UPSC Prelims 2024 Question:

Consider the following activities

1. Identification of narcotics on passengers at airports or in aircraft 
2. Monitoring of precipitation 
3. Tracking the migration of animals
   
   

In how many of the above activities can the radars be used?

Explanation:

• Radars use radio waves to detect and locate objects by transmitting pulses and analyzing the reflected signals. They measure distance, speed, and direction, playing a vital role in aviation, maritime navigation, weather forecasting, and military applications. Radars enable precise tracking and surveillance over long distances and in various conditions. Although radars are usually used for counter-narcotics and counter-smuggling operations to track airplanes or ships involved in such activities, radars cannot identify narcotics on passengers at airports or in aircraft. So, point 1 is not correct.
  
  

• Radars are extensively used for monitoring of precipitation. Weather radars (specifically Doppler radars) are instrumental in monitoring and tracking precipitation, measuring the intensity of rainfall, and predicting weather patterns. So, point 2 is correct.
  
  
• Radars can be used to track the migration of animals, particularly birds and bats. Radar technology helps in monitoring flight patterns and migration routes of these animals over large distances. So, point 3 is correct.
  
  

Therefore, option (2) is the correct answer.

Subject: Science & Technology | Recent Developments