PRELIMS

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY IN INDIA

 Policy Development of S&T in India

o Role of S&T in the Developing World
o S&T Policy in India
 The S&T Policy Resolution in 1958
 S&T Policy of the 1983
 S&T Policy of the 2003
 S&T Policy 2013
o Science and technology as a source of Human Resource Development
o Awards related to Science
o New Initiatives Aligned with the National Agenda
o India and World collaboration in science projects
o Technology Vision Document 2035
o National Biotechnology Development Strategy 2015-2020
o National Intellectual Property Rights Policy
o Organ donation rules in India
o Policy on Synthetic Biology
 Different Organization Institution and Various Department for the S&T
o List of Various Centre Institutions and Bureaus
o Ministries and Department for science and Technology
o Institutional structure
o Department of Science & Technology
o CSIR
o Survey of India
o Science and Engineering Research Council
o Technology Development Board
o National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories

SPACE

 Space Research Programme, Orbits and Launch

o Space Technology
o Indian Space research Programme
o ISRO and ANTRIX
o Orbits Type
o Satellite Launching Systems
o Terminologies Related to the Space Science
 Satellites, Launch Vehicles and India Satellite Programmes
o Earth Observation Systems
o Satellite Communication in India
o Remote sensing applications - IRS Sytems
o INSAT Satellite Application
o GSAT Satellite Application
o Launch vehicle Technology
o GSLV and Various Engine
o Recent National and International Space Missions
o Cryogenic rockets
 Global Positioning System
 Galileo
 GLONASS
 IRNSS
 GAGAN
o Chandrayaan – I & II
o Mars Orbitor Mission
 Space Organisations
 Space race/Space junk
o Recent updates
 South Asia Satellite: Significance
 Neutrino Observatory
 Solar Mission- ADITYA
 Gravitational Waves
o RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
 Spitzer Space Telescope
 Chandra X-Ray Observatory
 Multi Application Solar Telescope
 Thirty Metre Telescope
 Resourcesat-2A
 Astrosat
 Sunspot
 Magnetars
 Neutron stars
 Air-breathing propulsion system
 Space Junk
 Graveyard Orbit
 Super cluster of galaxies known as “Saraswati”.
 NASA: Asteroid impact and deflection assessment mission.
 Commercial use of Lithium-Ion batterytechnology
 Hyperspectral imaging satellite
 Water propulsion system in CUBESAT
 Saturn-cassini Mission
 OSIRIS-Rex passed by earth to reach asteroid Bennu
 Hackathon # Open Gov Data Hack
 Google Lunar X Prize Competition
 NASA-ISRO synthetic aperture radar satellite (NISAR)
 GSAT-17 heaviest communication satellite of ISRO
 Astrosat, Chandra and Hubble Jointly detect massive cosmic explosion
 Scientists create fi rst global map of water on moon
 World’s largest aircraft “Strato launch”
 MOM complete 3 years in orbit
  Solar mission Aditya L-1 in 2019
 Gravitational waves news
 Radio galaxies
 Indigenously developed S-Band Doppler weather radar
 Kelvin waves
 ISRO made satellite based chip system
 TDRS-M NASA
 Neutrino Observatory
 Indian Space Vision-2025
 ‘NIRBHAY’ sub sonic cruise missile
 Brahmos
 INS Koltar
 INS Kiltan
 NAG missile
 Hydrogen bomb
 Vikram OPV
 Integrated Quarter Master Package
 INS Kalvari
 Prithvi II
 Air Independent Propulsion
 Rukmini

