Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology-1 | Science & Technology for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Satyendranath Bose

Matter

• Matter encompasses all substances that occupy space and possess mass in the universe.
• It includes everything from the tiniest particles to massive celestial bodies.
• Matter is composed of atoms, which are the fundamental building blocks of all matter.

Atoms

• Atoms are the basic units of matter, consisting of a nucleus composed of protons and neutrons, surrounded by a cloud of electrons.
• Protons carry a positive charge, neutrons are neutral, and electrons carry a negative charge.
• Atoms are the smallest unit of an element that retains the chemical properties of that element.

Molecule:

• Molecules are formed when atoms chemically bond together through sharing or transferring of electrons.
• They represent the smallest unit of a compound that retains the chemical properties of that compound.
• Molecules can be simple, composed of two atoms of the same element (e.g., oxygen gas, O2), or complex, composed of different atoms (e.g., water, H2O).

States of Matter:

1. Solid: Particles are closely packed together, maintaining a fixed shape and volume.
2. Liquid: Particles have more freedom of movement, allowing them to flow and take the shape of their container while maintaining a constant volume.
3. Gas: Particles have high energy and are spaced far apart, allowing them to fill the entire volume of their container and take its shape.
4. Plasma: A state of matter with extremely high energy levels, where electrons are stripped from atoms, resulting in a mixture of positively charged ions and free electrons.
5. Bose-Einstein Condensate (BEC): A state of matter formed at extremely low temperatures close to absolute zero, where atoms behave as a single quantum entity with wave-like properties.

Bose-Einstein Condensate (BEC):

• BEC was predicted by Albert Einstein and Satyendra Nath Bose nearly a century ago.
• It is created by cooling certain elements to near absolute zero, causing atoms to clump together and behave as a single quantum object.
• BEC is used to study quantum mechanics on a macroscopic level, simulate superfluid behavior, and explore phenomena like the particle-wave duality.
• Creating BEC in space is easier due to microgravity conditions, enabling longer persistence of the condensate compared to Earth-based experiments.

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Vikram Sarabhai

Vikram Sarabhai was born on August 12, 1919.Sarabhai was instrumental in forming India’s future in astronomy and setting up the country’s space research facilities.

1. Formation of India's Space Research Efforts:

   • Persuaded the Indian government to establish the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) in 1962.
   • Served as the first chairman of INCOSPAR, laying the foundation for India's space exploration endeavors.

2. Transformation into ISRO:

   • Played a pivotal role in restructuring and renaming INCOSPAR to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in 1969, facilitating a more organized and focused approach towards space research.

3. Establishment of Physical Research Laboratory (PRL):

   • Founded the Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad in 1947, initiating research activities on cosmic rays.
   • Initiated operations from his residence, RETREAT, showcasing his dedication to scientific advancement.

4. Development of Rocket Launch Site:

   • Established India's first rocket launch site in Thumba, Kerala, providing a strategic location for space research and experimentation.

5. Introduction of Cable Television:

   • Facilitated the introduction of cable television in India through his connections with NASA.
   • Played a key role in establishing the Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE) in 1975, expanding access to educational television content.

6. Leadership in Satellite Development:

   • Spearheaded the development of India's first satellite, Aryabhata, demonstrating India's capability in space technology.

7. Founding of Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIMA):

   • Contributed as one of the founding members of the prestigious Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, a premier management institution in India.

• Received the Padma Bhushan in 1966 for his significant contributions to India's progress, particularly in the field of space research.
• Posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 1972, recognizing his enduring impact on Indian science and technology.

Vikram Sarabhai's visionary leadership and pioneering efforts laid the groundwork for India's remarkable advancements in space technology and scientific research, leaving an indelible mark on the nation's progress.

Homi J. Bhabha

• Early Life and Education: Homi Jehangir Bhabha, born on October 30, 1909, was an Indian nuclear physicist renowned for his foundational contributions to India's nuclear program.

• Academic and Professional Career: Bhabha served as the founding director and professor of physics at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR). He earned the epithet "Father of the Indian nuclear programme" for his pivotal role in shaping India's nuclear endeavors. Additionally, he served as the founding director of the Atomic Energy Establishment, Trombay (AEET), now known as the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).

• Contributions and Achievements: Bhabha's contributions were pivotal in establishing TIFR and AEET as key institutions for India's nuclear research. He received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Adams Prize and the Padma Bhushan. Notably, he was nominated for the Nobel Prize for Physics multiple times.

• Initiation of Nuclear Programme: Bhabha commenced his nuclear physics career in Britain but returned to India before World War II. He played a crucial role in persuading senior leaders of the Congress Party, including Jawaharlal Nehru, to initiate India's ambitious nuclear program. This led to the establishment of the Cosmic Ray Research Unit and subsequent work on nuclear weapons.

• Founding of Key Institutions: Bhabha established the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Bombay in 1945 and the Atomic Energy Commission in 1948, serving as its inaugural chairman. Nehru appointed Bhabha as the director of the nuclear program in 1948, tasking him with the development of nuclear weapons.

• Legacy: Bhabha is widely acknowledged as the architect of India's nuclear power program. He advocated a strategy focusing on harnessing thorium reserves for power generation, distinguishing India's approach from that of other nations. This vision culminated in India's three-stage nuclear power program.

Homi Jehangir Bhabha's visionary leadership and pioneering scientific contributions continue to shape India's nuclear landscape, solidifying his status as a stalwart of scientific innovation and national development.

JC BOSE

Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose was a biologist, physicist, botanist and an early writer of science fiction. He pioneered the investigation of radio and microwave optics, made significant contributions to plant science, and laid the foundations of experimental science in the Indian subcontinent. IEEE named him one of the fathers of radio science.

• Multifaceted Contributions: Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose was a polymath, excelling in multiple fields including biology, physics, botany, and science fiction writing. He left an indelible mark on various domains of science, pioneering research in radio and microwave optics, plant science, and experimental science in the Indian subcontinent.

• Pioneering Work in Radio Science: Bose's investigations into radio and microwave optics earned him recognition as one of the fathers of radio science by the IEEE. His groundbreaking contributions laid the foundation for subsequent advancements in these fields.

• Innovation in Plant Science: Bose's contributions to plant science were equally remarkable. He invented the Cresco graph, a device for measuring plant growth, and made significant discoveries in plant physiology. His use of the Crescograph enabled him to scientifically demonstrate the parallelism between animal and plant tissues, advancing our understanding of botanical phenomena.

• Father of Bengali Science Fiction: Bose is revered as the father of Bengali science fiction, showcasing his creative prowess alongside his scientific endeavors. His imaginative storytelling captivated audiences and enriched the literary landscape of Bengal.

• Establishment of Bose Institute: Bose's vision for interdisciplinary research led to the establishment of Bose Institute in 1917, one of India's premier research institutions. Serving as its director until his passing, he fostered a culture of innovation and collaboration, nurturing generations of scientific talent.

• Ethical Stance on Patenting: Despite peer pressure, Bose maintained a principled objection to patenting his inventions, emphasizing the pursuit of knowledge for the collective benefit of humanity. His commitment to scientific integrity and openness resonates with his enduring legacy as a scientist and scholar.

• Experimental Innovations: Bose's construction of automatic recorders capable of detecting minute plant movements revealed astonishing insights into plant behavior, such as the response to stimuli and even interpreted as a semblance of feeling in plants. These experimental innovations underscore his pioneering spirit and relentless pursuit of scientific truth.