UPSC Prelims 2009 Q136: Science & Technology – Defence Technology
In the context of Indian defence, consider the following statements :
1. The Shourya missile flies with a speed of more than 8 Mach.
2. The range of Shourya missile is more than 1600 km.
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
Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation
Checking two claims about the Shourya missile
These statements examine specific technical specifications of this Indian strategic missile.
| Statement | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Flies at more than 8 Mach | Incorrect | The Shourya missile's actual speed is around Mach 7.5, which does not exceed 8 Mach as claimed |
| 2. Range of more than 1600 km | Incorrect | The Shourya missile's actual range is around 600-750 km, far short of the claimed 1600+ km |
Correcting both specifications:
| Point | Correct detail |
|---|---|
| Speed | Around Mach 7.5 (NOT more than 8 Mach) |
| Range | Around 600-750 km (NOT more than 1600 km) |
Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The missile's speed is around Mach 7.5, not exceeding 8 Mach, so statement 1 is false.
- (b) Incorrect. The missile's range is around 600-750 km, far short of 1600 km, so statement 2 is false.
- (c) Incorrect. Both statements overstate the actual specifications, so 'both' cannot be correct.
- (d) CORRECT. Both the speed and range claims overstate the Shourya missile's actual specifications.
Key point
The Shourya missile's actual speed is around Mach 7.5 (NOT exceeding 8 Mach), and its actual range is around 600-750 km (NOT exceeding 1600 km) — both statements overstate the missile's real specifications.
Remember
Shourya missile: speed is around Mach 7.5 (not over 8 Mach), and range is around 600-750 km (not over 1600 km).
Common mistakes
- Accepting rounded-up or overstated technical specifications without checking the actual figures.
- Confusing the Shourya missile's range with that of longer-range Indian missiles.
- Not knowing the precise Mach number associated with this specific missile.
Exam tip
Shourya missile: actual speed ~Mach 7.5, actual range ~600-750 km — both figures are lower than the overstated claims in this question.
Sources
- Defence Research and Development Organisation — Shourya missile (Missile Complex, Hyderabad)
- Ministry of Defence, Government of India — Annual Report 2008–09 (Defence Research and Development)