How can India achieve energy independence through clean technology by 2047? How can biotechnology play a crucial role in this endeavour? (2025)
The fusion energy programme in India has steadily evolved over the past few decades. Mention India’s contributions to the international fusion energy project – International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). What will be the implications of the success of this project for the future of global energy? (2025)
Describe the benefits of deriving electric energy from sunlight in contrast to conventional energy generation. What are the initiatives offered by our Government for this purpose? (2020)
With growing energy needs should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy. (2018)
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? (2017)
Give an account of the current status of the targets to be achieved pertaining to renewable energy sources in the country. Discuss in brief the importance of the National Programme on Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). (2016)
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? (2015)
Write about ‘Concentrated’ solar energy and ‘photovoltaic’ solar energy. (2011)
What is the ‘Deepwater Horizon’ incident and why has it been in the news recently? (2010)
Write a brief note in about 30 words on Artificial Sun. (2009)
Bring out the prospects of development of alternative energy sources of India. (2006)
Why is hydrogen being acclaimed as the fuel of the future? (2005)
Discuss in detail ‘Alternative Energy Sources’. (2004)
Write about Radiation and its effects. (2003)
SPACE TECHNOLOGY:
What are asteroids? How real is the threat of them causing extinction of life? What strategies have been developed to prevent such a catastrophe? (2024)
What is the main task of India’s third moon mission which could not be achieved in its earlier mission? List the countries that have achieved this task. Introduce the subsystems in the spacecraft launched and explain the role of the ‘Virtual Launch Control Centre’ at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre which contributed to the successful launch from Sriharikota. (2023)
Launched on 25th December 2021, the James Webb Space Telescope has been much in the news since then. What are its unique features which make it superior to its predecessor Space Telescopes? What are the key goals of this mission? What potential benefits does it hold for the human race? (2022)
What is India’s plan to have its own space station and how will it benefit our space programme? (2019)
India has achieved remarkable successes in unmanned space missions including the Chandrayaan and Mars Orbiter Mission, but has not ventured into manned space missions. What are the main obstacles to launching a manned space mission, both in terms of technology and logistics? Examine critically. (2017)
Discuss India’s achievements in the field of space science and technology. How has the application of this technology helped India in its socio-economic development? (2016)
What do you understand by ‘Standard Positioning Systems’ and ‘Precision Positioning Systems’ in the GPS era? Discuss the advantages India perceives from its ambitious IRNSS programme employing just seven satellites. (2015)
The safe landing of the ‘Curiosity’ Rover under NASA’s space programme has sparked many possibilities. What are those and how could humankind benefit from them? (2012)
Write about the significance of the SPRT-6 rocket launch for ISRO. (2012)
Write about the ‘Kessler syndrome’ with reference to space debris. (2011)
Write about various applications of Kevlar. (2011)
Write about Gliese 581 g. (2011)
Write a brief note on Chandrayaan-II. (2010)
Comment on CARTOSAT-2B. (2010)
What is the ‘Hubble Space Telescope’? How many Servicing Missions (SMs) have been conducted for it? (2009)
Write a brief note in about 30 words on Extra Vehicular Activity (EVA). (2009)
Write about NNRMS. (2009)
Write about GAGAN Project. (2009)
What do you know about the Indian National Satellite System (INSAT)? Describe its important features. (2008)
Detail the salient features of the project ‘Anthareeksha’. (2005)
In which year and by which countries was the International Space Station (ISS) launched? How many countries are participating in this program? What are the unique studies being made in the station that could not be made so accurately on the earth? (2003)
Discuss the significance of GSLV in space research. (2001)
Determine the utility of Direct To Home (DTH) in the broadcasting system. (2001)
What is the significance of the geostationary orbit? What would happen if it becomes too crowded? (2001)
BIOTECHNLOGY:
What are the present challenges before crop diversification? How do emerging technologies provide an opportunity for crop diversification? (2021)
What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology? How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of the society? (2021)
How can biotechnology improve the living standards of farmers? (2019)
Why is there so much activity in the field of biotechnology in our country? How has this activity benefitted the field of biopharma? (2018)
The human population is slated to grow to 9 billion by 2050. In this context, many scientists predict that plant genomics would play a critical role in keeping out hunger and preserving the environment. Explain. (2012)
Analyse critically the interlinkages between the Convention on Biological Diversity and FAO Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. (2012)
What is Permaculture? Give at least three common examples where permaculture concepts are being put to use. (2012)
Write in brief about Molecular Breast Imaging (MBI) technology. (2011)
Write about ‘Designer’ poultry eggs. (2011)
Write about ‘Arsenic bug’ and the significance of its discovery. (2011)
Write brief but precise note on Golden Revolution. (2010)
What is Blue Gene Project and why has it been in the news recently? (2010)
What is ACTN 3 gene and why has it been in the news recently? (2010)
What do you understand by ‘Bio-signatures’? Discuss briefly. (2009)
Write about Green Fluorescence Protein (GFP) and its applications. (2009)
Define ‘Bio-informatics’. How does it work? What are its major branches and applications? (2009)
