51
Which Indian space mission successfully demonstrated the country's anti-satellite (ASAT) capability in 2019 and later contributed to developments in space debris mitigation technologies? 🔬 Current Science and Technology
UPSC Prelims
2026-04-08
A. Mission Shakti
B. Mission Gaganyaan
C. Mission Aditya-L1
D. Mission Shukrayaan
💡 Mission Shakti was India's anti-satellite weapon test conducted in 2019, demonstrating India's ASAT capability. It has since influenced India's approach to space security and debris mitigation strategies.
52
The recently launched Aditya-L1 mission by ISRO is positioned at which Lagrange point to study the Sun? 🔬 Current Science and Technology
UPSC Prelims
2026-04-08
A. L2 point
B. L1 point
C. L3 point
D. L4 point
💡 Aditya-L1 is positioned at the L1 Lagrange point, approximately 1.5 million km from Earth toward the Sun, providing an unobstructed view of the Sun without eclipses.
53
Which recent breakthrough in quantum computing was achieved by Google's quantum computer 'Willow' in 2024? 🔬 Current Science and Technology
UPSC Prelims
2026-04-08
A. Achieved quantum error correction below the threshold
B. Created the first 1000-qubit processor
C. Demonstrated room temperature superconductivity
D. Solved NP-complete problems practically
💡 Google's Willow chip achieved a major milestone in quantum error correction by demonstrating error rates below the quantum error correction threshold, a crucial step toward practical quantum computing.
54
The National Mission on Quantum Technologies (NM-QT) launched by India aims to develop quantum technologies with an initial budget of: 🔬 Current Science and Technology
UPSC Prelims
2026-04-08
A. ₹5000 crores over 5 years
B. ₹8000 crores over 8 years
C. ₹10000 crores over 5 years
D. ₹6000 crores over 6 years
💡 The National Mission on Quantum Technologies was launched with a budget of ₹8000 crores over 8 years to develop quantum computing, communication, sensing, and materials.
55
Which DRDO-developed missile system was recently inducted into the Indian Armed Forces with a range capability of over 1000 km? 🔬 Current Science and Technology
UPSC Prelims
2026-04-08
A. Agni-Prime
B. BrahMos-II
C. Nirbhay
D. NGARM
💡 Agni-Prime (Agni-P) is a new generation ballistic missile developed by DRDO with a range of 1000-2000 km, recently inducted into the Indian Armed Forces.
56
India's first mRNA vaccine platform, developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, was created by which organization? 🔬 Current Science and Technology
UPSC Prelims
2026-04-08
A. Serum Institute of India
B. Bharat Biotech
C. Gennova Biopharmaceuticals
D. Indian Immunologicals
💡 Gennova Biopharmaceuticals developed India's first indigenous mRNA vaccine (GEMCOVAC-19) with support from the Department of Biotechnology.
57
The recently approved National Green Hydrogen Mission targets India to become a global hub for green hydrogen production by achieving a production capacity of: 🔬 Current Science and Technology
UPSC Prelims
2026-04-08
A. 3 MMT by 2030
B. 5 MMT by 2030
C. 7 MMT by 2030
D. 10 MMT by 2030
💡 The National Green Hydrogen Mission targets production of 5 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) of green hydrogen by 2030 with an investment of ₹19,744 crores.
58
Which Indian AI initiative was launched in 2024 to create large language models in Indian languages? 🔬 Current Science and Technology
UPSC Prelims
2026-04-08
A. AI4Bharat
B. IndoWordNet
C. Bhashini
D. Hanooman AI
💡 Hanooman AI is a recent initiative to develop large language models supporting 12 Indian languages, launched by a consortium of Indian institutions and companies.
59
The Chandrayaan-3 mission's Pragyan rover confirmed the presence of which element on the lunar south pole? 🔬 Current Science and Technology
UPSC Prelims
2026-04-08
A. Helium-3
B. Sulfur
C. Water ice
D. Titanium
💡 The Pragyan rover's Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy confirmed the presence of sulfur in the lunar south pole region, among other elements.
60
India's recently launched PM-DevINE scheme for Northeast development includes which technology-focused component? 🔬 Current Science and Technology
UPSC Prelims
2026-04-08
A. Digital Northeast Initiative
B. Northeast AI Hub
C. Bamboo Technology Centers
D. Space Technology Applications for Northeast
💡 The PM-DevINE scheme includes the Digital Northeast Initiative to promote digital infrastructure, e-governance, and technology adoption across Northeast Indian states.