Explanation
- A
1 only
(a) 1 only. Mobile phones do use GPS/GNSS for location, maps and time, but banking timestamps and power-grid synchrophasors also rely on the same satellite clocks. Stopping at mobiles understates the spread. This option is not the key.
- B
2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only. Banking (secure time-stamping, ATM/network sync) and grid control (PMUs, load dispatch) use GPS, yet phones are the most familiar civilian use. Dropping statement 1 is therefore wrong. This option is not the key.
- C
1 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only. Mobiles and grids are genuine uses, but so is banking. This option is not the key.
- D
1, 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3. GPS supplies position and a precise time signal. Handsets navigate with it; banks and payment rails use GPS-disciplined clocks; power grids synchronise phasor measurement units to the same time. All three areas therefore apply. This option is the official key.
Summary. Official key is (d) 1, 2 and 3. GPS is a dual position-and-time utility. Mobile operations need location; banking operations need authenticated time; power grids need microsecond sync for protection and PMUs. None of the three listed areas is outside that utility. Partial codes that omit any one use are incomplete. The Set A key is therefore all three.
Same topic · past papers
UPSC has asked this before
These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.