UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Defence Ministry seals ₹498-crore INS Betwa refit deal

Q1. With reference to propulsion systems used in warships, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. Gas turbines are widely used as the main engines of naval combat vessels mainly because they deliver high power from a comparatively small weight and volume of machinery.
  2. In a steam turbine plant, the fuel is burnt inside the turbine casing itself, so no separate boiler is needed to drive the shaft.
  3. In nuclear-powered warships the reactor drives the propeller shaft directly, so no steam turbine is needed.
  4. A COSAG arrangement combines steam turbines and gas turbines in a single propulsion plant.
  • A. 1, 3 and 4 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 2 only
  • D. 1 and 4 only

Q2. Consider the following statements: Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. Over the twentieth century, diesel engines gradually displaced steam turbines as the dominant form of commercial ship propulsion.
  2. Diesel engines are more energy-efficient than steam plants, and the sharp rise in oil prices in the 1970s made this fuel saving decisive.
  • A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
  • B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
  • C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
  • D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Q3. With reference to surface warship types as classified by most navies today, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A frigate is generally a smaller warship than a destroyer.
  2. A corvette is a small, fast vessel that ranks below a frigate.
  3. The modern use of the term 'frigate' began in the Second World War for ships that escorted convoys mainly against enemy surface battleships.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 1 only
  • D. 2 and 3 only

Q4. With reference to the Positive Indigenisation Lists issued by the Ministry of Defence, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The import embargo on a listed item applies only after the timeline notified for that particular item.
  2. The lists have covered not only complete weapon platforms but also sub-systems, line replacement units and spares.
  3. Separate lists have been issued for items procured by Defence Public Sector Undertakings, in addition to those for the Services.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 1 and 3 only
  • C. 1, 2 and 3
  • D. 2 and 3 only