Explain DNA fingerprinting and its utility. (2009)
Write brief note in about 30 words on Biometric ATMs. (2009)
In what way ‘Medical Bio-technology’ and ‘Bioengineering’ are useful for the technological development of India? (2008)
Write a brief note on Sappan. (2008)
Explain the objectives and the current achievements of the Human Genome Project. (2007)
Write a short note on Genome. (2007)
Write a note on ‘Bio-refinery versus Fossil fuels’. (2006)
What are normal osmosis and reverse osmosis? Why has reverse osmosis become popular in India today? (2006)
What is therapeutic cloning? Describe briefly the method and its potential applications. (2005)
Write a short note on Genetically Modified Seeds. (2005)
What is Biotechnology? Discuss the important applications of Biotechnology. (2004)
Discuss the elements of ‘frozen semen technology’. What are ’embryo transfer’, ‘transgenic animals’, and ‘DNA recombinant technique’? (2003)
Write a short note on Genome. (2003)
What is Human Cloning? Is it dangerous or beneficial? Discuss. (2002)
“Biotechnology boom may pave a golden path for India.” Discuss. (2002)
What are stem cells? Why have they been in the news recently? Discuss. (2001)
How are transgenic plants different from hybrid plants and what is their relevance in modern agriculture? Elaborate. (2000)
Discuss the Human Genome. (2000)
DISEASES
What is the basic principle behind vaccine development? How do vaccines work? What approaches were adopted by the Indian vaccine manufacturers to produce COVID-19 vaccines? (2022)
The increase in life expectancy in the country has led to newer health challenges in the community. What are those challenges and what steps need to be taken to meet them? (2022)
The 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 the management of the pandemic. (2020)
Stem cell therapy is gaining popularity in India to treat a wide variety of medical conditions including Leukaemia, Thalassemia, damaged cornea and severe burns. Describe briefly what stem cell therapy is and what advantages it has over other treatments? (2017)
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. (2016)
Can overuse and free availability of antibiotics without Doctor’s prescription be contributors to the emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India? What are the available mechanisms for monitoring and control? Critically discuss the various issues involved. (2014)
What do you understand by Fixed Dose Drug Combinations (FDCs)? Discuss their merits and demerits. (2013)
What do you understand by the term ‘Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis’ (MDR-TB)? What measures would you advocate for its containment and what are the implications of its spread in the community? (2012)
Many food items contain ‘Trans fats’. What do you understand by this term? Which Indian food items contain trans fats? What are the implications of trans fats on human health? (2012)
The Human Papilloma Virus vaccine has been making the headlines in the recent months. Who make the ideal candidates for receiving this vaccine and what are its benefits? (2012)
Write about new initiatives during the 11th Five Year Plan in the National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB). (2011)
Write about the Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach to sanitation. (2011)
Write about the first aid that you can safely administer to a person standing next to you at the bus-stop who suddenly faints. (2011)
Write about Omega-3 fatty acids in our food. (2011)
What is phytoremediation? Discuss its applications. (2010)
Discuss the applications of nanotechnology in the health care sector. (2010)
Comment on MRSA infection. (2010)
Comment on Ginkgo Biloba. (2010)
The last National Family Health Survey (NFHS) displayed a very dismal picture of nutrition as regards several indicators for average Indians. Highlight the salient aspects of this problem. (2009)
Write about Ayush-64 in about 20 words. (2009)
Why is tele-medicine important for a country like India? (2009)
Write brief note on Aspartame. (2008)
Write brief note on Gene Doping. (2008)
Write a note on use of Information Technology in health management in India. (2005)
Write about Anthrax. (2003)
Why is HIV considered so dangerous? Why has the spread of the virus proved so difficult to contain, especially in the poorer countries of the world? (2000)
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY IN INDIA
How does e-technology help farmers in the production and marketing of agricultural produce? Explain it. (2023)
How is science interwoven deeply with our lives? What are the striking changes in agriculture triggered off by science-based technologies? (2020)
Discuss the work of ‘Bose-Einstein Statistics’ done by Prof. Satyendra Nath Bose and show how it revolutionized the field of Physics. (2018)
Not many years ago, river linking was a concept but it is becoming a reality in the country. Discuss the advantages of river linking and its possible impact on the environment. (2017)
Scientific research in Indian universities is declining, because a career in science is not as attractive as are business professions, engineering or administration, and the universities are becoming consumer-oriented. Critically comment. (2014)
Discuss the globalization of R&D and its impact on India’s development. Provide an illustration from at least one sector such as Information Technology or health. (2012)
Assess the contributions made by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in agricultural development. (2010)
COMPUTERS
Discuss the advantage and security implications of cloud hosting of servers vis-a-vis in-house machine-based hosting for government businesses. (2015)
The Sequoia supercomputer was launched in what year? What are its specific features and what is its purpose? (2012)
Differentiate between Compact Disc (CD), Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) and Blu-ray Disc. (2011)
Write about Tiangong-1. (2011)
Write about K-computer. (2011)
What is ‘cloud computing’? Bring out its essential features and list its advantages and limitations. (2010)
What is Wolfram Alpha and why has it been in the news recently? (2010)
Write about the ‘Bhuvan’ website. (2009)
Explain Wi-Fi. (2008)
Answer the following in about 20 words each:
(a) What is a digital camera?
