UPSC Editorials Quiz : 2 May 2026

Solution: D

• The Human Rated Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (HLVM-3) is an advanced, human-rated adaptation of ISRO’s LVM3 designed to safely carry astronauts under the Gaganyaan mission.

Option (d) is correct — the key distinguishing feature of HLVM-3 is its incorporation of a Crew Escape System (CES). This system ensures that in case of any malfunction during launch or atmospheric ascent, the crew module can quickly detach and move away safely to protect the astronauts, up until the point of atmospheric separation.

Solution: B

Statement 1 is incorrect — fixing Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) is the responsibility of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) under the Ministry of Agriculture. APEDA focuses on facilitating exports.

Statements 2 and 3 are correct — APEDA offers financial support for export infrastructure and manages the registration of exporters dealing with scheduled products like fruits, vegetables, and processed foods.

About Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA):

• What it is: The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is a statutory body promoting agricultural exports.
• Headquarters: New Delhi, India.
• Established: Under the APEDA Act of 1985; operational from 13th February 1986.
• Ministry: Operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.

Major Functions:

• Registration of exporters and promotion of scheduled product exports.
• Fixing quality standards and specifications for exports.
• Providing financial assistance for packaging, marketing, and infrastructure development.
• Organizing pre-clearance programs and facilitating international market access.
• Conducting surveys, training, and publishing trade statistics.
• Promoting export-oriented production and sustainability in agricultural exports.

Solution: A

Statement 1 is correct — V2G allows EVs to act as mobile energy storage units that discharge electricity during peak loads, helping grid stability.

Statement 2 is correct — V2G helps manage the intermittency of renewable sources like solar and wind by absorbing excess generation and supplying it when needed.

Statement 3 is incorrect— V2G does not mandate specialized large-capacity batteries; standard EV batteries with bi-directional chargers suffice.

About Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Technology:

• What is V2G Technology?

• • Definition: V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) is a system where Electric Vehicles (EVs) communicate with the power grid to return stored energy, enabling two-way electricity flow.
  • Developed by: The concept was first proposed in the late 1990s by Dr. Willett Kempton and researchers at the University of Delaware.

• How does V2G Work?

• • Grid to Vehicle (G2V): EVs charge from the grid when electricity demand is low or renewable generation is high.
  • Vehicle to Grid (V2G): When parked and connected, EVs can discharge power back to the grid during peak demand hours through bi-directional chargers.
  • Smart Charging: Utilizes Time-of-Use (ToU) pricing to optimize charging during renewable energy surplus times and discharging during grid shortages.

• Significance of V2G Technology

• • Grid Stability: Supports grid balance by acting as distributed energy storage, especially during renewable energy fluctuations.
  • Boosts Renewable Energy Use: Stores surplus solar and wind power for nighttime or cloudy periods.
  • Energy Resilience: EVs can serve as emergency power sources during disasters.
  • Economic Incentives: EV owners can earn by supplying electricity back to the grid, seen in models across Europe and the U.S.
  • Decarbonization Push: Helps India align with its net-zero carbon emission target by 2070 by reducing reliance on fossil fuels for electricity needs.

Solution: C

Statement-I is correct. The Crew Escape System (CES) integrated into ISRO’s HLVM-3 (Human-rated LVM3) is designed to maximize astronaut safety during launch. In the event of a launch anomaly—such as rocket malfunction or explosion during ascent—the CES can rapidly separate the crew module from the launch vehicle, propelling it away to a safe distance using quick-reacting motors. This significantly enhances the survivability of astronauts during the most critical phases of launch.

Statement-II is incorrect. The CES does not wait until the spacecraft reaches Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to activate. In fact, it is specifically designed to function during the initial atmospheric phase of the launch, when the risks of mechanical failure or explosion are highest. Once the rocket clears this danger zone and is on a stable trajectory toward orbit, the escape system is jettisoned, as its utility diminishes post-atmosphere.

Solution: D

Tungsten is used in armor-piercing projectiles due to its density and strength, and in aerospace for high-strength, heat-resistant alloys.

Tungsten’s density (~19.3 g/cm³) and hardness make it effective in military-grade applications, while its thermal properties are indispensable in aerospace engineering for withstanding high temperatures.