SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY- DEVELOPMENTS AND THEIR APPLICATIONS AND EFFECTS IN EVERYDAY LIFE
Science and Technology- Developments
What are the main objectives of Government’s science policy? What steps are being taken for the optimum utilisation of scientific manpower and improvement in the quality of science and technical education? (81/20)
Comment upon the main aims outlined by the Technology Policy Statement in 1983. (84/20)
Government of India has constantly laid emphasis on the development of Science and Technology as major instruments for achieving national goals of self-reliance and development. Name the departments which were set up during the sixth plan period to deal with newly emerging areas. What significant achievements have been recorded as a result of this policy? (86/40)
What are the aims of the New Technology Policy? What steps are being taken to improve the standards of technical education? (88/20)
What do you understand by the term “Innovation”? Discuss the need for launching a national innovation policy in India. (12/25)
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? (2021/15)
India aims to become a semiconductor manufacturing hub. What are the challenges faced by the semiconductor industry in India? Mention the salient features of the India Semiconductor Mission. (2025/15)
Role of Science & Technology
Comment critically on the impact that modern Science and Technology have made on the attitudes, life styles, social structures and economic well being of the people in the rural areas in India. (79/75)
What has been the contribution of Science and Technology to the development of Indian Agriculture? (79/20)
How is science interwoven deeply with our lives? What are the striking changes in agriculture triggered off by the science-based technologies? (20/10)
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. (20/15)
ACHIEVEMENTS OF INDIANS IN SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Scientists
What is India’s position in the world in respect of Scientific and Technological manpower? (79/3)
Give an account of the achievements of Indian defence scientists in technology development. (93/20)
Discuss the work of ‘Bose-Einstein Statistics’ done by Prof. Satyendra Nath Bose and show how it revolutionized the field of Physics. (18/10)
How was India benefitted from the contributions of Sir M. Visvesvaraya and Dr. M. S. Swaminathan in the fields of water engineering and agricultural science respectively? (19/10)
Institutes
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research has established a number of laboratories for interacting with industry and development of indigenous technologies. Citing specific examples, point out the significant achievements of CSIR in the last one decade. (89/40)
Assess the contributions made by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in agricultural development. (10/24)
INDIGENIZATION OF TECHNOLOGY AND DEVELOPING NEW TECHNOLOGY
Indigenization of Technology
What is the role of Scientific and Technological Research in our Economic Development Process? What steps are necessary to adapt the nature, structure, content and result of such research to meet the growing and complex needs of our increasing agricultural and industrial production? Comment briefly on the adequacy and relevance of technology developed in Western countries for adoption by India. Is it necessary or feasible for India to achieve scientific and technological self-sufficiency? (80/65)
In the context of the challenges to be faced in the 21st century, it is generally felt that there is an urgent need to reorient science education and scientific research in the country. Identify the important areas that need reorientation and suggest the steps you consider necessary for the purpose. (85/40)
Trace the growth of Science museums in India. Examine their role in promoting science awareness and the spirit of scientific temper among the common people. (88/40)
Briefly describe the Karimnagar experiment for application of Science and Technology for regional development. (90/20)
Research & Development
Discuss the globalization of R&D and its impact on India’s development. Provide an illustration from at least one sector such as Information Technology or Health. (12/25)
Scientific research in Indian universities is declining, because a career in science is not as attractive as are business professions, engineering or administration, and the universities are becoming consumer-oriented. Critically comment. (14/12.5)
NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY
Nuclear Energy
