UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — MoD signs ₹4,106-cr. deals for IAF satellite, torpedoes

Q1. Dedicated military communication satellites such as those of the GSAT-7 series are placed in geostationary orbit. With reference to such satellites, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A satellite in geostationary orbit keeps a fixed position relative to a point on the Earth's surface, so fixed ground antennas need not track it across the sky.
  2. Because of its much higher altitude, a geostationary satellite introduces a longer signal delay than a satellite in low earth orbit does.
  3. A single geostationary satellite provides reliable coverage over the polar regions as well as over the equatorial belt.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 1, 2 and 3
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1 only

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

  1. The GSAT-7 satellite was designed to provide communication capabilities over a wide oceanic region as well as the Indian landmass, which suits it to naval operations.
  2. GSAT-7 was placed in a low earth orbit so that a single satellite could provide continuous coverage over the Indian Ocean.
  • 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 the post-2020 reforms of India's space sector, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. NSIL is the body that authorises and supervises the space activities of non-governmental private entities.
  2. Under the demand-driven model, NSIL aggregates user requirements and obtains commitments before satellites are built.
  3. NSIL may acquire only satellites built by ISRO; satellites developed by private industry fall outside its mandate.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3
  • B. 1 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 2 only

Q4. With reference to torpedoes used in anti-submarine warfare, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Varunastra, being a heavy-weight torpedo, is designed primarily to be air-dropped from maritime patrol aircraft and helicopters.
  2. Torpedoes rely on acoustic homing because electromagnetic waves travel through seawater with less attenuation than sound waves do.
  3. In a missile-assisted torpedo delivery system such as SMART, the payload carried by the missile is a light-weight torpedo.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3
  • B. 3 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1 only

Q5. Consider the following statements: Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. The SMART system extends the Indian Navy's anti-submarine reach well beyond the range of a conventional torpedo.
  2. In SMART, a missile carries the torpedo through the air to the vicinity of the target and releases it there, after which the torpedo continues the attack underwater.
  • 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

Q6. With reference to the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. Buy (Indian-IDDM) is given the highest priority among the capital acquisition categories.
  2. Compared with DPP 2016, DAP 2020 lowered the minimum indigenous content required under Buy (Indian-IDDM) in order to widen the vendor base.
  3. The Buy (Indian-IDDM) category is reserved for Indian vendors, so a foreign manufacturer cannot bid in it directly.
  4. In the order of preference, Buy (Indian) ranks above Buy and Make (Indian).
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2, 3 and 4 only
  • C. 1, 3 and 4 only
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q7. Consider the following assertion: The October 2026 contracts for the GSAT-7C satellite and the Varunastra torpedo are an example of self-reliance in defence procurement. Which of the statements given above support/supports the assertion?

  1. The combined value of the two contracts exceeds ₹4,000 crore.
  2. Both systems are described as designed, developed and manufactured within India.
  3. Both contracts were placed with Indian public-sector companies rather than with foreign suppliers.
  • A. 2 and 3 only
  • B. 3 only
  • C. 1 and 2 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3