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Science and Technology

Mains questions by Science and Technology microtheme
  1. Genetics,Biotechnology5
  2. IPR5
  3. Space ProgramsXIND5
  4. Achievements of Indians in S&T3
  5. Emerging TechXIT3
  6. Medical and Health Technologies3
  7. Robotics,Material Science,Sports,3
  8. Nanotechnology,Carbon2
  9. Nuclear Energy Technology2
  10. Space ProgramsXIntl2
  11. Tech in Crisis Management2
  12. Tech solutions for daily challenges2
  13. AI1
  14. Defence1
  15. General science1
  16. Nobel Prizes1
  17. SpaceXTheory1
  18. Vaccines1
43 questions

# Question Microtheme Year UPSC Syllabus Marks GS Paper
Achievements of Indians in S&T
1 How was India benefited from the contributions of Sir M.Visvesvaraya and Dr. M. S. Swaminathan in the fields of water engineering and agricultural science respectively? Achievements of Indians in S&T 2019 GS3-16.Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology; Indigenization of Technology and Developing New Technology. 10.0 GS3
2 Discuss the work of ‘Bose-Einstein Statistics’ done by Prof. Satyendra Nath Bose and show how it revolutionized the field of Physics. Achievements of Indians in S&T 2018 GS3-16.Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology; Indigenization of Technology and Developing New Technology. 10.0 GS3
3 Scientific research in Indian universities is declining, because a career in science is not as attractive as our business operations, engineering or administration, and the universities are becoming consumer oriented. Critically comment. Achievements of Indians in S&T 2014 GS3-16.Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology; Indigenization of Technology and Developing New Technology. 12.5 GS3
AI
4 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? AI 2023 GS3-17.Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights. 10.0 GS3
Defence
5 How is S-400 air defence system technically superior to any other system presently available in the world? Defence 2021 GS3-17.Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights. 10.0 GS3
Emerging TechXIT
6 Discuss the advantage and security implications of cloud hosting of server vis-a-vis inhouse machine-based hosting for government businesses. Emerging TechXIT 2015 GS3-17.Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights. 12.5 GS3
7 What is digital signature? What does its authentication mean? Give various salient built in features of a digital signature. Emerging TechXIT 2013 GS3-15.Science and Technology- Developments and their Applications and Effects in Everyday Life. 5.0 GS3
8 How does the 3D printing technology work? List out the advantages and disadvantages of the technology. Emerging TechXIT 2013 GS3-15.Science and Technology- Developments and their Applications and Effects in Everyday Life. 5.0 GS3
General science
9 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? General science 2022 GS3-15.Science and Technology- Developments and their Applications and Effects in Everyday Life. 10.0 GS3
Genetics,Biotechnology
10 How can India achieve energy independence through clean technology by 2047? How can biotechnology play a crucial role in this endeavour? Genetics,Biotechnology 2025 GS3-17.Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights. 10.0 GS3
11 Discuss several ways in which microorganisms can help in meeting the current fuel shortage. Genetics,Biotechnology 2023 GS3-17.Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights. 10.0 GS3
12 What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology/? How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of society? Genetics,Biotechnology 2021 GS3-17.Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights. 15.0 GS3
13 How can biotechnology improve the living standards of farmers? Genetics,Biotechnology 2019 GS3-17.Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights. 10.0 GS3
14 Why is there so much activity in the field of biotechnology in our country? How has this activity benefitted the field of biopharma? Genetics,Biotechnology 2018 GS3-17.Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights. 15.0 GS3
IPR
15 What is the present world scenario of intellectual property rights with respect to life materials? Although, India is second in the world to file patents, still only a few have been commercialized. Explain the reasons behind this less commercialization. IPR 2024 GS3-17.Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights. 10.0 GS3
16 How is the government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies? IPR 2019 GS3-17.Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights. 10.0 GS3
17 India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) which has a database containing formatted information on more than 2 million medicinal formulations is proving a powerful weapon in the country’s fight against erroneous patents. Discuss the pros and cons making this database publicly available under open-source licensing IPR 2015 GS3-17.Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights. 12.5 GS3
18 In a globalised world, intellectual property rights assume significance and are a source of litigation. Broadly distinguish between the terms – copyrights, patents and trade secrets. IPR 2014 GS3-17.Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights. 12.5 GS3
19 Bring out the circumstances in 2005 which forced amendment to section 3(d) in the Indian Patent Law, 1970. Discuss how it has been utilized by Supreme court in its judgment rejecting Novartis patent application for “Glivec”. Discuss briefly the pros and cons of the decision. IPR 2013 GS3-17.Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights. 10.0 GS3
Medical and Health Technologies
20 Stem cell therapy is gaining popularity in India to treat a wide variety of medical conditions including Leukaemia, Thalassemia, damaged cornea and several burns. Describe briefly what stem cell therapy is and what advantages it has over other treatments? Medical and Health Technologies 2017 GS3-15.Science and Technology- Developments and their Applications and Effects in Everyday Life. 10.0 GS3
21 Can overuse and the availability of antibiotics without doctor’s prescription, the contributors to the emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India? What are the available mechanisms for monitoring and control? Critically discuss the various issues involved. Medical and Health Technologies 2014 GS3-15.Science and Technology- Developments and their Applications and Effects in Everyday Life. 12.5 GS3
