UPSC Essentials has launched an initiative featuring subject-specific quizzes aimed at aiding students in revising key topics from the static syllabus. Today’s quiz focuses on Science and Technology, providing an opportunity for participants to assess their knowledge and progress.

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Regarding the Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communication system, evaluate the following statements:

• V2V communication is a wireless technology enabling vehicles to exchange real-time information with one another.
• An On-Board Unit (OBU) will be installed in vehicles to facilitate V2V communication, utilizing cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) technology.
• The operational range of V2V systems extends to 1000 meters, allowing detection of vehicles within this distance.

How many of these statements are accurate?

This topic is significant for understanding emerging technologies like V2V, V2X, C-V2X, and OBUs in contemporary transportation systems. It is likely that the UPSC will examine aspects such as technology, communication methods, components, and applications of V2V systems.

In 2025, road accidents in India resulted in 183,000 fatalities, marking an increase of approximately 6,000 from the previous year, prompting concern among government officials. In response, the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is set to implement a new road safety measure: the Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communication system. This system will enable cars to communicate wirelessly to alert drivers about potential accident hazards.

V2V communication allows vehicles to share vital real-time data, such as speed, location, acceleration, and braking. This technology falls under the broader category of Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) and is integral to Intelligent Transportation Systems. Therefore, the first statement is accurate.

The Ministry issued a draft of the Central Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Rules, 2026, on July 22, inviting public feedback on the V2V system within a 30-day period.

According to the MoRTH announcement, vehicles classified as L (two- and three-wheelers), M (cars and buses), and N (commercial vehicles) that are manufactured after October 1, 2027, must adhere to AIS-230 standards if they are equipped with V2V systems. Furthermore, vehicles of categories L, M, and N manufactured from October 1, 2028, will be required to incorporate V2V communication systems that comply with AIS-230 specifications.

AIS-230, or Automotive Industry Standard-230, serves as the technical foundation for the V2V system, outlining essential requirements such as radio performance, frequency stability, receiver sensitivity, cybersecurity measures, electromagnetic compatibility, and road safety applications related to the Global Navigation Satellite System.

The V2V system will incorporate an On-Board Unit (OBU) in vehicles to facilitate wireless communication with other vehicles. This unit will utilize cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) technology in the frequency range of 5.875 GHz to 5.925 GHz. On June 10, 2026, the Department of Telecommunications exempted this frequency band from licensing, allowing original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to utilize it for V2V installations in new vehicles. Thus, the second statement is correct.

Vehicles equipped with V2V technology will warn drivers about sudden braking, hazardous road conditions, unsafe lane changes, obstacles like parked cars, fog, and potential collision risks. For example, if one vehicle brakes suddenly, others within proximity will receive alerts to decelerate. V2V systems typically have a detection range of 300 meters, making the third statement incorrect.

Consequently, option (b) is the accurate answer.

In relation to the Lagrange Point, consider these statements:

• At Lagrange points, the gravitational forces of two large bodies equal the centripetal force needed for a smaller object to move alongside them.
• Five stable Lagrange points exist where a smaller mass can maintain a consistent orbit relative to two larger masses.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

This subject matter is essential for understanding concepts related to Science and Technology, particularly in the realm of Space Technology and the dynamics of objects influenced by multiple gravitational forces. The Lagrange Points are relevant for missions such as Aditya-L1, which operates in the Sun-Earth L1 region.

Nasa’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is set to launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, initiating a significant mission to explore the universe.

The Roman telescope will travel to the second Sun-Earth Lagrange point, or L2, located nearly one million miles (1.6 million kilometers) away from Earth. This vantage point will provide a broad and relatively unobstructed view of the cosmos, enabling extensive surveys of the universe.

Lagrange points are specific locations in space where objects placed there tend to remain stable. At these points, the gravitational forces of two large masses perfectly counterbalance the centripetal force required for a smaller object to stay with them. Thus, statement one is correct.

These points are named in honor of the Italian-French mathematician Joseph-Louis Lagrange.

There are five unique Lagrange points where a small mass can orbit in a regular pattern alongside two larger masses. These points are critical in space missions as they help conserve fuel for spacecraft maintaining position. This mathematical problem is well-studied and has significant implications for orbital mechanics and space exploration.