Theme T152 · Science & Technology

Science in everyday life & Indian scientific achievement

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What UPSC asks

Questions on blue LEDs' impact, Bose–Einstein statistics, cellulose decomposition, DRS in cricket, FRP composites, run-of-river hydro, S-400, and declining research in universities.

Prepare these

• Applied science basics behind each named technology
• Indian scientists' contributions
• Research ecosystem (ANRF)

Answer writing

• Explain mechanism simply, then application

Directive words in these PYQs: Discuss (3), Comment (1), Critically (1), Explain (1).

Linked themes

Builds on: study these first

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

Syllabus lines covered

• GS3-L11 — Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life
• GS3-L12 — Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.

All 7 PYQs, newest first

1. GS3202210 marks · 150 wordsGS3-SCI-01-M2022-Q06

   Each year a large amount of plant material, cellulose is deposited on the surface of Planet Earth. What are the natural process this cellulose undergoes before yielding carbon dioxide, water and other end products?

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2. GS32021GS3-SCI-01-M2021-S01

   How is S-400 air defence system technically superior to any other system presently available in the world?

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3. GS32021GS3-SCI-01-M2021-S02

   The Nobel Prize in Physics of 2014 was jointly awarded to Akasaki, Amano and Nakamura for the invention of Blue LEDs in 1990s. How has this invention impacted the everyday life of human beings?

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4. GS32018GS3-SCI-01-M2018-S01

   Discuss the work of ‘Bose-Einstein Statistics’ done by Prof. Satyendra Nath Bose and show how it revolutionized the field of Physics.

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5. GS32014GS3-SCI-01-M2014-S01

   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.

   Also needs: T111 Education policy: NEP, RTE, higher education, examsCopyReport a typo
6. GS32013GS3-SCI-01-M2013-S01

   What do you understand by Umpire Decision Review System in Cricket? Discuss its various components. Explain how silicone tape on the edge of a bat may fool the system?

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7. GS32013GS3-SCI-01-M2013-S02

   (a) What is an FRP composite material? How are they manufactured? Discuss their applications in aviation and automobile industries. (b) What do you understand by Run-of-river hydroelectricity project? How is it different from any other hydroelectricity project?

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