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Q1Science·Science Institutions, Missions and ApplicationsPYQ 2026
Which of the following statements with regard to India’s Deep Ocean Mission is/are correct?
1. It was launched by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India.
2. Matsya-6000 has been designed to carry 3 people for deep sea exploration.
3. Samudrayaan is a project under this mission.
Select the answer using the code given below:
- A1 only
- B2 and 3 onlyCorrect
- C1 and 2 only
- D1, 2 and 3
Why the other options are incorrect
- Option A
Statement 1 assigns the mission to the wrong ministry. The Deep Ocean Mission is led by the Ministry of Earth Sciences; the maritime responsibilities of the Ports, Shipping and Waterways Ministry do not make it the sponsoring ministry here.
- Option C
The three-person design capacity in statement 2 is correct, but statement 1 names the wrong ministry. Statement 3 must also be included because Samudrayaan is a project within the Deep Ocean Mission.
- Option D
The inclusion of statement 1 makes this option wrong. Ocean exploration under this mission belongs to the Ministry of Earth Sciences, and the correct remaining statements connect Samudrayaan with the three-person MATSYA-6000 design.
Q2Science·Science Institutions, Missions and Applications
The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is located in:
- AHyderabad
- BMumbaiCorrect
- CChennai
- DBengaluru
Explanation
Correct. BARC is located in Trombay, Mumbai, and is India's premier nuclear research facility established in 1954.
Why the other options are incorrect
- Option A
Hyderabad hosts institutions like DRDL and NRSC but not BARC.
- Option C
Chennai hosts IGCAR, not BARC.
- Option D
Bengaluru hosts ISRO headquarters and HAL, not BARC.
Q3Science·Science Institutions, Missions and Applications
India's first indigenous nuclear-powered submarine, INS Arihant, carries which type of missile?
- ABrahMos cruise missile
- BK-15 Sagarika submarine-launched ballistic missileCorrect
- CAgni-V intercontinental ballistic missile
- DPrithvi short-range ballistic missile
Explanation
Correct. INS Arihant is armed with K-15 Sagarika submarine-launched ballistic missiles, giving India a sea-based nuclear deterrent.
Why the other options are incorrect
- Option A
BrahMos is a cruise missile for surface ships and aircraft; INS Arihant carries ballistic missiles.
- Option C
Agni-V is a land-based ICBM; it is not designed for submarine launch.
- Option D
Prithvi is a surface-to-surface missile, not a submarine-launched weapon.
Q4Science·Science Institutions, Missions and Applications
The Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) of India included which of the following missiles?
1. Agni
2. Prithvi
3. Trishul
4. Nag
5. Akash
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- A1, 2 and 5 only
- B1, 2, 3 and 4 only
- C2, 3, 4 and 5 only
- D1, 2, 3, 4 and 5Correct
Explanation
Correct. The IGMDP, led by Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, encompassed all five missile systems: Agni, Prithvi, Trishul, Nag, and Akash.
Why the other options are incorrect
- Option A
Trishul and Nag were also part of the IGMDP.
- Option B
Akash was also developed under the IGMDP.
- Option C
Agni was also part of the IGMDP.
Q5Science·Science Institutions, Missions and Applications
DBT's Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) primarily aims to:
- ARegulate the import and export of biotechnology products
- BFoster innovation and entrepreneurship in the biotechnology sectorCorrect
- CConduct basic research in molecular biology
- DManufacture and distribute vaccines across India
Explanation
Correct. BIRAC is a not-for-profit company set up by DBT to strengthen and empower emerging biotech enterprises through funding, mentoring, and incubation support.
Why the other options are incorrect
- Option A
Import-export regulation falls under trade and commerce bodies, not BIRAC.
- Option C
Basic molecular biology research is done by DBT-funded institutes, not BIRAC directly.
- Option D
Vaccine manufacturing is done by pharmaceutical companies; BIRAC supports the innovation ecosystem.
Q6Science·Science Institutions, Missions and Applications
Which of the following correctly describes the Village Resource Centre (VRC) programme of ISRO?
- AA programme to train village youth in rocket science
- BA satellite-based initiative connecting villages with expert services in agriculture, health, and educationCorrect
- CA rural electrification project using space-grade solar panels
- DA programme for building observatories in rural areas
Explanation
Correct. VRCs use ISRO's satellite communication infrastructure to provide rural communities with tele-education, tele-medicine, and agricultural advisories.
Why the other options are incorrect
- Option A
VRCs are not training centres for rocket science.
- Option C
VRCs use communication satellites, not solar panels for electrification.
