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 31–40 of 154 questions
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Recent Advances, Indian Contributors and Indigenization
Q31. 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
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.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Recent Advances, Indian Contributors and Indigenization
Q32. Which of the following statements correctly describes Vikram Sarabhai’s role in India’s atomic energy sector?
Explanation
Following the sudden and tragic demise of Homi J. Bhabha in 1966, Vikram Sarabhai was appointed as the Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission. In this capacity, he successfully managed both the nuclear and space programs simultaneously. He ensured continuity in India’s nuclear research while accelerating the development of space technologies for communication and remote sensing applications.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Recent Advances, Indian Contributors and Indigenization
Q33. Which of the following is the most appropriate description of Vikram Sarabhai’s vision for the Indian space programme?
Explanation
Vikram Sarabhai’s vision for India was not about competing with advanced nations in a space race or moon landings. Instead, he emphasized the practical application of space technology to solve real-world problems. He prioritized using satellites for mass communication, educational broadcasting, and weather forecasting to benefit the agrarian economy and promote national development for the common citizen.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Recent Advances, Indian Contributors and Indigenization
Q34. Identify the odd one out concerning the technological focus during the early years of India’s space programme under Sarabhai.
Explanation
In the early years, India’s space program focused on atmospheric research using sounding rockets. This included the use of imported Nike-Apache rockets and the development of the indigenous Rohini series. The GSLV Mk III is a modern, high-capacity launch vehicle designed for heavy satellites and human spaceflight, belonging to a much later phase of technological evolution in ISRO’s history.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Recent Advances, Indian Contributors and Indigenization
Q35. Read the following statements and select the correct option: Assertion (A): Vikram Sarabhai prioritized satellite broadcasting and remote sensing in the early days of the Indian space programme. Reason (R): He firmly believed that space technology should be utilized for education, agriculture, and national development.
Explanation
Vikram Sarabhai championed satellite technology specifically for its potential to transform rural India. He believed that tools like broadcasting and remote sensing were not luxuries but necessities for a developing country. His focus on these areas was rooted in the firm conviction that advanced science should serve national goals like education, improved agriculture, and efficient resource management.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Recent Advances, Indian Contributors and Indigenization
Q36. The Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP), spearheaded by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, was formally launched by the Government of India in which year?
Explanation
The Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) was a strategic initiative launched by the Indian government in 1983. Managed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, it aimed to achieve self-reliance in missile technology. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was appointed as the chief executive, leading the development of several iconic missile systems that form India’s strategic deterrent today.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Recent Advances, Indian Contributors and Indigenization
Q37. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam strongly advocated the concept of PURA for India’s development. What does PURA stand for?
Explanation
Dr. Kalam advocated for the PURA model to bridge the developmental gap between cities and villages. The concept involves providing four types of connectivity to rural clusters: physical, electronic, knowledge, and economic. By ensuring that rural areas have access to modern infrastructure and opportunities, he believed India could achieve balanced national growth and reduce the migration pressure on urban centers.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Recent Advances, Indian Contributors and Indigenization
Q38. Identify the odd one out among the missiles developed under the original Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP).
Explanation
The original IGMDP included five specific missile projects: Prithvi, Agni, Trishul, Akash, and Nag. These covered various roles from surface-to-surface to anti-tank capabilities. The BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile developed later through a successful joint venture between India and Russia. While a critical part of the current arsenal, it was not part of the initial 1983 programme.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Recent Advances, Indian Contributors and Indigenization
Q39. Which of the following statements correctly highlights Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s contribution to ISRO before he joined DRDO?
Explanation
Before joining DRDO, Dr. Kalam spent two decades at ISRO, where he achieved a major milestone as the Project Director for India’s first Satellite Launch Vehicle. The successful launch of SLV-3 in 1980, which placed the Rohini satellite into orbit, made India a member of the exclusive space club. This achievement demonstrated his leadership in managing complex aerospace projects.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Recent Advances, Indian Contributors and Indigenization
Q40. Consider the following statements regarding Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam: Statement I: He served as the Chief Project Coordinator for the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998 along with Dr. R. Chidambaram. Statement II: The successful nuclear tests during this period solidified his public image as the Missile Man of India. Which of the following is correct?
Explanation
Dr. Kalam played a pivotal role as the Chief Project Coordinator for the 1998 Pokhran-II nuclear tests. Working alongside atomic energy scientists, he ensured the technical success of the mission. The public success of these tests, combined with his leadership in the missile program, firmly established his reputation as the "Missile Man" and a national icon of scientific strength.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
31
(a) A, C, D, B
32
(c) Assuming the AEC chairmanship after Homi J. Bhabha’s death
33
(b) Applying space technology to communication and weather forecasting
34
(d) Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mk III
35
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
36
(c) 1983
37
(a) Provision of Urban Amenities to Rural Areas
38
(d) BrahMos
39
(b) Serving as Project Director for the successful SLV-3 mission
40
(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct
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.