The current technology of nuclear power generation is based upon the fission process. What are the alternate methods possible for the generation of nuclear power with reference to the Indian conditions? (85/20)
Expert opinion is sharply divided regarding the advisability or otherwise of building nuclear power plants in India. Summarize the chief arguments on either side and suggest what according to you would be a wiser policy. (250 words) (87/40)
Mention some of the new programmes that have been undertaken in recent years in respect of nuclear research in India. (92/15)
What is a fast breeder reactor? Discuss briefly its role in India’s nuclear energy programme. (92/20)
Describe briefly the different phases of India’s nuclear energy programme. (94/20)
How has India’s Nuclear Programme contributed to the economic and defence requirements of the country? (97/40)
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? (17/15)
With growing energy needs, should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy. (18/15)
Nuclear Technology
Distinguish Fusion from Fission. Which process is relevant to generation of power in Atomic Power Stations at present? (80/2 each)
What is heavy water and name one location where it is produced? (82/3)
What are radioisotopes? Describe their use in Industry and in medicine. (83/20)
Where is Kalpakkam and what is the project established there? (83/3)
What is “Nuclear Winter’? What could be its consequences? (85/3)
Name three Indian reactors which supply radio isotopes. (86/3)
What is a fast breeder reactor? Comment on its suitability in the Indian context. (99/40)
Where is Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research located? (99/1)
Write about Radiation & its effects. (03/2)
Write brief note in about 30 words: Artificial Sun. (09/3)
Where are the following located? (Give the name of the city and state) (1) Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research. (96/3)
What is heavy water? What is it used for? (92/3)
Evaluate the impact and implications of the Pokhran Test and the Launching of the Rohini with particular reference to India. (80/20)
When did the world come to know about Chernobyl Nuclear Reactor disaster and how? How does a Chernobyl type reactor work? What lessons can India draw from this accident? (About 125 words) (86/2)
What do you understand by nuclear fall out? What are its harmful effects? (90/3)
What is nuclear medicine? Describe briefly its different uses. (95/20)
Nisarga-Runa technology of BARC. (11/5)
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? (2025/10)
DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY
Missile Technology
In which Defence Undertaking are the “anti-tank” missiles produced? (82/1)
Give the names of three missiles developed by India under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme. Briefly mention their capabilities. (89/3)
What are the salient features of India’s missile development programme? (92/20)
What are the unique features of ‘Agni’ launched recently by India? When and from where was it launched? What has been the reaction of the USA? (92/6)
Why is Agni Project important for India? (97/40)
What was the controversy about ‘Prithvi’? (97/2)
How does the development of Pinaka benefit India? (98/20)
What do you know about ‘Pinaka’? (02/2)
Discuss the missile technology initiatives undertaken by India. (07/15)
Write brief note on Agni V. (10/2)
How is S-400 air defence system technically superior to any other system presently available in the world? (2021/10)
Aircraft
Name the main combat aircraft which are in active service in Indian Air Force. Which of them is obsolete or obsolescent? What have been the recent acquisitions of combat aircraft for use in our Air Force? What options are open to Indian Air Force to match the F-16 Aircraft, which is being acquired by Pakistan? (81/15)
Which aircraft is proposed to be inducted in the Indian Air Force to match F-16 of Pakistan Air Force? (82/1)
What is meant by a “stealth aircraft”? Mention two “stealth technological techniques” used in such an aircraft. (89/3)
What is Stealth Technology? (07/10)
Write about India’s L.C.A. (Tejas). (08/2)
Write brief note in about 30 words: The “P-8A Poseidon’. (09/3)
What is ‘Predator’ drone and why has it been in the news recently? (10/3)
F-22 ‘Raptor’ aircraft. (11/5)
Army/Tanks
Answer the following: Where are Vijayanta Tanks produced in India? (82/1)
Navy/Submarines
Where will submarines be constructed in India? (82/1)
What was the achievement of “Varuna’? (88/3)
Write brief note on Nuclear Submarine ‘Arihant’. (09/5)
Misc.
