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Contents

03 16 32 44
Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4
Evolution of Information Biotechnology Health
Science and Technology
Technology

57 60 81 101
Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8
Nanotechnology Nuclear Technology Space Technology Defence

1
 111 127 138
Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Previous Year
Some Advanced Intellectual Questions
Technologies Property Rights

2
 CHAPTER - 1
EVOLUTION OF SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY
India has a rich scientific and technological
heritage. This chapter provides a quick
glance of history of scientific and
technological advancement, dating back
to the ancient Indus Valley Civilization.
Indus Valley
Civilization (IVC)
The excavations made by the
Archeological Survey of India (ASI) and
other agencies point out the various
scientific advancements of the citizens
who inhabited the regions constituting the
Indus Valley Civilization.
1. Architecture and Civil
Engineering
• The urban centers were based on a
definite layout pattern with scientific
roads; drainage systems (with corbel
technique); and planned structures
(examples include the Great Bath and
the granaries),
• They are credited with building the
world’s first tidal port at Lothal.
Historians point out that this indicated
that they understood the geographical
phenomenon of tides (Union Budget
2020 has announced the setting up of
Maritime Museums in India and Lothal
is one of the destinations).
• As far as housing is concerned,
individual houses had the luxury of
private bathrooms and had structured
water supply mechanism.
• The inspiration behind some of the
recent schemes of the Government
such as the Smart City Project can be
3
traced back to this period.
2. Irrigation System
• The areas that constituted the Indus
Valley Civilization was largely in the
arid and semi-arid regions and this
necessitated the construction of
artificial reservoirs and water structures.
Despite, the presence of many rivers,
water was a scarce commodity.
• The cities had innovative irrigation
system, and this ensured the sustainable
development of the urban centers.
3. Weights, Measurement and
Metallurgy
• An extremely effective system
of weights and sub-weights was
adopted by the people of Indus Valley
Civilization. As trade was an important
part of the economy, it was important
to have a modern system of weights
and measures. The present-day
standardization and quality control has
its origin from the ancient times.
• Evidence points out that cotton was
used extensively by the people to
protect them from the harsh summers.
Thus, our present-day trend to wear
cotton clothes in summer started from
ancient times.
4. Pottery and Bead Making
• Pottery was an important function taken
up the people. The Potter’s wheel has
been discovered by various agencies.
• Pyro-technology which was used to
 induce exothermic and endothermic
reactions to produce simple goods was
used extensively.
• Furnaces was known to the people and
bead making was another important
economic activity which helped in the
growth of gems and jewelry industry.
A lot of it also was exported to other
civilizations.
5. Medical Science
• As per various reports, the citizens of
this civilization had also mastered the
art of proto dentistry which involves
treating holes and correcting the source
of dental problems that the patient
faced. Evidence from Mehrgarh reveals
this.
• The people of IVC also practiced
Trephination, a technique which
involved drilling holes near the skull to
treat minor issues such as migraines.
6. Mathematics
• The Harrapans were probably also
aware of simple mathematical
equations and numerals. The extensive
trade and a growing economy
necessitated this.
• The Harappan numerical system
appeared to follow the decimal system.
Vedic Period
Every period of history builds on the
achievements of the previous period. The
Vedic period was no different. As they
inhabited the regions that constitute the
Indo-Gangetic Plains, advancements
in agriculture, metallurgy, geography
amongst others became an important
part of the scientific culture. Important
geographical phenomena such as reversal
of winds during Monsoon, sowing seasons
4
were known to the people and were
studied.
Sushruta
• Rishi Sushruta lived in 6th century BC.
Sushruta is often called the father of
plastic surgery and general surgery.
• His contributions to the study of Surgery
have been appreciated by medical
professionals across the globe.
• Human anatomy was an important
subject in which, he conducted extensive
research.
• Leprosy, cataract surgeries and many
other such procedures have been
described. The cure for many of the
diseases have been well documented.
Over 760 plants have been described
along with their usefulness.
• In Sushruta Samhita, over 1100 diseases
are mentioned, including many types of
fevers, body illness and other diseases
that has come to characterize the 21st
century.
Charaka
• Charaka authored the Charaka
Samhita. He also discussed the
classification of various diseases paving
the way for modern day classification.
• He significantly contributed to the
Ayurveda system of medicines. He
treated Ayurveda as a comprehensive
system of health care that dealt with
both preventive and curative aspects.
Pingala
• Acharya Pingala was an ancient
mathematician who used binary
numbers in short and long systems,
similar to the Morse code that has been
developed.
• In modern times, it is the study of
this binary system that has led to the
development of various IT programs
such as coding, computer language
systems and more.
Post-Vedic Period:
Aryabhatta-I
• He emerged as an important
Mathematician during the Gupta
period. Aryabhata’s main contributions
to mathematics include the
approximation of value of Pi, other
equations related to Algebra and
Trigonometry.
• His calculation of Pi is much more
accurate than the Greeks and has been
accepted by Mathematicians.
• The concept of Earth rotating on its
own axis and its revolutions leading
to seasonal changes was another
contribution and this even predates the
discovery made by Galileo.
• The Government honoured him by
naming its first satellite after him.
The book ‘Aryabhatiyam’ is divided
into four Chapters and includes cosmic
theories. They are related to:
• The astronomical constants and the
sine table,
• Mathematics required
computations,
• Division of time and rules for
computing the longitudes of planets
using eccentrics and epicycles,
• The armillary sphere, rules relating
to problems of trigonometry and
studying eclipses.
Varahamihira (500 AD)
• The most famous work by Varahamihira
5
is the Pancasiddhantika, considered to
be a Master Treatise on astronomy and
it summarizes five earlier astronomical
treatises, namely the Surya, Romaka,
Paulisa, Vasistha, and Paitamaha
Siddhanta.
• He Introduced Romaka Siddhanta
which is the basis of the lunar calendar.
Brahmagupta (598–668 AD)
• Brahmagupta was an astronomer and
Mathematician. He wrote an important
treatise on mathematics and astronomy
in Brahamasphutasiddhanta in 628
AD. He began to apply algebra to
astronomical problems.
• He gave solutions for the general linear
equation, two equivalent solutions
to the general quadratic equation,
explained how to find cube and cube
root of an integer, rules for facilitating
the computation of squares and square
roots, and gave rules dealing with five
types of combinations of fractions.
• He rebutted the idea that the Moon is
farther from the Earth than the Sun,
which he explained by the Moon's
illumination by the Sun.
Bhaskara-I
• His commentary, Aryabhatiyabhasya
for (written in 629 CE), is the oldest known
prose work in Sanskrit on mathematics
and astronomy.
• He was probably the first to write
numbers in the Hindu decimal system
with a zero circle. He also estimated the
value of Sine, in one of his books.
Bhaskara-II (Born 1114-1185)
Bhaskara-II was another important
mathematician from the Medieval times.
One of his important pieces of work was
the Siddhanta Siromani consisting of four
parts:
• Leelavati- Dealing with arithmetic and
geometry.
• Bijaganita- A treatise on algebra.
• Grahaganita-deals with astronomy.
• Goladhyaya-deals with astronomy.
Noteworthy
Contributions:
The following can be deemed to be the
significant contributions of Ancient India
to the field of Science and Technology:
1. The Decimal System
• In the Decimal system, every symbol
received a value of position as well as
an absolute value.
• Due to the simplicity of the system, it
made its applications wide and easier
to adopt.
2. Fibonacci Numbers
I M A G E 1.1: F I B B O N A C C I N U M B E R S
• The Fibonacci numbers and their
sequence first appears in Indian
mathematics as mātrāmeru. Pingala
mentioned it.
• Today they have a significance in the
modern computer sciences in various IT
languages, coding etc.
6
3. Binary Numbers
• The binary number system was first
described by Pingala in his book.
• Binary numbers (0 and 1) are the primary
language in which computer programs
are written. The combinations 0 and 1
are called bits and bytes. This along with
the Fibonacci numbers have helped in
the development of the IT sector.
4. The Heliocentric Theory
• Aryabhatta and his work Aryabhatiya
represented the pinnacle of
astronomical knowledge at the time.
He propounded It the Earth is round,
rotates on its axis, and revolves around
the Sun, i.e., the heliocentric theory.
The change in seasons was explained
through this phenomenon.
5. Wootz Steel
• The Tamils of the Chera Dynasty
produced it. Tamils of the Chera
Dynasty had what was termed the
finest steel in the world. It was made by
heating black magnetite ore in carbon
in a sealed clay crucible kept inside a
charcoal furnace.
6. Plastic Surgery and Cataract
Surgery
• The text Sushruta Samhita mentions
various illnesses, plants, preparations,
cures, and plastic surgery techniques.
The Sushruta Samhita describes
methods for the reconstruction of
the nose, also known as rhinoplasty.
The exact issue behind Cataract was
discussed and a cure was found for it,
through a surgery.
7. Ayurveda
• Considered to be Indian school of
Medicine. As the father of Indian
Medicine, Charaka was the first
physician who presented the concept of
digestion, metabolism, and immunity.
Medieval Period
The period saw the interactions between
India, Turkey, Arab world, and Mughals
(Central Asia). Their developments led to
advancements in various fields.
Sciences in Medieval Age
• Due to constant wars and conflicts,
the development of science and
technology suffered greatly. Still, many
developments took place in various
fields during this period.
MATHEMATICS:
• Narayana Pandit, was well-known
for his works in Mathematics. Two
important pieces of work include the
Ganitakaumudi and Bijaganitavatamsa.
• Nilakantha Somasutvan produced
Tantrasamgraha, which amongst
others contained rules to solve
various problems associated with
Trigonometry.
• Akbar also ordered to make
Mathematics as a subject of study,
among others in the education system.
BIOLOGY:
• Akbar had a special interest in
manufacturing good breeds of
domestic animals like elephants and
horses. Jahangir, in his work - Tuzuk-i-
jahangiri - recorded his observations
and experiments on breeding and
hybridization.
7
CHEMISTRY:
• Kashmir, Sialkot, Muzaffarabad,
Patna, Murshidabad, Aurangabad,
Ahmedabad and Mysore became well
known centers of paper production in
Medieval times. This technology was
adopted from China.
• The work Sukraniti attributed to
Sukracarya contains a description
of how gunpowder can be prepared
using saltpeter, Sulphur, and charcoal
in various ratios for use in different
types of guns. The fireworks' principal
type included those that pierce through
air, produce sparks of fire, blaze with
various colours, and end with explosion.
• The work Ain-I-Akbari speaks of the
regulation of the Perfume office of
Akbar. The roses' attar (perfume)
was a very popular perfume, which is
supposed to have been discovered by
Nur Jahan.
ASTRONOMY:
• Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh-II of Jaipur (a
Rajput ruler) was a patron of Astronomy.
He set up the five astronomical
observatories in Delhi, Varanasi, Ujjain,
Mathura, and Jaipur. He also planned
various cities and constructed them.
MEDICINE:
• The Sarangdhara Samhita, composed
in the thirteenth century, describes
use of opium in its material medica
and urine examination for diagnostic
purposes. The drugs mentioned include
metallic preparation of the rasachikitsa
system and even imported drugs.
• The Rasachikitsa system, dealt
principally with a host of mineral
medicines, both mercurial and
nonmercurial.
Some important treatises on Ayurveda including the Sarangdhara Samhita and
Chikitsasamgraha by Vangasena, the Yagaratbajara and the Bhavaprakasa of
Bhavamisra were compiled in this period.
Siddha:
The Siddhars by their spiritual and yogic practices attained massive knowledge and
experience in Vaithiyam (Medicine), Jothidam (Astrology), Manthirigam (Thanthric
practices), Vatham (Alchemy), Yogam (Meditation and yogic exercises) and Gnanam
(Knowledge about the Almighty). 18 siddhars are considered as the pillars of siddha
Medicine according to Tamil tradition.

• He was a biologist, physicist, botanist,

Science and Technology in and an early writer of science fiction. He
Modern India is thus considered the father of Bengali
In this segment, we shall explore the role science fiction.
played by some important scientists whose
contributions were not only limited to India
but were recognized throughout the world.
Institutions:
• Bombay Astrophysical Observatory
was a striking example of increasing
Indian acquaintance with science
is provided by Kavasji Dadabhai
Naegamvala (1857-1938).
• Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore:
Indian initiative for technical education
came from Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata
(1839-1904). Till date, this is an important
institution that continues to function.
• Tata Steel Mill at Jamshedpur: It was
established by the Tata Group and
Research and Development into various
applications of science and technology
was conducted here.

Famous I M A G E 1.2: J A G A D I S H C H A N D R A B O S E

Personalities of Notable Achievements of Bose:

India In Science and • We all may have heard that just like us
even plants have feelings. It is Bose who
Technology discovered this. He is credited with the
invention of the crescograph, a device
Jagadish Chandra Bose (1858- for measuring the growth of plants.
1937) • Wireless Telegraphy which has
pioneered the development of modern

8
 systems of communication is often
credited to Bose, who refused to file
patents. Years later, this was usurped by
an Italian Physicist. He also researched
radio waves. He also improved an
instrument called the Coherer. It was
used to detect radio waves.
• Bose also recommended the existence
of electromagnetic radiation from the
Sun, which was confirmed later in 1944.
• He founded the Bose Institute at
Calcutta which was devoted mainly to
the study of plants. Today, the Institute
carries research on other fields too.
• A crater on the moon has been named
in his honour.
Prafulla Chandra Ray (1861-
1944)
I M A G E 1.3: P R A F U L L A C H A N D R A R AY
• Ray was a visionary and believed that
industrialization was a step towards
India's progress.
9
Notable Achievements of PC Ray
• He published nearly 150 research papers
in his lifetime. Many of his articles on
science were published in renowned
journals of his times. His publications
included research on mercurous
nitrite, and its derivatives brought him
recognition from all over the world.
• As a teacher - he motivated a generation
of young chemists in India and thereby
helped build up an Indian school of
chemistry. Famous Indian scientists like
Meghnad Saha (Indian astrophysicist)
and Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar were
among his students.
• He set up what could be called as the
first chemical factory in India, with very
minimal resources. Bengal Chemicals
was set up during the Swadeshi
Movement.
• In 1901, his pioneering efforts resulted in
the formation of the Bengal Chemical
and Pharmaceutical Works Ltd.
In Ray, the qualities of both a scientist as
well as an industrial entrepreneur were
combined. Thus, he can be considered as
the father of the Indian Pharmaceutical
industry.
Srinivasa Ramanujan (1887-
1920)
• He began working on mathematics
on his own, summing geometric and
arithmetic series and was highly
influenced by the book Synopsis
of Elementary Results in Pure
Mathematics by G. S. Carr.
• For a year he was supported by
Ramachandra Rao, one of the founding
members of the Indian Mathematical
Society, who gave him Rs. 25 per month.
 I M A G E 1.4: S R I N I VA S A R A M A N U J A N
Notable Achievements of
Ramanujan
• He made numerous contributions in
several mathematical fields including
mathematical analysis, infinite series,
continued fractions, number theory
and game theory.
• His works on Bernoulli numbers, in 1911,
brought him recognition and he was
known as a mathematical genius.
• Ramanujan provided solutions to
several mathematical problems. It was
until then considered unsolvable.
• In 1914, Ramanujan found a formula
for computing the value of π (pi). Its
formula is currently the basis for the
fastest algorithms used to calculate π.
Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata
Raman (1888-1970)
CV Raman won the Nobel Prize and
remains, one of the few Indians to win this
prestigious award.
10
I M A G E 1.5: C. V. R A M A N
Notable Achievements of Sir CV
Raman
• He made enormous inputs to research
in vibration, sound, musical instruments,
ultrasonics, diffraction, photoelectricity,
X-ray diffraction, etc.
• His work on the scattering of light
brought him world-wide recognition.
• In February 1928, at a science meet,
he announced his discovery of what is
presently known as the Raman Effect.
The Raman Effect is the process of
'scattering of light' by molecules of a
medium. The scattering of light occurs
due to a change in the light's wavelength
as it enters the medium.
• In 1930, he became the 1st Asian
scientist to be awarded the Nobel
Prize for Physics. It was awarded for his
discovery relating to the scattering of
light or the Raman Effect.
• The Government of India has also
awarded the Bharat Ratna to this
scientist.
Satyendra Nath Bose (1894-
1974)
He was elected Fellow of the Royal Society
in 1958. The Indian Government named
him a National Professor and awarded
him the honor of Padma Vibhushan.
I M A G E 1.6: S N B O S E
Notable Achievements of S N Bose
• He is best known for his 1924 paper.
He derived Max Planck's (theoretical
physicist) law for black body radiation
without reference to classical
electrodynamics, which resulted in
the Bose-Einstein system of quantum
mechanics. This is also known as the
fifth state of matter.
• Prof. Bose's research spanned across
Einstein's theory of relativity and
Planck's quantum radiation law.
• He is also famous for his work on X-Ray
crystallography and had established
his X-Ray crystallography laboratory.
11
Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar
(1894-1955)
In 1911, he published a letter on 'how to
make a substitute for carbon electrodes
in a battery' using molasses and
carbonaceous matter under pressure and
heat. Indian Government conferred the
Padma Vibhushan in 1954.
I M A G E 1.7: S S B H AT N A G A R
Notable Achievements of S S
Bhatnagar
• He is famously dubbed as the 'Father of
research laboratories' in India.
• He was a chemistry professor for over 19
years and the first director-general of
the Council of Scientific and Industrial
Research (CSIR). His tenure saw 12
laboratories, and the total number
of CSIR laboratories today stands at
around 40.
• He played a significant part in
building post-independence Science &
Technology infrastructure and policies
and scientists like Homi Bhabha, P. C.
Mahalanobis, Vikram Sarabhai, and
others.
• In newly independent India, he
was appointed as the Secretary of
Education and Educational Adviser to
the government.
Homi Jehangir Bhabha (1909-
1966)
• In 1927, he went to England at Cambridge
University to study engineering. He
began studying engineering per the
wishes of his family, but he was quickly
drawn to physics.
• He returned to India before World War
II to join the Indian Institute of Science.
Here he founded the Cosmic Ray
Research Institute. In 1945, he founded
the Tata Institute of Fundamental
Research (TIFR), where initial research
for India's nuclear program began.
• He was a multi-faceted personality.
He is the recipient of many awards,
including the Padma Bhushan,
Adam's Award, an Honorary Fellow of
the American Academy of Arts and
Sciences and Foreign Associate of the
National Academy of Sciences in the
United States.
I M A G E 1.8: H O M I J E H A N G I R B H A B H A
12
Cosmic rays are fast moving, extremely
small particles coming from outer space.
When these particles enter the earth’s
atmosphere, they collide with the atoms
of air and create a shower of electrons.
Notable Achievements of Homi
Jehangir Bhabha:
• 1937: Along with W. Heitler, a German
physicist, Bhabha solved the riddle
about cosmic rays. His discovery of
nuclear particles' presence, which he
called mesons, in these showers was
used to validate Einstein's theory of
relativity.
• Bhabha sought funding from JRD Tata
and realized the need for an institute
entirely devoted to fundamental
research. It led to establishing the Tata
Institute of Fundamental Research
(TIFR) in Mumbai in 1945, with Bhabha
as the Director.
• In 1948, Bhabha was appointed as the
Chairman of the International Atomic
Energy Commission.
• He is mostly known as the chief
architect of India's nuclear program. In
1954, he was conferred with the Padma
Bhushan award.
• He gained international recognition for
his excellent work in nuclear science.
He served as the President of the first
UN Conference on the Peaceful Uses of
Atomic Energy (held in Geneva in 1955).
Subramaniam Chandrasekhar
(1910-1995)
I M A G E 1.9: S U B R A M A N I A M C H A N D R A S E K H A R
Notable Achievements of
Chandrasekhar:
• His first scientific paper, 'Compton
Scattering and the New Statistics'
was published in the Royal Society
Proceedings in 1928. On the basis of
paper he was accepted as a research
student by R.H. Fowler at the University
of Cambridge.
• He developed the theory of white dwarf
stars. According to this theory, a star
that has mass greater than 1.45 times
the sun's mass could not become a
white dwarf star. This limit is now known
as 'Chandrasekhar limit'.
• He was bestowed with the Nobel prize
for Physics in 1983 for his work on the
physical processes of importance to
stars' structure and their evolution.
13
Vikram Sarabhai (1919-1971)
I M A G E 1.10: V I K R A M S A R A B H A I
Notable Contributions of Vikram
Sarabhai:
S • He established the Physical Research
Laboratory in Ahmedabad in 1948, in a
few rooms at the M.G. Science Institute
with Professor K.K. Ramanathan as
Director.
• In April 1954, PRL moved into a new
building and Dr. Sarabhai made it the
cradle of the Indian Space Program.
• At the young age of 28, he organized
and created the ATIRA, the Ahmedabad
Textile Industry's Research Association,
and its Honorary Director during 1949-
56.
• He also helped build and direct the
Indian Institute of Management,
Ahmedabad from 1962-1965.
• Sarabhai initiated India's space age by
expanding the Indian Space Research
Organization. The first satellite of
India- Aryabhata launched in 1975,
was one of the many projects. Like
Bhabha, Sarabhai wanted the practical
application of science to reach the
common man.
• The Satellite Instructional Television
Experiment (SITE) launched in 1975-
76, brought education to five million
people in 2,400 Indian villages. In 1965,
he established the Community Science
Centre in Ahmedabad intending to
popularise science among children.
• The International Astronomical Union
named a crater in the moon (in the Sea
of Serenity) after him, in honor of his
contributions to science.
C. R. Rao
• In 1941 he joined the M.A Statistics
program of the Calcutta University.
After passing the M.A. exam in 1943,
he won the university's gold medal
and had already published some
research papers. In 1943 he entered
ISI (Indian Statistical Institute) as a
technical apprentice, doing research,
teaching in the Training Section of the
Institute and at Calcutta University,
and assisting Professor Mahala Nobis
in editing Sankhya, the Indian Journal
of Statistics.
I M A G E 1.11: C . R. R A O
14
Notable Contributions by CR Rao:
• Rao had already completed some
of the work which carries his name:
Cramer-Rao inequality, Rao-Blackwell
theorem, Rao's score test, and Rao's
orthogonal arrays.
• He returned to ISI in 1948 and 1949 was
made a Professor at the very young
age of 29. He headed and developed
the Research and Training Section of
the ISI and became Director of the ISI.
HARGOBIND KHORANA
I M A G E 1.12: HARGOB IND KHORANA
Notable Contributions by HG
Khorana:
• Dr. Har Gobind Khorana shared the
Nobel Prize for Medicine and Physiology
in 1968 with Marshall Nirenberg and
Robert Holley for cracking the genetic
code. They established its code, the
natural language common to all living
organisms, is spelled out in three-letter
words: each set of three nucleotides
codes for a specific amino acid.
Dr Venkataraman • He received the Nobel Prize for
Chemistry in 2009 for successfully
Ramakrishnan deciphering the structure and functions
of the Ribosome.

An organism's vital functions are

managed by large, complex protein
molecules produced in cells' ribosomes.

• Among other applications, this has

been important in the production of
antibiotics.

I M A G E 1.13: V E N K ATA R A M A N R A M A K R I S H N A N

15
 CHAPTER - 2
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
• Information Technology (IT) is the
study and use of systems to store,
retrieve, and share information. It
comprises software, hardware, and
various applications utilizing software
and hardware. Information technology
has wide-ranging utility in business,
education, governance, and even
healthcare.
• The sector has been incredibly
beneficial for India's economy and
employment. According to NASSCOM,
the IT sector generated an aggregate
revenue of US $180 billion in 2019, with
export revenue standing at US$99
billion and domestic revenue at US$48
billion, growing by over 13%. As of 2020,
India's IT workforce accounts for 4.36
million employees.
IT Act 2000:
In 1996, the United Nations Commission
on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL)
adopted the model law on electronic
commerce (e-commerce) to bring
uniformity in the law in different countries.
The Information Technology Act, 2000
(also known as ITA-2000, or the IT Act)
is the primary law in India dealing with
cybercrime and electronic commerce.
• The Information Technology Act,
2000 provides legal recognition to
the transaction done via electronic
exchange of data and other electronic
means of communication or electronic
commerce transactions.
• Aim: To provide legal recognition
for transactions carried out utilizing
electronic data interchange.
16
Features of the Information
Technology Act, 2000:
• All electronic contracts made through
secure electronic channels are legally
valid.
• Legal recognition for digital signatures.
• Security measures for electronic records
and also digital signatures are in place.
• The Act lays down the procedure for the
appointment of adjudicating officers
for holding inquiries under the Act.
• Provision for establishing a Cyber
Appellant Tribunal under the Act.
Tribunal will handle all appeals made
against the order of the Controller or
Adjudicating Officer.
• An appeal against the order of the
Cyber Appellate Tribunal is possible
only in the High Court.
• Provision for the Controller of Certifying
Authorities (CCA) appointment to
license and regulate the working of
Certifying Authorities. The Controller
act as a repository of all digital
signatures.
• The Act applies to offenses or
contraventions committed outside
India.
• Senior police officers and other officers
can enter any public place and search
and arrest without a warrant on crimes
mentioned under this act.
• Provisions for the establishment of a
Cyber Regulations Advisory Committee
to advise the Central Government and
Controller.
The law is applicable in the following
matters:
• The Act extends to the entire country,
which also includes Jammu and
Kashmir. In order to include Jammu
and Kashmir, the Act uses Article 253 of
the constitution.
• Section 1 (2), along with Section 75,
mentions that the provisions of the Act
apply to any offense committed outside
India.
• Suppose the conduct of person
constituting the offence involves a
computer or a computerized system
or network located in India, then
irrespective of his/her nationality. In this
case, the person is punishable under
the Act.
Section 66A and restrictions on
freedom of speech:
• From its establishment as an
amendment to the original act in 2008,
Section 66A attracted controversy over
its unconstitutional nature.
Section 66A:
• Any person who sends by any means of
a computer resource any information
which is grossly offensive or has a
menacing character; or any information
which he knows to be false, but to cause
annoyance, inconvenience, danger,
obstruction, insult shall be punishable
with imprisonment for a term which
may extend to three years and with fine.
Shreya Singhal Case:
• Delhi-based law student, Shreya
Singhal, filed a Public Interest Litigation
(PIL) in the Supreme Court of India and
argued that Section 66A. As a result, it
violated Article 14, 19 (1) (a), and Article
17
21 of the Constitution.
• In 2015, the Supreme Court stated
that Section 66A is unconstitutional.
The court said Section 66A of IT Act
2000 is "arbitrarily, excessively and
disproportionately invades the right
of free speech" provided under Article
19(1) of India's Constitution. However,
the Court turned down a plea to strike
down sections 69A and 79 of the
Act, which deals with the procedure
and safeguards for blocking specific
websites.
• Section 69A of the IT Act, 2000, allows
the Centre to block public access
to an intermediary. An intermediary
includes “telecom service providers,
network service providers, internet
service providers, web-hosting service
providers, search engines, online
payment sites, etc”.
National Knowledge
Network:
• National Knowledge Network (NKN)
aims to interconnect all institutions
of higher learning and research with
a high speed data communication
network to facilitate knowledge sharing
and collaborative research.
• Globally, frontier research
and innovation shift towards
multidisciplinary and collaborative
approaches which require efficient
communication and computational
power.
• In India, NKN, with its multi-gigabit
capability aims to connect all
universities, research institutions,
libraries, laboratories, healthcare, and
agricultural institutions to address such
paradigm shift.
• The leading mission-oriented agencies
in nuclear, space and defense research
are also part of NKN.
• By facilitating the flow of information
and knowledge, the network addresses
the critical issue of access. It creates a
new paradigm of collaboration to enrich
the research efforts in the country.
• The network design is based on a
proactive approach. It considers
the future requirements and new
possibilities, both in terms of usage and
potential benefits.
• It will bring about a knowledge
revolution It will be instrumental in
transforming society and promoting
inclusive growth.
NKN has been established keeping
the following features in mind:
• Establishing a high-speed network
connectivity which will enable
knowledge and information sharing.
• Enabling collaborative research,
development, and Innovation.
• Facilitating advanced distance
education in specialized fields such as
engineering, science, Medicine, space,
law etc.
• Facilitating an ultra-high-speed
backbone for e-Governance.
• Facilitating integration of different
sectorial networks in research,
education, health, commerce, and
governance.
• Link to Global Networks to collaborate
with the research communities across
the globe.
Different stakeholders in the
internet space:
It is important to note the four different
kinds of stakeholders in the internet space
They are:
i. The consumers of any internet service,
ii. The Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) or
18
Internet Service Providers (ISPs),
iii. The over-the-top (OTT) service
providers (those who provide internet
access services such as websites and
applications), and
iv. The government, who may regulate
and define relationships between
these players. TRAI is an independent
regulator in the telecom sector, which
mainly regulates TSPs and their
licensing conditions.
The Indian Computer
Emergency Response
Team (Cert-IN)
• The Indian Computer Emergency
Response Team (CERT-In) is an office
within the Ministry of Electronics
and Information Technology of the
Government of India. It is the nodal
agency to deal with cyber security
threats like hacking and phishing. It
strengthens security-related defense
of the Indian Internet domain. In
March 2014, CERT-In reported a critical
flaw in Android Jelly bean's VPN
implementation.
• CERT-In is operational since January
2004. The constituency of CERT-In is
the Indian Cyber Community.
CERT-In has been designated to serve
as the national agency to perform the
following functions in cyber security:
• Collection, analysis, and dissemination
of information on cyber incidents.
• Forecast and alerts of cyber security
incidents.
• Emergency measures for handling
cyber security incidents.
• Coordination of cyber incident response
activities.
• Issue guidelines, advisories, vulnerability
notes and whitepapers relating
to information security practices,
procedures, prevention, response and
reporting of cyber incidents.
• Such other functions relating to cyber
security as may be prescribed.
Optical
Communication:
• Optical communication is a type of
communication in which light is used
to carry the signal to the remote end,
instead of electrical current. Optical
communication relies on optical fibers
to carry signals to their destinations.
Because of its numerous advantages
over electrical transmission, optical
fibers have largely replaced copper
wire communications in the developed
world's core networks.
• Since the development of low-loss
optical fiber cables in the 1970s,
optical communications became one
of the most popular communication
methods. It's main benefits include high
bandwidth, exceptionally low loss of data
or signals, greater transmission range,
and no electromagnetic interference.
However, its disadvantages are high
cost of cable, transmitter/receiver and
other support equipment, and the skill
and expertise required during cable
installation and interconnection.
Advantages of Optical Fiber
Cable
• Bandwidth: Fiber optic cables have
a much greater bandwidth than metal
cables. The amount of information
It can be transmitted per unit time of
fiber over other transmission media is
its most significant advantage.
19
• Low Power Loss: The optical fiber
offers low power loss, which allows
for longer transmission distances. In
comparison to copper the longest
recommended copper distance is 100m
while with fiber, it is 2km.
• Interference: Fiber optic cables
are immune to electromagnetic
interference. It can also be run in
electrically noisy environments without
concern as electrical noise will not
affect fiber.
• Size: In comparison to copper, a fiber
optic cable has nearly 4.5 times as
much capacity as the wire cable has
and a cross sectional area It is 30 times
less.
• Weight: Fiber optic cables are much
thinner and lighter than metal wires.
They also occupy less space with
cables of the same capacity. Lighter
weight makes fiber easier to install.
• Security: Optical fibers are difficult
to tap. As they do not radiate
electromagnetic energy, emissions
cannot be intercepted. As physically
tapping the fiber takes is difficult, fiber
is the most secure medium available for
carrying sensitive data.
• Flexibility: An optical fiber has
greater tensile strength than copper
or steel fibers of the same diameter. It
is more flexible, bends with ease and
resists most corrosive elements. It make
copper cable vulnerable.
• Cost: The raw materials for glass
are plentiful, unlike copper. It means
glass can be made more cheaply than
copper.
Disadvantages of Optical Fiber
Cable
• Difficult to Splice: The optical fibers
are difficult to splice, and there is loss of
 the light in the fiber due to scattering.
They have limited physical arc of
cables. If we bend them too much, they
will break.
• Expensive to Install: The optical
fibers are more expensive to install,
and they have to be installed by the
specialists. They are not as robust as
the wires. Special test equipment is
often required to the optical fiber.
• Highly Susceptible: The fiber optic
cable is small and compact, and
it is highly vulnerable to becoming
cut or damaged during installation
or construction activities. The fiber
optic cables provide tremendous data
transmission capabilities. So, when the
fiber optic cabling is chosen as the
transmission medium, it is necessary
to address restoration, backup and
survivability.
• Can't Be Curved: The transmission
on the optical fiber requires repeating
at distance intervals. The fibers can
be broken or have transmission losses
when bent around curves of only a few
centimeters radius.
National Optical Fiber Network (NOFN):
• Currently Optical Fiber Cable
connectivity is available in all State
Capitals, District headquarters and
up to the Block Level.
• The government is planning to
connect all the 2,50,000 Gram
Panchayats in the country with NOFN.
This will be done by utilizing existing
fibers of PSUs (BSNL, Railtel and
Power Grid) and laying incremental
fibre to connect to Gram Panchayats
wherever necessary.
• Dark fibre network thus created will
be lit by appropriate technology
thus creating sufficient bandwidth
at the Gram Panchayats. This will
be called the National Optical Fibre
20
Network (NOFN). Thus, connectivity
gap between Gram Panchayats and
Blocks will be filled.
• Non-discriminatory access to the
NOFN will be provided to all the Service
Providers. These service providers like
Telecom Service Providers (TSPs),
Internet Service Providers, Cable TV
operators and Content providers can
launch various services in rural areas.
• Various categories of applications
like e-health, e-education and
e-governance etc. can be provided by
these operators.
• The NOFN project is estimated to cost
about Rs. 20,000 Cr. It is proposed to
be completed in 2 years’ time. The
project will be funded by the Universal
Service Obligation Fund (USOF).
Cloud Computing:
• Cloud computing is the delivery of
computing services including servers,
storage, databases, networking,
software, analytics, and intelligence
over the Internet ("the cloud") to offer
faster innovation, flexible resources, and
economies of scale. Cloud computing
is the on-demand delivery of computer
system resources, especially data
storage (cloud storage) and computing
power, without direct user or direct
active management.
• Clouds may be limited to a single
organization (enterprise clouds),or be
available to multiple organizations
(public cloud). Cloud computing relies
on sharing of resources to achieve
coherence and economies of scale.
Benefits of Cloud Computing:
• Cost: It saves the capital expenditure
of buying hardware and software and
setting up and running on-site data
 centers, the round-the-clock electricity
for power and cooling, the IT experts for
managing the infrastructure.
• Speed: Most cloud computing
services are provided self service and
on demand, so even vast amounts of
computing resources can be provisioned
in minutes, typically with just a few
mouse clicks, giving businesses a lot of
flexibility and taking the pressure off
capacity planning.
• Global Scale: The benefits of cloud
computing services include the ability
to scale elastically. In the cloud, it
helps deliver the right amount of IT
resources—for example, computing
power, storage, bandwidth—right when
needed and from the right geographic
location.
• Productivity: On-site data centers
typically require a lot of hardware setup,
software patching, and other time-
consuming IT management chores. IT
teams can spend time on achieving
more important business goals.
• Performance: The biggest cloud
computing services run on a worldwide
network of secure data centers, regularly
upgraded to the latest generation of
fast and efficient computing hardware.
It offers several benefits over a single
corporate datacenter, including reduced
network latency for applications and
greater scale economies.
• Reliability: Cloud computing makes
data backup, disaster recovery and
business continuity easier and less
expensive. Because data can be
mirrored at multiple redundant sites on
the cloud provider's network.
• Security: Many cloud providers offer a
broad set of policies, technologies and
controls. It strengthens your security
posture overall, helping protect your
data, apps and infrastructure from
potential threats.
21
Uses of cloud computing:
• Create cloud-native applications:
Cloud computing helps to build, deploy,
and scale applications whether web
based or mobile applications.
• Test and build applications:
Reduce application development cost
and time using cloud infrastructures It
can easily be scaled up or down.
• Store, back up and recover data:
Protect the data more cost-efficiently—
and at massive scale—by transferring
data over the Internet to an offsite cloud
storage system It is accessible from any
location and any device.
• Analyze data: Unify the data
across number of teams, divisions,
departments, and geographic locations
in the cloud. Use cloud services, such
as machine learning and artificial
intelligence, to uncover insights for
more informed decisions.
• Stream audio and video: Connect
with the audience anywhere, anytime,
on any device with high-definition video
and audio with global distribution.
Example: Netflix, Amazon Prime,
Hotstar etc.
• Deliver software on demand:
Known as software as a service (SaaS),
on-demand software enables to offer the
latest software versions and updates to
customers. SaaS is a software licensing
and delivery model in which software is
licensed on a subscription basis and is
centrally hosted.
Government initiatives:
E-Gram Panchayat
• To improve governance quality,
the Indian government initiated an
e-governance scheme known as
ePanchayat to simplify and enhance
internal government operations.
Kisan Suvidha
• The Indian government came up with
portal Kisan Suvidha to help farmers
with the relevant information instantly.
It delivers farmers with detailed
knowledge on weather, market prices,
seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, agriculture
machinery, dealers, agro advisories,
plant protection and Integrated Pest
Management (IPM) practices. It notifies
them with extreme weather conditions
and the changing market price.
DigiLocker
• Digi Locker is the public cloud-based
storage. It is much more than an
online drive to upload your documents
to be accessed depending on your
convenience. The documents are
digitally verified and signed with an
authentic seal of DigiLocker verification.
It aims at ‘Digital Empowerment’ of
citizen by providing access to authentic
digital documents to citizen’s digital
document wallet.
MeghRaj
• Its focus is to accelerate delivery
of e-services in the country while
optimizing ICT spending of the
Government. It will ensure optimum
utilization of the infrastructure and
speed up the development and
deployment of eGov applications.
Applications of Grid
PM WANI (Wi-Fi Access Network Computing:
Interface)
• It is a scheme meant to increase Wi-fi
access throughout the country. It will
bring large scale deployment of Wi-Fi
hotspots through the country to drive
up connectivity options and improve
digital access.
22
Grid Computing
• Grid computing harnessing multiple
computers, often geographically
distributed but connected by networks,
to work together to accomplish joint
tasks. It is typically run on a "data grid,"
a set of computers. It directly interact
to coordinate various jobs and tasks.
How Grid Computing Works?
• Grid computing works by running
specialized software on every computer.
It participates in the data grid.
• The software acts as the manager
of the entire system and coordinates
various tasks across the grid.
• Specifically, the software assigns
subtasks to each computer so they can
work simultaneously on their respective
subtasks.
• After the completion of subtasks, the
outputs are gathered and aggregated
to complete a larger-scale task.
• The software lets each computer
communicate over the network with the
other computers to share information
on what portion of the subtasks each
computer is running, and how to
consolidate and deliver outputs.
• In the ideal grid computing scenario,
every resource present is shared among
the authorized computers turning them
into supercomputers.
• Application partitioning: It involves
breaking the problem into discrete
pieces.
• Disasters can be better managed with
help of Grid Computing by accessing
lots of data from various geographic
 locations and number data sources like
satellites, sensors, past data etc.
• Grid Computing is a handful in
processing data simultaneously by
processing bits of the whole data by
distributing it to different grid nodes.
• It is used in the movie industry due to
its ability to do the task more efficiently
and save time. Computers help add
effects, but they also allow the film to
be made quicker than usual using grid
computing.
• With the increase in users more
interested in online gaming, the traffic
has increased, and this is where grid
computing helps in processing faster
and better.
Grid Computing in India:
GARUDA:
• C-DAC launched the Indian National
Grid Computing Initiative - GARUDA,
with a vision to facilitate solutions
to scientific, engineering and socio-
economic development.
• GARUDA collaborates with scientific
and technological researchers
on a nationwide grid comprising
computational nodes, mass storage,
and scientific instruments.
• The aim is to provide the technological
advances required to enable data
and compute intensive science and
engineering applications for the 21st
Century.
• One of GARUDA's most important
challenges is to strike the right balance
between researchers, and deployment
of the innovation into complex scientific
and engineering endeavors.
• The Department of Information
Technology (DIT) has funded the
Centre for Development of Advanced
23
Computing (C-DAC) to deploy the
nation-wide computational grid
'GARUDA' which will connect 17 cities
across the country, to bring "Grid"
networked computing to research labs
and industry.
• Grid Computing and Disaster
Management: The project was
conceptualized in 2006 between
Centre for Development of Advanced
Computing (C-DAC) and Space
Application Center (SAC), under the
GARUDA grid. It project is about
assessing river flood using Synthetic
Aperture Radar (SAR), Grid Computing
and Geo synchronous SATellite (GSAT)
technology.
• When a flood occurs, an aircraft fitted
with a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)
is flown over the flood affected region.
The SAR can capture the data about
the flood site even in rough weather
conditions (cloud, fog, dim light).
Quantum
Computing:
• Quantum computing is a type of
computing focused on developing
computer technology based on the
principles of quantum mechanics,
which explains the behavior of energy
and material on the atomic and
subatomic levels.
• Classical computers we use today can
only encode information in bits. It takes
1 or 0. It restricts their ability.
• Quantum computing, on the other
hand, uses quantum bits or qubits. It
harnesses subatomic participles' unique
ability. It allows them to exist in more
than one state, i.e. 1 and 0 at the same
time unlike classical computers.
• Superposition and entanglement are
two features of quantum physics on
 which quantum computers are based. • Satellites Military purposes Cyber
It empowers quantum computers to security
handle operations exponentially at 3. Internet of Things, Big Data, Artificial
a higher speed than conventional Intelligence
computers and at much lesser energy
consumption. 4. Research:
• Quantum computing could contribute a. Biological studies like genome
greatly in the fields of space science, sequencing, targeted drug delivery
disaster management, finance, cyber etc.
security, military affairs, intelligence, b. Universe exploration, gravitational
drug design and discovery, aerospace waves, black holes etc.
designing, utilities (nuclear fusion),
polymer design, Artificial Intelligence
(AI) and Big Data analysis, and digital Challenges of Quantum
manufacturing.
Computing:
• Quantum Supremacy: In 2019 Google
announced it had achieved "Quantum 1. Skill development related to new tech.
Supremacy," meaning they had used a 2. Ethical concerns: Replacement of
quantum computer to quickly solve a humans by advanced machines.
problem. In a conventional computer
3. Massive unemployment.
it would have took an impractically
long time (thousands of years) to 4. Data security concern.
solve. IBM immediately rejected the 5. Huge investment in R&D and Infra.
claim by saying their conventional
supercomputers can solve the problem
in a matter of days and it will not
Steps taken in India:
require thousands of years as claimed
by Google. 1. National Mission on Quantum
Technologies.
2. QUEST-Quantum Enabled Science and
Benefits & applications of Technology.
Quantum Computing: 3. In Budget 2020, a proposal of 8000
crore outlay for next 5 years - National
1. Disaster management:
Mission on Quantum Technologies &
• Easy & early collection of climate data Applications.
can mitigate disasters in early phases.
4. ISRO + Raman Scientific Institute
Profound impact on agriculture food
to develop secure quantum
technology chains limiting farmland.
communication in space.
2. Secure communication:

24
Net Neutrality:
The principle of net neutrality states that internet users should be able to access all content on
the internet without being discriminated by Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) or Internet Service
Providers. In a nutshell it means (i) all websites or applications should be treated equally by
TSPs, (ii) all applications should be allowed to be accessed at the same internet speed, and (iii)
all applications should be accessible for the same cost.
In other words, these companies shouldn't be able to block customers from accessing a service
like Skype, or slow down Netflix, in order to encourage customers to keep their cable package
or buy a different video-streaming service.
Advocates highlight the importance of net neutrality to free expression: a handful of large
telecommunications companies might dominate the broadband market, which puts an
enormous amount of power into their hands to suppress particular views or limit online speech
to those who can pay the most.

