UPSC Prelims 2026 GS Paper I · Q80 of 98 General Science medium

The Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS) recently introduced a national standard to test and assess bomb disposal system. Which of the following statements with regard to this system is/are correct ? 1. The new standard is known as IS 19445 : 2025. 2. It will improve interoperability of equipment across agencies. 3. It was developed by TBRL, DRDO in collaboration with the 30th Central Scientific Research Institute, Russia. Select the answer using the code given below :

  1. (a) 1, 2 and 3
  2. (b) 2 and 3 only
  3. (c) 1 and 2 only ✓ UPSC's answer
  4. (d) 1 only

Why the answer is (c)

• In 2025 the Bureau of Indian Standards published IS 19445:2025, the first national standard for testing and assessing bomb-disposal systems — statement 1 is correct.

• A common standard lets police, paramilitary, NSG and defence bomb squads procure equipment to one specification, so gear and protocols work together across agencies — statement 2 is correct.

• Statement 3 is wrong: the standard was developed indigenously by DRDO's Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh, with BIS; there was no collaboration with any Russian institute.

• Such standards support Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence and homeland-security equipment.

• Hence 1 and 2 only, option (c).

Why the other options are wrong

(a) 1, 2 and 3
Statement 3 is wrong: there was no Russian collaboration.
(b) 2 and 3 only
Statement 3 is wrong and statement 1 (IS 19445:2025) is correct.
(d) 1 only
Statement 2 on interoperability is also correct.

Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026, held on 24 May 2026. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.

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