Home/Science & Technology/Page 24
Science & Technology
Share
Lost your password? Please enter your email address. You will receive a link and will create a new password via email.
Please briefly explain why you feel this question should be reported.
Please briefly explain why you feel this answer should be reported.
Please briefly explain why you feel this user should be reported.
To what factors can the recent dramatic fall in equipment costs and tariff of solar energy be attributed? What implications does the trend have for the thermal power producers and the related industry? (200 words) [UPSC 2015]
Factors Behind the Dramatic Fall in Solar Equipment Costs and Tariffs Technological Advancements: Innovation in solar technology has led to significant reductions in equipment costs. For example, the development of more efficient photovoltaic (PV) cells and improvements in solar panel manufacturingRead more
Factors Behind the Dramatic Fall in Solar Equipment Costs and Tariffs
Implications for Thermal Power Producers and Related Industries
In summary, the dramatic fall in solar equipment costs and tariffs is driven by technological advancements, economies of scale, falling raw material costs, and supportive government policies. This trend is reshaping the energy landscape by increasing competition for thermal power producers, influencing investment patterns, and promoting environmental sustainability.
See lessDiscuss the advantages and security implications of cloud hosting of servers vis-a-vis in-house machine-based hosting for government businesses. (200 words) [UPSC 2015]
Advantages of Cloud Hosting for Government Businesses Scalability: Cloud hosting allows government agencies to quickly scale resources up or down based on demand. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, governments worldwide rapidly scaled up cloud resources to support remote work and digital serRead more
Advantages of Cloud Hosting for Government Businesses
Security Implications of Cloud Hosting vs. In-House Hosting
Conclusion: While cloud hosting offers significant advantages in terms of scalability, cost-efficiency, and accessibility, it also poses security challenges, particularly regarding data sovereignty and cybersecurity. Governments need to balance these factors, potentially adopting hybrid solutions that combine the benefits of both cloud and in-house hosting.
See lessWhat are the areas of prohibitive labor that can be sustainably managed by robots? Discuss the initiatives that can propel research in premier research institutes for substantive and gainful innovation. (200 words) [UPSC 2015]
Areas of Prohibitive Labor Managed by Robots Robots can effectively manage areas of labor that are hazardous, repetitive, or require precision beyond human capabilities. Hazardous environments like nuclear plants, deep-sea exploration, and mining can benefit from robotic intervention. For instance,Read more
Areas of Prohibitive Labor Managed by Robots
Robots can effectively manage areas of labor that are hazardous, repetitive, or require precision beyond human capabilities. Hazardous environments like nuclear plants, deep-sea exploration, and mining can benefit from robotic intervention. For instance, Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant cleanup has seen the deployment of robots for tasks too dangerous for humans. Repetitive tasks in manufacturing, such as assembly line operations, are increasingly managed by robots, improving efficiency and reducing human error. In precision tasks, especially in surgery, robots like Da Vinci Surgical System allow for minimally invasive procedures, enhancing patient outcomes.
Initiatives to Propel Research in Premier Institutes
To foster innovation in robotics, several initiatives can be prioritized:
These initiatives can propel substantive and gainful innovation, positioning India at the forefront of the global robotics revolution.
See lessExplain the concept of bioremediation and its applications.
Bioremediation is a process that uses living organisms to clean up pollutants from the environment. This technique harnesses the natural ability of microbes, plants, or fungi to break down or neutralize harmful substances, making them less toxic or completely harmless. Concept: In bioremediation, spRead more
Bioremediation is a process that uses living organisms to clean up pollutants from the environment. This technique harnesses the natural ability of microbes, plants, or fungi to break down or neutralize harmful substances, making them less toxic or completely harmless.
Concept:
In bioremediation, specific organisms are employed to target and degrade pollutants. For instance, certain bacteria can digest oil and other hydrocarbons, turning them into less harmful compounds. Fungi can decompose organic pollutants in soil, while plants can absorb or transform contaminants through their roots, a method known as phytoremediation.
Applications:
Bioremediation offers an eco-friendly way to tackle pollution by using natural processes to clean up environmental contaminants.
See lessWhat do you understand by ‘Standard Positioning Systems’ and ‘Precision Positioning Systems’ in the GPS era? Discuss the advantages India perceives from its ambitious IRNSS program employing just seven satellites. (200 words) [UPSC 2015]
Standard Positioning Systems (SPS) vs. Precision Positioning Systems (PPS) in the GPS Era 1. Understanding SPS and PPS: a. Standard Positioning Systems (SPS): Definition: SPS provides basic positioning information and is accessible to the general public without special authorization. Accuracy: TypicRead more
Standard Positioning Systems (SPS) vs. Precision Positioning Systems (PPS) in the GPS Era
1. Understanding SPS and PPS:
a. Standard Positioning Systems (SPS):
b. Precision Positioning Systems (PPS):
2. India’s IRNSS Program and Its Advantages:
a. Overview of IRNSS:
b. Advantages of IRNSS:
i. Enhanced Accuracy and Reliability:
ii. Strategic and Economic Benefits:
iii. Improved Service Quality:
c. Recent Examples:
3. Conclusion: India’s IRNSS program, with its seven satellites, provides significant strategic and practical advantages. It enhances regional accuracy, reduces reliance on foreign systems, and supports a variety of applications crucial for national development and security.
