The correct answer is (D) To intercept drones and rockets using lasers

The Iron Beam is a high-powered laser interception system designed to neutralize threats such as drones and rockets. Operating at the speed of light, it provides cost-effective and precise defense against a range of projectiles. Developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, it complements Israel’s Iron Dome in a multilayered defense approach.

The correct answer is (C) Poor weather conditions such as fog or rain

While the Iron Beam offers rapid and cost-effective interception, its performance is affected by adverse weather conditions like fog or rain. These environmental factors can disrupt the path of the high-powered laser, reducing its efficiency against aerial threats.

The correct answer is (D) Providing data on the behavior of living organisms in space

Laika’s mission on Sputnik 2 was a milestone in space exploration. Although re-entry technology was not developed at the time, Laika provided the first data on how a living organism behaves in the conditions of space, paving the way for future human spaceflight.

The correct answer is (B) It was the first spacecraft carrying a living organism

Sputnik 2, launched on November 3, 1957, was the second spacecraft to orbit Earth and the first biological spacecraft. It carried Laika, the Soviet space dog, marking the beginning of biological experiments in space exploration.

The correct answer is (A) Kalahari Desert

The Kalahari Desert covers much of Botswana, influencing its semi-arid climate. Despite the arid conditions, the region includes significant rivers like the Okavango, which supports diverse ecosystems, including the world’s largest elephant population.

The correct answer is (C) Mozambique

Botswana is bordered by South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Mozambique does not share a border with Botswana, as it lies further to the east, separated by Zimbabwe.

The correct answer is (B) Railway Ministry Restructuring Committee

Bibek Debroy chaired the committee for restructuring the Railway Ministry and Railway Board from 2014 to 2015. The committee aimed to modernize railway infrastructure and mobilize resources for critical projects, contributing significantly to India’s economic development.

The correct answer is (D) Padma Shri

In 2015, Bibek Debroy was honored with the Padma Shri for his contributions to economics, policy-making, and translation of Indian epics into English, showcasing his multifaceted intellectual pursuits.

The correct answer is (D) Molopo River

The Molopo River acts as a natural geographical border between South Africa and Botswana. Other significant rivers in Botswana include the Limpopo and Okavango, crucial for the region’s ecology.

The correct answer is (B) Hundreds of meters to several kilometers

The Iron Beam system effectively intercepts threats within a range of hundreds of meters to several kilometers. This makes it ideal for neutralizing close-range projectiles like drones and rockets, adding to Israel’s multilayered defense capabilities.

The correct answer is (C) Minimal collateral damage

The Iron Beam system uses high-powered lasers to intercept drones and rockets, ensuring precise targeting with minimal collateral damage. This makes it a highly efficient and safe option for neutralizing small, fast-moving aerial threats.

The correct answer is (D) It provided data on the physiological effects of space on living organisms

Laika’s mission aboard Sputnik 2 offered the first scientific data on how a living organism reacts to the conditions of space, such as weightlessness and radiation. This data laid the groundwork for human space exploration.

The correct answer is (D) All of the above

Botswana’s Kalahari Desert, Okavango Delta, and Tsodilo Hills contribute to its rich biodiversity. The Okavango Delta, in particular, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and supports a wide variety of flora and fauna, including the world’s largest elephant population.

The correct answer is (B) Upanishads

Bibek Debroy translated the Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, and Mahabharata into English. These translations have been widely acclaimed for their accuracy and accessibility. However, he is not known for translating the Upanishads.

The correct answer is (D) By acting as a low-cost alternative to the Iron Dome for smaller threats

The Iron Beam is designed to complement the Iron Dome by targeting smaller threats like drones and rockets. Its low-cost operational efficiency makes it a viable alternative for frequent, short-range interceptions.

The correct answer is (C) Semi-arid

Botswana experiences a semi-arid climate with hot and dry conditions for much of the year. However, it also receives seasonal rains that support agriculture and wildlife, especially in areas like the Okavango Delta.

The correct answer is (B) Carry a living organism to space

Launched on November 3, 1957, Sputnik 2 carried Laika, making it the first spacecraft to take a living organism to space. Although re-entry technology was not available, the mission provided invaluable data for future manned spaceflights.

The correct answer is (D) Zambezi

While the Limpopo, Okavango, and Shashe rivers are significant in Botswana, the Zambezi flows further northeast, primarily through countries like Zambia and Zimbabwe, and does not pass through Botswana.

The correct answer is (B) Rafael Advanced Defense Systems

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems developed the Iron Beam. This cutting-edge laser technology forms an integral part of Israel’s layered defense strategy, focusing on cost-efficient and precise interceptions.

The correct answer is (B) Development of re-entry technology

Laika’s mission did not include re-entry technology, as this had not yet been developed. However, the data collected on weightlessness and other conditions provided a foundation for future biological and manned missions in space exploration.