How is net neutrality regulated in India?

Until now, net neutrality has not directly been regulated in India by any law or policy framework.
Over the last year, there have been some developments with respect to the formulation of a
net neutrality policy.
TRAI had invited suggestions on consultation papers on Differential Pricing for Data Services
as well as Regulatory Framework for Over-The-Top Services (OTT).
A Committee set up by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) had also examined the
issue of net neutrality.
Internationally, countries like the USA, Japan, Brazil, Chile, Norway, etc. have some form of law,
order or regulatory framework in place that affects net neutrality.

TRAI’s 2016 Regulations on Net Neutrality:

The latest TRAI regulations state that:
No service provider is allowed to enter into any agreement or contract that would result in
discriminatory tariffs being charged to a consumer on the basis of content (data services),
Such tariffs will only be permitted in closed electronic communications networks, which are
networks where data is neither received nor transmitted over the internet,
A service provider may reduce tariff for accessing or providing emergency services,
In case of contravention of these regulations, the service provider may have to pay Rs 50,000
per day of contravention, subject to a maximum of Rs 50 lakh, etc.
It may be noted that, in 2006 and 2008, TRAI had suggested that the internet sector remain
unregulated and non-discriminatory (net neutral).

Cybercrime government information, or disable a

• Cybercrime is defined as a crime where
a computer is the object of the crime or
is used as a tool to commit an offense.
• Cybercriminals may use a device to
access a user's personal information,
confidential business information,
device. It is also a cybercrime to sell or
elicit the above information online.
Various types of cyber threats
and cybercrimes:
• Cybercrimes are vastly growing in the

25
 digital world. Cyber Criminals of the
World Wide Web exploit internet users'
personal information for their gain.
They dive deep into the dark web to buy
and sell illegal products and services.
They even gain access to classified
government information.
• Cybercrimes are at an all-time high,
costing companies and individuals
billions of dollars annually.
• The evolution of technology and
increasing accessibility of smart tech
means there are multiple access points
within users' homes for hackers to
exploit.
While law enforcement agencies attempt
to tackle growing issue, criminal numbers
continue to grow, taking advantage of the
anonymity of the internet.
Types of Cybercrime:
Denial of Services (DoS) Attacks:
• These are used to make an online service
unavailable and take the network down
by overwhelming the site with traffic
from various sources. Large networks
of infected devices known as Botnets
are created by depositing malware
on users' computers. The hacker then
hacks into the system once the network
is down.
Botnets:
• Botnets are networks of compromised
computers which are controlled
externally by remote hackers. The
remote hackers then send spam or
attack other computers through these
botnets. Botnets can also be used to
act as malware and perform malicious
tasks.
26
Identity Theft:
• It occurs when a criminal gains access
to a user's personal information to steal
funds, access confidential information,
or participate in tax or health insurance
fraud. They can also open a phone/
internet account in your name, use
your name to plan a criminal activity
and claim government benefits in
your name. They may do It by finding
out users' passwords through hacking,
retrieving personal information from
social media, or sending phishing
emails.
Cyberstalking:
• It involves online harassment where the
user is subjected to a plethora of online
messages and emails. Cyberstalkers
use social media, websites and search
engines to intimidate a user and instill
fear. Usually, the cyberstalker knows
their victim and makes the person feel
afraid or concerned for their safety.
Social Engineering:
• Social engineering involves criminals
making direct contact with you usually
by phone or email. They want to gain
your confidence and usually pose as a
customer service agent so you'll give
the necessary information needed. It
is typically a password, the company
you work for, or bank information.
Cybercriminals will find out what they
can about you on the internet and then
attempt to add you as a friend on social
accounts. Once they gain access to an
account, they can sell your information
or secure accounts in your name.
PUPs:
• PUPS or Potentially Unwanted
Programs are less threatening than
other cybercrimes, but are a type of
 malware. They uninstall necessary
software in your system including search
engines and pre-downloaded apps.
They can include spyware or adware,
and installing an antivirus software can
prevent such malicious download.
Phishing:
• It is a type of attack which involves
hackers sending malicious email
attachments or URLs to users to access
their accounts or computer. Users
are tricked into emails claiming they
need to change their password or
update their billing information, giving
criminals access.
Prohibited/Illegal Content:
• It involves criminals sharing and
distributing inappropriate content that
can be considered highly distressing
and offensive. Offensive content can
include, but is not limited to, sexual
activity between adults, videos with
intense violent and videos of criminal
activity. Illegal content includes
materials advocating terrorism-related
acts and child exploitation material.
Online Scams:
• These are usually in the form of ads
or spam emails. It include promises of
rewards or offers of unrealistic amounts
of money. Online scams include
enticing offers that are "too good to
be true" and when clicked on can cause
malware to interfere and compromise
information.
Cybercrime in India - Statistics &
facts:
• According to a 2017 industry report,
Indian consumers had lost over 18
billion U.S. dollars due to cybercrimes.
27
• In 2018, over 27 thousand cases of
cybercrimes were recorded in the
country, marking an increase of over
121 percent compared to the number of
cases just two years back.
• While crimes range from petty online
fraud to lottery scams and sexual
harassment, the most targeted crimes
seem to be in the banking and finance
sector.
• Along with economic losses, they
also impact public safety, especially
for minors and vulnerable sections of
society through cyber bullying and
exploitation.
• In 2018 alone, India recorded over two
thousand cybercrimes related to sexual
harassment and over 700 cases of cyber
bullying against women and minors.
Initiatives taken by Indian
Government for cyber security:
CERT-In
• The advancement in The Indian
Computer Emergency Response
Team (CERT-In), which operates as
the national agency for tackling the
country’s cyber security, has helped
lower the rate of cyber-attacks on
government networks.
Cyber Surakshit Bharat
• Aiming at strengthening the
cybersecurity ecosystem in India —
in line with the government’s vision
for a ‘Digital India’, The Ministry of
Electronics and Information Technology
(MeitY) has launched Cyber Surakshit
Bharat initiative. The program was
in association with the National
e-Governance Division (NeGD).
National Critical Information
Infrastructure Protection Centre
(NCIIPC)
• NCIIPC is a central government
establishment, formed to protect critical
information of our country, which has an
enormous impact on national security,
economic growth, or public healthcare.
NCIIPC has broadly identified the
following as ‘Critical Sectors’: -
• Power & Energy
• Banking, Financial Services & Insurance
• Telecom
• Transport
• Government
• Strategic & Public Enterprises
Appointment of Chief Information
Security Officers
• Government of India has recently
issued a written guideline for the
CISOs of government organisation,
highlighting the best practices for
securing applications, infrastructure,
and compliance. Chief Information
Security Officers (CISOs) can
identify and document the security
requirements that can arise with each
technical innovation.
Personal Data Protection Bill
• The most important one for Indian
citizen is the approval of the Personal
Data Protection (PDP) Bill by the
union government to protect Indian
users from global breaches, which
focuses on data localisation. The bill
implies the storage and processing
of any critical information related to
individuals only in India. It strictly states
individual's sensitive personal data to
28
be stored locally; however, it can be
processed abroad subjected under
certain conditions. The bill also aims
to make social media companies more
accountable and push them to solve
the spread of offensive content.
Cyber Swachhta Kendra (Botnet
Cleaning and Malware Analysis
Centre)
• It has been launched for providing
detection of malicious programs and
free tools to remove such programs.
National Cyber Security Policy,
2013:
• The Policy aims to build a secure
and resilient cyberspace for citizens,
businesses, and the Government.
Its mission is to protect cyberspace
information and infrastructure, build
capabilities to prevent and respond
to cyber-attacks, and minimize
damages through coordinated efforts
of institutional structures, people,
processes, and technology.
• To create a workforce of 500,000
professionals skilled in cyber security
in the next 5 years through capacity
building, skill development and training.
• To enable effective prevention,
investigation and prosecution of
cyber crime and enhancement of law
enforcement capabilities through
appropriate legislative intervention.
Supercomputers and its
applications:
• Supercomputers are the physical
embodiment of high-performance
computing (HPC), allowing organizations
to solve problems that would be
impossible with regular computers. It
refers to the processing of massively
 complex or data-laden problems using
the concentrated compute resources
of multiple computer systems working
in parallel (i.e., a "supercomputer").
Supercomputing involves a system
working at the maximum potential
performance of any computer, typically
measured in Petaflops.
Applications of Supercomputing:
a. Academic research like astrophysics
b. Drugs & medicine discovery
c. Weather forecasting/disaster
management
d. Development of alternative energy
sources
e. Molecular dynamics
f. Future application of AI depends on
supercomputing
g. R& D in spacecraft, aerodynamics
improving safety
h. Big data mining & analytics
National Supercomputing
Mission:
Mission: -
1. To create a cluster of 70
supercomputers connecting various
academic & research institutions.
2. The Mission would be implemented
and steered jointly by the Department
of Science and Technology (DST)
and Department of Electronics and
Information Technology (DeitY).
3. Supercomputing infra to meet the
increasing demands of
a. Academic
b. Researchers
c. MSMEs
d. Startups
29
Artificial Intelligence
(Discussed In Detail
In Chapter 9)
• Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the
simulation of human intelligence in
machines programmed to think like
humans and mimic their actions.
The term may also be applied to any
machine that exhibits traits associated
with a human mind such as learning
and problem-solving.
Potential application of AI:
1. Mining operations
2. Self-driving cars
3. Space sector
4. Digital assistants & smart speakers
5. Defense sector
6. Facial recognition
7. Agriculture:
a. Advisories for sowing, pest control
etc
b. Image classification tools
c. Early disease identification.
8. Health & medicine:
a. Assessment of patients
b. Artificial surgery simulators
c. Counseling of mental health
patients
d. Radio surgery
Limitations & concerns of AI:
1. Decrease in demand for human labor
& job loss.
2. Ethical concerns.
3. High cost & low availability of computing
infra.
4. AI can fall in hands of terrorists, Naxals
etc.
5. Privacy & Security concerns related to
data.
6. Psychological distress & moral
degradation of society.
Artificial Intelligence & India:
1. In the Union Budget 2018-19, the
government mandated NITI Aayog to
establish the National Programmed
on AI to guide R&D in new & emerging
technologies.
2. Three pronged approach by NITI Aayog:
a. Undertaking exploratory proof of AI
projects in various areas.
b. Creating a national strategy for building
a vibrant AI ecosystem.
c. Collaborating with various experts and
stakeholders.
3. AIRAWAT: AI Research, Analytics and
Knowledge Assimilation Platform is a
cloud computing platform.
4. Draft National Strategy for AI by
NITI Aayog (2018): planning its
scope for research, adoption, and
commercialization. Use of AI in
healthcare, agriculture, education,
smart cities, infrastructure, and disaster
management.
5G Technology
• 5G is the 5th generation mobile
network. It is a new global wireless
standard after 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G
networks. 5G enables a new kind of
network designed to connect virtually
everyone and everything including
machines, objects, and devices.
• 5G wireless technology is meant
to deliver higher multi-Gbps peak
data speeds, ultra-low latency,
30
more reliability, massive network
capacity, increased availability, and
a more uniform user experience to
more users. Higher performance and
improved efficiency, empower new
user experiences and connect new
industries.
Features:
1. Low latency: It enables real time data
access with very minimal delay. Note:
Latency is a measure of delay. In a
network, latency measures the time
it takes for some data to get to its
destination across the network.
2. Better flexibility in data delivery.
3. Capacity: 100 times increase in traffic
capacity & network efficiency.
4. Speed: more than 1gbps.
5. Spectrum usage: usage of every bit of
spectrum.
6. Capability: faster broadband, IoT.
Applications:
1. Smart infra & smart cities
2. Security of critical infra
3. Disaster management & weather
forecasting
4. Tele-medicine & tele-education
5. Entertainment & multimedia
6. Promotion of AI in daily life
7. Facilitation of IoT
8. As per the OECD policy on digital
Economic policy, 5G tech will increase
GDP, create employment & digitizing
the economy.
9. Agriculture: Improvement in the
entire Value Chain, precision farming,
smart irrigation, improved soil & crop
monitoring.
10. Manufacturing: Use of robots for
precision manufacturing, particularly
 where humans cannot perform due to
safety or accuracies.
11. Healthcare: Effective telemedicine
delivery, tele-control of surgical robots.
12. Energy sector: Smart grids, smart
metering Low latency communication
is critical to managing grids after rising
renewable & storage techs.
Challenges in India:
• Incompetent technological support in
almost 80% of cell sites is causing high
latency and limited capacity utilization
of current spectrums like 4G.
• Replacement of existing phones with
5G phones is costlier. 5G modems are
still not available on a wider scale due
31
to the 5G spectrum's low deployment.
The cost burden falls on both mobile
manufacturers and customers.
• Deployment of 5G infrastructure in
India is also costly. It will require the
upgradation of existing towers, skill
development of the workforce. The
companies will also require to maintain
4G towers to support older devices. It
will add extra cost to companies.
• Spectrum prices in India are one of the
highest in India.
• With the deployment of 5G, India's
digital economy will get the push, but it
will also increase cybersecurity threat.
• Voices are being raised against the
potential impact of electromagnetic
fields on the health of humans, birds,
and wildlife.
 CHAPTER - 3

BIOTECHNOLOGY

Introduction the microorganisms for humankind's

benefit.

• Biotechnology implies using live

• Making curd, bread, or wine, is all
microbial processes, hence a form
organisms or enzymes from organisms
of biotechnology. Example, in vitro
to produce products and processes
fertilization leading to a ‘test-tube’
useful to humans. In simple terms, it is
baby, synthesizing a gene and using
the use of biology to solve problems
it, developing a DNA vaccine, or
and make useful products.
correcting a defective gene are all part
• It is an industrial application of of biotechnology.
living organisms or enzymes and
their biological processes such as
• Before we delve into deeper topics, let
us understand a few important terms
biochemistry, microbiology, and genetic
frequently used in biotechnology.
engineering to make the best use of

Terms Related to Bio-Technology

Term Description
• The essential structural and functional unit of all living organisms.
• Everything less than a complete structure of a cell does not ensure
independent living.
• All creatures are composed of cells. Some are composed of a
single cell and are called unicellular organisms, while others, like
us, composed of many cells, are called multicellular organisms.
• Inside every cell is a dense membrane-bound structure called the
nucleus. It contains the chromosomes, which in turn contain the
Cells
genetic material, DNA.
• Eukaryotic Cells - have membrane-bound nucleus.
• Prokaryotic cells - lack a membrane-bound nucleus.
• Cytoplasm – Is a semi-fluid matrix that occupies the cell volume
in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. The cytoplasm is the
chief arena of cellular activities in both plant and animal cells.
Numerous chemical reactions occur in it to keep the cell in the
‘living state.’
• Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a molecule which comprises the
biological information It makes each species unique.
• DNA information is passed from adult organisms to their offspring
DNA during reproduction.
• DNA code comprises four types of chemical building blocks,
adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine, abbreviated with the
letters A, T, C, and G.

32
 • The functional unit of inheritance.
Gene • A gene is a nucleic acid section containing the information
necessary to produce a functional product, usually a protein.

• Vaccination is a simple and secure method of protecting people

against harmful diseases before they contact them.
Vaccination
• It uses one’s body’s natural defenses to build resistance to specific
infections and makes their immune system stronger.
• Special human cells can develop into many different cell types. It
can range from muscle cells to brain cells.
• In some cases, they can also fix damaged tissues.
Stem cells
• Researchers believe stem cell-based therapies may one day be
used to treat serious illnesses such as paralysis and Alzheimer's
disease.
• Direct handling of DNA to alter an organism’s features in a
particular way.
Genetic engineering
• It means extracting DNA from an organism’s genome and
combining it with the DNA of another individual.
• Gene therapy is to introduce DNA into a patient to treat a genetic
disease.
Gene therapy
• The new DNA usually contains a functioning gene to correct the
effects of a disease-causing mutation.
• Bioethics is the convergence of ethics, philosophy, and social
Bioethics commentary. It deals with the biological sciences and their impact
on the society.
• It is a frozen repository of biological materials such as sperm and
Genome resource embryos, tissue, blood products, DNA, etc.
bank • It is used as a conservation tool for protecting and preserving
biodiversity.
• It was one of the great feats of exploration in history in which all
of the genes (together known as the genome) of members of our
Human genome species, Homo sapiens is sequenced and mapped.
project
• Efforts were made to create records to store information and
develop tools to do comprehensive data analysis.
• Biopiracy is defined as the illegal removal of biological resources
Biopiracy without official sanction by organisations or multinational
companies from the concerned countries/less affluent people.
• It is short form of biological sensors.
• Biosensors are devices used to detect the presence or concentration
of a biological material, such as a biomolecule, a biological
Biosensors structure or a microorganism.
• Depending on their particular application, biosensors are also
known as immunosensors, optrodes, resonant mirrors, chemical
canaries, biochips, glucometers, and biocomputers.

33
 • A bioreactor is a manufactured vessel in which a biological
reaction or change takes place.
Bioreactor
• It is a closed system used for bio-processing that supports the
growth of cells or tissues. The process can be aerobic or anaerobic.
• Bioremediation is a branch of biotechnology that employs the use
of living organisms, like microbes and bacteria, in the removal of
contaminants, pollutants, and toxins from soil, water, and other
environments.
• In other words, bioremediation employs living organisms, most
Bioremediation
notably microorganisms, to degrade the pollutants and convert
them into less toxic or nontoxic form.
• The suitable organisms can be bacteria, fungi, or plants, which
have the physiological abilities to degrade, detoxify, or render the
contaminants harmless.
• It is a political, cultural, and ecological system or set of views
based on naturally defined areas called bioregions, similar to eco-
regions.
• Bioregions are physical and environmental features, including
Bioregionalism
watershed boundaries and soil and terrain characteristics.
• Bioregionalism stresses that the determination of a bioregion is
also a cultural phenomenon and emphasizes local populations,
knowledge, and solutions.
• Biomimetic are human-made processes, substances, devices, or
systems which imitate nature.
• The art and science of designing and building biomimetic
Biomimetics/ apparatus are also known as biomimicry because they mimic
Biomimicry biological systems.
• The field is of special interest to researchers in nanotechnology,
robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), the medical industry, and the
military.

• It contains three main areas

Different Types Of a. Tissue culture of the plants
Biotechnology b. Plant genetic engineering

Green Biotechnology c. Plant molecular marker-assisted

• They are used for agricultural purposes.
• The technology is used to make the
plants tolerant to pests and droughts
etc.
• Aim: To improve the nutritional quality,
quantity, and production economics of
the plants.
• It involves implanting foreign genes to
plant economically important species.
breeding
• Example – BT Cotton
Blue Biotechnology
• Concerned about the deployment of
cellular biological methods to marine
and freshwater organisms.
• It involves using these organisms, and
their derivatives, for multiple purposes,

34
 including industrial purposes.
• The most remarkable is the
identification process and development
of new active ingredients from marine
origin.
• For example, the use of wound dressings
coated with Chitosan (Chitosan is a
sugar typically derived from shrimp
and crab shells).
Red Biotechnology
• Red biotechnology (Biopharma) is a
distinct branch of biotechnology which
deals with biotechnology's therapeutic
and pharmaceutical application.
• It is applied to produce vaccines and
antibiotics, regenerative therapies,
gene therapy, stem cell therapy, etc.
White Biotechnology
• It is related to Industrial
Biotechnology and applied to various
industrial processes.
• It pays special attention to designing
low resource-consuming processes and
products, making them more energy-
efficient.
• Examples:
» Chemical production
» The design and production of new
plastics/textiles
» The identification of new sustainable
energy sources such as biofuels.
Grey Biotechnology
• It is an environmental application and
is focused on maintaining biodiversity
and removing pollutants/contaminants
using microorganisms and plants
to isolate and dispose of different
35
substances such as heavy metals and
hydrocarbons.
• For example: the Carlow based SME
MicroGen Biotech is helping to clean
industrially polluted land in China.
Yellow Biotechnology
• It is biotechnology with insects —
analogous to the green (plants) and
red (animals) biotechnology. Active
ingredients or genes in insects are
characterized and used for research or
application in agriculture and medicine.
• Example: Making wine, cheese, and
beer by fermentation.
Applications Of
Biotechnology
• Biotechnology essentially deals with
bio-pharmaceuticals and biologicals'
industrial-scale production using
genetically modified microbes, fungi,
plants, and animals. Therapeutics,
diagnostics, and GM crops for
agriculture, processed food,
bioremediation, waste treatment, and
energy production are major areas of
applications. Three critical research
areas of biotechnology are:
» Providing the best catalyst in the form
of an improved organism, usually a
microbe or pure enzyme.
» Creating conditions via engineering for
a catalyst to act.
» Downstream processing technologies
to purify the protein/organic compound.
• Let us now understand how human
beings have used biotechnology to
improve the quality of human life,
especially in food production and
health, etc.
Application Of
Biotechnology In
Agriculture
Biofuels
• Genetic engineering and enzyme
optimization techniques are being
used to develop improved quality feed-
stocks for more efficient change and
higher productions of the resulting fuel
products.
• High-yielding, energy-dense crops can
minimize relative costs associated with
harvesting and transportation (per unit
of energy derived), resulting in higher
value fuel products.
Plant and Animal
Reproduction
• Enhancing plant and animal behavior
by traditional methods like cross-
pollination, grafting, and crossbreeding
is time-taking.
• It is possible using gene expression
control mechanisms such as specific
gene promoters and transcription
factors.
• Methods like marker-assisted selection
recover the efficiency of “directed”
animal breeding without the controversy
normally related to Genetically Modified
Organisms (GMOs).
Pesticide Resistant Crops
• These plants are resistant to pesticides,
allowing farmers to kill nearby pests
without harming their crop selectively.
• Example: Roundup-Ready technology,
urbanized by Monsanto.
• First introduced in 1998 as GM soybeans,
Roundup-Ready plants are unaffected
36
by the herbicide glyphosate, which can
be applied in copious quantities.
• The benefit include savings in time
and costs associated with conservative
tillage to reduce weeds or multiple
applications of different types of
herbicides and pesticides to eliminate
exact species of weeds/pests selectively.
Quick Facts:
Bt cotton is the only genetically modified
crop which is commercially approved
crops in India.
Golden Rice contains beta-carotene, the
forerunner for Vitamin A manufacture in
our bodies. The name comes from the
color of the transgenic grain due to over
expression of beta-carotene, which gives
carrots their orange color.
Nutrient Supplementation
• To improve health, scientists are
creating hereditarily distorted foods
which hold nutrients known to help
fight disease or starvation. Example -
Golden Rice.
Biotic Strain Confrontation
• A lesser quantity than 20% of the earth
is arable land, but some crops have
been hereditarily altered to make them
more liberal in conditions like salinity,
cold, and drought.
• The detection of genes in plants in
charge of sodium uptake has led to
the growth of knock-out plants able to
grow in high salt environments.
• Up- or down-regulation of the record
is usually the method used to alter
drought-tolerance in plants.
• Corn and rapeseed plants, capable of
thriving under lack conditions, are in
field trials in California and Colorado.
Manufacturing Power Fibers
• Spider silk is the strongest fiber known
to man, stronger than Kevlar (used
to make bullet-proof vests), with an
advanced tensile power than steel.
• In August 2000, Canadian company
Nexia announced transgenic goats. It
formed spider silk proteins in their milk.
While it solved the trouble of mass-
producing the proteins, the agenda was
shelved when scientists couldn’t figure
out how to spin them into fibers like
spiders.
Vaccines
• A vaccine is a biological preparation
that provides active acquired immunity
to a particular infectious disease. Oral
vaccines are a probable solution to the
increase of disease in under-developed
countries.
• Injecting antigenic proteins into the GM
crops from transferable pathogens will
activate an immune will help deal with
such diseases.
• Example: An anti-lymphoma vaccine
has been made using tobacco plants
with RNA from cloned malignant
B-cells. It helps in treating cancer.
Antibiotics
• Plants are used to create antibiotics for
both human and animal use.
• Injecting antibiotic protein in stock feed,
which is fed straight to animals, is less
expensive than traditional antibiotic
production.
• However, this practice raises many
bioethics issues and possibly needless
use of antibiotics may encourage
the expansion of antibiotic-resistant
bacterial strain.
37
Crop Cafeteria
• It demonstrates identified efficient
crops in an agro-meteorological region,
offering an opportunity to the farmer to
choose a suitable crop.
• It plays an important role as a facilitator
in the process of technology transfer
among farming communities.
Flowers
• There is extra to agricultural
biotechnology than just preventing
disease or civilizing food quality.
• There is some simply aesthetic
application, such as gene recognition
and transfer techniques to improve the
color, smell, size, and other features of
flowers.
Application of
Biotechnology in
Medicine
Biopharmaceuticals
• Biopharmaceuticals are medical drugs
produced using biotechnology without
using any synthetic materials and
chemicals.
• They are proteins (including antibodies),
nucleic acids (DNA, RNA, etc.) used
for therapeutic or in vivo diagnostic
purposes. They are produced by means
other than direct extraction from a
native (non-engineered) biological
source. When targeted in the body,
they attack the hidden mechanisms of
the diseases and destroy them without
any side effect(s).
Gene Therapy
• Gene therapy is one more technique
 of biotechnology used for diagnosing
diseases like cancer and Parkinson's
disease.
• It technique's apparatus is if genes are
under attack in the body, then it either
obliterates the injured cells or replaces
them.
• In some cases, the fit genes make
corrections in the genetic information,
and the genes start functioning in favor
of the body.
Genetic Testing
• Genetic testing is a type of medical test
that identifies changes in chromosomes,
genes, or proteins.
• Genetic testing uses DNA probes
to sequence similar to the mutated
sequences of genome.
• It is also used to recognize the criminals
and to test the parenthood of the child.
Pharmacogenomics
• It is the study of how genes affect a
person's response to drugs.
• It is a mixture of pharmaceuticals and
genomics.
Application of
Biotechnology in
Food Processing
• Food processing is a process by which
non-palatable and easily perishable
raw materials are converted to edible
and potable foods and beverages, which
have a longer shelf life. The method
by which the microbial organisms and
their derivatives are used to increase
the edibility and the shelf life of foods
is known as fermentation.
38
Protein Engineering
• Biotechnology plays a significant role
in protein engineering.
• The useful enzymes of the
microorganisms responsible for the
improved fermentation, are produced
commercially at a large scale by
culturing the organisms in tanks, etc.
Fermentation Process
• It improves the dietary value of foods
through biosynthesis of vitamins,
enhancing necessary amino acids and
proteins, improving protein and fiber
digestibility, enhancing micronutrient
bioavailability, and humiliating anti-
nutritional factors.
FSSAI operationalized the Food Safety
and Standards (Fortification of Foods)
Regulations, 2016 for fortifying staples to
reduce the high burden of micronutrient
malnutrition in India, namely
Wheat Flour and Rice (with Iron,
Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid)
Milk and Edible Oil (with Vitamins A
and D)
Double Fortified Salt (with Iodine and
Iron).
The ‘+F’ logo has been notified to
identify fortified foods.
Food Fortification
• Food Fortification is a scientifically
proven, cost-effective, scalable, and
sustainable global intervention which
addresses micronutrient deficiencies.
• Sometimes it’s a purely commercial
choice to provide extra nutrients in a
food. At the same time, it is a public
health policy which aims to reduce
the number of people with dietary
deficiencies within a population.
• Staple foods of a region can lack
particular nutrients due to the region's
soil or the inherent inadequacy of a
regular diet.
• The addition of micronutrients to
staples and condiments can prevent
large-scale deficiency diseases.
Application Of
Biotechnology In
Environment
• The use of Biotechnology for solving
environmental problems and
ecosystems is known as Environmental
Biotechnology. It is applied and used
to study the natural environment.
According to the International Society
for Environmental Biotechnology,
environmental Biotechnology is
defined as “an environment that helps
to develop, efficiently use and regulate
the biological systems and prevent
the environment from pollution or
contamination of land, air, and water.”
The following are the major types
of applications of Environmental
Biotechnology
Biomarker
• It type of application of Environmental
Biotechnology that gives the response to
a chemical. It helps to measure the level
of damage caused or the exposure of
the toxic or the pollution effect caused.
The primary use of these applications
helps to relate the connection between
the oils and their sources.
Bioenergy
• The collective purport of biogas,
biomass, fuels, and hydrogen are called
Bioenergy. The use of application of
Environment Biotechnology is in the
39
industrial, domestic, and space sectors.
As per the current need, it is concluded
the condition of clean energy out of
these fuels and alternative ways of
finding clean energy is the need of the
hour. One of the pioneer examples of
green energy is the waste collected from
the organic and biomass wastes; and
processed to produce clean energy. The
Biomass energy supply has become of
significant importance in every country.
Bioremediation
• Bioremediation is a branch of
biotechnology which employs living
organisms, like microbes and bacteria, in
the removal of contaminants, pollutants,
and toxins from soil, water, and other
environments. Bioremediation is used
to clean up oil spills or contaminated
groundwater. For, e.g., the Oilzapper
(devised by TERI) feeds on hydrocarbon
compounds present in crude oil and
oily sludge (a hazardous hydrocarbon
waste generated by oil refineries) and
converts them into harmless CO2 and
water.
Biotransformation
• The changes in the biology of the
environment, which are changes of the
complex compound to simple non-toxic
to toxic is called the biotransformation
process. It is used in the Manufacturing
sector where poisonous substances are
converted to by-products.
Benefits:
• It helps to keep our environment safe
and clean for future generations.
• It helps the organisms and the engineers
to find useful ways of getting adapted
to the changes in the environment and
keep the environment clean and green.
• The benefit of environmental
biotechnology helps us avoid hazardous
pollutants and wastes that affect
natural resources and the environment.
• The development of society should be
done in such a way It it helps to protect
our environment
• Environmental biotechnology has a
role to play in the removal of pollutants.
• It is becoming an advantage for
scientists and environmentalists to find
ways to convert waste to re-useable
products.

CRISPR-Cas9 Technology
• It is a unique technology which enables
geneticists and medical researchers to
edit parts of the genome by removing,
adding, or altering the DNA sequence
sections.
• It is currently the simplest, most
versatile, and precise method of genetic
manipulation.
How it works
• CRISPR-Cas9 technology behaves
like a cut-and-paste mechanism on
DNA strands which contain genetic
information.
• The specific location of the genetic
codes need to be changed or “edited” is
identified on the DNA strand, and then,
using the Cas9 protein, which acts like
a pair of scissors, it is cut off from the
strand. A DNA strand, when broken, has
a natural tendency to repair itself.
• During auto-repair process, scientists
intervene, supplying the desired
sequence of genetic codes. It binds
themselves with the broken DNA
strand.
I M A G E 3.1: C R I S P R -C A S 9 T E C H N O L O G Y
Genetic Engineering Appraisal
Committee – Geac
• The Genetic Engineering Appraisal
Committee (GEAC) functions under the
Ministry of Environment, Forest, and
Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
• As per Rules, 1989, it is responsible for
the appraisal of activities involving
large scale use of hazardous
microorganisms and recombinants in
research and industrial production from
the environmental angle.
• The committee is also responsible for
the appraisal of proposals relating to
the release of genetically engineered
(GE) organisms and products into the
environment, including experimental
field trials.

40
India Biosafety Clearing House
(BCH)
• India is a signatory to the Cartagena
Protocol on Biosafety and ratified it in
2003.
• Article 20 of the Cartagena Protocol
on Biosafety requires BCH's to facilitate
the exchange of scientific, technical,
environmental, and legal information
on living modified organisms (LMOs).
• The BCH is an information exchange
mechanism established to assist Parties
in implementing its provisions and
facilitating sharing of information on,
and experience with, LMOs.
The Cartagena Protocol On
Biosafety
• The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety is
an international agreement. It aims to
ensure the safe handling, transport, and
use of living modified organisms (LMOs)
resulting from modern biotechnology. It
may have adverse effects on biological
diversity and human health.
• It was adopted in 2000 and entered
into force in 2003.
GM Mustard (DMH-11)
• DMH-11 yields about 30% more than
the traditional mustard variety.
• It helps in boosting edible mustard oil
production thus, reducing the huge
import bill for edible oil.
• Supreme Court has stayed permission
to develop GM mustard.
• GM mustard is resistant to herbicides.
Biofortification of Staple Crops •
• Fortification is the practice of
deliberately increasing the content of
41
an essential micronutrient, i.e., vitamins
and minerals (including trace elements)
in food, to improve the nutritional
quality of the food supply and provide
a public benefit with minimal health
risk.
• Biofortification is how the nutritional
quality of food crops is improved
through agronomic practices,
conventional plant breeding, or modern
biotechnology.
• Biofortification differs from conventional
fortification. Biofortification aims to
increase nutrient levels in crops during
plant growth rather than through
manual means during the processing
of crops.
• Therefore, biofortification may present
a way to reach populations where
supplementation and conventional
fortification activities may be difficult
to implement.
• Examples of biofortification projects
include
a. Iron-biofortification of rice, beans,
sweet potato, cassava, and legumes;
b. Zinc-biofortification of wheat, rice,
beans, sweet potato, and maize;
c. Provitamin a carotenoid-biofortification
of sweet potato, maize and cassava;
and
d. Amino acid and protein-biofortification
of sourghum and cassava.
Manav – Human Atlas
Initiative
• A citizen-science initiative to build a
human atlas by curating all available
macro to micro-level information
from life science literature and public
databases.
It is an initiative of the Department of
Biotechnology.
• It is a project to construct a
 comprehensive map of every tissue of
the human body.
• It seeks to capture human physiology
at the tissue level in a natural and
diseased state.
• Its objectives:
a. To provide better biological insights
into human physiology
b. To understand the roles of tissues and
cells linked to various diseases
c. Develop disease models through
predictive computing
d. Drug discovery
The Earth Bio-genome Project
• International collaboration to sequence
and digitize the genomes of every
eukaryotic biodiversity on Earth over 10
years.
• It will map the genomes of roughly 1.5
million species, i.e., all the complex life
forms known to man.
• It is inspired from the Human Genome
initiative. It is an open-source DNA
database project which ended in 2003.
• It provides a platform for scientific
research and supports environmental
and conservation initiatives.
DNA Profiling
Definition
• DNA profiling or DNA fingerprinting
is the conception of a biometric
database comprising DNA information
of individuals.
Establishing DNA Profiles
• DNA is sole to a person’s genetic
makeup; it is 99.9% similar between all
individuals within the human species.
42
• The variable regions (0.1%), also called
Variable Number of Tandem Repeats
(VNTR). They are unique to a person’s
DNA, and it can establish individual's
DNA profile.
• The DNA profile of an individual varies
in terms of the number of times an order
of nucleotide base pairs is repeated.
• Thus, by counting the number of times
these base-pair sequences are repeated
in these variable regions, a DNA profile
of an individual is established.
Technique For DNA
Fingerprinting
(i) The DNA is extracted from the specimen
or biological entity- nuclei of white
blood cells or spermatozoa or the hair
follicle cells.
(ii) The DNA molecules are first broken
with the help of enzyme restriction
endonuclease (called chemical knife)
which cuts them into fragments. The
fragments of DNA also contain the
VNTRs.
(iii) The fragments are separated according
to size by gel electrophoresis.
(iv) Fragments of a particular size having
VNTRs are multiplied through the
PCR technique. They are treated with
alkaline chemicals to split them into
single-stranded DNAs.
(v) The separated fragments of single-
stranded DNA are transferred onto a
nylon membrane.
(vi) An X-ray film is exposed to the nylon
membrane to mark the places where
the radioactive DNA probes have
assured the DNA fragments. These
places are marked as dark bands when
 X-ray film is developed. (i) Individuality: DNA fingerprinting can
(viii) The dark bands on X-ray film represent help distinguish one human being from
the DNA fingerprints (= DNA profiles). another, except monozygotic twins.

(ii) Hereditary Diseases: The technique is

being used to identify genes connected
with hereditary diseases.

(iii) Human Lineage: DNA from various

probables is being studied to find out
human lineage.

(iv) Paternity/Maternity Disputes: DNA

fingerprinting can identify the real
genetic mother, father, and the
offspring.

(v) Sociology: It can identify racial groups,

their origin, historical migration, and
invasions. Genography is the study of
I M A G E 3.2: DNA F I N G E R P R I N T I N G T E C H N I Q U E the migratory history of human species.

(vi) Forensics: DNA fingerprinting is very

Application useful in the detection of crime and
legal pursuits.
The applications of DNA Fingerprinting
can be studied under the following heads:

43
 CHAPTER - 4

HEALTH

Diseases and parts of the body.

3. Systemic diseases: affect the entire
Vaccines body.

Diseases Diseases can be categorized as

• A disease is an abnormal condition − Communicable diseases
affecting a living organism. Diseases
are generally understood to be medical − Non-Communicable diseases
conditions that involve a pathological
process associated with a specific set of
• Now let us investigate the differences
between communicable and non-
symptoms. Different types of diseases
communicable diseases to better
affect different parts of the body.
understand how vaccines and drugs
1. Localized diseases: affect specific work for various diseases, which are
parts of the body. mentioned in the latter part of the
2. Disseminated diseases: spread to other chapter.

Differences Between Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases

Non-Communicable diseases
Criteria Communicable diseases.
-NCD.
Diseases are caused by
Diseases do not spread from
infectious agents and spread
one infected person to another
Definition from one infected person to
person but do cause by factors
another person etc. They can be
like unhealthy lifestyle.
spread through water, air, etc.
Also known as Infectious diseases. Chronic diseases.
Pathogens are the primary Malnutrition, Hormonal
Cause
reason. imbalance, etc.
Agents/Vectors Viruses, Bacteria and Fungi, etc. Not vector-borne.
For many communicable Accurate diagnostic tests are
Diagnosis diseases, accurate diagnostic not available for most of the
tests are available. NCD.
It can’t be inherited from one It might be inherited from one
Inheritance
generation to other. generation to other.
More severe and responsible for
Less severe in general and pose
Severity more deaths worldwide. Pose
short term threats to patients.
long term threats to patients.

44
 Some conventional methods
can be prevented, such as
Change is lifestyle, exercise and
Prevention maintaining personal hygiene,
food habits help to prevent it.
avoiding sharing eating utensils,
etc.
Symptoms may not be observed
Symptoms can be observed as
until a year or more, which
Symptoms quickly as a day or two from the
increases the risk of the disease
entry of the pathogen.
being fatal.
The most common
communicable diseases are Non-communicable diseases are
Organs affected respiratory tracts, such as the varied, such as cardiovascular
common cold, influenza, and disease, diabetes, etc.
tuberculosis.
Diseases like cancer, diabetes,
Diseases like typhoid, cholera,
Alzheimer’s disease, Down’s
malaria, tuberculosis, leprosy
Examples syndrome, Kwashiorkor are
are examples of communicable
examples of non-communicable
diseases.
diseases.

Microbes
• Microbes are tiny living things found all
around us and are too small to be seen
by the naked eye. They live in water, soil,
and the air. The human body is home to
millions of these microbes, also called
microorganisms.
• Not all microbes are harmful to us.
Some microbes make us sick, and
others are important for our health. The
most common types are:
1. Bacteria
2. Viruses
3. Fungi
4. Protozoa I M A G E 4.1: P R O K A R YOT I C CELL

• Not all of them are dangerous for

Bacteria humans. Many of them even live on or in
our bodies and help us to stay healthy.
• Bacteria are single-cell organisms. Example - Lactic acid bacteria in the
bowel help us to digest food. Other
bacteria help the immune system by
fighting germs.
• Bacterial infections can be treated with
antibiotics. Antibiotics kill the bacteria

45
 or at least stop them from multiplying.
• Often, bacteria produce chemicals
called toxins, which have the actual
effect and causes an illness. Bacteria
can usually be killed by antibiotics such
as penicillin.
• Well-known examples of bacteria
include salmonella and staphylococcus
bacteria.

