UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Dr. Jitendra Singh Urges Industry to Accelerate Commercialisation of Indian Innovation, Scale Up Capabilities for Strategic Sovereignty by 2047

Q1. With reference to Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. An attempt to intercept and measure the photons that carry the key disturbs their quantum state, which allows the legitimate users to detect the eavesdropper.
  2. The security of QKD rests on the computational difficulty of mathematical problems such as factorising very large numbers, not on physical laws.
  3. A QKD link can use free-space optical paths as well as optical fibre, and the two media can be integrated into a single communication link.
  • A. 1 and 3 only
  • B. 1, 2 and 3
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1 and 2 only

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

  1. Free-space Quantum Key Distribution is an attractive option for securing communication links across difficult terrain and in dense urban areas.
  2. In entanglement-based Quantum Key Distribution, any attempt to measure or intercept the photons disturbs their quantum state and reveals the presence of an eavesdropper.
  • 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. Consider the following pairs of quantum-technology components and their roles under India's National Quantum Mission: Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

  1. Atomic clock — precision timing for communication and navigation
  2. Nitrogen-vacancy-centre magnetometer — sensing extremely weak magnetic fields
  3. Trusted node — intermediate point that extends key distribution over long fibre links
  4. Wavelength division multiplexing — physical platform on which qubits are fabricated
  • A. 1, 2, 3 and 4
  • B. 2, 3 and 4 only
  • C. 1, 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1 and 2 only

Q4. Consider the following statements: Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. Setting up second-generation ethanol plants in major crop-growing regions can help reduce the burning of crop residue in fields.
  2. Second-generation ethanol is produced from lignocellulosic agricultural residues such as paddy straw and wheat straw.
  • 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

Q5. With reference to the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe), consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. It is a division of ISRO whose main task is to carry out ISRO's own satellite launches on a commercial basis.
  2. It promotes, authorises and supervises the space activities of non-governmental entities, including building launch vehicles and satellites.
  3. Non-governmental entities it authorises are barred from using DOS/ISRO facilities and must build all their infrastructure independently.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3
  • B. 2 only
  • C. 1 and 2 only
  • D. 2 and 3 only