What are binary chemical weapons? (91/3)
What is RDX made of? Why has it been in the news lately? (93/20)
In which Defence Institution do the Senior Defence and Civilian Officers receive training in the higher methods of management and co-ordination during peace and war? (82/1)
Differentiate between Explosion and Implosion. (00/2)
SPACE TECHNOLOGY
Achievements in Indian Space Research
Give a brief review of India’s accomplishments in the field of space science and technology. (79/10)
What are the significant achievements of Indian scientists in the context of Space Research? How will space technology be useful for weather prediction, telecommunications and identification of natural resources? (81/50)
Trace the progress of India’s Space Research Programmes. What are its significant achievements? (91/20)
Describe how India’s space programme has helped in its socio-economic development. (96/40)
Discuss India’s achievements in the field of space science and technology. How has the application of this technology helped India in its socio-economic development? (16/12.5)
Remote Sensing
Name three applications of remote sensing techniques. (83/3)
Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II of Jaipur built five observatories for astronomical observations. Two of these are situated at Delhi and Jaipur. Where are the other three located? (87/3)
What is remote sensing? Describe the status of remote sensing in India. (93/15)
What is remote sensing? What are its uses especially in the Indian context? (98/40)
What new type of satellite is proposed to be induced for bolstering surveillance on India’s border? How does this type of satellite compare with existing satellites? (99/10)
What does GMRT stand for? (99/1)
What is Global Positioning System (G.P.S.)? (99/3)
Write about: Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT). (09/3)
Comment on the recent launching of the National Mission on Libraries (NML). (12/5)
Launch Vehicles
Difference between PSLV and GSLV. (02/2)
Satellite & Space Craft
What is the difference between active and passive satellites? (03/2)
Indian Space Projects
Describe the key elements of Chandrayaan-1. (08/5)
Write about India’s Mars Orbiter Mission. (13/5)
Space Mission
State as to what APOLLO-17 stands for. (79/2)
What are the advantages to the nation in sending our men into space? It is sometimes argued that the problem of tackling poverty will get side-tracked if we indulge in such luxurious experiments. What are your views in this regard? (84/35)
What was the Pathfinder Mission? What were its main findings? (97/10)
The safe landing of the “Curiosity” Rover under NASA’s space programme has sparked many possibilities. What are those and how could humankind benefit from them? (12/10)
In which year and by which countries was International Space Station (ISS) launched? How many countries are participating in this program? What are the unique studies being made in the station which could not be made so accurately on the earth? (03/15)
What is India’s plan to have its own space station and how will it benefit our space programme? (19/10)
Communication Satellite/Communication
Write brief notes on: INSAT-1C. (88/5)
What are VSATs? What are they used for? (95/3)
Determine the utility of Direct To Home in broadcasting system. (01/10)
Indian Institutes
Where are the following located? (Give the name of the city and state): Space Applications Centre. (96/3)
Where is Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre located? (99/1)
Misc.
What is ‘Chandrasekhar limit’? (85/3)
What is a leap second? (92/3)
What is Trishul? (94/3)
Write brief note in about 30 words: Extra Vehicular Activity (EVA). (09/3)
State the importance of Antrix Corporation. (98/3)
HEALTH TECHNOLOGY INCLUDING MEDICINES
Disease & Medicine
What are genetic diseases? Give some examples. What are the prospects of treatment of patients suffering from such diseases? Can these patients be cured? (85/20)
What is Fluorosis? What can be done to minimize its harmful effects? (88/20)
What is Hepatitis E? (91/3)
What are the diseases caused by Iodine Deficiency? What steps are being taken to tackle the problem in India? (About 250 words) (94/40)
What is HIV? What does it cause? (96/3)
What is “Mad cow disease”? (97/20)
What is Polio? Name its few features and how it can be prevented. (97/20)
What is AIDS? Describe its salient features. (About 250 words) (95/40)
What is ‘amniocentesis’? What has made it a controversial technique? (95/20)
The ICMR has cautioned that the dreaded disease AIDS might spread in the next few years in India too. What steps are recommended for its control? (90/20)
Why is the HIV considered so dangerous? Why has the spread of the virus proved so difficult to contain, especially in the poorer countries of the world? (00/30)
