GS3 PYQ (Mains Answer Writing): Technological Advancement | Science & Technology for UPSC CSE PDF Download

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 management of the pandemic. (UPSC GS3 Mains)

Epidemics and pandemics such as SARS, H1N1, Ebola and now COVID-19 have been threatening the human race time and again. COVID-19 pandemic, which has impacted the whole world, has tested the technological expertise of the human civilization very well. It has transformed the lifestyle of individuals as well as the society. However, technology has countered the pandemic and remarkablyreduced its impact on the human civilization. Technology has helped to prevent the spread, educate, warn, and empower those on the ground to be aware of the situation.
Role of technology in COVID-19 management and mitigation of is impact 

• Fighting misinformation: Misinformation about the number of fatalities, diagnosis and treatment options, vaccines, medicines, government policies, etc., created more panic and anxiety among the population during lockdown. 
• The result was widespread leading to chaos, panic buying, hoarding of essential commodities, price rise, violence on the streets, discrimination, conspiracy theories, and so on. 
• Companies like Google, Facebook, and YouTube worked tirelessly to guide people to the right, verifiable information such as that published by WHO or local authorities and government. 
• It led to delivery of accurate information available to everybody and a transparent scenario created and the people can be informed about the right steps to take. 
• Finding Drugs: Artificial Intelligence is playing important role in suggesting components of a vaccine by understanding viral protein structures, and helping medical researchers to invent vaccine for COVID-19 at a greater pace. 
• For Example: Google DeepMind has invented Alpha Fold which is essentially a cutting-edge system that predicts the 3D structure of a protein based on its genetic sequence. 
• Increasing traceability and transparency: Technologies such as mobile, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning have been used for clear messaging to the populace which is critical to make sure they are informed and reminded to use appropriate precautions. 
• For example: Microsoft Bing launched an interactive COVID-19 map to provide widespread disease news. 
• Social platform like Tik Tok partnered with WHO on COVID-19 to help keep their users knowledgeable with correct, timely facts, along with a live stream from the WHO where. 
• Users will be able to ask questions and seek answers. 
• Facial recognition and Big Data Analysis: Facial Recognition coupled with Big Data Analysis helped in quickly identifying infected individuals. 
• It helped to connect with them and track person who came in contact with them. Facial recognition technologies along with data can accurately identify people even if they are masked. 
• Contact-less movement and deliveries through autonomous vehicles, drones and robotsenabled free flow of goods and services. 
• It includes Self-driving cars, drones; robots can all help at a time when the need is to avoid human contact. 
• Robots have been used for delivering grocery, cooking means, sterilizing hospitals and patrolling the streets. 
• Drones have been used for food deliveries, tracking population, carrying test kits and medicines to quarantine locations, thermal imaging to identify infected people, spraying disinfectant. 
• Body Temperature monitoring: The wireless thermometer guns and other similar infrared body temperature measuring devices have become the most important medical equipment during pandemic. 
• These equipments were used in to measure body temperature without coming in contact with others. 
• Remote Working Technologies: Remote working technologies helped in maintaining social distancing by enabling people to work from home. It also enabled IT companies and other technology sector to work without fear during pandemic days. 
• Advancement in vaccine technology: Technological advancement in the area of virology has helped world to develop vaccine as early as possible which was not the case in 50’s. Conclusion: COVID-19 pandemic testified the efficiency of emerging technologies and signified their role in our day to day life. It has helped in effective management of pandemic during lockdown while reducing the impact of pandemic on human lives. 
• It has also proved the efficiency of ‘Industry 4.0’ and future course of human civilization characterized by ‘Digital Education’, ‘E-Pharmacy and consultation’, ‘Remote working’, and most important sustainable development.