Q451. On which exact date did India conduct its first successful nuclear bomb test in Pokhran?
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.
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Q452. The series of five nuclear bomb test explosions conducted by India in May 1998 was collectively codenamed:
Explanation
The series of five nuclear tests conducted in May 1998 was carried out under this specific operational name. These tests included both fission and thermonuclear devices, showcasing a wide range of sophisticated nuclear capabilities. The success of this mission led to the country officially declaring itself a nuclear-weapon state. It was a pivotal moment that redefined the national security doctrine and established a credible strategic deterrent.
Q453. Consider the following statements regarding the 1998 Pokhran tests:
Statement I: The tests included a thermonuclear device (hydrogen bomb).
Statement II: The tests established India as a declared nuclear-weapon state.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Statement I: The tests included a thermonuclear device (hydrogen bomb).
Statement II: The tests established India as a declared nuclear-weapon state.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The nuclear tests conducted in 1998 were comprehensive, involving the successful detonation of multiple devices, including a powerful thermonuclear bomb. These events were a declaration of the nation’s mature nuclear capabilities and its transition to a declared nuclear-weapon state. This move was intended to ensure national security through a credible deterrent, leading to significant shifts in both domestic policy and international diplomatic relations during that era.
Q454. The application of the term "Peaceful Nuclear Explosion" (PNE) to the 1974 test was meant to convey that:
Explanation
By using this specific terminology, the government aimed to clarify that the 1974 nuclear test was intended for constructive civil applications. This included potential uses in large-scale engineering projects, such as creating harbors or facilitating deep-ground mining. The designation was a diplomatic effort to signal that the country was focused on harnessing atomic energy for national development rather than purely for building an offensive weapons arsenal.
Q455. Which of the following countries did NOT impose immediate economic sanctions on India following the 1998 nuclear tests?
Explanation
While several major nations like the United States and Japan reacted to the 1998 nuclear tests by imposing immediate economic and technological penalties, this European country took a different approach. It chose not to join the initial wave of sanctions, emphasizing instead the importance of strategic dialogue. This stance reflected a more nuanced diplomatic perspective on India’s security concerns and its right to develop indigenous defensive capabilities.
Q456. Identify the correctly matched pair of the scientific leader and their associated nuclear test:
Explanation
This distinguished scientist was the primary leader and architect behind the first nuclear test conducted by India. His expertise was instrumental in the successful design and detonation of the 1974 device. While other prominent figures led the subsequent 1998 tests, his early contributions laid the foundational scientific framework for the national nuclear program. His role remains a central part of the history of India’s strategic scientific achievements.
Q457. What was the most appropriate outcome of the 1998 Pokhran tests on India’s strategic policy?
Explanation
Following the declaration of its nuclear weapon status, the country formulated a clear strategic policy to guide the usage of its arsenal. A key pillar of this doctrine is the commitment not to initiate a nuclear strike against any adversary. This stance is intended to project a responsible image and prevent accidental escalation while maintaining a credible deterrent. It remains a fundamental aspect of the national security framework.
Q458. What was a major long-term diplomatic effect resulting from India’s de facto nuclear weapon status post-1998?
Explanation
Despite the initial period of isolation and sanctions, the long-term diplomatic outcome was a recognition of India as a responsible nuclear power. This led to a historic agreement that allowed for international cooperation in civilian nuclear energy. This deal ended decades of technology denial and integrated the country into the global nuclear commerce framework. It represented a major shift in the strategic relationship between the two democratic nations.
Q459. Consider the following components regarding India’s Nuclear Doctrine:
I. No First Use (NFU) policy.
II. Credible Minimum Deterrence.
III. Massive retaliation against a first strike.
IV. Pre-emptive nuclear strikes on non-nuclear weapon states.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. No First Use (NFU) policy.
II. Credible Minimum Deterrence.
III. Massive retaliation against a first strike.
IV. Pre-emptive nuclear strikes on non-nuclear weapon states.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The core principles of the national nuclear strategy include a commitment to not using such weapons first. It also emphasizes maintaining a sufficient yet minimal arsenal to ensure deterrence. In the event of an attack, the doctrine specifies a massive retaliatory strike to cause unacceptable damage. However, the policy explicitly forbids the use of nuclear weapons against non-nuclear states or initiating pre-emptive strikes against them.
Q460. Match the terms in List I related to India’s Nuclear Doctrine with their definitions in List II:
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| A. No First Use | i. Maintaining a sufficient but not excessive arsenal to prevent an attack. |
| B. Credible Minimum Deterrence | ii. A strike resulting in unacceptable damage to the aggressor. |
| C. Massive Retaliation | iii. The body authorized to make decisions regarding nuclear weapons usage. |
| D. Nuclear Command Authority | iv. Commitment not to use nuclear weapons as a primary means of warfare. |
Explanation
The commitment not to initiate nuclear warfare is defined by the first use policy. Maintaining a necessary but limited arsenal ensures a credible deterrent. A strike intended to cause immense damage in response to an attack is known as massive retaliation. Finally, the decision-making process for utilizing these weapons is managed by a specific command authority. These terms form the structural basis of the nation’s strategic defense posture.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 451 | (b) May 18, 1974 |
| 452 | (b) Operation Shakti |
| 453 | (c) Both statements are correct. |
| 454 | (a) The technology was for non-military uses like mining. |
| 455 | (c) France |
| 456 | (a) Dr. Raja Ramanna - Pokhran-I (1974) |
| 457 | (d) India announced a doctrine of "No First Use." |
| 458 | (b) Signing of the Indo-US Civil Nuclear Agreement. |
| 459 | (b) I, II, and III only |
| 460 | (a) A-iv, B-i, C-ii, D-iii |
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.