Write about Anthrax. (03/2)
Comment on MRSA infection. (10/5)
Initiatives/Policy
Write short note on Asian Charter for Health development. (80/10)
Why has there been a recrudescence of Malaria in India? What steps should be taken to prevent its spread and to eradicate it eventually? (80/20)
What do you know about ‘Operation Faith’? (86/3)
It has been estimated that there are more than four million leprosy patients in India. What steps are being taken by the Government of India for their treatment and rehabilitation? (89/20)
Write on Ayush-64 in about 20 words. (09/2)
New initiatives during the 11th Five Years Plan in the National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB). (11/12)
The Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach to sanitation. (11/5)
Health Technology
What is “Jaipur Foot’? (81/3)
What is MRI? What is it used for? (92/3)
What is eugenics? (86/3)
What is ultrasound? State two of its uses in modern medical practice. (89/3)
What is a pacemaker? (84/3)
What is ELISA? What is it used for? (95/3)
What is a pacemaker? How does it work? (95/2)
Write brief note on Gene doping. (08/2)
What is ‘Amniocentesis’? What has made it a controversial technique? (95/20)
Food
What are “anabolic steroids”? Give one example. Why have they been in the news recently? (89/3)
Write an account of BVO. Give reasons against its use. (90/20)
Omega-3 fatty acids in our food. (11/5)
Many food items contain “Trans fats”. What do you understand by this term? Which Indian food items contain trans fats? What are the implications of trans fats on human health? (12/15)
Recent Trends
Protein deficiency is a major nutritional problem among the Indian masses. What are the serious consequences of protein deficiency? Evaluate the limitations and advantages of the use of soyabeans as a source of protein diet. (84/20)
Write note on Use of Information Technology in health management in India. (05/10)
The last National Family Health Survey (NFHS) displayed a very dismal picture of nutrition as regards several indicators for average Indians. Highlight the salient aspects of this problem. (09/15)
Why is tele-medicine important for a country like India? (09/10)
What are antibiotics? Name two antibiotics which are commonly used. (80/2)
What are psychedelic drugs? Give a few examples. What are their effects? (82/3)
Drug abuse and drug addiction have become a serious problem in many countries. What steps are being taken to help the victims of drug abuse? (85/20)
Can overuse and free availability of antibiotics without Doctor’s prescription be 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. (14/12.5)
What do you understand by Fixed Dose Drug Combinations (FDCs)? Discuss their merits and demerits. (200 words) (13/10)
What do you understand by the term “Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis” (MDR-TB)? What measures would you advocate for its containment and what are the implications of its spread in the community? (12/15)
AWARENESS IN THE FIELDS OF IT, COMPUTERS, ROBOTICS
Definition (Terms)
What is a “Compact Disc”? (88/3)
What is a “Computer Virus”? What are its effects? Is there a remedy? (89/3)
Explain the meaning of the term ‘quantum jump’. (90/3)
What is a supercomputer? Give an account of super-computer development in India. (93/40)
Difference between Compact Disc (CD), Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) and Blu-ray Disc. (11/5)
Write about the following: Bluetooth. (05/2)
What do you understand by optical computing? Why is optical computing envisaged to have much better performance than that of electronic computing? (06/15)
Who are called ‘Hackers’ in computer world? (06/2)
What is ‘Sympathetic Haptics’? (03/2)
What is an operating system? List the basic services provided by an operating system. (03/2)
What is an ‘Internet Worm’? Explain DDoS. (03/2)
What do the following stand for? (i) POSIX (ii) EPROM (iii) MODEM (iv) COBOL. (03/2 each)
What do the following stand for? (i) CD-ROM (ii) USB (iii) ITES (iv) FORTRAN. (04/2 each)
What do you understand by MP3? (04/2 each)
Role of IT, Computer Technology and Emerging Technologies
Explain briefly the impact of the Computer on Industry, Education and Public Services in India. (79/20)
What are mini-computers? Comment on the economic and social implications of this innovation. (80/20)
Discuss the impact of electronics on science, industry and society. (82/20)
What is microchip? Describe the impact it can have on the technological advancement in India. (82/20)
Comment on the state of computer technology in India today. In this context, point out the possible uses to which super-computers could be put. (87/15)
