Science and technology 2014 compilation

2014
COMPILATION OF QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS POSTED AT S&T SECTION (2014)
ON INSIGHTSONINDIA.COM
10/27/2014
INSIGHTS ON INDIA SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Q & A - 2014

http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page 1
Table of Contents
Q-“Community Radio has been advocated as a powerful instrument of social change”.
Substantiate with the challenges CR is facing to get vital coverage...................................................7
Q- Critically comment on the strategic significance of Agni-5. (200 words)......................................7
Q-“The only way forward for country’s rapid indigenization of defence products, with both the
public & private sectors playing roles in the endeavour”. Comment in the light of recent
controversies in the defence sector and Steps taken in this regard. (200 words) ............................8
Q-“Nanotechnology has prowess to revolutionize and solve the pervasive problems of agriculture
sector.” Comment. (200 Words).........................................................................................................8
Q-In what ways can IT and BT be integrated to reduce poverty in India?.........................................9
Q-What are the ecological and ethical issues associated with nano-technology? Mention two
ways,other than medicine,in which this technology can be used for social welfare in India. .........10
Q-Discuss the key decisions taken at recently held “Warsaw Climate Talk”. Do you think .............10
Q-“The Arctic deserves to be treated as a ‘global common’ and a common heritage of mankind.”
Discuss. (200 Words).........................................................................................................................11
Q-“The present global health crisis is not primarily one of disease, but of Governance”. Comment.
(300 words).......................................................................................................................................11
Q-“The lithium- ion batteries are having high potential but recent findings have defamed its
viability”. Highlight the controversy associated with it and suggest measures to overcome the
same. (200 words).............................................................................................................................12
Q-“The role of Women Scientists and Teachers in ‘promotion and application’ of Science and
Technology has multifarious effects in dealing with societal evil and making the society a gender
neutral”. Substantiate. (200 Words).................................................................................................13
Q-“Agro-forestry has the potential to achieve sustainability in agriculture while optimizing its
productivity and mitigating climate change impact”. Critically comment. (200 Words) .................14
Q-What is Salvage therapy? Why it was in news recently? (200 words).........................................15
Q-Analyze the features of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
(Prevention and Control) Bill, 2014. (200 words) ............................................................................15
Q-“The launch of NACP-IV shows the inefficiency of government to taper AIDS from the society”.
In the light of the statement comment on the status and success of NACP. (200 words)..............16
“The Sonar technology expertise is a step ahead in indigenization by DRDO”. Comment on the
significance of its export to Myanmar. (200 words)........................................................................16
Q-“Reform in EIA is critical for the balance between growth and development, environment and
biodiversity”. In the light of the statement analyze the Supreme Court idea of having a national
regulator for environmental impact assessment. (200 words) ........................................................17
Q-“Indian society is a blend of scientific and non-scientific discourse”. In the light of the statement
assess the development of scientific temper as enshrined in our constitution...............................17
Q-Write a short note on MUFA,PUFA and Omega-3. What is the significance and issues related
with them. (200 words)....................................................................................................................18
Q-What are STAP cells? Why it was in news recently? (200 words) ...............................................19

Q-“Mangrove Forests has been one of the potent indicators of climate change and its affects”.
Considering its importance, mention its functions and various threats in their survival?...............19
Q-What is Geographical Information System? Mention its various applications.............................20
Q-“The critical issue in India, where the penta-valent vaccine is being rolled out, is raising the
coverage levels of immunization”. Comment on the basis of recent controversies and issues
involved.............................................................................................................................................21
Q-Comment on the steps taken by government to deal with Leprosy. Do you think government
has failed to deal with leprosy? If Yes, Why .....................................................................................21
Q-What are Micro-grids? Enumerate its advantages and disadvantages. .......................................22
Q-What are QR Codes? Mention its applications.............................................................................23
Q-Discuss the contribution of Prof.Shatish Dhawan towards scientific developments in India ?...23
Q-What is ‘Brain-flight’ Project? Explain its significance..................................................................24
Q-Explain the significance of ‘Indian Neutrino Observatory’. What are the potential‗Geological,
Radiological and Biological’impact of INO? .....................................................................................24
Q-’ Malnutrition is a blot on country’s face in 21st century’. What are the challenges that exert
resistance in dealing with Malnutrition? What can be done to abridge the problem? ...................26
Q-Explain the significance of Biobots?..............................................................................................26
Q-What is MOCLIC? How it can be effective in combating climate change? ...................................26
Q-What is Ballistic Missile Defence? Comment on India’s BMD ......................................................27
system...............................................................................................................................................27
Q-What is Polar Vertex? Explain its implications..............................................................................27
Q-What is Rosetta Mission? Explain its importance.........................................................................28
Q-What do you understand by Ocean Acidification? Why it is one of the major causes of concern
among environmentalists? ...............................................................................................................29
Q-“Nano-science is one of the significant areas of interest among researchers and has potential to
groom science as a whole”. What are the ways through which Indian government is promoting
Nano-Science? How important it is for India’s scientific progress? .................................................30
Q-Explain the significance of National Mission for Sustainable the Himalayan Ecosystem? What
are the possible causes of changes in Himalayan Eco-system?........................................................30
Q-Do you think India’s effort to combat climate change through various programs and policies
well placed? Evaluate the performance of India’s climate change policies .....................................31
Q-Discuss the contributions of C.V. Raman in scientific development of India...............................32
Q-Write a note on Ethanol Blending Program of India. What are the advantages and disadvantages
of EBP? ..............................................................................................................................................33
Q-What are the possible environmental and health impact of biomedical wastes? Mention the
steps taken by government to deal with the problem of accumulating biomedical waste. ............34
Q-‘The recent outbreak of ‘Ebola Virus’ has wider implications for national security of a country’.
One of the questions that need to be addressed is the preparedness of a country for such
epidemic. Do you think India is prepared for such outbreaks?........................................................35

Q-Comment on the India’s performance in achieving ‘Millennium Development Goals’. (For detail,
please refer Economic survey, it has covered well)..........................................................................36
Q-“Antibiotic resistance is a serious threat to public health”. Explain. What are the steps taken by
global institutions and governments to curb this menace...............................................................37
Q-What are the threats to Migratory Birds in India? What steps you would take if assigned with
the task of tackling this problem?.....................................................................................................38
Q-What is the significance of ‘Rare Earth’ minerals? Explain its advantages and disadvantages....38
What is ‘Digital Radiotherapy Simulator’ being developed by BARC? Explain its significance.........39
Q-What are Aerogels? Mention their applications...........................................................................39
Q-‘Regenerative Medicines’ provide better prospects for biomedical research’. Explain...............40
Q-What is ‘Precision Farming’? Explain its significance for Indian agriculture.................................41
Q-What is ‘generation-IV nuclear reactor? Mention its advantages and disadvantages.................41
Q-Write a note on contribution of C.N.R Rao towards scientific development in India. He is better
regarded as a pioneer of ‘nano-science’ in India. Comment............................................................42
Q-What is the recent controversy regarding National Board of Wildlife(NBWL)? What are the
implications of such issue? ...............................................................................................................42
Q-Discuss the possible health and environmental impacts of nanotechnology. .............................43
Q- What is Cloud Computing? How government and other institutions can be benefited? List out
the challenges in utilizing its full potential. ......................................................................................43
Q-What are the challenges being faced in tackling ‘Sickle Cell Anaemia’? Mention the steps taken
by government to deal with it. .........................................................................................................44
Q-“Accumulation of e-waste is one of the gravest problem as well as one of the most neglected”.
Comment ..........................................................................................................................................45
Q-What are your views on recent ban on animal tested cosmetics? Suggest alternatives for this.
How government will ensure its non-violation?...............................................................................46
Q-Write a short note on 3G, 4G and 5G Technology? (200 Words).................................................46
Q-Write short notes on the following (150 Words)..........................................................................47
Designer babies:................................................................................................................................47
Q-What is ‘BARC I-125 Ocu-Prosta seed’ technology? Mention its significance..............................48
Q-What is the importance of Ku and C-bands in space technology? ...............................................48
Q-“Robotics is future of the world and has potential to transform the science beyond human
capability”. Comment .......................................................................................................................49
Q-What is Bio-fortification? Mention its advantages.......................................................................50
Q- What is ‘LukoSkin’? Mention its significance. .............................................................................50
Q-What are the recent findings in ‘Cosmic Inflation Theory’? Explain its significance. ...................51
Q-“Ice streams are one of the significant causes of rising sea levels”. Discuss the factors and
implications of ice streams on rising sea levels................................................................................52
Q-What are ‘Flash Floods’? Mention the causes and consequences of flash floods........................52