(b) What is firewall in computer language?
(c) What is multimedia?
(d) What do the following stand for? (i) HTML (ii) FTP (iii) MELOPS (iv) PLANIT
(e) What is piracy? (2002)
Answer the following in about 20 words each:
(a) What is ‘handshake’ in computer language?
(b) What is ‘ethernet’ and what is it used for?
(c) What is ‘digital signature’ and what is it used for?
(d) What do the following stand for? (i) DRAM (ii) JPEG (iii) ASCII (iv) IMAP
(e) What is a WAP-enabled phone? (2001)
INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES (ICT)
What is the technology being employed for electronic toll collection on highways? What are its advantages and limitations? What are the proposed changes that will make this process seamless? Would this transition carry any potential hazards? (2024)
The application of Artificial Intelligence as a dependable source of input for administrative rational decision-making is a debatable issue.
Critically examine the statement from the ethical point of view.(Answer in 150 words) (2024)
Describe the context and salient features of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. (2024)
What is the status of digitalization in the Indian economy? Examine the problems faced in this regard and suggest improvements. (2023)
(a) What is a digital signature? What does its authentication mean? Give various salient built-in features of a digital signature.
(b) How does the 3D printing technology work? List out the advantages and disadvantages of the technology. (2013)
Write short notes on PACE. (2007/2013)
Write about E-commerce in 20 words. (2001/2013)
Discuss the advantage and security implications of cloud hosting of servers vis-a-vis in-house machine-based hosting for government businesses. (2015)
The Sequoia supercomputer was launched in what year? What are its specific features and what is its purpose? (2012)
Write short note on SAGA-220. (2011)
Write about analog, hybrid and IP systems in CCTV technology. (2011)
Write about OPERA detector at Gran Sasso. (2011)
Explain ‘Operation Shady Rat’. (2011)
Differentiate between Compact Disc (CD), Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) and Blu-ray Disc. (2011)
Write about Tiangong-1. (2011)
Write about K-computer. (2011)
Comment on various generations of mobile phone technology. (2010)
Explain and differentiate among ‘Plasma’, ‘LCD’ and ‘LED’ television technologies. (2010)
What is ‘cloud computing’? Bring out its essential features and list its advantages and limitations. (2010)
What is Wolfram Alpha and why has it been in the news recently? (2010)
Define ‘optical frequency comb’. Suggest at least three applications. (2009)
Trace the significant steps in the evolution of television in the country. (2009)
Write about the ‘Bhuvan’ website. (2009)
Write brief note on TIFAC in 20 words. (2008)
Explain Internet Protocol Television (IPTV). (2008)
Explain Wi-Fi. (2008)
Write short notes on PACE. (2007)
What is digital convergence? Examine its implications for modern society. (2005)
What is interactive television? What special advantages are derived by using VOD services? What are the components of a typical VOD system? Which feature film was generated first entirely on computers and in which year? (2003)
Discuss in detail ‘The Internet Telephony as an alternative’. (2002)
Answer the following in about 20 words each:
(a) What is a digital camera?
(b) What is firewall in computer language?
(c) What is multimedia?
(d) What do the following stand for? (i) HTML (ii) FTP (iii) MELOPS (iv) PLANIT
(e) What is piracy? (2002)
What is fibre optics? What advantages does it offer in telecommunications? Elaborate. (2001)
Answer the following in about 20 words each:
(a) What is ‘handshake’ in computer language?
(b) What is ‘ethernet’ and what is it used for?
(c) What is ‘digital signature’ and what is it used for?
