Q90. What new component was fitted to the Akash 1S missile variant?
[RRB NTPC CBT I, 7 March 2021, Shift 1]
(A) Indigenous command-guidance programme
(B) Indigenous propeller
(C) Indigenous actuator
(D) Indigenous seeker
Answer: (D) Indigenous seeker
Explanation: Akash 1S incorporated an indigenous seeker to enhance terminal target acquisition. Seeker technology helps a guided missile obtain information about a target, improving engagement accuracy and operational flexibility. Surface-to-air interception also depends on radar detection, tracking information and coordination between the missile and its ground control system.
Q89. In which year was the Defence Research and Development Organisation established?
[RRB NTPC CBT I, 9 February 2021, Shift 1]
(A) 1947
(B) 1950
(C) 1991
(D) 1958
Answer: (D) 1958
Explanation: DRDO was formed in 1958 by combining existing Indian defence science and technical-development organisations. Its mandate spans indigenous military research, technology development, testing and support for armed forces.
Q88. Which company received a February 2021 contract for 83 LCA Tejas fighters?
[SSC CGL Tier I 2020, held 16 August 2021, Shift 2]
(A) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
(B) Bharat Dynamics Limited
(C) DRDO
(D) Bharat Electronics Limited
Answer: (A) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
Explanation: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited received the contract for Tejas Mk1A aircraft. HAL manufactures combat aircraft in India, while development involves the Aeronautical Development Agency and several aerospace and defence partners. A fighter-aircraft programme requires flight-control engineering, avionics integration and years of flight-testing before operational induction.
Q87. What is the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) system?
[SSC CGL Tier I 2020, held 23 August 2021, Shift 3]
(A) Short-range surface-to-air missile system
(B) Anti-tank weapon system
(C) Indigenously designed torpedoes
(D) Intercontinental ballistic missile
Answer: (A) Short-range surface-to-air missile system
Explanation: QRSAM is a mobile quick-reaction air-defence missile system. It is designed to detect and intercept aerial threats with short response times, useful for protecting moving or deployed land formations. Fast reaction is valuable when protecting moving army units from sudden low-altitude aerial threats.
Q86. What is the approximate combat radius of a Sukhoi-30MKI aircraft without mid-air refuelling, as referenced in the question?
[SSC GD, 22 November 2021, Shift 2]
(A) 1000 km
(B) 3000 km
(C) 2000 km
(D) 1500 km
Answer: (D) 1500 km
Explanation: The cited combat radius is about 1,500 kilometres. Combat radius means the approximate outward mission distance allowing for return and operational requirements; it is different from maximum ferry range. The Su-30MKI is a multirole aircraft capable of using different weapons for aerial combat and ground attack.
Q85. Which fifth Scorpene-class submarine was launched from Mazagon Dock in November 2020?
[SSC GD, 6 December 2021, Shift 2]
(A) Vagir
(B) Khanderi
(C) Vagsheer
(D) Vela
Answer: (A) Vagir
Explanation: Vagir is the fifth submarine of India’s Project 75 Kalvari class. It was launched in November 2020 and later commissioned in 2023, adding capability to India’s diesel-electric submarine fleet. Submarine construction demands underwater acoustic performance, pressure-hull integrity and reliable propulsion and combat systems.
Q84. What type of missile is Akash-NG?
[OSSSC Livestock Inspector, 26 September 2021]
(A) Surface-to-air
(B) Air-to-air
(C) Surface-to-surface
(D) Intercontinental ballistic
Answer: (A) Surface-to-air
Explanation: Akash-NG is a newer-generation surface-to-air missile designed for air defence. The system engages airborne targets from a ground launcher and is intended to operate with supporting radar and command-and-control components. Surface-to-air interception also depends on radar detection, tracking information and coordination between the missile and its ground control system.
Q83. India was planning to supply BrahMos missiles to which country?
[ECGC PO, 14 March 2021, memory-based]
(A) Bangladesh
(B) Bhutan
(C) Nepal
(D) Philippines
(E) Sri Lanka
Answer: (D) Philippines
Explanation: The Philippines was identified as a prospective buyer and later became the first export customer. BrahMos is an Indo-Russian supersonic cruise missile used for precision strikes on land or maritime targets. Cruise missiles remain powered through most of their guided flight, which distinguishes their operating principle from ballistic missiles.
Q82. In which Union Territory is the INS Khukri Memorial located?
[WBCS Mains 2021, General Studies Paper IV (held May 2022)]
(A) Punjab
(B) Puducherry
(C) Goa
(D) Diu
Answer: (D) Diu
Explanation: The INS Khukri Memorial is in Diu. It honours the crew of the Indian Navy frigate sunk in the 1971 war. The memorial commemorates that earlier ship, not the later Indian-built Khukri-class missile corvette, which carried the same name.