Q-Write short notes on ....................................................................................................................53
Nano Mission ....................................................................................................................................53
Aditya Mission...................................................................................................................................53
Kaveri Engine.....................................................................................................................................53
Quantum Cryptography....................................................................................................................53
Digital signature................................................................................................................................54
Long Term Evolution (LTE) ................................................................................................................54
Q-―Climate change negotiations can be seen as drifting towards bipolarity and there are
infinite reasons for its failure than success in near future‖. Comment..................................54
Q-―Energy security has become synonymous with national security‖. Critically Analyze.
..........................................................................................................................................................55
Q- Write short notes on....................................................................................................................55
Super Ball Bot Project .......................................................................................................................55
Net Neutrality ...................................................................................................................................55
BioBOT...............................................................................................................................................56
Cyber-espionage ...............................................................................................................................56
Dhruv-3 .............................................................................................................................................56
Q-What are the reasons of ever increasing Man and Wild conflict? Mention the steps you would
take as an administrator assigned to tackle the issue? ....................................................................56
Q- “A comprehensive and partial climate change negotiation at international level can provide a
golden opportunity for not only Indian business and industries to flourish but also to decentralized
approach towards climate change mitigation efforts”. Comment...................................................57
Q-Write shorts on .............................................................................................................................58
MeghRaj Initiative.............................................................................................................................58
RoboEarth .........................................................................................................................................58
ASACUSA Experiment........................................................................................................................58
Heliborne Geophysical Survey System..............................................................................................59
Cyber stalking....................................................................................................................................59
Q-“India is facing a serious and growing drug abuse problem, including the abuse of
pharmaceutical preparations containing narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances”.
Examine. Also mention the steps taken by Indian government to tackle the issue. (200 Words)...59
Q-“Despite having immense hydrocarbon reserves India’s growth has been stunted leading to
country being marginalized in geopolitics of hydrocarbons”. Critically analyze. (200 Words)60
Q-Write short notes on (150 Words)................................................................................................61
Nantenna ..........................................................................................................................................61
E-textile.............................................................................................................................................61
Semantic web....................................................................................................................................61

Q-What is the difference between New Exploration and Licensing Policy andOpen Acreage
Licensing Policy? Explain how the new policy would be benefited to hydrocarbon sector? (200
Words)...............................................................................................................................................62
Q-“India has underperformed in health related issues as per recent reports of WHO and other
related organizations”. In the light of this statement explain what ailing India’s health sector and
mention the steps taken by the government in this regard? (200 Words)......................................63
Write short notes (150 Words).........................................................................................................63
Cryonics.............................................................................................................................................63
Holography........................................................................................................................................64
Quantum dots...................................................................................................................................64
Ferro Liquid Display...........................................................................................................................64
Q-“There is a growing concern over Atmospheric Brown Cloud and its impact on South Asia”.
What are the causes and consequences of Atmospheric Brown Cloud? .........................................65
Q-What do you understand by ‘Nuclear Umbrella’? How relevant it is in contemporary world
geopolitics? Substantiate..................................................................................................................66
Q-Write short notes on.....................................................................................................................66
OLED display......................................................................................................................................66
Spintronics ........................................................................................................................................66
Wireless Energy Transfer ..................................................................................................................67
Q-What do you understand by “Nuclear Doctrine of India”? Do you think India needs to revisit its
nuclear doctrine? Give reasons to substantiate your views. (200 Words).......................................67
Q- What is the difference between Malware, Adware and Spyware? (200 Words)........................67
Q- Write short notes on:(150 Words)...............................................................................................68
Augmented Reality............................................................................................................................68
Exascale Computing..........................................................................................................................68
Virtual Reality....................................................................................................................................69
Bio-printing .......................................................................................................................................69
Q- “Inland Waterways will create more issues than solving some problems for India”. Comment 69
Q-What is the significance of ‘String Theory’? Mention the contribution of Dr Ashok Sen towards
scientific development of India.........................................................................................................70
Q-Write short notes on(150 Words).................................................................................................70
Artificial Photosynthesis ...................................................................................................................70
Energy harvesting .............................................................................................................................71
Ambient Intelligence.........................................................................................................................71
Artificial Brain....................................................................................................................................72

Q-“Community Radio has been advocated as a powerful instrument of social
change”. Substantiate with the challenges CR is facing to get vital coverage.
Community Radio (CR) is a manifestation of the "by people, for people" mantra. It is a
platform for local participation and debate. It is an effective medium to highlight and solve
local problems. Today, CRs are owned by educational institutions, NGOs, Krishi Vigyan
Kendras, etc. CRs like Sangham Radio, Namma Dhwani, Ujjas Radio operating in local and
rural areas are important sources of information for farmers, youth looking for employment,
health, nutrition, sanitation, etc. Women issues are also highlighted on these platform.
Further, unlike internet, CRs are easily accessible even to slum population.
CRs are facing considerable challenges. 148 out of 1200 applications have been cleared.
Communications is in Union List which delays granting of licence to CRs. Further,
regulation of CRs is highly fragmented with several departments like home, defence,
information and broadcasting, etc. involved. CRs are not allowed to broadcast current
affairs. This reduces their coverage. Applications from Kashmir, Jharkhand, Chattisgarh, etc.
have been rejected due to security concerns.
There is need to simplify regulation of CRs and promote awareness about them to realize its
full potential
Q- Critically comment on the strategic significance of Agni-5. (200 words)
Agni 5 is a intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), developed by Defence Research &
Development Organization (DRDO). It has the capacity to carry 1000 kg of arsenal upto 5000
KM covering whole Asia and other important land masses. Till now two successful launch
trails has been done, second one with full 5000 KM coverage. All three stages are solid
fueled. It should be field operational by 2016 after undergoing 5 successful trials.
With this success , India joins illustrated group of countries powered with ICBM. Agni-5
holds great strategic significance both in terms of technology and defence. Successful launch
of high range ICBM is testimony of increasing prowess in defence technology in India,
which is now focusing on indiginization it.
On the defense front, Agni-5 successful launch will consolidate the powerful position in the
region. As China was already having ICBM which made India vulnerable. Now reverse is
also true which will act as mutual deterrence. Western world was more apprehensive of
nuclear capabilities of Agni-5. But given, non -proliferation track record of India, Agni -5
should not cause any ripple in foreign waters. India is well within it's right to empower
military and defence capabilities to avert any external attack.

Q-“The only way forward for country’s rapid indigenization of defence
products, with both the public & private sectors playing roles in the
endeavour”. Comment in the light of recent controversies in the defence
sector and Steps taken in this regard. (200 words)
The changing economic scenario,burgeoning population pressure,increasing pressure on
other developmental areas has severely constrained the government's ability to serve the
state's requirements and gave the room for private sector participation,called as PPP model.
This model has been successful in education agriculture and health sectors.
The objective of self reliance in defence has led to the creation of several public
establishments to produce state of the art weapon systems for the army. However India's
defence technology base continues to remain low and made depend on imports.
There is a lot of space for the private and public sectors to coexist for defence indigenisation.
Especially the controversies like VVIP chopper deal,multibillion dollar Rafael aircraft made
PPP model as inevitable.
Efficient, hassle free and transparent PPP policy to fulfill defence requirements may yield
outstanding results. By achieving synergy between DRDO, defence PSU's, ordnance
factories,private sector and research based institutions, we can adopt the best R & D
practices.
Indian government took several steps like establishment of defence procurement board,
encouraging defence technology and manufacturing capabilities through innovation
policy,amending defence procurement procedure. In addition government is thinking to
increase FDI in defence sector from 26 to 74%.
India is a growing economic powerhouse and should no longer be satisfied with a buyer-
seller,patron-client relationship in its defence procurement. As India is expected to spend
100 $ billion over the 12th and 13th five year plans on military modernization,alongside
developing R & D infrastructure,India should insist on joint ventures in development,testing
and marketing of defence equipments in all major acquisitions. To achieve this, an
efficient,transparent public-private policy dovetailed with an effective FDI framework is the
need of the hour.
Q-“Nanotechnology has prowess to revolutionize and solve the pervasive
problems of agriculture sector.” Comment. (200 Words)
Nanotechnology has been known as a new industrial revolution came into prominence in
early 1980‘s. Nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionize the agricultural and food
industry with its new tools for some of the challenges like agricultural production and risks
of plant-related diseases.
Precision farming is a new area to increase agriculture productivity. It refers to maximizing
crop yields and minimizing the usage of pesticides, fertilizers through efficient monitoring
procedures. Precision farming helps determine plant development, soil conditions, usage of
water and fertilizers and controls environmental pollution. Utilization of Smart sensors

