What term is commonly used to describe the current generation of quantum computers that have a limited number of qubits and are prone to errors, making full error correction difficult?
A Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computers (FTQC)
B Universal Quantum Computers (UQC)
C Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) devices
D Analog Quantum Simulators (AQS)
Answer: C
NISQ (Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum) is the widely accepted term for the current generation of quantum computers, characterized by their limited qubit count and susceptibility to noise and errors, which prevents full error correction.
32.
Which technology giant has been a prominent leader in developing superconducting quantum processors, consistently announcing new processors with increasing qubit counts, such as 'Osprey' and 'Condor'?
A Google
B IBM
C Intel
D Microsoft
Answer: B
IBM has been at the forefront of developing superconducting quantum processors, regularly releasing new generations with higher qubit counts and improved performance, often named after birds (e.g., Eagle, Osprey, Condor).
33.
By early 2026, which of the following is considered the most significant ongoing challenge in scaling up practical, fault-tolerant quantum computers?
A Lack of sufficient funding for global research and development.
B Difficulty in maintaining qubit coherence for extended periods and reducing error rates.
C Absence of theoretical quantum algorithms for real-world problems.
D Scarcity of qualified quantum computing researchers globally.
Answer: B
Maintaining qubit coherence (the ability of qubits to retain their quantum state) for longer durations and significantly reducing error rates are fundamental and the most critical challenges in building large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers. While other factors are important, these are core technical hurdles.
34.
Where did the initial phase of generic astronaut training for the Gaganyaan mission take place, focusing on physical conditioning and theoretical aspects?
A ISRO Human Space Flight Centre, Bengaluru, India
B Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center, Russia
C Johnson Space Center, Houston, USA
D European Astronaut Centre, Cologne, Germany
Answer: B
The four selected astronaut candidates for the Gaganyaan mission underwent their initial generic space training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Russia. Subsequent mission-specific training is being conducted in India.
35.
What is the name of the heavy-lift launch vehicle being utilized by ISRO for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission?
A PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle)
B GSLV Mk-II (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark-II)
C LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3, formerly GSLV Mk-III)
D SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle)
Answer: C
The LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3), formerly known as GSLV Mk-III, is the designated heavy-lift launch vehicle for the Gaganyaan mission, capable of carrying the Orbital Module into low Earth orbit.
36.
By early 2026, which of the following statements accurately describes the status of the first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission (G1)?
A It has been successfully completed, paving the way for the second uncrewed mission.
B It is currently undergoing final integration and is scheduled for launch in mid-2026.
C It has been indefinitely postponed due to technical challenges.
D Its launch window is being re-evaluated after the successful TV-D1 mission.
Answer: A
The first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission (G1) was initially targeted for Q4 2024. Assuming a reasonable progression and successful execution within the revised timelines, by early 2026, it would have been successfully completed, allowing for the progression to the second uncrewed mission (G2) and eventually the crewed mission.
37.
Which of the following sectors might be prioritized by the government for incentives to boost domestic manufacturing in 2026, considering global trends and national security?
A Luxury tourism.
B High-tech electronics and defense manufacturing.
C Traditional handicrafts only.
D Imported finished goods assembly.
Answer: B
Governments often prioritize sectors like high-tech electronics and defense manufacturing for domestic production incentives due to their strategic importance for national security, technological advancement, and economic growth.
38.
The government's focus on boosting domestic manufacturing in 2026 is likely aligned with which national objective?
A Increasing reliance on imported goods.
B Promoting 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives.
C Reducing employment opportunities in the country.
D Decreasing foreign direct investment.
Answer: B
Boosting domestic manufacturing is a core tenet of the 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) campaigns, aimed at making India a global manufacturing hub and reducing import dependence.
39.
In 2026, the Indian government is considering various incentives to boost domestic manufacturing. Which of the following is a common type of incentive provided by governments to encourage manufacturing?
A Increased import duties on finished goods.
B Reduction in corporate tax rates for manufacturing units.
C Subsidies for research and development in manufacturing.
D All of the above.
Answer: D
Governments often use a combination of measures like import duties to protect domestic industries, tax breaks to reduce costs, and R&D subsidies to foster innovation and competitiveness in the manufacturing sector.
40.
Under the proposed 2026 SEBI regulations, what could be a potential new requirement for AIFs concerning their investment strategy or operations?
A Mandatory investment in government bonds only.
B Restrictions on the types of investors allowed to participate.
C Requirement for independent valuation of assets by a third party.
D A ban on investing in unlisted securities.
Answer: C
To enhance transparency and prevent valuation manipulation, SEBI often considers requiring independent third-party valuations for assets held by AIFs, especially for illiquid or complex investments.
