UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — VOC Port Authority Becomes India’s First Port to Initiate Anti-Drone Security System

Q1. In the anti-drone security system being installed at V.O. Chidambaranar Port, the 'man-pack jammer' component is best described as which of the following?

  • A. A portable jamming device that disrupts the drone's GNSS/command-and-control radio links to neutralise it
  • B. A passive receiver that identifies drones by picking up the radio signal between the drone and its ground controller
  • C. A radar unit that tracks autonomous, radio-silent drones by their reflected returns
  • D. An optical sensor that classifies drones by matching their visual signature to a database

Q2. With reference to the integrated anti-drone system at V.O. Chidambaranar Port, consider the following statements: 1. The Radio Frequency (RF) detector identifies drones by intercepting the radio link between the drone and its ground controller. 2. The drone-detection radar can detect autonomous drones that operate without an active radio link. 3. The man-pack jammer neutralises drones by firing kinetic projectiles that physically destroy them. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The Radio Frequency (RF) detector identifies drones by intercepting the radio link between the drone and its ground controller.
  2. The drone-detection radar can detect autonomous drones that operate without an active radio link.
  3. The man-pack jammer neutralises drones by firing kinetic projectiles that physically destroy them.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 1 and 3 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q3. Under the Major Port Authorities Act, 2021, the Major Ports of India — including V.O. Chidambaranar Port — are administered under the jurisdiction of which Union Ministry?

  • A. Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
  • B. Ministry of Commerce and Industry
  • C. Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
  • D. Ministry of Defence

Q4. Which one of the following is the principal statute that currently governs the administration of V.O. Chidambaranar and the other Major Ports of India (as of 2026)?

  • A. The Major Port Authorities Act, 2021
  • B. The Major Port Trusts Act, 1963
  • C. The Indian Ports Act, 1908
  • D. The Indian Ports Bill, 2025

Q5. V.O. Chidambaranar Port is counted among how many Major Ports of India administered by the Central Government?

  • A. 12
  • B. 9
  • C. 15
  • D. 6

Q6. Under the Major Port Authorities Act, 2021, in which body is the administration, control and management of V.O. Chidambaranar Port vested?

  • A. The Board of the Major Port Authority
  • B. The Tariff Authority for Major Ports
  • C. The Directorate General of Shipping
  • D. The Tamil Nadu Maritime Board

Q7. Under the Sagarmala Programme, the pillar of 'Port-Led Industrialisation' primarily refers to which of the following?

  • A. Development of Coastal Economic Zones and industrial clusters in the vicinity of ports
  • B. Mechanisation and digital upgradation of existing port infrastructure
  • C. Strengthening rail and road links between ports and their hinterland
  • D. Shifting cargo movement to coastal shipping and inland waterways

Q8. With reference to the Sagarmala Programme, consider the following: 1. Port Modernisation 2. Port Connectivity 3. Coastal Community Development 4. Coastal Border Security Which of the above are correctly identified as pillars of the Sagarmala Programme?

  1. Port Modernisation
  2. Port Connectivity
  3. Coastal Community Development
  4. Coastal Border Security
  • A. 1, 2 and 3 only
  • B. 1, 2 and 4 only
  • C. 2, 3 and 4 only
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q9. With reference to India's counter-drone framework, consider the following statements: 1. The Drone Rules, 2021 were notified by the Central Government in the wake of the June 2021 drone attack on the Jammu Air Force Station. 2. Counter-drone measures such as RF jamming and kinetic interception fall under the Ministry of Home Affairs. 3. Under the airspace-zoning framework, critical infrastructure and high-security areas are designated as green zones where drones may be flown without permission. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The Drone Rules, 2021 were notified by the Central Government in the wake of the June 2021 drone attack on the Jammu Air Force Station.
  2. Counter-drone measures such as RF jamming and kinetic interception fall under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
  3. Under the airspace-zoning framework, critical infrastructure and high-security areas are designated as green zones where drones may be flown without permission.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q10. In India, active counter-drone (counter-UAS) measures such as radio-frequency jamming and kinetic interception fall primarily within the remit of which Union Ministry?

  • A. Ministry of Home Affairs
  • B. Ministry of Civil Aviation
  • C. Ministry of Defence
  • D. Ministry of Science and Technology

Q11. As part of its green and digital maritime infrastructure push, projects of over how much value (in rupees) were launched at V.O. Chidambaranar Port by the Union Minister?

  • A. Over Rs 1,500 crore
  • B. Over Rs 500 crore
  • C. Over Rs 77 crore
  • D. Over Rs 5,000 crore