(nano-patterned paper sensors to detect bovine pregnancy), and monitoring devices linked
to GPS systems will increase agricultural productivity by providing farmers with accurate
information related to plant growth and soil suitability.
With the awareness of extreme environmental hazards creating by pesticides like DDT, the
use of integrated pest management systems combined with smarter and targeted use of
chemicals with granular monitoring of plant health is gaining focus. Various eco friendly
nano delivery systems like Zeon can perform dual role of preventing and early warning in
this regard. Molecular treatment of diseases, rapid disease detection, enhancing the ability of
plants to absorb nutrients is some other uses of the nano-structured catalysts.
UNFAO also highlighted the benefits of using nanotechnology to secure food products in
view of the growing population in the entire world. Eg: Durethan KU2-2601 packaging film
used to increase shelf life of food.
Nanotechnology will play a vital role in the development of the agricultural sector and it is
capable of solving pervasive problems of it. However we should take care of potential risks
of fertilizers and plant protection products containing nanoparticles that harm the earth‘s
biosystems.
Q-In what ways can IT and BT be integrated to reduce poverty in India?
The IT sector has developed quite well in India in the past 20 years. The field of
biotechnology, which is relatively recent in origin, is growing quickly too both in the private
but more under the aegis of the government. However, both have grown aloof and there
seems to be a strong need to integrate the two.
In India poverty arises from a number of problem such as unemployment, poor healthcare,
inadequate availability of clean drinking water, poor primary education, hunger and
malnutrition.
BT has entirely penetrated into sectors such as health and disease, food and agriculture,
environment and industry. Therefore, it can be used to develop new vaccines, drugs,
diagnostics or monoclonal antibodies, biomass and agriculture related products and so on.
India has a well-developed IT industry sub-sector called BPM/KPO based on the internet.
Our country is identified with software services. Therefore, the two can be integrated to
provide facilities such as telemedicine, simple diagnostic tools, automation especially in the
rural areas, new drug discovery, bioinformatics useful in drug design.
Biotechnology and IT can be integrated in the agriculture sector to produce new stress-
resistant and high yield plant varieties and explain their utility, application and economic
advantages to farmers, thus help solving India‘s food security problems. Eg. The recently
developed BT cotton. Scientists with the help of IT through teleconferencing explain groups
of farmers across India regarding its benefits to health and removing the ambiguities and
controversies surrounding it in a better way.
IT and BT can be integrated to streamline manufacturing of biotech products. Therefore,
there seems to be a huge scope for reduction in poverty if both these sectors are integrated in
the areas of health, agriculture and industrial products.

Q-What are the ecological and ethical issues associated with nano-
technology? Mention two ways,other than medicine,in which this
technology can be used for social welfare in India.
The ecological issues associated with nanotechnology essentially relate to the ultra small and
non traceable character of nano materials. Hence nano particles may enter food chain
through skin cells of certain organisms adversely affecting ecosystems, they may cause nano
pollution for example, silver nanoparticles used in socks to ward off foot odour were found
to have destroyed beneficial bacteria in water when socks were washed. Further, self
reproduction of nanorobots may lead to their population explosion referred to as gray goo
scenario.
The ethical issues are related to the god-like power that nanotechnology provides through
which even whole organisms can be created. There are concerns of security and privacy
through mass surveillance using nano equipments. Unequal access to technology between
developed and developing nations is also an ethical concern.
Beyond medicine, nanotechnology can be used to promote welfare in agriculture through
precision farming, better food processing and increased production through GM and high
yielding variety crops. Another major area of social welfare can be energy security through
use of nano solar cells and lighter vehicles, turbines, windmills that utilize lesser resources
leading to energy conservation.
Q-Discuss the key decisions taken at recently held “Warsaw Climate Talk”.
Do you think international climate change negotiations are biased?
Critically comment. (200 Words)
19th Conference of the Parties (COP19) to UNFCCC met at Warsaw Climate Change
Conference to set out their targets on curbing greenhouse gas emissions from 2020. After
series of negotiations between likeminded countries and developed countries, COP 19
agreed on some key issues.
Under the agreement, countries permitted till the first quarter of 2015 to announce their
plans (―intended nationally determined contributions‖) about how they‘ll curb greenhouse
gas emissions beyond 2020. Later the countries agreed to meet in December 2015 i.e. after
Kyoto Protocol expires, in Paris.
As per ―Warsaw international mechanism for loss and damage (IMLD)‖, victims of climate
change in developing country will receive aid and expertise from developed countries.
The agreement encourages the countries which do not have legally binding emission targets,
to use carbon credits under Clean Development Mechanism. The Green Climate Fund of
$100 billion is an important source of finance for developing countries.
The biggest decision took is to completion of a new mechanism REDD+ to save the world
from deforestation.
India worried about rolled back of countries like Japan, Canada from their earlier
commitments to reduce emissions, and asking to give special funding to transfer IPR
protected technologies to developing countries.
Although the western developed countries are responsible for climate change, they refuse to

take historical responsibility to combat it. They are showing corporate interests over the
environmental concerns. UN climate change secretariat was also acting in a partisan manner
and pushing developed countries' agenda. This seems like International climate change
negotiations are biased. But the final outcome of Warsaw Agreement showing some signs of
commitment from developed countries. The mechanism of providing aid and expertise is
also a good progress. The scale and intensity of natural disasters are set to increase in future
due to industrial pollutants, global community should take the responsibility of combating
climate change in order to save mother earth.
Q-“The Arctic deserves to be treated as a ‘global common’ and a common
heritage of mankind.” Discuss. (200 Words)
The Arctic region is known for the abundant biodiversity it contains within its territory. It
includes natural resources such as oil, gas, minerals, fresh water, fish and so on. Tundra
vegetation such as mosses, lichens etc. and animals such as arctic fox and wolf, many of
which are endangered are found in the region.
From the past half a century or what various countries have been involved in exploitation of
natural resources to support their growing populations and economic aspirations. But in
most of the cases, overexploitation of resources takes place which adversely affects the
ecosystem in the region concerned. For example, overfishing in the Grand Banks region of
the Atlantic ocean has severly lowered cod fish population. Also economically and militarily
powerful nations exercise their supremacy over the weaker ones leading to unequal
distribution of natural resources. Also the adverse affects on biodiversity also have a ripple
effect on the lives of citizens and economies of smaller nations especially the littoral ones.
The Association of Small Island States is one such example.
Therefore, at a time when very few regions on the earth are found to be available for
common use of mankind even the Arctic region should be classified as a ‗Global common‘
and all nations should be given equal rights over the natural resources of the region.
However, it should be strictly regulated by a body such as a UN by preferably forming a
regulatory authority such as the Indian Ocean Commission so that there is no over-
exploitation of the region.
Q-“The present global health crisis is not primarily one of disease, but of
Governance”. Comment. (300 words)
A revolution in global health in the past ten to fifteen years saw an unprecedented growth in
funding for global health, and changed in view of policymakers, activists, philanthropists
about global health as a prioritized issue.
The existing health framework consists of long-standing institutions, well-established
international legal regimes, public-private partnerships, national programs, innovative
financing mechanisms, and greater engagement by NGO‘s and MNC‘s. 2001 Doha
Declaration on TRIPS, drugs of US against anthrax, manufacture of very low cost generics
by India for low and middle income countries are few success for collaborative efforts.

In spite of this cooperation and framework, global health governance suffers from defects,
which include: failures to prevent health problems such as HIV/AIDS from becoming global
dangers; to produce effective responses to global health threats like counterfeit drugs, lack of
immunization vaccines and non-communicable diseases- tobacco consumption (legalization
of consuming Marijuana by Uruguay), diabetes and obesity; to implement important treaties
on global health; to develop stronger health systems to avoid migration of health workers in
developing countries and to stimulate sufficient progress on social determinants of health.
Global community should come together under the leadership of US to take following
steps:
• Design a comprehensive global health strategy
• Focus on priority areas of global health governance such as global tobacco control, the
Millennium Development Goals
• Taking health as priority for G20 nations
• Strengthen health cooperation within regional organizations
• Integrate health inputs into other areas like trade, climate change
By incorporating these mechanisms in global health governance, a fresh and pragmatic
approach can be designed, which save millions of lives and improve living standards of
lakhs of people of developing countries. We have seen this in case of issue a compulsory
licence to manufacture a generic version of Sorafenib cancer drug and eradication of polio in
India.
Q-“The lithium- ion batteries are having high potential but recent findings
have defamed its viability”. Highlight the controversy associated with it and
suggest measures to overcome the same. (200 words)
Lithium-ion batteries power everything from mobile devices-cell phones, sensors in medical
devices, laptops, automobiles, defence equipment and aircrafts.
Li-ion battery delivers high power per volume that starts a jet engine in quick time. It has
high power efficiency and less space usage over nickel-cadmium battery.
The Li-ion battery contains several cells. Each cell consists of a cathode, an anode and an
electrolyte as a separator between them. A typical cathode is made up of lithium cobalt
oxide. The electrolyte contains lithium salts, which is flammable.
When the batteries are overcharged, the electrolyte can catch fire due to thermal runaway.
Contaminants from manufacturing processes can form short circuit between electrodes. The
same incidents happen in Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft and Tesla Model S vehicles.
There are several solutions to overcome this problem.
• Using amorphous nano-silicon for anode
• incorporating automatic switch-off mechanism through the use of polythene to avoid
overheat
• using Non-flammable ionic liquid electrolytes like perfluoropolyether (PFPE) polymer
• using large number of small size batteries with spaces in between instead of one big