- Option D
VRCs are service delivery centres, not observatories.
Q7Science·Science Institutions, Missions and Applications
Aryabhata, India's first satellite, was launched in which year?
- A1969
- B1972
- C1975Correct
- D1980
Explanation
Correct. Aryabhata was launched on 19 April 1975 from a Soviet launch site, making it India's first satellite.
Why the other options are incorrect
- Option A
1969 is the year ISRO was formally established, not when Aryabhata was launched.
- Option B
In 1972, the Space Commission and Department of Space were set up, but Aryabhata came later.
- Option D
In 1980, India launched the Rohini satellite on SLV-3, its first indigenous launch; Aryabhata was earlier.
Q8Science·Science Institutions, Missions and Applications
Which of the following institutions is responsible for India's tsunami early warning system?
- AIndia Meteorological Department (IMD)
- BIndian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS)Correct
- CNational Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
- DGeological Survey of India (GSI)
Explanation
Correct. INCOIS, based in Hyderabad under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, operates India's Tsunami Early Warning Centre.
Why the other options are incorrect
- Option A
IMD handles weather forecasting and cyclone warnings, not the tsunami warning system directly.
- Option C
NDMA coordinates disaster response policy but does not operate the tsunami detection system.
- Option D
GSI conducts geological surveys but does not run the tsunami warning system.
Q9Science·Science Institutions, Missions and Applications
Consider the following statements about Telemedicine initiatives supported by ISRO:
1. They use satellite communication to provide healthcare in remote areas.
2. They connect rural hospitals with specialised urban medical centres.
3. They have been exclusively implemented in the north-eastern states of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A1 and 2 onlyCorrect
- B1 only
- C2 and 3 only
- D1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Correct. ISRO's telemedicine programme uses satellite links to connect remote hospitals with urban specialists. It is not limited to north-eastern states but covers remote areas across India.
Why the other options are incorrect
- Option B
Statement 2 is also correct; connecting rural with urban hospitals is a core purpose.
- Option C
Statement 3 is incorrect; the programme operates across India, not just in the north-east.
- Option D
Statement 3 is factually wrong.
Q10Science·Science Institutions, Missions and Applications
Consider the following statements about the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB):
1. It was established by an Act of Parliament.
2. It functions under the Department of Science and Technology.
3. It funds research proposals across all areas of science and engineering.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A1 and 2 only
- B2 and 3 only
- C1 and 3 only
- D1, 2 and 3Correct
Explanation
Correct. SERB was established by the SERB Act 2008, functions under DST, and provides funding for research across all scientific and engineering disciplines.
Why the other options are incorrect
- Option A
Statement 3 is also correct; SERB supports research across science and engineering.
- Option B
Statement 1 is also correct; SERB was set up through the SERB Act, 2008.
- Option C
Statement 2 is also correct; SERB operates under DST.
Q11Science·Science Institutions, Missions and Applications
Which of the following applications of nuclear technology in India is/are for peaceful purposes?
1. Radiation treatment of cancer (radiotherapy)
2. Food irradiation for preservation
3. Use of radioisotopes in medical imaging
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- A1 and 3 only
- B2 only
- C1 and 2 only
- D1, 2 and 3Correct
Explanation
Correct. All three are civilian applications of nuclear technology: radiotherapy treats cancer, food irradiation extends shelf life, and radioisotopes are used in diagnostic imaging.
Why the other options are incorrect
- Option A
Food irradiation is also a well-established peaceful nuclear application.
- Option B
Radiotherapy and medical imaging are also peaceful applications.
- Option C
Radioisotopes in medical imaging (e.g., PET scans, SPECT) are also peaceful applications.
Q12Science·Science Institutions, Missions and Applications
The Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam is significant because:
- AIt is India's first thorium-based power reactor
- BIt is a sodium-cooled fast breeder reactor that represents Stage II of India's nuclear programmeCorrect
- CIt is the world's largest nuclear fusion experimental reactor
- DIt is an imported reactor technology from France
Explanation
Correct. PFBR is a 500 MWe sodium-cooled fast breeder reactor at Kalpakkam, representing Stage II of Bhabha's three-stage nuclear programme, which uses plutonium to breed more fuel.
Why the other options are incorrect
- Option A
Stage III of India's nuclear programme involves thorium; PFBR belongs to Stage II using plutonium.
- Option C
PFBR is a fission reactor, not a fusion reactor; ITER is the major fusion experiment.
- Option D
PFBR is indigenously designed by IGCAR, not imported from France.