Q1101. Identify the correct pair matching the nuclear power station with its location state.
Science and Technology: RAS Prelims MCQs
1113 RAS Prelims practice MCQs on science and technology are on this page, in 6 chapters. They cover the basics of everyday science, computers and information technology, defence and space technology in India, genetics, biotechnology and nanotechnology, science and technology policies and government programmes, and recent advances with Indian contributors and indigenisation. Each question has an answer and an explanation.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 1101–1110 of 1113 questions
Browse Science and Technology chapters
Q1102. Which of the following statements regarding Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) in India is incorrect?
Explanation
Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) are the mainstay of India’s first stage of nuclear power. A major technical advantage of these reactors is that they use natural uranium as fuel, eliminating the need for expensive and complex uranium enrichment facilities. They utilize heavy water as both a moderator and a coolant. Modern Indian-designed 700 MWe PHWRs represent a significant achievement in domestic engineering and safety standards.
Q1103. What is the most appropriate reason for India developing Advanced Heavy Water Reactors (AHWRs)?
Explanation
The Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR) is a unique Indian design specifically developed to expedite the utilization of thorium for power generation. It serves as a technological bridge that demonstrates the feasibility of the thorium fuel cycle. By using a mix of thorium and other fissile materials, the AHWR provides a platform to refine the systems and safety protocols needed for large-scale thorium-based energy production.
Q1104. Which of the following Indian states is an exception and currently DOES NOT have an operational commercial nuclear power plant?
Explanation
Commercial nuclear power plants in India are currently operational in states like Tamil Nadu (Kudankulam, Kalpakkam), Rajasthan (Rawatbhata), Karnataka (Kaiga), and Gujarat (Kakrapar). Other facilities exist in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. As of now, Bihar does not have an operational commercial nuclear power plant, although the government continues to evaluate potential sites across the country for the future expansion of the nuclear energy program.
Q1105. Consider the following statements regarding India’s 3-stage nuclear program:
I. Stage 1 utilizes Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors fueled by natural Uranium.
II. Stage 2 utilizes Fast Breeder Reactors fueled by a mixed oxide of Plutonium and Uranium.
III. Stage 3 utilizes Advanced Heavy Water Reactors fueled by Thorium-232 and Uranium-233.
IV. Fast Breeder Reactors produce more fissile material than they consume.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. Stage 1 utilizes Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors fueled by natural Uranium.
II. Stage 2 utilizes Fast Breeder Reactors fueled by a mixed oxide of Plutonium and Uranium.
III. Stage 3 utilizes Advanced Heavy Water Reactors fueled by Thorium-232 and Uranium-233.
IV. Fast Breeder Reactors produce more fissile material than they consume.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Rajasthan has implemented several digital initiatives, including e-Mitra for service delivery, RajKaj for government workflow, and Rajasthan Sampark for grievance redressal. The Single Sign-On system provides a unified identity for accessing these services. Together, these programs are designed to improve governance transparency, enhance the efficiency of citizen service delivery, and make the government more accessible to people through modern technology.
Q1106. Despite a growing export footprint, India remains a significant importer of certain critical military platforms. Which of the following is an exception, being an area where India is aggressively pursuing export orders rather than importing?
Explanation
India is pursuing export orders for artillery systems like ATAGS and multi-barrel rocket launchers, whereas it still imports heavy turbofan engines, strategic bombers and heavy-lift transport aircraft.
Q1107. Identify the odd one out among entities contributing majorly to India’s defence exports.
Explanation
Entities like Munitions India Limited, Bharat Electronics Limited, and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited are key manufacturers that contribute directly to India’s defense production and export volume. In contrast, SIPRI is an independent international institute based in Sweden that researches and provides data on global arms transfers, military spending, and disarmament. While it tracks India’s progress in the global arms market, it is not involved in manufacturing or exporting defense equipment.
Q1108. What has been the primary economic effect of the Ministry of Defence notifying Positive Indigenization Lists on the export sector?
Explanation
The Positive Indigenization Lists create a guaranteed domestic market for Indian defense companies by banning the import of certain items. This assured demand allows manufacturers to invest in large-scale production facilities. As production volume increases, the unit cost of these weapon systems typically decreases. These lower costs, combined with proven technical performance, make Indian defense products much more attractive and competitive in the international export market.
Q1109. The Ministry of Defence launched the SRIJAN portal to promote indigenization. What is the primary purpose of this portal?
Explanation
The SRIJAN portal is a central platform created to facilitate the "Make in India" initiative in the defense sector. It lists thousands of items and components that were previously imported by the military. By making this information transparent, the government encourages Indian MSMEs and private industries to take up the challenge of indigenizing these products, providing them with a clear roadmap of domestic procurement opportunities.
Q1110. What is the fundamental concept behind the "Positive Indigenization Lists" promulgated by the Department of Military Affairs?
Explanation
Positive Indigenization Lists are a strategic tool used to reduce foreign dependence. Each list contains hundreds of items that the Indian armed forces are prohibited from importing after a specific date. This policy forces a shift toward domestic sourcing, giving Indian manufacturers a clear timeline to develop and produce these systems. It ensures a steady market for indigenous technology and accelerates the process of achieving self-reliance in national defense.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 1101 | (d) Kakrapar Atomic Power Station - Gujarat |
| 1102 | (a) They require highly enriched uranium (over 90%) to sustain a chain reaction |
| 1103 | (b) To serve as a bridge to the Thorium-based third stage nuclear program |
| 1104 | (a) Bihar |
| 1105 | (d) I, II, III, and IV |
| 1106 | (d) Artillery systems (like ATAGS) and Multi- Barrel Rocket Launchers |
| 1107 | (b) Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) |
| 1108 | (c) Scaling domestic manufacturing lowers costs and boosts global competitiveness. |
| 1109 | (a) To provide information on items imported by Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) so that Indian industry can design, develop, and manufacture them domestically |
| 1110 | (b) A list of defense items for which there is an embargo on import beyond the timeline indicated against them, mandating domestic procurement |
Key facts from Science and Technology
- The RPSC paper is General Knowledge and General Science, so science questions come with a strong dose of applied and recent topics.
- Everyday science questions test the laws and terms of physics, chemistry and biology through examples.
- Defence and space questions pair a missile, satellite or mission with its year and organisation.
- Policy questions ask for the year, the body and the aim of schemes like STIP, the National Quantum Mission and BioE3.
- Health, environment and agriculture are on a separate page, with their own chapters.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Science and Technology?
This page has 1113 practice MCQs on Science and Technology. Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Which chapters does the science and technology set cover?
Six chapters: basics of everyday science; computers, information and communication technology; defence and space technology in India; genetics, biotechnology and nanotechnology; science and technology policies and government programmes; and recent advances, Indian contributors and indigenisation.
Is science and technology part of the RAS Prelims syllabus?
Yes. The RPSC paper is called General Knowledge and General Science, and its syllabus lists science and technology topics along with environment, health, agriculture and government programmes, so questions can come from any of these areas.
How should I prepare science for RAS Prelims?
Revise the concepts by examples, then learn the missions, schemes and scientists with their year and organisation. Attempt each chapter, read the explanations and keep a list of the facts you missed.