[Mission 2023] STATIC QUIZ, 7 April 2023 – Science and Technology

Solution: a)

Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) is the most powerful technique for determining the structure of organic compounds. NMR techniques are used successfully in various food systems for quality control and research.

Solution: d)

What is the Agni-5 missile?

The nuclear-capable missile, which uses a three-stage solid-fuelled engine, has been developed by India’s Defence Research and Development organisation (DRDO).

The development of Agni missiles started in early 1980 under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme spearheaded by scientist and former President Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, who was also a central figure in India’s missile and space programmes.

Medium to Intercontinental versions of Agni missile systems 1 to 5 have varying ranges — starting from 700 km for Agni-1 to 5000 km and above for Agni-5. In June 2021, DRDO successfully tested Agni P, a canisterised missile with a range capability between 1,000 and 2,000 km.

This means that the missile can be launched from road and rail platforms, making it easier for it to be deployed and launched at a quicker pace. Agni-6 is also said to be under development, with a range starting at 8000 km.

Solution: b)

ANTI-TANK GUIDED MISSILE: Nag has already been inducted into the services. Nag is the only “fire-and-forget ATGM meeting all weather requirements for its range (around 20 km)”.

SURFACE-TO-AIR MISSILE: The short-range SAM system Akash has already been inducted in the Army and the Air Force.

AIR-TO-AIR: Astra, India’s Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM), has been completely tested and is under induction. It has a range of around 100 km.

AIR-TO-GROUND: Rudram, a New Generation Anti-Radiation Missile (NGRAM). With a maximum range of around 200 km, the missile mainly targets communication, radar and surveillance systems of the adversary.

Solution: c)

‘Grey Zone Operations’ which fall outside traditional concepts of conflicts have become the new battleground, especially in regard to cyber warfare. ‘Grey Zone Operations’ are already beginning to be employed to undermine the vitals of a state’s functioning, a trend likely to grow. The convergence of emerging technologies alongside new hybrid usages, pose several challenges to nations and institutions.

Solution: b)

Six Scorpene submarines are being built under Project-75 by MDL under technology transfer from Naval Group of France. The first submarine INS Kalvari was commissioned in December 2017, second submarine INS Khanderi in September 2019, third one INS  Karanj in March 2021 and the fourth one INS  Vela joined service in November 2021. The fifth submarine, Vagir, was delivered to the Navy in December 2022.

INS Arihant is India’s first indigenous nuclear powered ballistic missile capable submarine.

The Navy has drawn up plans to install Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) modules on all Scorpene submarines as they go for their refit beginning with INS Kalvari in the next couple of years to enhance their endurance.