Answer the following in about 20 words each: What is “digital signature” and what is it used for? (00/2)
India is rapidly emerging as an Information Technology (IT) Superpower. Discuss some aspects of the growth of this Sector in the Indian economy. What role can public policy play in further enhancing growth prospects in this Sector? (00/30)
What is Enterprise Resource Planning? (04/10)
What is digital convergence? Examine its implications for modern society. (About 250 words) (05/30)
What is ‘cloud computing’? Bring out its essential features and list its advantages and limitations. (10/12)
What do you understand by Umpire Decision Review System in Cricket? Discuss its various components. Explain how silicone tape on the edge of a bat may fool the system? (200 words) (13/10)
What is digital signature? What does its authentication mean? Give various salient built-in features of a digital signature. (13/5)
How does the 3D printing technology work? List out the advantages and disadvantages of the technology. (100 words) (13/5)
Discuss the advantage and security implications of cloud hosting of servers vis-a-vis in-house machine-based hosting for government businesses. (15/12.5)
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. (15/12.5)
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? (2024/10)
Artificial Intelligence
What is artificial intelligence? What is its current scenario and what are its prospects? (About 250 words) (91/40)
Answer the following in about 20 words each: Write a short note on “Artificial Intelligence’. (00/2)
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? (150 words) (2023/10)
Super-Computer
Describe the development of Super-computer in India. (98/20)
What is supercomputer? Give an account of super-computer development in India. (93/40)
The Sequoia supercomputer was launched this year. What are its specific features and what is its purpose? (12/5)
K-computer (Each answer in a sentence or two only). (11/2)
Optical Fibre
What are artificial fibres? Compare their properties with natural fibres. Comment upon the growth of artificial fibre industry in India. (83/20)
What are ‘optical fibres’? What are their applications? (85/3)
It is believed that the use of fibre optics will revolutionize the telecommunication technology. What progress has been made in India in this field? (87/15)
What are optical fibres? What are their advantages? (98/20)
What is fibre optics? What advantages does it offer in telecommunications? Elaborate. (01/15)
Define ‘optical frequency comb’. Suggest at least three applications. (09/15)
Misc.
Explain: Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) (150 words). (08/15)
Trace the significant steps in the evolution of Television in the country. (09/15)
Explain and differentiate among ‘Plasma’, ‘LCD’ and “LED” television technologies. (10/12)
What is frequency modulation? (90/3)
What is an E-lamp? What are its main advantages? (93/3)
Write about E-commerce in 20 words. (01/2)
Discuss in detail “The Internet Telephony as an alternative”. (02/30)
Comment on Various generations of mobile phone technology. (10/5)
Analog, hybrid and IP systems in CCTV technology. (11/5)
OPERA detector at Gran Sasso. (11/2)
“Operation Shady Rat”. (11/2)
‘SAGA-220’. (11/2)
INSPIRE programme of the Department of Science and Technology. (11/5)
What does HDTV stand for? (92/3)
Give the functions of interferons. (98/3)
What do the following stand for: (i) C-DOT (ii) CGCRI (iii) INMAS. (96/3)
What do the following stand for? (i) TIFR (ii) DRDO (iii) NEERI. (97/3)
What do the following stand for: (i) C-DAC (ii) ICMR (iii) TRAI. (98/3)
What is virtual reality? What is it used for? (96/20)
What does NISSAT stand for? (99/1)
Write short notes on PACE. (07/2)
Write brief note on TIFAC in 20 words. (08/2)
What do the following stand for? (i) C-DAC (ii) SROSS (iii) INSDOC. (94/3)
What do the following stand for: (i) IREDA (ii) APPLE (iii) INMAS. (95/3)
What is a CD-ROM? Describe its main advantages as a vehicle for information dissemination. (93/20)
What are encilites? (94/3)
What is E-mail? (97/3)
Why is Website getting popular? (98/3)
What is the difference between E-mail and Fax? (98/3)
What is a modem? What is it used for? (99/3)
What is a computer virus? How does it infect systems? (99/2)
Answer the following in about 20 words each: (a) What does the ‘clock speed’ of a computer signify? (b) What do the following stand for? (i) http (ii) CPU (iii) ROM (iv) BIOS. (c) What is a modem and what is it used for? (d) What is spamming? (e) How does a computer virus destroy data? (00/2 each)
