UPSC Prelims 2015— Question 73

Correct answer: Option D. IndARC refers to India’s Arctic research initiative involving an underwater observatory installed in the Kongsfjorden region of Svalbard. It is designed to collect observations on Arctic waters, sea ice and related environmental processes. It is not a radar, communications satellite or Antarctic establishment. Option-wise analysis: Option A: “an indigenously developed radar system inducted into Indian Defence” 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 B: “India’s satellite to provide services to the countries of Indian Ocean Rim” 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: “a scientific establishment set up by India in Antarctic region” 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: “India’s underwater observatory to scientifically study the Arctic region” is correct. It directly matches the factual or conceptual requirement tested by the question and is supported by the principle explained above. 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.