Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution
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Correct Answer: Option (D) — Neither 1 nor 2
Concept & Option Breakdown
Standard Reference Verified• Statement 1 is incorrect: Ballistic missiles are rocket-powered during the initial boost phase and then follow an unpowered sub-orbital ballistic trajectory outside the atmosphere. Cruise missiles are jet-propelled (often at subsonic or supersonic speeds) and remain within the atmosphere throughout their flight. • Statement 2 is incorrect: Agni-V is an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), whereas BrahMos is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile.
Invert/Swapping Pattern: UPSC frequently interchanges the definitions and classifications between two distinct terms (e.g., swapping descriptions of Cruise vs Ballistic missiles in S1 and Agni-V vs BrahMos in S2).
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