Diseases Bacteria Affects Symptoms

Botulism C l o s t r i d i u m Nervous system Constipation
botulinum Difficulty Feeding
Tiredness
Drooling
Loss Of Head
Control and floppy
movements due to
muscle weakness
Paralysis
Anthrax Bacillus anthracis Many parts of the Itchy skin, sore
body like skin, lungs, throat
and intestines, etc. Fever
Achy muscles
Cough
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Tuberculosis M y c o b a c t e r i u m Respiratory system Coughing up blood
tuberculosis (Lungs) or sputum (phlegm)
Unexplained fatigue
Fever
Night sweats etc.
Typhoid Salmonella Typhi Intestines High fever, headache
Tetanus Clostridium tetani Nervous system High fever, spasm in
body, the closing of
jaws, etc.
Pneumonia D i p l o c o c c u s Lungs High fever, swelling
pneumoniae in lungs
Diphtheria Respiratory tube Coryne- bacterium Difficulty in
diphtheria respiration and
suffocating

46
Antimicrobial Resistance – AMR WHO has been leading multiple initiatives
to address antimicrobial resistance, as
• According to WHO, Antimicrobial mentioned below.
resistance happens when
microorganisms (such as bacteria, 1. The Global Antimicrobial Resistance
fungi, viruses, and parasites) change Surveillance System (GLASS)
when exposed to antimicrobial drugs 2. Global Antibiotic Research and
(such as antibiotics, antifungals, Development Partnership (GARDP)
antivirals, antimalarials, and
3. Interagency Coordination Group on
anthelmintics). Microorganisms which
Antimicrobial Resistance (IACG)
develop antimicrobial resistance are
sometimes referred to as “superbugs.”
As the medicines become ineffective,
Antibiotic Resistance
infections persist in the body, increasing
the risk of spreading to others. • Antibiotics are medicines used to
• Causes of AMR: Self medication, non prevent and treat bacterial infections.
prescription drug usage, rampant use in Antibiotic resistance occurs when
poultry, contamination of water bodies bacteria change in response to the
by sewage and discharge from pharma use of these medicines. Bacteria, not
industry, cultural activities like mass humans or animals, become antibiotic-
bathing etc. resistant. These bacteria may infect
humans and animals, and the infections
they cause are harder to treat than
Why is antimicrobial resistance a those caused by non-resistant bacteria.
global concern? Antibiotic resistance occurs naturally,
but misuse of antibiotics in humans and
• New resistance mechanisms are animals is accelerating the process.
emerging and spreading globally,
threatening our ability to treat common
infectious diseases, resulting in
prolonged illness, disability, and death.
• Without effective antimicrobials for
preventing and treating infections,
medical procedures such as organ
transplantation, cancer chemotherapy,
diabetes management, and major
surgery (For example, cesarean sections
or hip replacements) become very high
risk.
• Antimicrobial resistance increases the
cost of health care with lengthier stays
in hospitals and more intensive care
required. I M A G E 4.2: D R U G R E S I S TA N C E S B A C T E R I A
• Antimicrobial resistance is putting the
Millennium Development Goals' gains The Difference Between Antibiotic
at risk and endangers the achievement
of the Sustainable Development Goals.
and Antimicrobial Resistance
• Antibiotic resistance occurs when

47
 bacteria change in response to
antibiotics used to treat bacterial
infections (such as urinary tract
infections, pneumonia, bloodstream
infections), making them ineffective.
Antimicrobial resistance is a broader
term, encompassing resistance to drugs
to treat infections caused by other
microbes as well, such as parasites (e.g.,
malaria), viruses (e.g., HIV), and fungi
(e.g., Candida).
Viruses
• Viruses have no cells of their own, like
bacteria. It means, in exact terms,
they are usually not considered living
organisms. They're simply made up of
one or more molecules surrounded by
a protein shell. The genetic information
found inside shell is needed for the
viruses to reproduce.
• They just contain a core of nucleic acid
(DNA or RNA) surrounded by a covering
layer of protein (no cytoplasm, cell
membrane, or anything else).
• At their core, coronaviruses (COVID-19)
contain a genetic blueprint called RNA
(beige). The single-stranded RNA acts
as a molecular message that enables
production of proteins needed for other
elements of the virus.
Diseases Caused By Viruses
Diseases Virus Affects
SARS Respiratory Fever, difficulty in
Covid-19 Cov-2 system and breathing, cough,
Virus Lungs
48
• Many viruses are responsible for
diseases. Some are harmless and only
trigger a minor cold, while others can
cause serious diseases like AIDS.
• Other diseases caused by viruses
include Covid-19, influenza, measles,
liver inflammation (viral hepatitis), etc.
• Viruses invade healthy cells and start to
multiply from these cells. A virus can't
reproduce without these host cells. It’s
why they are inactive outside the living
cell.
I M A G E 4.3: V I R U S E S
• It's relatively difficult to fight viruses with
medication. Antibiotics are ineffective
against viruses. To protect against
some viruses, the immune system can
be “trained” by vaccination so the body
is better prepared to fight the virus.
Is a
Symptoms Transmitted by vaccine
available?
person to
Yes
person
etc.
 Extreme fatigue
diarrhea
Fever
Headache
by animals and
Ebola Ebola Muscle pain Yes
humans
Stomach pain
Unexplained
bleeding or bruising
Vomiting
Direct contact
(such as
through broken
skin or mucous
Patients become membranes in
Central
Rabies mad with a severe the eyes, nose,
Rabies nervous Yes
virus headache and high or mouth) with
system
fever. saliva or brain/
nervous system
tissue from
an infected
animal
Fever
Confusion
Convulsions
West Central Muscle weakness
West Infected
Nile nervous No
Nile Vision loss mosquitoes
virus system
Numbness
Paralysis
Coma
Loose and floppy
limbs, sometimes
on just one side of
the body
Sudden paralysis,
temporary or
permanent Person to
Polio Poliovirus Spinal cord Yes
Deformed limbs, person
especially the hips,
ankles, and feet
Vomiting
Fatigue
Meningitis

49
 A stuffy or runny
nose
Headache
Rubella Skin and A mild fever Human to
Rubella Yes
virus lymph nodes Red, inflamed eyes human
Nerve inflammation
Enlarged and
tender lymph nodes
The virus
infects the
respiratory
Rubeola Reddish eruption Human to
Measles tract, then Yes
virus on the body. human
spreads
throughout
the body

Hepatitis
• In particular, types B and C lead to
• Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver chronic disease in hundreds of millions
It can cause a range of health problems of people and, together, are the most
and be fatal. There are five main strains common cause of liver cirrhosis, cancer,
of the hepatitis virus: types A, B, C, D, and viral hepatitis-related deaths.
and E. While they all cause liver disease, Some types of hepatitis are preventable
they differ (as discussed in below table). through vaccination.

Can Vaccine
Variant Caused by Transmission
prevent it?
Through ingestion of contaminated
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A food and water or direct contact with Yes
virus (HAV)
an infectious person.
From mother to child during birth and
delivery, as well as through contact
with blood or other body fluids,
Hepatitis B including sex with an infected partner,
Hepatitis B Yes
virus (HAV) injection-drug use involves sharing
needles, syringes, or drug-preparation
equipment and needle sticks or
exposures to sharp instruments.
It may happen through injection drug
use, unsafe injection practices, unsafe
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C health care, transfusion of unscreened No
virus (HCV)
blood and blood products, and sexual
practices It lead to blood exposure.

50
 Hepatitis D
virus (HDV) is a
virus It requires From mother to child during birth and
hepatitis B delivery, as well as through contact
virus (HBV) for with blood or other body fluids, Can be
its replication. including sex with an infected partner, prevented by
Hepatitis D
HDV infection injection-drug use involves sharing hepatitis B
occurs only needles, syringes, or drug-preparation immunization
simultaneously equipment and needle sticks or
or as a super- exposures to sharp instruments.
infection with
HBV.
A vaccine
to prevent
hepatitis E
Contaminated
virus infection
water in areas
Transmitted via the fecal-oral route, has been
Hepatitis E with poor water
principally via contaminated water. developed
quality, Fecal
and licensed
contamination
in China but is
not available
elsewhere.

Rubella is sometimes known as “three-day measles,” as symptoms can be similar, but

rubella symptoms are milder than those of measles.

Fungi • We owe the discovery of penicillin to a

• Fungi can live in lots of different
environments. The best-known fungi
include yeast, mold, and edible fungi
like mushrooms.
• Just like bacteria, some fungi occur
naturally on the skin or in the body. But
fungi can also cause diseases.
• Diseases caused by fungi are called
mycoses.
• Common examples include athlete’s
foot or fungal infections of the nails.
• Fungal infections can sometimes also
cause inflammations of the lungs or
mucous membranes in the mouth or on
the reproductive organs and become
life-threatening for people who have a
weakened immune system.
• But humans have also benefited from
the helpful qualities of some fungi.
type of mold which is used to produce
It antibiotic.
Protozoa
• These are generally single-celled
organisms with true nuclei and a cell
membrane, so they are quite like our
body cells. Examples of diseases caused
by protozoa are - Malaria, Chagas
disease, dysentery, etc.
Immune System
• Immunity is resistance against
infections. The immune system refers
to the body's ability to fight against
the disease-causing microbes such as
bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa,
etc. Whenever these microbes try to

51
 invade our body, immune system plays
a significant role in defending the body
from any foreign harmful substances,
germs and cell changes. It can make a
person ill.
• The immune system keeps a record
of every germ (microbe) it has ever
defeated to recognise and destroy the
microbe quickly if it enters the body
again. Immune system is a complex
mechanism and is made up of various
organs, cells and proteins etc. Few
components of immune system include
white blood cells (also called memory
cells), spleen, thymus, bone marrow and
skin etc.
Innate and adaptive immune system
• There are two subsystems within the
immune system: the innate (non-
specific) immune system and the
adaptive (specific) immune system.
These subsystems are closely linked
and work together whenever a germ or
harmful substance triggers an immune
response.
• The innate immune system: provides a
general defense against harmful germs
and substances, so it’s also called
the non-specific immune system. It
mostly fights using immune cells such
as natural killer cells and phagocytes
(“eating cells”). The innate immune
system's main job is to fight harmful
substances and germs which enter the
body, for instance, through the skin or
digestive system.
• The adaptive (specific) immune
system: makes antibodies and uses
them to specifically fight certain germs
the body has previously contacted. It is
also known as an “acquired” (learned) or
specific immune response because the
adaptive immune system is constantly
learning and adapting, the body can
also fight bacteria or viruses that
changes over time.
52
Herd Immunity
• When most of a population is immune
to an infectious disease, it provides
indirect protection—or herd immunity
(also called herd protection)—to those
who are not immune to the disease.
• For example, if 80% of a population is
immune to a virus, four out of every five
people who encounter someone with
the disease won’t get sick (and won’t
spread the disease any further). In this
way, the spread of infectious diseases
is kept under control. Depending how
contagious an infection is, usually 50%
to 90% of a population needs immunity
to achieve herd immunity.
What will it take to achieve herd
immunity with SARS-CoV-2
• As with any other infection, there are
two ways to achieve herd immunity
» A large proportion of the population
gets infected or
» A large proportion of the population
gets a protective vaccine
• In the worst case (For example, if we
do not perform physical distancing
or enact other measures to slow the
spread of SARS-CoV-2), the virus can
infect many people in a few months.
It would overwhelm our hospitals and
lead to high death rates.
• In the best case, we maintain current
infection levels—or even reduce these
levels—until a vaccine becomes
available. It will take concerted effort
on the entire population, with some
level of continued physical distancing
for an extended period, likely a year or
longer, before a highly effective vaccine
can be developed, tested, and mass
produced.
• The most likely case is somewhere in
the middle, where infection rates rise
and fall over time; we may relax social
 distancing measures when numbers of
infections fall, and then may need to re-
implement these measures as numbers
increase again. Prolonged effort will be
required to prevent major outbreaks
until a vaccine is developed. Even then,
SARS-CoV-2 could still infect children
before they can be vaccinated or adults
after their immunity wanes.
Vaccination
• According to WHO’s definition,
Vaccination is a simple, safe, and
effective way of protecting people
against harmful diseases before they
encounter harmful diseases. It uses
one’s body’s natural defenses to build
resistance to specific infections and
makes their immune system stronger.
Antibodies vs Antigen
Antibodies are proteins produced
naturally by the immune system to fight
disease.
Antigen: Substance that can stimulate an
immune response, specifically activating
lymphocytes, which are the body’s
infection-fighting white blood cells.
• Vaccines train one’s immune system to
create antibodies, just as it does when
it’s exposed to a disease. However,
because vaccines contain only killed
or weakened forms of germs like
viruses or bacteria, they do not cause
the disease or put anyone at risk of its
complications. An injection gives most
vaccines, but some are given orally (by
mouth) or sprayed into the nose.
Working Of Vaccine
• When a person gets a vaccine, his/her
immune system responds in following
ways.
53
» Recognizes the invading germ, such as
the virus or bacteria.
» Produces antibodies.
» Remembers the disease and how to
fight it. If you are then exposed to the
germ in the future, your immune system
can quickly destroy it before you
become unwell.
• Therefore, the vaccine is a safe and
clever way to produce an immune
response in the body, without causing
illness.
I M A G E 4.4: H OW V A C C I N E W O R K S
• Our immune systems are designed to
remember. Once exposed to one or
more doses of a vaccine, we typically
remain protected against a disease
for years, decades or even a lifetime.
It is what makes vaccines so effective.
Rather than treating a disease after it
occurs, vaccines prevent us in the first
instance from getting sick.
Messenger RNA
(mRNA):
• mRNA is a RNA version of the gene that
leaves the cell nucleus and moves to the
cytoplasm where proteins are made. It
is a single-stranded RNA molecule that
is complementary to one of the DNA
strands of a gene. mRNA are found in
the cell.
• Recently the Messenger RNA vaccines
 or mRNA vaccines are authorized for
use in the United States.
• These vaccines are a new type of
vaccine aims to protect against
infectious diseases and do not use the
live virus that causes COVID-19.
• mRNA vaccines for COVID-19 give
instructions for cells to make a harmless
piece of what is called the “spike
protein.” The spike protein is found on
the surface of the virus that causes
COVID-19.
• The mRNA never enters the nucleus
(where our DNA/genetic material is
kept) of the cell so they do not affect
and interact with our DNA.
• Soon after it is finished using the
instructions the cell breaks down and
gets rid of the mRNA.
Tele-Medicine:
Definition
• It is simply defined as, “the remote
delivery of healthcare services“.
Telemedicine refers to the practice of
caring for patients remotely when the
provider and patient are not physically
present with each other.
• World Health Organization has
adopted the following broad
description -“The delivery of health care
services, where distance is a critical
factor, by all health care professionals
using information and communication
technologies for the exchange of valid
information for diagnosis, treatment
and prevention of disease and injuries,
research and evaluation, and for
the continuing education of health
care providers, all in the interests of
advancing the health of individuals and
their communities.”
54
Types of Telemedicine:
• There are 3 common types of
telemedicine, which include but not
limited to:
» Interactive Medicine – which allows
patients and physicians to communicate
in real-time.
» Store and Forward – which permits
providers to share patient information
with a practitioner in another location.
» Remote Patient Monitoring – which
allows remote caregivers to monitor
patients. It reside at home by using
mobile medical devices to collect data
(e.g. blood sugar or blood pressure).
• These basic approaches to telemedicine
are applied to a wide array of
services in diverse settings, including
teledermatology, telepathology, and
teleradiology.
Elements Of Tele-Medicine:
• Four elements are pertinent to
telemedicine:
1. Its purpose is to provide clinical support.
2. It is intended to overcome geographical
barriers, connecting users who are not
in the same physical location.
3. It involves the use of various types of
ICT.
4. Its goal is to improve health outcomes.
Benefits Of Tele-Medicine:
• Telemedicine holds great potential for
reducing the variability of diagnoses as
well as improving clinical management
and delivery of health care services
worldwide by enhancing access, quality,
efficiency, and cost-effectiveness
• In particular, telemedicine can aid
 communities traditionally underserved
– those in remote or rural areas with
few health services and staff – because
it overcomes distance and time barriers
between health-care providers and
patients
• Further, evidence points to important
socioeconomic benefits to patients,
families, health practitioners and the
health system, including enhanced
patient-provider communication and
educational opportunities.
Potential Barriers To Telemedicine:
Human and cultural factors:
• Patients and healthcare workers
resist adopting service models as it
differs from traditional approaches or
indigenous practices.
• Lack of ICT literacy to use telemedicine
approaches effectively is also a and optimal quality. To guarantee it
contributing factor.
• Most challenging of all are linguistic and
cultural differences between patients
(particularly those underserved) and
service providers.
• Shortage of studies documenting
economic benefits and cost-
effectiveness of telemedicine
applications is also a challenge.
Legal considerations
• It includes an absence of an
international legal framework to allow
health professionals to deliver services
in different jurisdictions and countries;
• Lack of policies to govern patient
privacy and confidentiality visà-vis data
transfer, storage, and sharing between
health professionals and jurisdictions
• Health professional authentication; and
• The risk of medical liability for the health
professionals offering telemedicine
services.
55
Technological challenges:
• The systems being used are complex,
and there is the potential for
malfunction, which could trigger
software or hardware failure.
• It could increase the morbidity or
mortality of patients and the liability of
health-care providers as well.
Need of the hour:
• To overcome these challenges
telemedicine must be regulated
by definitive and comprehensive
guidelines, which are applied widely,
ideally worldwide.
• Concurrently, legislation governing
confidentiality, privacy, access, and
liability needs to be instituted.
• To ensure telemedicine will be deployed
intelligently to maximize health services
for-profit endeavors and do not deprive
citizens access to fundamental public
health services
• In all countries, issues of confidentiality,
dignity, and privacy are of ethical
concern concerning the use of ICTs in
telemedicine.
Telemedicine must be implemented
equitably and to the highest ethical
standards, to maintain all individuals'
dignity and ensure differences in education,
language, geographic location, physical
and mental ability, age, and sex will not
marginalize care.
E-Cigarettes
What are E-Cigarettes?
• E-cigarettes are electronic devices
which heat a liquid and produce an
aerosol, or mix of small particles in the
air.
 I M A G E 4.5: E-C I G A R E T T E S
• E-cigarettes come in many shapes and
sizes. Most have a battery, a heating
element, and a place to hold a liquid.
• Some e-cigarettes look like regular
cigarettes, cigars, or pipes.
• E-cigarettes are known by many
different names. They are sometimes
called “e-cigs,” “e-hookahs,” “mods,”
“vape pens,” “vapes,” “tank systems,”
and “electronic nicotine delivery
systems (ENDS).”
• Using an e-cigarette is sometimes
called “vaping.”
Are E-cigarettes safer than
cigarettes?
• E-cigarettes expose users to fewer
harmful chemicals than burned
cigarettes.
• But burned cigarettes are very
dangerous, killing half of all people who
smoke long-term.
• E-cigarette vapor contains fewer toxic
chemicals, in lower concentrations,
than cigarette smoke.
56
• The use of any tobacco product,
including e-cigarettes, is unsafe for
young people.
Why is nicotine unsafe for kids,
teens, and young adults?
• Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine—
the addictive drug in regular cigarettes,
cigars, and other tobacco products.
• Nicotine can impair the evolving young
brain. The brain keeps developing until
about age 25.
• Using nicotine in adolescence can harm
the brain's parts It control attention,
learning, mood, and impulse control.
• Each time a new memory is created
or a new skill is learned, stronger
connections – or synapses – are built
between brain cells. Young people’s
brains build synapses faster than adult
brains. Nicotine changes the way these
synapses are formed.
• Using nicotine in adolescence may also
increase risk for future addiction to
other drugs.
 CHAPTER - 5
NANOTECHNOLOGY
• Nanotechnology is science, engineering,
and technology conducted at the
nanoscale, which is about 1 to 100
nanometers. It is the study and
application of extremely small things
and can be used across all the other
science fields, such as chemistry,
biology, material science, etc.
• Conversion of any material in
nanoscale results in alteration of
its physicochemical, biological,
mechanical, optical, electronic, and
other properties which can be utilized
for different useful activities.
Applications:
Energy:
• Photovoltaic paints manufactured
using nanotech have the potential to
replace solar panels. By applying solar
paints to any surface, it will enable the
surface to capture energy from the sun
and transform it into electricity.
• They can be used in wind power
generations. Nanogenerators are
flexible thin sheets which when bent
can generate more power than
conventional blades.
• Nanobatteries that are used to help
rechargeable lithium-ion batteries last
longer.
Construction:
• Nanomolecular structures to make
asphalt and concrete more robust to
water seepage.
• Heat-resistant nanomaterials to block
ultraviolet and infrared radiation; etc.
57
Healthcare and Medicine:
• Use in Drug Delivery: Nanomicelles are
formed when amphiphilic molecules
assemble themselves to create a
globular structure that is only around
5 to 100nm in diameter. They are
amphiphilic, i.e., have a hydrophilic
outer shell and a hydrophobic interior.
This dual property makes them a
perfect carrier for delivering drug
molecules. As drug delivery is targeted
the required drug dose and side-effects
are minimised.
• Nanosponges: They are polymer
nanoparticles coated with a red
blood cell membrane, can be used for
absorbing toxins and removing them
from the bloodstream.
• Blood purification: They are used in
purification of blood. With nanoparticles
specific targeting of substances is
possible.
• Antibacterial Treatments: Gold
nanoparticles and infrared light can be
used to kill bacteria.
• Neuro-electronic interfacing is a
visionary goal dealing with the
construction of nanodevices which
will permit computers to be joined and
linked to the nervous system.
• Imaging: Using nanoparticle contrast
agents, images such as ultrasound and
MRI have improved contrast.
• Cancer Treatment: Iron nanoparticles
or gold shells are finding important
application in cancer treatment.
• Stem Cell Technology: Magnetic
nanoparticles (MNPs) have been
successfully used to isolate and group
stem cells.
• Nanotechnology in the clothing industry is not a new phenomenon. In the mid-
2000s, many clothing companies started incorporating silver nanoparticles into
their products. Silver nanoparticles are antimicrobial, which means they kill the
bacteria that cause bad odors. Nanotechnology can also be harnessed to produce
water-repelling, or hydrophobic, materials. This application draws its inspiration
from nature: many plants have foliage that is hydrophobic because of nano-scale
structures on the leaves.
• Nanoparticles can be introduced into a synthetic material (polymer) and fibres can
then be spun from the resulting nanocomposite material, which have a nanoscale,
or larger, diameter. Nanometer- thin fibres can however also be manufactured from
synthetic material or cellulose without synthetic nanoparticles.

Environment: enough to penetrate the skull and

• Water treatment and remediation
through nanomembranes for water
purification, desalination, and
detoxification.
• Nano sensors for the detection of
contaminants and pathogens etc.
Agriculture: Nanotechnology can
increase agricultural production, and its
applications include:
• Nanoformulations of agrochemicals for
applying pesticides and fertilizers for
crop improvement.
• The application of nanosensors in crop
protection for the identification of
diseases and residues of agrochemicals.
• Nanodevices for the genetic engineering
of plants.
• Plant disease diagnostics.
• Animal health, animal breeding, poultry
production; and
• Postharvest management.
Defence:
• Nanotechnology research focuses
on improving medical facilities and
producing light weight, strong and
multi-functional materials as armours.
• Military nano-drones could also include
a few grams of explosive sufficient
destroy the contents. These nano-
drones would facilitate airstrikes of
surgical precision.
Space:
• Use of nanotechnology for markedly
smaller satellites together with smaller
launch vehicles. Thus, making these
satellites cost-effective.
• Space elevator: By using carbon
nanotubes, a super light yet strong
material, an actual physical structure
from the surface of the Earth to an
altitude of approximately 36 000 km
can be built.
• Deploying a network of nanosensors
to search large areas of planets such
as Mars for traces of water or other
chemicals.
Food Processing:
• In the food processing industry
antimicrobial nano emulsions are used
to kill gems.
• In decontamination of food equipment,
packaging, or food.
• Nano-based antigen detecting
biosensors for identification of
pathogens contamination.

58
Nanotechnology in India:
Mission on Nano Science and
Technology (Nano Mission):
It is an umbrella programme for capacity
building which envisages the overall
development in nanotechnology in the
country and to tap some of its applied
potential for the nation’s development.
Objectives of the Nano-Mission are:
• Basic Promotion of Nanotechnology
• Infrastructure Development
• Establishment of R&D in Nanoscience
Applications
• Establishment of Development Centre
for Nanosciences
• Human Development in
Nanotechnology
• International Collaborations
Other initiatives:
• Recently the International Conference
on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
(ICONSAT) was held under the aegis
of the Nano Mission, Department of
Science and Technology. The conference
was held to bring out cutting edge
nanotechnology for the development
of Physics, Chemistry, and Material
domains and to provide a potential
platform for young researchers and
59
students from within the country and
abroad.
• The Department of Science and
Technology and the Science and
Engineering Research Board has
funded a Research Grant for Nano
Coating COVID-19. Under this, antiviral
nano-coatings will be coated on the
appropriate material for producing
anti-COVID-19 Triple Layer Medical
masks.
• Visvesvaraya PhD fellowships offered
by the Ministry of Electronics and
Information Technology (MeitY)
supports various nanotechnology
activities in the country.
• Ministry of Electronics and Information
Technology (INSPIRE) scheme
supports research fellows to work in
nanotechnology, nanoscience, and
nano-biotechnology areas.
• The Centre of Excellence in Nanoscience
and Nanotechnology established by
Department of Science and Technology
-Nano mission helps research and PG
students in various thrust areas such as:
1. Post Moore Electronics beyond 10 nm
2. Sensors (health, agriculture, security
etc.)
3. Organic Electronics
4. Computational Nanoelectronics
5. Setting up prototyping and incubation
facilities for a range of devices/products.
 CHAPTER - 6
NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY
Introduction
• Nuclear energy is the energy released
due to change in nucleus of an atom
caused by either Nuclear Fission or
Fusion. There is a huge amount of
energy in an atom's dense nucleus.
Atoms are tiny units which make up all
matter in the universe.
Nuclear power
• Nuclear power is generated by nuclear
power plants which uses low-enriched
uranium fuel to produce electricity
through fission.
• Nucleus fission refers to the process of
splitting of the nucleus of an atom into
two or more smaller parts (lighter nuclei)
and the release of neutrons and energy
in the form of heat, kinetic energy and
electromagnetic radiation.
• Uranium fuel consists of small, hard
ceramic pellets that are packaged into
long, vertical tubes. Bundles of fuel are
inserted into the reactor.
• A single uranium pellet, slightly larger
than a pencil eraser, contains the same
energy as a ton of coal, 3 barrels of oil,
or 17,000 cubic feet of natural gas. Each
uranium fuel pellet provides up to five
years of heat for power generation.
• Nuclear power offers many benefits for
the environment as well. They do not
burn or other materials, hence there is
no combustion by-products. Also they
don’t produce greenhouse gases. So,
nuclear plants help protect air quality
and mitigate climate change.
60
Basics
• Atom: Atoms are the basic units of
matter and the defining structure of
elements. The term "atom" comes from
the Greek word for indivisible, because
it was once thought atoms were the
smallest things in the universe and
could not be divided. We now know
atoms are made up of three particles:
protons, neutrons, and electrons and
composed of even smaller particles,
such as quarks.
• Nucleus: The nucleus was discovered
in 1911 by Ernest Rutherford, a physicist
from New Zealand. Virtually all the
mass of an atom resides in its nucleus.
The protons and neutrons make up the
nucleus are approximately the same
mass (the proton is slightly less) and
have the same angular momentum, or
spin.
• Protons: Protons are positively
charged particles found within atomic
nuclei. Rutherford discovered them in
experiments with cathode-ray tubes.
Protons are about 99.86% as massive
as neutrons.
• Electrons are tiny compared to protons
and neutrons, over 1,800 times smaller
than either a proton or a neutron.
• Neutrons: The neutron's existence
was theorized by Rutherford in 1920
and discovered by Chadwick in 1932,
according to the American Physical
Society. Neutrons were found during
experiments when atoms were shot at
a thin sheet of beryllium. Subatomic
particles with no charge were released
– the neutron.
• Isotopes: Isotopes are atoms of the
 same element that contain an identical
number of protons, but a different
number of neutrons. Despite having
different numbers of neutrons, isotopes
of the same element have very similar
physical properties. Some isotopes are
unstable and will undergo radioactive
decay to become other elements.
The predictable half-life of different
decaying isotopes allows scientists
to date material based on its isotopic
composition, such as Carbon-14.
• Neutrinos: They are elusive subatomic
particles created in a wide variety of
nuclear processes. Their name, which
means "little neutral one," refers to the
fact they carry no electrical charge.
Of the four fundamental forces in the
universe, neutrinos only interact with
two — gravity and the weak force
responsible for atoms' radioactive
decay. Having nearly no mass, they
zip through the cosmos at almost the
speed of light.
• Nuclear Fusion: It is a nuclear
process, where energy is produced by
smashing together light atoms. It is
the opposite reaction of fission, where
heavy isotopes are split apart. Fusion is
the process by which the sun and other
stars generate light and heat. It’s most
easily achieved on Earth by combining
two isotopes of hydrogen: deuterium
and tritium. Hydrogen is the lightest of
all the elements, made up of a single
proton and an electron. Deuterium has
an extra neutron in its nucleus; it can
replace one of the hydrogen atoms
in H20 to make what is called “heavy
water.” Tritium has two extra neutrons
and is therefore three times as heavy
as hydrogen. In a fusion cycle, tritium
and deuterium are combined and result
in the formation of helium, the next
heaviest element in the Periodic Table,
and a free neutron release.
• Nuclear Fission: Nuclear fission is
a reaction wherein a heavy nucleus
is bombarded by neutrons and thus
becomes unstable, which causes it
to decompose into two nuclei with
equivalent size and magnitude, with a
great detachment of energy and the
emission of two or three neutrons.

Differences between Nuclear Fission and Nuclear Fusion

Feature Nuclear Fission Nuclear Fusion

Fission is the splitting of a Fusion is the fusing of two

Definition large atom into two or more or more lighter atoms into a
smaller ones. larger one.

Few radioactive particles

Fission produces many
Byproducts of the reaction
highly radioactive particles.
are produced by fusion
reaction, but radioactive
particles will result from it if
a fission "trigger" is used.

61

Energy Requirement
Extremely high energy is
Takes little energy to split required to bring two or
two atoms in a fission more protons close enough
reaction. It nuclear forces overcome
their electrostatic repulsion.

Fission's energy is a million

times greater than energy The energy released by
released in chemical fusion is three to four times
Energy Released
reactions, but lower than greater than the energy
the energy released by released by fission.
nuclear fusion.

One nuclear weapon class One nuclear weapon class is

is a fission bomb, also the hydrogen bomb, which
Nuclear weapon
known as an atomic bomb uses a fission reaction to
or atom bomb. "trigger" a fusion reaction.

Nuclear Fission and Nuclear Fusion Power Reactors. The estimated natural
deposits of these elements in India are :
• Definition: Fission is the splitting of a
large atom into two or more smaller » Natural Uranium deposits - ~70,000
ones. Fusion is the fusing of two or more tonnes
lighter atoms into a larger one.
» Thorium deposits - ~ 3,60,000 tonnes
• Natural occurrence of the process:
Fission reaction does not normally • Indian Nuclear Power Generation:
occur in nature. Fusion occurs in stars,
such as the sun. Envisages A Three Stage Programme
• Byproducts of the reaction: Fission Stage 1 » Pressurized
produces many highly radioactive Heavy Water Reactor using
particles. Few radioactive particles
are produced by fusion reaction, but
Stage 2 » Fast Breeder
radioactive particles will result from it if
Reactor
a fission "trigger" is used.

Stage 3 » Breeder Reactor

India’s Strategy For Nuclear
Energy
• India has consciously explored the
possibility of tapping nuclear energy Stage 1: Pressurized Heavy Water
for the purpose of power generation. Reactor using
The Atomic Energy Act was framed
» Fuel: Natural UO2 as fuel matrix
and implemented using two naturally
occurring elements Uranium and » Moderator and coolant: Heavy water
Thorium having good potential to be » The 0.7% U-235 undergoes fission to
utilized as nuclear fuel in Indian Nuclear release energy. As the remaining 99%

62
 U-238 is not fissionable, it undergoes
transmutation and forms Plutonium-239
(Pu-239).
Working of Pressurized Heavy Water
Reactor
• A pressurized heavy water reactor
(PHWR) is a nuclear power reactor,
commonly using unenriched natural
uranium as its fuel. It uses heavy water
(deuterium oxide D2O) coolant and
moderator.
• While heavy water is significantly
more expensive than ordinary light
water, it yields greatly enhanced
neutron economy, allowing the reactor
to operate without fuel enrichment
facilities (mitigating the additional
capital cost of the heavy water) and
generally enhancing the ability of the
reactor to make use of alternate fuel
cycles efficiently.
I M A G E 6.1: P R E S S U R I Z E D H E AV Y W AT E R R E A C TO R
63
Stage 2 - Fast Breeder Reactor
• India’s second stage of nuclear power
generation envisages the use of Pu-239
obtained from the first stage reactor
operation, as the fuel core in fast
breeder reactors (FBR).
• The main features of FBR are:
» Pu-239 serves as the main fissile
element in the FBR.
» A blanket of U-238 surrounding the fuel
core will undergo nuclear transmutation
to produce fresh Pu-239.
» Besides a blanket of Th-232 around
the FBR core also undergoes neutron
capture reactions leading to the
formation of U-233. U-233 is the
nuclear reactor fuel for the third stage
of India’s Nuclear Power Programme.
» Uranium-238 and Plutonium-239 as fuel
for the second stage.
» In this stage no moderator is needed
and sodium is used as coolant.
» Concurrently, it is proposed to use
thorium-based fuel and a small feed
of plutonium-based fuel in Advanced
Heavy Water Reactors (AHWRs). The
AHWRs are expected to shorten the
period of reaching the stage of large-
scale thorium utilization.
Stage 3: Breeder Reactor
• The third phase of India’s Nuclear Power
Generation programme is, breeder
 I M A G E 6. 2: F A S T B R E E D E R R E A C TO R

reactors using U-233 fuel. India’s vast
thorium deposits permit design and
operation of U-233 fuelled breeder
reactors.
• U-233 is obtained from the nuclear
transmutation of Th-232 which is used
as a blanket in the second phase.
• Besides, U-233 fuelled breeder reactors
will have a Th-232 blanket around
the U-233 reactor core which will
generate more U-233 as the reactor
goes operational thus resulting in the
production of more and more U-233
fuel from the Th-232 which helps to
sustain the long term power generation
fuel requirement.
• These U-233/Th-232 based breeder
reactors are under development and
would serve as the mainstay of the final
thorium utilization stage of the Indian
nuclear programme. The currently
known Indian thorium reserves amount
to 358,000 GWe-yr of electrical energy
and can easily meet the energy
requirements during the next century
and beyond.

India’s Nuclear Power Plants

Date of
Capacity
S.No. Plant Unit Type Commercial
(MWe)
Operation
Tarapur Atomic Power October 28,
01 1 BWR 160
Station (TAPS), Maharashtra 1969
Tarapur Atomic Power October 28,
02 2 BWR 160
Station (TAPS), Maharashtra 1969
Tarapur Atomic Power August 18,
03 3 PHWR 540
Station (TAPS), Maharashtra 2006

64
 Tarapur Atomic Power September 12,
04 4 PHWR 540
Station (TAPS), Maharashtra 2005
Rajasthan Atomic Power December
05 1 PHWR 100
Station (RAPS), Rajasthan 16,1973
Rajasthan Atomic Power
06 2 PHWR 200 April 1,1981
Station (RAPS), Rajasthan
Rajasthan Atomic Power
07 3 PHWR 220 June 1, 2000
Station (RAPS), Rajasthan
Rajasthan Atomic Power December 23,
08 4 PHWR 220
Station (RAPS), Rajasthan 2000
Rajasthan Atomic Power February 4,
09 5 PHWR 220
Station (RAPS), Rajasthan 2010
Rajasthan Atomic Power
10 6 PHWR 220 March 31, 2010
Station (RAPS), Rajasthan
Madras Atomic Power January
11 1 PHWR 220
Station (MAPS), Tamilnadu 27,1984
Madras Atomic Power
12 2 PHWR 220 March 21,1986
Station (MAPS), Tamilnadu
Kaiga Generating Station November 16,
13 1 PHWR 220
(KGS), Karnataka 2000

Kaiga Generating Station March 16,

14 2 PHWR 220
(KGS), Karnataka 2000

Kaiga Generating Station

15 3 PHWR 220 May 6, 2007
(KGS), Karnataka
Kaiga Generating Station January 20,
16 4 PHWR 220
(KGS), Karnataka 2011
Kudankulam Nuclear Power VVER -1000 December 31,
17 1 1000
Station (KKNPS), Tamilnadu (PWR) 2014
Kudankulam Nuclear Power VVER -1000
18 2 1000 March 31, 2017
Station (KKNPS), Tamilnadu (PWR)
Narora Atomic Power Station
19 1 PHWR 220 January 1,1991
(NAPS), Uttarpradesh
Narora Atomic Power Station
20 2 PHWR 220 July 1,1992
(NAPS), Uttarpradesh
Kakrapar Atomic Power
21 1 PHWR 220 May 6, 1993
Station (KAPS), Gujarat
Kakrapar Atomic Power September
22 2 PHWR 220
Station (KAPS), Gujarat 1,1995