battery
• insulating each cell using ceramic materials and
• Using special steel for casing.
Today batteries are important sources of energy and offers very low carbon emission. They
are very critical to renewable energy. The manufacturing of Li-ion batteries involves new
approach of using nanomaterials. With the improvements in the critical safety precautions,
the Li-ion batteries can effectively serve the economies.
Q-“The role of Women Scientists and Teachers in ‘promotion and
application’ of Science and Technology has multifarious effects in dealing
with societal evil and making the society a gender neutral”. Substantiate.
(200 Words)
science and technology, being the major driver of development, provide a window of
opportunity for women to influence the development process through participation and
application of knowledge.
With science and technology at the heart of economic development, women's participation
brings lot of changes in health,energy, environment,human development sectors, where
many countries facing severe problems. It also provides opportunities to less privileged
groups and make them aware of several scientific and societal issues.
Women attain a high share of employment in agriculture sector and they are the main
sources of indigenous knowledge in villages. Women scientists compliment their traditional
knowledge with modern innovations that could help in improvement of village conditions.
Unwanted pregnancy and sexual transmitted diseases compromise the well being of
Women. The greater involvement of Women in health care technology helps in improving
their status and in achieving millennium development goals.
Research activities, knowledge based industrial sectors are dominated by men. The presence
of Women would bring additional skilled human resources and helps in gender neutrality.
Education is a key in empowerment of Women. Involvement of teachers brings
competitiveness with entrepreneurship abilities. Women SHG's are examples for this.
The Women scientists can also play active role in eradication of societal evils such as
poverty, illiteracy, female foeticide, child marriage etc by creating awareness about them,
thus become agents of change.
There is under-representation of Women in science and technology, even the existing
Women scientists facing obstacles that limit their work and advancement. So government
should help them by providing adequate social infrastructure and suitable policy
environment measures for the well being of the society.

Q-“Agro-forestry has the potential to achieve sustainability in agriculture
while optimizing its productivity and mitigating climate change impact”.
Critically comment. (200 Words)
Advantages
• Agroforestry ,by combining tree farming with agriculture ,is seen as a solution for
increasing the productivity of small scale landholdings to meet the challenges of food,
nutrition, energy, employment and environment security.
• Trees provide a range of products for home use such as food, timber, firewood, medicines,
and fodder as well as products for sale, boosting farm incomes, rural economies, and
national exports.
• Trees on farms and in forests can also provide a range of environmental services, such as
conserving biodiversity, creating wildlife habitat , reduced soil erosion and sedimentation in
rivers and lakes, and increased soil fertility.
• Agroforestry contributes to ecosystem functions in water recycling by increased rainfall
utilization compared to annual cropping systems.
• It has been shown that agroforestry systems have 3–4 times more biomass than traditional
treeless cropping systems
Constraints:
• Agro-forestry development is hampered by lack of policy incentives, inadequate
knowledge dissemination, legal constraints and poor coordination among its beneficiary
sector
• Regulations imposed by multiple agencies like departments of forest, land revenue and
other local bodies on felling and transit of trees, is another major discouraging factor in
growth of agroforestry.
Policy initiatives:
Earlier efforts to promote agroforestry have failed to take off. Policy initiatives of the past
include National Forest Policy, National Agriculture Policy of 2000, Planning Commission
Task Force on Greening India, 2001, National Bamboo Mission, 2002, National Policy on
Farmers, 2007, and Green India Mission, 2010.
Need to adopt an integrated approach for the number of schemes operating under various
ministries dealing with agroforestry.
India has become the first nation in the world to adopt an agroforestry policy. The National
Agroforestry Policy, which deals with the practice of integrating trees, crops and livestock
on the same plot of land, was launched February 10, The new policy talks of coordination,
convergence and synergy between various elements of agroforestry, scattered across various
existing missions, programme and schemes under different ministries—agriculture, rural
development and environment. The policy would be implemented through an integrated
agroforestry mission or board.
Climate mitigation potential
Cultivated lands have the potential to contribute significantly to climate change mitigation
by improved cropping practices and greater numbers of trees on farms. Trees grow in all but
the most extreme conditions (e.g., deserts and arctic). Their physiology enables them to
tolerate intra-annual climatic fluctuations of greater magnitude and duration than annual
species, thus allowing them to mitigate risks to which annual crops are most vulnerable

a win-win situation through removing carbon from the atmosphere and providing new
sources of income for farmers worldwide.
Q-What is Salvage therapy? Why it was in news recently? (200 words)
Salvage therapy or rescue therapy is a treatment given to an ailment after it does not
respond to the standard treatment. The most common diseases that require salvage therapy
include HIV and various tumours. But the drugs administered during salvage therapy have
more side effects compared to the ones given during normal therapy.
Government of India, under the NACP-IV has launched salvage therapy for treatment of
HIV- Aids. In this case it is also known as third line therapy and is prescribed for people
who have limited drug options left and the first two drug regimens have failed to have any
effect on the infection.
Although this treatment is expensive, it is being given free of cost by the government. This
treatment therapy would enhance the longevity and improve the quality of life of patients.
Q-Analyze the features of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Acquired
Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2014. (200
words)
ndia is estimated to have 2.39 million people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV), the third
highest after South Africa and Nigeria. The epidemic is more prevalent in high-risk groups
such as female sex workers, men-who-have-sex-with-men and injecting drug users.
This bill aims to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and protect the human rights of people
living with it. it also aims to reduce the discrimination of persons suffering from the disease
and make sure that even they can enjoy the same rights and facilities that common people
do.
The bill also focuses on women and children by making it obligatory for establishments to
provide for safe working environment, safeguard the rights of people infected with
HIV/AIDS, particularly women and children, and establish formal mechanisms for
redressing grievances and inquiring into complaints.
It seeks to end discrimination of people on the basis of sexual orientation and makes access
to services such as treatment of sexually transmitted infections, HIV testing, condoms, clean
needles and syringes to prevent transmission of HIV to the general population equal to all.
It also focuses on issues arising between HIV infected person and his family members that in
case of both the parents and the guardian being infected with HIV/AIDS and are
incapacitated, the eldest child will act as a guardian to all other siblings with regard to their
admission in educational institutions, care and protection, treatment, managing property
and operating bank accounts.
It also encompasses within itself an element of secrecy and anonymity for the infected
person so that he can keep his status confidential. It also empowers such person by declining
for a test without his consent.

Q-“The launch of NACP-IV shows the inefficiency of government to taper
AIDS from the society”. In the light of the statement comment on the status
and success of NACP. (200 words)
NACP was first launched way back in 1986-87 soon after the first case of AIDS was detected
in India. It was implemented over a period of 7 years from 1992-1999. The second and third
phases lasted from 1999-2006 and 2006-2012. Even the fourth phase of the same program has
been started in 2012 and will last till 2017.
Inspite of all these efforts India still has the third largest number of AIDS patients in the
world, after South Africa and Nigeria.
The national response still faces institutional constraints, both structural and managerial, to
continue to scale up at the national and state levels. State level performance varies
significantly an important factor is high turnover of state level project directors, resulting in
limited continuity and variability in performance across states. The capacity to mount a
strong program is weakest in some of the poorest and most populated states with significant
vulnerability to the epidemic.
Prostitution is another menace which leads to the spread disease. This illegal business is
thriving under the nose of the administration, in active connivance with it and has grown
considerably over the years at an alarming rate. More and more number of girls from poorer
backgrounds are sold to brothels in cities and get easily infected with this deadly disease. It
can be clearly said that the government has failed to act in curbing prostitution and similar
trades such as human and child trafficking and molestation.
Also taking into consideration the general fall of morality and ethics in the Indian society
and an increasing number of youngster resorting to unprotected sex, sex with multiple
partners and so on, it can be said that the efforts to create awareness among the young
regarding this deadly disease have been inadequate.
“The Sonar technology expertise is a step ahead in indigenization by
DRDO”. Comment on the significance of its export to Myanmar. (200
words)
The condition of Indian military with respect to modernization, personnel management,
financial management and scams has invited severe criticism from all quarters of the society.
In order to curb the increasing amount of imports and develop its indigenous weapon-
manufacturing capabilities, India has resorted to designing and development of indigenous
sonar and radar system. Rajendra is a radar system developed by DRDO.
Similarly, Air-independent Propulsion (AIP) system is India‘s indigenous developed sonar
system. Once integrated with the submarines, they need not come to the surface to recharge
their batteries, a process when they become most vulnerable to attacks.
India has sought to sell its Scorpene submarines with AIP system to Myanmar. This is
mainly to increase India‘s defence weapon exports which have been lagging behind in
recent times. Also China is increasing its undue influence on Myanmar by involving itself in
its local issues such as environmental pollution and so on. Therefore, India which aims to
become a regional power seeks to contain China‘s increasing influence in the region, which
is more capitalist and exploitative rather than supportive.
Moreover, Myanmar occupies a nodal position in its Look East Policy and both countries
cooperate with each other closely in the Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC).

