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 111–120 of 154 questions
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Recent Advances, Indian Contributors and Indigenization
Q111. Consider the following statements: Statement I: Tejas Mk1A features an indigenous digital fly-by-wire flight control system. Statement II: The aircraft is aerodynamically stable by design, making it flyable even without computers. Which of the following is correct?
Explanation
The Tejas features a sophisticated digital fly-by-wire system that manages all flight controls. Aerodynamically, the aircraft is designed to be inherently unstable to achieve superior maneuverability and agility. This instability means it cannot be flown manually without the constant, high-speed corrections provided by the onboard flight control computers. This design is a standard characteristic of modern, high-performance combat aircraft.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Recent Advances, Indian Contributors and Indigenization
Q112. Which of the following statements about the indigenization of the Tejas Mk1A is incorrect?
Explanation
The Tejas program has achieved high levels of indigenization in its airframe, mission computer, and electronic warfare suites. It also features a high percentage of indigenous carbon-fiber composites. However, the current variants, including the Mk1A, are powered by imported General Electric F404 engines. While the indigenous Kaveri engine was originally intended for the Tejas, it is still undergoing development for future applications.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Recent Advances, Indian Contributors and Indigenization
Q113. Which of the following capabilities is an exception and is NOT a feature of the Tejas Mk1A variant?
Explanation
The Tejas Mk1A is a single-engine light combat aircraft designed for agility and multi-role operations. It features mid-air refueling, advanced electronic warfare suites, and beyond-visual-range missile capabilities. However, it is not a twin-engine aircraft, nor is it designed for supercruise, which is the ability to maintain supersonic flight without afterburners.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Recent Advances, Indian Contributors and Indigenization
Q114. What is a primary aerodynamic effect of the tailless compound delta wing design used in the Tejas aircraft?
Explanation
The tailless compound delta wing design is a defining aerodynamic feature of the Tejas. This shape allows the aircraft to maintain control at high angles of attack, known as high-alpha performance, which is crucial for close-range dogfighting. Additionally, this configuration enables very high roll rates, making the Tejas exceptionally agile and capable of performing rapid maneuvers that can out-turn many contemporary fighter aircraft.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Recent Advances, Indian Contributors and Indigenization
Q115. Consider the following statements regarding the Tejas Mk1A upgrades over the initial Operational Clearance (IOC) version: I. It includes an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar. II. It features improved maintainability and faster turnaround times. III. It has a significantly larger wingspan and a secondary cockpit for a co-pilot in all single-seat versions. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The Mk1A variant introduces several critical upgrades to the Tejas platform, including an AESA radar and improved electronic warfare systems. It also focuses on enhanced maintainability, allowing for faster turnaround times between missions. However, the Mk1A maintains the same basic single-seat configuration and wingspan as the initial version; it does not add a second cockpit or significantly change the aircraft’s physical dimensions.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Recent Advances, Indian Contributors and Indigenization
Q116. The INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, is formally designated as IAC-1. What does IAC stand for?
Explanation
INS Vikrant is designated IAC-1, which stands for Indigenous Aircraft Carrier. It was built in India.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Recent Advances, Indian Contributors and Indigenization
Q117. The INS Vikrant utilizes STOBAR technology for flight operations. What is the fundamental mechanism of STOBAR?
Explanation
STOBAR stands for Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery. On the INS Vikrant, aircraft take off using their own power assisted by a curved "ski-jump" at the bow, which helps them gain altitude quickly. For landing, the aircraft use a tailhook to catch one of several strong arrestor wires stretched across the deck, which rapidly brings the fast-moving jet to a complete stop.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Recent Advances, Indian Contributors and Indigenization
Q118. Which Indian public sector shipyard was responsible for the construction of INS Vikrant?
Explanation
The construction of the INS Vikrant was undertaken by Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kochi, Kerala. This project was the largest and most complex shipbuilding endeavor ever handled by an Indian shipyard. It involved coordinating thousands of components, specialized warship-grade steel, and advanced engineering systems, demonstrating the shipyard’s ability to meet the rigorous standards required for modern naval aviation platforms.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Recent Advances, Indian Contributors and Indigenization
Q119. Which of the following statements correctly highlights the indigenization achievement of INS Vikrant?
Explanation
INS Vikrant is a testament to India’s "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiative, with approximately 76% of its components being sourced domestically. This includes the high-grade warship steel produced by the Steel Authority of India and various complex systems like the combat management system. While some specialized components are still imported, the high level of indigenous content signifies a major shift toward self-reliance in strategic naval technology.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Recent Advances, Indian Contributors and Indigenization
Q120. Identify the correct pair regarding the air wing intended for INS Vikrant.
Explanation
The air wing of INS Vikrant is designed to operate a mix of fighter jets and helicopters. Currently, the Russian-origin MiG-29K serves as the primary multi-role fighter for the carrier. In the future, the navy plans to induct more advanced fighters, possibly including the indigenous Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter or other modern naval aircraft, to enhance the carrier’s strike and defense capabilities.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
111
(c) Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
112
(a) The Tejas Mk1A is currently powered by a fully indigenous Kaveri engine
113
(b) Twin-engine supercruise capability
114
(b) It provides high-alpha performance and high roll rates.
115
(a) I and II only
116
(c) Indigenous Aircraft Carrier
117
(d) Ski-jump engine takeoff assisted by arrestor wire landing
118
(c) Cochin Shipyard Limited, Kochi
119
(b) Roughly 76% of components, including warship steel, are indigenous.
120
(d) MiG-29K - Primary fighter aircraft currently operating from the carrier
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.