65
Total Nuclear Power Plant Capacity:
6780 MWe
I M A G E 6.3: O P E R AT I O N A L N U C L E A R P OW E R
PLANTS IN INDIA
• Apsara is the oldest of India's research
reactor.
• The reactor was designed by the
Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC)
and built with assistance from the
United Kingdom (which also provided
the initial fuel supply consisting of 80
percent enriched uranium).
• Apsara first went critical in August 1956.
• Apsara is a light water swimming pool-
type reactor with a maximum power
output of one megawatt thermal (MWt).
• The reactor burns enriched uranium in
the form of aluminum alloyed curved
plates.
• Fuel for the reactor is supplied under
contract from the United Kingdom,
provided the fuel is safeguarded. The
reactor itself is not under International
Atomic Energy Agency safeguards.
• The Apsara reactor is utilized for
various experiments including neutron
activation analysis, radiation damage
studies, forensic research, neutron
66
radiography, and shielding experiments.
• The reactor is also used for research
and the production of radioisotopes.
ZERLINA
• It is a zero energy tank type research
reactor which was built indigenously in
1961.
• CIRUS, a tank type reactor of 40
MWe, was commissioned at Tarapur
in 1960 with Canada's assistance, for
engineering experimental work with
facilities for materials testing and
radioisotope production.
PURNIMA-I & PURNIMA-II
• They were commissioned respectively
in 1972 and 1984.
• With It India achieved an important
milestone in its ‘Fast Reactor’
programme.
DHRUVA
• Its an indigenous tank type 100 MWe
reactor went into operation in 1985 for
research in advanced nuclear physics
and isotope production.
PURNIMA III
• It is also a tank type reactor of 1 MWe
attained criticality in November 1990.
• The sole objective of It reactor is to
conduct mockup studies for the Kamini
reactor.
KAMINI
• The construction of KAMINI (Kalpakkam
Mini Reactor) in 1996 marks an important
land mark in India’s endeavor at
mastering uranium-233-based nuclear
fuel.
Designed based on Rapsody Reactor of
France, it is the only reactor globally that
uses U-233 as fuel.
• It will be mainly used to study the highly
radioactive fuel elements discharged
from FBTR at Kalpakkam.
• It will help develop high-performance
plutonium fuel elements for the proto-
type FBR to be built in the next century.
• It is also called the ‘Zero -Power’ reactor
as the amount of electricity produced
(40 MWe) is consumed by the reactor
itself for research purposes.
Atomic Energy Commission
• The Indian Atomic Energy Commission
was first setup in August 1948 in the
Department of Scientific Research,
which was created a few months earlier
in June 1948.
The Atomic Energy Regulatory
Board
• It was constituted on November 15, 1983,
by the President of India by exercising
the powers conferred by the Atomic
Energy Act, 1962 to carry out certain
regulatory and safety functions under
the Act.
• The regulatory authority of AERB is
derived from the rules and notifications
promulgated under the Atomic Energy
Act and the Environment (Protection)
Act, 1986.
• Mission: The Mission of the AERB is to
ensure the use of ionizing radiation and
nuclear energy in India does not cause
undue risk to the health of people and
the environment.
• Mandate: The Atomic Energy
Regulatory Board (AERB) has the
mandate to enforce rules and
regulations promulgated under the
Atomic Energy Act, 1962 for ensuring
67
radiological safety in the country.
AERB also administers the provisions
of Factories Act, 1948 for ensuring
industrial safety in the units that are
under the purview of the Board.
India’s Civil Nuclear Deals:
At present, India has civil nuclear
agreements with 14 countries that
vary in letter and spirit. India holds the
potential to expand its sector immensely
by strengthening its current partnerships
and forging new ones. It is required to
supplement its growing energy demands
while asserting its leadership position in
the changing global order.
• India’s rise in the geopolitical sphere
is encouraged partly by its deeper
involvement in the nuclear energy
sector and has facilitated its presence
in the global civil nuclear framework.
• A central tenet of these agreements
focuses on the “peaceful purposes”
of nuclear power; It entails the “use
of information, nuclear material,
equipment or components in such
fields as research, power generation,
medicine, agriculture and industry.”
• India’s agreements with 14 countries
include Argentina, Australia, Canada,
Czech Republic, France, Japan,
Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Namibia, Russia,
South Korea, United Kingdom, US and
Vietnam. The most critical factor that
has facilitated these agreements is
India’s exceptionally clean track record
in nuclear nonproliferation.
• India has observed a self-moratorium
on conducting nuclear tests after
second round of Pokhran in 1998. It has
abided by the principles of the NPT far
better than even some of its signatories.
The following paragraphs dissect the
most significant among India’s nuclear
agreements.
DARK ENERGY
• Roughly 68% of the universe is dark
energy. It is a property of space that
does not get diluted as space expands.
As more space comes into existence,
more of this energy-of space appears.
As a result, dark energy causes the
universe to expand faster and faster.
• While Dark matter exerts a “pull”
on the universe, Dark Energy has a
contrasting expansionary effect. As is
it evident, our universe is expanding,
indicating that Dark Energy has a
greater abundance than dark matter.
• By the laws of cosmology, the total
amount of mass in the universe cannot
increase. Hence while the amount
of Dark matter remains constant,
Dark Energy which is a property
of space itself is bound to increase
exponentially. Eventually, Dark energy
would overcome the influence of dark
matter and lead to further expansion
of the universe.
India-US
• On 18 May 1974, India conducted
‘Operation 6 Smiling Buddha’ — or
Pokhran-I, the country’s first successful
nuclear test.
• Subsequently, India’s successful nuclear
tests on 11 and 13 May 1998 forced the
world to acknowledge India’s entry into
the nuclear order. The 1998 nuclear tests
completely changed the context within
which the US interacted with India and
the resulting negotiations were vital in
the signing of the agreement.
• India’s bid to be recognized as a
responsible nuclear power and its
integration with the global non-
proliferation order was stalled due to
the international perception regarding
its status as a nuclear weapons state
and its geopolitical significance not
being a signatory to the NPT. India’s
68
integration into the global nuclear non-
proliferation architecture was aided
by the “growing strategic convergence
between India and the US” through the
“Next Steps in Strategic 12 Partnership”
issued in 2003-04.
• The document would prove instrumental
in cementing India’s rise to the status of
key actor in the non-proliferation regime.
• India’s nuclear isolation ended with its
signing of a civil nuclear agreement
with the US in 2005.
123 Agreement
• The agreement facilitated a much
deeper engagement between India
and the US, while amending domestic
US legal regime to enable closer
cooperation between India and the US
on civil nuclear energy issues.
• The 2005 agreement also called for
change in the global civil nuclear energy
framework, including the International
Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the
NSG.
• Further, India committed itself to
continuing its unilateral moratorium
on nuclear testing and strengthening
the measures to restrict the transfer
of nuclear technologies to states and
actors who do not possess them.
• The agreement also led to India further
updating and tightening its domestic
export control regulations.
• India became the only country with
nuclear weapons who is not party to the
NPT. It could engage in nuclear trade
with the rest of the world. Therefore,
the NSG waiver paved the way for India
to take its place as a valuable partner
in the civil nuclear trade framework.
On 2 February 2009, India signed
an agreement with IAEA (called the
India Safeguards Agreement) which
subjected India’s civil nuclear facilities
to IAEA safeguards.
The India-US civil nuclear agreement's
key features became some of the points
of reference for India’s future discussions
and agreements with other civil nuclear
partners.
a. Advanced nuclear energy research and
development in such areas as may be
agreed between the Parties;
b. Nuclear safety matters of mutual
interest and competence, as set out in
Article 3;
c. Facilitation of exchange of scientists
for visits, meetings, symposia and
collaborative research;
d. Full civil nuclear cooperation activities
covering nuclear reactors and aspects
of the associated nuclear fuel cycle
including technology transfer on an
industrial or commercial scale between
the Parties or authorized persons;
e. Development of a strategic reserve
of nuclear fuel to guard against any
disruption of supply over the lifetime of
India’s reactors;
f. Advanced research and development
in nuclear sciences including but not
limited to biological research, medicine,
agriculture and industry, environment
and climate change;
g. Supply between the Parties, whether for
use by or for the benefit of the Parties
or third countries, of nuclear material;
h. Alteration in form or content of nuclear
material as provided for in Article 6 ;
i. Supply between the Parties of
equipment, whether for use by or for the
benefit of the Parties or third countries;
j. Controlled thermonuclear fusion
including in multilateral projects; and
k. Other areas of mutual interest as may
be agreed by the Parties. In terms of
the agreement's implementation, both
parties attempted to articulate a concise
way forward in maneouvring through the
relationship in a positive manner and
remove possibilities of dispute.
69
Civil Liability
• A point of contention in the agreement
arose on the issue of civil liability.
• In the wake of the contention as
mentioned above and the ongoing issue
of liability following the Bhopal Gas
tragedy, the Indian Parliament enacted
The Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage
Act in 2010 which created mechanisms
for victim compensation, provisions on
recourse liability on suppliers (Section
17B) and potentially unlimited liability
under other laws 23 (Section 46).
• These aspects of the law have impeded
the operationalisation of the India-US
nuclear agreement.
• The deadlock has affected India’s
plans to pursue nuclear energy and
establish bilateral relations with other
supplier countries. Section 17B of the
act allowed a liable operator to recover
compensation from the suppliers in
the case of a nuclear accident, with
the liability to be held for a potentially
indefinite time.
• It became a primary challenge in the
India-US 123 agreement. It went against
the internationally established norms
of recourse in nuclear civil liability
conventions, which puts the operators'
sole onus.
How the issue was resolved?
• India signed an international
treaty called the Convention on
Supplementary Compensation for
Nuclear Damage (CSC), raising concerns
among US counterparts. There was
a discrepancy in the enactment of
the international treaty and India’s
domestic laws. However, during then
President Barack Obama’s 2015 visit
to India, a compromise was reached
between the two parties. India agreed
to set up an insurance pool to protect
companies constructing reactors in the
country.
• Thus, India would provide relief to
investors from the clause of paying huge
compensations in case of an incident.
• The issue of civil liability poses a
challenge to India and other states
alike in establishing bilateral and
multilateral relations in civil nuclear
energy cooperation. The India-US
interaction suggests a need to come up
with innovative solutions at a domestic
and international level.
India-France
• The French Atomic Energy Commission
(CEA) offered technical cooperation
to India on civil nuclear innovation in
1950, which happened in 1951. The two
countries signed a bilateral agreement
“for the research and construction of
beryllium-moderated reactors”.
• Following India’s 1974 peaceful nuclear
explosion, France emerged as the only
western country to commend the event,
pointing to it as a reflection of India’s
advancement in the nuclear sector.
• France’s support to India was already
seen in its continued supply of fuel to
India’s Tarapur Nuclear Plant after
the US and Canada terminated their
agreements in protest of the 1974
peaceful nuclear explosion.
• France also openly opposed US
sanctions on India after the 1998
nuclear tests and helped create a
positive environment during India’s
negotiations with the IAEA.
• India and France signed an agreement
in 30 September 2008. France became
the first country to sign a civil nuclear
agreement with India following the
India-specific NSG waiver.
• India and France also signed an
“industrial way forward” agreement
which covers many issues including
costs, safety concerns and liabilities.
Through agreement, Électricité de
France (EDF) and Nuclear Power
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Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL)
established the practice of ensuring
India’s laws on liabilities are enacted
under the purview of the internationally
established CSC.
INDIA -FRANCE DEAL, 2008
According to the agreement, France
will construct six European Pressurised
Reactors (EPR nuclear reactors) of 1,650
MW each and implement the 9,900 MW
Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project (JNPP) in
an expedited manner.
The deal focused on emerging fields in the
nuclear arena, for instance, agronomy,
biology and earth sciences.
The deal also created the opportunity for
India to be a part of the ITER (International
Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor -
an international nuclear fusion research
and engineering 32 megaproject), with
the aid of both France and the US.
India-Russia
The nuclear cooperation between India
and Russia dates to the 1960s, when
India and the Soviet Union signed several
agreements. In the first 10 years, these
agreements were focused on scientific and
technical cooperation, such as facilitating
the exchange of scholars.
• The first substantive bilateral nuclear
cooperation agreement between India
and the Soviet Union was signed after
India’s Pokhran-I within the nuclear
domain.
• The Soviet Union agreed to supply
heavy water for the Rajasthan Atomic
Power Station (RAPS-I&II) through
a bilateral agreement signed in
September 1976.
• In November 1988, a deal was signed
with the Soviet Union to construct a
nuclear power station made up of two
“pressurized light water reactors, of
1000 MWe each.”
• Throughout the 1990s, Russia remained
a key supplier of nuclear fuel to India,
during a time of limited progress in
India’s engagement with the global
nuclear architecture.
• On 5 December 2008, the two countries
signed an agreement to construct four
additional units at Kudankulam and on
developing new sites.
• Russia welcomed India’s decision to set
up a ‘Global Centre for Nuclear Energy
Partnership’. It was established in 2010
and both countries agreed to discuss
future cooperation.
• In conjunction with Kudankulam,
India agreed to identify a second site
to expedite further cooperation with
Russia and strive to collaborate on at
least 12 units in the next 20 years.
• Both India and Russia also agreed to
consider cooperation on nuclear energy's
peaceful uses with third countries.
• Cooperation in the peaceful use of
nuclear energy has been an important
pillar of partnership. Russia has
remained India’s important partner
and it has helped India at several critical
junctures including after the 1974 and
1998 nuclear tests.
India-Japan
• The India-Japan Agreement for
Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of
Nuclear Energy was signed in November
2016 and entered into force in July
2017. The agreement encompassed
several aspects of cooperation, from
exchanging information and expertise
to support in design and construction
of reactors.
Benefits to India:
• Japan is a major player in the civil
nuclear energy market and an atomic
energy deal like will compliment US
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based nuclear plant manufacturers
such as Westinghouse Electric
Corporation.
• It will help easier and improve the
prospects of setting up nuclear
power plants in India as both these
conglomerates have Japanese
investments.
• Japan holds a “near monopoly” on
the AP100 and EPR reactors' reactor
elements, such as safety components
and domes.
• The agreement has boosted the ‘special
and privileged strategic partnership’
between the two countries, which has
seen a huge uptake in the last decade
or so.
• It was a breakthrough for India as it
became the first non-NPT signatory to
enter into a civil nuclear cooperation
pact with Japan, thus recognising
India's de facto status as a nuclear
weapons power.
Benefits to Japan:
• In the aftermath of the 2011 Fukushima
nuclear disaster, the nuclear industry
began facing a near-global crisis.
Stricter safety regulations have caused
an increase in the costs of constructing
nuclear power plants, and some
countries have become more cautious
about new nuclear reactors.
» The deal with India is likely to impact
revitalizing the Japanese civil nuclear
industry, which is yet to recover from
the setback of the Fukushima accident.
Hitachi, Mitsubishi and Toshiba are all
focusing on repair and maintenance of
existing plants (most idle) rather than
the construction of new ones.
Issue in the deal and resolution:
• A contested aspect is the ‘Nullification
clause’, which automatically suspends
 cooperation between the parties in
India conducting nuclear tests.
• “However, it was resolved by annexing
a separate memorandum to the treaty
which specifies Japan can suspend
cooperation with India if India breaches
its no-testing pledge to the Nuclear
Suppliers Group (NSG).”
Thus, this agreement will further boost
India and Japan's energy security goals
while accelerating the pace of strategic
cooperation between the two sides as they
play a larger role in ensuring a safe and
secure Indo-Pacific.
India-Russia-Bangladesh (A
Tripartite Agreement)
• A momentous first for India was signing
a tripartite agreement with Russia
and Bangladesh to work together on
the Rooppur Nuclear Power plant in
Bangladesh.
• The landmark deal was signed in March
2018 and signaled a shift in India’s
acceptance in the global nuclear
community as a responsible nuclear
power.
• The NPCIL is the commanding authority
from the Indian side to assist in the
construction, installation, and work in
capacity building and provide support
to Russia, which will take the lead in
designing, manufacturing, and supply
of equipment and construction of the
facility.
• It is the first initiative under the India-
Russia deal where both countries
decided to undertake an atomic energy
project in a third country.
Issues Related to Nuclear
Energy
1. Long Time Lag Between Planning
and Operation
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• The time lag between planning and
operation of a nuclear reactor includes
the times to identify a site, obtain
a site permit, purchase or lease the
land, obtain a construction permit,
obtain financing and insurance for
construction, install transmission,
negotiate a power purchase agreement,
obtain permits, build the plant, connect
it to transmission, and obtain a final
operating license.
• One nuclear power plant takes about 14
years to build, from the planning phase
to operation.
• Wind and solar farms, on the other
hand, take on average only 2 to 5 years,
from the planning phase to operation.
• Rooftop solar PV projects are down to
only a 6-month timeline.
2. Cost
• The levelized cost of energy (LCOE) for
a new nuclear plant in 2018, based on
Lazard, was $151 (112 to 189)/MWh. It
compares with $43 (29 to 56)/MWh for
onshore wind and $41 (36 to 46)/MWh
for utility-scale solar PV from the same
source.
3. High Operating Costs
• Challenging market conditions have
left the nuclear industry struggling
to compete. Strict regulations on
maintenance, staffing levels, operator
training, and plant inspections have
become a financial burden for the
industry.
4. Weapons Proliferation Risk
• The Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC) recognizes
the fact with “robust evidence and
high agreement” nuclear weapons
proliferation concern is a barrier and a
potential risk.
5. Meltdown Risk
• A nuclear meltdown is the worst case
scenario for a nuclear power plant,
causing widespread releases of deadly
radiation into the environment that
can spread hundreds of miles away
impacting wildlife as well as humans.
Radiation can not be seen, smelled, or
tasted and exposure can lead to serious
side effects.
• Meltdowns have been either
catastrophic (as experienced in
Chernobyl, Russia in 1986; three
reactors at Fukushima, Japan in 2011)
or damaging (Three-Mile Island, Saint-
Laurent France in 1980).
6. Mining Lung Cancer Risk
• Uranium mining causes lung cancer
in large numbers of miners because
uranium mines contain natural radon
gas, some of whose decay products are
carcinogenic.
7. Carbon-Equivalent Emissions and
Air Pollution
• There is no such thing as a zero- or
close-to-zero emission nuclear power
plant. Even existing plants emit due to
the continuous mining and refining of
uranium needed for the plant.
8. Waste Risk
• Finally, consumed fuel rods from nuclear
plants are radioactive waste. Most fuel
rods are stored at the same site as the
reactor. It has given rise to hundreds of
radioactive waste sites in many countries
that must be maintained and funded.
The more nuclear waste it accumulates,
the greater the risk of radioactive leaks,
which can damage water supply, crops,
animals, and humans.
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Nuclear Non-Proliferation
• The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation
of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) is
the cornerstone of the global
nonproliferation regime. The regime
also includes the International Atomic
Energy Agency’s (IAEA) safeguards
system, a network of bilateral and
multilateral nuclear cooperation
agreements, the system of multilateral
export controls, and a series of UN
Security Council Resolutions, including
Resolution 1887.
Origins of the NPT:
• The U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower’s
Atoms for Peace initiative, creating the
International Atomic Energy Agency
(IAEA), the development of IAEA
safeguards, and the expansion of the
peaceful use of nuclear energy.
• In 1965, the Geneva disarmament
conference began consideration of
a draft nuclear non-proliferation
treaty. The conference completed its
negotiations in 1968, and on July 1, 1968,
the (NPT) was opened for signature.
• The NPT entered into force on March 5,
1970.
The Three Pillars
The NPT’s grand bargain rests on three
pillars:
• Non-proliferation,
• Peaceful use of nuclear energy, and
• Disarmament.
Nonproliferation:
• Under Article I of the NPT, nuclear
weapon states pledge not to transfer
nuclear weapons or other nuclear
explosive devices to any recipient or
in any way assist, encourage or induce
any non-nuclear-weapon state in the
 manufacture or acquisition of a nuclear
weapon.
• The NPT defines a nuclear-weapon
state as a state that manufactured and
exploded a nuclear weapon or other
nuclear device before 1 January, 1967.
These states are China, France, Russia,
the United Kingdom, and the United
States. All other states are non-nuclear-
weapon states under the Treaty.
• Under Article II of the NPT, non-nuclear-
weapon states pledge not to acquire or
exercise control over nuclear weapons
or other nuclear explosive devices and
not seek or receive assistance in the
manufacture of such devices.
• Under Article III of the Treaty, non-
nuclear-weapon states pledge to
accept IAEA safeguards to verify It their
nuclear activities serve only peaceful
purposes.
Peaceful Uses:
• NPT Article IV acknowledges all Parties'
right to develop nuclear energy for
peaceful purposes and benefit from
international cooperation and in
conformity with their nonproliferation
obligations. Article IV also encourages
such cooperation.
Disarmament:
• Under Article VI of the NPT, all Parties
undertake to pursue good-faith
negotiations on effective measures
relating to cessation of the nuclear
arms race, nuclear disarmament, and
general and complete disarmament.
• These pillars are interrelated and
mutually reinforcing. An effective
nonproliferation regime whose
members comply with their obligations
provides an essential foundation for
progress on disarmament and makes
possible greater cooperation on nuclear
energy's peaceful use.
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• With the right to access the benefits of
peaceful nuclear technology comes the
responsibility of nonproliferation.
• Progress on disarmament
reinforces efforts to strengthen
the nonproliferation regime and
enforce compliance with obligations,
thereby facilitating peaceful nuclear
cooperation.
NPT Successes and Challenges:
• From 43 Parties in 1970, NPT adherence
has grown to nearly 190 Parties,
making it the most widely followed
to nonproliferation or arms control
agreement in history.
• Only four states- India, Israel, South
Sudanand Pakistan- did not sign/
ratified the treaty. Only one state—
North Korea- has announced its
withdrawal from the NPT. India always
considered the NPT as discriminatory
and had refused to sign it.
Successes
• The overarching benefit provided by
the NPT is of enhanced international
peace and security.
• The NPT is the cornerstone of the
international nuclear nonproliferation
regime which includes the framework
of legal restrictions, safeguards, export
controls, international cooperation,
and other mechanisms to prevent
proliferation.
• Peaceful applications of nuclear energy
have grown in number and importance,
as have the number of states with
peaceful nuclear programs and the
level of international cooperation aimed
at bringing the peaceful benefits of
nuclear energy to the greatest number
of people.
Role of IAEA In NPT:
• Established in 1957 as an autonomous
international organization within the
United Nations system, the IAEA carries
out programs to maximize nuclear
technology's contribution to society
while verifying its peaceful use.
• The International Atomic Energy
Agency (IAEA) is not a party to the
NPT. However, it is entrusted with a
key verification role under it. Under the
NPT, the IAEA has a specific role as the
international safeguards inspectorate.
• The International Atomic Energy
Agency (IAEA) works to enhance the
contribution of nuclear energy for
peace and prosperity worldwide while
ensuring its nuclear material is not
diverted to nuclear weapons or other
explosive nuclear devices.
» Reliance on an evolving IAEA
safeguards system is reflected in Article
III of the Treaty as the mechanism by
which non-nuclear-weapon states
verify their adherence to their peaceful
use undertakings.
» Article III links safeguards to export
controls by requiring applying IAEA
safeguards to nuclear exports to non-
nuclear-weapon states.
» The Zangger Committee and the
Nuclear Suppliers Group are the two
bodies committed to developing export
controls to prevent the diversion of
nuclear and nuclear related exports
from peaceful to weapons purposes
without hindering cooperation on
nuclear energy's peaceful use.
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IAEA
The IAEA works with its 164 Member
States.
The IAEA headquarters is at the
Vienna International Centre in Vienna,
Austria.
Operational liaison and regional
offices are located in Geneva,
Switzerland; New York, USA; Toronto,
Canada; and Tokyo, Japan.
The IAEA runs scientific laboratories
in Vienna and Seibersdorf, Austria
and in Monaco.
It also supports research centres, such
as the one in Trieste, Italy
Role of IAEA
The IAEA assists its Member States
and promotes the exchange of
scientific and technical information.
The IAEA’s work also includes setting
the framework for cooperative
efforts to build and strengthen an
international nuclear safety and
security regime and verifying States’
fulfilment of their non-proliferation
undertakings under the NPT.
The IAEA Secretariat is a team of some
2500 multi-disciplinary professional
and support staff from more than 100
countries.
Challenges
• The NPT and the larger nonproliferation
regime are not static. Over the past
forty years the regime has confronted
and adapted itself to address many
challenges.
Noncompliance with Nonproliferation
Obligations
• One of the key challenges to the treaty
continues to be noncompliance with
nonproliferation obligations by a few
 NPT non-nuclear-weapon states.
• The overwhelming majority of
NPT Parties do comply with their
nonproliferation obligations, but
continuing compliance challenges
make clear the need for the international
community to remain vigilant and
• The nonproliferation regime, to pursue
international efforts to bring non-
compliant states back into compliance.
• Inability to recognize India as a
responsible nuclear state: The treaty
and the recognized nuclear states have
not shown willingness to recognize
India as a responsible state which has
hindered its holistic adoption.
• Mismatch between responsibility
and resources: IAEA safeguards
system is also facing the challenge
of a growing imbalance between its
workload and its resources. As the
Agency’s responsibilities have grown,
its resources have not increased
proportionately.
• Detecting undeclared nuclear
materials and activities: IAEA has
the authority under a comprehensive
safeguards agreement to verify the
peaceful use of all nuclear material in
a State (i.e. the State's correctness and
completeness’s declarations), the tools
available to the IAEA under such an
agreement are limited. Indeed, one of
the greatest challenges for the IAEA is
to detect undeclared nuclear material
and activities.
• The Non-State Actor Threat:
» The 21st century experience of terrorist
attacks planned to cause mass civilian
casualties, including the September 11,
2001, attacks in the United States, has
meant a heightened awareness of the
threat posed should non-state actors
gain access to nuclear weapons or
nuclear or radiological materials, or
attack a nuclear facility.
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» The revelation of the A.Q. Khan network
and the extent of its illicit activities
made clear non-state actors' potential
to further proliferation.
WHAT MATERIAL IS SUBJECT TO
SAFEGUARDS?
The safeguards system aims at
detecting the diversion of the type
of nuclear material that could
potentially be misused for nuclear
weapons purposes. Such material
includes enriched uranium, plutonium
and uranium-233.
Other types of nuclear material
subject to safeguards include natural
uranium and depleted uranium, the
latter commonly used, for instance,
as shielding for radiation sources in
hospitals, industry and agriculture.
Radioactive sources that do not
contain nuclear material are not
subject to safeguards and need not
be reported to the IAEA under a
safeguard’s agreement.
Some Terms Related To NPT
Additional Protocols (APs).
• These are the protocols designed
to strengthen the effectiveness and
improve the safeguards system's
efficiency as a contribution to global
nuclear non-proliferation objectives.
• They equip the IAEA with better tools
to assure the non-diversion of declared
nuclear material and the absence
of undeclared nuclear material and
activities.
Comprehensive safeguards agreements
(CSAs).
• Agreements between States and the
IAEA for applying safeguards on all
nuclear material in all peaceful nuclear
activities in a State facility.
• A reactor, critical facility, conversion
plant, fuel fabrication plant,
reprocessing plant, isotope separation
plant or separate storage installation;
or any location where nuclear material
in amounts greater than one effective
kilogram is customarily used.
India’s Nuclear
Doctrine:
What is a Nuclear Doctrine?
• A nuclear doctrine states how a nuclear
weapon state would employ its nuclear
weapons during peace and war.
• The doctrine helps to establish
deterrence vis-à-vis adversaries.
Historical Background
• Nehru was against nuclear weapons so
he pleaded with the superpowers for
comprehensive nuclear disarmament.
However, the nuclear arsenal kept
rising.
• After 1998 Nuclear Tests, India adopted
an elaborate nuclear policy.
• Since the adoption of nuclear doctrine,
India has said consistently its nuclear
weapons were based on staggering
and punitive retaliation, in case the
deterrence has failed
India’s Nuclear Doctrine
1. The basic principle of India's nuclear
doctrine is "No First Use". According
to the policy, nuclear weapons will
only be used in retaliation against a
nuclear attack on the Indian Territory
or Indian forces anywhere. If a country
invades India by a nuclear missile, its
retaliation will be much massive and
terrible that the enemy experiences an
unacceptable damage and would not
77
be able to recover easily.
2. India needs to build and maintain
a Credible Minimum Deterrence. It
includes;
• Sufficient and survivable nuclear forces
to inflict unacceptable damage to the
enemy.
• Nuclear Forces must always be
operationally prepared.
• Effective Intelligence and Early Warning
Capabilities.
• Communication of Deterrence
Capability to the enemy.
3. Nuclear weapons will not be used
against non-nuclear states.
4. If there is any chemical or biological
attack against India or Indian security
forces, then India will keep the option
of nuclear attack open in its response.
5. India will continue to support the
global initiative to create a nuclear-
free world and push forward the
idea of discrimination-free nuclear
disarmament.
6. A continuance of strict controls on
the export of nuclear and missile-
related materials and technologies,
participation in the fissile material Cutoff
Treaty negotiations, and continued
observance of the moratorium on
nuclear tests.
Decision-Making Under
Nuclear Doctrine
• The right to take nuclear action against
the enemy will only be taken by the
elected representatives of the people,
i.e. the country's political leadership.
However, the cooperation of the Nuclear
Command Authority will be necessary.
• In other words; the bureaucracy is not
authorised to decide the nuclear attack
on the enemy.
» The Nuclear Command Authority (NCA)
comprises of an Executive Council and
a Political Council. The Chairman of the
Political Council is the Prime Minister. It
is the sole body that can authorise the
use of nuclear weapons.
» The Executive Council is headed by the
National Security Advisor (NSA). The
Executive Council provides the inputs
for the Nuclear Command Authority
(NCA) decision and executes the
instructions given to it by the Political
Council.
» It is true only Prime Minister has the
final authority to decide the nuclear
attack on the enemy. But despite
having a secret code the Prime Minister
can’t take the decision alone.
• Thus, the points mentioned above
clarify that India's Nuclear Doctrine is
not meant to threaten or invade any
country but to protect the country's
sovereignty and boundaries.
Advantages of NFU
• The No First use (NFU) policy
facilitates restrained nuclear weapons
programme without tactical weapons
and a complicated command and
control system.
• The doctrine also reduces the chances
of unnecessary chaos as the onus of
escalating a nuclear use lies on the
adversary.
• The doctrine minimises the probability
of nuclear use by avoiding the
deployment of weapons on hair-trigger
alert and keeping an arms-race in
check
• Strict adherence to the doctrine can
strengthen India’s efforts to gain
membership in Nuclear Supplier Group
78
(NSG) and United Nations Security
Council (UNSC).
Arguments Against NFU
• Nuclear weapons are often seen as
an antidote to conventional inferiority
as the inferior party will seek to deter
conventional attack by threatening a
nuclear response.
• The idea of no-first-use (NFU) of nuclear
weapons has been rejected by some
nuclear weapons states and accepted
only at the declaratory level by most, if
not by all of the others.
• In India the NFU policy has been called
into question because it allows Pakistan
to take the initiative while restricting
India’s options militarily and puts India
in a disadvantageous position.
• Pakistan’s low nuclear thresholds and
its policy of using its nuclear umbrella
to foment sub-conventional conflict
in India is the principal reason behind
the debate around India’s ‘no first use’
policy.
Implications of Abandoning NFU
for India
• Withdrawing the NFU policy and
making a declaration to can affect
India’s status as a responsible nuclear
power.
• Such a step will abrogate India’s
commitment to nuclear disarmament's
universal goal and upset the regional
balance in the sub-continent.
• Moreover, China’s expansionist policies
cannot be deterred by revising the
doctrine, the decision to abandon the
doctrine can send a deliberate signal of
provocation to China.
• Nuclear preemption is a costly policy
as it requires massive investment
in weapons and delivery systems
and intelligence, surveillance, and
 reconnaissance (ISR) infrastructure.
• India would require a far bigger
inventory of nuclear weapons
particularly as eliminating adversaries’
nuclear capabilities would require
targeting its nuclear assets involving
multiple warheads.
Way Forward
• As security is a dynamic concept and
all doctrines needs periodic reviews.
• If Indian policymakers feel a need to
review the nation’s nuclear doctrine,
they should be cognizant of the costs
involved.
• Also, India must gradually revise
its posture of ‘active deterrence’ to
‘dissuasive deterrence’ by building up
its infrastructure along the border and
improving the surveillance and warning
capabilities.
Disarmament
• Disarmament is the act of reducing,
limiting, or abolishing weapons.
Disarmament is often taken to mean
total elimination of Weapons of Mass
Destruction (WMD), such as nuclear
arms.
• The United Nations General Assembly
defines it as complete disarmament
or the elimination of all WMD, coupled
with the balanced reduction of armed
forces and conventional armaments,
based on the principle of undiminished
security of the parties, taking into
account the need of all States to protect
their security.
Disarmament Obligations Of 2.
Nuclear Weapon States (NWS): •
• The NWS have themselves defined
what is required to advance the
79
internationally agreed objectives of
global nuclear disarmament and
nonproliferation.
• The NWS have committed to
negotiating a Fissile Material
Production Cut-off Treaty (FMCT)
and to observe voluntary, unilateral
moratorium on the production of fissile
materials for weapons purposes.
• Three essential agreements set
out under NWS commitments and
obligations are
» Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)
itself,
» The 1995 NPT Review Conference
agreement on Principles and Objectives
for nuclear non-proliferation and
disarmament, and
» The 2001 NPT Review Conference
agreement on "practical steps for the
systematic and progressive efforts to
implement article VI of the NPT."
• India describes itself as, and aspires to
be recognized as, a NWS. Such formal
recognition should not and will not be
forthcoming, but there is certainly a
movement toward treating India as if
it were a NWS - essentially a de facto
nuclear weapon state (DNWS).
India’s Disarmament Commitments
1. Disarmament
• Unlike the NWS, India is not a signatory
to the NPT and thus is not under a
Treaty obligation to disarm. However, its
declared commitment to disarmament
reflects its recognition of the global
norm against any long-term retention
of nuclear weapons.
CTBT
India's unilateral moratorium on
nuclear testing was made a bilateral
political commitment India continues
 to reject the CTBT, but implies it in "a
positive environment" it would sign on,
suggesting ratification of the CTBT
should be a minimal condition for
support for the deal in the NSG.
3. FMCT
• India supports negotiations toward an
FMCT but refuses to join a moratorium
on fissile materials for weapons
purposes.
4. NSA's
• India currently stands by a qualified,
unilateral NSA declaration, and
supports legally-binding NSAs. Its
NSA declaration is qualified because
it reserves the right to respond to
chemical or biological threats/attacks
with a nuclear threat/attack, thus its
commitment falls short of the 1995 and
2000 commitments made by the NWS.
5. Reduced operational status
• Indian nuclear forces appear to be
substantially reduced readiness status,
meaning India is currently in essential
compliance with the NWS commitment.
6. Safeguarding surplus fissile materials
• India does not regard itself to be able
to declare any fissile materials for
weapons purposes to be surplus to its
military needs.
7. Reporting
• India is highly wary of transparency in
matters related to its nuclear arsenal.
Transparency in civilian programs is a
declared objective of the US-India deal,
but India links transparency in military
nuclear programs to agreement on
transparency measures with "all States."
FOREIGN SECRETARY ON INDIA’S
NUCLEAR STANCE:
• India’s Foreign Secretary Harsh
Vardhan Shringla reiterated that
nuclear weapons should be abolished
in a step-by-step non-discriminatory
process.

Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW)

• The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), or the Nuclear Weapon
Ban Treaty, is the first legally binding international agreement to comprehensively
prohibit nuclear weapons with the ultimate goal being their total elimination..
• The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) includes a comprehensive
set of prohibitions on participating in any nuclear weapon activities. These include
undertakings not to develop, test, produce, acquire, possess, stockpile, use or
threaten to use nuclear weapons. The Treaty also prohibits the deployment of
nuclear weapons on national territory and the provision of assistance to any State
in the conduct of prohibited activities.
• States parties will be obliged to prevent and suppress any activity prohibited under
the TPNW undertaken by persons or on territory under its jurisdiction or control.
• The treaty included participation by a large majority of States, the International
Committee of the Red Cross and hundreds of representatives of non-governmental
organizations, principally coordinated by the International Campaign to Abolish
Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), played an important role in building demand for urgent
action to advance nuclear disarmament negotiations.

80
 CHAPTER - 7
SPACE TECHNOLOGY
Introduction
• Dr. Vikram Sarabhai was the founding
father of Indian space program,
who quickly recognized the benefits
of space technologies for India. He
convened able and brilliant scientists,
anthropologists, communicators, and
social scientists from all corners of the
country to spearhead the Indian space
program.
• Since inception, the Indian space
program has been orchestrated well
and had three distinct elements such
as,
» Satellites for communication and
remote sensing
» The space transportation system
» The Space application programmes
• Dr. Sarabhai was convinced and
envisioned that the resources in space
can address man and society's real
problems.
• It was in 1967, the first ‘Experimental
Satellite Communication Earth Station
(ESCES)’ located in Ahmedabad was
operationalized, which also doubled as
a training center.
• The Satellite Instructional Television
Experiment (SITE), hailed as ‘the largest
sociological experiment in the world’
during 1975-76. SITE was followed
by the Satellite Telecommunication
Experiments Project (STEP), a joint
project of ISRO and Post and Telegraphs
Department (P&T) using the Franco-
German Symphonie satellite during
1977-79. Conceived as a sequel to SITE
which focused on Television, STEP was
81
for telecommunication experiments.
• During this period, the first Indian
spacecraft ‘Aryabhata’ was developed
and was launched using a Soviet
Launcher.
• Another major landmark was the
development of the first launch vehicle
SLV-3 with a capability to place 40 kg
in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), which had its
first successful flight in 1980.
• Through the SLV-3 program
competence was built up for the overall
vehicle design, mission design, material,
hardware fabrication, solid propulsion
technology, control power plants,
avionics, vehicle integration checkout
and launch operations.
• Developing multistage rocket systems
with appropriate control and guidance
systems to orbit a satellite was a major
landmark in our space program.
• Development of the complex
Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle
(ASLV), also demonstrated newer
technologies like strap-on, bulbous
heat shield, closed loop guidance and
digital autopilot. It paved the way
for learning many nuances of launch
vehicle design for complex missions,
leading to realisation of operational
launch vehicles such as PSLV and GSLV.
• During the operational phase in 90’s,
major space infrastructure was created
under two broad classes:
» One for the communication,
broadcasting and meteorology through
a multi-purpose Indian National
Satellite system (INSAT).
» The other for Indian Remote Sensing
Satellite (IRS) system.
• The development and operationalisation 1961- Department of Atomic Energy was entrusted with
of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) the subject of Space Research.

and development of Geo-synchronous

Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) were
1962-
significant achievements. Research was formed under DAE and the work on

near Thiruvananthapuram was also started

Department of 1969 -

Space
• The Department of Space (DOS) has 1972-
Commission and established Department of Space
the primary objective of promoting (DOS) and ISRO was brought under DOS

development and application of space

science and technology to assist in I M A G E 7.2: E VO L U T I O N O F I N D I A N S PA C E
all-round development of the nation. PROGRAM
To achieve this DOS has evolved the • The Space Commission: It
following programmes: formulates the policies and oversees
the implementation of the Indian
space programme to promote the
development and application of
space science and technology for the
country's socio-economic benefit.
Launch INSAT • DOS - implements these programmes
Vehicle Programme through, mainly,
programme for 1. Indian Space Research Organisation
To have telecommunica (ISRO)
indigenous
2. Physical Research Laboratory (PRL)
3. National Atmospheric Research
Remote Research and Laboratory (NARL)
Sensing Development
Programme in Space 4. North Eastern-Space Applications
Sciences and Centre (NE-SAC)
of satellite Technology 5. Semi-Conductor Laboratory (SCL)
• The Antrix Corporation, established in
1992 as a government owned company,
I M A G E 7.1: P R O G R A M M E S O F D E PA R T M E N T OF
markets the space products and
S PA C E
services.
• Few keywords to understand space
concepts.
Keywords

Keywords Information

An orbit is a regular, repeating path in space where an object

Orbit revolves around another one. Planets, comets, asteroids and
other objects in the solar system orbit the Sun.

82
 An object in an orbit is called a satellite. A satellite can be
natural, like Earth or the moon. Many planets have moons
Satellite
which orbits them. A satellite can also be human-made, like the
International Space Station.

A rocket is a vehicle used to provide thrust for an object. It can

Rocket be used as a missile or a launch vehicle. It consists of - fuel &
oxidizer, together called as propellant and the engine.

An imaginary, gigantic flat plate containing an Earth satellite's

Orbital Plane
orbit. The orbital plane passes through the center of Earth.

Ellipse A flattened circle or oval.

Microgravity is the condition in which people or objects appear

to be weightless. The effects of microgravity can be seen when
astronauts and objects float in space. Microgravity can be
experienced in other ways, as well. In microgravity, astronauts
Microgravity can float in their spacecraft - or outside, on a spacewalk.
Heavy objects move around easily. For example, astronauts
can move equipment weighing hundreds of pounds with their
fingertips. Microgravity is sometimes called "zero gravity," but
It is misleading.

A launch vehicle provides the velocity needed by a spacecraft

Launch Vehicle
to escape Earth's gravity and set it on its course.

The velocity which is sufficient for a body to escape from a

gravitational centre of attraction without undergoing any
further acceleration. Escape velocity decreases with altitude
Escape Velocity
and is equal to the square root of 2 (or about 1.414) times the
velocity necessary to maintain a circular orbit at the same
altitude.

Spacecraft, vehicle designed to operate, with or without a crew,

Spacecraft
in a controlled flight pattern above Earth’s lower atmosphere.

The closest approach to the Earth is known as the perigee

Perigee (from the Greek peri = near). At this point in the orbit, the object
moves at its maximum speed (Kepler’s Second Law).

An elliptical orbit path, point a which a satellite is farthest from

Apogee
the Earth.

83
 It is an optical instrument designed to make distant objects
Telescope appear clearly. Ex: Hubble Telescope – NASA’s one of the most
famous and the largest astronomical satellite.

Van Allen radiation belt are doughnut-shaped zones of highly

energetic charged particles trapped at high altitudes in Earth's
Van Allen
magnetic field. The zones were named James A. Van Allen, the
Radiation Belts
American physicist who discovered them in 1958, using data
transmitted by the U.S. Explorer satellite.

Lagrange points are positions in space where objects sent there

tend to stay put. At Lagrange points, the gravitational pull of
two large masses precisely equals the centripetal force required
for a small object to move with them. These points in space can
be used by spacecraft to reduce fuel consumption needed to
remain in position. There are five special points where a small
mass can orbit in a constant pattern with two larger masses.
Of the five Lagrange points, three are unstable and two are
stable. The unstable Lagrange points - labeled L1, L2 and L3 -
lie along the line connecting the two large masses. The stable
Lagrange points - labeled L4 and L5 - form the apex of two
equilateral triangles It have the large masses at their vertices.
L4 leads the orbit of earth and L5 follows.

Lagrange Points

Halo Orbit It is an Orbit around the Lagrange Points.

84
Orbit
• Definition - An orbit is a curved path in
space where an object (such as a star,
planet, moon, asteroid or spacecraft)
takes around another object due to
gravity.
• Gravity causes objects in space with
mass to be attracted to nearby objects.
If attraction brings them together
with enough momentum, they can
sometimes begin to orbit each other.
• Objects of similar mass orbit each
other with neither object at the centre,
while small objects orbit around larger
objects.
• In our Solar System, the Moon orbits
Earth, and Earth orbits the Sun, it does
not mean the larger object remains
completely still.
• Because of gravity, Earth is pulled
slightly from its centre by the Moon
(which is why tides form in our oceans)
and our Sun is pulled slightly from its
centre by Earth and other planets.
• When rockets launch satellites, they are
placed in desired orbit. There, gravity
keeps the satellite on its required orbit
– in the same way gravity keeps the
Moon in orbit around Earth.
• There is no air in space and therefore
no air friction, so gravity lets the
satellite orbit around Earth with almost
no further assistance.
Types Of Orbit
• Upon launch, a satellite or spacecraft
is most often placed in one of several
orbits around Earth – or it might be
sent on an interplanetary journey.
Interplanetary journey means, the
satellite does not orbit Earth anymore,
but instead orbits the Sun until it arrives
at its final destination, like Mars or
Jupiter.
85
Geostationary orbit (GEO)
• Satellites in GEO circle Earth above the
equator from west to east following
Earth’s rotation – taking 23 hours 56
minutes and 4 seconds – by travelling
at the same rate as Earth.
• It makes satellites in GEO appear to be
‘stationary’ over a fixed position.
• To perfectly match Earth’s rotation,
the speed of GEO satellites should be
about 3 km per second at an altitude
of 35,786 km. It is much farther from
Earth’s surface compared to many
satellites.
I M A G E 7.3: G E O S TAT I O N A R Y ORBIT
What is GEO used for?
• GEO is used by satellites to stay
constantly above one particular place
over Earth, such as telecommunication
satellites.
• This way, an antenna on Earth can be
fixed always to stay pointed towards
satellite without moving.
• It can also be used by weather
monitoring satellites because they can
continually observe specific areas to
see how weather trends emerge.
Coverage of GEO Satellites
• Satellites in GEO cover a large range of
Earth so as few as three equally spaced
 satellites can provide near global
coverage.
• When a satellite is far from Earth, it can
cover large sections at once.
• It is akin to seeing more of a map from a
metre away compared with if you were
a centimetre from it. To see all of Earth
at once from GEO far fewer satellites
are needed than at a lower altitude.
Low Earth orbit (LEO)
• It is an orbit which is relatively close
to Earth’s surface. It is normally at an
altitude of less than 1000 km but could
be as low as 160 km above Earth –
which is low compared to other orbits.
• Unlike satellites in GEO (as it must
always orbit along Earth’s equator)
LEO satellites do not always have to
follow a particular path around Earth
in the same way – their plane can be
tilted. There are more available routes
for satellites in LEO, which is one of the
reasons why LEO is a very commonly
used orbit.
I M A G E 7.4: L OW E A R T H ORBIT
What is LEO used for?
• LEO’s proximity to Earth makes it useful
for several reasons.
• It is most commonly used for satellite
imaging, as being near the surface
allows it to take images of higher
86
resolution.
• It is also the orbit used for the
International Space Station (ISS), as it
is easier for astronauts to travel to and
from it at a shorter distance.
• Satellites in LEO travel at a speed
of around 7.8 km per second; at this
speed, a satellite takes approximately
90 minutes to circle Earth, meaning the
ISS travels around Earth about 16 times
a day.
• However, individual LEO satellites are
less useful for telecommunication tasks
because they move so fast across the
sky and therefore require a lot of effort
to track from ground stations.
• Instead, LEO communications
satellites often work as part of a
large combination or constellation,
of multiple satellites to give constant
coverage.
• To increase coverage, sometimes
constellations, consisting of several
of the same or similar satellites, are
launched together to create a ‘net’
around Earth. It covers large areas
of Earth simultaneously by working
together.
Medium Earth orbit (MEO)
• Medium Earth orbit comprises a wide
range of orbits anywhere between LEO
and GEO.
• It is like LEO as it does not need to take
specific paths around Earth, and it is
used by a variety of satellites with many
different applications.
What is MEO used for?
• It is very commonly used by navigation
satellites.
Polar orbit and Sun-synchronous
orbit (SSO)
• Satellites in polar orbits usually travel
past Earth from north to south rather
than from west to east, passing roughly
over Earth's poles.
• Satellites in a polar orbit do not precisely
pass the North and South Pole; even a
deviation within 20 to 30 degrees is still
classed as a polar orbit.
• Polar orbits are a low Earth orbit type,
as they are at low altitudes between
200 to 1000 km.
Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO)
• It is a particular kind of polar orbit.
Satellites in SSO, travelling over the
polar regions, are synchronous with the
Sun.
• It means they are synchronised to
always be in the same ‘fixed’ position
relative to the Sun.
• It means the satellite always visits the
same spot at the same local time – for
example, passing the city of Bengaluru
every day at noon precisely.
I M A G E 7.5: S U N -S Y N C H R O N O U S O R B I T
» The satellite will always observe a point
on the Earth at the same time of the
day, it serves several applications; for
example, scientists can use the satellite
images to compare how a particular
region changes over time.
» It is because, if you want to monitor an
area by taking a series of images of
87
a particular place across many days,
weeks, months, or even years, then it
would not be beneficial to compare
somewhere at midnight and then at
midday – you need to take each picture
as similarly as the previous picture
as possible. Therefore, scientists use
image series like these to investigate
how weather patterns emerge, to
help predict storms; to monitor
emergencies like forest fires or flooding;
or to accumulate data on long-term
problems like deforestation or rising
sea levels.
» A satellite in a Sun-synchronous
orbit would usually be at an altitude
of between 600 to 800 km. At 800
km, it will be travelling at a speed of
approximately 7.5 km per second.
Transfer Orbits And Geostationary
Transfer Orbit (GTO)
• Transfer orbits are a special kind of orbit
used to get from one orbit to another.
• When satellites are launched from
Earth and carried to space with launch
vehicles such as Ariane 5, the satellites
are not always placed directly on their
final orbit.
• The satellites are often placed on a
transfer orbit: an orbit where, by using
relatively little energy from built-in
motors, the satellite or spacecraft can
move from one orbit to another.
• It allows a satellite to reach, for example,
a high-altitude orbit like GEO without
needing the launch vehicle to go all the
way to required altitude, which would
require more effort.
• Reaching GEO is an example of one of
the most common transfer orbits, called
the geostationary transfer orbit (GTO).
 successful in sending satellites towards
geosynchronous transfer orbit over the
last decade. Example - Chandrayaan-1
– 2008 and Mars Orbiter Mission or
Mangalyaan – 2014 were launched
using PSLV.
• PSLV earned its title ‘the Workhorse of
ISRO’ through consistently delivering
various satellites to Low Earth Orbits,
particularly the IRS (Indian Remote
Sensing) series of satellites.