Therefore, this initiative of India to sell its weaponry would help build closer ties with the
newly formed democratic government of Myanmar.
Q-“Reform in EIA is critical for the balance between growth and
development, environment and biodiversity”. In the light of the statement
analyze the Supreme Court idea of having a national regulator for
environmental impact assessment. (200 words)
(EIA) is crucial to balance development with environmental protection, important for
sustainable development. However, the EIA process in India is riddled with problems in all
its stages causing delays and stalling of projects.
The EIA studies are often funded by project proponents and so there is hardly any rigorous
environmental review carried on. Several members of expert appraisal committees (EAC)
have links to the industry creating conflicts of interest. There are long delays in giving of
final approval by the MoEF. Further, there is almost no post-clearance monitoring as
pollution control boards face lot of corruption and are understaffed.
A new environment regulator needs to be functionally and financially autonomous and
accountable to address these issues. It should not lead to a duplication of roles of MoEF or
EAC. It should promote more rigorous and scientific environment review. In this context,
role of Gram Sabhas also needs to be clarified.
A new regulator can improve the EIA process by hiring more experts and independent
members on the EACs. Its role vis-a-vis MoEF needs clarification. Without this, the new
regulator will be another ineffective attachment of the MoEF.
Q-“Indian society is a blend of scientific and non-scientific discourse”. In the
light of the statement assess the development of scientific temper as
enshrined in our constitution. (400 words)
India, as one of the oldest civilisations of the world, has contributed significantly to the field
of science, and her people have imbibed scientific values since ancient times. Still, non-
scientific discourse has also been a part of Indian society, as seen from numerous
superstitions, belief in Godmen, black magic and so on. Though with progress of time and
enshrining of development of scientific temper as every Indian's fundamental duty in our
Constitution, the proportion of non-scientific discourse ought to have reduced yet this is
clearly not the case.
In today's Indian society, mainly three classes of people are seen- firstly, those who are
completely disconnected from rationality; secondly those who believe that superstition or
deep religion can harmoniously co-exist with scientific/rational thought and thirdly, the
media and corporate houses who vacillate between the two to serve their own interests. The

last category demonstrate how information and disinformation are two sides of the same
coin and push their products with a medical body or doctor's endorsements even if it maybe
lies or impracticable (e.g. become fair in seven days, be dandruff-free in a month etc.)
In such a situation, it becomes imperative that every citizen who is also a consumer of
products and services, develops scientific temper and questions the validity of claims and
then endorses them if found right scientifically.
Moreover, even Indian movies, which are a reflection of Indian society, tend to show science
in its destructive form (e.g. villains using chemical formulations to kill, search for nuclear
bombs etc.) As a result, movie-watchers are unable to dissociate from this stereotype of
science, to overcome 'bad science' with 'good science' and instead, subvert science itself.
While development of technology is a great thing, without scientific temper, its use becomes
non-beneficial or limited to the people. For example, almost 70% people have cellphones in
India, yet it is not used widely for a host of beneficial services like education, health etc.
which needs a scientific temper and drive both on part of government and people
themselves.
Hence, while our constitution-makers gave us both the 'right to practise our religion' (Article
25) and the duty to develop scientific temper (Part IVA), it seems as though largely religion
cum superstition pervade people's lives while rationality and its preachers (like Dabholkar)
are still put down and silenced. Such a situation must reverse, if India has to be socio-
economically developed.
Q-Write a short note on MUFA,PUFA and Omega-3. What is the significance
and issues related with them. (200 words)
MUFA, PUFA and Omega-3 are essentially the types of healthy fats which a human body
requires in suitable quantity for its healthy growth.
Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFA) is considered a form of healthy fat generally found in
vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, olives etc. MUFA are liquid at room temperature.
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFA) are also other variance of health fats found in vegetable
oils, fish and sea foods etc. Omega-3 on the other hand is type of PUFA and considered an
essential to have fat. It can‘t be metabolized by the body and necessarily obtained from the
food.
The significance of healthy fats is in their ability to keep the body healthy by their multiple
useful functions. They provide anti-oxidants such as Vitamin-E. Also, the fatty acids help the
body absorbing vital nutrients from the food. MUFA in appropriate quantities can also help
prevent and treat diabetes, heart problems, cancer, obesity etc. Omega-3 is helpful in proper
brain growth and prevention of many diseases.
The primary issues related to the healthy fatty acids are their availability and their intake in
sufficient quantities in the body. The over intake has also been found unhealthy by reacting
with proteins and sugar to produce toxic substances.

The healthy fats though are required for healthy growth, their overuse might not be
desirable for the same purpose.
Q-What are STAP cells? Why it was in news recently? (200 words)
The Stimulus Triggered Acquisition of Pluripotency (STAP) Cells are newly discovered type
of stem cells which reportedly offer a simple method for making flexible, embryonic like
stem cells which are capable of developing into every type of cell in the body.
The STAP cells additionally claims that the tissues grown using STAP cells will be
genetically matched to the patients thus, prevent the risk of rejection by the immune system
of the body.
The stem cells have remarkable potential to develop into many different cell types in the
body and in a way serve as internal repair system. Stem cells can regularly divide to repair
or replace damaged tissues. Considering their regenerative abilities, they are used in treating
diseases such as diabetes and heart problems.
The discovery of STAP cells though are considered a remarkable piece of research, they have
been in news because of some suspicion on the rate of its success and is considered to be
published without sufficient laboratory verifications and approvals from the competent
authorities.
Research on stem cells are on the most fascinating aspects of modern biology which may be
extremely beneficial to the mankind. The STAP cells research is an effort to connect the dots
in the relevant research. However, more cautions needs to be taken in order to come up with
universally accepted and verified results.
Q-“Mangrove Forests has been one of the potent indicators of climate
change and its affects”. Considering its importance, mention its functions
and various threats in their survival?
Answer)
stored carbon in the plants is known as ―Blue Carbons‖.
Species of mangroves--the Byne species,
"protector of shore-line"
Functions of Mangroves
1. Act as carbon sink
2. Play an invaluable role as nature's shield against cyclones, ecological disasters and as
protector of shorelines.

3. Rich in biodiversity
4. Water purification
5. Helps in stabilizing ecological balance in coastal areas
6. Checks coastal erosion.
7. act as a catalyst in reclaiming land from sea
8. Have direct economic repercussions through loss of fishing industry.
9. In many coastal areas including Gulf of Kutch, mangroves are a substitute for fodder.
Thus mangroves reduce pressures from the scarce pasturelands.
10. Good source of timber, fuel and fodder.
11. Potential source for recreation and tourism
Threats
1. Rising acidification of sea water= increase in salinity
2. Deforestation
3. Pollution
4. Shrimp farming
5. Rising brick kiln industries
6. Heavy silt deposition by fresh water rivers
Q-What is Geographical Information System? Mention its various
applications.
A geographic information system (GIS) is a computer system designed to capture, store,
manipulate, analyze, manage, and present all types of spatial or geographical data.
Application
1. Mapping of area for planning of the city
2. Mapping of natural resources of the region
3. Web-GIS Tool for estimating rooftop solar power potential for Indian solar cities.
4. mapping of trees that have economical and environmental importance == data would
be of immense benefit to industries such as paper, furniture, toys, dolls, plywood and
pencil manufacturers that are dependent on trees. === could also be used to increase
the forest cover in the country.
5. Can be developed a web-based geographic information system (GIS) covering booths
in the election time to provide information to voters
6. Geographical Information System (GIS)-aided map of the pipelines in the city‘s
distribution system = The GIS map will aid the measurement of overall production
and distribution through the transmission mains and also help in co-relating it with the
revenue collection to ascertain the actual non-revenue water in the city.

Q-“The critical issue in India, where the penta-valent vaccine is being rolled
out, is raising the coverage levels of immunization”. Comment on the basis
of recent controversies and issues involved.
Immunisation is a basic human right that insures the vitality of our children. Yet, it has been
mired with controversies and faces challenges on multiple counts.
CONTROVERSIES
(a) Infant death: infant deaths after the administration of pentavalent vaccine has divided
doctors opinion creating an anti vaccine wave among masses.
(b) Human trails: Unconsented human trails like that in the case of Human papiloma virus
raises doubts about the ethicality and veracity of data.
(c) Rumour market: especially among minorities that vaccine are a ploy to make their child
sterile is a great hindrance in vaccination.
CHALLENGES
(a) Coverage divide: With national average of vaccination standing at 60%, the north-south
divide is astonishing, with north having dismal coverage figures of 30% compared to south
of 80%.
(b) Regular vaccination: It requires to bring people to the vaccination table rather than door
to door vaccination of polio. Motivating people on long term basis is always a big challenge.
(c) Porous borders: with huge illegal migrants the threat of spread of even eradicated wild
polio virus is too real to neglect.
(d) Vaccine stability: most of the vaccine still need proper handling and are temperature
senstive. With poor electricity supply and remote locations their efficacy often deteriorates.
(e) Migrant population: its extremly difficult to continue and complete vaccination among
migrants.
It therefore requires innovation to develop a single vaccine to address multiple diseases,
which has a wide ranging stability in diverse climatic conditions of India. Simultaneously
IEC activities should be carried out to check rumours and myths about vaccines.
Q-Comment on the steps taken by government to deal with Leprosy. Do you
think government has failed to deal with leprosy? If Yes, Why
Leprosy is a bacterial disease that effects the nervous system. It is a major cause of disability
among people. Indian government has a dedicated programme called, ―National Leprosy
Eradication Programme‖ since 1955. It follows a two pronged strategy that includes:
(a) Early detection through increased awareness among massrs.
(b) Treatment of patient using a multi drug therapy.

