differ from a ballistic missile?
Explanation
Unlike ballistic missiles that follow a high-altitude parabolic trajectory, this type of missile behaves more like an unmanned aircraft. It remains within the Earth’s atmosphere for the duration of its flight and can be continuously guided to its target. It can perform complex maneuvers and fly at low altitudes to avoid radar detection, making it a highly effective tool for precision strikes.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Defence and Space Technology in India
Q47. The name "BrahMos" is derived from the combination of the names of which two rivers?
Explanation
The name of this advanced supersonic cruise missile is a portmanteau derived from two significant rivers. It honors the Brahmaputra in India and the Moskva in Russia, reflecting the joint venture between the two nations. This nomenclature symbolizes the strategic partnership and shared scientific effort that led to the development of one of the world’s most capable and feared cruise missile systems.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Defence and Space Technology in India
Q48. Which of the following countries has officially signed a contract to purchase the BrahMos missile system from India?
Explanation
This Southeast Asian nation became the first international customer to officially sign a contract for the purchase of this supersonic cruise missile system. The deal represents a major milestone for the Indian defense export industry, showcasing the global competitiveness of its indigenous technology. The acquisition is intended to enhance the coastal defense and maritime security capabilities of the purchasing country using this highly advanced weapon.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Defence and Space Technology in India
Q49. Consider the following statements regarding India’s first nuclear test in 1974: I. The codename for the test was "Smiling Buddha". II. It was conducted at the Pokhran test range in Rajasthan. III. It was officially characterized by the Indian government as a "Peaceful Nuclear Explosion" (PNE). Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
India’s initial foray into nuclear testing occurred in 1974 at a specialized range in the Rajasthan desert. The operation was known by a famous codename and was presented to the world as an experiment for peaceful purposes. By successfully detonating the device, the country demonstrated its scientific capability in nuclear physics. This event was a landmark moment in national history, signaling the beginning of strategic autonomy.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Defence and Space Technology in India
Q50. The following question consists of two statements, Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Answer the question by selecting the appropriate option. Assertion (A): Following the Pokhran-II tests in 1998, several countries including the USA and Japan imposed economic sanctions on India. Reason (R): The tests were viewed by these nations as a violation of the international non-proliferation regime, despite India not being a signatory to the NPT.
Explanation
Following the series of nuclear explosions in 1998, major global powers responded with significant economic penalties. These nations believed that such tests undermined international efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons. Although India had not signed the non-proliferation treaty, the tests were seen as a challenge to the established global order. The resulting sanctions were a direct diplomatic consequence of India’s decision to declare its nuclear status.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
41
(a) II, IV, I, III
42
(c) Mach 2.8
43
(c) Solid propellant booster followed by a liquid ramjet engine.
44
(d) It allowed India to extend the range beyond 300 km.
45
(a) It cannot be launched from underwater platforms.
46
(b) It stays in the atmosphere and flies in a guided path.
47
(b) Brahmaputra and Moskva
48
(a) Philippines
49
(d) I, II, and III
50
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Key facts from Defence and Space Technology in India
The Defence Research and Development Organisation was established in 1958; its motto is Balasya Mulam Vigyanam.
The five core missiles of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme are Prithvi, Agni, Trishul, Nag and Akash, remembered as PATNA.
The IGMDP was reinforced by the limits of the Missile Technology Control Regime; Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam is called the Missile Man of India.
Agni-V is an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile; the Prithvi is a surface-to-surface battlefield missile.
India formally adopted its Nuclear Doctrine in 2003.
The Atmanirbhar Bharat reforms opened the space sector to private participation.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Defence and Space Technology in India?
This page has 195 practice MCQs on Defence and Space Technology in India (Science and Technology). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
When was DRDO established?
In 1958. It is the research and development wing of the Ministry of Defence, and its motto is Balasya Mulam Vigyanam, meaning the source of strength is science.
What does PATNA stand for?
The five core missile systems of the IGMDP: Prithvi, Agni, Trishul, Nag and Akash. The programme was led by Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam and launched in 1983.
What is the category of the Agni-V missile?
An Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), with a range of more than 5,000 km. It can carry a payload of around 1,500 kg, and it can carry multiple warheads, which makes it a strategic weapon.