22 What do you understand by fixed dose drug combinations (FDCs)? Discuss their merits and demerits. Medical and Health Technologies 2013 GS3-15.Science and Technology- Developments and their Applications and Effects in Everyday Life. 10.0 GS3
Nanotechnology,Carbon
23 What do you understand by nanotechnology and how is it helping in health sector? Nanotechnology,Carbon 2020 GS3-17.Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights. 10.0 GS3
24 Why is nanotechnology one of the key technologies of the 21st century? Describe the salient features of Indian Government’s Mission on Nanoscience and Technology and the scope of its application in the development process of the country. Nanotechnology,Carbon 2016 GS3-17.Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights. 12.5 GS3
Nobel Prizes
25 The Nobel Prize in Physics of 2014 was jointly awarded to Akasaki, Amano and Nakamura for the invention of Blue LEDs in 1990s. How has this invention impacted the everyday life of human beings? Nobel Prizes 2021 GS3-15.Science and Technology- Developments and their Applications and Effects in Everyday Life. 15.0 GS3
Nuclear Energy Technology
26 The fusion energy programme in India has steadily evolved over the past few decades. Mention India's contributions to the international fusion energy project International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). What will be the implications of the success of this project for the future of global energy? Nuclear Energy Technology 2025 GS3-16.Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology; Indigenization of Technology and Developing New Technology. 10.0 GS3
27 Give an account of the growth and development of nuclear science and technology in India. What is the advantage of fast breeder reactor programme in India? Nuclear Energy Technology 2017 GS3-16.Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology; Indigenization of Technology and Developing New Technology. 15.0 GS3
Robotics,Material Science,Sports,
28 What are the areas of prohibitive labour that can be sustainably managed by robots? Discuss the initiatives that can propel research in premier research institutes for substantive and gainful innovation. Robotics,Material Science,Sports, 2015 GS3-17.Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights. 12.5 GS3
29 What do you understand by Umpire decision review in cricket? Discuss its various components. Explain how silicon tape on the edge of a bat may fool the system? Robotics,Material Science,Sports, 2013 GS3-15.Science and Technology- Developments and their Applications and Effects in Everyday Life. 10.0 GS3
30 What is an FRP composite material? How are they manufactured? Discuss their applications in aviation and automobile industry Robotics,Material Science,Sports, 2013 GS3-15.Science and Technology- Developments and their Applications and Effects in Everyday Life. 5.0 GS3
Space ProgramsXIND
31 What is the main task of India’s third moon mission which could not be achieved in its earlier mission? List the countries that have achieved this task. Introduce the subsystems in the spacecraft launched and explain the role of the Virtual Launch Control Centre at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre which contributed to the successful launch from Srihari Kota. Space ProgramsXIND 2023 GS3-17.Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights. 15.0 GS3
32 What is India’s plan to have its own space station and how will it benefit our space programme? Space ProgramsXIND 2019 GS3-17.Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights. 10.0 GS3
33 India has achieved remarkable successes in unmanned space missions including the Chandrayaan and Mars Orbitter Mission, but has not ventured into manned space mission, both in terms of technology and logistics? Explain critically. Space ProgramsXIND 2017 GS3-17.Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights. 10.0 GS3
34 Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology has helped India in its socio-economic development? Space ProgramsXIND 2016 GS3-17.Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights. 12.5 GS3
35 What do you understand by ‘Standard Positioning Systems’ and ‘Protection Positioning Systems’ in the GPS era? Discuss the advantages India perceives from its ambitious IRNSS programme employing just seven satellites. Space ProgramsXIND 2015 GS3-17.Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights. 12.5 GS3
Space ProgramsXIntl
36 Launched on 25th December, 2021, James Webb Space Telescope has been much in the news since then. What are its unique features which make it superior to its predecessor Space Telescopes? What are the key goals of this mission? What potential benefits does it hold for the human race? Space ProgramsXIntl 2022 GS3-17.Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights. 15.0 GS3
37 How does the Juno Mission of NASA help to understand the origin and evolution of the Earth? Space ProgramsXIntl 2017 GS1-15.Geographical features and their location- Changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes. 10.0 GS1
SpaceXTheory
38 What are asteroids? How real is the threat of them causing extinction of life? What strategies have been developed to prevent such a catastrophe? SpaceXTheory 2024 GS3-17.Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights. 15.0 GS3
Tech in Crisis Management
39 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. Tech in Crisis Management 2024 GS3-15.Science and Technology- Developments and their Applications and Effects in Everyday Life. 15.0 GS3
40 COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented devastation worldwide. However, technological advancements are being availed readily to win over the crisis. Give an account of how technology was sought to aid management of the pandemic. Tech in Crisis Management 2020 GS3-17.Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights. 15.0 GS3
Tech solutions for daily challenges
41 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? Tech solutions for daily challenges 2024 GS3-15.Science and Technology- Developments and their Applications and Effects in Everyday Life. 10.0 GS3
42 How is science interwoven deeply with our lives? What are the striking changes in agriculture triggered off by the science-based technologies? Tech solutions for daily challenges 2020 GS3-15.Science and Technology- Developments and their Applications and Effects in Everyday Life. 10.0 GS3
Vaccines
43 What is the basic principle behind vaccine development? How do vaccines work? What approaches were adopted by the Indian vaccine manufacturers to produce COVID-19 vaccines? Vaccines 2022 GS3-15.Science and Technology- Developments and their Applications and Effects in Everyday Life. 15.0 GS3