Q1. With reference to the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), consider the following statements:
- It provides incentives for semiconductor fabrication and display manufacturing units.
- It focuses on chip fabrication and excludes design and packaging segments.
- It aims to reduce India’s dependence on imported semiconductors.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 1 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation:
- Statement 1 – Correct:
- ISM provides fiscal incentives for semiconductor fabs, display fabs, and compound semiconductor units.
- Part of broader ₹76,000 crore semiconductor ecosystem push.
- Statement 2 – Incorrect:
- ISM adopts a holistic value-chain approach:
- Design Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme
- ATMP/OSAT (Assembly, Testing, Marking, Packaging)
- Hence, not limited to fabrication alone.
- ISM adopts a holistic value-chain approach:
- Statement 3 – Correct:
- Core objective: strategic technological self-reliance
- Reduce import dependence (~90% chips imported) and enhance supply chain resilience.
Q2. With reference to the Outer Space Treaty (1967), consider the following statements:
- States bear responsibility for both governmental and non-governmental space activities.
- It provides a binding framework for space debris mitigation.
- States are internationally liable for damage caused by their space objects.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation:
- Statement 1 – Correct (Article VI):
- States are responsible for all national space activities, including private entities.
- Requires authorization and continuing supervision.
- Statement 2 – Incorrect:
- Treaty does not explicitly regulate space debris mitigation.
- Current norms arise from non-binding guidelines (e.g., UN COPUOS).
- Statement 3 – Correct (Article VII):
- Establishes international liability for damage caused by space objects.
- Further detailed in the 1972 Liability Convention.
Q3. Consider the following statements regarding implications of high maternal mortality:
- It affects women’s health and productivity.
- It has intergenerational impacts on child health and development.
- It has a major relation to human development indicators.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. Only One
B. Only Two
C. Only Three
D. None
Answer: C
Explanation:
- Statement 1 – Correct:
- Loss of women in reproductive age reduces labour force participation and household productivity.
- Statement 2 – Correct:
- Leads to higher infant mortality, malnutrition, poor cognitive outcomes.
- Reinforces cycle of poverty and deprivation.
- Statement 3 – Correct:
- Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) is a key indicator of:
- Healthcare access
- Gender equity
- Human Development Index (HDI) performance
- Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) is a key indicator of:
Q4. Consider the following statements regarding Artemis II mission:
- It is the first human mission to land on the Moon after Apollo programme.
- It will carry astronauts on a lunar flyby mission without landing.
- It is a precursor to a future lunar landing mission under Artemis programme.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. Only One
B. Only Two
C. Only Three
D. None
Answer: B
Explanation:
- Statement 1 – Incorrect:
- Artemis II is not a landing mission; landing is planned under Artemis III.
- Statement 2 – Correct:
- It is a crewed lunar flyby mission (~10 days), testing deep-space systems.
- Statement 3 – Correct:
- Acts as a critical validation step before human lunar landing.
Q5. Which of the following roles can a Project 17A stealth frigate perform?
- Anti-submarine warfare
- Air defence operations
- Surface strike missions
Select the correct answer using the code below:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D
Explanation:
- Multi-role stealth frigates under Indian Navy modernization.
- Capabilities include:
- Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW): Torpedoes, sonar systems
- Air Defence: MRSAM (Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile)
- Surface Strike: BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles
- Designed for network-centric warfare and blue-water operations.


