The progress of science and technology stands as a testament to humanity’s insatiable curiosity and relentless pursuit of knowledge and innovation. From the ancient civilizations’ rudimentary tools to the cutting-edge advancements of the modern era, our understanding of the world and our ability to manipulate it has undergone an extraordinary evolution. With each passing day, scientists, engineers, and visionaries push the boundaries of what is possible, revolutionizing industries, shaping societies, and redefining the very fabric of existence. This relentless march forward not only transforms our present reality but also holds the promise of a brighter and more interconnected future for generations to come.
Progress of Science and Technology
- Scientific Policy Resolution:
- The Scientific Policy Resolution (SPR) was passed in March 1958, recognizing the pivotal role of science and technology in India’s economic, social, and cultural advancement.
- Establishment of Scientific and Technological Institutes:
- Before the SPR, various scientific and technological institutes were established. The National Physical Laboratory, India’s first national laboratory, was set up in January 1947. Subsequently, a network of seventeen national laboratories, each focusing on different areas of research, was established.
- Institutes of Technology:
- In 1952, the first of the five Institutes of Technology modelled after the Massachusetts Institute of Technology was established in Kharagpur.
- Atomic Energy Commission:
- The Atomic Energy Commission, headed by Homi J. Bhabha, was established in August 1948. Nehru personally encouraged and supported Bhabha’s endeavours. In 1954, a separate Department of Atomic Energy was created, with Bhabha as secretary. In August 1956, India’s first nuclear reactor in Trombay, which was also Asia’s first, became operational.
- Space Research:
- In 1962, the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) and a Rocket Launching Facility at Thumba (TERLS) were established, marking significant strides in India’s space program.
- Defence Equipment Production:
- Measures were taken to enhance India’s capacity in the production of defence equipment, emphasizing self-reliance.
- Decimal Coinage and Metric System:
- A transition to decimal coinage and the adoption of a metric system of weights and measures, in alignment with international standards, was implemented gradually between 1955 and 1962.
FAQs
Q1: What recent advancements have been made in artificial intelligence (AI)?
A1: Recent advancements in AI include breakthroughs in natural language processing, computer vision, and reinforcement learning. Technologies like GPT-3, OpenAI’s language model, and AlphaFold, DeepMind’s protein folding AI, showcase significant progress in AI capabilities.
Q2: How is CRISPR technology evolving in the field of genetics?
A2: CRISPR technology continues to revolutionize genetics with its precision gene-editing capabilities. Recent developments include enhanced CRISPR systems for more precise edits, CRISPR-based diagnostics for detecting diseases, and ongoing research into potential therapies for genetic disorders.
Q3: What strides have been made in renewable energy technology?
A3: Renewable energy technology has advanced significantly, with improvements in solar panels, wind turbines, and energy storage systems. Innovations like perovskite solar cells, offshore wind farms, and grid-scale batteries are contributing to the transition towards sustainable energy sources.
Q4: What breakthroughs have occurred in healthcare technology?
A4: Healthcare technology is experiencing breakthroughs in areas such as telemedicine, wearable health monitors, and personalized medicine. Advancements in genomics, such as gene editing and gene therapy, offer new treatment options for genetic diseases, while AI-powered diagnostic tools improve healthcare efficiency and accuracy.
Q5: How is quantum computing progressing?
A5: Quantum computing is making strides with developments in quantum processors, quantum algorithms, and error correction techniques. Companies like IBM, Google, and Microsoft are racing to achieve quantum supremacy, with promising applications in cryptography, optimization, and drug discovery on the horizon.
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
