UPSC Mains Topic-Wise Previous Year Questions

The UPSC Mains Topic-Wise Previous Year Questions on Science and Technology, providing a nuanced understanding of key concepts, contemporary issues, and the evolving landscape that aspiring UPSC candidates must navigate.

Table of Contents

Science and Technology – Policy

Assess the contributions made by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in agricultural development. (150 words) (2010, 24 Marks)
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. (2012, 25 Marks)
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. (2014, 12 Marks)
Not many years ago, river linking was a concept but it is becoming a reality in the country. Discuss the advantages of river linking and its possible impact on the environment. (150 words) (2017, 10 Marks)
Discuss the work of ‘Bose-Einstein Statistics’ done. by Prof. Satyendra Nath Bose and show how it revolutionized the field of Physics. (2018, 10 Marks)
How is science interwoven deeply with our lives? What are the striking changes in agriculture triggered off by science-based technologies? (150 words) (2020, 10 Marks)
How does e-technology help farmers in the production and marketing of agricultural produce? Explain it. (150 words) (2023, 10 Marks)

Defence

What is a cryogenic engine? Discuss its significance in India’s space programme. (2001, 30 Marks)
What is Stealth Technology? (125 words) (2007, 10 Marks)
Discuss the missile technology initiatives undertaken by India. (150 words) (2007, 15 Marks)
Write about India’s L.C.A. (Tejas). (2008, 2 marks)
Write brief note on the Nuclear Submarine ‘Arihant’. (2009, 5 Marks)
Write brief note in about 30 words about the ‘P- 8A Poseidon’. (2009, 3 Marks)
Write brief note on Agni-V. (2010, 2 marks)
What are ‘Predator’ drones and why have it been in the news recently? (your answer should be in a sentence or two only) (2010, 3 Marks)
Write about the Kaveri K-10 aero-engine. (2011, 5 Marks)
Write about the F-22 Raptor’s aircraft. (2011, 5 Marks)
The terms ‘Hot Pursuit and ‘Surgical strikes’ are often used in connection with armed action against terrorist attacks. Discuss the strategic impact of such actions. (2016, 12 marks)
How is the S-400 air defense system technically superior to any other system presently available in the world? (150 words) (2021, 10 marks)

Space

What is the significance of the geostationary orbit? What would happen if it becomes too crowded? (200, 30 marks)
Discuss the significance of GSLV in space research. (2001, 30 marks)
Determine the utility of Direct To Home in the broadcasting system. (2001, 10 marks)
In which year and by which countries was the International Space Station (ISS) launched? How many countries are participating in this program? What are the unique studies being made in the station that could not be made so accurately on the earth? (2003, 15 Marks)
Detail the salient features of the project ‘Anthareeksha’. (2005, 15 Marks)
What do you know about Indian National Satellite Systems? Describe its important features. (250 ak words) (2008, 30 Marks
What is the ‘Hubble Space Telescope’? How many Servicing Missions (SMs) have been conducted for it? (2009, 15 marks)
Write brief note in about 30 words on Extra Vehicular Activity (EVA). (2009, 3 Marks)
Write about NNRMS. (09, 3 marks)
Write about GAGAN Project. (2009, 3 marks)
Write brief note on Chandrayaan-II. (2010, 2 Marks)
Comment on CARTOSAT-28 (2010, 5 Marks)
Write about the ‘Kessler syndrome with reference to space debris (2011, 5 Marks)
Write about Various applications of Kevlar. (2011, 5 marks)
Write about Gliese 581 g. (2011, 2 Marks)
Write about Significance of the SPRT-6 rocket launch for ISRO (2012, 2 Marks)
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? (2012, 10 Marks)
What do you understand by ‘Standard Positioning Systems’ and ‘Precision Positioning Systems’ in the GPS era? Discuss the advantages India perceives from its ambitious IRNSS programme employing just seven satellites. (2015, 12 marks)
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? (2016, 12 marks)
India has achieved remarkable successes in unmanned space missions including the Chandrayaan and Mars Orbiter 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) (2017, 10 Marks)
What is India’s plan to have its own space station and how will it benefit our space programme? (150 words) (2019, 10 marks)
Launched on 25th December 2021, the 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? (250 words) (2022, 15 Marks)
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 Sriharikota. (250 words) (2023, 15 Marks)

