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GS Paper: GS3-15.Science and Technology- Developments and their Applications and Effects in Everyday Life.

  • Each year a large amount of plant material, cellulose, is deposited on the surface of Planet Earth. What are the natural processes this cellulose undergoes before yielding carbon dioxide, water and other end products?

    Cellulose, the main structural material in plant cell walls, is the Earth’s most abundant organic polymer. When plants die, microorganisms decompose cellulose into carbon dioxide, water, and humus, recycling nutrients back into ecosystems.

    Natural processes undergone by cellulose

    Chemical Degradation:

    Cellulose decomposition is carried out by microbes such as Trichoderma and Clostridium, which secrete cellulase enzymes.

    These enzymes sequentially break cellulose into smaller chains, then cellobiose,and finally glucose for microbial absorption.

    Metabolic Processing: After absorption, microbes metabolize glucose to release energy.

    Oxygen-rich conditions: aerobic microbes convert glucose into carbon dioxide and water.

    Oxygen-poor environments: wetlands, anaerobic microbes and methanogens ferment glucose, producing methane and carbon dioxide.

    Humification:

    Not all plant material fully decomposes; some forms stable humus through reactions with lignin and microbial proteins.

    Humus enriches soil fertility, improves water retention, and acts as an important long-term carbon sink.

    The natural processing of deposited cellulose represents the core operational machinery of the Global Carbon Cycle. Without this systematic microbial and physical breakdown, plant litter would accumulate indefinitely, locking away vital nutrients and choking planetary ecosystems.

  • The world is facing an acute shortage of clean and safe freshwater. What are the alternative technologies which can solve this crisis? Briefly discuss any three such technologies citing their key merits and demerits.

    As per the report of the Global Commission on the Economics of Water, the world’s water systems are under “unprecedented stress” and the demand for fresh water will outstrip supply by 40% by 2030.

    Global freshwater Crisis

    4.4 billion people lack access to safe drinking water

    703 million people have no access to clean drinking water.

    Agriculture consumes 70% of the world’s freshwater

    India

    4% of the world’s freshwater resources

    600 million Indians experience water scarcity. (NITI Aayog)

    By 2030, 700 million people could be displaced due to water shortages (UNICEF, 2025)

    Global water crisis could result in losses of up to $8 trillion over the next 25 years (Global Commission on the Economics of Water, 2024)

    Alternative Technologies That Can Solve the Freshwater Crisis

    Desalination Technologies to convert seawater/brackish water into potable water.

    Wastewater Recycling & Reuse through Membrane Bioreactors (MBR), tertiary treatment and advanced oxidation.

    Atmospheric Water Harvesting using condensation (cooling below dew point).

    Solar Distillation for low-cost, off-grid evaporation-condensation.

    Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) using recharge wells, percolation tanks and treated wastewater.

    Fog & Dew Harvesting in coastal and high-elevation areas.

    Smart Irrigation Technologies (drip, soil moisture sensors) to reduce agricultural water demand.

    Precision Leak Detection Systems using IoT to minimise distribution losses.

    Rainwater Harvesting Systems integrated with rooftops, storage tanks and recharge pits.

    Floating Solar + Desal Units for dual energy-water generation.

    Three Technologies With Key Merits and Demerits

    Atmospheric Water Harvesting (AWH) – Eg – Source Hydropanels deployed in Ladakh schools.

    Merits:

    Decentralized, off-grid water access for remote areas.

    No reliance on groundwater or rainfall.

    Scalable from household to community systems.

    Demerits:

    Low yield in low-humidity climates.

    High per-litre cost for advanced AWH systems.

    Requires maintenance of filters/desiccants.

    Wastewater Recycling & Reuse – Eg – Singapore’s NEWater, Nagpur’s Bhandewadi recycling plant.

    Merits:

    Reduces pressure on freshwater sources by closing the loop.

    Low energy requirement compared to desalination.

    Ensures year-round supply, even in dry regions.

    Demerits:

    Public resistance to potable reuse (“yuck factor”).

    Risk of contamination if systems are poorly maintained.

    High initial investment for advanced tertiary treatment.

    Desalination using Reverse Osmosis & Thermal Distillation– Eg – Israel’s Sorek RO plant, India’s Minjur RO plant (Chennai).

    Merits:

    Large and climate-independent supply from oceans.

    Useful for coastal megacities facing groundwater depletion. Eg- Mumbai

    Continuous and reliable output even in droughts.