Answer the following (in about 20 words each): (a) What is “Sympathetic Haptics’? (b) What are special features of ‘Linux’? (c) What is an operating system? List the basic services provided by an operating system. (d) What is an ‘Internet Worm’? Explain DDoS. (e) What do the following stand for? (i) POSIX (ii) EPROM (iii) MODEM (iv) COBOL. (03/2 each)
Answer the following (in about 20 words each): (a) What is an exabyte? (b) What is VIRUS? (c) What do the following stand for? (i) XML (ii) MASER (iii) SECAM (iv) TIPS. (d) What is avatar? (e) What is Wikipedia? (05/2 each)
Answer all five (in about 20 words each): (a) What is firewall? (b) What is malware? (c) What do the following stand for? (i) MPEG (ii) ISP (iii) HTML (iv) ASCII. (d) What is Rootkit? (e) What is computer architecture? (07/10)
Explain: Wi-Fi (150 words). (08/15)
Explain: Components of Robots. (08/15)
Write about ‘Bhuvan’ website. (09/3)
What is Wolfram Alpha and why has it been in the news recently? (Your answers should be in a sentence or two only). (10/3)
MABEL robot. (11/2)
Answer the following in about 20 words each: (a) What is “handshake” in computer language? (b) What is “ethernet” and what is it used for? (c) What do the following stand for? (i) DRAM (ii) JPEG (iii) ASCII (iv) IMAP. (d) What is a WAP-enabled phone? (01/2 each)
Answer the following in about 20 words each: (a) What is a digital camera? (b) What is firewall in Computer Language? (c) What is multimedia? (d) What do the following stand for? (i) HTML (ii) FTP (iii) MELOPS (iv) PLANIT. (e) What is Piracy? (02/2 each)
Answer the following (in about 20 words each): (b) What is a URL? (c) What do the following stand for? (i) CD-ROM (ii) USB (iii) ITES (iv) FORTRAN. (d) What do you understand by MP3? (e) What are cyber crimes? How are these protected? (04/2 each)
Explain what Thin Film Memory in computers is. (06/2)
Who are called ‘Hackers’ in computer world? (06/2)
Tiangong-1 (Each answer in a sentence or two only). (11/2)
NANO TECHNOLOGY
What are fullerenes? Why are they important? (97/20)
Explain how Nanoscience and Nano-technology have revolutionized modern technology. (06/30)
What is ‘Nanotech’? Give a brief account of its basic concepts, materials used and applications. (09/10)
What is “Graphene”? Mention at least three of its applications. (09/10)
Discuss the applications of nanotechnology in the health care sector. (10/12)
Various applications of Kevlar. (11/5)
Why is nanotechnology one of the key technologies of the 21st century? Describe the salient features of the Indian Government’s Mission on Nanoscience and Technology and the scope of its application in the development process of the country. (16/12.5)
What do you understand by nanotechnology and how is it helping in health sector? (20/10)
How does nanotechnology offer significant advancements in the field of agriculture? How can this technology help to uplift the socio-economic status of farmers? (2025/15)
BIOTECHNOLOGY
Applications of Biotechnology
What is biotechnology? Discuss how the promotion and progress of this technology can bring spectacular changes in the areas of health, energy, food and agriculture. (84/40)
Give a brief account of major achievements in the realm of biotechnology in India. (250 words) (91/40)
What is genetic conservation? Bring out the salient features of genetic conservation activity in India. (93/40)
Describe how biotechnology is finding use in medicine. Give a few current examples. (93/20)
What are biosensors? Describe their uses. (99/20)
“Bio-technology boom may pave a golden path for India.” Discuss. (02/30)
What is Biotechnology? Discuss the important applications of Biotechnology. (04/15)
In what way are ‘Medical Biotechnology’ and ‘Bio-engineering’ useful for technological development of India? (250 words) (08/30)
Define ‘Bio-informatics’. How does it work? What are its major branches and applications? (09/15)
Why is there so much activity in the field of biotechnology in our country? How has this activity benefitted the field of biopharma? (17/15)
How can biotechnology help to improve the living standards of farmers? (19/15)
What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology? How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of the society? (2021/15)
Major Developments in the Field of Biotechnology
Microorganisms have been harnessed by man for a long time for the production of useful materials. Point out some important developments in this area. What is the current status of microbial technology in our country? (About 250 words) (85/40)
Advances in biotechnology have led to the creation of new micro-organisms previously unknown in nature. What are their uses? (88/3)
What is tissue culture? (97/3)
What is Tissue Culture? (91/3)
Write brief note in about 30 words: Biometric ATMs. (09/3)
What is Blue Gene Project and why has it been in the news recently? (10/3)