Biotechnology

Discuss the Human Genome. (2000, 10 Marks)
How are transgenic plants different from hybrid plants and what is their relevance in modern agriculture? Elaborate. (2000, 15 marks)
What are stem cells? Why have they been in the news recently? Discuss. (2001, 30 Marks)
“Biotechnology boom may pave a golden path for India.” Discuss. (2002, 30 Marks)
What is Human Cloning? Is it dangerous or beneficial? Discuss. (2002, 15 marks)
Write a Short note on Genome. (2003, 2 Marks)
Discuss the elements of ‘frozen semen technology”. What are ’embryo transfer’, ‘transgenic animals, ‘DNA recombinant technique’? (2003, 15 marks)
What is Biotechnology? Discuss the important applications of Biotechnology. (2004, 15 marks)
What is therapeutic cloning? Describe briefly the method and its potential applications. (2005, 15 Marks)
Write a short note on Genetically Modified Seeds. (20 words) (2005, 2 Marks)
Write a note on ‘Bio-refinery versus Fossil fuels. (2006, 15 marks)
What are normal osmosis and reverse osmosis? Why has reverse osmosis become popular in India today? (2006, 15 marks)
Write a Short note on Genome. (2007, 2 Marks)
Explain the objectives and the current achievements of the human genome project. (150 words) (2007, 15 marks)
In what way ‘Medical Bio-technology’ and ‘Bioengineering’ are useful for the technological development of India? (250 words) (2008, 30 Marks)
Write a brief note on Sappan. (2008, 2 Marks)
What do you understand by ‘Bio-signatures’? Discuss briefly. (2009, 15 Marks)
Write about Green Fluorescence Protein (GFP) and its applications. (2009, 15 Marks)
Define ‘Bio-informatics’. How does it work? What are its major branches and applications. (2009, 15 Marks)
Explain DNA fingerprinting and its utility. (2009, 10 Marks)
Write brief note in about 30 words on Biometric ATMS. (2009, 3 marks)
Write brief but precise note on Golden Revolution. (2010, 5 Marks)
What is Blue Gene Project and why has it been in the news recently? (Your answer should be in a sentence or two only) (2010, 3 marks)
What is ACTN 3 gene and why has it been in the news recently? (Your answer should be in a sentence or two only) (2010, 3 marks)
Write in brief about Molecular Breast Imaging (MBI) technology. (2011, 5 marks)
Write about ‘Designer’ poultry eggs. (2011, 5 Marks)
Write about ‘Arsenic bug’ and the significance of its discovery. (2011, 5 marks)
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. (2012, 25 Marks)
Analyse critically the interlinkages between the Convention on Biological Diversity and FAO Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. (2012, 15 marks)
What is Permaculture? Give at least three common examples where permaculture concepts are being put to use. (2012, 10 marks)
Why is there so much activity in the field of biotechnology in our country? How has this activity benefitted the field of biopharma? (2018, 15 marks)
How can biotechnology improve the living standards of farmers? (250 words) (2019, 15 Marks)
What are the present challenges before crop diversification? How do emerging technologies provide an opportunity for crop diversification? (250 words) (2021, 15 Marks)
What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology? How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of the society? (250 words (2021, 15 marks)

Energy including Nuclear Energy

Write about Radiation & its effects. (2003, 2 marks)
Discuss in detail ‘Alternative Energy Sources’. (2004, 30 Marks)
Why is hydrogen being acclaimed as the fuel of the future? (150 words) (2005, 15 marks)
Bring out the prospects of development of alternative energy sources of India. (2006, 10 Marks)
Write brief note in about 30 words on Artificial Sun. (2009, 3 Marks)
What is ‘Deepwater Horizon’ incident and why has it been in the news recently? (Your answer should be in a sentence or two only) (2010, 3 Marks)
Write about ‘Concentrated’ solar energy and ‘photovoltaic’ solar energy. (2011, 5 Marks)
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? (2015, 12 Marks)
Give an account of the current status of the targets to be achieved pertaining to renewable energy sources in the country. Discuss in brief the importance of the National Programme on Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) (2016, 12 Marks)
Give an account of the growth and development of nuclear science and technology in India. What is the advantage of a fast breeder reactor programme in India? (250 words) (2017, 15 Marks)
With growing energy needs should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy. (2018, 15 marks)
Describe the benefits of deriving electric energy from sunlight in contrast to conventional energy generation. What are the initiatives offered by our Government for this purpose? (250 words) (2020, 15 marks)