A multiple stakeholder approach including government, NGO, voluntary organisation and
Lepra is adopted to fight this disease. Government also declared certain states as endemic
for special inyervention.
Despite a dedicated programme running for the last 60 years India still holds the distinction
of contributing 58% leprosy cases in the world. This alone proves the futility of efforts.
Government failure can be assessed on multiple areas like:
(a) Still there is low level of awareness among masses.
(b) Early detection rate, as a result of low awareness is poor.
The major reasons for the failure of government are:
(a) There is no vaccine for the leprosy.
(b) Removal of leprosy from the list of major public health problem since 2005 has shifted
focus from it.
(c) Rumours about the disease and the social stigma acts as deterrent to early detection and
treatment.
(d) Symptomatic treatment using MDT has not achieved a foolproof level.
IEC activities should form the core of leprosy eradication programme together with
development of vaccine through global collaboration if this blot is to be removed.
Q-What are Micro-grids? Enumerate its advantages and disadvantages.
Micro Grids are decentralised grids with minimum power source mostly from renewable
sources like solar, wind, biogas etc.
These grids are separate from the main grid. Serve only a village or a cluster of them.
Advantages
1) Centralised distribution to far flung areas has high transaction and distribution losses.
2) Would incentivise to use locally available renewable or other energy sources.
3) Suitable for areas with restricted access like hilly, forested areas. Where connecting to
main grid may be expensive.
4) Grid independence. Companies and industries can tap renewable energy and achieve
energy security independently.
disadvantages are
1) Need technological expertise. Cannot be set up by villages independently.
2) Expensive. Need financial support.
3) Storage of excess electricity is an issue.

However, micro grids hold immense potential. Need private and government research and
support to tap the huge opportunities available to transform India‘s rural land urban
landscape.
Q-What are QR Codes? Mention its applications
QR (Quick Response) Code is a two dimensional optical label which contains information
about the item to which it is attached. It consists of black modules arranged in a square grid
on a white background which can be read by an imaging device such as a camera.
The applications of QR Code are:
In advertising: This is the most well known use of QR code. Usually, a smartphone is used
as a QR scanning device, displaying the code and converting it to some other form such as a
URL for a website.
Code payments: QR codes can be used to store bank account information or credit card
information or they can be designed to work with particular payment provider applications.
Security: QR codes may be used, in future, in public use vehicles like taxis and auto
rickshaws, so that scanning the code and sending it to a friend or other person will give
them the details about the vehicle, and keep them informed of the travelling person‘s
location and safety.
Website login: They may be used for logging in to websites.
Funerary use: Some tombstones in Japan contain QR codes.
However, QR codes have certain limitations. There needs to be good lighting and clarity for
the code to be properly scanned. It does have a lot of potential applications.
Q-Discuss the contribution of Prof.Shatish Dhawan towards scientific
developments in India ?
He was an Indian aerospace engineer, widely regarded as the father of experimental fluid
dynamics research in India. He was an Indian rocket scientist
He is considered by the Indian scientific community to be the father of experimental fluid
dynamics research in India and one of the most eminent researchers in the field of
turbulence and boundary layers,leading the successful and ingenious development of the
Indian space programme.
He succeeded Vikram Sarabhai, the founder of the Indian space programme, as Chairman of
the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in 1972.
Dhawan carried out pioneering experiments in rural education, remote
sensing and satellite communications. His efforts led to operational systems like INSAT, a
telecommunications satellite; IRS, the Indian Remote Sensing satellite; and the Polar Satellite
Launch Vehicle(PSLV), that placed India in the league of space faring nations.

He was the director of IISc or many years and IISc saw many progress under him.He set up
the first Supersonic wind tunnel in India at IISc. He transformed the institute into modern,
democratic departmental system. Apart for this, he also studied and contributed a lot
towards the boundary layer flows and the birds of Pulicat Lake and wrote the monograph
"Bird Flight"
Q-What is ‘Brain-flight’ Project? Explain its significance.
Answer)
It is a European Union-funded project called ―Brainflight‖, scientists of the Technische
Universitat Munchen (TUM) and the Technische Universitat Berlin (TUB) demonstrated the
feasibility of flying with amazing precision using brain control alone (and no hands)
Pilots of the future may be able to control their aircraft by merely thinking commands.
With brain control, flying, in itself, could become easier. This would reduce the workload of
pilots and thereby increase safety. In addition, pilots would have more freedom of
movement to manage other manual tasks in the cockpit.
Brain waves of the pilots are measured using electroencephalography (EEG) electrodes
connected to a cap. An algorithm developed by scientists from the TUB allows a program to
decipher electrical potentials and convert them into appropriate commands. The brain-
computer interface only recognises the very clearly defined electrical brain impulses
required for control. This is pure signal processing.
Q-Explain the significance of ‘Indian Neutrino Observatory’. What are the
potential‗Geological, Radiological and Biological’impact of INO?
Answer)
One of the country‘s biggest research projects in basic sciences is the India-based Neutrino
Observatory or INO.
Proposed to be set up in a cavern under a 1,300 metre tall peak in the Bodi West Hills in
Theni district of Tamil Nadu.
What are neutrinos?
According to scientists neutrinos are elementary particles, like electrons, but not part of
atoms. They are available in abundance in the universe. The human body also emits
neutrinos. These particles were created in large numbers during the Big Bang that led to the
creation of the universe. They also continue to get created when the cosmic rays interact
with the atmosphere. Scores of neutrinos pass through the human body without causing any

harm because they hardly interact with matter. Sun is the major source of neutrinos on
earth. Every second more than 6 million solar neutrinos pass through every square
centimeter area of our body.
Their non-interacting nature makes them difficult to detect especially on the earth‘s surface,
which is overwhelmed with cosmic ray events. Therefore, it had been decided to establish
the observatory under a peak to shield it from cosmic ray particles.
Significance of INO—primary goal of laboratory is study of naturally occurring neutrinos in
atmosphere . but many environmentalist are questioning its geological radiological and
biological effect on environment.
Geological impact—as we know a hair line crack in walls of laboratory can topple the
detector so no such incident take place we have to ban geological exploration or activity in
nearly one km cirle of project that is any well, irrigation tunnel or mining activity can‘t be
done. These nutriono will also effect dams in idukki region and cause mass destructuion due
to induced seismicity in this area.
Radiological impact- official studies in USA and Europe tells us that cosmic rays and
neutrino have huge impact on health of living being.
Biological impact- due to radiation contamination gene defect may occur and it can trigger
huge biological damage in terms of loss of farm product and tourism industry.
Though much of Geological, Biological and Radiological Impacts of Neutrinos are unknown
and need to be studied in deep. Neutrinos were produced during big bang and they keep
producing during interaction of cosmic rays with earth's atmosphere.
These particles are so small that they hardly interact with matter and they just pass through
human body without having any biological effect. But, deep research still needs to be done
to find their exact impact.

Q-’ Malnutrition is a blot on country’s face in 21st century’. What are the
challenges that exert resistance in dealing with Malnutrition? What can be
done to abridge the problem?
India is the fourth largest economy of the world and yet has one of the highest prevalence of
malnutrition deaths faring no better than African nations. Child malnutrition is still high.
The main challenges in dealing with malnutrition are:
1. Inadequate recognition of human and economic costs of malnutrition.
2. Nutrition security as a human right in policy discourse in missing.
3. Existing programmes have poor monitoring and feedback mechanisms to make tangible
improvements.
4. Care of pregnant mothers and infants. Anaemia is a severe problem among women and
girl child.
5. Myths prevalent in tribal societies coupled with lack of access to healthcare to the tribal
people.
Following can be done to fight malnutrition:
1. Raise awareness about the health and economic implications of malnutrition at the
household level. When this can be done for family planning ("Hum Do Hamare Do"
campaign), it can very well be achieved for malnutrition.
2. Ensure good health of mothers and children through quality access to primary healthcare.
Women's groups and Anganwadis can be incentivised for this end.
3. Political will and participation of local government bodies necessary to address nutrition
security.
4. Strengthen monitoring of existing programmes like Integrated Child Development
Services, the National Rural Health Mission, Total Sanitation Campaign.
5. Leverage IT and GIS for effective management of healthcare services.
Q-Explain the significance of Biobots?
Biobots is a research project taken by University of Illinios, they have combined the muscle
cell with robotic technology to create a robot with biological muscle. Initially they used the
heart muscle which moves continuously and then muscle cells mixed with gel made with
the help of 3 D printer along with electric impulses to move the robotic prototype. It will be
very helpful in environment monitoring and protecting. It will also help the medical science
in treating the patients affected by toxins and injuries, the robot can move in the desired
direction and heal the required area.
Q-What is MOCLIC? How it can be effective in combating climate change?
It is a new software that gives anyone the opportunity to know weather activity for the day
and months ahead.