IT & COMMUNICATION

 Different Regulatory Bodies in India for ICT

o Ministry of Communication and information Technology
o Initiatives in 12th 5 year plan
o Major Policy Initiatives National Optical Fibre network
o Spectrum Management
o Government initiatives
o Cyber Law
 Computer Terminology and Fundamental
o History of Computers
o Types of Computer
o Component of Computer system
 Computer Languages
 Generation of computers
o Computer terminologies
o Supercomputer and its applications
o Display technologies
o Cathode ray
o LCD
o LED
o Plasma Monitors
o OLED
 Mobile Generations and Technology
o Definition and Impact of ICT on Society
o Evolution of Telecommunication
o Media Transmission technology
o Wireless , Optical Fibres, VSAT SIM IMEI 3G 4 G VolTE Wi Max
o Mobile generations
 Smartphone
 Important concepts
o Internet, Types of Network and e- Governance
 Internet
 WWW
 IP
 URL
 HTTP
 Computer Security Tools: firewalls, hackers
 Global Internet Governance e
 Internet of things
 Internet Protocol
 VPN
 Networking : Bluetooth , WiFIHotSpot
 National E Governance Plan
 Recent Developments
 Government initiatives
 Digital India Initiative
 MeghRaj
 Code Free for India
 E-Kranti
 Bharat Net project
 Bharat QR
 Contemporary debates
 Net Nuetrality
 Internet of Things
 Big Data Initiative and Privacy
 Cyber crime and security
 Spectrum Policy, Broad Band Policy
 Spectrum Policy in India
 Spectrum
 Mobile Spectrum
 Broadband Policy in India
 Cloud Computing
 Big Data
 Encyption
 Biometrics
 Virtual Reality
 Digital India
 QR Codes
  Recent Developments in IT & Telecom
 Quantum computing
 Project brainwave
 Sagar Vani System
 Locky Ransomware, Petya, WannaCry
 Hindi word for computer i.e., “SANGANAK”
 India’s first technology and innovation support centre (TISC)
 Net neutrality
 National cyber coordination center
 Hortinet
 Digital Transaction Methodologies
 Block chain Technology
 Bitcoins
 Cyber Swachhta Kendra
 Digital Transaction Methodologies
 Bharat Net Project
 Wi-Fi Technology
 Digital Terrestrial Television Transmission System
 Internet of Things

MATERIALS, NANO TECHNOLOGY & ROBOTICS

 Superconductivity Laser, Artificial Intelligence

o History Classification and Properties of Superconductors
o Application of Superconductors
o Types and Applications of LASERS
o Artificial Intelligence and Application
o Advantages and Disadvantages of Artificial Intelligence
 Superconductivity Laser, Artificial Intelligence
o What is Robotics?
o Robotics Terminologies
o Laws of Robotics
o Robotics in India
o Machine vs Computer vs Robots
o Parts of a Robot
 Controller
 Manipulator
 End Effector
 Sensor
o Classification of Robots
 Rolling Robots
 Walking Robots
 Autonomous Robots
o Artificial Intelligence
o Advantages and Disadvantages of Robot
 o Applications of Robotics
 Industrial Sector
 Aerospace
 Healthcare Delivery
 Outer Space
 Exploration
 Military Robots
 Disaster Areas
 Entertainment
 Agriculture
 Domestic work
o Nano Technology
 What is Nanoscience and Nanotechnology?
 Origination of Nanoscience and Technology
 Basics of Nanoscience
 Nanomaterials
 Applications of nanotechnology
 Nano medicine
 Semiconductors and computing
 Food
 Textiles
 Sustainable energy
 Environment
 Transport
 Space
 Carbon Nanotube
 Graphene
 Quantum Dots
 Nano Bots
 Agriculture
 Adverse Health and Environmental Impacts of Nanotechnology
 Social and Ethical Impacts:
 Nano-science and Nano-technology in India

DEFENCE

 Defence Technology
o Organisations
o Missile system and classification
 On the basis of type
 On the basis of launch vehicle
 On the basis of Range
 On the basis of propulsion system
o Ballistic vs Cruise Missile
o IGMDP Intergrated Guided Missile Development Programme
  PrithviTrishul Nag Akash AGNI
 Shaurya Missile
 ASTRA Missile
 Dhanush
 Prahaar
o Brahmos Missile System
o Anti-Ballistic Missile System
o Frigates Destroyers and Aircraft Carriers
o AWACS
o Light Combat Aircraft
 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
 Stealth technology
 Chemical Weapon
 Biological Weapon
o Submarines
 Indian Submarines and Naval Ships
 Commissioned Submarines
 Project 75
 INS Astradharini

NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY

 Nuclear Energy and Nuclear Fuels

o Types of nuclear reactions
 Nuclear Fusion
 Nuclear Fission
o Nuclear Fuel – Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3
 Nuclear Programme in India
o N-Power Policy of India
 Advantages of Nuclear Energy
 Disadvantages of Nuclear Energy
o Institutions involved in Nuclear energy Development, AERB
o Safety standards in Nuclear Power plants
o India’s 3 stage Civil Nuclear Programme
o Nuclear Reactors in India
o Kudankulam Project
o Jaitapur Plant
 Organisation Institutions
o Department of Atomic Energy
o BHABHA
 Radioactivity
o Radiation and Radioactivity
o Radiation Technologies and Applications
o Radioactive Waste and Nuclear Waster Management
o Nuclear & Radiological Disasters
IPR AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS ISSUES

 IPR Intellectual Property Rights

o Copyrights
o Trademarks
o Patents
o Industrial Design
o Trades Secrets
o IPR and Agriculture

BIOTECHNOLOGY

 Biotechnology in India
o Department of BT
o Various Fields of BT
o R&D
 Genetics and Biotechnology
o Industrial genetics
o Genetic engineering
o DNA sequencing
o Nucleic acid probes
o Genomics and proteomics
o Bioprocess/fermentation technology
 Biological fuel generation
o Global warming and the significance of fossils fuels
o Biofuels from biomass
o Bioethanol from biomass
o Biodiesel
o Methane
o Hydrogen
 Environmental Biotechnology
o Microbial Ecology Environmental Biotechnology
o Waste water and sewage treatment
o Landfilling technologies
o Composting
o Bioremediation
o Detect and monitoring of pollutants
o Microbes and the geological environment
 Plant and Forest biotechnology
o Plant biotechnology
o Forest biotechnology
 Animal and insect biotechnology
o Genetic manipulation and transgenic animals
o Genetically engineered hormone and vaccines
o Animal organs for human patients
 o Genetically modified insects
 Food and Beverage Biotechnology
o Food and beverage fermentations
 Microorganisms as food, Enzymes and food processing
 Amino acids, vitamins and sweeteners
 Organic acids and polysaccharides
 Public acceptance and safety of new biotechnology foods
o Biotechnology and medicine
 Pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals
 Antibiotics
 Vaccines and monoclonal antibodies
 Biopharmaceuticals/therapeutic proteins
 Pharmacogenetics
 Molecular biology and human disease
 Diagnostics in developing countries
 Gene therapy
 Systems biology and medicine
o Stem cell biotechnology
 Protection of biotechnological inventions
o Patent protection Trade secrets
o Plant breeders’ rights
 Recent Development in Biotechnology
o Achievements of Biotechnology indifferent fields
o Genome sequencing of Ragi done for the first time in the world
o GM mustard policy
o DNA as storage device
o Biomarker
o Algae based footwear
o Artificial Womb
o K. grants gene editing license
o GM Mosquito
o DBT launched “Sohum” an innovative newborn hearing screening device
o Biotech-KISAN scheme
o India’s first biomass to ethanol plant & its commercialization
o Digital Biopiracy
o Genetically Modified Mosquito
o Designer Babies’ or Three Parents Babies
o National Biotechnology Development Strategy 2015-2020
BIOLOGY