Information Technology (IT)

What is fibre optics? What advantages does it offer in telecommunications? Elaborate. (2001, 15 Marks)
Write about E-commerce in 20 words. (2001/1 / 2013, 2 Marks)
Discuss in detail ‘The Internet Telephony as an alternative’. (2002, 30 Marks)
What is interactive television? What special advantages are derived by using VOD services? What are the components of a typical VOD system? Which feature film was generated first entirely on computers and in which year? (2003, 30 marks)
What is digital convergence? Examine its implications for modern society. (250 words) (2005, 30 marks)
Write short notes on PACE. (2007/1 / 2013, 2 marks)
Explain Internet Protocol Television (IPTV). (150 words) (2008, 15 Marks)
Write brief note on TIFAC in 20 words (2008, 2 Marks)
Define ‘optical frequency comb’. Suggest at least three applications. (2009, 10 Marks)
Trace the significant steps in the evolution of television in the country. (2009, 15 Marks)
Explain and differentiate among ‘Plasma’, ‘LCD’ and ‘LED’ television technologies. (2010, 12 marks)
Comment on various generations of mobile phone technology. (2010, 5 Marks)
Write about analog, hybrid and IP systems in CCTV technology (2011, 5 Marks)
Write about OPERA detector at Gran Sasso (2011, 2 marks)
Explain ‘Operation Shady Rat’ (2011, 2 marks)
Write short note on ‘SAGA-220 (2011, 2 marks)
(a) What is a digital signature? What does its authentication mean? Give various salient built. in features of a digital signature. (100 words) ( 2013, 5 marks)
(b) How does the 3D printing technology work? List out the advantages and disadvantages of the technology. (100 words) ( 2013, 5 marks)
What is the status of digitalization in the Indian economy? Examine the problems faced in this regard and suggest improvements. (150 words) ( 2023, 10 Marks)

Computer/Robotics

Answer the following in about 20 words each: (2001, 2 marks)
(a) What is ‘handshake’ in computer language?
(b) What is ‘ethernet’ and what is it used for?
(c) What is ‘digital signature’ and what is it used for?
(d) What do the following stand for?
(i) DRAM (iii) ASCII
(ii) JPEG (iv) IMAP
(e) What is a WAP-enabled phone?
Answer the following in about 20 words each: (2002, 2 marks)
(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?
Explain Wifi (150 words).(2008, 15 Marks)
Explain the components of Robots.( 2008, 15Marks)
Write about the ‘bhuvan’ website. (2009, 3 Marks)
What is ‘cloud computing’? Bring out its essential features and list its advantages and limitations. (2010, 12 marks)
What is Wolfram Alpha and why has it been in the news recently? (Your answer should be in a sentence or two only) (2010, 3 Marks)
Differentiate between Compact Disc (CD), Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) and Blu-ray Disc. (2011,5 Marks)
Write about the MABEL robot. (2011, 2 marks)
Write about Tiangong-1 ( 2011, 2 Marks)
Write about K-computer (2011, 2 Marks)
The sequoia supercomputer was launched this hat year. What are its specific features and what is its purpose? (2012, 5 Marks)
Discuss the advantage and security implications of cloud hosting of servers vis-a-vis in-house machine- based hosting for government businesses. (2015, 12 Marks)
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. (2015,12 Marks)
Introduce the concept of Artificial Intelligence (Al). How does Al help clinical diagnosis? Do you perceive any threat to privacy of the individual in the use of Al in healthcare? (150words)
(2023, 10 Marks)