    Demerits:

    High energy consumption, increasing carbon footprint.

    Brine discharge harms marine ecosystems.

    High capital and operating cost for poorer regions.

    A portfolio approach, not a single technology, will determine long-term water security.

  • What is the technology being employed for electronic toll collection on highways? What are its advantages and limitations? What are the proposed changes that will make this process seamless? Would this transition carry any potential hazards?

    The total length of National Highways in India is around 1.5 Lakh km. India currently uses FASTag, based on RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology.

    Passive RFID tagRFID readers

    Advantages of FASTag-Based Electronic Tolling

    Reduced Congestion – Minimises stoppages, reduces queueing, and cuts travel time

    Continuous movement lowers Fuel Consumption & Emissions

    Improved Revenue Realisation- Eliminates leakages, cash handling issues, and human errors.

    Better Traffic Management due to real-time vehicle data – enhances logistics efficiency.

    Digital Financial Inclusion –Promotes cashless payments and creates digital transaction footprint

    Limitations of the Current FASTag System

    RFID Reading Errors- Faulty tags or improper placement cause delays.

    Congestion during peak hours.

    Bank downtime results in payment failures and traffic jams.

    Fraud & Misuse- Cloning of RFID tags, misuse of blacklisted/invalid tags.

    Inadequate adaption – Eg- non availability in rural areas

    Proposed Changes to Make Tolling Seamless

    Expansion of ETC lanes – 100% coverage by 2025

    ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition)-Based Tolling

    GPS-based – Vehicles fitted with GPS devices and toll are charged based on the distance travelled on a highway.

    Free-Flow Tolling (FFT) Corridors – open road tolling for uninterrupted movement.

    Integration with NHAI’s ‘One Vehicle One FASTag’ Drive

    Potential Hazards in Transition to New Tolling Systems

    Privacy & Surveillance Concerns – Eg- Continuous GPS tracking and ANPR imaging

    Cybersecurity Risks- vulnerability to hacking, spoofing, or data breaches.

    ANPR systems may misread plates due to dirt, or damaged plates.

    Digital Divide – Eg- 33% rural population is digitally literate (NFHS-5)

    Technical Failures- Weather, fog, rain etc can affect ANPR accuracy and system reliability.

    Replacing toll plazas with nationwide FFT infrastructure requires massive investment.

    Addressing these concerns can ensure efficient, seamless, congestion-free highways.

  • Advancing Electrolyte Engineering for Durable and Affordable Aqueous Batteries

    Why in the news?

    Scientists at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have developed a novel electrolyte additive (BDIM) that significantly improves the performance and lifespan of Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries (AZIBs).

    Key Highlights

    • AZIBs are emerging as safer, cheaper, and more sustainable alternatives to lithium-ion batteries.
    • Major challenges:
      • Zinc dendrite formation
      • Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER)
      • Corrosion of zinc anode
      • Poor cycling stability
    • Researchers developed BDIM (1,3-bis(1,3-dicarboxypropyl)-1H-imidazole-3-ium chloride) as an electrolyte additive.
    • BDIM selectively adsorbs on the zinc surface and occupies the Inner Helmholtz Plane (IHP).
    • It displaces water molecules, thereby:
      • Suppressing hydrogen evolution
      • Reducing corrosion
      • Preventing dendrite growth
      • Enhancing battery life and safety
    • Researchers used: Ultramicroelectrode (UME) and Fast-Scan Cyclic Voltammetry (FSCV)
      to study zinc deposition mechanisms.

    Significance

    • Extends battery lifespan without costly material redesign.
    • Improves safety and reliability of rechargeable batteries.
    • Supports large-scale renewable energy and grid-storage applications.
    • Can reduce maintenance costs of energy-storage infrastructure.

    Prelims Facts

    • AZIB Electrolyte: Water-based, making it non-flammable and safer than lithium-ion batteries.
    • Inner Helmholtz Plane (IHP): Region near the electrode surface where electrochemical reactions occur.
    • Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER): Undesirable side reaction that reduces battery efficiency.

  • VYOMA Innovation Challenge

    Why in the news?

    The Digital India BHASHINI Division, under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, launched the VYOMA Innovation Challenge to promote multilingual, voice first, offline AI solutions for India.

    Key Highlights

    • Initiative launched in collaboration with:
      • Current AI
      • Kalpa Impact.
    • Objective:
      • Promote open source multilingual AI systems that can function in:
        • Offline environments
        • Low connectivity regions.

