UPSC Prelims 2015— Question 71

Correct answer: Option A. Indian Remote Sensing satellites support applications such as crop monitoring and productivity assessment, groundwater prospecting and mineral exploration. They can also support infrastructure and resource-management applications. In the specific combination tested, the core remote-sensing uses listed as 1, 2 and 3 are correct; telecommunications is generally associated more directly with communication satellites, while traffic studies are not the intended combination here. Option-wise analysis: Option A: “1, 2 and 3 only” is correct. It directly matches the factual or conceptual requirement tested by the question and is supported by the principle explained above. Option B: “4 and 5 only” is incorrect. It does not match the specific fact, definition, institutional role, geographical association, or constitutional/economic principle required here. The key distinction is the one identified in the core explanation, so this option can be eliminated. Option C: “1 and 2 only” is incorrect. It does not match the specific fact, definition, institutional role, geographical association, or constitutional/economic principle required here. The key distinction is the one identified in the core explanation, so this option can be eliminated. Option D: “1, 2, 3, 4 and 5” is incorrect. It does not match the specific fact, definition, institutional role, geographical association, or constitutional/economic principle required here. The key distinction is the one identified in the core explanation, so this option can be eliminated. Prelims takeaway: Focus on the precise institutional role, constitutional provision, geographical association, or technical definition being tested. UPSC questions often place a broadly familiar fact beside a narrowly incorrect qualifier; identifying that qualifier is essential for elimination.