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 121–130 of 154 questions
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Recent Advances, Indian Contributors and Indigenization
Q121. Consider the following statements regarding carrier launch systems: Statement I: The ski-jump design (STOBAR) is mechanically simpler and cheaper than a catapult system (CATOBAR). Statement II: A ski-jump allows aircraft to take off with heavier weapon and fuel loads compared to a catapult system. Which of the following is correct?
Explanation
The ski-jump system (STOBAR) is mechanically simpler and more cost-effective than catapult-based systems because it does not require complex steam or electromagnetic launch machinery. However, this comes at a performance cost; aircraft taking off from a ski-jump are limited in the amount of fuel and heavy weaponry they can carry compared to those launched with the extra power of a catapult.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Recent Advances, Indian Contributors and Indigenization
Q122. Which of the following is the most appropriate strategic significance of the commissioning of INS Vikrant for the Indian Navy?
Explanation
The commissioning of INS Vikrant has profound strategic importance as it establishes India as a global naval power with the proven ability to design and build its own aircraft carriers. This capability ensures that India can maintain a strong maritime presence and protect its interests across the Indian Ocean Region. It reduces long-term dependence on foreign shipyards and strengthens the domestic defense industrial base.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Recent Advances, Indian Contributors and Indigenization
Q123. Identify the odd one out among the systems/ components concerning the indigenous nature of INS Vikrant.
Explanation
While INS Vikrant features a high percentage of indigenous systems, some critical components are sourced from international partners. The warship-grade steel, combat management system, and main gearboxes were all developed or manufactured by Indian companies like SAIL, Tata, and Elecon. The gas turbines used for propulsion, however, are LM2500 models provided by the American company General Electric, representing an imported technology in the ship’s design.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Recent Advances, Indian Contributors and Indigenization
Q124. Which of the following is an exception regarding countries that have successfully developed and operationalized their own indigenous 5th-generation fighter jets as of 2023?
Explanation
As of 2023, only a few nations have successfully developed and deployed indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighters. This elite group includes the United States with the F-22 and F-35, China with the J-20, and Russia with the Su-57. While India’s AMCA program is an ambitious national project, the aircraft is still in the development and prototyping phase and has not yet been operationalized for active service.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Recent Advances, Indian Contributors and Indigenization
Q125. Identify the odd one out among the distinct features that separate a 5th-generation fighter (like AMCA) from a 4th-generation fighter (like Mirage 2000).
Explanation
Fifth-generation fighters use advanced design features like serpentine S-duct air intakes to hide engine blades and low-observable shaping to minimize radar reflections. They also feature highly integrated sensor fusion. Standard combat configurations for these jets avoid external tanks or pylons, as these components reflect radar waves and destroy the aircraft’s stealth. Instead, they rely on internal fuel tanks and internal weapons bays for primary missions.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Recent Advances, Indian Contributors and Indigenization
Q126. What is the primary operational effect of reducing the Radar Cross Section (RCS) of the AMCA?
Explanation
Reducing the Radar Cross Section (RCS) is the primary goal of stealth design. A lower RCS means that the aircraft reflects very little radar energy back to the receiver. Effectively, this allows the AMCA to get much closer to enemy positions or aircraft before it is detected and tracked. This "first look, first shot" advantage is critical for survival and mission success in modern aerial warfare.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Recent Advances, Indian Contributors and Indigenization
Q127. Consider the following statements regarding the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project: I. It is being developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA). II. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) recently cleared the project for prototype development. III. It is designed as a twin-engine fighter aircraft. IV. It will feature a Diverterless Supersonic Inlet (DSI) for improved stealth. V. It will replace the entire fleet of C-17 transport aircraft. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The AMCA is a twin-engine fighter project led by the ADA, recently receiving official clearance for prototype development. Its design features stealth elements like Diverterless Supersonic Inlets to improve performance and maintain a low radar signature. While it will transform India’s combat fleet, it is a fighter jet designed for air superiority and strike missions, not a transport aircraft meant to replace the C-17 fleet.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Recent Advances, Indian Contributors and Indigenization
Q128. The India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) was launched to build a vibrant semiconductor and display ecosystem. It operates under which nodal Ministry?
Explanation
The India Semiconductor Mission is a specialized division established to drive the national strategy for building a domestic semiconductor ecosystem. It operates under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. MeitY provides the policy framework and financial support necessary to attract global investments and encourage indigenous research in the highly complex and capital-intensive field of semiconductor manufacturing and design.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Recent Advances, Indian Contributors and Indigenization
Q129. Under the India Semiconductor Mission, the DLI scheme provides financial incentives and design infrastructure support. What does DLI stand for?
Explanation
The Design Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme is a key component of the India Semiconductor Mission. It provides financial support and infrastructure to Indian companies and startups involved in semiconductor design. By offering incentives linked to the success of their designs, the government aims to foster a domestic ecosystem for Integrated Circuit (IC) design, ensuring that India contributes to the high-value research and intellectual property.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Recent Advances, Indian Contributors and Indigenization
Q130. India’s first major commercial semiconductor fabrication plant (Fab) is being set up by the Tata Group in partnership with Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp (PSMC). Where is this plant located?
Explanation
India’s first major commercial semiconductor fabrication plant, or "Fab," is located in Dholera, Gujarat. This facility is being established by Tata Electronics in a strategic partnership with the Taiwanese firm PSMC. The Dholera Special Investment Region provides the necessary large-scale infrastructure, including high-quality water and stable power, required for the precision manufacturing of silicon wafers and advanced semiconductor chips.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
121
(c) Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
122
(c) It joins India to an elite group constructing indigenous carriers.
123
(a) Gas turbines provided by General Electric (GE)
124
(c) India (AMCA)
125
(d) External drop tanks and under-wing missile pylons as standard combat configuration
126
(c) It reduces the distance at which enemy radars track the aircraft
127
(a) I, II, III, and IV only
128
(d) Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
129
(a) Design Linked Incentive
130
(c) Dholera, Gujarat
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.