    About Sunno Sutra

    The challenge is based on:

    • Sunno Sutra: A multilingual voice first handheld AI reference device.
    • Developed jointly by: BHASHINI and Current AI.

    Features of Sunno Sutra

    • Supports: Conversational AI in Indian languages.
    • Works: Without cloud dependence.
    • Uses: On device AI capabilities.
    • Suitable for: Rural and low resource environments.

    Objectives of the VYOMA Innovation Challenge

    • Encourage development of:
      • Multilingual AI applications.
      • Voice based technologies.
    • Improve:
      • Digital accessibility.
      • Language inclusion.
    • Promote: Edge AI innovation in India.

    What is Edge AI?

    Edge AI refers to: Artificial Intelligence processing directly on local devices instead of remote cloud servers.

    Advantages:

    • Faster processing
    • Offline functionality
    • Better privacy
    • Reduced internet dependence

    Sectors Targeted

    Potential applications include:

    • Education
    • Agriculture
    • Healthcare
    • Governance
    • Public service delivery

    [2020] With the print state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following?
    1. Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units
    2. Create meaningful short stories and songs
    3. Disease diagnosis
    4. Text -to -Speech Conversion
    5. Wireless transmission of electrical energy
    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    [A] 1, 2, 3 and 5 only

    [B] 1, 3 and 4 only

    [C] 2, 4 and 5 only

    [D] 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

  • Biopharma SHAKTI Scheme: Boosting India’s Biologics & Biosimilars Sector

    Why in the News

    The Government has announced the Biopharma SHAKTI Scheme with an outlay of ₹10,000 crore (5 years) to strengthen India’s biopharmaceutical ecosystem and enhance global competitiveness.

    What is Biopharma SHAKTI?

    • A flagship initiative to:
      • Promote biologics and biosimilars manufacturing
      • Support R&D, clinical trials, and innovation
    • Goal: Make India a global biopharma hub and ensure affordable healthcare

    Key Objectives

    • Build a self-reliant biopharma ecosystem
    • Reduce import dependence
    • Improve global competitiveness
    • Promote innovation-driven manufacturing

    Major Components of the Scheme

    • Funding Support: Discovery Grant Fund and Equity Fund for drug development
    • R&D Ecosystem
      • Strengthening: National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)
      • Creation of a National Biopharma R&D Network
    • Clinical Trials Expansion
      • 1,000 accredited trial sites across India
      • Led by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
    • Manufacturing Boost
      • Incentives for: Fermentation-based bulk drugs and Biopharma manufacturing inputs
    • Devices & Packaging
      • Develop ecosystem for: Drug delivery devices and Advanced packaging. 
    • Biosimilars & Biologics Production: Biosimilars (cost-effective versions of biologics) and Emerging biologics like gene therapies.
    • Regulatory Strengthening: Strengthen Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)
      • Create scientific review cadre
      • Faster and globally credible approvals

    What are Biologics & Biosimilars?

    • Biologics: Medicines derived from living organisms (e.g., vaccines, monoclonal antibodies)
    • Biosimilars: Cheaper versions of biologics with similar efficacy
    • Not identical (due to complexity of biologics)
    • Must show no clinically meaningful differences in safety, purity, and effectiveness
    [2025] With reference to monoclonal antibodies, consider the following: 
    1. They are man-made proteins. 
    2. They stimulate the patient’s immune system to fight the specific disease. 
    3. They are produced using animal cells only. 
    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 
    (a) I and II only (b) II and III only (c) I and III only (d) All the three

  • Industrial Hemp

    Why in the News?

    • The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh has initiated a policy push to legalise and regulate industrial hemp cultivation.

    What is Industrial Hemp

    • Scientific name: Cannabis sativa L.
    • Belongs to the Cannabis genus and Cannabaceae family
    • Herbaceous, dioecious plant
    • Botanically related to marijuana but very different in use and effects
    • THC content less than 0.3%
    • High fiber content and negligible psychoactive effect

    Industrial Hemp vs Marijuana

    • Marijuana: High tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and psychoactive
    • Industrial hemp: Extremely low THC, used for industrial and commercial purposes

    Key Characteristics

    • Fast growing crop
    • Environment friendly
    • Requires relatively less water and pesticides
    • Suitable for diversified agro industrial value chains