See lessScientific 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 arc becoming consumer-oriented. Critically comment. (200 words) [UPSC 2014]
Introduction: Scientific research in Indian universities has witnessed a decline over the years. This trend is concerning, especially as the country aims to become a global leader in innovation and technology. Several factors contribute to this decline, including the lack of attractiveness of a careRead more
Introduction: Scientific research in Indian universities has witnessed a decline over the years. This trend is concerning, especially as the country aims to become a global leader in innovation and technology. Several factors contribute to this decline, including the lack of attractiveness of a career in science compared to business, engineering, or administration, and the consumer-oriented shift of universities.
Lack of Attractiveness in Scientific Careers:
Consumer-Oriented Shift in Universities:
Conclusion: The decline in scientific research in Indian universities is a multifaceted issue rooted in inadequate funding, low career incentives, and a consumer-oriented education model. To reverse this trend, there is a need for increased investment in research, better industry-academia collaboration, and policies that make scientific careers more attractive. Only by addressing these challenges can India strengthen its scientific base and contribute meaningfully to global innovation.
See lessGive an account of the growth and development of nuclear science and technology in India. What is the advantage of a fast breeder reactor program in India? (250 words) [UPSC 2017]
Growth and Development of Nuclear Science and Technology in India 1. Early Developments and Milestones: **1. Foundation and Initial Steps: 1950s: India's nuclear journey began with the establishment of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) in 1948. The focus was initially on harnessing nuclear energy fRead more
Growth and Development of Nuclear Science and Technology in India
1. Early Developments and Milestones:
**1. Foundation and Initial Steps:
**2. Advancement in Nuclear Technology:
**3. Recent Developments:
Advantages of Fast Breeder Reactor Program:
**1. Enhanced Fuel Efficiency:
**2. Thorium Utilization:
**3. Reduction of Radioactive Waste:
**4. Increased Energy Output:
Recent Example:
Conclusion:
- India’s nuclear science and technology have seen significant progress from initial research to the establishment of a robust nuclear power infrastructure. The fast breeder reactor program, with its potential for improved fuel efficiency, utilization of thorium, and better waste management, represents a crucial step toward sustainable and long-term nuclear energy security for India.
See lessWhy 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. (200 words) [UPSC 2016]
Nanotechnology: A Key Technology of the 21st Century 1. Importance and Significance: Nanotechnology involves the manipulation of matter at the atomic and molecular scale, typically between 1 and 100 nanometers. This precision enables the creation of materials and devices with unique properties thatRead more
Nanotechnology: A Key Technology of the 21st Century
1. Importance and Significance: Nanotechnology involves the manipulation of matter at the atomic and molecular scale, typically between 1 and 100 nanometers. This precision enables the creation of materials and devices with unique properties that are not present at larger scales. The key technologies of the 21st century, nanotechnology is pivotal due to its potential to revolutionize various fields, including medicine, electronics, energy, and environmental sustainability. For instance, nanomedicine can enhance drug delivery systems, improving efficacy and reducing side effects. In electronics, nanotechnology facilitates the development of smaller, more efficient components, crucial for advancing computing power.
2. Indian Government’s Mission on Nanoscience and Technology: India’s Mission on Nanoscience and Technology, initiated by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), focuses on advancing research and applications in nanoscience. Key features include:
3. Scope in Development Process: Nanotechnology’s applications in India are vast and transformative:
By integrating nanotechnology into these sectors, India can address key development challenges and boost its economic growth.
See lessDiscuss 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? (200 words) [UPSC 2016]
India's Achievements in Space Science and Technology 1. Major Achievements: Satellite Launches: India has developed a robust space program through the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Significant achievements include the successful launch of Chandrayaan-2 in 2019, which aimed to explore thRead more
India’s Achievements in Space Science and Technology
1. Major Achievements:
2. Socio-Economic Impact:
Conclusion:
India’s advancements in space science and technology have not only positioned it as a global leader in space exploration but also have had a profound impact on its socio-economic development. Through improved agricultural practices, disaster management, and enhanced communication systems, space technology continues to drive progress and development in India.
See lessIndia has achieved remarkable successes in unmanned space missions including the Chandrayaan and Mars Orbitter Mission, but has not ventured into manned space missions. What are the main obstacles to launching a manned space mission, both in terms of technology and logistics? Examine critically. (150 words) [UPSC 2017]
Obstacles to Launching Manned Space Missions in India **1. Technological Challenges: **1. Development of Life-Support Systems: Complex Requirements: Manned missions demand advanced life-support systems to sustain astronauts in space. India’s unmanned missions like Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan have demRead more
Obstacles to Launching Manned Space Missions in India
**1. Technological Challenges:
**1. Development of Life-Support Systems:
**2. Spacecraft Design and Testing:
**2. Logistical Challenges:
**1. Financial Constraints:
**2. Infrastructure Development:
**3. International Collaboration:
Recent Example:
Critical Examination:
- Despite remarkable successes in unmanned missions, India faces substantial technological and logistical barriers in manned space missions. Addressing these through investment, infrastructure development, and international collaboration is crucial for future success.
See less