Researchers from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM),USA have
designed the software Monitoring Climate Change (Moclic) through which it is possible to
organize, store and operate geo-referenced data from climate elements.
It can be a very effective tool in combating climate change as:
1. It can calculate bio and agroclimatic indicators, such as humidity, aridity, rain erosion and
rainfall concentration.
2. It allows agronomist to obtain rainfall records and relate them to the crops production
figures for explanation of a possible event.
3. It can help in taking measures prior to a possible flood.
4. MoCliC with local data is of great importance because global models don't include land
relief nor closeness to sea data.
5. It is possible to identify desiccation processes in a region, which comes useful when
considering the use of improved seeds that can resist droughts, or the optimization of
rainwater catching techniques, storage or types of irrigation.
Hence, MoCliC has a great significance in adapting to climate change.
Q-What is Ballistic Missile Defence? Comment on India’s BMD
system.
Ballistic missile defense is the system to protect from attack from Ballistic missile. Ballistic
missiles are missiles which powered only during initial projection but are later mostly
governed by laws of mechanics.
In India the programme was initially conceived in 1999 following nuclear threat from
Pakistan .India also faces threat from China and non state actors are also in the fray.
BMD has two components :
High Altitude interception - Prithvi Air Defence( Nov. 2006) ,Prithvi Defense vehicle( April
2014)
Low Altitude interception - Advanced air defence
The BMD in India is being developed by DRDO. In the present Phase 1 missiles of range
upto 2000 km can be destroyed. it is planning to increase its capacity to 5000 km by 2016.It
can protect major cities like New Delhi and Mumbai and thus augment nuclear detterence
by securing fatal retaliation in case of use of nuclear weapons
There are concerns regarding inciting arms race,fear of agression after effective defense
system developement. Whether this system will be effective against high speed missiles and
those with multiple independently targetable re entry vehicles is also questionable.
Q-What is Polar Vertex? Explain its implications.

The polar vortex actually is a seasonal atmospheric phenomenon, a system of strong, high-
level winds -- called the jet stream -- surrounding an extremely cold pocket of Arctic air
Polar vortex refers to a system of cold icy air pockets over the poles surrounded by high
speed winds (polar jet streams) in the form of a cyclone. It stretches from stratosphere to
mesosphere.
There actually are two polar vortices on Earth -- one in the Southern Hemisphere over
Antarctica, and one in the Northern Hemisphere over the Arctic
Implications:
a) If its boundary is stable due to strong winds then it remains limited to the poles and has
beneficial effect as it prevents cold icy air to reach further south(in Northern Hemisphere).
b) If its boundary becomes unstable due to weak winds, then distortion of vortex leads to
extension of the freezing winds right upto south, like occurred in USA in January this year.
c) Such distortion of polar vortex has adverse affects such as frostbites, stalling of traffic,
disruption of power lines, freezing of roads and waterways etc.
d) Also, climate change may make distortion of polar vortex more common, as Arctic Sea ice
melts, sea becomes warm and radiates heat to polar atmosphere in winter. The heat lowers
speed of winds and distorts the vortex.
Therefore, polar vortex is a phenomenon which is actually advantageous but becomes a
menace when it gets distorted.
Q-What is Rosetta Mission? Explain its importance
Answer)
Rosetta Mission is a unique mission in which spaceprobe Rosetta will approach close to an
asteroid called 67P/C-G and attempt to land a small rover with 10 instruments on it to study
various features of asteroid surface (landscape, isotopes, composition of soil etc.).
Rosetta is already in space between Mars and Jupiter and was in hibernation mode. It was
awakened in January this year for the mission.
Importance:
a) To lend credence to argument that possibly amino acids or even organisms which
triggered life on earth, could have come from asteroids. The lander by analysing the soil,
rocks etc. and beaming information to Rosetta, which in turn can be analysed by scientists
on earth will provide insight into such possible origin of life.
b) Future probes will be based on learnings from Rosetta mission.

Therefore, immense potential learnings are expected from Rosetta Mission's successful
accomplishment
Q-What do you understand by Ocean Acidification? Why it is one of the
major causes of concern among environmentalists?
Ocean acidification is a global environmental issue caused by the man-made release of
carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Ocean acidification is often called the "evil twin" to
climate change, because both issues are rooted in carbon dioxide emissions.
The world's leading marine scientists are warning us that our current rates of carbon
emissions are making our oceans more acidic. This is happening so fast that it poses a
serious threat to biodiversity and marine life.
Major causes of concern,
a) The huge amounts of atmospheric CO2 being absorbed by the world‘s oceans is making
them more acidic than they have ever been.
b) Ocean acidification can lead to disappearance of Coral reefs which provide habitat for
most of the marine species and these will face extinction if reefs disappear. Also people who
depend on coral reefs for their daily food and income will suffer.
c) Coral reef tourism for example, The Great Barrier Reef which provides huge tourist
revenue and employment will be at stake.
d) Moreover, within decades, Ocean Acidification will also start to have major impacts on
temperate and polar water ecosystems. In fact, colder water absorbs higher levels of CO2
than warmer water. Our polar seas are already so acidic that they are starting to dissolve
some shells.
e) decline in commercial fishing and effect on Indigenous People as in Artic Ocean
Left unchecked, Ocean Acidification could destroy all our coral reefs by as early as 2050. It
also has the potential to disrupt other ocean ecosystems, fisheries, habitats, and even entire
oceanic food chains. So there is an urgent need to limit the carbon dioxide emissions

Q-“Nano-science is one of the significant areas of interest among
researchers and has potential to groom science as a whole”. What are the
ways through which Indian government is promoting Nano-Science? How
important it is for India’s scientific progress?
The Government is pursuing the Nano Technology and seeing it as the potential area to
solve many problems, hence it has included it in the 12th Plan under the National Mission
on Nano Science and Technology and have allocated funds along with keeping the option
for PPP open. The Mission had the following agenda
1) Basic Research Promotion: Supporting scientist and scientist community to pursue study
and research in this area
2) Infrastructure development: Nano Technology and its research areas requires lots of
expensive equipments like Optical Tweezer, Nano Indentor, Atomic Force Microscope etc.
3) Nano Applications and Technology Development Programs: To catalyse the research
programs to develop products and devices
4) Human resource Development: Effective training of individuals interested in the area,
planned to lauch M.Sc., M.Tech programs
5) International Collaboration: exchange and joint research programs
The Nano Technology have special significance for the India's Scientific Progress, as Nano
Technology have application in many fields like Agriculture for pest control and irrigation,
solar panels innovation, medicine to do targeted treatment, it can also help reduce the
pollution level.
India’s Nano mission
Q-Explain the significance of National Mission for Sustainable the
Himalayan Ecosystem? What are the possible causes of changes in
Himalayan Eco-system?
National Mission for Sustainable Himalayan Ecosystem was launched under the National
Action Plan for Climate Change during the 12th FYP.
Its primary objective is to develop a sustainable national capacity in a time-bound manner to

continuously assess the health status of the Himalayan ecosystem and enable policy
formulation to assist Himalayan states to implement sustainable development programmes.
The Himalayan region on the Indian side has recently been target of various natural
calamities such as the Uttarakhand Cloudburst and J&K floods. The significance of this
programme lies in the fact that it would attempt to address various burning issues of the
day with regards to the Himalayan ecosystem. These include,
1. Prediction and management of natural hazards
2. Studying the himalayan glaciers and associated hydrological consequences.
3. It would assist in the rehabilitation and resettlement of Uttarakhand which was
devastated by floods last year.
4. It would also focus on biodiversity conservation and protection of wildlife and traditional
knowledge of societies and their livelihoods.
The anthropogenic causes of changes in Himalayan ecosystem include:
1. Unplanned urbanization especially near the watershed of rivers such as Ganga.
2. Unrestricted building of dams across the environmentally fragile topography of the
region.
3. CO2 emissions by thermal power plants.
Natural causes include global warming and greenhouse effect which has led to extreme
weather events such as cloudbursts, very heavy rains, flash floods and so on.
Q-Do you think India’s effort to combat climate change through various
programs and policies well placed? Evaluate the performance of India’s
climate change policies
Humanity was never posed with such a wide scale existential threat as due to its own
activities that triggered a climate change. Termed as holocene extinction, climate change has
gained global attention and India is not oblivious to these concerns. As a result we adopted
NAPCC that involves a motley set of 8 dedicated mission to adapt and enhace our resilience
towards cilmate change.
These missions address various vulnerable areas with an oversight climate council headed
by PM to monitor their working. These missions are well placed and reflects India's
concerns towards climate change despite economic imperatives and infancy of knowledge
and technology in climate change. We are making rapid stride to open new solar power