    Applications of Industrial Hemp

    • Fibre and textiles: Cloth, upholstery, ropes
    • Industrial uses: Auto parts, paper, packaging
    • Energy: Biofuel production from stalk
    • Construction: Building materials like hempcrete
    • Seeds and oil: Food products and animal feed. Oil for cosmetics, lotions and personal care products

    Policy Significance

    • Opens avenues for farmer income diversification
    • Boosts green economy and sustainable industries
    • Potential for employment generation in hill states

    Prelims Takeaway

    • Industrial hemp is legally distinct from narcotic cannabis due to very low THC
    • Multi sector utility crop with applications in textiles, construction, energy, food and cosmetics
    According to India’s National Policy on Biofuels, which of the following can be used as raw materials for the production of biofuels? (2020)

    1. Cassava 

    2. Damaged wheat grains 

    3. Groundnut seeds 

    4. Horse gram 

    5. Rotten potatoes 

    6. Sugar beet 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

    (a) 1, 2, 5 and 6 only (b) 1, 3, 4 and 6 only (c) 2, 3, 4 and 5 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

  • Aloe vera Compounds as Potential Alzheimer’s Inhibitors  

    Why in the news?

    A new study (Current Pharmaceutical Analysis, 2025) suggests that common plant molecules from Aloe vera—especially Beta sitosterol—may inhibit key enzymes associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Findings are based entirely on in silico (computer simulation) techniques.

    What is Computer Simulation (In Silico Research)?

    • Computer simulation, often called in silico research, refers to the use of computational tools and algorithms to model biological, chemical, or physical processes.
    • It allows scientists to predict molecular interactions, drug behavior, and biological outcomes without physical experiments.

    Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) 

    • Most common form of dementia.
    • Characterised by:
      • Memory loss
      • Cognitive decline
      • Accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles
      • Loss of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter linked to learning and memory.
    • Enzymes involved in acetylcholine breakdown:
      • Acetylcholinesterase (AChE)
      • Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE)
    • Current drugs (e.g., donepezil, rivastigmine) work by inhibiting these enzymes but do not stop disease progression.

    Why Aloe vera?

    • Used for 3000+ years in traditional medicine.
    • Contains bioactive compounds such as Beta sitosterol, Succinic acid, polysaccharides, and phenolics.

    Major Findings

    • Beta sitosterol showed strong binding affinity to both enzymes:
      • AChE: −8.6 kcal/mol
      • BChE: −8.7 kcal/mol
    • The binding strength is higher than that of other screened compounds like Succinic acid.
    • ADMET results suggest:
      • Good absorption
      • Low toxicity
      • Favourable pharmacokinetic profile
    Which one of the following is the context in which the term “qubit” is mentioned? (2022)

    (a) Cloud Services 

    (b) Quantum Computing 

    (c) Visible Light Communication Technologies 

    (d) Wireless Communication Technologies

    This PYQ is chosen because it tests a fundamental concept related to the cutting edge of computational power and modelling, which is the operational domain of computer simulation.

  • Vitamin B12 Deficiency & Skin Manifestations 

    Why in the news?

    According to a study published in Canad­ian Family Physician, Vitamin B12 deficiency often shows early dermatological symptoms—such as pigmentation, dryness, and inflammation—before neurological or hematological complications appear.

    What is Vitamin B12?

    • Water-soluble vitamins are essential for: Red blood cell formation, Nerve function, DNA synthesis and Cell growth and repair

    Why Skin Shows Early Signs?

    • B12 deficiency → reduced RBC production → low oxygen delivery to skin → visible skin changes.
    • Weak immunity and impaired nerve function further worsen dermatological issues.
    High-Risk Groups

    More prone to Vitamin B12 deficiency:

    • Vegetarians/vegans
    • Adults > 50 years
    • Individuals with:
      • Gastritis, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease
    • Those taking:
      • Antacids (PPIs/H2 blockers)
      • Metformin
    • People with poor nutrient absorption
    Consider the following pairs: Vitamin : Deficiency disease (2014)

    1. Vitamin C : Scurvy 

    2. Vitamin D : Rickets 

    3. Vitamin E : Night Blindness 

    Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? 

    (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 only (d) None

  • Big Tech’s contempt for Indian Public Health

    Introduction

    India’s Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954 (DMRA) prohibits advertisements claiming to cure 54 specific medical conditions without proven efficacy. However, the advent of Big Tech advertising has bypassed this framework. Platforms such as Meta, Google, and others are now running sponsored ads for unapproved ayurvedic and homeopathic treatments, violating DMRA provisions. Despite clear illegality, these violations persist due to jurisdictional leniency, U.S.-based corporate protection, and absence of enforcement by Indian regulators.