Vaccine, Immunization, Antibodies
What are ‘monoclonal antibodies’? What are their uses? (85/3)
What is “immunization”? Mention the steps being taken to immunize the rural population against common diseases to which they are generally prone. (87/15)
What is DPT vaccine? What is it used for? (93/3)
The Human Papilloma Virus vaccine has been making the headlines in the recent months. Who are the ideal candidates for receiving this vaccine and what are its benefits? (12/5)
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? (22/15)
GM Crops
What is a mutant and what role does it play in Agriculture? (83/3)
What are synthetic seeds? (93/3)
How are transgenic plants different from hybrid plants and what is their relevance in modern agriculture? Elaborate. (00/15)
Write short note on Genetically Modified Seeds (in 20 words). (05/2)
The human population is slated to grow to 9 billion by 2050. In this context, many scientists predict that plant genomics would play a critical role in keeping out hunger and preserving the environment. Explain. (12/25)
What is meant by “Genetic Engineering’? What are the promises and dangers associated with it? Do you recommend that India should go ahead in developing this technology? (81/20)
Explain the meaning and the uses of gene therapy. (88/3)
What is a gene? Where is it found? (94/3)
What is genetic engineering? Why is it getting increasingly important these days? (98/40)
What is the Human Genome Project? Discuss briefly its importance. (99/20)
Discuss Human Genome. (00/10)
Explain the objectives and the current achievements of human genome project. (150 words) (07/15)
DNA Technology, DNA Fingerprint
What is meant by DNA fingerprinting? (86/3)
What is DNA fingerprinting? Which research institution in India is working in this area? (94/20)
Explain: DNA Finger Printing and its utility. (09/10)
Assisted Reproduction
What are test tube babies? (86/3)
What are transgenic organisms? What are they used for? (96/20)
Why are transgenic organisms important? (98/3)
How are transgenic plants different from hybrid plants and what is their relevance in modern agriculture? Elaborate. (00/15)
What is Human Cloning? Is it dangerous or beneficial? Discuss. (01/15)
Discuss the elements of ‘frozen semen technology‘. What are ‘embryo transfer’, “transgenic animals’, ‘DNA recombinant technique’? (03/15)
What is therapeutic cloning? Describe briefly the method and its potential applications. (05/15)
Analyze critically the interlinkages between the Convention on Biological Diversity and FAO Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. (12/15)
In the context of Assisted Reproductive Technologies, India has emerged as a hub of commercial surrogacy. What key biological, legal and ethical issues merit consideration while framing the regulation to govern surrogacy in India? (12/10)
Genetics, Genetic Material (DNA/RNA) and Genome
Define ‘genetic code’. (80/2)
Mention the breakthrough made in NCL in the field of plant-genetics and explain its significance. (90/3)
What is genetic conservation? Bring out the salient features of genetic conservation activity in India. (About 250 words) (93/40)
How do identical twins differ from each other genetically? (99/3)
Short note on Genome. (03/2)
What do you understand by “Bio-signatures’? Discuss briefly. (09/15)
Write about Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) and its applications. (09/15)
What is ACTN3 gene and why has it been in the news recently? (Your answers should be in a sentence or two only). (10/3)
‘Arsenic-bug’ and the significance of its discovery. (11/5)
Stem Cells
What are stem cells? Why have they been in the news recently? Discuss. (01/30)
Stem cell therapy is gaining popularity in India to treat a wide variety of medical conditions including Leukaemia, Thalassemia, damaged cornea and severe burns. Describe briefly what stem cell therapy is and what advantages it has over other treatments? (150 words) (17/10)
Assorted
Analyze critically the interlinkages between the Convention on Biological Diversity and FAO Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. (12/15)
Where is the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology located? (99/1)
What is biogas technology? What benefits are envisaged from its use? Describe the steps Government of India is taking for its development, discussing the salient features of the programme. (250 words) (82/45)
What is photosynthesis? Where does it generally occur? (83/3)
What are enzymes? What is their importance? (98/20)
Write a note on “Bio-refinery versus Fossil fuels’. (06/15)
What are normal osmosis and reverse osmosis? Why has reverse osmosis become popular in India? (07/2)
Write brief note on Sappan. (08/2)
