Q1. In 1930, Sir C.V. Raman was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for his work on which of the following phenomena?
Recent Advances, Indian Contributors and Indigenization: RAS Prelims MCQs
154 RAS Prelims MCQs on recent advances, Indian contributors and indigenisation cover Indian scientists and their work, recent technology and defence indigenisation. C. V. Raman, Ramanujan, Kalam, Bhabha, Khorana, mRNA vaccines, the Bhashini mission, INS Vikrant and defence exports are asked as facts, pairs and statements.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 1–10 of 154 questions
Q2. The Raman Effect demonstrates which specific type of scattering when monochromatic light passes through a transparent medium?
Explanation
The Raman Effect specifically refers to the inelastic scattering of photons. When monochromatic light interacts with molecules, most photons scatter elastically, maintaining their frequency. However, a minute portion exchanges energy with molecular vibrations, resulting in shifted frequencies. This shift provides a unique spectral fingerprint, allowing researchers to identify the specific chemical bonds and structures within a substance.
Q3. National Science Day is celebrated in India on February 28 every year to commemorate which of the following events?
Explanation
National Science Day is celebrated annually on February 28 to honor the announcement of the Raman Effect in 1928. This event serves to highlight the importance of scientific temper and acknowledge the contributions of Indian scientists. Unlike birth anniversaries, this celebration focuses on the specific date when this monumental physical discovery was formally presented to the world.
Q4. Consider the following statements regarding the Raman Effect:
Statement I: The lines in the scattered spectrum with lower frequencies than the incident light are called Stokes lines.
Statement II: The lines with higher frequencies than the incident light are called anti-Stokes lines.
Which of the following is correct?
Statement I: The lines in the scattered spectrum with lower frequencies than the incident light are called Stokes lines.
Statement II: The lines with higher frequencies than the incident light are called anti-Stokes lines.
Which of the following is correct?
Explanation
In the Raman spectrum, the frequency shifts are categorized based on energy exchange. Stokes lines occur when photons lose energy to molecules, resulting in lower scattered frequencies. Conversely, anti-Stokes lines appear when photons gain energy from vibrationally excited molecules, leading to higher scattered frequencies. Both statements accurately define these essential features observed in the inelastic scattering of light.
Q5. Match the following Indian scientists in List I with their key contributions in List II and select the correct answer using the given options.
| Indian Scientist | Key Contribution |
|---|---|
| A. C.V. Raman | i. Ionization equation |
| B. Srinivasa Ramanujan | ii. Cosmic ray cascade theory |
| C. Homi J. Bhabha | iii. Inelastic scattering of light |
| D. Meghnad Saha | iv. Mock theta functions |
Explanation
Indian scientists made diverse contributions across various disciplines. Sir C.V. Raman discovered the inelastic scattering of light, while Srinivasa Ramanujan worked on mock theta functions. Homi J. Bhabha developed the cosmic ray cascade theory, and Meghnad Saha formulated the ionization equation for astrophysics. These mappings accurately reflect the primary research areas and legacy of each prominent scientific figure.
Q6. Which of the following statements about C.V. Raman is incorrect?
Explanation
While C.V. Raman was a pioneering physicist and the first Asian Nobel laureate in science, he did not lead the Indian space program. That role was held by Vikram Sarabhai. Raman’s major leadership roles included establishing the Raman Research Institute and receiving the Bharat Ratna. He focused primarily on light, acoustics, and building domestic scientific research institutions.
Q7. Identify the odd one out among the practical applications of Raman spectroscopy.
Explanation
Raman spectroscopy is utilized to identify molecular fingerprints in various materials. It is highly effective for determining chemical structures in pharmaceuticals, verifying historical artworks, and detecting specific hazardous substances like narcotics or explosives. However, measuring vehicle speed relies on the Doppler effect of radio or light waves, which is a fundamentally different physical principle than inelastic molecular scattering.
Q8. In Raman scattering, what is the primary cause of the change in wavelength of the scattered light?
Explanation
The shift in wavelength during Raman scattering results from the interaction between incident photons and the vibrational or rotational energy levels of molecules. When a photon collides with a molecule, it may transfer energy to it or gain energy from it. This energy exchange alters the photon’s frequency, creating the distinct spectral lines used in chemical analysis.
Q9. Which of the following is an exception to the primary areas of research conducted by C.V. Raman during his career?
Explanation
Throughout his illustrious career, C.V. Raman investigated a wide range of physical phenomena. His research encompassed the acoustics of musical instruments, the physiology of human vision, and the magnetic properties of crystals. While he was deeply interested in the natural world, he did not conduct research in agricultural genetics, which was a field led by other specialized biological scientists.
Q10. Consider the following statements regarding the legacy of C.V. Raman:
I. He founded the Indian Journal of Physics.
II. He discovered the Raman Effect while working at the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science.
III. He worked extensively on the acoustics of the tabla and mridangam.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. He founded the Indian Journal of Physics.
II. He discovered the Raman Effect while working at the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science.
III. He worked extensively on the acoustics of the tabla and mridangam.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Sir C.V. Raman left a profound legacy in Indian science through institutional building and diverse research. He founded the Indian Journal of Physics and discovered the Raman Effect at the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science. Additionally, his curiosity led him to study the physics of Indian percussion instruments like the tabla and mridangam, demonstrating his interdisciplinary approach.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 1 | (b) Scattering of light |
| 2 | (a) Inelastic scattering where scattered light shifts in frequency |
| 3 | (c) The discovery of the Raman Effect |
| 4 | (a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct |
| 5 | (c) A-iii, B-iv, C-ii, D-i |
| 6 | (b) He served as the first Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation. |
| 7 | (d) Measuring the speed of moving vehicles using Doppler shift |
| 8 | (a) Energy exchange between incident photons and molecular vibrational states |
| 9 | (c) Genetic mutation in agricultural crops |
| 10 | (d) I, II, and III |
Key facts from Recent Advances, Indian Contributors and Indigenization
- C. V. Raman won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930 for the scattering of light; National Science Day on 28 February marks the discovery of the Raman Effect.
- The IGMDP began in 1983; Kalam promoted PURA, the Provision of Urban Amenities to Rural Areas.
- Homi J. Bhabha is the father of the Indian nuclear programme, and his three-stage plan uses PHWRs, fast breeder reactors and thorium reactors.
- Har Gobind Khorana showed that nucleotide triplets code for specific amino acids.
- mRNA vaccines do not enter the nucleus or alter the genome; the cell breaks down the mRNA after making the viral protein.
- Bhashini uses AI to break language barriers; INS Vikrant (IAC-1) is the first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier; India is seeking export orders for ATAGS artillery.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Recent Advances, Indian Contributors and Indigenization?
This page has 154 practice MCQs on Recent Advances, Indian Contributors and Indigenization (Science and Technology). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Why is National Science Day celebrated on 28 February?
To commemorate the discovery of the Raman Effect on 28 February 1928 by C. V. Raman. He won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930 for his work on the scattering of light.
What does PURA stand for?
Provision of Urban Amenities to Rural Areas, a concept advocated by Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. It aimed to give villages the roads, connectivity and services of towns so that rural development would be balanced.
Do mRNA vaccines change human DNA?
No. mRNA vaccines do not enter the nucleus of the cell or integrate with the human genome. The cell uses the instruction to make the viral protein and then breaks down the mRNA.