Theme T147 · Science & Technology

AI, semiconductors, robotics & emerging digital tech

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What UPSC asks

Questions ask agentic AI and its risks, semiconductor mission challenges, AI in diagnosis and privacy, robots for hazardous labour, digital signatures and 3D printing.

Prepare these

• AI concepts and governance (IndiaAI Mission)
• India Semiconductor Mission and ecosystem gaps
• AI in health and data privacy
• Robotics and labour
• Digital signatures, 3D printing basics

Answer writing

• Explain simply, then benefits and risks

Directive words in these PYQs: Discuss (2), Explain (1), Describe (1), Mention (1).

Linked themes

Builds on: study these first

These come earlier in the roadmap. Questions in this theme use them.

Syllabus lines covered

• GS3-L13 — Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.

All 5 PYQs, newest first

1. GS3202615 marks · 250 wordsGS3-SCI-03-M2026-S01

   What is agentic Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Explain its working. Describe its applications with suitable examples. Discuss the advantages, risks and challenges associated with agentic AI systems.

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2. GS3202515 marks · 250 wordsGS3-SCI-03-M2025-Q16

   India aims to become a semiconductor manufacturing hub. What are the challenges faced by the sector in India? Mention the salient features of the India Semiconductor Mission.

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3. GS3202310 marks · 150 wordsGS3-SCI-03-M2023-Q05

   Introduce the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI). How does Al help clinical diagnosis? Do you perceive any threat to privacy of the individual in the use of Al in healthcare?

   Also needs: T149 Health technology & pharma: AMR, FDCs, stem cells, nanomedicineAlso needs: T78 Fundamental Rights: privacy, Art 21, movement, transgender rightsCopyReport a typo
4. GS32015GS3-SCI-03-M2015-S01

   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.

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5. GS32013GS3-SCI-03-M2013-S01

   (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.

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