plants without compromising environmemtal concern eg scrapping of sambhar lake solar
plant. Energy and water use efficiency has increased with suitable rating certifications in
place. RAY, IAY and NBRO are working to evolve suitable low energy buildings. Indira
paryavaran bhavan is a step in right direction. Food production have increased
simultaneously with forest covers. Our understanding about fragile ecosystem has also
increased substantially. Thus on a whole we are treading towards right direction.
To enhace and synergise the built up momentum we need to pay attention over
multidisciplinary nature of climate change. It thus requires an overarching body to
collaborate and enhace coordinarion on continuous basis. A national think tank TERI can
play a pivotal role in evolving a climate change strategy.
Climate change needs a pragmatic and proactive approach. Hence, we should prepare
ourself before hand as being an agricultural economy our losses will be much higher than
developed emitters of temperate regions
Q-Discuss the contributions of C.V. Raman in scientific development of
India.
Chandrashekra venkata raman (c v raman) rightly described as GRAND OLD MAN OF
SCIENCE IN INDIA, strode like the colossus if Indian science, during the pre independence
era. He was the first noble prize winner in physics from across the Asian Continent.
HIS MAJOR CONTRIBUTIONS
1- RAMAN EFFECT: raman after intensive study at his laboratory in bangalore concluded
that when a light beam travels through a medium the beam is deflected by the molecules.
But more important he observed that a small part of the emerging light beam after deflection
by the molecules had a different wavelength from the original beam. This change in
wavelength of the light is known as the raman effect.
2 THE COLOUR OF THE SEA: before raman Introduced his theory, it was believed that the
sea gets blue colour from the sky or due to suspended matter in the water. But raman denied
this theory and figured out that the blue colour obtained from the molecular diffraction.
Later, sir c.v.raman became the fellow of the royal society of the London in 1924. A year
later, he set up raman research Instituted near bangalore, where he continued the scientific
research until his death. His science advice to aspire scientists was that scientific research
needs INDEPENDENT THINKING AND HARD WORK NOT EQUIPMENT.

Extra
1930 Nobel Prize for Physics. He discovered that, when light traverses a transparent
material, some of the deflected light changes in wavelength. This phenomenon is now
called Raman scattering and is the result of the Raman effect.
He hadbeen knighted only the year before and worked extensively on acoustics and light.
He was also deeply interested in the physiology of the human eye.
A traditionally-dressed man,institute that is today named after him: the Raman Research
Institute, Bangalore.
In 1954, he was honoured with the highest civilian award in India, the Bharat Ratna.
National Science Day on 28 February of every year to commemorate the discovery of the
Raman effect in 1928
Q-Write a note on Ethanol Blending Program of India. What are the
advantages and disadvantages of EBP?
India's Ethanol Blending Program began with the announcement of National Policy on
Biofuels in 2008. According to it, the govt would undertake a phased implementation of
blending of 5% ethanol with petrol. The deadline for nation-wide implementation of the
plan was December 2012 which was later postponed to June 2013. The ethanol would be
produced from sugarcane.
The govt is currently thinking of increasing this 5% limit to 10%.
Following are the advantages of blending ethanol with petrol:
1. It would help India save a huge amount of foreign exchange due to reduction in crude oil
imports which would be offset by the usage of ethanol. It would thus help in reducing
India's CAD.
2. Implementation of this program is simpler as there needs no modification of the engine
upto a limit of 10% ethanol.

3. Reduces CO emissions by 30%
4. It is cheaper as compared to petrol as it is easier to manufacture.
5. Ethanol production would lead to larger and remunerative production of sugarcane in
India which would lead to rural prosperity.
6. Ethanol blended petrol cleans the car engine over time by dissolving harmful deposits and
dirt from pipes and chambers.
7. Reduction in pollution would lead to a reduction in respiratory diseases, which would in
turn reduce mortalities related to them. This would improve the overall health profile of the
population.
Disadvantages include:
1. As ethanol is derived from plants such as sugarcane, corn etc a rise in its demand would
lead to a rise in the demand for seeds, fertilisers, insecticides etc required for growing these
crops which in turn would endanger the food security.
2. A life-cycle analysis of the crop shows that the amount of CO2 emitted in activities such as
ploughing, sowing, applying fertilizers is greater than the amount absorbed by the plants for
respiration. Therefore, on a whole the plants prove to be net CO2 emitters
Q-What are the possible environmental and health impact of biomedical
wastes? Mention the steps taken by government to deal with the problem of
accumulating biomedical waste.
Biomedical Wastes are the used and discarded medical wastes like syringes, bandage,
Human organs and tissues, unused blood etc. It can pose serious problem for both health
and environment if not handled properly
Health Impact
1) Rag Pickers and Municipal workers are at the risk of diseases like Hepatitis B and D and
injuries
2) if not properly segregated from normal garbage it can cause injury and spread disease
among hospital staffs
3) There is a possibility of illicit use if the waste in not segregated and disposed, posing a
potential threat to public
Environmental Risk
1) The medical waste contain higher percentage of PVC, which when incinerated releases

dioxin which has high carcinogen effect
2) It produces high level of particulates and acidic gases
3) It can causes toxicity in the nearby water sources and spread of diseases
4) it affects the birds and animals in the area who consume it
Steps taken by Government
1) Bio Medical waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998 guides on its disposal and
State pollution control board have been given the responsibility to ensure implementation
2) the rule also provisions for educating the people handling it
3) Defines the punishment in case of non-compliance
4) It Bio Medical Waste Management plan categories, colour codes, labels, segregate and
defines the disposal method for each category
Q-‘The recent outbreak of ‘Ebola Virus’ has wider implications for national
security of a country’. One of the questions that need to be addressed is the
preparedness of a country for such epidemic. Do you think India is
prepared for such outbreaks?
"Ebola Virus" which has broken out as a epidemic in the past and present has severely
affected several Sub Sahara nations (Ghana, Sierra Leone etc.,). The reason which people
attribute to this is the rural nature of their economies and the tropical climate prevalent at
these locations.
Ebola virus is highly contagious and is transmitted by bodily fluids of one individual to
another. This is the main reason why specialists are even reluctant to even treat persons
suffering with Ebola with high mortality of 70 to 90%.
Given the location of Indian subcontinent and its climatology, India has a high probability of
such epidemics breaking out. Mitigation and prevention of epidemics in India is currently
very grim. At rural levels (grass root levels) PHC‘s have inadequately trained staff, with
poor or no medicine supplies. There has been no fully fledged R&D about epidemics,
including the ICMR. There is no concise data base available of all the epidemics in India so
far. Further there is no specific agency in India with regard to mitigation of Biological,
radiological and Nuclear disasters.
Though recent outbreaks have been dealt with advertisements, symptoms of the disease,
banning visits to such places by citizens all these seem to be a short term solution only.

It is high time that governments realizes a long term solution to this and take up policies &
create institutions, work closely with NGO‘s in educating people to prevent and mitigate
epidemics.
Q-Comment on the India’s performance in achieving ‘Millennium
Development Goals’. (For detail, please refer Economic survey, it has
covered well)
Millennium declaration of 8 goals, 12 out of 18 targets and 35 indicators relating to these
targets constitute India's statistical tracking instrument for the MDGs.
Goal 1: India is worst in terms of eradicating extreme poor in South Asia. India accounts for
1/3rd of the world's extremely poor.
Goal 2: Even though the chance of a girl from scheduled tribe area completing 12th is less
than 1%, India has almost touched the universal school enrollment.
Goal 3: Gender equality and women empowerment still lagging behind by a huge margin as
can be seen from the share of women employment in private sector and Parliament.
Goal 4: India accounts for the highest number around 1.4 million children deaths. However,
Tamil Nadu and West Bengal performed significantly better in reducing child mortality
rates.
Goal 5: India accounts for a quarter of the world maternal deaths, which is mainly due to a
low percentage of births attended by skilled personnel, under-nutrition, poor birth
sanitation, poor education.
Goal 6: Prevalence of HIV/AIDS among pregnant women aged 15-24 years and spread of
Malaria and TB are in the declining trend.
Goal 7: In terms of environmental sustainability, forest areas are reducing, open defecating
still prevalent. However, access to drinking water has been in the increasing trend.
Goal 8: Tele-density, Internet subscribers with cooperation of private sector, and making
availability of all the benefits of new technologies are in the positive track.

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