I M A G E 7.6: G E O S TAT I O N A R Y T R A N S F E R O R B I T
• PSLVs were used to place the IRNSS
satellite constellation (3 in GEO and 4
in GSO) in orbit.
Types of Launch Vehicles In • PSLV can fly in different configurations
depending on the mass of its payload
India
and the target orbit.
• Launchers or Launch Vehicles are • These configurations vary the number
used to carry spacecraft to space. and type of solid rocket boosters
India has two operational launchers: attached to the rocket’s first stage,
Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) while the four core stages remain the
and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch same across all structures.
Vehicle (GSLV).
• GSLV with indigenous Cryogenic Upper Solid-fuelled Liquid-fuelled
Stage has enabled the launching up
to 2 tonne class of communication stages stages
satellites. The next variant of GSLV is
GSLV Mk III, with indigenous high thrust
cryogenic engine and stage, having the PSLV’s first PSLV’s
capability of launching 4 tonne class of stage second stage
communication satellites.

PSLV’s third PSLV’s fourth

Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV stage stage
)
• Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is
the third generation launch vehicle of
Geosynchronous Satellite Launch
India.
Vehicle (GSLV)
• It is the first Indian launch vehicle to be
equipped with liquid stages. • Geosynchronous Satellite Launch
Vehicle Mark II (GSLV Mk II) is the fourth
• PSLV was developed in 1990s by ISRO to
generation launch vehicle. It is a three
place satellites (mostly remote sensing
stage vehicle with four liquid strap-ons.
satellites) in polar and near polar (e.g.
sun-synchronous orbit) Lower Earth • The indigenously developed Cryogenic
Orbits. Upper Stage (CUS), which is flight
proven, forms the third stage of GSLV
• However, several PSLV missions were
Mk II.

88
• From January 2014, the vehicle has
achieved four consecutive successes.
• Payload to GTO: 2,500 kg - GSLV's
primary loads are INSAT class of
communication satellites It operate
from Geostationary orbits and hence
are placed in Geosynchronous Transfer
Orbits by GSLV.
• Payload to LEO: 5,000 kg - Further,
GSLV's capability of placing up to 5
tonnes in Low Earth Orbits broadens
the scope of shipments from heavy
satellites to multiple smaller satellites.
Geosynchronous Satellite Launch
Vehicle Mark III (GSLV III)
• GSLV-III is designed to launch satellites
into geostationary orbit and is intended
as a launch vehicle for crewed missions
under the Indian Human Spaceflight
Programme.
• The GSLV-III has a higher payload
capacity than GSLV.
• GSLV-III Payload Capacity to LEO:
8,000 kg
• GSLV-III Payload Capacity to GTO :
4000 kg
• GSLV Mk III will be capable of placing
the 4 tonne class satellites of the GSAT
series into Geosynchronous Transfer
Orbits.
• The decisive cryogenic stage of
GSLV Mk III enables it to place heavy
payloads into Low Earth Orbits of 600
km altitude.

I M A G E 7.7: T Y P E S OF S AT E L L I T E L A U N C H V E H I C L E

• Difference between PSLV and GSLV

Feature PSLV GSLV GSLV MK III

Developed by ISRO ISRO ISRO

First test 1993 2001 2014

Generation 3rd 4th 4th

89
 To deliver the India’s human-
communication- crewed space
To deliver the
satellites to the mission
earth observation
Mainly used for highly elliptical
or remote sensing Self-reliance in
Geosynchronous
satellites. space programs
Transfer Orbit
(GTO). etc.

Chandrayaan-1
in 2008 and Mars
Orbiter Spacecraft
in 2013. Most
recent is PSLV-C46
Mission, May 22, GSLV-D1/ GSAT-
2019 etc April 18, 2001, to
Chandrayaan-2
Launched With the Italian GSLV-F11/ GSAT-7
Mission.
astronomical mission – December
satellite launch by 19, 2018, GSLV.
PSLV-C8 in April
2007, ISRO entered
in the international
market of
commercial launch.

LEO- 1750 kg GTO- LEO- 4000kg GTO- LEO- 8000kg GTO-

Payload capacity
1425kg 2000kg 4000kg

Number of Stages 4 3 3

Solid- Liquid-
Solid- Liquid-
Solid- Liquid- Solid- Cryogenic
Fuel Composition Cryogenic (Russian
Liquid (Indigenous s
borrowed)
engine- C20)

Types Of Satellites And Their Applications

Types of Satellites

Based on the usage Based on the weight

Remote sensing Defence Weather Monitoring Micro Macro

Experimental

90
Remote Sensing Satellites
• Remote sensing is the process of
detecting and monitoring an area's
physical characteristics by measuring
its reflected and emitted radiation at
a distance (typically from satellite or
aircraft).
• Unique cameras collect remotely
sensed images, which help researchers
"sense" things about the Earth.
Applications of Remote Sensing
Satellites
Agriculture and Soil
Used for crop area estimation, crop yield
& production estimation, crop condition,
deriving necessary soil information,
cropping system studies, experimental
crop insurance, etc.
• Soil mapping
• For drought assessment of crops
• Pest/Disease Detection & Incidence
Forecasting
• Inland Fishery Development (Ex: HySIS)
Renewable Energy
• Winds, solar and wave energy resources
can be assessed with the help of Earth
Observation data.
• Assessment of solar energy from
Geostationary satellites like INSAT
3D & 3DR, ocean wind energy from
Scatterometer data and ocean wave
energy from Altimeter data & numerical
models are being carried out.
Forest and Environment
• Estimating Forest Cover considering
remote sensing data based on tree
canopy density characteristics.
• To estimate forest carbon biomass and
Forest fires.
91
• Coral Reefs - Satellite based Sea
Surface Temperature (SST) data has
proved its potential in predicting Mass
Coral Bleaching (MCB) events.
• Wetlands - Remote sensing data is the
primary data source for monitoring and
mapping vast areas, including wetland
extent, distribution, wetland types such
as freshwater, peat swamps and non-
forested peatlands, etc.
• Snow and Glacier - mapping of
Himalayan glaciers covering Indus,
Ganga and Brahmputra basins.
• Groundwater monitoring.
Mineral Exploration
• Used in geological mapping in general
and for exploration of diamond and
iron deposits.
• CARTOSAT and RISAT series satellites
are used to map prospective mineral
zones.
Governance
• Watershed monitoring
• Geo-MGNREGA -Satellite derived
Location-based services are being
utilized to plan and monitor nearly 2
million assets annually through mobile-
based geo-tagging.
• To monitor Clean Ganga project
• Heritage sites protection
• Housing - To monitor the beneficiary
houses' progress at five different
stages under Pradhan Mantri Awas
Yojana (PMAY) a Bhuvan-MoHUA
Web Geoportal has been developed.
The construction activity is monitored
based on construction such as Not
Started, Foundation, Lintel, Roof and
completed.
Coastal applications
• Monitor shoreline changes, track
 sediment transport, and map coastal
features. Data can be used for coastal
mapping and erosion prevention.
Ocean applications:
• Monitor ocean circulation and current
systems, measure ocean temperature
and wave heights, and track sea ice.
Data can be used to better understand
the oceans and how to best manage
ocean resources and identify potential
fishing zones, Algal bloom Zones and
Coral Reef Protection.
Hazard assessment
• Track hurricanes, earthquakes, erosion,
and flooding. Data can be used to assess
a natural disaster's impacts and create
preparedness strategies to be used
before and after a hazardous event.
North Eastern Space Application
• The North Eastern Space Applications
Centre (NESAC) located at Umiam,
Shillong, is a joint initiative of
Department of Space (DOS) and the
North Eastern Council (NEC) for carrying
out space technology applications in
the North Eastern Region (NER). The
prime objectives are:
i. Remote Sensing and GIS for Natural
Resources Management
ii. Satellite Communication based
Application Services
iii. Disaster Management Support
iv. R&D in Atmospheric Science
through academic interface
v. Capacity building for Geospatial
Technology, in the region
Indian Remote Sensing Program
• Following the successful demonstration
of Bhaskar-1 & Bhaskara-2 in 1979 &
92
1981, India began developing the IRS
program.
• Starting with IRS-1A in 1988, ISRO has
launched many operational remote
sensing satellites.
• India has one of the largest
constellations of remote sensing
satellites in operation. Examples: Sun-
synchronous orbit- RESOURCESAT-1, 2,
2A CARTOSAT-1, 2, 2A, 2B, RISAT-1 and
2, OCEANSAT-2, Megha- Tropiques,
SARAL and SCATSAT-1. Geostationary
orbit- INSAT-3D, Kalpana & INSAT 3A,
INSAT -3DR.
Communication Satellites
• Satellite Communication utilisation has
become wide spread and ubiquitous
throughout the country for such
diverse applications like Television,
DTH Broadcasting, DSNG and VSAT to
exploit the unique capabilities in terms
of coverage and outreach.
Applications Of Communication
Satellites
• Telecommunication: INSAT satellites
have been traditionally supporting
telecommunication applications
for providing voice and data
communications.
• Telemedicine
• Tele-Education: ‘EDUSAT’, India’s first
thematic satellite dedicated exclusively
for educational services, was used
extensively to cater to a wide range of
interactive educational delivery modes
like one-way TV broadcast, video
conferencing, computer conferencing,
web-based instructions, etc.
• Mobile Satellite Services
• Radio Networking
• Village Resource Centers: To provide
the space-based services directly to the
 rural areas, ISRO/ DOS has launched
the Village Resource Centers (VRCs)
program in association with NGOs/
Trusts and state/ central agencies.
• Satellite aided Search and Rescue:
India is a member of the international
COSPAS-SARSAT program for
providing distress alert and position
location service through LEOSAR (Low
Earth Orbit Search and Rescue) satellite
system. INSAT-3A and INSAT-3D are
equipped with a Search and Rescue
payload which picks up and relays alert
signals originating from the distress
beacons of maritime, aviation and land
users.
• Disaster Management: SAARC
Satellites (Geosynchronous Satellites)
• Television
• Satellite Navigation Program: GAGAN
has numerous benefits to the aviation
sector in terms of fuel saving, flight
safety, increased air space capacity,
efficiency, enhancement of reliability,
reduction in work load for operators,
coverage of oceanic area for air traffic
control, high position accuracy, etc.
Navigation Satellites
• Satellite Navigation service is an
emerging satellite-based system with
commercial and strategic applications.
• In India, ISRO is committed to provide
the satellite-based Navigation services
to meet the emerging demands of
the Civil Aviation requirements and
to meet the user requirements of the
positioning, navigation and timing
based on the independent satellite
navigation system.
• To meet the Civil Aviation requirements,
ISRO is working jointly with Airport
Authority of India (AAI) in establishing
the GPS Aided Geo Augmented
Navigation (GAGAN) system.
• To meet the user requirements of the
93
positioning, navigation and timing
services based on the indigenous
system, ISRO is establishing a regional
satellite navigation system called
Indian Regional Navigation Satellite
System (IRNSS).
Indian Regional Navigation Satellite
System (IRNSS) : NAVIC
• It is an independent Indian Satellite
based positioning system for critical
National applications.
• The main objective is to provide reliable
position, navigation and timing services
over India and its neighbourhood, to
provide good accuracy.
• The IRNSS will provide two types of
services
» Standard Positioning Service (SPS)
» Restricted Service (RS)
• To date, ISRO has built nine satellites
in the IRNSS series; of which eight are
currently in orbit. Three of these satellites
are in geostationary orbit (GEO) while
the remaining in geosynchronous orbits
(GSO) maintain an inclination of 29° to
the equatorial plane.
• The IRNSS constellation was named
as “NavIC” (Navigation with Indian
Constellation).
GPS Aided Geo Augmented
Navigation (GAGAN):
• It is a satellite-based augmentation
system (SBAS) implemented jointly with
Airport Authority of India (AAI).
• The main objectives of GAGAN are to
provide Satellite-based Navigation
services with accuracy and integrity
required for civil aviation applications
and to provide better Air Traffic
Management over Indian Airspace.
• The system will be interoperable with
 other international SBAS systems and
provide seamless navigation across
regional boundaries.
• The GAGAN Signal-In-Space (SIS) is
available through GSAT-8 and GSAT-10.
Space Science & Exploration
Satellites
• Indian space programme encompasses
research in astronomy, astrophysics,
planetary and earth sciences,
atmospheric sciences and theoretical
physics.
• Balloons, sounding rockets, space
platforms and ground-based facilities
support these research efforts.
• A series of sounding rockets are
available for atmospheric experiments.
Several scientific instruments have
been flown on satellites especially to
direct celestial X-ray and gamma-ray
bursts.
• Astrosat, Mars Orbiter Mission,
Chandrayan 1, Chandrayan 2 are the
scientific satellites and spacecrafts of
ISRO.
Astrosat
• AstroSat is the first dedicated Indian
astronomy mission to study celestial
sources in X-ray, optical and UV spectral
bands simultaneously.
• The payloads cover the energy bands
of Ultraviolet (Near and Far), limited
optical and X-ray regime.
• One of the unique features of the
AstroSat mission is it enables the
simultaneous multi-wavelength
observations of various astronomical
objects with a single satellite.
• AstroSat with a lift-off mass of 1515 kg
was launched on September 28, 2015,
by PSLV-C30 from Satish Dhawan
Space Centre, Sriharikota.
94
Mars Orbiter Mission
• Mars Orbiter Mission is ISRO’s first
interplanetary mission to planet Mars
with an orbiter craft designed to orbit
Mars in an elliptical orbit of 372 km by
80,000 km.
• Mars Orbiter mission can be termed
a challenging technological mission
and a science mission considering
the critical mission operations and
stringent requirements on propulsion,
communications, and other spacecraft
bus systems.
• The primary driving technological
objective of the mission is to design and
realize a spacecraft with a capability
to perform Earth Bound Manoeuvre
(EBM), Martian Transfer Trajectory
(MTT), and Mars Orbit Insertion (MOI)
phases and the related deep space
mission planning and communication
management at a distance of nearly
400 million Km.
• Autonomous fault detection and
recovery also becomes vital for the
mission.
Chandrayaan-1
• Chandrayaan-1, India's first mission
to Moon, was launched successfully
in 2008 from Satish Dhawan Space
Centre, Sriharikota.
• The spacecraft was orbiting around
the Moon at the height of 100 km
from the lunar surface for chemical,
mineralogical, and photo-geologic
mapping of the Moon.
Chandrayaan-2
• Chandrayaan-2 is an advanced version
of the previous Chandrayaan-1 mission
to Moon.
• Geosynchronous Satellite Launch
Vehicle Mark-III (GSLV Mk-III) carried
 Chandrayaan-2.
• Chandrayaan-2 is configured as a two-
module system comprising an Orbiter
Craft module (OC) and a Lander
Craft module (LC) carrying the Rover
developed by ISRO.
• The mission aims to explore the
unchartered south pole of the celestial
body by landing a rover.
• Chandrayaan-2's 27-kg robotic vehicle
'Pragyan', can travel up to 500 metres
from the landing spot on the moon
and leverages solar energy for its
functioning.
• However the Vikram Moon lander, lost
contact with scientists seconds before it
was to touch down on the lunar surface.
I M A G E 7.8: A I M OF C H A N D R AYA N -2
Defense Satellites
• ISRO launched a series of satellites
with capabilities which could be of
significant use to the armed forces.
• CARTOSAT and RISAT gave India the
capability to keep an eye on Pakistan's
activities along the borders.
• With Cartosat 2E+ in June 2018, India
considerably enhanced its
sensing capabilities in space.
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• Cartosat 2E+ was dubbed by many as
India's "EYE IN THE SKY".
• India launched RISAT-1 in 2012; the
remote sensing satellite had radar
reconnaissance imaging capability.
• These satellites have surveillance and
mapping capabilities and can keep an
eye on enemies along the land and sea
borders.
• Dedicated defense Communication
satellites are launched to provide
reliable communication services.
Example: GSAT-7 – NAVY, GSAT-7A –
Air force and Army.
• EMISAT is an Indian reconnaissance
satellite which is meant to provide
space- based electronic intelligence or
ELINT. The spacecraft will help improve
the Indian Armed Forces' situational
awareness as it will provide information
and location of enemy radars EMISAT
is developed under DRDO’s Project
Kautilya.
Project Netra - Network For Space
Object Tracking And Analysis
• ISRO had initiated ‘Project NETRA’, an
early warning system in space to detect
debris and other hazards to Indian
satellites.
• Under NETRA, ISRO plans to put up
many observational facilities like:
» Connected radars and Telescopes
» Data processing units
» Control centre
Advantages
• When in place, the project will give
India its capability in space situational
awareness (SSA) like the other space
powers used to ‘predict’ threats from
remote debris to Indian satellites.
• ISRO says our SSA will first be for low-
 earth orbits or LEO which have remote-
sensing spacecraft.
• SSA also has a military quotient and
adds a new ring to the country’s overall
security, as space and defense.
• They can, among others, spot, track and
catalogue objects as small as 10 cm, up
to a range of 3,400 km and equal to a
space orbit of around 2,000 km.
• It also goes so far as to serve as an
unstated warning against missile or
space attack for the country.

Glimpse of Few Future ISRO

Projects
Aditya - L1 First Indian mission to
study the Sun
• ISRO is preparing its first scientific
project to study the Sun through Aditya
L1 mission.
• Initially, the Aditya-1 (which is later
revised to Aditya L1) mission was
conceived as a 400kg class satellite
carrying one payload, the Visible
Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC). It
was planned to launch in a 800 km low
earth orbit.
• But a satellite placed in the halo orbit
around the Lagrangian point 1 (L1) of
the Sun-Earth system has the significant
advantage of continuously viewing the
Sun without any occultation/ eclipses
than placing at LEO as proposed in
Aditya1. Therefore, the Aditya-1 mission
has now been revised to “Aditya-L1
mission” and inserted in a halo orbit
around the L1, which is 1.5 million km
from the Earth. The satellite carries
additional six payloads with enhanced
science scope and objectives.
I M A G E 7.9: A D I T YA - L1 M I S S I O N
Launch Vehicle - Aditya L1 will be launched
using the PSLV XL
Objectives
• To study the -
» Sun’s corona (Visible and Near infrared
rays)
» Sun's photosphere (soft and hard X-ray)
» Sun’s Chromosphere (UV )
» Solar emissions, solar winds and flares
» Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs)
» Round-the-clock imaging of the Sun.
Challenges involved in the mission
Huge distance - between the Earth and the
Sun, which stands at 149 million kilometers
Ultra-hot radiations and temperatures
- increases exponentially as the satellite
moves towards the sun, making it
impossible to be in the close vicinity
of the sun. However, Aditya L1 will stay
much farther away, and the heat is not
expected to be a significant concern for
the instruments on board.

96
GAGANYAAN Mission – India’s First
Manned Space Mission
• GAGANYAAN will be the India’s first
Human space mission. ISRO aims to
launch the mission before the 75th
anniversary of India’s independence in
2022.
• Expenditure - The total fund
requirement for the GAGANYAAN
Program is around Rs.10,000 crore
and includes cost of technology
development, flight hardware
realization and essential infrastructure
elements. Two uncrewed flights and
one person flight will be undertaken as
part of GAGANYAAN Program.
• Launch Vehicle – GSLV MK III
• Objectives
» To enhance Science and Technology
levels in the country
» To involve several institutes, academia
and industry in national project
» To improve industrial growth
» Inspiring youth
» Development of technology for social
benefits
» Improving international collaboration
• Significance
» To spur research and development -
The program is expected to stimulate
research and development within the
country in niche science and technology
domains.
» Massive potential for technology
spinoffs - in medicine, agriculture,
industrial safety, pollution, waste
management, water, food resource
management, etc.
» Platform in space for conducting
experiments and test bed for future
technologies - Human spaceflight
program will provide a unique micro-
gravity platform for conducting
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investigations and test bed for future
technologies.
» Employment - The program is
expected to give impetus to economic
activities within the country in terms
of employment generation, human
resource development and enhanced
industrial capabilities. According to the
ISRO chief, the GAGANYAAN mission
would create 15,000 new employment
opportunities, 13,000 of them in private
industry and the space organisation
would need an additional workforce of
900.
» Prestige - Human Spaceflight capability
will enable India to participate as a
collaborating partner in future Global
space exploration initiatives with long
term national benefits.
» Motivation - It will inspire many
young students to take up science
and technology careers for national
development.
• Challenges involved
» Gravity field - Transitioning from one
gravity field to another is tricky.
It affects hand-eye and head-eye
coordination. NASA has learned
without gravity working on the human
body, bones lose minerals. Even after
return from a space mission, crew could
be at greater risk of osteoporosis-
related fractures. If unit do not exercise
and eat properly, they will lose muscle
strength. Team might also develop
vision problems.
» Isolation - Due to isolation, crew may
encounter depression, fatigue, sleep
disorder and psychiatric disorders.
» Radiation - In space stations, astronauts
receive over ten times the radiation
than what people are subjected to on
the Earth. Radiation exposure may
increase the risk of cancer. It can
damage the central nervous system.
 Radiation can also cause nausea, • NASA is using the space station to learn
vomiting, anorexia, and fatigue. more about living and working in space.

• Rockets - Travelling in a rocket is like • The ISS program is a joint project among
five participating space agencies
sitting on an exploding bomb which
will push speed from 0 kmph to 29,000
ISRO to send humanoid 'Vyommitra' in
kmph in less than 30 minutes. Many
uncrewed Gaganyaan spacecraft
things can go wrong during the launch
phase, including the rocket exploding ISRO unveiled its first woman astronaut,
into a fireball. Many safety features called Vyommitra who will ride to space
in the first test flight of the human space
have to be built into rocket systems
mission, Gaganyan.
to ensure the probability of loss of
life is minimized. However, testing all Vyommitra is a “half-humanoid” (A humanoid
these systems in an actual operating is a robot with a human being's appearance.
ISRO’s Vyommitra (vyoma = space, mitra =
environment is next to impossible and
friend) is also called a half-humanoid since
a calculated risk has to be taken while
she will only have a head, two hands and a
embarking on such a mission. torso, and will not have lower limbs.)
• Hostile environment - Space is hostile.
There is no atmosphere. Human blood
starts boiling if there is no pressure.
The ‘Gaganyaan’ has to create an
atmosphere like Earth inside a small
volume and ensure adequate supply of
oxygen, removal of carbon-dioxide and
comfortable temperature and humidity
levels are maintained throughout the
mission.

International Space Station - ISS

She can switch panel operations, perform
• The International Space Station (ISS) is Environment Control and Life Support
a multi-nation construction project. It Systems (ECLSS) functions, conversations
is the largest single structure humans with the astronauts, recognize them, and
ever put into space. solve their queries.
The humanoid can detect and give out
• It serves as a home where astronauts
warnings if the environment changes within
and cosmonauts live. It is a habitable
the cabin.
human-made satellite which orbits
around the Earth. She will simulate the human functions
required for space before real astronauts
• It is also a unique science laboratory. take off.
• Several nations worked together to − NASA - USA
build and use the space station.
− Roscosmos – Russia
• With the naked eye, the ISS can be seen
from Earth at different points in time. − JAXA – Japan
• The International Space Station is in an − ESA - Europe
LEO about 400 km (250 mi) to 420 km − CSA - Canada
(260 mi) above Earth's surface. It orbits
the Earth every 90 minutes. • Intergovernmental treaties and

98
 agreements establish the ownership
and use of the space station.
• The station is divided into two sections.
The Russian Orbital Segment (ROS)
and the United States Orbital Segment
(USOS).
Voyager 2:
• Voyager 1, and Voyager 2 are the NAA
probes to find and study the edge of
our solar system.
• The Voyager 2 is the second spacecraft
to enter interstellar space, which is
targeted to study four giant planets
Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.
• In November 2018 it has joined its
twin Voyager 1 after entering into
'interstellar space'. Voyager 1 is the
only human-made objects to enter the
space between the stars.
Achievements of Voyager 2:
• It has discovered a 14th moon at Jupiter.
• 1st human-made object to fly past
Uranus and Neptune.
• Discovered 10 new moons and 2 new
rings at Uranus.
• Discovered 5 moons, four rings, and a
"Great Dark Spot" at Neptune.
InSight Mission:
• InSight means ‘Interior Exploration
using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy
and Heat Transport’ is the part of
NASA’s Discovery Program which aim
to study Mars.
• It is the first outer space robotic explorer
to study in-depth the "inner space" of
Mars: its crust, mantle, and core.
• It seeks to answer one of science's most
fundamental questions: How did the
terrestrial planets form?
99
• Recently it has detected quakes and
magnetic pulses on the planet Mars.
• Mars does not have tectonic plates, but
it does have volcanically active regions,
one of which is Cerberus Fossae, that
can cause rumbles.
• InSight is providing around-the-clock
weather information. The data during
each second of every sol (a Martian
day) and sends it to Earth on a daily
basis.
Components of the InSight:
• Seismometer- for detecting quakes.
• Sensors- for gauging wind and air
pressure.
• Magnetometer and heat flow probe- to
take the planet’s temperature.
Parker Solar Probe:
• Parker Solar Probe mission is NASA's
historic mission to understand the Sun.
• It is part of NASA’s “Living With a Star”
programme that explores different
aspects of the Sun-Earth system.
• By providing new data on solar
activity it will help to understand about
changing conditions of Sun that can
propagate out into the solar system,
affecting Earth and other worlds.
• Parker Solar Probe has following 3
science objectives:
» Trace the flow of energy that heats and
accelerates the solar corona and solar
wind.
» Determine the structure and dynamics
of the plasma and magnetic fields at
the sources of the solar wind.
» Explore mechanisms that accelerate
and transport energetic particles.
RemoveDebris Mission: removal. It has produced a range
of CleanSpace roadmaps, which
• RemoveDebris is an European Union focus on space debris mitigation
Framework 7 research project to develop and technologies for space debris
and fly a low cost in-orbit demonstrator remediation.
mission that aims to de-risk and verify
• It will grab the chosen piece of space
technologies needed for future Active
trash, one at a time, using its robotic
Debris Removal (ADR) missions.
arms and fall back towards Earth in a
• The project is aimed at contributing to controlled descent.
global/European Active Debris Removal
• Japan earlier launched a cargo ship
roadmaps.
which will use a 700m long tether to
• European Space Agency is one of the remove some of the debris from Earth's
most active in the field of debris orbit.

100
 CHAPTER - 8
DEFENCE
• The defense is the organization of a
country's armies and use of weapons to
protect the government or its interests.
Through defense, national interests are
protected by the active involvement of
state institutions and state's resources
to ensure sovereignty, independence,
unity, and territorial integrity.
Defence in India
• Defence is one of the significant
spending sectors in the Indian
economy. The geographical and
topographical diversity, especially
the 15,000 km long border which
India shares with seven neighboring
countries, poses unique challenges to
the Indian Defence Forces.
• The Government of India is responsible
for ensuring the defense of India
and every part thereof. The Supreme
Command of the Armed Forces vests
in the President. The responsibility for
national defence rests with the Cabinet.
It is discharged through the Ministry of
Defence.
India's security environment
• India's security environment is defined
by a complex interplay of regional and
global imperatives and challenges.
The size and the strategic location
of the country place us at the center
of a security dynamic, impacted
concurrently by the positive forces of
regional and global connectivity on
the one side and by the consequences
arising from unpredictability, instability,
and volatility in parts of the immediate
101
and extended neighborhood, on the
other.
• Considering the various geopolitical
and implied security challenges, India
has been augmenting its defense from
time to time, so India can effectively
safeguard its vital national interests
and values, etc. To achieve this, India
has acquired many defense products
and technologies, as mentioned in this
chapter.
Integrated Guided Missile
Development Program
(IGMDP)
• To attain self-sufficiency in missile
technology, India had started IGDMP.
Considering the requirements of
various missiles by the defense forces,
the IGDMP recognized the need to
develop five missile systems. It brought
together the country’s scientific
community, academic institutions, R&D
laboratories, industries, and the three
defense services to give shape to the
strategic, indigenous missile systems.
And after achieving the goal of making
India self-reliant in missile technology,
DRDO, on January 8, 2008, formally
announced the successful completion
of IGMDP.
Following missiles were
developed as part of IGDMP
Prithvi I
1. It is India's first indigenously developed
ballistic missile under IGMPD.
2. Short-range surface to surface missile.
3. Launched in February 1988, Prithvi I is a
single-stage, liquid-fuelled missile.
4. Has a range of 150 km and a mounting
capability of 1000 kg.
5. It was inducted into the Indian Army in
1994.
6. Demonstrates higher lethal effects
and high-level capability with field
interchangeable warheads.
Akash
1. It is a medium-range surface-to-air
missile.
2. Intercept range - 30 km.
3. It has multi-target engagement
capability and is in operational service
with the Indian Army and the Indian Air
Force.
Trishul

Agni I 1. Trishul is a short-range, low-level

• A nuclear-capable ballistic missile.
• It is the first of the five-missile Agni
series by the Defence Research and
Development Organization.
• It has a range of 700 km.
• Intermediate-range surface-to-surface
ballistic missile.
• Agni missile was later separated
from the IGMDP due to its strategic
importance.
surface-to-air missile.
2. It is equipped with electronic measures
against all available aircraft jammers.
3. It has a range of 9 km.
4. It is used as an anti-sea skimmer from
ships against low-flying attacks.
Nag
1. Nag is a third-generation hit-to-kill
anti-tank missile. It was first tested in
1990.
2. The two-stage reliable propellant
weapon uses the lock-on before launch
system where the target is identified
and designated before the weapon is
launched.

Various missiles - indigenously developed by India in detail.

Indigenously developed
Ballistic/
Nuclear
Missile Type Cruise Range Other features
capable?
etc
Agni missile series
The two-stage missile
equipped with an
advanced high accuracy
Intermediate navigation system was
Surface-
Agni II Ballistic Yes 2000-2500 guided by a novel state-
to-surface
km of-the-art command
and control system and
propelled by a solid rocket
propellant system.

102
 Capable of engaging
targets deep inside
Intermediate neighboring countries.
Surface-
Agni III Ballistic Yes – 3500-5000 It was inducted into the
to-surface
km armed forces in June
2011, enhancing its strike
capability.
Has a two-phase
propulsion system designed
Intermediate to carry a 1,000 kg payload.
Surface-
Agni IV Ballistic Yes – 3500-5000 Equipped with indigenously
to-surface
km developed ring laser gyro
and composite rocket
motor.
India’s first intercontinental
Surface- Long Range ballistic missile (ICBM), with
Agni V Ballistic Yes
to-surface 5000+ KM high road mobility, fast-
reaction ability.
Prithvi Missile series
• It is a single-stage
liquid-fuelled missile
capable of carrying a
Warhead of 500 kg.
• The missile has high
accuracy; it can hit
any targets effectively,
which makes it a
Surface- Up to 350
Prithvi II Ballistic Yes battlefield weapon. The
to-surface km
rocket has the features
to deceive the anti-
ballistic missile.
• In 2002, its missile
management was
shifted to the Indian
Army from the Indian
Air Force.

103
 • Prithvi III is a naval-
version missile with a
range of 350 km.
• The first test of Prithvi III
was conducted in 2000
from INS Subhadra,
Surface- Up to 350
Prithvi III Ballistic Yes Sukanya class Patrol
to-surface km
vessel, which was
partially successful.
• In 2004, the full
operational testing of
the Prithvi III missile was
completed.
• A liquid propelled sea-
based missile. It was
envisaged as a short-
range version of the
Prithvi II ballistic missile.
Surface- Short-range
Dhanush Ballistic Yes • It was successfully
to-surface 350 km
test-fired from a naval
warship in March 2011
and carried forward
the legacy of the K-15
Sagarika.
Other missiles
• Shaurya is the land-
variant of India's K-15
missile launched under
the water and is being
fitted into the Navy's
nuclear-powered
submarine, Arihant.
Both the Navy and
the Army can use the
Surface- Hyperso
Shaurya Yes 700 KM rocket because it could
to-surface nic perform various roles.
The missile's nuclear
capability enhances
India’s second-strike
capacity and reduces
the dependence on the
K-15 ballistic missile built
with significant Russian
assistance.

104
 • It uses a terrain-
following navigation
system to reach up to
1,000 km.
• Nirbhay is capable of
being launched from
Sub- Long- multiple platforms on
Nirbhay sonic Yes range up to land, sea, and air.
cruise 1000KM • With the successful
launch of NIRBHAY,
India joins the elite
league of nations. It
possesses the ability to
make sub-sonic cruise
missile.

• High maneuverability,
acceleration, and
accuracy.
• Primarily a battlefield
Surface- Short-range support system for the
Prahaar Ballistic No
to-surface 150 km Army, the missile can be
fired from road-mobile
launchers and is too
mobile in battle situations
owing to its lighter build.

• Astra is a beyond-visual-
range (BVR) air-to-air
missile (AAM) tested
successfully in May 2011.
With BVR capability,
Astra Missiles will serve
as a force multiplier and
immensely add to the
Navy and Air Force's
strike capability.
Superso Short-range • Has Electronic counter-
Astra Air-to-Air No measure capabilities.
nic 80 km
• In terms of size and
weight, the Astra is
the smallest missile
developed by the DRDO.
• It was envisaged to
intercept and destroy
enemy aircraft at
supersonic speeds in the
head-on mode within a
range of 80 km.