Health including Medicine

Why is HIV considered so dangerous? Why has the spread of the virus proved so difficult to contain, especially in the poorer countries of the world?
Fatihaneda(2000, 30 Marks)
Write about Anthrax. (2003, 2 Marks)
Write a note on use of Information Technology in health management in India. (in 125 words) (2005,10 Marks)
Write brief note on Aspartame. (2008, 2 marks)
Write brief note on Gene doping. (2008, 2 marks)
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. (2009, 15 Marks)
Write about Ayush-64 in about 20 words. (2009, 2 Marks)
Why is tele-medicine important for a country like India? (2009,10 Marks)
What is phytoremediation? Discuss its applications. (2010, 12 Marks)
Discuss the applications of nanotechnology in the health care sector. (2010, 12 Marks)
Comment on MRSA infection. (2010, 5 Marks)
Comment on Ginkgo Biloba. (2010, 5 Marks)
Write about new initiatives during the 11th Five Years Plan in the National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB). (2011, 12 Marks
Write about the Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach to sanitation. (2011, 5 Marks)
Write about the first-aid that you can safely administer to a person standing next to you at the bus-stop who suddenly faints. (2011, 5 Marks)
Write about Omega-3 fatty acids in our food. (2011, 5 Marks)
What do you understnad 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? (2012, 15 Marks)
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? (2012, 15 Marks)
The Human Papilloma Virus vaccine has been making the headlines in the recent months. Who make the ideal candidates for receiving this vaccine and what are its benefits? (2012, 5 Marks)
What do you understand by Fixed Dose Drug Combinations (FDCs)? Discuss their merits and demerits. (200 words) (2013, 10 marks)
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. (2014, 12 Marks)
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. (2016, 12 Marks)
Stem cell therapy is gaining popularity in India to treat a wide variety of medical conditions including Leukeamia, Thalassemia, damaged cornea and severe burns. Describe briefly what stem cell therapy is and what advantages it has over other treatments? (150 words) (2017, 10 marks)
The 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 the management of the pandemic. (250 words)
(2020, 15 Marks)
The increase in life expectancy in the country has led to newer health challenges in the community. What are those challenges and what steps need to be taken to meet them? (150 words) (2022, 10 marks)
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? (250 words) (2022, 15 Marks)

Laser and Super Conductivity

What is ‘Superconductivity’? Give its uses and applications. (2004, 15 Marks)
Describe the importance of “Laser” in war and peace. (2004, 15 Marks)

IPR/Copyright/Patent

What is the concept of copyleft? (2005, 2 Marks)
Explain the implications of the implementation of Intellectual Property Clauses in our patent law regime after joining the WTO. (2006, 30 Marks
Write brief note on Copyright and Trade in 20 words. (2008, 2 Marks)
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. (2010, 12 Marks)
Bringing out the circumstances in 2005 which forced an 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 Novratis’ patent application for ‘Glivec’. Discuss briefly the pros and cons of the decision. [200 words) (2013, 10 Marks)
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. (2014, 12 marks)
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. (2015, 12 Marks)
How is the government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies? (250 words) (2019/, 15 Marks)

Nano Science & Nano Technology

Explain how Nanoscience and Nano-technology have revolutionized modern technology. (2006, 30 Marks)
Explain the term Spintronics (150 words) (2008, 15 Marks)
What is ‘Nanotech’? Give a brief account of its basic concepts, materials used and applications. (2009, 10 Marks)
What are the fundamental constants and their use in the measurement system? (2002, 15 Marks)
What is ‘Graphene’? Mention at least three of its applications. (2009, 10 Marks)
What do you understand by nanotechnology and how is it helping in the health sector? (150 words) (2020, 10 Marks)

Miscellaneous

Write brief note on the ‘Aerostat’ balloon. (2010, 2 Marks)
Comment on HRP-2 M Choromet. (2010, 5 Marks)
Comment on Maglev vehicles. (2010, 5 Marks)
Comment on Super absorbent polymers (SAP). (2011, 5 Marks)
What is ‘Dreamliner’ aircraft and why has it been in the news recently? (Your answer should be in a sentence or two only). (2010, 3 Marks)
What is Nisarga-Runa technology of BARC? (2011, 5 Marks)
Differentiate between ‘spin-drying’ and ‘tumble-drying’ technology with reference to drying of washed clothes (2011, 5 Marks)
Write about the International Year of Chemistry. (2011, 5 Marks)
Comment on the significance of Rasarnava in studying the history of Indian Chemistry (2012, 5 Marks)
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? (2012, 5 Marks)
Explain the issues highlighted through the work of Palagummi Sainath.(2012, 2 marks)
What is an FRP composite material? How are they manufactured? Discuss their applications in the aviation and automobile industries. [100 words] ( 2013, 5 Marks)
Mob violence is emerging as a serious law and order problem in India. By giving suitable examples, analyze the causes and consequences of such violence. (250 words)
(2017, 15 Marks)
The Nobel Prize in Physics of 2014 was jointly awarded to Akasaki, Amano and Nakamura for the invention of Blue LEDs in the 1990s. How has this invention impacted the everyday life of human beings? (250 words) (2021, 15 Marks)

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UPSC Mains Topic-Wise Previous Year Questions – Science and Technology