 Origin of Life and Cells

o Cell Structure
o Membranes
o Cell-Cell Interactions
o Energy and Metabolism
o Respiration
o Cell Division
o Sexual Reproduction
 Genetics
o Inheritance
o DNA, The Genetic Material
o Gene Expression
o Gene Regulation
o Mutation
o Recombinant DNA Technology
 Classification of Living Things
o Classification and Domains of Life
o General Biology/Classification of Living Things/Viruses
o Prokaryotes
o Eukaryotes
 Protista
 Plants
 Fungi
 Animals
 Evolution of Life
o
 Evolution of Life
 Animal Evolution
 Human Evolution
 Tissues
o
 Epithelial tissue
 Connective tissue
 Muscle tissue
 Endocrine System
o
 Hypothalamus
 Pineal body (epiphysis)
 Pituitary gland (hypophysis)
 Thyroid
 Adrenal glands
 Reproductive glands
 Respiratory System
o
 External and Internal Respiration
 Respiratory system in Plants
 Respiratory System in Insects
 Respiratory System in Humans and Animals
 The Transport System in Organisms
o
 Transport system in a Cell
 Transport System in Plants
 Transport System in Animals
 Blood Vascular System
 The Lymphatic System
 Skeletal and Muscular Systems
o
 Bone and Skeleton System (Osteology)
 Ligaments (Syndesmology)
 Muscular System (Myology)
 Vertebrates
 Reproductive System
o
 Asexual Reproduction in Plants
 Asexual Reproduction in Animals
 Sexual Reproduction in Plants
 Sexual Reproduction in Animals
 Sexual Reproduction in Humans
 Excretory System
o
 Excretory products
 Excretion in plants
 Excretion in Animals
 Osmoregulation, ADH and formation of Urine in Animals
 Physiological and Behavioural Adjustments
 Nutrition
o
 Classification by Source of Energy and Carbon
 Plant Nutrition
 Animal Nutrition
 Human Diet
 The Digestive System
 Photosynthesis
 Diseases
o
 Tuberculosis
 Non-Communicable diseases
 Diabetes mellitus
 Economic Zoology
o

 Beneficial animals: Corals - Earthworm - Vermiculture
 Beneficial insects - Prawns - Lobsters - Crabs - Pearl oysters - Fishes - Guano
- Aquarium - Vivarium.
 Harmful animals: Disease causing organisms - Vectors - Poisonous organisms
- Fouling organisms - Pests.
 Recent Development

o

 India has declared free from Bird flu
 Revised Draft guidelines for stem cell research, 2017
 Therapy for sepsis
 Curcumin, A bioactive component of turmeric treats cancer
 Embryo transfer technology to increase livestock productivity
 “SOHUM’ an indigenously developednewborn hearing screening device
 Kyasanur forest disease or monkey fever developed
 India Declared Maternal and NeonatalTetanus, H5N1 and Yaws Free
 Mission Indradhanush
 New TB Drug Regimen
MAINS

UPSC SYLLABUS

 Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life
Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new
technology.
 Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and issues
relating to intellectual property rights.

INTRODUCTION

 India’s Policy in the Field of the Science & Technology

 The Science & Technology Policy Resolution in 1958
 Science & Technology Policy 2013
 Institutional Structure
 New Initiatives Aligned with the NationalAgenda
 India & World Collaboration in Science Projects

SPACE

 Satellite Communication in India

 INSAT Satellite Applications
 Remote Sensing Applications
 Cryogenic Rockets
 Global Positioning System
 Role of Space in Development
 ISRO as Soft Power
 Issue of Space Race
 Space Activities Bill, 2017
 Outer space treaty

IT, TELECOM & ELECTRONICS

 IT Industry in India
 Applications of Information Technology
 Display Technologies
 Telecommunication
 Government Initiatives
 Contemporary Debates

DEFENCE

 Missile System and their Classification

  India’s Missile System
 India’s Ballistic Missile Defence System
 UAVs in India
 Stealth Technology ,Chemical Weapons , Biological Weapons

NANO-SCIENCE & NANO-TECHNOLOGY

 Nanoscience Nanotechnology and Nanomaterials

 Applications of Nanotechnology
 Health & Environmental Impacts of Nanotechnology
 Social & Ethical Impacts
 Nano-Science& Nanotechnology in India

ROBOTICS

 Robotics & Artificial Intelligence

 Applications of Robotics
 Robotics and Issues of Unemployment

NUCLEAR ENERGY

 Nuclear-Power Policy of India

 Non-energy Applications of Nuclear Energy
 Impact of Radiation, Issue of RadioactiveWaste
 Institutions involved in Nuclear Energy Development
 Nuclear & Radiological Disasters

BIOTECHNOLOGY

 Application of Biotechnology
 Biotechnology Projects
 Issue of Bio-Piracy
 Bioinformatics
 Biotechnology and IPR Issue
 Ethical Dimension In Biotechnology

RENEWABLE ENERGY

 Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC)