105

Sagarika
Ballistic Yes
K-15
Superso
Surface-
Brahmos nic Yes
to-surface
cruise
Scorpene Class Attack Submarines:
• The Project 75I (P75I) is Indian Navy’s
Scorpene submarine development
project. A contract was signed in 2005,
between French collaborator Ms Naval
Group and Mazgaon Dock Limited
under Indian Navy's Project-75 for the
construction and transfer of technology
for six scorpene-class submarines.
• The P75I Scorpene class diesel-electric/
air-independent propulsion submarines
are based on the Scorpene class
submarines.
• These scorpenes has pressure hull and
superior stealth capabilities. It can
accommodates between 25 and 31 crew
members as well as 14 combat divers.
• The Indian Navy intends to use the
submarines for missions such as
intelligence gathering, area surveillance,
106
• It forms India’s nuclear
deterrent crucial
third leg vis-à-vis its
submarine-launched
ballistic missile (SLBM)
750 km
capability.
• It was integrated with
India’s nuclear-powered
Arihant class submarine.
• It was developed as a
joint venture between
India and Russia and is
the world's fastest anti-
ship cruise missile in
operation.
• A 'fire and forget'
450 km-
weapon, i.e., requiring
600km
no further guidance
from the control center
once the target has
been assigned.
• The BrahMos is the
fastest cruise missile of
its class in the world.
anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface
warfare and minelaying operations.
• INS Kalvari, INS Khanderi, INS Karanj,
Vela and Vagir are already launched.
INS Nilgiri:
• INS Nilgiri is the first of seven new
stealth frigates developed under Project
17A which aims to design and upgrade
of the existing Shivalik class frigates
with advanced features and indigenous
weapons and sensors for improved
survivability, sea keeping, stealth and
ship manoeuvrability.
• It is the first major warship in India
which is built using an integrated
construction methodology that
involves constructing small modules
and assembling them together.
LCA Tejas:
• Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas is
a single engined, light weight, highly
agile, multi-role supersonic fighter. The
aircraft with delta wing is designed for
‘air combat’ and ‘offensive air support’
with ‘reconnaissance’ and ‘anti-ship’ as
its secondary roles.
• The aircraft’s design and development
programme is led by the Aeronautical
Development Agency (ADA) of the
Indian Department of Defence, with
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
as the prime industrial contractor.
• The Naval version of India’s Light
Combat Aircraft Tejas made its first
arrested landing on aircraft carrier INS
Vikramaditya.
Apache helicopters (AH-64E):
• The AH-64 Apache is Used by the
U.S. Army and it is the world’s most
advanced multi-role combat helicopter.
• It is an advanced multi-mission
helicopter with the latest technology
insertions, maintaining its standing
as the world’s best attack helicopter
and known as ‘Flying Tank’. It is an all-
weather helicopter.
• The helicopter can deliver a variety of
weapons with one helicopter having
the capacity to carry 8 missiles.
• It has greater thrust and lift, joint digital
operability, improved survivability and
cognitive decision aiding.
• It also has modern electronic warfare
capabilities to provide versatility to
the helicopter in network centric aerial
warfare.
• These helicopters are capable of flying
further lower and faster than other
similar machines through which it
cannot be picked up by radar, while
skimming the earth.
107
Rustom 2 drone:
• It is a medium-altitude, long- endurance
unmanned aerial vehicle developed by
DRDO.
• Rustom 2 is part of the Rustom line of
UAVs that includes Rustom-I, Rustom-H
and Rustom-C. It is developed to carry
out surveillance for the armed forces
with an endurance of 24 hours.
• DRDO is reportedly working to match
the specifications of the Rustom-2 with
the Israeli Heron already in service with
the military.
Sukhoi Su-30MKI:
• It is the twinjet multirole air superiority
fighter jet. It is a multirole combat
fighter aircraft jointly developed by the
Sukhoi Design Bureau and Hindustan
Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian
Air Force (IAF).
• The aircraft incorporates an
aerodynamic airframe made of
titanium and high intensity aluminium
alloys.
• The aircraft integrates a fly-by-wire
(FBW) flight control system. It has
a large monochromatic display
screen installed in the rear cockpit
which provides air-to-ground missile
guidance.
• It is also equipped with a passive
electronically scanned array radar,
laser-optical locator system and
Listening target designation pod to
guide air-to-surface missile and laser
guided munitions.
• These jets have been modified to carry
BrahMos air-to-surface missiles giving
them the capacity to conduct long-
range precision strikes. Brahmos with
a weight of 2.5 tonnes, is the heaviest
weapon to be deployed on Su-30 MKI
fighter aircraft.
India’s Ballistic Missile Defence
Programme (BMD)
• DRDO is developing it to create a
multi-layered ballistic missile defense
system to protect the country against
rouge attacks. India’s BMD program
was launched in 1999 after Pakistan’s
maiden nuclear test in 1998 and China’s
leaps in Its sphere.
• BMD is a state-of-the-art defence
system with unique features. The
Ballistic Missile Defence programme
aims to provide an effective missile
shield against incoming enemy ballistic
and nuclear missiles. A hostile rocket
needs to be intercepted at boost
(launch) point, mid-course (flight
through space), or terminal phase
(during atmospheric descent).
The BMD works on two levels
• Endo-atmospheric level: within the
Earth’s atmosphere that destroys
incoming missiles at endo-atmosphere.
• Exo-atmospheric level: the space
stretching beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
It deals with destroying incoming
missiles at exo-atmosphere.
India’s BMD arsenal consists of
• Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) missile
system -to intercept incoming missiles
at a range of about 80 km in altitude
and
• Advanced Air Defence (AAD) missile
system – to intercept incoming missiles
at altitudes of 15- 25 km.
Prithvi Air Defense (PAD) system
• PAD is a two-stage missile based on
the Prithvi missile. It is also known
as Pradyumna. The first stage is
liquid-fueled, and the second stage is
solid-fueled. The rocket is equipped
with maneuver thrusters for lateral
108
acceleration. It can engage the
ballistic missiles (300km-2,000km
range) at a speed of Mach 5.
• It uses long-range tracking radar
(LRTR) for target acquisition and fire
control. LRTR is an active phased array
radar capable of tracking 200 targets
within a range of 600km. Trajectory
optimization enables interception at
both higher and lower altitudes. The
PAD missile is being replaced with
Prithvi Defense Vehicle, which can
engage RBMs of up to 2,000km range.
Prithvi Defense Vehicle (PDV) is capable
of killing an incoming missile with a strike
range of around 2,000 km outside the
earth’s atmosphere. It will replace the
existing Prithvi Air Defense (PAD) which
has a maximum interception altitude
of 80 kilometers. The advantage of
intercepting an incoming missile at such
a high altitude is that the debris would
not fall on the ground and there would
be no collateral damage.
Advanced Air Defence AAD
• It is a ballistic missile interceptor
developed by DRDO for deflecting
the incoming missiles in the endo-
atmospheric region at the height of
30 km. AAD consists of a single-stage
solid rocket propelled guided missile.
Its guidance is same as Prithvi air
defense system. The guidance consists
of the inertial navigation system, and it
receives the mid-course updates from
the ground-based radar system. In the
terminal phase, it uses active radar
homing.
• In 2007, the advanced air defense
successfully intercepted an incoming
modified Prithvi II ballistic missile. The
interception was carried out at the
height of 15 km, in which the target
was destroyed and broken into multiple
pieces. The successful launches of the
 AAD interceptor missile system have
paved the way for the development
of extended range surface to air
interceptor missiles ranging up to 150
km. Several tests of the Advanced Air
Defence interceptor missile has been
carried out till now. The latest successful
test was carried out in 2018, in which
one of the multiple incoming targets
simulating a 1500 km class ballistic
missile was successfully destroyed.
Swordfish radar
• Swordfish is a long-range tracking radar
developed for the BMD system. It was
derived from the Israeli Green Pine long-
range radar. Swordfish guides the exo-
atmospheric interceptor missile PAD to
engage aerial targets at altitudes over
80km. The radar can detect tiny targets
within the range of 600km-800km.
Other Additions In The Ballistic
Atomic Minerals Directorate for
Missile Defence System Of Exploration And Research
India
S-400 Triumph Missile Defence
System:
• It is an anti-aircraft weapon system
developed in the 1990s by Russia's
Almaz Central Design Bureau.
• It will be capable of destroying the
incoming ballistic missiles along with
other enemy targets such as fighter
jets, cruise missiles, UAVs, etc.
• It is among the best air defence systems.
• It is based on a multifunctional system.
It can drop missiles at different speeds.
• It can target aircraft (up to fifth
generations), cruise and ballistic
missiles by supersonic and hypersonic
missiles of the system.
• It can address the incoming targets at
a range of 400 km and a height of 30-
109
40 km.
• It can neutralize 36 targets at one time
in the range of 400 km.
• Its radar detection system has a range
of 600kms and can target 100-300
targets.
• It has 12 launchers equipped with
missiles, which can be launched within
5 minutes.
Barak 8
• It is a long-range naval surface to air
missile (LR-SAM) jointly developed by
India and Israel.
• It can also destroy ballistic missiles and
other targets such as anti-ship missiles,
aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, cruise
missiles, etc.
• However, its capability to destroy
powerful ballistic missiles is limited.
• Atomic Minerals Directorate for
Exploration and Research's prime
mandate is to identify and evaluate
uranium resources required for the
successful implementation of the
Atomic Energy program of the country.
• For implementing it, essential task
investigations are taken up across the
country's length and breadth from
Regional Exploration & Research
centers located at New Delhi, Bengaluru,
Jamshedpur, Shillong, Jaipur, Nagpur,
and Hyderabad (Headquarter & South
Central Region).
Nuclear Power Corporation of
India Limited (NPCIL)
• Nuclear Power Corporation of India
Limited (NPCIL) is a Public Sector
 Enterprise under the Department of
Atomic Energy (DAE), Government of
India.
• The Company was registered as a
Public Limited Company under the
Companies Act, 1956 in September
1987 with an objective of operating
atomic power plants and implementing
atomic power projects for generation
of electricity in pursuance of the
government of India's schemes and
programs under the Atomic Energy Act,
1962.
• NPCIL also has equity participation
in BHAVINI, another PSU of the
Department of Atomic Energy (DAE),
which implements the Fast Breeder
Reactors program in the country.
• NPCIL is responsible for the design,
construction, commissioning, and
operation of nuclear power reactors.
The International Atomic
Energy Agency
• It was set up as the world’s Atoms for
a Peace organization in 1957 within the
United Nations family.
• Reports to both the United Nations
General Assembly and Security Council.
• Headquarters in Vienna, Austria.
• It is the world's central
intergovernmental forum for scientific
and technical co-operation in the
nuclear field.
• It works for the safe, secure, and peaceful
uses of nuclear science and technology,
contributing to international peace
and security and the United Nations'
Sustainable Development Goals.
110
World Association of Nuclear
Operators (WANO)
• The World Association of Nuclear
Operators (WANO) unites every
company and country in the world. It
has an operating commercial nuclear
power plant to achieve the highest
possible standards of nuclear safety.
• The organization exists purely to help its
members accomplish the highest levels
of operational safety and reliability.
• It is achieved through a series of
highly regarded programs, such as
peer reviews, and access to technical
support, and a global library of
operating experience.
• With an office in London and regional
centers in Moscow, Atlanta, Tokyo,
and Paris, WANO cuts across political
barriers and interests.
• WANO is a non-profit organization and
does not advocate for, or on behalf of,
the nuclear industry.
• While WANO works directly with its
members, the organization is not a
regulatory body and does not advise
companies on initial reactor design
selection.
• With safety as the only goal, WANO
helps operators communicate
effectively and share information
openly.
• WANO vision: WANO and its
members will be worldwide leaders
pursuing excellence in operational
nuclear safety for commercial nuclear
power.
 CHAPTER - 9
SOME ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES
Artificial Intelligence
• Intelligence is the ability to think and
understand; when humans display
intelligence, it often involves some
consciousness and emotionality; we
mix emotions with reasons to make
decisions. Artificial intelligence is
intelligence demonstrated by machines;
It mimics cognitive functions. We as a
human associate with human minds.
The proponents of artificial intelligence
developed it on principle that human
intelligence can be described in such a
simple way that a machine can mimic
and execute it. Artificial intelligence
(AI) refers to the simulation of human
intelligence in machines that are
programmed to think like humans and
mimic their actions.
Evolution of AI
• Alan Turing changed history when
he asked a simple question, “can
machines think.” Alan Turing’s theory
of computation suggested that
shuffling symbols such as zero and
one can simulate any conceivable act
of mathematical deduction led to a
“church-turing thesis.” Church Turing's
thesis emphasizes digital computers
can process formal reasoning. But the
term Artificial Intelligence came into
the limelight in 1956 when an artificial
intelligence research workshop
established at Dartmouth college.
• Herbert Simon(CMU), John McCarthy,
Marvin Minsky, and Arthur Samuel
became founders of artificial
intelligence research. By 1959
computers were learning checker
111
strategies solving word problems in
algebra, and were speaking English.
New technology such as VLSI CMOS
transistor technology changed the
world of computer sciences by 1980.
• In the late 1990s and early 21st century
AI began to be used in logistics data
mining, medical diagnosis, and another
area.
• In 1997 deep blue became the first
system to defeat world chess champion,
Garry Kasparov. In 2008 google made
breakthroughs in speech recognition
(the technology used in modern-day
speech translators). In 2014 google
made the first self-driving cars.
Types of AI
AI is divided into two types:
• Software AI: Virtual assistants, search
engines, speech and face recognition,
etc.
• Embodied AI: Self-driving cars,
drones, robots, etc.
Categorization of Artificial
Intelligence
• Artificial intelligence can also be divided
into two different categories: weak and
strong. Weak Artificial Intelligence
embodies a system designed to carry
out one job. Weak AI systems include
video games and personal assistants
such as Amazon's Alexa and Apple's
Siri.
• Robust Artificial Intelligence systems
are systems which carries on the
tasks considered to be human-like.
 These tend to be more complex
and complicated systems. They are
programmed to handle situations they
may be required to problem solve
without having a person intervene.
These kinds of methods can be found
in applications like self-driving cars or
hospital operating room.
Narrow AI vs. General AI:
• Narrow AI describes an AI which is
limited to a single task or a set number
of jobs. For example, IBM's Deep
Blue's capabilities, the chess-playing
computer beat the world champion,
Gary Kasparov, in 1997, were limited to
playing chess. It wouldn't have been
able to win a game of tic-tac-toe - or
even know how to play.
• General AI describes an AI which can
be used to complete a wide range of
tasks in a wide range of environments.
As such, it is much closer to human
intelligence
Various Applications of AI
HEALTH
• Health-related AI applications' primary
aim is to analyze relationships between
prevention or treatment techniques
and patient outcomes. AI programs
are applied to diagnosis processes,
treatment protocol development, drug
development, personalized medicine,
and patient monitoring and care.
• For example:- Path AI is developing
machine learning technology to assist
pathologists in making more accurate
diagnoses. Buoy Health is an AI-
based symptom and cure checker. It
uses algorithms to diagnose and treat
illness.
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TRANSPORT
• AI can make traffic more efficient, ease
traffic congestion, free driver's time,
make parking more manageable, and
encourage car- and ridesharing. As AI
keeps road traffic flowing, it can also
reduce fuel consumption caused by
vehicles idling when stationary and
improve air quality and urban planning.
MANUFACTURING
• AI can perform manufacturing, quality
control, shorten design time, reduce
materials wastage, improve production
reuse, and perform predictive
maintenance. AI algorithms can also be
used to optimize manufacturing supply
chains, helping companies anticipate
market changes. Robots are helping
in manufacturing, optimizing sales
paths, or predicting maintenance and
breakdowns in smart factories.
• Example: Bengaluru based Lincode
labs is helping to create smart factories.
FOOD AND FARMING
• AI can help in adopting sustainable
farming practices; it can suggest
appropriate use of fertilisers, robots
can help in removing weeds, lowering
the use of herbicides
• Eg:- Indian startup Fasal is providing
the farmers with real time data,
accurate resource predictions like
sprays, irrigation and other preventive
measures.
E-COMMERCE MANAGEMENT
• AI is being used in industry in planning
inventory, logistic , optimizing products
etc. It is being used in providing
personalized recommendations to
people suggesting products according
to their needs.
• Eg. :- Indian startup Bluebirch deals
with the products that are returned
by customers and focuses on reselling
these products.
Translators
• Language translations softwares are
very much dependent on capabilities
of artificial intelligence, function like
automated subtitling we often sees on
videos of youtube also uses AI.
Cybersecurity
• AI can help identify, detect and fight
cyberattacks. For example, Logrhythm
(American security intelligence
company) provides an end to end
solution for companies and organisation
to detect and respond to cybersecurity.
India and AI
• NITI Aayog has adopted a three-
pronged approach – undertaking
exploratory proof-of-concept AI
projects in various areas, crafting a
national strategy for building a vibrant
AI ecosystem in India and collaborating
with various experts and stakeholders.
NITI Aayog has partnered with several
leading AI technology players to
implement AI projects in critical areas
such as agriculture and health.
The points highlighted in reports are:
A. Artificial Intelligence and India
AI strategy needs to be premised on a
framework which is adapted to India’s
unique needs and aspirations, such a
framework could be an aggregation of the
following three distinct, yet interrelated
components:
a. Opportunity: The economic impact
of using Artificial Intelligence in India
113
estimates India’s annual growth rate by
to increase by 1.3 percentage points by
2035.
b. AI for Greater Good: Social development
and inclusive growth: Increased access
to quality health facilities (including
addressing the locational access
barriers), inclusive financial growth
for large population sections. It has
hitherto been excluded from formal
financial products.
Providing real-time advisory to farmers
and helping address unforeseen
factors towards increasing productivity,
building smart and efficient cities and
infrastructure to meet the demands
of a rapidly urbanising population are
examples. It can be most effectively
solved through the non-incremental
advantages a technology such as AI
can provide.
c. AI Garage for 40% of the world: Simply
put, solve for India means solve for 40%
or more of the world. An advanced AI
based solution for early diagnosis of
tuberculosis (one of the top-10 causes
of deaths worldwide), for example,
could easily be rolled out to countries
in South East Asia or Africa, once
developed and refined in India. Beyond
healthcare, AI technologies in the other
sectors including agriculture, education
and mobility are set to transform the
world. The commonality of issues about
the above sectors across developing
countries provides the ideal use case
of developing AI solutions adapted for
multiple markets.
B. Focus area for artificial
intelligence in India
Healthcare
• Healthcare is one of the most dynamic,
yet challenging, sectors in India, and
is expected to grow to USD280 billion
by 2020, at a CAGR of upwards of
16%, from the current USD100 Billion.
Nevertheless, it faces significant
 challenges of quality, accessibility, and
affordability for a large section of the
population:
a. Shortage of qualified healthcare
professionals and services like
qualified doctors, nurses,
technicians, and infrastructure.
Non-uniform accessibility to
healthcare across the country with
physical access continuing to be the
primary barrier to both preventive
and curative health services, and
glaring disparity between rural and
urban India
b. Affordability remains a problem
with private expenditure accounting
for ~70% of healthcare expenses,
of which ~62% is out-of-pocket
expenditure, probably one of the
highest in the world. Significant
portion of hospital costs in both
rural (~47%) and urban India (~31%)
are financed by loans and sale of
assets.
c. Reactive approach to essential
healthcare mainly due to lack of
awareness, access to services and
behavioral factors implies It majority
of patients approach a hospital /
physician only when a disease has
reached advance stage
• The increased advancements in
technology and interest and activity
from innovators provide India's
opportunity to solve some of its
long existing challenges in providing
appropriate healthcare to a large
section of its population. AI combined
with robotics and the Internet of Medical
Things (IoMT) could potentially be the
new nervous system for healthcare,
presenting solutions to address
healthcare problems and help the
government meet the above objectives.
Agriculture
• Agriculture and allied sectors still
114
account for 49% of India’s workforce,
16% of the country’s gross domestic
product (GDP)13, and ensures food
security to roughly 1.3 billion people.
The Government of India has recently
prioritized Doubling Farmers’ Income
as a National Agenda; putting
considerable focus on supply chain
perspectives in agriculture and market
development in addition to productivity
augmentation.
• India has not been able to remove
its exploitative dependence on
resource intensive agricultural
practices altogether. Degradation of
land, reduced soil fertility, increased
dependence on inorganic fertilizers for
higher production, rapidly dropping
water tables and emerging pest
resistance are some of the several
manifestations of India’s unsustainable
agricultural practices.
• Use of AI can rectify above mentioned
problems and help in efficient utilization
of resources.
Education
• In emerging countries, particularly,
levels of education and literacy of the
population play an essential role in
development and overall transition
to an advanced economy. Estimates
indicate It currently over half the
population of the country is below the
age of 25.
• School education in India has seen
substantial progress in recent decades,
with efforts at both the Central and
State levels, and substantive gains
in enrolment have been achieved –
Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) is 97% at
elementary level and 80% at secondary
level, as per recent figures. However,
low retention rates and poor learning
outcomes mar the impact of gains in
enrollment.
• Low retention rates: Enrolment of
 children is of little use if children are
not retained in the schooling system.
Retention rate of 70.7% at elementary
level indicates one-third of enrolled
children drop out before completing
Class 8.
• Poor learning outcomes: There is
increasing concern about the low
learning levels of children in school,
and a new National Achievement
Survey (NAS) shows over 60% of Class
5 students scored below 50% across
subjects; and for majority of the 31
States / UTs tested, performance
significantly deteriorated.
• A recent survey found It the level of
adoption of technology in schools is
lacking and can be attributed mainly
to lack of teacher training provision of
the ICT infrastructure. While 83% of the
teachers surveyed use computers, the
use is limited primarily to audio / visual
display, or student practice.
• AI can bring about changes in the
sector by supplementing pedagogy
and establishing systems to inform
and support decision making across
stakeholders and administrative levels.
• Several AI tools are being successfully
used in other parts of the world, and
they can be adapted to the Indian
context to target specific challenge
Smart Mobility and Transportation
• Mobility and transportation form the
backbone of the modern economy
due to their linkages with other sectors
and importance in domestic and
international trade. Today’s society
demands a high degree of mobility
of various kinds, to enable efficient
and safe transportation of people and
goods.
a. Autonomous trucking: Autonomous
technology in trucking has the
potential to transform the way
we move goods today. AI can
115
help increase safety and hauling
efficiency through intelligent
platooning.
b. Intelligent Transportation Systems:
Through the use of an intelligent
traffic management system
including sensors, CCTV cameras,
automatic number plate recognition
cameras, speed detection cameras,
signalized pedestrian crossings
and stop line violation detection
systems and the use of AI, real time
dynamic decisions on traffic flows
such as lane monitoring, access to
exits, toll pricing, allocating right
of way to public transport vehicles,
enforcing traffic regulations through
smart ticketing etc. can be made.
with AI suitable measures could
be preemptively taken to prevent
possible accidents.
c. Travel route/flow optimisation: With
access to traffic data at the network
level, AI can help make smart
predictions for public transport
journeys by optimising total journey
time including access time, waiting
time and travel time.
d. AI for Railways: According to
official figures, more than 500 train
accidents occurred between 2012-
2017, 53% due to derailment. Train
operators can obtain situational
intelligence through real- time
operational data and analyse
them in three dimensions: spatial,
temporal and nodal.
Recently, the Ministry of Railways,
Govt. of India has decided to use
AI to undertake remote condition
monitoring using non-intrusive
sensors for monitoring signals,
track circuits, axle counters, and
subsystems interlocking, power
supply systems including the voltage
and current levels, relays, timers.
e. Community Based Parking:
The availability of parking is a
 significant issue for Indian cities. AI
can help optimise parking, likely by
minimising vehicle downtime and
maximising driving time. With the
advent of electric vehicles, AI will
be needed to mediate the complex
vehicle grid interactions (VGI) and
charging optimisation.
Critical challenges to adoption of AI in
india
• The initial analysis of focus sectors –
Healthcare, Agriculture, Education,
Smart Cities and Infrastructure,
and Smart Mobility and Transport,
highlight the potential of AI tools and
technologies in transforming the sectors
and state of Indian economy.
• Taking Healthcare sector as an example,
enabling large scale adoption would
require at least the following factors to
be addressed:
a. Absence of collaborative effort
between various stakeholders:
while India has adopted electronic
health record (EHR) policy, sharing
data between various hospital
chains remains a work in progress,
since different hospital chains have
adopted different interpretations of
‘digitizing records.
b. Relevant data is unavailable and
there is absence of robust open
clinical data sets; and
c. Concerns on privacy and security of
data.
• Similarly each sector has its own set of
problems. However, analyzing across
the focus sectors, the challenges are
concentrated across common themes
of:
a. Lack of enabling data ecosystems
b. Low intensity of AI research
i. Core research in fundamental
technologies
116
ii. Transforming core research into
market applications
c. Inadequate avaiIlability of AI
expertise, human resources and
skilling opportunities
d. High resource cost and low
awareness for adopting AI in
business processes
e. Unclear privacy, security, and
ethical regulations
f. Unattractive Intellectual Property
regime to incentivize research and
adoption of AI.
• While by no means exhaustive, these
challenges, if addressed expeditiously
through concerted collaborative
efforts by relevant stakeholders, with
government playing a leading role,
could lead to fundamental building
blocks form the core to India’s march
towards leadership in AI.
Recommendations:
Research
• India produced a whopping 2.6 million
STEM graduates in 2016, second only to
China and more than 4 times the USA's
graduates, thus producing the requisite
talent pool to drive innovation in
emerging technologies. Disappointingly
though, an overwhelming majority
of It talent pool is focused on routine
IT development and not so much on
research and innovation.
• The Detailed Project Report of
Inter-Ministerial National Mission
on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical
Systems (IM-ICPS) has suggested
the following four-tier framework
for promoting research focused on
all aspects of technology life cycle:
research, technology deployment,
translation, and management:
a. ICON (International Centers of New
Knowledge): focusing on creation
of new knowledge through primary
 research,
b. CROSS (Centre for Research on Sub-
Systems): focusing on developing
and integrating core technologies
developed at ICON layer and any
other sources
c. CASTLE (Center for Advanced
Studies, Translational research
and Leadership): focusing on
development and deployment of
application-based research and
d. CETIT (Centre of Excellence in
Technology Innovation and Transfer):
focusing on commercialization of
technologies developed
• A far more simplified and agile
approach is required to ensure a
seamless, targeted and accountable
framework for promoting research.
Hence the following two-tier integrated
approach to boost both core and
applied research in AI is proposed.
A. COREs (Centres of Research
Excellence in Artificial Intelligence):
COREs will focus on core research
of AI and take on the mantle of
executing the responsibilities of
both ICON and CROSS the IM-
ICPS framework. Thus, COREs will
specialize in creating new knowledge
through basic research and will be a
source for fundamental knowledge
/ technologies. It will keep India
prepared for the next generation of
technologies.
B. ICT AI (International Centre
for Transformational Artificial
Intelligence): ICT AIs will provide
the ecosystem for application
based technology development and
deployment and take on the mantle
of executing the responsibilities of
both CASTLE and CETIT as per the
IM-ICPS framework. It will be an
industry-led initiative and expected
to take on the top-level challenges
identified or inter- ministerial
projects calling for AI based
117
solutions.
Skilling
• NASSCOM predicts by 2022, a startling
46% of the Indian workforce will be
engaged in entirely new jobs that
do not exist today or jobs that have
radically changed skill sets. Some other
sources estimate demand for AI and
machine learning specialists in India is
expected to see a 60% rise by 2021. An
independent study estimates India will
face a demand-supply gap of 2,00,000
data analytics professionals by 2025.
• Re-skilling of the current workforce
will require integration with relevant
existing skilling initiatives, building
of new platforms that can enable
improved learning, and novel methods
of allowing large scale employment
generation through promotion of AI.
a. Incentivizing creation of jobs that
could constitute the new service
industry: To tackle the challenge of
shifts in the services industry, it is
essential to identify and promote
creation of jobs that may replace
traditional IT-BPM sector jobs in the
future
b. Recognition and standardization
of informal training institutions:
Implementation of recognised
certificate courses through higher
education institutions could be a
significant boost to recognising
resources spent on re-skilling
and holding these institutions to
standards in delivery of knowledge.
c. Creation of open platforms for
learning: Initiatives such as the
NASSCOM Future Skills Platform
will play an instrumental role
in large scale dissemination of
requisite skills to some significant
sections of the employed workforce.
Online and self-learning platforms,
such as Coursera and edX, can help
learners to access best universities
and institutions around the world.
 d. Creating financial incentives for
reskilling of employees: Initiatives
in reskilling employees or allowing
employees to undergo reskilling
initiatives have a high opportunity
cost for private companies and may
affect their willingness to let their
employees engage the process at
scale. It is thus suggested co-funded
models between the government
and companies be explored, in
the IT sector particularly. Financial
incentives for private companies
could include payroll taxes which
are dedicated to subsidising training
opportunities.
• Artificial Intelligence during the Kumbh
Mela last year was especially notable,
where smart video analytics was used
for efficient traffic movement, security,
and crowd management in Prayagraj.
The Government of Odisha is also
preparing to use Artificial Intelligence,
Data Analytics, and Mobile Computing
to analyse crime data and support
investigation.
Artificial intelligence and Privacy:
• AI will be the tipping point in
technological evolution of humanity,
with human dependence on machines
and algorithms for decision making
never been such profound. Thus, any
strategy document on promoting AI,
necessarily needs to be conscious of the
probable factors of the AI ecosystem
that may undermine ethical conduct,
impinge on one’s privacy and undermine
the security protocol. Appropriate steps
to mitigate these risks need to be an
integral part of any such strategy.
Big Data
• Big Data is a group of data which is
enormous in volume, and increasing
exponentially with time. It is a data with
118
so large size and complexity that none
of traditional data management tools
can store it or process it efficiently. Big
Data is data with colossal size.
• It is beyond the ability of old-style
interactive databases to capture,
manage and process the data with low
latency. Big data has one or more of the
following characteristics: high volume,
high velocity, or high variety. Artificial
intelligence (AI), Internet of Things
(IoT) drive data complexity through
new forms and sources of data. For
example, big data comes from sensors,
devices, video/audio, networks, log files,
transactional applications, web, and
social media — much of it generated
in real time and at an enormous scale.
• In theoretical sense big data
is a combination of structured,
semistructured and unstructured
data. Structured data can be stored,
accessed, and processed in the form
of fixed format. Unstructured data
with unknown form or the structure is
classified as unstructured data. Semi-
structured data can contain both the
forms of data.
Big data in India
• The use of big data is by no means
new in the country, with data mining
techniques being used by the Indian
government and corporations for some
time now. However, for a country as
large as India, data analytics has not
been utilized to its fullest extent to aid
with the planning, policymaking, or
development of various sectors in the
country such as agriculture and urban
planning.
• The use of data mining techniques as
a part of Project Insight, identifying
tax evaders, and using geo-tagging to
zero-in on shell companies are excellent
examples of India tapping in on the
potential of the data revolution.
• Using agriculture as an example, big
data could help study crop growth
patterns, analyzing the best times
to plant that would yield the highest
crop production, study weather and
seasonal patterns to determine best
planting times, and so forth.
Internet of things:
• The Internet of Things, or IoT, refers to
the billions of physical devices around
the world that are now connected to
the internet, all collecting and sharing
data. So if we take physical objects
and connect them like with the help
of softwares, sensors, or some other
technology, we can make them
communicate between themselves, we
will describe it as “Internet of things”.
• Some objects may themselves be filled
with many smaller IoT components like
a jet engine filled with thousands of
sensors collecting data and transmitting
data back to make sure it is operating
efficiently.
• A lightbulb that can be switched on
using a smartphone app is an IoT
device.
• IoT plays a leading role in an evolving
business and technology. According
to a recent report, released by Zinnov
in June 2020, IoT investments in India
were close to USD 5Bn in 2019, and is
expected to go up to USD 15Bn in 2021.
Evolution Of 5G Technology:
5G is fifth generation of mobile networks
that has been designed to meet the
tremendous growth in data and
connectivity of modern societies. 5G
is being preferred for delivering faster
connection and great capacity.
• 1G: They were first generation of
wireless cellular technology, they
were analog technology standards
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which were introduced in 1980s and
continued to being used until replaced
by 2G technology. First commercial 1G
mobile network in world was launched
by Nippon telephone and Telegraphy
company in Tokyo, Japan in 1979.
• 2G: 1G technology was based
on analog transmission while 2G
technology was based on digital
transmission via multiplexing 2G
capabilities by allowing multiple users
on a single channel. It also enables SMS
and MMS(multimedia message).
• 3G: Third generation uses Universal
Mobile Telecommunication System
(UMTS) as its core network architecture
It uses packet switching rather than
circuit switching to allow data speeds
up to 14 Mbps.
• 4G: Main difference between 3G and
4G is data rate, essential technologies
that have made 4G possible are MIMO
(Multiple Input Multiple Output) and
OFDM (orthogonal Frequency Division
Multiplexing). Most important 4G
standards are WiMAX and LTE.
• 4G LTE: While 4G LTE are significant
improvement over 3G speeds it is
technically not 4G, 4G is predetermined
standards for mobile network
connection. 4G LTE is short for “fourth
generation long-term evolution.” So
it’s actually two terms combined. First,
“4G” represents the fourth generation
of mobile technology, the next big
advancement after 3G. And “long-term
evolution,” or “LTE,” is industry jargon
used to describe the particular type
of 4G that delivers the fastest mobile
internet experience.
• 5G: 5G is fifth generation of mobile
communications network, the most
crucial feature of 5G is its low latency.
Latency is time taken for devices to
respond to each other over wireless
network, 3G has response time of 100
millisecond, 4G has response time of 30
 millisecond, and 5G latency will be as
low as 1 millisecond making 5G 60-120
times faster.

Comparison 2G 3G 4G 5G

Introduced in
1993 2001 2009 2018
year

MIMO, mm
Technology GSM WCDMA LTE, WiMAX
Waves

Access system TDMA ,CDMA CDMA CDMA OFDM,BDMA

Circuit
switching Packet
Switching for voice switching Packet Packet
system and packet except for few switching switching
switching for interference
data

Wireless world
Internet service Narrowband Broadband Ultrabroadband
wide web

30 GHz to 300
Bandwidth 25 MHZ 25MHz 100 MHz
GHz

SMS, MMS,
internet access International Speed,high Too high speed
Advantage
and sim roaming speed handoffs , low latency
introduced

HIGH resolution
video
High speed
streaming,
Video applications,
Voice calls, remote control
Applications conferencing, mobile tv
short messages mobile tv , GPS
of vehicles,
,wearable
robots and
devices
medical
procedure

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5G in India
• The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has sought inputs from telcos and
other industry experts on the sale and use of radio frequency spectrum over the next
10 years, including the 5G bands.
• 5G or fifth generation is the latest upgrade in the long-term evolution (LTE) mobile
broadband networks. 5G mainly works in 3 bands, namely low, mid and high frequency
spectrum.
• On par with the global players, India had, in 2018, planned to start 5G services as
soon as possible, with an aim to capitalise on the better network speeds and strength
that the technology.
• All the three private telecom players, Reliance Jio Infocomm, Bharti Airtel and Vi,
have been urging the DoT to lay out a clear road map of spectrum allocation and
5G frequency bands, so that they would be able to plan the roll out of their services
accordingly. One big hurdle, however, is the lack of flow of cash and adequate capital
with at least two of the three players, namely Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea.

Evolution of Cryptocurrencies 3. A means of computing, to store the

and Blockchain Technology
• BlockChain technology: Blockchain is
a digital ledger of transactions that is
duplicated and distributed across the
entire network of computer systems. It
is a system of recording information in a
way that makes it difficult or impossible
to change, hack or cheat the system.
• A simple analogy for understanding
blockchain is Google Doc. When
we create a document and share it
with group of people the document
is distributed instead of copied or
transferred. It creates a decentralized
distribution chain that gives everyone
access to document at the same time,
all modifications to the doc are being
recorded in the real-time, making the
changes completely transparent.
transactions and records of the network.
• Cryptographic keys consist of two keys
– Private key and Public key. These
keys help in performing successful
transactions between two parties. Each
individual has these two keys, which
they use to produce a secure digital
identity reference.
• Secured identity is the most critical
aspect of Blockchain technology. In
the world of cryptocurrency, identity
is referred to as ‘digital signature’ and
is used for authorizing and controlling
transactions.
• The digital signature is merged with the
peer-to-peer network; many individuals
who act as authorities use the digital
signature to reach a consensus on
transactions, among other issues.

How Does Blockchain work? • When they authorize a deal, it is

certified by a mathematical verification,
Blockchain is a combination of three which results in a successful secured
leading technologies: transaction between the two network-
1. Cryptographic keys connected parties. Blockchain users
employ cryptographic keys to perform
2. A peer-to-peer network containing a different types of digital interactions
shared ledger over the peer-to-peer network.

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• In a Blockchain, each block consists of
4 main headers.
• Previous Hash: It hash address locates
the previous block.
• Transaction Details: Details of all the
transactions need to occur.
• Nonce: An arbitrary number given
in cryptography to differentiate the
block’s hash address.
• Hash Address of the Block: All the above
(i.e., preceding hash, transaction details,
and nonce) are transmitted through a
hashing algorithm. It gives an output
containing a 256-bit, 64 character
length value called the unique ‘hash
address.’
Mining
• In Blockchain technology, the process
of adding transactional details to the
present digital/public ledger is called
‘mining.’ Though the term is associated
with Bitcoin, it is used to refer to other
Blockchain technologies as well.
Cryptocurrencies
• Cryptocurrencies are a digital form of
money that run on a new monetary
system, one that is not regulated by any
centralized authority or tracked by a
formal institution. There are many types
of cryptocurrency with various functions.
Each digital currency is supported by
a decentralized peer-to-peer network
called the blockchain regardless of
each function. Blockchain technology
ensures that all cryptocurrencies are
kept track of, regardless of whether
they are being held in a digital wallet.
• Bitcoin was the first to market, setting
up a system in which two people -
the sender and the receiver of coins
- must sign off on payments to create
a digital signature. Each person has
a public and a private encryption
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key. Every transaction is verified for
accuracy, and the system is anonymous
and transparent. At the center of
infrastructure is the ledger.
• A cryptocurrency has a ledger, where
all transactions are made public so
total visibility is provided.
• The ledger is a list of entries in a
database, nobody can change without
fulfilling specific conditions. Nobody
owns the ledger or the cryptocurrency
blockchain; instead, it is decentralized
implying it is self-run and self-governed
without the interference of outside
parties.
ROBOTICS
• The primary era , of robotics research
and development was the mid 20th
century primarily with an Industrial
environment where repetitive
movements and lifting of heavy
machines made the use of machines
attractive over human.
• Robots were mainly employed for the
tasks that were too dirty, distant and
dangerous for humans. Robotics as
a discipline is intersection of science,
engineering and technology that
produces machines called robots.
• With technology the scope of what is
considered robotics has expanded,
today we are seeing an evolved and
expanded definition of robotics.
• Earlier robots were mainly used to do
simple repetitive works in places like car
factories. Right now, robots are used in
exploring earth’s harshest conditions,
they are assisting in law enforcements,
and they are assisting in almost every
facets of healthcare.
Application of robotics:-
1. Healthcare: Robots have already
begun working in different domains of
 medical care in hospital around the
globe, especially in process like sensory
prosthesis to help correct or assist
physical movements, use of micro-
robots to deliver medicines to a specific
part of body and so on.
For example, the Sawai Man Singh
hospital at Jaipur tested locally
manufactured humanoid robot to
deliver food and medicine to corona
virus patient.
2. Agriculture: Lowering overall costs and
to increase productivity the agriculture
industry has been actively working to
adopt different robotic technology
forms. Farmers have already been
using tractors and harvesters that are
self guided by GPS. Recently there
has been a rise in experimental use of
autonomous systems that automate
operations like thinning, mowing,
spraying and weed removal.
For example, Agribot is an agricultural
bot designed by BITS Pilani Hyderabad
students, which is designed to increase
efficiency, speed, productivity,
application and accuracy of the work
and minimize the labour of the farmers.
Its central area involved in farming
are harvesting, spraying, seeding and
removal of weeds.
3. Space:
I. Development of robot system for
unstructured uneven terrain based
on biologically inspired innovative
locomotion concepts
II. Development of multi functional robot
team usable for in-site examination
and maintenance of infrastructure
III. Reconfigurable system for planetary
exploration
IV. Image evaluation, Object recognition
and terrain modelling
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V. AI based support systems for scientific
experiences
For example, ”Vyom mitra” is a female
looking space fearing humanoid robot
developed by ISRO to function on
board the Gaganyaan, a crewed orbital
space-craft.
4. Electric mobility: To test applications
for electrical vehicles, develop battery
charging technologies and to create
intelligent, environmentally friendly and
integrated urban mobility.
For ex:- KUKA (a German manufacturer)
has bundled experience and expertise
in engineering, project management,
process knowledge, commissioning and
service for the automated product of
electric vehicles including their power
terrain.
5. Manufacturing: Robotics play a
significant role in the manufacturing
landscape. Today, automated
manufacturing solutions is a vital
part of any operation that strives
for maximum efficiency, safety and
competitive advantage in the market.
Automation of repetitive tasks reduce
margin of errors to negligible rates, and
enable human workers to focus more
skill development and diverse work
profile.
I. It creates efficiency from raw material
handling to finished product packing
II. It can be programmed to operate 24*7
for continuous production
III. Robotic equipment’s are highly flexible
and can be customized to perform even
complex functions
6. Education: At least 15 universities and
colleges in India are now offering
robotics courses such as M.Tech in
robotics, M.Tech in automation.
Advantage and disadvantage
of robotics :-
• Cost effectiveness: Robots are
cost effective, they do not take breaks,
holidays, sick leave and they can be set
to work on a repetitive cycle, only thing
they require is regular maintenance.
• Improved quality assurance:-
It is quite natural over time worker
concentration declines, concentration
lapse, that can often lead to costly
errors for business.
• Increased productivity: Robotic
automation can help to tackle repetitive
tasks that provides staff member ample
time to expand on their skills and also
opens new avenues for research.
• Work in hazardous environment:
Robots can effectively tackle hazardous
environment typically in production
areas which require extraordinarily
high or low temperatures, have high
turnover of staffs due to nature of work.
Robots can minimize material waste
and remove needs for human to put
themselves at unnecessary risks.
• Self - governance: Robots mostly
are automatic once programmed
they would be doing the jobs, they
can minimize human labour to a large
extent.
Disadvantages:-
• Potential job losses: One of the biggest
concerns surrounding the introduction
of robotics automation is the impact
of jobs for workers. Such concerns
have installed fears in the workers
worldwide and the sword of job cut is
hanging on their heads. But these fears
are not accurate, as during early years
of industrial revolution people said
machines will replace them. But data
shows it has produced more jobs.
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• Initial investment costs: Automation
requires colossal expenditure, it
becomes the biggest obstacle to decide
whether or not a company will invest
in robotic automation. It also creates
some sort of inequality between
big and small companies were big
companies can invest in automation by
bearing huge infrastructure cost and
reap subsequent benefits and small
companies are not able to compete.
• Hiring skilled staffs: The robots require
programming and a knowledge of how
to operate them, which in turn requires
hiring skilled staffs to fill specialised
roles.
• Capable of repetitive tasks: Robots
are not able to act any different from
what they are programmed to do they
can perform only repetitive tasks for
a long time but do not get better with
experience.
• Data storage not as effective as
humans: Robots can store large
amounts of data but the storage,
access, retrieval is not as effective as
the human brain. Also robots works on
information fed to them and if even one
things goes wrong it would destroy the
entire chain.
• Privacy concerns: Robots are
increasingly invading our lives, with
household chores, medical industrial or
production lines, it has come to a point
where we are fearing robots may start
to dominate human species.
ROBOTICS IN INDIA: -
Despite the fears of automation taking
away jobs, robotics is rising as a fast
growing niche industry.
• Robots are increasingly being used in
different industry with drones already
being employed in oil refineries,
agriculture and arial inspection of
manufacturing plants.
• Robots are also used to inspect
civil structures, bridges, steel plants,
refineries etc.
• Indian defense sector has also
suggested idea of introducing a robotic
force for example currently there are
robotic bomb diffusing squads and
there is a proposal to introduce atleast
one third of total armed forces capacity
by robots.
• The rise of robots has been little late in
India as compared to other countries
as per 2017 world robot statistics
report. There are only 3 Robots/10000
employee in India. However, countries
like Brazil have 10 robots/10000
employee, Europe have 106 units per
10000 workers and countries such as
south korea have 701 installed robots
per 10000 employee.
Impact of automation on Indian
labour market:-
• Automation will displace many jobs
over the next 10 to 15 years, but many
other new jobs will be created and even
more will change.
• Jobs of the future will use different
skills and may have higher educational
requirements.
• A report released by ILO says that
51.8% of activities in India can be
automated. Robotic automation has
significant impact replacing low skill
jobs and simple assembly tasks.
• Automation scenario can be bleak if
trends continues, the world bank has
predicted massive job threats in India
in the coming years. An estimated of
5 million jobs will be terminated due
to increased automation in various
banking services.
Fourth Industrial
Revolution:
• The term “fourth industrial revolution”
is coined by Klaus Schwab which
describes a world where individuals
move between digital domains and
offline reality with the use of connected
technology to enable and manage their
lives.
• This revolution is related to
manufacturing and chain production.
It is driven by breakthroughs in digital
technologies like IoT, 3D printing,
artificial intelligence, robotics, cloud
computing & big data analysis etc.

Stages of
Main Features/Characteristics
Revolution

• Started in 1760 with the invention of the steam engine.

• Use of water and steam power to mechanize production.
1st Industrial
Revolution • Rise of Iron and textile industries.
• Marked by transition from farming and feudal society to the
new manufacturing process.

125
 • Started in 1900 with the invention of the internal combustion
engine.
2nd Industrial • Growth & expansion of pre-existing industries along with the
Revolution rise of new ones Ex: steel, oil and electricity.
• Use of electric power in mass production.
• Invention of light bulbs, telephone etc.

• Started in 1960 with the implementation of electronics and

information technology to automate production.
3rd Industrial • It is also called as the digital revolution.
Revolution • Marked by use of internet, computers, and other electronic
devices.
• Use of Nuclear Energy and Natural Gas.

• It is building on the 3rd Industrial Revolution. i.e., Digital

revolution.
• Marked by the rise of new, modern, and most advanced
4th Industrial
technologies like robotics, AI, quantum computing,
Revolution
nanotechnology, biotechnology, IoT, 3D printing, etc.
• Leading to fusion of technologies that is blurring the lines
between the physical, digital, and biological spheres.

4th Industrial Revolution in • The first three projects of centre for

India:
• Recently, the World Economic Forum
has opened its centre for Fourth
Industrial Revolution in India. India has
become the fourth country in the world
(after USA, China, and Japan) to have
such a centre.
• The WEF will work in collaboration
with the NITI Aayog, business leaders,
academia and start-ups in these
projects.
• On behalf of the government and
among the multiple ministries, NITI
Aayog will coordinate the partnership.
Fourth Industrial Revolution in India are
Artificial intelligence, block chain and
drones.
• Government has already started the
various schemes like Skill India mission,
Startup India, Atal Innovation Mission
and Digital India which are developing
and preparing the youths to use new
technologies.
• This revolution has the potential to
raise income levels and improve the
quality of life. Thus this is not just an
industrial transformation, but a social
transformation.

