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 71–80 of 154 questions
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Recent Advances, Indian Contributors and Indigenization
Q71. Read the following statements and select the correct option: Assertion (A): The Saha ionization equation allows astronomers to determine the surface temperature of stars accurately. Reason (R): The equation quantitatively relates the observed ionization states of elements in stellar spectra to the temperature and pressure of the gas.
Explanation
The Saha ionization equation provides a robust mathematical framework that relates the observable characteristics of a star’s light to its physical state. By analyzing which atoms are ionized and to what degree, astronomers can accurately deduce the surface temperature. The reason correctly identifies that the quantitative relationship between ionization, temperature, and pressure is what makes this determination scientifically possible.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Recent Advances, Indian Contributors and Indigenization
Q72. The Government of India launched the National Quantum Mission (NQM) in 2023. What is the total budget outlay approved for this mission spanning 2023-2031?
Explanation
The Government of India approved the National Quantum Mission in 2023 with a total budget outlay of Rs. 6,003 crore. This funding is dedicated to research and development in quantum technologies from 2023 to 2031. The mission aims to make India a global leader in the field by fostering innovation in quantum computing, communication, sensing, and metrology.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Recent Advances, Indian Contributors and Indigenization
Q73. In the context of quantum computing advances, how does a qubit fundamentally differ from a classical bit?
Explanation
In classical computing, a bit is the basic unit of information and can only exist as either 0 or 1. A quantum bit, or qubit, leverages the principle of superposition, allowing it to represent both 0 and 1 simultaneously. This property enables quantum computers to perform complex calculations in parallel, potentially solving certain problems much faster than any classical supercomputer.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Recent Advances, Indian Contributors and Indigenization
Q74. Which of the following defines the phenomenon of Quantum Entanglement, a core principle leveraged in quantum computing and communications?
Explanation
Quantum entanglement is a phenomenon where particles become deeply linked, such that the quantum state of one particle cannot be described independently of the others. Even if separated by vast distances, a measurement on one particle immediately influences the state of the entangled partner. This principle is fundamental for developing secure quantum communication networks and high-speed quantum computing architectures.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Recent Advances, Indian Contributors and Indigenization
Q75. Which of the following statements concerning Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), recently tested by Indian agencies like ISRO and DRDO, is incorrect?
Explanation
Quantum Key Distribution is unique because its security is guaranteed by the fundamental laws of physics rather than mathematical complexity. Unlike RSA encryption, which can be broken by powerful computers solving difficult math problems, QKD uses quantum states of light to detect any attempted eavesdropping. If an interceptor tries to measure the key, the quantum state changes, immediately alerting the users.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Recent Advances, Indian Contributors and Indigenization
Q76. Match the quantum term in List I with its description in List II and select the correct answer.
Quantum Term
Description
A. Superposition
i. The loss of quantum states into the environment
B. Decoherence
ii. A quantum computer solving a problem no classical computer can solve in a feasible amount of time
C. Qubit
iii. The basic unit of quantum information
D. Quantum Supremacy
iv. The ability to exist in multiple states simultaneously
Explanation
Quantum technology involves several key concepts: superposition allows multiple simultaneous states, while decoherence represents the loss of these states due to environmental interaction. A qubit is the fundamental unit of quantum information. Quantum supremacy is achieved when a quantum processor performs a specific task that would be practically impossible for the most powerful classical supercomputers to complete.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Recent Advances, Indian Contributors and Indigenization
Q77. Consider the following statements: Statement I: The National Quantum Mission aims to develop intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits in 8 years. Statement II: India is the first country in the world to launch a dedicated government mission for quantum technology. Which of the following is correct?
Explanation
The National Quantum Mission aims to develop intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50 to 1000 qubits over an eight-year period. While this is a significant national initiative, India is not the first country to launch a dedicated government mission for quantum technology; several other nations, including the United States, China, and Canada, had already established similar large-scale national programs.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Recent Advances, Indian Contributors and Indigenization
Q78. Identify the odd one out among algorithms used in computing architectures.
Explanation
Shor’s algorithm, Grover’s algorithm, and Quantum Phase Estimation are specifically designed to run on quantum computers to solve complex problems like factoring and searching exponentially faster. Bubble Sort is a traditional sorting algorithm used in classical computer science. While it is a standard tool for conventional programming, it does not utilize quantum mechanics and is not categorized as a quantum algorithm.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Recent Advances, Indian Contributors and Indigenization
Q79. The National Quantum Mission proposes setting up four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs). Which of the following is an exception and is NOT one of the planned thematic areas?
Explanation
The National Quantum Mission is structured around four primary Thematic Hubs located at top academic and R&D institutes. These hubs focus on Quantum Computing, Quantum Communication, Quantum Sensing and Metrology, and Quantum Materials and Devices. These areas represent the most promising applications of quantum science. Quantum Genetic Engineering is currently not a recognized or planned thematic area under this national mission.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Recent Advances, Indian Contributors and Indigenization
Q80. Consider the following statements regarding quantum technology developments in India: I. ISRO successfully demonstrated free-space Quantum Communication over a distance of 300 meters. II. QSim is a Quantum Computer Simulator Toolkit developed indigenously by IISc, IIT Roorkee, and C-DAC. III. Quantum computers require operating temperatures close to absolute zero to maintain qubit stability. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
India has made significant strides in quantum technology, including successful free-space communication demonstrations by ISRO. The development of the QSim toolkit provides a platform for researchers to simulate quantum circuits on classical computers. Furthermore, achieving quantum stability typically requires extremely low temperatures near absolute zero to prevent decoherence, a challenge addressed by modern cryogenic systems used in quantum research laboratories.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
71
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
72
(b) Rs. 6,003 crore
73
(a) A qubit exists in a simultaneous superposition of both 0 and 1
74
(c) A state where two or more particles become correlated such that the state of one instantly determines the state of the other, regardless of distance
75
(d) QKD relies on the computational difficulty of factoring large prime numbers, much like RSA encryption.
76
(c) A-iv, B-i, C-iii, D-ii
77
(c) Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
78
(a) Bubble Sort algorithm
79
(c) Quantum Genetic Engineering
80
(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.
