UPSC Essentials | Daily Subject-Wise Quiz: Science and Technology MCQs for Week 147
Are you gearing up for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) Prelims in 2026? This daily subject-wise quiz on Science and Technology is designed to help you assess your preparation and revise critical topics effectively. Written by Nitendra Pal Singh, this edition from New Delhi on January 28, 2026, focuses on key areas like emerging transport technologies, defence innovations, space developments, and medical concepts.
Quiz Overview and Importance
The UPSC Essentials initiative offers structured quizzes to reinforce your understanding of static syllabus components. Today's quiz on Science and Technology aims to test your awareness of current affairs and technological advancements, which are crucial for the prelims. By attempting these questions, you can identify strengths and areas needing improvement, ensuring a comprehensive revision strategy.
Question 1: Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) Safety Technology
With reference to the Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) safety technology, consider the following statements:
- It is a wireless technology that enables vehicles to communicate with each other to share real-time information.
- V2V systems have a range of 300 metres and can detect vehicles within this range.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Relevance: This question evaluates your knowledge of emerging transport technologies and intelligent transportation systems (ITS). It connects to broader themes like road safety innovations, autonomous vehicles, and smart mobility solutions, linking technology with urban governance and digital infrastructure.
Explanation: The government plans to launch V2V safety technology to reduce road accidents and traffic congestion. V2V communication is a wireless technology that allows vehicles to exchange real-time data such as speed, location, and braking. It falls under the Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) category and is part of the Intelligent Transport System. Hence, statement 1 is correct. Typically, V2V systems operate within a 300-metre range, detecting nearby vehicles to issue alerts, such as when a car brakes suddenly, thereby preventing crashes. Thus, statement 2 is also correct. Therefore, the correct answer is option (c).
Question 2: DRDO's Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM)
With reference to the DRDO's Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM), consider the following statements:
- This missile follows a quasi-ballistic trajectory.
- The LR-AShM is configured with a three-stage solid propulsion rocket motor system.
- It is designed to carry various payloads to a range of around 5,500 kilometres.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- (a) Only one
- (b) Only two
- (c) All three
- (d) None
Relevance: This tests awareness of India's defence advancements, particularly in hypersonic technology. It focuses on technical aspects like trajectory, propulsion, and range, which are common in UPSC prelims, and highlights India's strategic maritime capabilities.
Explanation: Showcased at the 77th Republic Day Parade, the LR-AShM is designed for the Indian Navy's coastal battery needs. It engages static and moving targets with a range of about 1,500 kilometres, making statement 3 incorrect. The missile follows a quasi-ballistic trajectory, starting at Mach 10 and maintaining Mach 5 with multiple skips, so statement 1 is correct. However, it uses a two-stage solid propulsion system, not three-stage, rendering statement 2 incorrect. Thus, only one statement is correct, and the answer is option (a).
Question 3: The 'Haven-1' Space Station
The 'Haven-1' refers to:
- (a) space station designed for short-duration missions
- (b) reusable hypersonic spaceplane developed for orbital tourism
- (c) lunar habitat module proposed under NASA's Artemis programme
- (d) satellite-based deep space communication relay system
Relevance: This question assesses knowledge of private space stations and commercial spaceflight, linking static space concepts with current affairs in global space governance.
Explanation: As NASA plans to retire the International Space Station, companies like Vast Space are developing alternatives. Haven-1 is a smaller station intended for short-duration missions, not permanent crews. It will initially launch without a crew for remote monitoring. Therefore, the correct answer is option (a).
Question 4: Hypoxia and Hypothermia
With reference to hypoxia and hypothermia, consider the following statements:
- Hypoxia is caused by inadequate oxygen.
- Hypothermia is an increase in core body temperature to a level where normal physical and brain functions are impaired.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Relevance: This tests conceptual clarity on medical terms relevant to disaster management and health, helping distinguish between hypoxia, hypothermia, and hyperthermia—a common UPSC trap.
Explanation: Hypoxia results from insufficient oxygen, making statement 1 correct. Hypothermia involves a decrease in core body temperature, not an increase, so statement 2 is incorrect. Severe cases of both can lead to unconsciousness or death. Hence, the answer is option (a).
Question 5: GPS Interference Techniques
Consider the following statements about GPS interference:
- GPS jamming involves a device emitting weaker radio signals on GPS frequencies to overpower other signals.
- GPS spoofing involves a device transmitting signals on the different frequencies used by GPS satellites, blocking the GPS receivers from acquiring or maintaining the right satellite signals.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Relevance: This evaluates understanding of electronic warfare and satellite navigation, important for cybersecurity, defence technology, and strategic communications topics.
Explanation: GPS interference includes spoofing and jamming, but the statements are mischaracterized. GPS jamming uses strong signals to overpower weaker ones, not weaker signals, so statement 1 is incorrect. GPS spoofing transmits signals on the same frequencies as GPS satellites, not different ones, to deceive receivers, making statement 2 incorrect. Thus, neither statement is correct, and the answer is option (d).
Conclusion and Further Resources
This quiz provides a valuable tool for UPSC aspirants to test their knowledge in Science and Technology. Regular practice with such quizzes can enhance your revision and boost confidence for the prelims. For more resources, explore previous quizzes on history, polity, economy, and other subjects to ensure a well-rounded preparation.
