Nanotechnology has emerged as a pivotal technological frontier in the 21st century, holding immense promise and transformative potential across various sectors. Its significance lies in its ability to manipulate matter at the nanoscale, where materials exhibit unique properties and behaviors. This capability enables the creation of innovative solutions with unprecedented precision, impacting fields such as medicine, electronics, energy, and materials science. Recognizing the strategic importance of nanotechnology, the Indian Government has initiated a robust Mission on Nanoscience and Technology, emphasizing research, development, and application of nanoscale science in the country. This mission underscores the government’s commitment to harnessing the full potential of nanotechnology for socio-economic development.
Tag: Awareness in the field of IT, Computer, Space, Robotics, Nanotechnology, and issues relating to intellectual property rights.
Decoding the Question:
- In Intro, try to Define nano technology
- In Body,
- Discuss importance of nanotechnology as key technology of 21st century
- Discuss salient features of Mission Nanoscience and technology scope of its application.
- Try to conclude bringing in the need of R&D in nanotechnology
Answer:
In recent years nanotechnology has revolutionized scientific research across the globe in a big way. Today, from agriculture to aerospace research, nanotechnology’s impact is being felt. Research in nanotechnology spans across an array of fields such as health, environment, agriculture, food and beverages, product development, space technology, power generation, genetics, biotechnology, forensic science, electronics and communications.
Importance of Nanotechnology as key technology of 21st century:
- Nanosilver provides an effective, broad-spectrum antimicrobial coating to the surface of various consumer products. Therefore silver nanotechnology is being used in a wide range of consumer products such as wound dressings, textiles, food storage containers, paints and personal care appliances.
- Nanotechnology has significantly scaled down the size of transistors and chips used in the production of computers and other electronic goods.
- Nanotechnology has made great strides in the field of medicine. Several nano- sized gadgets and materials are being developed to diagnose and treat diseases like cancer more effectively. Nano-pharmacology helps to produce smart drugs that have negligible side effects.
- Nanoscale thin films on eyeglasses, computer and camera displays, windows, and other surfaces can make them water-repellent, anti reflective, self-cleaning, resistant to ultraviolet or infrared light, anti fog, antimicrobial, scratch-resistant, or electrically conductive.
- Scientists are coating fabrics with a thin layer of zinc oxide nanoparticles that give better protection from UV radiation.
- Using nanoparticles in the manufacture of solar cells is beneficial as they can reduce manufacturing costs by using a low temperature process.
Salient features of Mission on Nanoscience and Technology:
- Capacity-building in research in nanoscience and technology: Mission focus on funding of basic research in nanotechnology by individual scientists and groups of scientists and creation of centres of excellence for pursuing studies. The mission is funding about 235 individual scientist-centric research projects on fundamental research in Nano-systems. This will lead to fundamental understanding of matter that enables control and manipulation at the nanoscale.
- Infrastructure Development for Nano Science & Technology Research: Mission aimed at establishing a chain of shared facilities across the country with sophisticated equipment required for Nano research. It also focuses on establishing linkages between industry and research and educational institutions and promoting public private partnerships (PPPs).
- Nano Applications and Technology Development Programmes: Mission aim to catalyse Applications and Technology Development Programmes that would lead to products and devices.
- Human Resource Development: The project aims to create a large skilled manpower base through effective education and training to researchers and professionals in diversified fields so that a genuine interdisciplinary culture for nanoscale science, engineering and technology can emerge.
- International Collaborations: Apart from exploratory visits of scientists, organization of joint workshops and conferences and joint research projects. It focuses on promoting foreign collaboration in nanotechnology programmes.
Thus, it can be rightly said that nanoscience and related technologies have multi-sectoral applications and scopes for their usage. India needs to give more focus on R&D in the field of nanoscience and related technologies. To meet this growing and rapidly evolving technology, a more collaborative approach among government, educational institutions and Private players is needed.
In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.
For UPSC Prelims Resources, Click here
For Daily Updates and Study Material:
Join our Telegram Channel – Edukemy for IAS
- 1. Learn through Videos – here
- 2. Be Exam Ready by Practicing Daily MCQs – here
- 3. Daily Newsletter – Get all your Current Affairs Covered – here
- 4. Mains Answer Writing Practice – here
