Q981. Which of the following statements regarding the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) is incorrect?
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 981–990 of 1113 questions
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Q982. Identify the odd one out concerning the stages of India’s nuclear power programme as envisioned by Homi Bhabha.
Explanation
Bhabha’s three stages use Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors, Fast Breeder Reactors and thorium-based reactors such as the AHWR. Boiling water reactors for desalination are not a stage, so A is the odd one out.
Q983. Consider the following statements regarding Homi J. Bhabha’s scientific contributions:
Statement I: He worked extensively on the cascade theory of cosmic ray showers with Walter Heitler.
Statement II: His research demonstrated that the cosmic ray particles interact with the atmosphere to create a shower of secondary particles.
Which of the following is correct?
Statement I: He worked extensively on the cascade theory of cosmic ray showers with Walter Heitler.
Statement II: His research demonstrated that the cosmic ray particles interact with the atmosphere to create a shower of secondary particles.
Which of the following is correct?
Explanation
Homi Bhabha made significant contributions to cosmic ray research, notably developing the cascade theory with Walter Heitler. This theory explains how high-energy cosmic rays from space interact with the Earth’s atmosphere to produce a shower of secondary particles. Their mathematical model accurately described the multiplication and absorption of these particles, providing deep insights into high-energy atmospheric physics processes.
Q984. What was the most appropriate reason for Homi J. Bhabha focusing the ultimate stage of India’s nuclear programme on Thorium?
Explanation
The decision to center the final stage of India’s nuclear programme on thorium is driven by resource availability. India holds some of the world’s largest thorium deposits, primarily in the coastal monazite sands. Since domestic uranium reserves are relatively scarce, utilizing thorium ensures that the country can maintain a long-term, indigenous, and sustainable supply of carbon-free nuclear energy.
Q985. Consider the following statements regarding Homi J. Bhabha and India’s nuclear journey:
I. He presided over the first United Nations Conference on the Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy in 1955.
II. He established the Trombay Atomic Energy Establishment.
III. He advocated for the development of nuclear weapons aggressively since 1947.
IV. He died in a tragic plane crash near Mont Blanc in 1966.
V. Apsara, Asia’s first nuclear reactor, was built under his guidance.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. He presided over the first United Nations Conference on the Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy in 1955.
II. He established the Trombay Atomic Energy Establishment.
III. He advocated for the development of nuclear weapons aggressively since 1947.
IV. He died in a tragic plane crash near Mont Blanc in 1966.
V. Apsara, Asia’s first nuclear reactor, was built under his guidance.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Homi Bhabha was a globally respected scientist who presided over the first UN conference on peaceful atomic energy. He founded the Trombay establishment and guided the construction of the Apsara reactor. Despite his tragic death in 1966, his legacy remains. Notably, he prioritized peaceful applications of nuclear energy during his tenure, rather than aggressive weaponization from the start.
Q986. Who is widely regarded as the father of the Indian space programme?
Explanation
Vikram Sarabhai is celebrated as the father of the Indian space programme due to his visionary leadership in establishing the necessary infrastructure. He convinced the government of the importance of space research for a developing nation. His efforts led to the creation of the Indian National Committee for Space Research and eventually the Indian Space Research Organisation.
Q987. The SITE experiment, championed by Vikram Sarabhai, was a monumental step in using technology for societal development. What does SITE stand for?
Explanation
The Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE) was a pioneering project led by Vikram Sarabhai to use satellite technology for mass education. Conducted in the mid-1970s, it broadcast educational programs to thousands of Indian villages. This experiment demonstrated that satellites could effectively deliver information on health, agriculture, and family planning to remote areas, proving the societal value of space technology.
Q988. The Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), often called the cradle of India’s space programme, was founded by Vikram Sarabhai in 1947 in which city?
Explanation
Vikram Sarabhai founded the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad in 1947. Initially focusing on cosmic rays and the properties of the upper atmosphere, PRL became the foundational institute where India’s space program was conceived. It provided the intellectual and technical environment necessary to train the first generation of space scientists, earning it the nickname "cradle of space science.
Q989. Which of the following institutions is an exception and was NOT founded or significantly shaped by Vikram Sarabhai?
Explanation
Vikram Sarabhai was a prolific institution builder who founded the Physical Research Laboratory, IIM Ahmedabad, and the National Institute of Design. He also established the Community Science Centre to promote scientific awareness. However, the Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre in Kolkata is a research unit focused on nuclear physics and was not among the primary institutions established by Sarabhai.
Q990. Arrange the following events related to the Indian space programme in the correct chronological order of their inception or launch:
A. Establishment of INCOSPAR
B. Launch of Aryabhata satellite
C. Establishment of Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS)
D. Formation of ISRO
A. Establishment of INCOSPAR
B. Launch of Aryabhata satellite
C. Establishment of Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS)
D. Formation of ISRO
Explanation
The Indian space program progressed through several key milestones in the mid-20th century. It began with the establishment of INCOSPAR in 1962, followed by the setting up of the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station. ISRO was formally created in 1969 to streamline space activities. Finally, this journey culminated in the launch of India’s first satellite, Aryabhata, in 1975.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 981 | (a) It was primarily focused on agricultural research before shifting to nuclear physics. |
| 982 | (a) Boiling Water Reactors for desalination |
| 983 | (a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct |
| 984 | (b) India has vast reserves of monazite sands containing thorium, but limited natural uranium resources. |
| 985 | (b) I, II, IV, and V only |
| 986 | (a) Vikram Sarabhai |
| 987 | (b) Satellite Instructional Television Experiment |
| 988 | (b) Ahmedabad |
| 989 | (a) Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre (VECC), Kolkata |
| 990 | (a) A, C, D, B |
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.