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Science & TechnologyEasyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2018, GS Paper I

What is "Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)", sometimes seen in the news ?

  1. A.An Israeli radar system
  2. B.India's indigenous anti-missile programme
  3. C.An American anti-missile system
  4. D.A defence collaboration between Japan and South Korea

Correct answer

C. An American anti-missile system

Explanation

The correct answer is C, An American anti-missile system. THAAD is a United States ballistic missile defence system built to shoot down missiles in the last stage of their flight.

Developed by Lockheed Martin for the US Army, THAAD destroys short-, medium- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles in their terminal phase, both just inside and just outside the atmosphere. It uses "hit-to-kill" technology: the interceptor carries no explosive warhead and destroys the target by direct collision. Each battery has truck-mounted launchers, interceptor missiles, a powerful AN/TPY-2 radar and a fire-control unit. The US has deployed it in places such as Guam and South Korea, and its deployment in South Korea in 2017 drew strong protests from China.

A is wrong because Israel's well-known systems are Iron Dome and Arrow, and THAAD is not a radar alone. B is wrong because India's own programme is the DRDO's Ballistic Missile Defence with interceptors such as Prithvi Air Defence and Advanced Air Defence. D is wrong because THAAD is not a Japan–South Korea project.

Exam tip: THAAD = USA, hit-to-kill, terminal phase; Iron Dome = Israel; S-400 = Russia.

Practice Questions

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Q1.Science & TechnologyAsked in: CDS · CDS-II 2024, GKEasy

Mission Shakti (DRDO) of India is related to which one among the following ?

  1. A.Launch of multiple satellites using a single rocket
  2. B.Launch of heavy satellites
  3. C.Use of high power rockets in launching of satellites
  4. D.Use of rocket to destroy an orbiting satellite
Show answer
Correct answer: D. Use of rocket to destroy an orbiting satellite

Mission Shakti was India's first anti-satellite (ASAT) missile test. On 27 March 2019 DRDO fired a ground-launched interceptor from Dr. A.P.J.

Q2.Science & TechnologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2016, GS Paper IMedium

Which one of the following is the best description of 'INS Astradharini', that was in the news recently?

  1. A.Amphibious warfare ship
  2. B.Nuclear-powered submarine
  3. C.Torpedo launch and recovery vessel
  4. D.Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Torpedo launch and recovery vessel

INS Astradharini is an Indian Navy ship built to launch torpedoes during trials and recover them afterwards. The vessel was commissioned at Visakhapatnam in 2015.

Q3.Science & TechnologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2017, GS Paper IHard

With reference to 'Quality Council of India (QCI)', consider the following statements:

1. QCI was set up jointly by the Government of India and the Indian Industry.

2. Chairman of QCI is appointed by the Prime Minister on the recommendations of the industry to the Government.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

  1. A.1 only
  2. B.2 only
  3. C.Both 1 and 2
  4. D.Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Both 1 and 2

QCI is a joint body of the government and industry, and its chairperson is appointed by the Prime Minister on the industry's recommendation.

Q4.Science & TechnologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2026, GS Paper IMedium

Which of the following statements with regard to India's Deep Ocean Mission is/are correct?

1. It was launched by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India.

2. Matsya-6000 has been designed to carry 3 people for deep sea exploration.

3. Samudrayaan is a project under this mission.

Select the answer using the code given below:

  1. A.1 only
  2. B.2 and 3 only
  3. C.1 and 2 only
  4. D.1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Correct answer: B. 2 and 3 only

Samudrayaan is part of the Deep Ocean Mission and its vehicle Matsya-6000 is built to take three people into the deep sea; the mission belongs to the Ministry of Earth Sciences.

Q5.Science & TechnologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2022, GS Paper IMedium

In the context of vaccines manufactured to prevent COVID-19 pandemic, consider the following statements:

1. The Serum Institute of India produced COVID-19 vaccine named Covishield using mRNA platform.

2. Sputnik V vaccine is manufactured using vector based platform.

3. COVAXIN is an inactivated pathogen based vaccine.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. A.1 and 2 only
  2. B.2 and 3 only
  3. C.1 and 3 only
  4. D.1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Correct answer: B. 2 and 3 only

Sputnik V uses adenovirus vectors and Covaxin uses killed (inactivated) virus; Covishield is not an mRNA vaccine. Covishield is the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine made in India by the Serum Institute.