    Why in the News

    Big Tech’s persistent advertising of unverified health products and ayurvedic “cures” on Indian social media platforms has triggered major concern. The issue marks a systemic regulatory failure, even after India’s decades-old legal framework (DMRA, PNDT Act) prohibits such practices, platforms continue to profit from misleading medical claims. The scale of harm, coupled with cross-border corporate impunity, has made this a critical governance challenge and a new frontier in public health ethics and digital accountability.

    How Has Advertising in Public Health Evolved in the Digital Era?

    1. Shift from Traditional to Digital: Advertisement control has weakened as digital and social media replaced print and broadcast.
    2. Rise of Big Tech Platforms: Meta, Google, and others allow sponsored advertisements promoting “miracle cures,” violating the DMRA.
    3. Absence of Oversight: Digital platforms operate transnationally, making regulatory enforcement difficult.
    4. Public Health Implication: Continuous exposure to false medical claims undermines rational drug use and increases health risks.

    Why Are Big Tech Platforms Violating Indian Law?

    1. Profit-Driven Algorithms: Platforms profit from “sponsored” or “boosted” posts, regardless of legality or health implications.
    2. Weak Accountability: Advertisers and intermediaries claim immunity as “third-party hosts,” avoiding liability under Indian law.
    3. Jurisdictional Escape: Since most Big Tech firms are headquartered in the U.S., Indian laws like DMRA lack cross-border enforcement power.
    4. Regulatory Vacuum: Absence of a unified digital advertising regulator allows platforms to function without deterrence.

    What Legal Frameworks Are Being Ignored?

    1. Drugs and Magic. Remedies (Objectionable Advertisement) Act, 1954: Prohibits advertisements for 54 medical conditions; violation is a criminal offence.
    2. Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PNDT) (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994: Bans sex-selection advertisements; Big Tech platforms earlier violated this as well.
    3. Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940: Requires all medicines to be clinically established before advertising.
    4. IT Act, 2000 (Section 79): Provides conditional immunity to intermediaries, which is being misused to escape responsibility.
    5. U.S. Corporate Protection: American law shields these corporations from Indian prosecution, leading to managerial impunity.

    What Are the Broader Implications for Governance and Sovereignty?

    1. Erosion of Regulatory Authority: India’s ability to enforce its health and advertising laws is weakened.
    2. Public Interest vs. Corporate Freedom: Public health suffers as profit-driven digital advertising goes unchecked.
    3. Failure of Accountability Mechanisms: Courts and regulators have struggled to bring Big Tech executives under Indian jurisdiction.
    4. Threat to Rule of Law: Unequal treatment between Indian entities and global corporations undermines trust in domestic regulation.

    What Policy Reforms Are Needed?

    1. Legal Recalibration: DMRA and PNDT Act need alignment with the Information Technology Act to hold intermediaries accountable.
    2. Managerial Responsibility: Indian courts should compel Big Tech executives to appear before regulators and face prosecution if violations persist.
    3. Strengthened Digital Health Advertising Rules: Mandate health ads to carry verification tags or disclaimers by government-authorized bodies.
    4. Bilateral Cooperation: India-U.S. digital diplomacy must address cross-border legal immunity for tech corporations.
    5. Institutional Oversight: Establish a Digital Health Advertising Authority (DHAA) under the Ministry of Health to oversee compliance.

    Conclusion

    Big Tech’s disregard for Indian health advertising laws symbolizes the intersection of technology, law, and public welfare. Without regulatory modernization and corporate accountability, digital platforms will continue to operate beyond the reach of Indian law. Ensuring managerial accountability, legal parity, and public health protection must now be central to India’s digital governance reform agenda.

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2023] Introduce the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI). How does AI help clinical diagnosis? Do you perceive any threat to privacy of the individual in the use of AI in healthcare?”Introduce the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI). How does AI help clinical diagnosis? Do you perceive any threat to privacy of the individual in the use of AI in healthcare?

    Linkage: Health related topics are a recurring theme in both GS2 and GS3 papers. The growing use of AI by Big Tech in healthcare mirrors the same challenge of data misuse and weak accountability seen in misleading health advertisements. Both reflect how unchecked digital algorithms can exploit personal health data for profit, posing grave risks to privacy and public trust in India’s health governance system.