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Question No. 135Interactive Test Mode
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Q135. Consider the following statements: 1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their flights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of flight. 2. 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?

Consider the following statements:

  1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their flights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of flight.
  2. 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?
Select the correct option below (or cross out options to eliminate)

Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution

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Official UPSC Answer KeyUPSC Prelims 2023 • Science and Technology

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.

Elimination Heuristic & Exam Approach

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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Question Specifications & Syllabus Mapping

Examination & YearUPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2023 (Q135)
Paper & Marking SchemeGS Paper I • 2 Marks (-0.66 Negative for incorrect response)
Syllabus Subject & TopicScience and Technology → Defence Technology
Official Answer KeyOption (D) — Neither 1 nor 2

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Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Prelims 2023 Q135

What is the official answer for UPSC Prelims 2023 GS Paper I Question 135 (Science and Technology)?

The official UPSC answer key for this 2023 Science and Technology (Defence Technology) question is Option (D): "Neither 1 nor 2". Correct attempts carry 2 Marks with -0.66 Negative penalty for wrong answers.

Which UPSC Prelims syllabus topic does this 2023 question belong to?

This question belongs to GS Paper I under the subject "Science and Technology" and micro-topic "Defence Technology". You can explore all repeated questions from Defence Technology in Acme AI's 3D Prelims PYQ Realm or practice 50 full-length and sectional tests in the APT Prelims Test Series.

How can I solve this Defence Technology UPSC Prelims question using option elimination?

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 AgniV vs BrahMos in S2).

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