Change set
Pick exam & year, then Go.
Question map
With reference to India's defence, consider the following pairs : I. Dornier-228 : Maritime patrol aircraft II. IL-76 : Supersonic combat aircraft III. C-17 Globe-master III : Military transport aircraft How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
Explanation
The Dornier 228 is used by India for patrol and surveillance/reconnaissance operations[2], confirming it is a maritime patrol aircraft. Therefore, pair I is correctly matched.
The IL-76 (Ilyushin Il-76) is used by the Indian Air Force for strategic[4] airlift operations and is classified as a strategic airlifter[3], not a supersonic combat aircraft. It is a standard Soviet-Russian strategic-level transport aircraft[5]. Therefore, pair II is incorrectly matched.
The C-17 is listed among military platforms used by India along with other aircraft[6], and it is indeed a military transport aircraft (the C-17 Globemaster III is a well-known strategic airlifter). Therefore, pair III is correctly matched.
Since pairs I and III are correct while pair II is incorrect, only two pairs are correctly matched.
Sources- [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_active_Indian_military_aircraft
- [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_active_Indian_military_aircraft
- [3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Air_Force
- [4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_active_Indian_military_aircraft
- [6] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: IndiaâPolitical Aspects > INDIA'S ROLE IN WORLD AFFAIRS > p. 59
PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
Guest previewThis is a classic 'Functional Mismatch' trap. UPSC tests if you can distinguish a 'truck' (Transport) from a 'racecar' (Combat). While C-17 is in standard books like Majid Husain, the IL-76 statement relies on basic defence awarenessâknowing that a heavy lifter cannot be a supersonic fighter.
This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.
- Explicitly lists the Dornier 228 under the Indian military aircraft inventory with the role 'Patrol / Surveillance'.
- Includes the Indian variant (228-201) and the number in service, indicating it is operated by India in that role.
- Shows the Dornier 228 in the active Indian military aircraft list with the role 'Patrol / Reconnaissance', i.e. a maritime patrol role.
- Specifies Indian variants (228-101/201) and numbers in service, demonstrating operation by India.
Lists Dornier DO-228 among Indian Airlines' fleet, showing the type exists in Indian civil aviation service.
A student could note that an aircraft type used civilly often has multiple variants (civil/military) and look up whether military versions or maritime variants of the DO-228 exist or are procured by defence services.
Explains Airport Authority of India operates both civil enclaves and defence airfields, indicating aircraft of a given type can be operated in civil or defence roles.
Combine this with knowledge of where Dornier-228s are based to check whether any are assigned to defence airfields (suggesting military/maritime use).
Describes India's extensive coastline and strategic maritime location, implying a practical need for maritime patrol capabilities.
Given the maritime security requirement, a student could investigate which small aircraft types (e.g., light turboprops like the DO-228) are typically used for maritime patrol and whether India equips DO-228s for that role.
Defines 'Defence of India' and explicitly lists naval, military and air forces, highlighting that maritime (naval) surveillance is a defence responsibility.
A student could use this to justify checking defence procurement records or service inventories (Navy/Coast Guard) for DO-228 maritime patrol variants.
This tab shows concrete study steps: what to underline in books, how to map current affairs, and how to prepare for similar questions.
Login with Google to unlock study guidance.
Discover the small, exam-centric ideas hidden in this question and where they appear in your books and notes.
Login with Google to unlock micro-concepts.
Access hidden traps, elimination shortcuts, and Mains connections that give you an edge on every question.
Login with Google to unlock The Vault.
SIMILAR QUESTIONS
3 Cross-Linked PYQs
UPSC repeats concepts across years. Login to see how this question connects to 3 others.
Login with Google