(d) What do the following stand for? (i) DRAM (ii) JPEG (iii) ASCII (iv) IMAP
(e) What is a WAP-enabled phone? (2001)
ROBOTICS
Introduce the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI). How does AI help clinical diagnosis? Do you perceive any threat to privacy of the individual in the use of AI in healthcare? (2023)
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. (2015)
Write about the MABEL robot. (2011)
Explain the components of Robots. (2008)
NANO TECHNOLOGY
How does nanotechnology offer significant advancements in the field of agriculture? How can this technology help to uplift the socio-economic status of farmers? (2025)
What do you understand by nanotechnology and how is it helping in the health sector? (2020)
What is ‘Graphene’? Mention at least three of its applications. (2009)
What is ‘Nanotech’? Give a brief account of its basic concepts, materials used and applications. (2009)
Explain the term Spintronics. (2008)
Explain how Nanoscience and Nanotechnology have revolutionized modern technology. (2006)
What are the fundamental constants and their use in the measurement system? (2002)
INTELECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS:
What is the present world scenario of intellectual property rights with respect to life materials? Although India is second in the world to file patents, still only a few have been commercialized. Explain the reasons behind this less commercialization. (2024)
How is the Government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies? (2019)
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. (2015)
In a globalized world, Intellectual Property Rights assume significance and are a source of litigation. Broadly distinguish between the terms Copyrights, Patents, and Trade Secrets. (2014)
Bringing out the circumstances in 2005 which forced an amendment to Section 3(d) in the Indian Patent Law, 1970, discuss how it has been utilized by the Supreme Court in its judgment rejecting Novartis’ patent application for ‘Glivec’. Discuss briefly the pros and cons of the decision. (2013)
Have the Uruguay Round negotiations and the resultant TRIPS Agreement helped in resolving trade conflicts arising out of variations in different nations’ IPR regimes? Also, list the steps taken by India to conform to TRIPS. (2010)
Write a brief note on Copyright and Trade in 20 words. (2008)
Explain the implications of the implementation of Intellectual Property Clauses in our patent law regime after joining the WTO. (2006)
What is the concept of Copyleft? (2005)
DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY:
How is the S-400 air defence system technically superior to any other system presently available in the world? (2021)
The terms ‘Hot Pursuit’ and ‘Surgical Strikes’ are often used in connection with armed action against terrorist attacks. Discuss the strategic impact of such actions. (2016)
Write about the F-22 Raptor aircraft. (2011)
Write about the Kaveri K-10 aero-engine. (2011)
What are ‘Predator’ drones and why have they been in the news recently? (2010)
Write brief note on Agni-V. (2010)
Write brief note in about 30 words on the ‘P-8A Poseidon’. (2009)
Write brief note on the Nuclear Submarine ‘Arihant’. (2009)
Write about India’s LCA (Tejas). (2008)
Discuss the missile technology initiatives undertaken by India. (2007)
What is Stealth Technology? (2007)
What is a Cryogenic Engine? Discuss its significance in India’s space programme. (2001)
MISCELLANEOUS S&T
India aims to become a semiconductor manufacturing hub. What are the challenges faced by the semiconductor industry in India? Mention the salient features of the India Semiconductor Mission. (2025)
What is Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS)? What is the potential role of CCUS in tackling climate change? (2025)
The world is facing an acute shortage of clean and safe freshwater. What are the alternative technologies which can solve this crisis? Briefly discuss any three such technologies citing their key merits and demerits. (2024)
The Nobel Prize in Physics (2014) was jointly awarded to Akasaki, Amano and Nakamura for the invention of Blue LEDs in the 1990s. How has this invention impacted the everyday life of human beings? (2021)
Mob violence is emerging as a serious law and order problem in India. By giving suitable examples, analyze the causes and consequences of such violence. (2017)
What is an FRP composite material? How are they manufactured? Discuss their applications in the aviation and automobile industries. (2013)
Explain the issues highlighted through the work of Palagummi Sainath. (2012)
You are stationed in a small district town in the plains of Northern India. The summer has been severe. Suddenly, a colleague, who had been out since morning, returns to the office complaining of headache, restlessness and confusion. Shortly, he becomes unconscious. His body temperature is 40°C. What first aid steps would you take to revive him? (2012)
Comment on the significance of Rasarnava in studying the history of Indian Chemistry. (2012)
Write about the International Year of Chemistry. (2011)
What is Nisarga-Runa technology of BARC? (2011)
Differentiate between ‘spin-drying’ and ‘tumble-drying’ technology with reference to drying of washed clothes. (2011)
Comment on Super Absorbent Polymers (SAP). (2011)
What is ‘Dreamliner’ aircraft and why has it been in the news recently? (2010)
Comment on HRP-2 M Choromet. (2010)
Comment on Maglev vehicles. (2010)
Write a brief note on the ‘Aerostat’ balloon. (2010)
