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Science & TechnologyMediumAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2025, GS Paper I

What is the common characteristic of the chemical substances generally known as CL-20, HMX and LLM-105, which are sometimes talked about in media?

  1. A.These are alternatives to hydro-fluorocarbon refrigerants
  2. B.These are explosives in military weapons
  3. C.These are high-energy fuels for cruise missiles
  4. D.These are fuels for rocket propulsion

Correct answer

B. These are explosives in military weapons

Explanation

The correct answer is B, These are explosives in military weapons. CL-20, HMX and LLM-105 are all powerful high explosives used in warheads, shells and military charges.

HMX, also called octogen, is a nitramine explosive more powerful than RDX and is used in missile warheads and shaped charges. CL-20 (hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane) is one of the most energetic conventional explosives known, giving more blast for the same size of charge. LLM-105 is an insensitive high explosive: it is hard to set off by shock, heat or impact by accident, which makes munitions safer to store and handle. Research on such high-energy materials in India is carried out by DRDO laboratories such as the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory in Pune.

A is wrong: HFC substitutes are refrigerants such as hydrofluoro-olefins, not these compounds.

C is wrong: cruise missiles run on jet fuels in air-breathing engines, not on these explosives.

D is wrong: rocket propellants are fuel-oxidiser mixtures designed to burn steadily, while these compounds are meant to detonate.

Exam tip: HMX, RDX, CL-20, TNT = high explosives; LLM-105 = insensitive munition; HEMRL Pune is DRDO's lab for them.

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Q1.Science & TechnologyAsked in: CDS · CDS-I 2017, GKEasy

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited handed over the first two indigenously designed and manufactured light combat aircrafts to the Indian Air Force in 2016. What is the name of these new combat aircrafts?

  1. A.Marut
  2. B.Garud
  3. C.Tejas
  4. D.Pushpak
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Tejas

Tejas is India's indigenous Light Combat Aircraft, and the first two were handed over to the Indian Air Force on 1 July 2016 to form No. 45 Squadron, the Flying Daggers.

Q2.Science & TechnologyAsked in: CDS · CDS-I 2017, GKMedium

Which of the following statements about Bitcoin is/are correct? 1. It is a decentralized virtual currency. 2. It is generated through complex computer software systems. 3. The Reserve Bank of India recognized it as a legal tender in January 2016. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

Bitcoin is a decentralised digital currency created by computer software, but the Reserve Bank of India has never made it legal tender.

Q4.Science & TechnologyAsked in: CDS · CDS-I 2025, GKMedium

"Million Minds Augmenting National Aspirations and Knowledge" (MANAK), a scheme under the flagship programme, Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE), caters to :

  1. A.The college students studying in the undergraduate programme in the age group of 19 - 25 years.
  2. B.The research scholars in recognized research laboratories of national importance.
  3. C.The college teachers of the country.
  4. D.The school children studying in classes 6 - 10 in the age group of 10 - 15 years.
Show answer
Correct answer: D. The school children studying in classes 6 - 10 in the age group of 10 - 15 years.

INSPIRE-MANAK is the school-level part of INSPIRE. INSPIRE is run by the Department of Science and Technology to draw young talent into science.

Q5.Science & TechnologyAsked in: CDS · CDS-II 2016, GKMedium

Which one of the following statements is not correct?

  1. A.BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile made by India and Russian Federation.
  2. B.The name BrahMos came from two rivers, Brahmaputra of India and Moskva of Russia.
  3. C.Indian military scientists were capable of integrating BrahMos cruise missile with Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter.
  4. D.Defence Research and Development Organization is the manufacturer of Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter.
Show answer
Correct answer: D. Defence Research and Development Organization is the manufacturer of Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter.

The Sukhoi-30 MKI is not made by DRDO; it was designed by Russia's Sukhoi bureau and is built in India under licence by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) at Nashik.