Molecular Breast Imaging (MBI) technology. (11/5)
ISSUES RELATING TO INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
Discuss the main issues involved in the provisions regarding the Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights in the DUNKEL Draft Text, in relation to India. (93/40)
What are Intellectual Property Rights? Why are Indian scientists concerned about the new patent regimes? (96/40)
What is the concept of copyleft? (05/2)
Explain the implications of the implementation of Intellectual Property Clauses in our patent law regime after joining the WTO. (06/30)
Write brief note on Copyright and Trade-mark in 20 words. (08/2)
Have the Uruguay Round negotiations and the resultant Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) agreement helped in resolving trade conflicts arising out of variations in different nations’ IPR regimes? Also list the steps taken by India to conform to TRIPS. (10/12)
Bringing out the circumstances in 2005 which forced amendment to the section 3(d) in Indian Patent Law, 1970, discuss how it has been utilized by the Supreme Court in its judgement in rejecting Novartis’ patent application for ‘Glivec’. Discuss briefly the pros and cons of the decision. (13/10)
In a globalized world, Intellectual Property Rights assume significance and are a source of litigation. Broadly distinguish between the terms — Copyrights, Patents and Trade Secrets. (14/12.5)
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 of making this database publicly available under open source licensing. (15/12.5)
How is the Government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies? (19/15)
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. (2024/10)
MISCELLANEOUS
Laser
What is a laser beam? (80/2)
What is laser? Indicate two of its important uses. (83/3)
What is a laser? How does it differ from an ordinary light? Describe the application of lasers in various fields. What are the prospects of its large scale use in India? (About 250 words) (86/40)
What is photonics? Mention some of the areas of its application. (90/3)
Describe the importance of “Laser” in war and peace. (04/15)
Super Conductor
What is a ‘solid-state device’? Mention two manufactured items in which such devices find applications. (80/2)
What is the application of superconductors in computers? (About 250 words) (90/40)
What are high-temperature superconductors? Describe their important applications. (94/20)
What is Piezoelectricity? (94/3)
What is “Superconductivity’? Give its uses and applications. (04/15)
Health Related Misc.
Write brief note on Aspartame. (08/2)
What is phytoremediation? Discuss its applications. (10/12)
Comment on Ginkgo biloba. (10/5)
The first-aid that you can safely administer to a person standing next to you at the bus-stop who suddenly faints. (11/5)
What does the ICMR stand for? (98/1)
Others
What is holography? (84/3)
Describe briefly the achievements of Indian scientists in the exploration of marine resources. (84/20)
Why do the leaves look green in light? (84/3)
What is Agent Orange? What were its effects? (85/3)
What is “Science City”? (87/3)
What is SQUID? Which of the CSIR laboratories are working on it? (91/3)
What is ‘Maitri’? (92/3)
Where are the following located? (Give the name of the city and state): (i) Central Drug Research Institute, (ii) Space Applications Centre. (96/3)
What do the following stand for: (i) ANURAG (ii) HVDC. (93/2)
Write brief note on ‘Aerostat’ balloon. (10/2)
Comment on HRP-2 M Choromet. (10/5)
Comment on Maglev vehicles. (10/5)
Comment on Super absorbent polymers (SAP). (10/5)
What is ‘Dreamliner’ aircraft and why has it been in the news recently? (10/3)
Difference between ‘spin-drying’ and ‘tumble-drying’ technology with reference to drying of washed clothes. (11/5)
International Year of Chemistry. (11/5)
Comment on the significance of Rasarnava in studying the history of Indian Chemistry. (12/5)
Issues highlighted through the work of Palagummi Sainath. (12/2)
What is an FRP composite material? How are they manufactured? Discuss their applications in aviation and automobile industries. (100 words) (13/5)
You are stationed in a small district town in the plains of Northern India. The summer has been severe. Suddenly, a colleague, who had been out since morning, returns to the office complaining of headache, restlessness and confusion. Shortly, he becomes unconscious. His body temperature is 40°C. What first aid steps would you take to revive him? (12/5)
What is “Black Box’? What are the functions of FDR and CVR? (85/10)
Explain: Spintronics (150 words). (08/15)
What are the fundamental constants and their use in the measurement system? (02/15)
Where is Balasinor? Why has it come into news recently? (84/3)