Q461. In which year did the Government of India officially adopt and publish its formal Nuclear Doctrine?
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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Q462. According to India’s Nuclear Doctrine, the concept of "Credible Minimum Deterrence" implies:
Explanation
This concept focuses on possessing enough nuclear capability to prevent an adversary from attacking. It does not require a massive arms race or achieving numerical parity with other global powers. Instead, the emphasis is on having a reliable and survivable force that can survive a first strike and respond with sufficient power to make any aggression against the nation prohibitively costly and strategically disadvantageous.
Q463. Consider the following statements:
Statement I: India’s No First Use policy is absolute and applies to all types of attacks.
Statement II: India retains the option to use nuclear weapons in response to a major attack by biological or chemical weapons.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Statement I: India’s No First Use policy is absolute and applies to all types of attacks.
Statement II: India retains the option to use nuclear weapons in response to a major attack by biological or chemical weapons.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
While the general policy is to avoid the initial use of nuclear weapons, there is a specific exception regarding other weapons of mass destruction. In the event of a major attack using biological or chemical agents, the nation retains the right to respond with its nuclear arsenal. This nuance ensures that the deterrent remains effective against all types of catastrophic threats, not just those involving nuclear devices.
Q464. Based on the concept of the Nuclear Command Authority (NCA) of India, which body executes the directives given by the Political Council?
Explanation
Within the structure of the nuclear command, this specific body is responsible for providing inputs and ensuring that the decisions made by the political leadership are carried out. It acts as a bridge between the policy-makers and the operational military units. By handling the technical and administrative aspects of command, it facilitates the orderly and authorized management of the country’s most powerful and sensitive weapon systems.
Q465. Who among the following chairs the Political Council of India’s Nuclear Command Authority, making the final decision to authorize a nuclear strike?
Explanation
The ultimate authority to authorize the use of nuclear weapons rests with the head of the government. As the leader of this council, this individual makes the final decision on strategic matters of national importance. This structure ensures that nuclear weapons remain under firm civilian control, reflecting the democratic values of the nation. It is a critical component of the organized and responsible management of the nuclear deterrent.
Q466. Which of the following statements correctly describes the role of the Strategic Forces Command (SFC)?
Explanation
This specialized military command is responsible for the actual operation and maintenance of the nation’s nuclear arsenal. It ensures that delivery systems, such as missiles and specialized aircraft, are ready for deployment if authorized by the civilian leadership. By providing a dedicated and professional force for these strategic assets, it maintains the credibility of the deterrent and oversees the security and safety of the nuclear stockpile.
Q467. Which of the following is an incorrect statement regarding India’s stated nuclear doctrine?
Explanation
The stated policy focuses on maintaining a high threshold for the use of nuclear weapons, emphasizing that they are for deterrence rather than battlefield use. The doctrine clearly states that retaliation will be massive and that these weapons will not be used against non-nuclear states. Additionally, the nation remains committed to global disarmament. Suggestions that the policy encourages early use in local conflicts are fundamentally incorrect.
Q468. Which official chairs the Executive Council of the Nuclear Command Authority (NCA)?
Explanation
This high-ranking official leads the body responsible for executing the directives of the political leadership regarding the nuclear arsenal. In this role, the individual coordinates between various scientific, military, and administrative entities to ensure the readiness and effectiveness of the deterrent. This chairmanship highlights the central role of national security planning in the management and oversight of the country’s strategic and most sensitive defensive capabilities.
Q469. What designation was given to INS Vikrant during its design and construction phase?
Explanation
During the stages of conceptualization and construction, this massive naval project was referred to by a specific technical label indicating its status as the first locally made carrier. This designation highlighted the nation’s goal of achieving self-reliance in the production of complex capital warships. Once commissioned into the fleet, it was given its official name, reviving a legendary title from the navy’s history for a new era.
Q470. Which Indian shipyard is responsible for the construction of INS Vikrant?
Explanation
The construction of this massive aircraft carrier was undertaken by a specialized shipyard located on the southwestern coast of the country. This facility successfully managed the immense technical challenges of building a vessel of this scale and complexity. By completing this project, the shipyard demonstrated its advanced engineering capabilities and solidified its position as a key player in the nation’s efforts to modernize its naval forces indigenously.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 461 | (d) 2003 |
| 462 | (b) A survivable arsenal capable of inflicting unacceptable damage. |
| 463 | (b) Statement II is correct but Statement I is incorrect. |
| 464 | (a) The Executive Council |
| 465 | (c) Prime Minister of India |
| 466 | (d) It manages and administers all strategic nuclear forces and delivery systems. |
| 467 | (c) India commits to lowering the threshold for nuclear weapons usage in tactical border conflicts. |
| 468 | (b) National Security Advisor |
| 469 | (a) IAC-1 (Indigenous Aircraft Carrier 1) |
| 470 | (c) Cochin Shipyard Limited, Kochi |
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.