The Indian Army recently inducted the advanced indigenous 'Prahari' tactical drones. What is the primary role envisioned for these drones?
A Strategic bombing missions
B High-altitude long-endurance surveillance
C Anti-submarine warfare
D Logistics and supply delivery
Answer: B
'Prahari' tactical drones are designed for advanced surveillance and reconnaissance, providing critical intelligence for ground operations, especially in challenging terrains and border areas.
52.
Establishing a robust deep-space communication network is vital for complex space missions. Which of the following is a key challenge that such a network helps to overcome?
A The increasing cost of launching satellites into low Earth orbit.
B The signal degradation and time delays encountered over vast interplanetary distances.
C The limited availability of solar power for spacecraft.
D The difficulty in developing miniaturized scientific instruments.
Answer: B
Deep-space communication faces significant challenges due to the immense distances involved. Signals weaken considerably, and there are substantial time delays between sending a command and receiving a response. A coordinated network with advanced ground stations helps mitigate these issues.
53.
The collaboration between India and ESA for a deep-space communication network aims to bolster capabilities for future space missions. What is a primary benefit of such a joint network?
A To exclusively monitor Earth's weather patterns.
B To share resources and expertise for enhanced deep-space exploration and communication.
C To develop new satellite-based navigation systems for terrestrial use.
D To create a global network for commercial satellite imagery.
Answer: B
The collaboration leverages the strengths of both India and ESA, allowing for the sharing of infrastructure, technical expertise, and operational capabilities. This joint effort enhances the ability to communicate with and control spacecraft on missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
54.
India and the European Space Agency (ESA) have announced a collaboration to establish a deep-space communication network. Which Indian facility is expected to play a crucial role in this network?
A Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru
B Indian Deep Space Network (IDSN), Kavalur
C Aryabhata Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), Nainital
D National Centre for Space Studies (NCSS), Sriharikota
Answer: B
The Indian Deep Space Network (IDSN) located at Kavalur, Tamil Nadu, is set to be a key component of the collaborative deep-space communication network between India and ESA. It will enhance India's capabilities in communicating with spacecraft in distant regions of space.
55.
The NGLV (Next Generation Launch Vehicle) is envisioned by ISRO to be a versatile launch platform. Which of the following is a primary objective for developing the NGLV with advanced propulsion systems like the semi-cryogenic engine?
A To exclusively cater to small satellite launches.
B To reduce the cost of access to space and enhance launch capabilities.
C To replace all existing ISRO launch vehicles immediately.
D To focus solely on human spaceflight missions.
Answer: B
The development of NGLV with advanced propulsion like semi-cryogenic engines aims to significantly reduce the cost of launching payloads into orbit and increase ISRO's overall launch capabilities, making space access more economical and efficient for various missions.
56.
The successful test of the semi-cryogenic engine is a significant step towards the development of ISRO's Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV). What is a key advantage of using a semi-cryogenic engine compared to traditional cryogenic engines for certain launch vehicle stages?
A Higher specific impulse, leading to greater payload capacity.
B Lower cost of propellants and simpler engine design.
C Ability to operate at higher temperatures.
D Reduced environmental impact due to cleaner combustion.
Answer: B
Semi-cryogenic engines, typically using RP-1 and LOX, offer a more cost-effective solution and a simpler engine design compared to fully cryogenic engines (which use LH2/LOX). While cryogenic engines offer higher performance, semi-cryogenic engines provide a practical balance for certain applications.
57.
ISRO recently conducted a successful test of a semi-cryogenic engine. What is the primary fuel combination being tested for this engine, intended for the NGLV (Next Generation Launch Vehicle)?
A Liquid Hydrogen and Liquid Oxygen (LH2/LOX)
B Kerosene (RP-1) and Liquid Oxygen (LOX)
C Methane and Liquid Oxygen (LOX)
D Hypergolic Propellants
Answer: B
The semi-cryogenic engine tested by ISRO for the NGLV utilizes Kerosene (RP-1) as the fuel and Liquid Oxygen (LOX) as the oxidizer. This combination offers a good balance of performance and cost-effectiveness for heavy-lift launch vehicles.
58.
If India's retail inflation eases slightly, what is a potential positive impact on the economy?
A Increased purchasing power for consumers.
B Higher interest rates by commercial banks.
C Reduced foreign direct investment (FDI).
D Decreased exports due to higher domestic prices.
Answer: A
When inflation eases, the prices of goods and services rise at a slower rate, which means that consumers' money can buy more, thereby increasing their purchasing power.
59.
What is the current inflation target range set by the Government of India for the Reserve Bank of India, which guides its monetary policy decisions?
A 2% ± 1%
B 4% ± 2%
C 6% ± 2%
D 5% ± 1%
Answer: B
The Government of India, in consultation with the RBI, has set a retail inflation target of 4% with a tolerance band of +/- 2%, meaning the target range is 2% to 6%. This framework was extended for another five years until March 31, 2026, and is expected to continue.
60.
Which index is primarily used to measure India's retail inflation, as reported in August 2026?
A Wholesale Price Index (WPI)
B Producer Price Index (PPI)
C Consumer Price Index (CPI)
D Services Price Index (SPI)
Answer: C
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is the primary measure of retail inflation in India, reflecting changes in the prices of goods and services purchased by households.