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 CHAPTER - 10
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
Definition:
• Intellectual property (IP) refers to
creations of the mind such as inventions;
literary and artistic works; symbols,
names and images used in commerce.
The term intellectual property denotes
the specific legal rights, and not the
intellectual work itself. It is essential to
be aware of what these IP rights are,
how they can be protected and, in due
course, how to derive benefit from them.
• Intellectual property is divided into two
categories:
» Industrial Property which includes
patents for inventions, trademarks,
industrial designs and Geographical
indications.
» Copyright covers literary works (such as
novels, poems and plays), films, music,
artistic works (e.g., drawings, paintings,
photographs and sculptures) and
architectural designs.
Why Promote
And Protect
The Intellectual
Property?
The reasons are:
• The progress and well-being of
humanity rest on its capacity to create
and invent new works in technology
and culture.
• The legal protection of new creations
encourages the commitment of
additional resources for further
127
innovation.
• The promotion and protection of
intellectual property spurs economic
growth, creates new jobs and
industries, and enhances life quality
and enjoyment.
• An efficient and equitable intellectual
property system can help all countries
to realize intellectual property’s
potential as a catalyst for economic
development and social and cultural
well-being. The intellectual property
system helps strike a balance between
the interests of Innovators and the Public
interest, providing an environment in
which creativity and invention can
flourish, for the benefit of all.
Types Of IPR
• Patents: A patent protects an invention.
It gives the holder an exclusive right
to prevent others from selling, making
and using the patented invention for a
certain period (typically 20 years from
filing date).
• The legislation that deals with the
protection and registration of patents
in India is The Patent Act, 1970 and The
Patent Rules 2003.
• The patent Act 1970 has undergone
three (3) amendments in 1999, 2002 and
2005. The 2005 amendment introduced
product patent protection for food,
pharma, and chemical inventions.
• In India an invention/product has to
satisfy various criteria to qualify for a
patent are:
» New/ Novel: The invention has a
feature that sets it apart from previous
 inventions and is unknown to the public.
» Non-obviousness: The invention’s
novelty must not be evident to
someone who has ordinary skill in the
area of invention.
» Utility: The invention is considered
useful.
• Like other IP laws patent protection
is territorial. Registration of a patent
ensures protection in all over India.
If somebody wants to protect their
invention in another country they have
to apply in every country where the
applicant wants patent protection for
their product/invention.
INTERNATIONAL
PROTECTION FOR PATENTS
• The binding agreements considered
when contemplating international
patent protection are Paris Convention
for protecting the Industrial Property
and Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).
1. The Paris Convention
• The Paris Convention established in
1883 for the protection of Industrial
Property is an international intellectual
property treaty adhered to by more
than 100 countries.
2. International applications
through the Patent Co-operation
Treaty (PCT)
• The Patent Co-operation Treaty
(PCT) facilitates filing applications
for patents on the same invention in
member countries. The PCT system
does not provide for the grant of an
international patent, it is a system
for filing international application for
patents.
Copyright:
• Copyright protects the expression of
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literary or artistic work. Protection
arises automatically giving the
holder the exclusive right to control
reproduction or adaptation.
• The Indian law extends copyright
protection for the work made by an
individual for life time of the author
plus sixty (60) years. The Copyright
Act, 1957 and the Copyright Rules, 1958
provide for protection of copyrights in
India.
• Copyright is provided automatically to
the author of any original work covered
by the law as soon as the work is created.
Registration is not mandatory, but
provides for protection of ownership in
case of dispute. Copyright registration
is invaluable to a copyright holder who
wishes to take a civil or criminal action
against infringement.
• India's government vide International
Copyright Order, 1999 has extended
copyright protection in India to works
first published outside India.
• International protection under the Berne
Convention: The Berne Convention for
the Protection of Literary and Artistic
Works was first adopted in 1886 to
honour the rights of all authors who
are nationals of countries that are
party to the convention. The World
Intellectual Property Organization
(WIPO) administers the convention.
Trademarks:
• A trademark is a distinctive sign used to
distinguish the products or services of
one business from others. Trademarks
are often closely linked to brands.
• The legislation that deals with
the protection and registration of
trademarks in India is the Trademark
Act, 1999 and The Trademark Rules
2002. In India, trademark registration is
valid for ten years. The same may be
renewed from time to time for additional
periods of ten years each.
Design:
• Protects the form of an object's outward
appearance or aesthetic style and does
not protect functionality or unseen
(internal) design elements.
• The Indian law of designs is enshrined
in the Designs Act, 2000 and the Design
Rules, 2001. The industrial design
registration grants the proprietor the
exclusive rights to sell, import, and apply
the design to any product. India has
adopted the ‘first to file’ system, which
means the right holder should apply to
the earliest point of time to rule out the
possibility of any other person claiming
for the rights of the intended designs.
• There are some artistic works which
is not possible to be registered as the
design. They are painting, sculpture,
drawing (including a diagram, map,
chart or plan), an engraving or
photograph (whether or not any such
work possesses artistic quality), a work
of architecture, and any other work of
artistic craftsmanship.
Database:
• Database right prevents copying of
substantial parts of a database. The
protection is not over the form of
expression of information but of the
information itself, but in many other
aspects database right is similar to
copyright.
Trade secrets:
• A trade secret is a formula, practice,
process, design or compilation of
information used by a business to obtain
an advantage over competitors. Trade
secrets are by definition not disclosed
to the world at large.
129
Geographical Indication (GI)
• It refers to “Indication which identifies
a good as originating in the territory
of a member, or a region or locality
in territory, where a given quality,
reputation or other characteristic of the
good is essentially attributable to its
geographical origin’.
• In India, the geographical indications
regime is regulated by the
Geographical Indications of Goods
(Registration & Protection) Act, 1999
and the Geographical Indication of
Goods (Regulation and Protection)
Rules, 2002. It is recommendable to
register the geographical indication
as the registration certificate acts as
the prima facie evidence in the court
in case of any dispute. No additional
evidence is required to prove the validity
/ownership.
• In India, a geographical indication may
initially be registered for ten years, and
it can be renewed from time to time
for further periods of 10 years. The two
agreements related to the international
registration of geographical indication
are the Lisbon Agreement for the
Protection of Appellations of Origin,
1958 and the Paris Convention on
industrial property, 1883.
International
Treaties On IPR:
• Intellectual property has both national
and international dimensions. For
example, patents are governed by
national laws and related country
regulations. In contrast, international
conventions on patents protect
minimum rights and provide some
measures for enforcement of rights by
contracted states.
Role of UNO in development of Indications of Source:
IPR: • Each Contracting
• UNO plays a vital role in the development
and protection of IPR with the help
of the World Intellectual Property
Organization (WIPO) which is one of the
most influential and vital organizations
among the 16 organizations working
under UNO. WIPO aims to promote
and protect IPR worldwide and ensure
utility model, mark or industrial design.
Common rules:
• The Paris Convention lays down a few
standard rules that all Contracting
States must follow. The most important
are:
• Patents: Patents granted in different
Contracting States for the same
invention are independent of each
other: the granting of a patent in one
Contracting State does not oblige other
Contracting States to grant a patent.
Marks:
• The Paris Convention does not regulate
the conditions for the filing and
registration of marks determined in
each Contracting State by domestic
law.
Industrial Designs:
• Industrial designs must be protected in
each Contracting State, and protection
may not be forfeited on the ground
articles incorporating the design are
not manufactured in State.
Trade Names:
• Protection must be granted to trade
names in each Contracting State
without an obligation to file or register
the names.
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State must take
measures against direct or indirect use
of a false indication of the source of
goods or their producer, manufacturer
or trader's identity.
• Unfair competition: Each Contracting
State must provide for adequate
protection against unfair competition.
• Paris Convention For The Protection Of
Industrial Property: WIPO administers
the Paris Convention.
• It came into existence to provide some
international harmony in intellectual
property laws and was adopted on
March 20, 1883, at Paris and enforced
on July 7, 1884.
• It provides basic guidelines for
protecting intellectual property such
as patents, utility models, industrial
designs, trademarks, service marks,
trade names, sources of information or
signs of appeal, and some provisions
for harassment and national treatment
of unfair competition.
• It treaty came into existence in India on
December 7, 1998.
• Under the convention, in the anti-
discrimination principle, a member
country is empowered to grant nationals
of other member countries the equal
protection and advantages as it grants
to its nationals.
National Treatment:
• National treatment can be defined with
regards to the protection of industrial
property as each country who is a
member of the Paris Convention must
grant equal protection of their invention
to nationals of the other member
countries as it grants to its nationals.
• The doctrine of national treatment
guarantees that the foreigners will be
protected and that they will not be
discriminated on any basis.
A framework of Priority:
• Another fundamental principle of the
Paris Convention is a ‘framework of
priority’. Under the Paris Convention, an
invention can be protected at the same
time in various countries. It also means
of access to national patent systems to
foreign applicants.
» the right to communicate to the public
the performance of such works,
» the right to broadcast,
» the right to make reproductions in any
manner or form,
» the right to use the work as a basis for
an audiovisual work, and
» the right to reproduce, distribute,
perform in public or communicate to

Berne Convention the public audiovisual work.

(Protection Of
The Universal
Literary And Artistic
Copyright
Works)
Convention (Ucc)
• India became a signatory of the Berne
Convention on April 1, 1928. • The Universal Copyright Convention
(UCC), was first created in 1952 in
• Copyright protection on the
Geneva in alternative to the Berne
international level took its first step in
Convention.
the middle of the nineteenth century
based on bilateral treaties. • Some countries were not in favor of
specific articles in the Berne Convention
• Many such treaties providing for mutual
and did not agree to sign the Berne
recognition of rights were concluded,
Convention's terms.
but they were neither comprehensive
enough nor uniform. • US had to make several changes to its
laws before it could follow the Berne
• As to works, protection must include
Convention.
“every production in the literary,
scientific and artistic domain, whatever
the mode or form of its expression”
(Article 2(1) of the Convention). World Intellectual
• Subject to individual allowed
reservations, limitations or exceptions,
Property
the following are among the rights. It
must be recognized as exclusive rights
Organization
of authorization:
• The World Intellectual Property
» the right to translate, Organization (WIPO) is an international
organization that grants worldwide
» the right to make adaptations and protection to creators and owners of
arrangements of the work, intellectual property rights.
» the right to perform in public dramatic, • It was adopted on July 14, 1967, at
dramatico-musical and musical works, Stockholm and enforced on April
» the right to recite literary works in 26, 1970. At present WIPO has 184
public, countries as members. India is one
of them to become the member

131
 of the world intellectual property
organization. A state must deposit an
instrument of ratification or accession
with the director general of the world
intellectual property organization at
Geneva.
• WIPO came into establishment with
two main objectives:
• For the promotion of the protection of
intellectual property worldwide and; to
safeguard administrative cooperation
among the intellectual property Unions
established by the treaties which are
under WIPO administration.
• In 1974, WIPO became a specialized
agency of the United Nations and
in 1996, WIPO expanded its role into
globalized trade by entering into a
cooperation agreement with the World
Trade Organization. WIPO administers
25 treaties (three of those jointly with
other international organizations) and
carries out a rich and varied program
of work, through its member States and
the secretariat,
• It seeks to:
» To integrate national laws and
procedures related to intellectual
property.
» To provide an international registration
service for the industrial property.
» To exchange information about
intellectual property.
» To provide legal and technical
assistance to developing countries and
others.
» To assist during the settlement
of disputes related to intellectual
properties among individuals.
• According to the Convention held at
Stockholm on 14th July 1967 and Article
2(viii) of the convention following rights
are included in Intellectual Property
Rights:
132
» Literary, artistic and scientific works;
» Performances of performing artists,
phonograms and broadcasts;
» Inventions in all fields of human
behavior;
» Scientific discoveries;
» Industrial designs;
» Trademarks;
» Service marks;
» Commercial names and designations;
» Protection against unfair competition;
» All other rights resulting from Intellectual
activity in industrial scientific, literary or
artistic fields; etc.
International
Treaties Under Wipo:
• International treaties administered by
world intellectual property organization
• There are 24 international treaties
which are administered by world
intellectual property organization. Few
are mentioned below as follows:
• Berne convention
• Libson agreement
• Madrid agreement
• Paris convention
• Paris law convention
• Phonograms convention
• Rome convention
• Vienna agreement
• Washington treaty
Organs Of WIPO:
There are three main organ of the world
intellectual property organization:
• The general assembly
• The conference
• The coordination committee
The General Assembly
• The general assembly of the world
intellectual property organization
consists of the state party to convention.
The government of each member state
is represented at the general assembly
by one delegate. The assembly appoints
the director general of the world
intellectual property organization.
The Conference
• The conference discusses the matter of
general interest in intellectual property
and may adopt recommendations
relating to such matters for the
competence and autonomy of the
union.
The Coordination Committee
• The coordinate committee advises the
union's organs, the general assembly
and to the conference and the director
general, on all administrative, financial
and other matters of common interest.
• The coordination committee prepares
the draft agenda of the general
assembly.
Trade-Related
Aspects Of
Intellectual Property
Rights (TRIPS)
• The agreement which established
the World Trade Organization (“WTO
Agreement”), was enforced on April 15,
1994, in Marrakech.
133
• The WTO Agreement, including the
TRIPS Agreement (which is binding on
all WTO Members), enforced on January
1, 1995. Member States of WTO were
granted a specific time after enforcing
the agreement establishing the WTO
before being obligated to apply the
TRIPS Agreement.
• Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual
Property Rights (TRIPS) is the most
global and essential international
agreement on intellectual property
rights.
• The member countries of the WTO
are automatically binded by the
agreement.
• The agreement consists of most
intellectual property forms like patents,
copyright, trademarks, trade secrets,
geographical indications, industrial
designs, and exclusionary rights over
new plant varieties.
• TRIPS mainly introduced the global
minimum standard for protecting
and enforcing all forms of intellectual
property, but it failed to specify the
global minimum standard for the
patent.
• The main object is to promote
sufficient and adequate protection
of intellectual property rights and
ensuring the measures and procedures
to enforce intellectual property rights
do not themselves become barriers to
legitimate trade.
Issues covered by the TRIPS
• How basic principles of the trading
system and
intellectual
other
property
international
agreements
should be applied?
• How to give adequate protection to
intellectual property rights?
• How countries should enforce those
rights adequately in their territories?
• How to settle disputes on intellectual
property between members?
• Special transitional arrangements
during the period when the new system
is being introduced.
Features Of The
TRIPS
• There are three main feature of the
TRIPS agreement which are as follow:
» Standard
» Enforcement
» Dispute settlement
• Standard: The main element of trade
related aspect of intellectual property
is to protect the subject matter.
• Enforcement: The second element
is about domestic procedure and
remedies related.
• Dispute settlement: The agreement
disputes between world trade
organization members concerning the
TRIPS obligation is subject to the world
trade organization dispute settlement
procedure.
Obligations Under
TRIPS Agreement
• The TRIPS agreement outlines various
important business-related aspects of
intellectual property.
• The norms are the minimum standards
for granting monopolies over any
kind of IP, as well as duration limits,
enforcement provisions, and methods
of IP dispute settlement.
• When the TRIPS agreement was
enforced on 1 January 1995, all
developed countries were given twelve
134
months from signing the agreement to
implement its provisions. Developing
countries and transition economies
(under certain conditions) were granted
five years until 2000.
• As of 2006, least developed countries
(LDCs) were given 11 years to comply.
Some countries have indicated It the
long term should be achieved.
• For pharmaceutical patents in these
LDCs, the compliance period has been
extended to 2016.
Conclusion
• The commercial importance
necessitates intellectual property be
adequately protected. The protection of
the resultant Intellectual Property thus
assumes significance to ensure that the
investments are recouped profitably.
The given right to the creator/ inventor
is an incentive for them to produce
ideas that will benefit the society as a
whole.
• These agreements provide a minimum
standard for the enforcement of IPR
It allows right holders to protect their
legitimate interests through civil court
or administrative proceedings.
India’s Efforts To
Protect And Promote
IPRs
• Creativity and innovation have been a
constant in growth and development of
any knowledge economy. There is an
abundance of creative and innovative
energies flowing in India. India has a
TRIPS compliant, robust, equitable and
dynamic IPR regime.
National IPR Policy
• The rationale for the National IPR
Policy lies in creating awareness about
the importance of IPRs as a marketable
financial asset and economic tool.
Vision Statement:
• To develop India where creativity and
innovation are stimulated by Intellectual
Property for the benefit of all;
• To develop India where intellectual
property promotes advancement
in science and technology, arts and
culture, traditional knowledge and
biodiversity resources;
• To develop India where knowledge is
the primary driver of development, and
knowledge owned is transformed into
knowledge shared.
Mission Statement:
Stimulate a dynamic, vibrant and balanced
intellectual property rights system in India
to:
• foster creativity and innovation and
thereby, promote entrepreneurship and
enhance socioeconomic and cultural
development, and
• focus on enhancing access to
healthcare, food security and
environmental protection, among other
sectors of vital social, economic and
technological importance.
Objectives
• The Policy lays down seven objectives
elaborated with steps to be undertaken
by the identified nodal Ministry/
Department. The objectives are briefly
mentioned below.
Objective 1 IPR Awareness:
• Outreach and Promotion - To create
135
public awareness about the economic,
social and cultural benefits of IPRs
among all sections of society
Objective 2 Generation of IPRs:
• To stimulate the generation of IPRs India
has a large talent pool of scientific and
technological talent spread over R&D
institutions, enterprises, universities and
technical institutes. There is a need to
tap abundant knowledge resource and
stimulate the creation of IP assets.
Objective 3 Legal and Legislative
Framework:
• To have strong and effective IPR laws,
which balance rights owners' interests
with more considerable public interest.
Objective 4 Administration and
Management:
• To modernize and strengthen service
oriented IPR administration.
Objective 5 Commercialization of IPR:
• Get value for IPRs through
commercialization and economic reward
for the owners of IP. Entrepreneurship
should be encouraged so the financial
value of IPRs is captured.
Objective 6 Enforcement and Adjudication
:
• To strengthen the enforcement
and adjudicatory mechanisms for
combating IPR infringements, there is
a need to build respect for IPR among
the general public and sensitize the
inventors and creators of IP on measures
for protection and enforcement of their
rights.
Objective 7 Human Capital Development
:
• To strengthen and expand human
resources, institutions and capacities
for teaching, training, research and
skill building in IPRs in order to harness
the full potential of IPRs for economic
growth, it is essential to develop an
increasing pool of IPR professionals
 and experts in spheres such as policy
and law.
• While Department for Promotion of
Industry and Internal Trade (DIPP)
shall be the nodal point to coordinate,
guide and oversee implementation and
future development of IPRs in India,
the responsibility for implementing the
plans of action will remain with the
Ministries/ Departments concerned in
their assigned sphere of work. Public
and private sector institutions and
other stakeholders, including State
governments, will also be involved in
the implementation process.
Schemes, Policies and Program for Patent
Facilitation
DARK MATTER
In 1930s Fritz Zwicky observed that
many galaxies were moving faster than
theoretical calculations. This implied that
there was some mysterious gravitational
pull towards the centre of those galaxies.
The quantity of matter needed to exert
such a pull far exceed the observed
matter. This extra matter which is invisible
and undetected has been termed as Dark
Matter.
Gradually many astronomers started
researching on dark matter. It was when
the Andromeda Galaxy was observed
to be moving faster than expected that
dark matter took the center stage of
astronomical research.
It has not yet been observed directly.
It doesn't interact with matter and is
completely invisible to light and other
forms of electromagnetic radiation
making it impossible to detect.
The light from distant galaxies gets
distorted and magnified by massive,
invisible clouds of dark matter in the
phenomenon known as Gravitational
Lensing.
Source : NASA
136
CENTRAL GOVERNMENT
SCHEMES AND PROGRAMMES
1. Scheme for Facilitating Start-Ups
Intellectual Property Protection
• The central government brought a
Scheme for Facilitating Start-Ups
Intellectual Property Protection (SIPP)
with a vision to protect and promote
start-ups' intellectual property rights
and thus encourage innovation
and creativity among them. SIPP is
envisaged to facilitate protection of
Patents, Trademarks and Designs of
innovative and interested start-ups.
• Under the scheme start-ups do not have
to pay fee to the registered facilitator for
the facilitation, the central government
will reimburse it.
2. Patent Facilitation Program
(TIFAC)
• Patent Facilitation Program (PFP) of
Department of Science and Technology
has established Patent Facilitating Cell
(PFC) at TIFAC to create awareness
and training program on IPR in the
country, to extend assistance on
protecting IPRs to the inventors from
Govt. organizations, Central and State
Universities.
• TIFAC is an autonomous organization
under Department of Science &
Technology mandated to access
state-of-art technology and formulate
a technology vision for developing
technology in emerging technological
areas in India.
3. Intellectual Property Facilitation
Centre (NRDC)
• Intellectual Property Facilitation Centre
(IPFC) at NRDC is a joint initiative of
NRDC and MSME which aims to promote
awareness among entrepreneurs and
 MSMEs in India.
4. Biotechnology Patent Facilitation
Cell (Department of Biotechnology)
• Department of Biotechnology
established Biotechnology Patent
Facilitation Cell (BPFC) to provide
awareness cum facilitation mechanism
to create awareness about IPRs among
scientists and researchers.
5. Intellectual Property Facilitation
Centre (Department of Defence
Production)
• Department of Defence Production (DDP)
was set up to develop a comprehensive
production infrastructure to produce
weapons, systems, platforms, and
equipment required for defence.
• IPFC was created to provide
» general advisory about IPRs,
» provide services as IP protection, IP
awareness & training, counselling and
advisory services
» provide services for patent searches,
patent drafting, patent prosecution,
facilitation in commercialization of
inventions etc
» to identify a panel of professional
IP attorney/ Ip consultants and fix a
fee structure for consulting them for
professional services.
137
STATE GOVERNMENT
SCHEMES
ANDHRA PRADESH
Technology &Innovation Support Centre
(TISC)
GUJRAT
Intellectual Property Facilitation Centre
HARYANA
Haryana Entrepreneur and Startup Policy,
2017
HIGGS BOSON:
It is a subatomic particle discovered in
2012 by the ATLAS and CMS experiments
at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at
CERN near Geneva, Switzerland.
The Higgs boson is an elementary particle
in the Standard Model of particle physics
produced by the quantum excitation
of the Higgs field, one of the fields in
particle physics theory.
It is named after physicist Peter Higgs
who in 1964 along with five other
scientists proposed the Higgs mechanism
to explain why some particles have mass.
This mechanism required that a spinless
particle known as a boson should exist
with properties as described by the
Higgs Mechanism theory. This particle
was called the Higgs boson.
PROPERTIES:
In the Standard Model, the Higgs particle
is a massive scalar boson with zero spin.
It has no electric charge,
It has no color charge.
It is also very unstable, decaying into
other particles almost immediately.
PREVIOUS
YEAR
QUESTIONS
Mains
• What do you understand by
nanotechnology and how is it helping
in the health sector? (150 words, 10
marks) (2020)
• How is science interwoven deeply
with our lives? What are the striking
changes in agriculture triggered off by
the science-based technologies? (150
words, 10 marks) (2020)
• COVID-19 pandemic has caused
unprecedented devastation worldwide.
However, technological advancements
are being availed readily to win
over the crisis. Give an account of
how technology was sought to aid
management of the pandemic. (250
words, 15 marks) (2020)
• Describe the benefits of deriving
electric energy from sunlight in contrast
to the conventional energy generation.
What are the initiatives offered by our
Government for this purpose? (250
words, 15 marks) (2020)
• What is India’s plan to have its own
space station and how will it benefit
our space programme? (150 words, 10
marks) (2019)
• How can biotechnology help to improve
the living standards of farmers? (250
words, 15 marks) (2019)
• Give an account of the growth and
development of nuclear science and
technology in India. What is the
advantage of a fast breeder reactor
programme in India? (250 words, 15
marks) (2019)
• How is the Government of India
protecting traditional knowledge
of medicine from patenting by
pharmaceutical companies? (250
words, 15 marks) (2019)
• Discuss the work of ‘Bose-Einstein
Statistics’ done by Prof. Satyendra Nath
Bose and show how it revolutionized the
139
field of Physics. (150 words, 10 marks)
(2018)
• Why is there so much activity in the
field of biotechnology in our country?
How has this activity benefitted the
field of biopharma? (250 words, 15
marks) (2018)
• With growing energy needs should India
keep on expanding its nuclear energy
programme? Discuss the facts and
fears associated with nuclear energy.
(250 words, 15 marks) (2018)
• Stem cell therapy is gaining popularity
in India to treat a wide variety of
medical conditions including leukaemia,
Thalassemia, damaged cornea and
several burns. Describe briefly what stem
cell therapy is and what advantages it
has over other treatments? (150 words,
10 marks) (2017)
• India has achieved remarkable
successes in unmanned space missions
including the Chandrayaan and Mars
Orbiter Mission, but has not ventured
into manned space missions, both
in terms of technology and logistics?
Explain critically(150 words, 10 marks)
(2017)
• What is allelopathy? Discuss its role
in major cropping systems of irrigated
agriculture. (200 words, 12.5 marks)
(2016)
• Discuss India’s achievements in the
field of Space Science and Technology.
How the application of this technology
has helped India in its socio-economic
development? (200 words, 12.5 marks)
(2016)
• Why is nanotechnology one of the
key technologies of the 21st century?
Describe the salient features of Indian
Government’s Mission on Nanoscience
and Technology and the scope of its
application in the development process
of the country. (200 words, 12.5 marks)
(2016)
• How can the ‘Digital India’ programme
 help farmers to improve farm
productivity and income? What steps
has the Government taken in this
regards? (200 words, 12.5 marks) (2015)
• To what factors can the recent
dramatic fall in equipment costs and
tariff of solar energy be attributed?
What implications does the trend have
for the thermal power producers and
the related industry? (200 words, 12.5
marks) (2015)
1. What do you understand by ‘Standard
Positioning Systems’ and ‘Protection
Positioning Systems’ in the GPS era?
Discuss the advantages India perceives
from its ambitious IRNSS programme
employing just seven satellites. (200
words, 12.5 marks) (2015)
2. What are the areas of prohibitive labour
that can be sustainably managed by
robots? Discuss the initiatives that can
propel research in premier research
institutes for substantive and gainful
innovation. (200 words, 12.5 marks)
(2015)
3. Discuss the advantage and security
implications of cloud hosting of servers
vis-a-vis in-house machine-based
hosting for government businesses.
(200 words, 12.5 marks) (2015)
4. India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital
Library (TKDL) which has a database
containing formatted information
on more than 2 million medicinal
formulations is proving a powerful
weapon in the country’s fight against
erroneous patents. Discuss the pros and
cons of making this database publicly
available under open-source licensing.
(200 words, 12.5 marks) (2015)
• Can overuse and the availability of
antibiotics without doctor’s prescription,
the contributors to the emergence
of drug-resistant diseases in India?
140
What are the available mechanisms
for monitoring and control? Critically
discuss the various issues involved. (200
words, 12.5 marks) (2014)
• Scientific research in Indian universities
is declining, because a career in
science is not as attractive as our
business operations, engineering or
administration, and the universities are
becoming consumer-oriented. Critically
comment. (200 words, 12.5 marks) (2014)
• In a globalised world, intellectual
property rights assume significance
and are a source of litigation. Broadly
distinguish between the terms –
copyrights, patents and trade secrets.
(200 words, 12.5 marks) (2014)
• Bringing out the circumstances in 2005
which forced an amendment to the
section 3(d) in Indian Patent Law, 1970,
discuss how it has been utilized by
the Supreme Court in its judgement in
rejecting Novartis’ patent application
for ‘Glivec’. Discuss briefly the pros and
cons of the decision. (200 words, 10
marks) (2013)
• What do you understand by Fixed-Dose
drug Combinations (FDCs)? Discuss
their merits and demerits. (200 words,
10 marks) (2013)
• What is a digital signature? What does
its authentication mean? Give various
salient built-in features of a digital
signature. (100 words, 5marks) (2013)
5. How does 3D printing technology
work? List out the advantages and
disadvantages of the technology. (100
words, 5 marks) (2013)
6. What is an FRP composite material?
How are they manufactured? Discuss
their application in the aviation and
automobile industries. (100words, 5
marks) (2013)
Prelims
1. With reference to the carbon nanotubes,
consider the following statement:
(2020)
1. They can be used as the carriers of
drugs and antigens in the human
body.
2. They can be made into the artificial
blood capillaries for an injured part
of human body.
3. They can be used in biochemical
sensors.
4. Carbon nanotubes are
biodegradable.
Which of the statements given above
are correct?
a) 2,3 and 4 only
b) 1,3 and 4 only
c) 1 and 2 only
d) 1,2,3 and 4
2. Consider the following activities: (2020)
1. Spraying pesticides on a crop field.
2. Inspecting the craters of active
volcanoes
3. Collecting breath samples from
spouting whales for DNA analysis
At the present level of technology,
which of the above activities can be
successfully carried out by using drones?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
3. The experiment will employ a trio of
spacecraft flying in formation in the
shape of an equilateral triangle that
has sides one million kilometres long,
with lasers shining between the craft.”
(2020)
141
The experiment in question refers to
a) Voyager-2
b) New Horizons
c) LISA Pathfinder
d) Evolved LISA
4. Consider the following statements:
(2020)
1. Genetic changes can be introduced
in the cells that produce eggs or
sperms of a prospective parent.
2. A person’s genome can be edited
before birth at the early embryonic
stage.
3. Human induced pluripotent stem
cells can be injected into the embryo
of a pig.
Which of the statements given above
is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 2 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
5. What is the importance of using
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines in
India? (2020)
1. These vaccines are effective against
pneumonia as well as meningitis
and sepsis.
2. Dependence on antibiotics that are
not effective against drug-resistant
bacteria can be reduced.
3. These vaccines have no side effects
and cause no allergic reactions.
Select the correct answer using the
code given below:
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
6. In India, the term “Public Key i. Bring down electricity consumption
Infrastructure” is used in the context of: in industrial units
(2020) ii. Create meaningful short stories and
a) Digital security infrastructure songs
b) Food security infrastructure iii. Disease diagnosis
c) Health care and education infrastructure iv. Text-to-speech conversion
d) Telecommunication and transportation v. Wireless transmission of electrical
infrastructure energy
Select the correct answer using the
code given below:
7. Which of the following statements are
correct regarding the general difference a) 1,2,3 and 5 only
between plant and animal cells? (2020) b) 1,3, and 4 only
1. Plant cells have cellulose cell walls c) 2,4, and 5 only
whilst animal cells do not.
d) 1,2,3,4 and 5
2. Plant cells do not have plasma
membrane unlike animal cells which
do. 10. With reference to visible light
3. Mature plant cell has one large communication (VLC) technology,
vacuole whilst animal cell has many which of the following statements are
small vacuoles. correct? (2020)
Select the correct answer using the 1. VLC uses electromagnetic spectrum
code given below: wavelengths 375 to 780nm
a) 1 and 2 only 2. VLC is known as long-range optical
wireless communication
b) 2 and 3 only
3. VLC can transmit large amounts of
c) 1 and 3 only
data faster than Bluetooth
d) 1, 2 and 3
4. VLC has no electromagnetic
interference
8. In the context of recent advances Select the correct answer using the
in human reproductive technology, code given below
‘Pronuclear Transfer” is used for: (2020) a) 1, 2 and 3 only
a) Fertilization of egg in vitro by the donor b) 1, 2 and 4 only
sperm
c) 1, 3 and 4 only
b) Genetic modification of sperm producing
cells d) 2, 3 and 4 only

c) Development of stem cells into functional

embryos
d) Prevention of mitochondrial diseases in
offspring.
9. With the present state of development,
Artificial Intelligence can effectively do
which of the following? (2020)
11. With reference to solar water pumps,
consider the following statements:
(2020)
1. Solar power can be used for
running surface pumps and not for
submersible pumps,

142
 2. Solar power can be used for running 14. In India, the use of carbofuran, methyl
centrifugal pumps and not the ones parathion, phorate and triazophos
with piston. is viewed with apprehension. These
Which of the statements given above chemicals are used as: (2019)
is/are correct? a) pesticides in agriculture
a) 1 only b) preservatives in processed foods
b) 2 only c) fruit-ripening agents
c) Both 1 and 2 d) moisturising agents in cosmetics
d) Neither 1 nor 2
15. In the context of proposals to the use
12. For the measurement/estimation of of hydrogen-enriched CNG (H-CNG)
which of the following are satellite as fuel for buses in public transport,
images/remote sensing data used? consider the following statements:
(2019) (2019)

1. Chlorophyll content in the 1. The main advantage of the use of

vegetation of a specific location H-CNG is the elimination of carbon
monoxide emissions.
2. Greenhouse gas emissions from rice
paddies of a specific location 2. H-CNG as fuel reduces carbon
dioxide and hydrocarbon emissions.
3. Land surface temperatures of a
specific location 3. Hydrogen up to one-fifth by volume
can be blended with CNG as fuel for
Select the correct answer using the
buses.
code given below:
4. H-CNG makes the fuel less expensive
a) 1 Only
than CNG.
b) 2 and 3 only Which of the statements given above
c) 3 only is/are correct?
d) 1, 2 and 3 a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only
13. Consider the following: (2019) c) 4 only
1. Carbon monoxide d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
2. Methane
3. Ozone 16. Why are dewdrops not formed on a
4. Sulphur dioxide cloudy night? (2019)
Which of the above are released into a) Clouds absorb the radiation released
atmosphere due to the burning of crop/ from the Earth’s surface.
biomass residue? b) Clouds reflect back the Earth’s radiation.
a) 1 and 2 only c) The Earth’s surface would have low
b) 2, 3 and 4 only temperature on cloudy nights.

c) 1 and 4 only d) Clouds deflect the blowing wind to

ground level.
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

143
17. With reference to communication
technologies, what is/are the difference/
differences between LTE (Long-Term
Evolution) and VoLTE (Voice over Long-
Term Evolution)? (2019)
1. LTE is commonly marketed as 3G
and VoLTE is commonly marketed
as advanced 3G.
2. LTE is data-only technology and
VoLTE is voice-only technology.
Select the correct answer using the
code given below:
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
18. The word ‘Denisovan’ is sometimes
mentioned in media in reference to:
(2019)
a) fossils of a kind of dinosaurs
b) an early human species
c) a cave system found in North-East India
d) a geological period in the history of
Indian subcontinent
19. With reference to the recent
developments in science, which one of
the following statements is not correct?
(2019)
a) Functional chromosomes can be created
by joining segments of DNA taken from
cells of different species.
b) Pieces of artificial functional DNA can
be created in laboratories.
c) A piece of DNA taken out from an animal
cell can be made to replicate outside a
living cell in a laboratory.
d) Cells taken out from plasma and animals
can be made to undergo cell division in
laboratory petri dishes.
144
20. Consider the following statements:
(2019)
A digital signature is
1. an electronic record that identifies
the certifying authority issuing it
2. used to serve as a proof of identity of
an individual to access information
or server on Internet
3. an electronic method of signing
an electronic document and
ensuring that the original content is
unchanged
Which of the statements given above
is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
21. In the context of wearable technology,
which of the following tasks is/are
accomplished by wearable devices?
(2019)
1. Location identification of a person
2. Sleep monitoring of a person
3. Assisting the hearing impaired
person
Select the correct answer using the
code given below:
a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
22. 'RNA interference (RNAi)' technology
has gained popularity in the last few
years. Why? (2019)
1. It is used in developing gene
silencing therapies.
2. It can be used in developing
therapies for the treatment of
cancer.
 3. It can be used to develop hormone
replacement therapies.
4. It can be used to produce crop
plants that are resistant to viral
pathogens.
Select the correct answer using the
code given below:
a) 1, 2 and 4
b) 2 and 3
c) 1 and 3
d) 1 and 4 only
23. Recently, Scientists observed the
merger of giant blackholes’ billions of
light-years away from the Earth. What
is the significance of this observation?
(2019)
a) 'Higgs boson particles' were detected.
b) 'Gravitational waves' were detected.
c) Possibility of inter-galactic space travel
through 'wormhole' was confirmed.
d) It enabled the scientists to understand
'singularity'.
24. Which of the following are the reasons
for the occurrence of multi-drug
resistance in microbial pathogens in
India? (2019)
1. Genetic predisposition of some
people
2. Taking incorrect doses of antibiotics
to cure diseases
3. Using antibiotics in livestock farming
4. Multiple chronic diseases in some
people
Select the correct answer using the
code given below:
a) 1 and 2
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1, 3 and 4
d) 2, 3 and 4
145
25. What is Cas9 protein that is often
mentioned in news? (2019)
a) A molecular scissors used in targeted
gene editing
b) A biosensor used in the accurate
detection of pathogens in patients
c) A gene that makes plants pest-resistant
d) A herbicidal substance synthesized in
genetically modified crops
26. Which one of the following statements
is not correct? (2019)
a) Hepatitis B virus is transmitted much like
HIV.
b) Hepatitis B. unlike Hepatitis C, does not
have a vaccine.
c) Globally, the number of people infected
with Hepatitis B and C viruses arc several
times more than those infected with HIV.
d) Some of those infected with Hepatitis B
and C viruses do not show the symptoms
for many years.
27. With reference to India’s satellite
launch vehicles, consider the following
statements: (2018)
1. PSLVs launch the satellites useful
for Earth resources monitoring
whereas GSLVs are designed mainly
to launch communication satellites.
2. Satellites launched by PSLV appear
to remain permanently fixed in the
same position in the sky, as viewed
from a particular location on Earth.
3. GSLV Mk III is a four-staged launch
l vehicle with the first and third
stages l using solid rocket motors;
and the second and fourth stages
using liquid rocket engines.
Which of the statements given above
is/are correct.?
a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3
c) 1 and 2 3. Automotive industry
d) 3 only 4. Reconstructive surgeries
5. Data processing technologies
28. With reference to the Indian Regional Select the correct answer using the
Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), code given below :
consider the following statements : a) 1, 3 and 4 only
(2018)
b) 2, 3 and 5 only
1. IRNSS has three satellites in c) 1 and 4 only
geostationary and four satellites in
geosynchronous orbits. d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

2. IRNSS covers entire India and about

5500 sq. km beyond its borders. 31. The terms ‘Wanna Cry, Petya and
3. India will have its own satellite Eternal Blue’ sometimes mentioned in
navigation system with full global the news recently are related to: (2018)
coverage by the middle of 2019. a) Exo-planets
Which of the statements given above b) Crypto-currency
is/are correct?
c) Cyber attacks
a) 1 only
d) Mini satellites
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 2 and 3 only
32. In which of the following areas can GPS
d) None
technology be used? (2018)
1. Mobile phone operations
29. The identity platform ‘Aadhaar’ provides 2. Banking operations
open “Application Programming
Interfaces (APIs)”. What does it imply? 3. Controlling the power grids
(2018) Select the correct answer using the
code given below:
1. It can be integrated into any
electronic device. a) 1 only
2. Online authentication using iris is b) 2 and 3 only
possible. c) 1 and 3 only
Which of the statements given above d) 1, 2 and 3
is/are correct ?
a) 1 only
33. When the alarm of your smartphone
b) 2 only
rings in the morning, you wake up
c) Both 1 and 2 and tap it to stop the alarm which
d) Neither 1 nor 2 causes your geyser to be switched on
automatically. The smart min-or in your
bathroom shows the day’s weather
30. “3D printing” has applications in which and also indicates the level of water
of the following? (2018) in your overhead tank. After you take
some groceries from your refrigerator
1. Preparation of confectionery items
for making breakfast, it recognises the
2. Manufacture of bionic ears shortage of stock in it and places an

146
 order for the supply of fresh grocery jointly by the IARI and Punjab
items. When you step out of your Agricultural University.
house and lock the door, all lights, fans, Which of the statements given above
geysers and AC machines get switched is/are correct ?
off automatically. On your way to
a) 1 and 3 only
office, your car warns you about traffic
congestion ahead and suggests an b) 2 only
alternative route, and if you are late for c) 2 and 3 only
a meeting, it sends a- message to your
office accordingly. In the context of d) 1, 2 and 3
emerging communication technologies,
which one of the following term” best
36. Consider the following: (1) Birds (2)
applies to the above scenario? (2018)
Dust blowing (3) Rain (4) Wind blowing.
a) Border Gateway Protocol Which of the above spread plant
b) Internet of Things diseases? (2018)
c) Internet Protocol a) 1 and 3 only
d) Virtual Private Network b) 3 and 4 only
c) 1, 2 and 4 only

34. Which of the following leaf modifications d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

occur(s) in the desert areas to inhibit
water loss? (2018)
37. Consider the following statements:
1. Hard and waxy leaves (2018)
2. Tiny leaves 1. The Earth’s magnetic field has
3. Thorns instead of leaves reversed every few hundred
Select the correct answer using the thousand years.
code given below : 2. When the Earth was created more
a) 2 and 3 only than 4000 million years ago, there
was 54% oxygen and no carbon
b) 2 only dioxide.
c) 3 only 3. When living organisms originated,
d) 1, 2 and 3 they modified the early atmosphere
of the Earth.
Which of the statements given above
35. With reference to the Genetically is/are correct?
Modified mustard (GM mustard)
a) 1 only
developed in India, consider the
following statements : (2018) b) 2 and 3 only
1. GM mustard has the genes of a soil c) 1 and 3 only
bacterium that give the plant the d) 1, 2 and 3
property of pest-resistance to a
wide variety of pests.
2. GM mustard has the genes that 38. Consider the following pairs of Terms
allow the plant cross-pollination sometimes seen in news vs Context /
and hybridization. Topic: (2018)
3. GM mustard has been developed 1. Belle II experiment: Artificial

147
 Intelligence (c) 1 and 3 only
2. Blockchain technology: Digital/ (d) 1, 2 and 3
Cryptocurrency
3. CRISPR — Cas9: Particle Physics
41. Consider the following statements:
Which of the pairs given above is/are (2017)
correctly matched ?
1. In tropical regions, Zika virus disease
a) 1 and 3 only is transmitted by the same mosquito
b) 2 only that transmits dengue.
c) 2 and 3 only 2. Sexual transmission of Zika
d) 1, 2 and 3 virus disease is possible.
Which of the statements given above
is/are correct?
39. Consider the following phenomena: (a) 1 only
(2018)
(b) 2 only
1. Light is affected by gravity.
(c) Both 1 and 2
2. The Universe is constantly
expanding. (d) Neither 1 nor 2

3. Matter warps its surrounding space-

time. 42. Organic Light Emitting Diodes
Which of the above is/are the prediction/ (OLEDs) are used to create digital
predictions of Albert Einstein’s General display in many devices. What are
Theory of Relativity, often discussed in the advantages of OLED displays
media ? over Liquid Crystal displays? (2017)
a) 1 and 2 only 1. OLED displays can be fabricated on
flexible plastic substrates.
b) 3 only
2. Roll-up displays embedded in
c) 1 and 3 only
clothing can be made using OLEDs.
d) 1,2 and 2.
3. Transparent displays are possible
using OLEDs.
40. Consider the following pairs: (2017) Select the correct answer using the
Commonly used material vs. Unwanted code given below:
or controversial chemicals found in (a) 1 and 3 only
them
(b) 2 only
1. Lipstick: Lead (c) 1, 2 and 3
2. Soft drinks: Brominated vegetable (d) None of the above statements is correct
oils
3. Chinese fast food: Monosodium
glutamate 43. In India, it is legally mandatory for
Which of the pairs given above is/are which of the following to report on
correctly matched? cyber security incidents? (2017)
(a) 1 only 1. Service providers
(b) 2 and 3 only 2. Data centres
3. Body corporate

