GS3

General Studies-III: Technology, Economic Development, Bio diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management

Indigenisation of Technology — UPSC Questions

Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.

Previous year questions and Mains practice questions on this exact syllabus topic, collected from every GainingSun analysis mapped to it. Each question links back to the analysis it came from, so you can read the material behind the answer.

Previous year questions (from 2 analyses)

Questions UPSC has set on this syllabus topic, as cited in our analyses.

With reference to Agni-IV Missile, which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC Prelims 2014) It is a surface-to-surface missile. It is fuelled by liquid propellant only. It can deliver one-tonne nuclear warheads about 7500 km away. Select the correct answer using the code given below: A) 1 only B) 2 and 3 only C) 1 and 3 only D) 1, 2 and 3 Correct Answer: A Explanation: Agni-IV is a two-stage surface-to-surface ballistic missile developed by DRDO, so statement 1 is correct. It uses solid propellant, not liquid propellant only, making statement 2 incorrect. Its range is about 4,000 km with a one-tonne payload — not 7,500 km — making statement 3 incorrect. Hence only statement 1 is correct.
From China's SLBM Test Explained: JL-3, Nuclear Triad and the Worries for India, Indo-Pacific
Consider the following statements: Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their flights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of flight. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2
From DRDO BMD Phase-II Tested: AD-1, AD-2 Interceptors, ICBM-Class Shield & NASM-MR Explained

Mains practice questions (from 11 analyses)

Practice questions written for this topic, each tied to the current affairs that would answer it.

China's first submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missile test in international waters signals the maturation of its nuclear triad and a shift away from minimum deterrence. Examine the implications of China's evolving nuclear posture for India's security, and suggest measures India should take to strengthen the credibility and survivability of its own nuclear deterrent. (250 words, 15 marks)
From China's SLBM Test Explained: JL-3, Nuclear Triad and the Worries for India, Indo-Pacific
India's recent validation of a multi-layered Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system marks a significant step in its strategic deterrence. Discuss the architecture of India's BMD programme and critically examine the challenges and strategic implications of building an effective missile shield. (250 words, 15 marks)
From DRDO BMD Phase-II Tested: AD-1, AD-2 Interceptors, ICBM-Class Shield & NASM-MR Explained
Space weather poses a growing threat to modern technological infrastructure. In this context, discuss the scientific significance of missions that study the interaction between the solar wind and Earth's magnetosphere, and examine how such international collaborations complement India's own space-science efforts. (250 words)
From SMILE Mission Explained: How ESA-China Probe Will Image Earth's Magnetosphere & Decode the Solar Wind
Discuss the technical challenges in maintaining reliability of launch vehicles like PSLV and suggest measures for ISRO to strengthen India's space program in light of recent failures.
From ISRO's PSLV-C62 Mission Failure: Understanding Third-Stage Anomaly and Its Impact on India's Space Reliability
Discuss the challenges faced by ISRO in maintaining the reliability of its launch vehicles like PSLV, and suggest measures to enhance quality control and transparency in India's space program.
From ISRO's PSLV-C62 Mission Fails Due to Third Stage Issue: Understanding the Setback and Its Impact on India's Space Goals
Examine the significance of Mission Sudarshan Chakra in enhancing India's air defence capabilities and discuss its role in promoting self-reliance in defence technology amid evolving geopolitical threats.
From Mission Sudarshan Chakra: Integrating Energy Weapons, Satellites, and Radar Networks for India's Nationwide Air Defence Shield
Analyze the vulnerabilities in India's air defence systems revealed during Operation Sindoor and evaluate how the proposed radar upgrades, integrated with networks like Akashteer, can enhance border security while promoting indigenous defence manufacturing under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
From After Operation Sindoor: Indian Army Fast-Tracks Radar Upgrades to Shield Borders from Drone Swarms
Discuss the significance of the Gaganyaan mission in the context of India's space program, highlighting its objectives, challenges, and contributions to national development. (250 words)
From Gaganyaan: ISRO Conducts Simulation Missions Ahead of India's First Human Spaceflight
Evaluate the strategic and technological significance of the Agni-5 missile for India’s national security. How does it align with India’s nuclear doctrine and impact regional security dynamics?
From India Successfully Test-Fires Agni-5 Missile, Strengthens Strategic Deterrence
Analyze the significance of recent Harappan archaeological discoveries in understanding ancient Indian urban planning and technological advancement.
From Harappan Civilization: New Archaeological Discoveries
Discuss the significance of National Space Day in 2025 in advancing India’s scientific achievements, educational outreach, and space policy goals. How does it reflect the link between India’s historical legacy and future ambitions in space exploration?
From India Observes National Space Day on August 23, 2025