Archive · 23 Sep 2026
UPSC Science Quiz Covers Propulsion, Space Missions and Tarang Shakti
This article is a science and technology quiz for UPSC exam preparation.
One question explains why liquid oxygen and liquid methane may be useful fuels for future spacecraft.
Another explains that HbA1c shows how much sugar has attached to red blood cells.
It usually gives an average picture of blood sugar over about three months.
The quiz also asks about cooperation between Indian and European space agencies.
Aditya-L1 and Proba-3 are listed as examples of that cooperation.
Tarang Shakti-26 is an air exercise involving India and several other countries.
Its goals include learning, working better together and building partnerships.
Finally, Russia’s Progress 96 spacecraft is described as carrying supplies to astronauts and cosmonauts at the International Space Station.
Liquid oxygen and liquid methane propulsion systems are presented as promising options for some future space vehicles.
HbA1c measures glucose attached to haemoglobin and generally reflects about three months, not six months, of average glucose exposure.
Aditya-L1 and Proba-3 involved engagements between Indian and European space agencies, while BepiColombo is an ESA-JAXA mission.
Tarang Shakti-26 is a multinational Indian Air Force exercise focused on operational learning, interoperability and stronger partnerships.
Russia’s Progress 96 cargo spacecraft delivered about three tonnes of supplies to the International Space Station.
- Who
- The quiz concerns NASA, ISRO, ESA, the Indian Air Force, participating foreign air forces and Russia’s space program.
- What
- The article presents five Science and Technology multiple-choice questions covering propulsion, HbA1c, space cooperation, Tarang Shakti-26 and Progress 96.
- When
- The quiz is identified as Week 181; the article references September 16 for the Progress 96 launch and September 26 to October 12 for Tarang Shakti-26.
- Where
- The referenced activities involve space vehicles, the International Space Station, and Air Force Station Jodhpur and adjoining air bases.
- Why
- The quiz is intended to help UPSC candidates revise important static and current-affairs topics in Science and Technology.
- Propellant systems
- Liquid oxygen and liquid methane systems are described as promising for some future space vehicles.
- Propulsion advantage
- An integrated main and reaction-control system using these propellants could reduce overall system mass compared with conventional hypergolic systems.
- HbA1c timeframe
- HbA1c generally reflects roughly three months of average glucose exposure.
- European-Indian missions
- The article identifies Aditya-L1 and Proba-3 as involving engagements between European and Indian space agencies.
- Tarang Shakti-26
- The multinational air exercise is scheduled for September 26 to October 12 at Jodhpur and adjoining air bases.
- Tarang Shakti participants
- India, Australia, Bangladesh, France, the United States, Germany, Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates are listed as participating forces.
- Progress 96
- The Russian cargo spacecraft delivered about three tonnes of food, fuel and other supplies to the International Space Station.