 Concept of Green Building
 Tidal , Wave , Geothermal Energy , Fuel Cells
ACHIEVEMENTS OF INDIANS IN SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

 Scientists of Ancient India

 Science and Scientists of Medieval India
 Scientists of Modern India
 Policies& Reports related to Science
o Technology Vision Document 2035
o National Biotechnology Development Strategy 2015-2020
o National Intellectual Property Rights Policy
o Policy on Synthetic Biology
o Law Commission Report on Human DNA Profiling
SPACE

 OUTER SPACE TREATY

 NEUTRINO OBSERVATORY
 SOLAR MISSION- ADITYA
 Chandrayaan-2 Mission
 GRAVITATIONAL WAVES
 IMPORTANCE OF NAVIGATION SYSTEM
 Reusable Launch Vehicle
 About SN Bose
 Stephen Hawking
 Space Activities Bill, 2017
 ISRO AS SOFT POWER
 ISRO’S ROLE IN SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
 Space Debris
 GAGANYAAN
 20 years of International Space Station

BIOTECHNOLOGY & HEALTH

 Tuberculosis
 Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV
 Nipah Virus Infection
 Generic Drugs in India
 Stent Implants
 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS: ISSUES & CONCERNS
 Misuse of Secondary Patent Methodology
 Digital Biopiracy
 Clinical Applications of whole Genome Sequencing
 Three-Parent Babies Permitted in UK
 Mass Embryo Transfer
 Issues Related to Gm Food
 Importance of Genetic Testing
 Health Geo-Mapping Project
 Digital Health Technology Eco-System
 Ethical Dimension In Biotechnology
 Law Commission Report on Human DNA Profiling
 Law against Genetic Discrimination
 Genome Editing: What, Why and Way Forward

DEFENCE

 India’s Missile System

 Brahmos and its Significance
 India’s Ballistic Missile Defence System
  Indian Submarines and Naval Ships
 Light Combat Aircraft
 UAVs in India
 Chemical Weapons
 Biological Weapons

POLICIES RELATED TO SCIENCE

 Sti Policy 2013 of India: Analysis

 The Paradox of Innovation
 Analysis of INSPIRE Scheme
 National Biotechnology Development Strategy 2015- 2020
 Organ Donation Rules in India
 Policy on Synthetic Biology
 The Dna Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2018
 Maharashtra’s Public Cloud Policy
 National Policy on Electronics 2019
 Roadmap for Drones
 National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy
 Draft Rules for E-Pharmacies
 National Digital Communications Policy
 Net Neutrality

IT & TELECOM

 Internet Of Things
 Big Data Initiative
 Supercomputer and its Applications
 Li-Fi Technology and its Application
 Use of it in Financial Inclusion
 Credit/Debit Card Crimes
 Bharatnet Project
 Wanna Cry Malware
 Concept of Cyber-Physical Systems
 Esign Electronic Signature Service: Significance & Applications
 Digital India: Achievements
 Adoption of Blockchain Technology to Stop Bank Frauds
 Artificial Intelligence and Society
 Two Authentication Procedure
 Facial Authentication Working
 Issue of Internet Governance
 Quantum computing
 National supercomputing mission
 Data Protection-B N srikrishna committee
 Data Localisation and Related Issues
  National Digital Literacy Mission and Digital NE vision
 National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS)
 Bullet Train

INITIATIVES IN THE FIELD OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

 Technology and Food Security

 BOOSTING Horticulture through Remote Sensing
 Hyperloop Transportation Technology
 Cloud Seeding Experiment In Maharashtra
 Nano-Technology Medicines
 Hydrogen Bomb
 Ear Tagging In Cattle
 e-Cigarette
 Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant
 Geo-Tagging The Assets In Mgnrega
 Robot Tax and its Implications
 India & World Collaboration in Science Projects

INITIATIVES IN THE FIELD OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

 Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV

 Nipah Virus Infection
 Avian Influenza or Bird Flu
 Bovine TB
 Encephalitis
 Kyasanoor Forest Disease (Monkey Fever)
 Hospital Acquired Infection
 Rotavirus
 Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Virus
 Swine Flu
 Chikanguniya
 Tuberculosis