148
 Select the correct answer using the 2. It is a wireless technology and is
code given below: several times faster than ‘WiFi’.
(a) 1 only Select the correct answer using the
code given below:
(b) 1 and 2 only
(a) 1 only
(c) 3 only
(b) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
44. What is the purpose of ‘evolved Laser
Interferometer Space Antenna (eLISA)’
project? (2017) 48. What is ‘Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10)’,
(a) To detect neutrinos recently in the news? (2016)
(b) To detect gravitational waves (a) Electric plane tested by NASA
(c) To detect the effectiveness of missile (b) Solar-powered two-seater aircraft
defence system designed by Japan
(d) To study the effect of solar flares on our (c) Space observatory launched by China
communication systems (d) Reusable rocket designed by ISRO

45. The terms Event Horizon, Singularity, 49. With reference to `Astrosat’, the
‘String Theory and Standard Model astronomical observatory launched by
are sometimes seen in the news in the India, which of the following statements
context of: (2017) is/are correct? (2016)
(a) Observation and understanding of the 1. Other than USA and Russia, India is
Universe the only country to have launched a
(b) Study of the solar and the lunar eclipses similar observatory into space.
(c) Placing satellites in the orbit of the Earth 2. Astrosat is a 2000 kg satellite placed
in an orbit at 1650 km above the
(d) Origin and evolution of living organisms
surface of the Earth.
on the Earth
Select the correct answer using the
code given below:
46. ‘Project Loon’, sometimes seen in the (a) 1 only
news, is related to: (2016)
(b) 2 only
(a) waste management technology
(c) Both 1 and 2
(b) wireless communication technology
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
(c) solar power production technology
(d) water conservation technology
50. India is an important member of
the ‘International Thermonuclear
47. With reference to ‘Li-Fi’, recently in the Experimental Reactor’. If this
news, which of the following statements experiment succeeds, what is the
is/are correct? (2016) immediate advantage for India? (2016)
1. It uses light as the medium for high- (a) It can use thorium in place of uranium
speed data transmission. for power generation

149
(b) It can attain a global role in satellite
navigation
(c) It can drastically improve the efficiency
of its fission reactors in power generation
(d) It can build fusion reactors for power
generation
(b) construction of smart cities across the
country
(c) India’s own search for the Earth-like
planets in outer space
(d) New Educational Policy

54. With reference to pre-packaged

51. Consider the following statements: (2016) items in India, it is mandatory to the
The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO manufacturer to put which of the
following information on the main label,
1. is also called the Mars Orbiter
as per the Food Safety and Standards
Mission
(Packaging and Labelling) Regulations,
2. made India the second country to 2011? (2016)
have a spacecraft orbit the Mars 1. List of ingredients including
after USA additives
3. made India the only country to be 2. Nutrition information
successful in making its spacecraft
orbit the Mars in its very first attempt 3. Recommendations, if any, made by
the medical profession about the
Which of the statements given above possibility of any allergic reactions
is/are correct?
4. Vegetarian/non-vegetarian
(a) 1 only
Select the correct answer using the
(b) 2 and 3 only code given below:
(c) 1 and 3 only (a) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2 and 4
52. In the context of the developments in (d) 1 and 4 only
Bioinformatics, the term ‘transcriptome’,
sometimes seen in the news, refers to:
(2016) 55. Which of the following statements is/
(a) a range of enzymes used in genome are correct? (2016)
editing Viruses can infect
(b) the full range of mRNA molecules 1. bacteria
expressed by an organism 2. fungi
(c) the description of the mechanism of 3. plants
gene expression
Select the correct answer using the
(d) a mechanism of genetic mutations code given below:
taking place in cells
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
53. ‘Mission Indradhanush’ launched by the
(c) 1 and 3 only
Government of India pertains to: (2016)
(a) immunization of children and pregnant (d) 1, 2 and 3
women

150
56. With reference to the use of
nanotechnology in health sector, which
of the following statements is/are
correct? (2015)
1. Targeted drug delivery is made
possible by nanotechnology
2. Nanotechnology can largely
contribute to gene therapy
Select the correct answer using the
code given below:
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
57. With reference to ‘fly ash’ produced by
the power plants using the coal as fuel,
which of the following statements is/are
correct? (2015)
1. Fly ash can be used in the production
of bricks for building construction
2. Fly ash can be used as a replacement
for some of the Portland cement
contents of concrete
3. Fly ash is made up of silicon dioxide
and calcium oxide only, and does
not contain any toxic elements.
Select the correct answer using the
code given below
a) 1 and 2
b) 2 only
c) 1 and 3
d) 3 only
58. Among the following which were
frequently mentioned in the news for
the outbreak of Ebola virus recently?
(2015)
(a) Syria and Jordan
(b) Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia
(c) Philippines and Papua New Guinea
(d) Jamaica, Haiti and Surinam
151
59. In the context of modern scientific
research, consider the following
statements about ‘IceCube’, a particle
detector located at South Pole, which
was recently in the news : (2015)
1. It is the world’s largest neutrino
detector, encompassing a cubic
kilometre of ice.
2. It is a powerful telescope to search
for dark matter
3. It is buried deep in the ice.
Which of the statements given above
is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1,2 and 3 only
60.With reference to ‘Near Field
Communication (NFC) Technology’,
which of the following statements is/are
correct? (2015)
1. It is a contactless communication
technology that uses
electromagnetic radio fields
2. NFC is designed for use by devices
which can be at a distance of even
a metre from each other
3. NFC can use encryption when
sending sensitive information.
(a) Select the correct answer using the
code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1,2 and 3.
61. The term ‘Goldilocks Zone’ is often seen
in the news in the context of: (2015)
(a) the limits of habitable zone above the
surface of the Earth
(b) regions inside the Earth-like planets in
outer space 65. With reference to ‘fuel cells’ in which
(c) search for the Earth-like planets in outer hydrogen-rich fuel and oxygen are used
space to generate electricity. Consider the
following statements: (2015)
(d) search for meteorites containing
1. If pure hydrogen is used as a fuel,
precious metals
the fuel cell emits heat and water as
by-products.
62. The term ‘IndARC’ sometimes seen in 2. Fuel cells can be used for powering
the news, is the name of? (2015) buildings and not for small devices
(a) an indigenously developed radar system like laptop computers.
inducted into Indian Defence 3. Fuel cells produce electricity in the
(b) India’s satellite to provide services to form of Alternating Current (AC).
the countries of Indian Ocean Rim Which of the statements given above is
(c) a scientific establishment set up by / are correct?
India in Antarctic region (a) 1 only
(d) India’s underwater observatory to (b) 2 and 3 only
scientifically study the Arctic region
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
63. H1N1 virus is sometimes mentioned in
the news with reference to which one of
the following diseases? (2015) 66.Which of the following is/are the
(a) AIDS example/examples of chemical change?
(2014)
(b) Bird flu
1. Crystallization of sodium chloride
(c) Dengue
2. Melting of ice
(d) swine flu
3. Souring of milk
Select the correct answer using the
64. With reference to bio-toilets used by the code given below:
Indian Railways, consider the following (a) 1 and 2 only
statements: (2015)
(b) 3 only
1. The decomposition of human waste
in the bio-toilets is initiated by a (c) 1, 2 and 3
fungal inoculum. (d) None
2. Ammonia and water vapour are
the only end products in this
decomposition which are released 67. Consider the following diseases: (2014)
into the atmosphere. 1. Diphtheria
Which of the statements given above 2. Chickenpox
is/are correct? 3. Smallpox
(a) 1 only Which of the above diseases has/have
(b) 2 only been eradicated in India?
(c) Both 1 and 2 (a) 1 and 2 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 (b) 3 only

152
(c) 1, 2 and 3 3. Voyager 1 and 2 Exploring the outer
(d) None solar system
Select the correct answer using the code
given below:
68. Consider the following pairs : (2014)
(a) 1 only
Vitamin Deficiency disease
(b) 2 and 3 only
1. Vitamin C Scurvy
(c) 1 and 3 only
2. Vitamin D Rickets
(d) 1, 2 and 3
3. Vitamin E Night blindness
Which of the pairs given above is/are
correctly matched? 71. Which of the following diseases can be
(a) 1 and 2 only transmitted from one person to another
through tattooing? (2013)
(b) 3 only
1. Chikungunya
(c) 1, 2 and 3
2. Hepatitis B
(d) None
3. HIV-AIDS
Select the correct answer using the
69. In addition to fingerprint scanning, codes given below:
which of the following can be used in (a) 1 only
the biometric identification of a person?
(2014) (b) 2 and 3 only
1. Iris scanning (c) 1 and 3 only
2. Retinal scanning (d) 1, 2 and 3
3. Voice recognition
Select the correct answer using the 72. Consider the following minerals: (2013)
code given below: 1. Calcium
(a) 1 only 2. Iron
(b) 2 and 3 only 3. Sodium
(c) 1 and 3 only Which of the minerals given above is/
(d) 1, 2 and 3 are required by human body for the
contraction of muscles?
(a) 1 only
70. Which of the following pair is/are
correctly matched? (2014) (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
Spacecraft Purpose
(d) 1, 2 and 3
1. Cassini-Huygens Orbiting the Venus
and transmitting
data to the Earth 73. Which of the following statements is /
2. Messenger Mapping and are correct? (2013)
investigating the 1. Viruses lack enzymes necessary for
Mercury the generation of energy.

153
 2. Viruses can be cultured in any (b) concentration dioxide in the is increased
synthetic medium. of carbon environment
3. Viruses are transmitted from one (c) rate of respiration is decreased
organism to another by biological (d) there is an increase in humidity
vectors only.
Select the correct answer using the
codes given below: 77. Many transplanted seedlings do not
(a) 1 only grow because: (2013)
(a) the new soil does not contain favorable
(b) 2 and 3 only
minerals
(c) 1 and 3 only
(b) most of the root hairs grip the new soil
(d) 1, 2 and 3 too hard
(c) most of the root hairs are lost during
transplantation
74. Recombinant DNA technology (Genetic
Engineering) allows genes to be (d) leaves get damaged during
transferred: (2013) transplantation
1. across different species of plants
2. from animals to plants 78. Which of the following leaf modifications
3. from microorganisms to higher occurs/occur in desert areas to inhibit
organisms water loss? (2013)
Select the correct answer using the 1. Hard and waxy leaves
codes given below: 2. Tiny leaves or no leaves
(a) 1 only 3. Thorns instead of leaves
(b) 2 and 3 only Select the correct answer using the
(c) 1 and 3 only codes given below:
(d) 1, 2 and 3 (a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
75. Improper handling and storage of
cereal grains and oilseeds result in the (d) 1, 2 and 3
production of toxins known as aflatoxins
which are not generally destroyed by
normal cooking process. Aflatoxins are 79. Ball bearings are used in bicycles, cars,
produced by: (2013) etc. because: (2013)
(a) bacteria (a) The actual area of contact between the
wheel and axle is increased
(b) protozoa
(b) The effective area of contact between
(c) moulds
the wheel and axle is increased
(d) viruses
(c) The effective area of contact between
the wheel and axle is reduced
76. Fruits stored in a cold chamber exhibit (d) None of the statements is correct
longer storage life because: (2013)
(a) exposure to sunlight is prevented

154
80. Consider the following phenomena:
(2013)
1. Size of the sun at dusk
2. Colour of the sun at dawn
3. Moon being visible at dawn
4. Twinkle of stars in the sky
5. Polestar being visible in the sky
Which of the above are optical illusions?
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 3, 4 and 5
(c) 1, 2 and 4
(d) 2, 3 and 5
81. Rainbow is produced when sunlight falls
on drops of rain. Which of the following
physical phenomena are responsible
for this? (2013)
1. Dispersion
2. Refraction
3. Internal reflection
Select the correct answer using the
codes given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
82. The known forces of nature can be
divided into four classes, viz, gravity,
electromagnetism, weak nuclear force
and strong nuclear force. with reference
to them, which one of the following
statements is not correct? (2013)
(a) Gravity is the strongest of the four
(b) Electromagnetism act only on particles
with an electric charge
(c) Weak nuclear force causes radioactivity
(d) Strong nuclear force holds protons and
neutrons inside the nuclear of an atom.
155
83. The efforts to detect the existence of
Higgs boson particle have become
frequent news in the recent past. What
is /are the importance/importances of
discovering this particle? (2013)
1. It will enable us to understand as
to why elementary particles have
mass.
2. It will enable us in the near future
to develop the technology to
transferring matter from one point
to another without traversing the
physical space between them.
3. It will enable us to create better
fuels for nuclear fission.
Select the correct answer using the
codes given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
84. To meet its rapidly growing energy
demand, some opine that India should
pursue research and development on
Thorium as the future fuel of nuclear
energy. In this context, what advantage
does Thorium hold over uranium? (2013)
1. Thorium is far more abundant in
nature than uranium
2. On the basis of per unit mass
of mined mineral, thorium can
generate more energy compared to
natural uranium.
3. Thorium produces less harmful
waste in comparison to uranium.
Which of the statements given above
is/are Correct?
(a) 1 Only
(b) 2 & 3 Only
(c) 1 & 3 Only
(d) 1,2 & 3
85. Graphene is frequently in news recently.
What is its importance? (2013)
1. It is a two-dimensional material and
has good electrical conductivity.
2. It is one of the thinnest but strongest
materials tested so far.
3. It is entirely made of silicon and has
high optical transparency.
4. It can be used as ‘conducting
electrodes’ required for touch
screens, LCDs and organic LEDs.
Which of the statements given above
are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only
(d) 1,2,3 & 4
86. Lead, ingested or inhaled, is a health
hazard. After the addition of lead to
petrol has been banned, what still are
the sources of lead poisoning? (2013)
1. Smelting units
2. Pens and pencils
3. Paints
4. Hair oils and cosmetics
Select the correct answer using the
codes given below:
(a) 1,2 & 3 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 & 4 only
(d) 1,2,3 & 4
87. With reference to ‘stem cells’ frequently
in the news, which of the following
statements is / are correct? (2013)
1. Stem cells can be derived from
mammals only
2. Stem cells can be used for screening
new drugs.
3. Stem cells can be used for medical
156
therapies.
Select the correct answer using the
codes given below:
(a) 1 & 2 Only
(b) 2 & 3 Only
(c) 3 Only
(d) 1,2 and 3
88. Recently, there has been a concern over
the short supply of a group of elements
called ‘rare earth metals’. Why? (2013)
1. China, which is the largest producer
of these elements, has imposed
some restrictions on their export.
2. Other than China, Australia, Canada
and Chile, these elements are not
found in any country.
3. Rare earth metals are essential for
the manufacture of various kinds
of electronic items and there is a
growing demand for these elements.
Which of the statements given above
is/are correct?
(a) 1 Only
(b) 2 & 3 Only
(c) 1 & 3 Only
(d) 1,2 & 3
89. A team of scientists at Brookhaven
National Laboratory including those
from India created the heaviest anti-
matter (anti-helium nucleus). What is/
are the implication/ implications of the
creation of anti-matter? (2013)
1. It will make mineral prospecting and
oil exploration easier and cheaper.
2. It will help probe the possibility of
the existence of stars and galaxies
made of anti-matter.
3. It will help understand the evolution
of the universe.
Select the correct answer using the
 codes given below :
(a) 1 Only
(b) 2 & 3 only
(c) 3 Only
(d) 1,2 & 3
90. Electrically charged particles from
space travelling at speeds of several
hundred km/sec can severely harm
living beings if they reach the surface
of the Earth. What prevents them from
reaching the surface of the Earth?
(2013)
(a) The Earth’s magnetic field diverts them
towards its poles
(b) Ozone layer around the Earth reflects
them back to outer space
(c) Moisture in the upper layers of
atmosphere prevents them from reaching
the surface of the Earth
(d) None of the statements (a), (b) and (e)
given above is correct
91. Consider the following statements
If there were no phenomenon of
capillarity (2013)
1. it would be difficult to use a kerosene
lamp
2. one would not be able to use a straw
to consume a soft drink
3. the blotting paper would fail to
function
4. the big trees that we see around
would not have grown on the Earth
Which of the statements given above
are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 & 4
157
92. Other than resistance to pests, what
are the prospects for which genetically
engineered plants have been created?
(2012)
1. To enable them to withstand drought
2. To increase the nutritive value of the
produce
3. To enable them to grow and do
photosynthesis in spaceships and
space stations
4. To increase their shelf life.
Select the correct answer using the
codes given below:
(a)1 and 2 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
93. Graphene is frequently in news recently.
What is its importance? (2012)
1. It is a two-dimensional material and
has good electrical conductivity.
2. It is one of the thinnest but strongest
materials tested so far.
3. It is entirely made of silicon and has
high optical transparency.
4. It can be used as ‘conducting
electrodes’ required for touch
screens, LCDs and organic LEDs.
Which of the statements given above
are correct?
(a)1 and 2 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
94. A team of scientists at Brookhaven
National Laboratory including those
from India created the heaviest anti-
matter (anti-helium nucleus). What is/
are the implication/ implications of the
creation of anti-matter? (2012)
 1. It will make mineral prospecting and
oil exploration easier and cheaper.
2. It will help probe the possibility of
the existence of stars and galaxies
made of anti-matter.
3. It will help understand the evolution
of the universe.
Select the correct answer using the
codes given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
95. Which of the following is /are cited by
the scientists as evidence/ evidences for
the continued expansion of universe?
(2012)
1. Detection of microwaves in space
2. Observation of redshift phenomenon
in space
3. Movement of asteroids in space
4. Occurrence of supernova explosions
in space
Select the correct answer using the
codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4
(d) None of the above can be cited as
evidence
96. Electrically charged particles from
space travelling at speeds of several
hundred km/sec can severely harm
living beings if they reach the surface
of the Earth. What prevents them from
reaching the surface of the Earth?
(2012)
a) The Earth’s magnetic field diverts them
towards its poles
158
(b) Ozone layer around the Earth reflects
them back to outer space
(c) Moisture in the upper layers of
atmosphere prevents them from reaching
the surface of the Earth
(d) None of the statements (a), (b) and (c)
given above is correct
97. With reference to ‘stem cells’, frequently
in the news, which of the following
statements is/are correct? (2012)
1. Stem cells can be derived from
mammals only.
2. Stem cells can be used for screening
new drugs.
3. Stem cells can be used for medical
therapies.
Select the correct answer using the
codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
98. To meet its rapidly growing energy
demand, some opine that India should
pursue research and development on
thorium as the future fuel of nuclear
energy. In this context, what advantage
does thorium hold over uranium? (2012)
1. Thorium is far more abundant in
nature than uranium.
2. On the basis of per unit mass
of mined mineral, thorium can
generate more energy compared to
natural uranium.
3. Thorium produces less harmful
waste compared to uranium.
Which of the statements given above
is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only video while BD supports High
(d) 1, 2 and 3 Definition video.
2. Compared to a DVD, the BD format
has several times more storage
99. Lead, ingested or inhaled, is a health capacity.
hazard. After the addition of lead to
petrol has been banned, what still are 3. Thickness of BD is 2.4 mm white that
the sources of lead poisoning? (2012) of DVD is 1.2 mm.

1. Smelting units Which of the statements given above

is/are correct?
2. Pens and pencils
(a.) 1 only
3. Paints
(b.) 1 and 2 only
4. Hair oils and cosmetics
(c.) 2 and 3 only
Select the correct answer using the
codes given below: (d.) 1, 2 and 3

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
100. What is the difference between a
CFL and an LED lamp? (2011)
1. To produce light, a CFL uses mercury
vapour and phosphor while an LED
lamp uses semiconductor material.
2. The average life span of a CFL is
much longer than that of an LED
lamp.
3. A CFL is less energy-efficient as
compared to an LED lamp.
102. Satellites used for
telecommunication relay are kept in a
geostationary orbit. A satellite is said to
be in such an orbit when: (2011)
1. The orbit is geosynchronous.
2. The orbit is circular,
3. The orbit lies in the plane of the
Earth’s equator.
4. The orbit is at an altitude of 22,236
km.
Select the correct answer using the
codes given below:
(a.) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b.) 1, 3 and 4 only

Which of the statements given above (c.) 2 and 4 only

is/are correct? (d.) 1, 2,3 and 4
(a.) 1 only
(b.) 2 and 3 only 103. What is the difference between
(c.) 1 and 3 only Bluetooth and Wi-Fi devices? (2011)

(d.) 1, 2 and 3 (a.) Bluetooth uses 2.4 GHz radio frequency

101. A new optical disc format known
as the Blu-ray Disc (BD) is becoming
popular. In what way is it different from
the traditional DVD? (2011)
1. DVD supports Standard Definition
band, whereas-Wi-Fi can use 2.4 GHz or 5
GHz frequency band.
(b.) Bluetooth is used for Wireless Local
Area Networks (WLAN) only, whereas Wi-
Fi is used for Wireless Wide Area Networks
(WWAN) only.
(c.) When information is transmitted
between two devices using Blue-tooth

159
technology, the devices have to be in the
line of sight of each other, but when Wi-
Fi technology is used the devices need not
be in the line of sight of each other
(d.) The statements (a) and (b) given above
are correct in this context
104. What is “Virtual Private Network”?
(2011)
(a.) It is a private computer network of an
organization where the remote users can
transmit encrypted information through
the server of the organization
(b.) It is a computer network across a public
internet that provides users access to their
organization’s network while maintaining
the security of the information transmitted
(c.) It is a computer network in which users
can access a shared pool of computing
resources through a service provider.
(d.) None of the statements (a), (b) and
(c) given above is a correct description of
Virtual Private Network
105. A genetically engineered form of
brinjal, known as the Bt-brinjal, has
been developed. The objective of this
is (2011)
(a.) To make it pest-resistant
(b.) To improve its taste and nutritive
qualities
(c.) To make it drought-resistant
(d.) To make its shelf-life longer
106. A married couple adopted a male
child, A few years later; twin boys were
born to them. The blood group of the
couple is AB positive and O negative.
The blood group of the three sons is
A positive, B positive, and O positive.
The blood group of the adopted son is
(2011)
(a.) O positive
(b.) A positive
160
(c.) B positive
(d.) Cannot be determined on the basis of
the given data
107. At present, scientists can determine
the arrangement or relative positions
of genes or DNA sequences on a
chromosome. How does this knowledge
benefit us? (2011)
1. It is possible to know the pedigree of
livestock.
2. It is possible to understand the
causes of all human diseases.
3. It is possible to develop disease-
resistant animal breeds.
Which of the statements given above
is/are correct?
(a.) 1 and 2 only
(b.) 2 only
(c.) 1 and 3 only
(d.) 1, 2 and 3
108. The surface of a lake is frozen in
severe winter, but the water at its bottom
is still liquid. What is the reason? (2011)
(a.) Ice is a bad conductor of heat
(b.) Since the surface of the lake is at the
same temperature as the air, no heat is lost
(c.) The density of water is maximum at 4°C
(d.) None of the statements (a), (b) and (c)
given above is correct
109. The function of heavy water in a
nuclear reactor is to: (2011)
(a) Slow down the speed of neutrons.
(b) Increase the speed of neutrons.
(c) Cool down the reactor.
(d) Stop the nuclear reaction.
2010
110. Consider the following statements:
(2010)
The satellite Oceansat-2 launched by
India helps in
1. estimating the water vapor content
in the atmosphere
2. predicting the onset of monsoons
3. monitoring the pollution of coastal
waters
Which of the statements given above
is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 (b) Only 2
(c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3
111. In the context of space technology,
what is “Bhuvan”, recently in the news?
(2010)
(a) A mini satellite launched by ISRO for
promoting the distance education in India
(b) The name given to the next Moon
Impact Probe, for Chandrayan-II
(c) A geoportal of ISRO with 3 D imaging
capabilities of India
(d) A space telescope developed by India
112.Recently, LASIK (Lasser Assisted In
Situ Keratomileusis) procedure is being
made popular for vision correction.
Which one of the following statements
in this context is not correct? (2010)
(a) LASIK procedure is used to correct
refractive errors of the eye
(b) It is a procedure that permanently
changes the shapes of the cornea
(c) It reduces a person’s dependence on
glasses or contact lenses
(d) It is a procedure that can be done on
the person of any age
113. With reference to the treatment of
cancerous tumours, a tool called cyber
knife has been making the news. In
161
this context, which one of the following
statements is not correct? (2010)
(a) It is a robotic image guided system
(b) It delivers an extremely precise does of
radiation
(c) It has the capability of achieving sub-
millimetre accuracy
(d) It can map the spread of tumour in
the body
114. Mon 863 is a variety of maize. It was
in the news for the following reason:
(2010)
(a) It is a genetically modified dwarf variety
which is resistant to drought
(b) It is a genetically modified variety which
is pest resistant
(c)It is a genetically modified variety with
ten times higher protein content than
regular maize crop
(d) It is a genetically modified variety
used exclusively for bio-fuel production
115. Which bacterial strain, developed
from natural isolates by genetic
manipulations, can be used for treating
oil spills? (2010)
(a) Agrobacterium (b) Clostridium
(c) Nitrosomonas (d) Pseudomonas
116. Genetically modified “golden rice”
has been engineered to meet human
nutritional requirement. Which one of
the following statements best qualifies
golden rice? (2010)
(a) The grains have been fortified with
genes to provide three times higher grain
yield per acre than other high yielding
varieties
(b) Its grains contain pro-vitamin A which
upon ingestion is converted to vitamin A in
the human body
(c) Its modified genes cause the synthesis
of all the nine essential amino acids
(d) Its modified genes cause the fortification
of its grains with vitamin D
117. Which feature of some species of blue-
green algae helps promote them as
bio-fertilizers? (2010)
(a) They convert atmospheric methane int
ammonia which the crop plants can
absorb readily
(b) They induce the crop plants to
produce the enzymes which help convert
atmospheric nitrogen to nitrates
(c) They have the mechanism to convert
atmospheric nitrogen into a form that the
crop plants can absorb readily
(d) They induce the roots of the crop
plants to absorb the soil nitrates in larger
quantities
118. 118. Other than Jatropha curcas, why
is Pongamia pinnata also considered
a good option for the production of
bio-diesel in India? (2010)
1. Pongamia pinnata grows naturally
in most of the arid regions of India
2. The seeds of Pongamia pinnata are
rich in lipid content of which nearly
half is oleic acid
Which of the statements given above
is/are correct?
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
119. Due to their extensive rice cultivation,
some regions may be contributing to
global warming. To what possible
reason/reasons is this attributable?
(2010)
1. The anaerobic conditions
associated with rice cultivation
cause the emission of methane
2. When nitrogen based fertilizers are
162
used, nitrous oxide is emitted from
the cultivated soil
Which of the statements given above
is/are correct?
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
120. Given below are the names of
four energy crops. (2010)
Which one of them can be cultivated for
ethanol?
(a) Jatropha (b) Maize
(c) Pongamia (d) Sunflower
121.Which among the following do/does
not belong/belongs to the GSM family
of wireless technologies? (2010)
(a) EDGE
(b) LTE
(c) DSL
(d) Both EDGE and LTE
122. Consider the following: (2010)
1. Bluetooth device 2. Cordless phone
3. Microwave oven 4. Wi-Fi device
Which of the above can operate
between 2.4 and 2.5 GHz range of
radio frequency band?
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
123. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles produce
one of the following as “exhaust” (2010)
(a) NH3 (b) CH4
(c) H2O (d) H2O2
124. Consider the following statements:
(2009)
1. India does not have any deposits of
Thorium
 2. Kerala's monazite sands contain (c) Graphite
Uranium (d) Nitroglycerine
3. Which of the above statements is/
are correct?
129. Which one among the following has
a)1 only the highest energy? (2009)
b) 2 only a) Blue light
c) Both 1 and 2 b) Green light
d) Neither 1 nor 2 c) Red light
d) Yellow light
125. WIMAX is related to which one of
the following? (2009)
130. In a dry cell (battery), which of the
(a) Biotechnology following are used as electrolytes?
(b) Space technology (2009)
(c) Missile technology a) Ammonium chloride and Zinc chloride
(d) Communication technology b) Sodium chloride and Calcium chloride
c) Magnesium chloride and Zinc chloride
126. In the year 2008, which one of d) Ammonium chloride and calcium
the following conducted a complex chloride
scientific experiment in which sub-
atomic particles were accelerated to
nearly the speed of light? (2009) 131. Who of the following scientists
proved that the stars with mass less
(a) European Space Agency than 1.44 times the mass of the Sun
(b) European Organization for Nuclear end up as White Dwarfs when they die?
Research (2009)
(c) International Atomic Energy Agency. a) Edwin Hubble
(d) National Aeronautics and Space b) S. Chandrashekhar
Administration c) Stephen Hawking
d) Steven Weinberg
127. In the context of alternative sources
of energy, ethanol as a viable bio-fuel
can be obtained from (2009) 132. Consider the following statements:
(2009)
(a) Potato
1. Sweet orange plant is propagated
(b) Rice by grafting technique.
(c) Sugarcane 2. Jasmine plant is propagated by
(d) Wheat layering technique.
Which of the statements given above
128. Which one of the following is used is/ are correct?
as an explosive? (2009) a) 1 only
(a) Phosphorus trichloride b) 2 only
(b) Mercuric oxide

163
c) Both 1 and 2 137. Consider the following statement:
d) Neither 1 nor 2 (2008)
1. The albedo of an object determines
its visual brightness when viewed
133. In the context of genetic disorders, with reflected light.
consider the following: (2009)
2. The albedo of Mercury is much
A woman suffers from colour blindness greater than the albedo of the Earth.
while her husband does not suffer from
it. They have a son and a daughter. In Which of the statements given above
this context, which one of the following is/are correct ?
statements is most probably correct? (a) 1 Only (b) 2 only
a) Both children suffer from colour (b) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 Nor 2
blindness.
b) Daughter suffers from colour blindness 138. Consider the following statements
while son does not suffer from it. about probiotic food : (2008)
c) Both children do not suffer from colour 1. Probiotic food contains live bacteria
blindness. which are considered beneficial to
d) Son suffers from colour blindness while humans.
daughter does not suffer from it. 2. Probiotic food helps in maintaining
gut flora.
134. The Panda belongs to the same Which of the statements given above
family as that of: (2009) is/are correct ?
a) Bear (a) 1 only
b) Cat (b) 2 Only
c) Dog (b) Both 1 and 2
d) Rabbit (d) Neither 1 nor 2

135. Which one of the following planets 139. What is the pH level of blood of
has largest number of natural satellites normal person? (2008)
or moons? (2009) (a) 4.5-4.5
a) Jupiter (b) 6.45-6.55
b) Mars (c) 7.35-7.45
c) Saturn (d) 8.25-8.35
d) Venus

140. Among the following , which one is

136. Which one of the following types not an ape ? (2008)
of waves are used in a night vision (a) Gibbon
apparatus? (2009)
(b) Gorilla
a. Radio waves
(c) Langur
b. Microwaves
(d) Orangutan
c. Infra-red waves
d. None of the above

164
141. Which one of the following pairs of
metals constitutes the lightest metal
and the heaviest metal, respectively?
(2008)
(a) Lithium and mercury
(b) Lithium and osmium
(c) Aluminium and osmimum
(d) Aluminium and mercury
142. Mixture of which one of the
following pairs of gases is the cause of
occurrence of most of the explosions in
mines? (2008)
(a) Hydrogen and oxygen
(b) Oxygen and acetylene
(c) Methane and air
(d) Carbon dioxide and methane
143. Which one of the following is also
called Stranger Gas? (2008)
(a) Argon
(b) Neon
(c) Xenon
(d) Nitrous oxide
144. What are Rubies and Sapphires
chemically known as? (2008)
(a) Silicon dioxide
(b) Aluminium oxide
(c) Lead tetroxide
(d) Boron nitride
145. Consider the following statement :
(2008)
1. A widely used musical scale called
diatonic scale has seven frequencies.
2. The frequency of the note Sā is 256 Hz
and that of Nī is 512b Hz.
Which of the statement given above is/are
correct ?
165
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(b) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
146. Which one of the following laser
types is used in a laser printer? (2008)
(a) Dye laser
(b) Gas laser
(c) Semiconductor laser
(d) Excimer laser
147. Consider the following statements
in respect of a jet engine and a rocket
: (2008)
1. A jet engine uses the surrounding
air for its oxygen supply and so is
Unsuitable for motion in space
2. A rocket carries its own supply of
oxygen in the gas form, and fuel.
Which of the statements given above
is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
148. What is the purpose of the US
Space Agency’s Themis Mission, which
was recently in the news? (2008)
(a) To study the possibility of life on Mars
(b) To study the satellites of Saturn
(c) To study the Colourful display of high
latitude skies
(d) To build a Space laboratory to study
the stellar explosions
149. Which one of the following is a
spacecraft ? (2008)
(a) Apophis (b) Cassini
(c)Spitzer (d) TechStars
150. Which one of the following is an 155. Which one of the following is
insectivorous plant? (2008) the correct sequence in the order of
(a) Passion flower plant decreasing length of the three structural
parts given below of small intestine in
(b) Pitcher plant the human body? (2007)
(c) Night queen (a) Jejunum – Duodenum- Ileum
(d) Flame of the forest. (b) Ileum-Duodenum- Duodenum
(c) Jejunum-Itleum- Doudenum
151. In which one of the following kids (d) Itleum- Jejunum- Duodenum
of organisms is the phenomenon found
wherein the female kills the male after
copulation? (2008) 156. In human body, which one of the
(a) Dragonfly (b) Honeybee following hoemones regulates blood
calcium and Phosphate? (2007)
(c) Spider (d) Pit viper
(a) Glucagon (b) Growth hormone
(c) Parathyroid (d) Thyroxine
152. What is Bisphenol A (BPA) ? (2008)
(a) A Medical test for detecting cancer
157. How do most insects respire? (2007)
(b) A test for Testing the use of drugs to
improve performance by athletes (a) Through skin (b) Through gills

(c) A chemical used for the development of (c) By lungs (d) By tracheal system
food-packaging materiasl
(d) a special type of alloy steel 158. In human being, normalyy in which
one of the following parts, does the a
spem fertilize the ovum? (2007)
153. Which of the following types is used
by computed tomography employed (a) Cervix
for visualization of the internal structure (b) Fallopian
of human body ? (2007) (c) Lower part of uterus
(a) X-rays (b) sound Waves (d) Upper part of uterus
(c)Magnetic resonance (d) Radioisotopes

159. Which one of the following parts of

154. What is the Galileo Project which human brain is the regulating centre
has been in news recently? (2007) for swallowing and vomiting? (2007)
(a) An intercountry programme of missile (a) Cerebellum (b) Cerebrum
shield developed by the United States of (c) Medulla oblongata (d) Pons
America
(b) a Project developed by India with
assistance from Canada 160. Production of which one of the
following is a function of the liver?
(c) An environmental protection project (2007)
being developed by Japan
(a) Lipase (b) Urea
(d) a multi-satellite navigation project
being developed by the European Union (c) Mucus (d) Hydrochloric acid

166
161. Which one of the following is not 166. Match List . I (Indian Scientist/
a digestive enzyme in the human Scholar) with List-II (Area of work) and
systems? (2007) select the correct answer using the
(a) Trypsin (b) Gastrin code given below the lists : (2006)

(c) Indigo and yellow (d) Yellow and violet

List I

162. Which of the following types of light A. C.N.R. Rao

are strongly absorbed by plants? (2007) B. Jagdish Bhagwati
(a) Violet and orange (b) Blue and red C. G.N. Ramchandran
(c) Indigo and yellow (d) Yellow and violet D. Ashok

163. Which one of the following pairs is List II

not correctly matched ? (2007) 1. Telecommunication
(a) Cosmic Background Explore(COBE) : 2. Physics
Satellite programme
3. Economics
(b) Falcon :
Under-sea cable system 4. Solid State Chemistry and Material
Science
(c) Discovery :
Space Shutle
(d) Atlantis : Code :
Space Station ABCD
(a) 4 3 2 1 (b) 2 1 4 3
164. What is the name of the vessel that (c) 4 1 2 3 (d) 2 3 4 1
delivers the nutrient rich blood from the
stomach & small intestine to the liver ?
(2006) 167. Consider the following statements:
(2005)
(a) Left hepatic artery
1. During the process of osmosis,
(b) Hepatic vein the solvent travels from the
(c) Right hepatic artery concentrated solution to the dilute
(d) Hepatic portal vein solution.
2. In the reverse osmosis, external
pressure is applied to the dilute
165. Consider the following statements solution.
with reference to human body : (2006)
Which of the statements is/are correct?
1. The common bile duct release its
contents into stomach. (a) 1 only
2. The pancreatic duct releases its (b) 2 only
contents into duodenum. (c) Both 1 and 2
Which of the statements given above (d) Neither 1 nor 2
is/are correct ?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only 168. Consider the following statements:
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (2005)

167
 1. Dengue is a protozoan disease
transmitted by mosquitoes.
2. Retro-orbital pain is not a symptom
of Dengue.
3. Skin rash and bleeding from nose
and gums are some of the symptoms
of Dengue.
Which of the statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1 and 4
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
170. Consider the following statements:
(2005)
1. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is
liquefied under extremely cold
temperatures and high pressure to
facilitate storage or transportation
in specially designed vessels.

(d) 1 and 3 2. Fist LNG terminal in India was built

in Hassan.
3. Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) are
169. Which of the following diseases of separated from LPG and these
milching animals are infectious? (2005) include ethane, propane, butane
1. Foot and Mouth disease and natural gasoline.
2. Anthrax Which of the statements is/are correct?
3. Black Quarter (a) 1 only
4. Cowpox (b) 1 and 3
Select the correct answer : (c) 2 and 3
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer key
1) d 11) d 21) d 31) c
2) d 12) d 22) a 32) d
3) d 13) d 23) b 33) b
4) d 14) a 24) d 34) d
5) b 15) b 25) a 35) b
6) a 16) b 26) b 36) d
7) c 17) d 27) a 37) c
8) d 18) b 28) a 38) b
9) d 19) a 29) c 39) d
10) c 20) c 30) d 40) d

168
41) c 74) d 107) d 140) c
42) c 75) c 108) c 141) b
43) d 76) c 109) a 142) c
44) b 77) c 110) d 143) c
45) a 78) d 111) c 144) b
46) b 79) d 112) d 145) a
47) c 80) c 113) d 146) c
48) a 81) d 114) b 147) c
49) d 82) a 115) c 148) b
50) d 83) a 116) b 149) b
51) c 84) d 117) c 150) b
52) b 85) b 118) c 151) c
53) a 86) c 119) a 152) c
54) c 87) b 120) b 153) a
55) d 88) c 121) c 154) d
56) c 89) b 122) d 155) d
57) a 90) a 123) c 156) c
58) b 91) b 124) d 157) d
59) d 92) c 125) d 158) b
60) c 93) c 126) b 159) c
61) c 94) b 127) c 160) b
62) d 95) b 128) d 161) b
63) d 96) a 129) a 162) b
64) d 97) b 130) a 163) d
65) a 98) d 131) b 164) d
66) b 99) b 132) c 165) b
67) b 100) c 133) d 166) a
68) a 101) b 134) a 167) b
69) d 102) a 135) a 168) b
70) b 103) c 136) c 169) c
71) b 104) b 137) a 170) b
72) d 105) a 138) c
73) a 106) a 139) c

169
 REFERENCES

References https://www.uv.es/uvweb/university-institute-history-
medicine-science/en/research/-completed-projects-
Paper: History of Science and Technology in India By Dr. lines-previous-centers/science-technology-society-
Binod Bihari Satpathy. middle-age-early-modern-period-1285895971799.html

Article: The Progress of Science—Past, Present and https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/894/

Future by Arthur Rörsch. ancient-medieval-and-modern-history

THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ACT, 2000 https://www.world-nuclear.org/information-library/

non-power-nuclear-applications/overview/the-many-
uses-of-nuclear-technology.aspx
https://www.drdo.gov.in/home

https://www.enec.gov.ae/discover/fueling-the-barakah-
h t t p s : //e a r t h o b s e r v a t o r y . n a s a . g o v / f e a t u r e s / plant/other-uses-of-nuclear-technology/
OrbitsCatalog

https://www.iaea.org/topics/nuclear-technology-and-
https://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/5-8/ applications
features/nasa-knows/what-is-orbit-58.html

https://www.nano.gov/nanotech-101/what/definition
https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/basics/chapter5-1/

https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/0957-4484
https://www.unrevealedfiles.com/science-and-
technology-in-harappan-civilization/
https://www.vedantu.com/question-answer/difference-
between-communicable-and-non-communicable-
http://sites.iitgn.ac.in/ifdls/files/Scientific-and- 5b7e8641e4b0c6812e338f6a
Technological-Contrib-Indus.pdf

https://microbenotes.com/communicable-vs-non-
http://vedicheritage.gov.in/science/ communicable-diseases/
http://dbtindia.gov.in/about-us/introduction
https://www.vedanet.com/modern-science-and-vedic-
science/
h t t p s : //w w w . n t n u .e d u / i b t /a b o u t- u s /w h a t- i s -
biotechnology

170
 AUTHOR'S NOTE
This book tries to exhaustively cover the complete syllabus of UPSC CSE Preliminary &
Mains examination in an integrated approach for “Science & Technology”. The purpose is
to enable the learners to correctly approach and solve the questions asked and thereby
achieve top ranks in UPSC CSE Examination.

Despite being exhaustive, we have tried to be as precise and accurate as we can to

supplement your smart study. We have tried to include recent events within and outside
India relevant for the CSE examination and present it in a manner in which UPSC
examination demands. The current issues have been linked with the static portion of the
syllabus (wherever possible) so as to develop a better understanding and have a better
grasp over the subject. The aim is to ensure that learners develop a knack of identifying
important subjects and topics from newspapers and magazines thereby saving their
precious time that usually gets wasted in reading the irrelevant stuff.

All this will not only prepare learners for the examination but also give a better
understanding of events happening around us in the society, polity, economy, global
affairs and prepare them for the challenges that they will have to tackle after clearing
the examination.

However, there is always scope for further improvement. It may so happen that learners
might have some suggestions about further improving the quality of the book. Such
suggestions would not only help us in assisting better but also the future learners to
do well. Any such suggestions would be welcome and can be communicated at
upscnotessuggestions@unacademy.com

Prakhar Srivastava, Yogesh Joshi, Abhineet Marandi and Suraj Singh have contributed
to the creation of the content in the book. With their profound experience in the field of
UPSC and in the field, they were responsible for selection of topics, content creation and
editing of the content in the notes.

We wish you all the success in your efforts towards UPSC CSE Examination.

Team UNACADEMY

UPSC | Science and Technology

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UPSC | Science and Technology