UPSC Mains Previous Year Questions 2020: GS3 Science & Technology | Science & Technology for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Q1: What do you understand by nanotechnology and how is it helping in health sector?(Science & Technology)
Ans: 
Nanotechnology Overview: Nanotechnology involves utilizing techniques to explore physical phenomena and develop new materials and device structures in the size range of 1 to 100 nanometers (nm). It significantly impacts various aspects of our lives, such as manufacturing, electronics, computers, medicine, the environment, energy storage, chemical and biological technologies, and agriculture.

Contribution of Nanotechnology in the Health Sector:

• Nanomedicine: The application of nanotechnology in medicine plays a crucial role in creating precise solutions for disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
• Medical Tools and Therapies: Nanotechnology has expanded its influence in the field of medical tools, knowledge, and therapies available to clinicians.
• Improved Imaging and Diagnostic Tools: Nanotechnology facilitates the development of better imaging and diagnostic tools, leading to earlier diagnosis, personalized treatment options, and enhanced therapeutic success rates.
• Nanoparticle Applications in Medicine: Ongoing developments involve using nanoparticles to deliver drugs, heat, light, or other substances to specific cell types, reducing damage to healthy cells and enabling earlier disease detection.
• Purification with Nanoparticles: In contrast to dialysis, nanoparticle purification allows for the specific targeting of substances, including the removal of larger compounds not easily dialyzable.
• Health Concerns: Due to their small size, concerns have been raised about potential adverse health effects arising from the ability of nanoparticles to penetrate cell walls and the blood-brain barrier. Identifying key knowledge gaps and areas for further research is crucial to efficiently harness the technology.

Q2: How is science interwoven deeply with our lives? What are the striking changes in agriculture triggered off by science-based technologies? (Science & Technology)
Ans: 

Impact of Scientific Progress on Society: Following the Industrial Revolution, the once-separate paths of science and technology began converging. Scientific advancements significantly influence people's values and are reshaping every aspect of society, including healthcare, education, agriculture, and entertainment.

Science's Deep Integration in Daily Life:

• Energy Technology: Encompassing the daily use of electrical energy, from households to industries.
• Manufacturing Technology: Involving the use of machines for manufacturing essential daily-use products.
• Environmental Technology: Including the management of wastewater, industrial emissions, and harnessing solar energy.
• Scientific Research: Bringing new knowledge to humanity.
• Economic Development: Facilitated through the promotion of new research and development.
• Social Infrastructure Technology: Such as transportation and road development.

Transformations in Agriculture Driven by Science-Based Technologies:

• Green Revolution: Leading to increased agricultural production, higher farm productivity, and elevated farmer incomes.
• Use of Agricultural Equipment: Making farming and agricultural practices more effective and accessible for farmers.
• Disease Control: Utilizing new varieties of genetically modified crops that are disease-resistant.
• Modern Transport Infrastructure: Facilitating the efficient transportation of food from rural to urban areas.
• Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs): Including remote sensing, GIS, eNAM, and technologies for livestock and farm management, aiming at empowerment, enablement, and market expansion.
• Emerging Technologies: Such as Artificial Intelligence, Big Data Analytics, Blockchain Technology, Internet of Things, etc., are poised to revolutionize agricultural practices, incentivizing farmers. However, environmental considerations must accompany these advancements.

Q3: 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. (Science & Technology)
Ans: 

Impact of Technology During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The global lockdown enforced amid the COVID-19 pandemic brought life to a halt, affecting both personal and professional aspects. However, technological advancements played a crucial role in managing various aspects during this challenging period.

Technological Contributions During the Pandemic:

• Distance Learning Features: Educational platforms, websites, YouTube, and mobile applications facilitated uninterrupted education through online learning as physical institutions remained closed.
• Online Entertainment: With theaters shut, Over the Top (OTT) platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Hotstar, and Netflix became essential for both producers and consumers, providing entertainment during the lockdown.
• Contactless Delivery: Online shopping became prevalent in both urban and rural areas, ensuring essential items like medicines, electronics, and groceries were delivered contactlessly to doorsteps.
• Robotics: Robots played a crucial role in cleaning infected areas and delivering food to quarantined individuals, reducing the risk for healthcare professionals.
• Work from Home (WFH) Facility: 4G technology, smartphones, secure data privacy measures, virtual meetings, and cloud conferencing enabled a smooth transition to the work-from-home scenario, ensuring business continuity.

Technological Initiatives to Combat COVID-19:

• Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator: An international collaboration expediting the development, production, and equitable access to COVID-19 tests, treatments, and vaccines.
• 'Aarogya Setu' App: Utilizing Bluetooth technology, algorithms, and artificial intelligence, it played a crucial role in the collective fight against COVID-19 in India.
• Co-WIN (COVID-19 Vaccine Intelligence Network): A digitalized platform for efficient nationwide COVID vaccine distribution, reducing wastage and optimizing the supply chain.
• AI-enabled MyGov Corona Helpdesk: Using artificial intelligence, it enhanced outreach and engagement, making a significant impact during the pandemic.
• CAWACH (Centre for Augmenting War with COVID-19 Health Crisis): Encouraging start-ups to develop apps like Lyfas COVID score for asymptomatic infection detection and risk assessment.

Conclusion: Throughout the COVID-19 period, technological innovations played a vital role in addressing the epidemic systematically and promptly. Technology not only eased daily life but also created new opportunities and proved to be a cornerstone in dealing with such pandemics in the future.