Science and Technology For Civil Services Preliminary and Main Examinations

Cover
About Pearson
Tittle
Copyright
Dedication
Contents
Preface
About the Author
Science and Technology Study Strategy
Examination Analysis
Science and Technology: Trend Analysis
Recent Developments in Science and Technology
Section A
Unit I Introduction to Science and Technology
1. Introduction and Development of Science and Technology in India
Introduction
Development of Science in Ancient India
Aryabhatta
Astronomy
Mathematics
Medicine
Metallurgy
Geography
Scientifi c and Technological Developments in Medieval India
Biology
Mathematics
Chemistry
Astronomy
Science And Technology Development Post Independence
Atomic Research
Department of Science and Technology
Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB)
Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE)
Infrastructure Development Programmes
Strengthening Institutional Capacity for Research
Technology Development, Deployment and Missions
Natural Resources Data Management Programme
National Spatial Data Infrastructure Programme
State S&T Programme
Science Communication and Popularization
Important Autonomous Bodies, Boards and Undertakings
Technology Development Board
National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibrating Laboratories
National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organization (NATMO)
Autonomous Scientifi c Institutions
Department of Scientifi c and Industrial Research (DSIR)
Autonomous Institutions
Autonomous Scientifi c Institutions— Programmes
Organizations
National Research Development Corporation (NRDC)
Central Electronics Limited
Consultancy Development Centre
Council of Scientifi c and Industrial Research (CSIR)
Achievements in the Field of Science and Technology
Indigenous Resources and Traditional Knowledge
Technologies for Mitigation and Management of Natural Hazards
Generation and Management of Intellectual Property
Public Awareness of Science and Technology
International Science and Technology Cooperation
Chapter at a Glance
Chapter End Exercise
Previous Years’ Questions
Practice Exercise
Answer Keys
Hints and Explanations
2. Science and Technology Policies in India
Introduction
Scientific Services
Research and Development Programmes
Science and Engineering Research Council (SERC)
Nanomaterials Science and Technology Initiative (NSTI)
Science and Technology Policy (2003)
Policy Objectives
Government Policies and Plans
Information Technology and Defence
S&T through Planning Period
Science, Technology and Innovation Policy,
Key Features of the STI Policy,
Salient Features of STI Policy,
Aspirations of the Policy
Mechanisms
An Approach to the 11th Five Year Plan
An Approach to the 12th Five-Year Plan (2012–17)
Notable Achievements in S&T
Earth Sciences
Atmospheric Sciences
Polar Sciences
Ocean Research
Coastal Marine Ecology
Mission Programmes
Climate Change Programme
Himalayan Glaciology Programme
National Mission in Bamboo Application
Mission on Nanoscience and Technology
Mission for Geospatial Applications
Science and Technology in 21st Century
Units Under the Ministry of Earth Sciences
Atmospheric Sciences
Polar Science and Cryosphere
Ocean Sciences and Services
Ocean Survey and Resources
Ocean Technology
Marine Micro-Algae Biotechnology
International Cooperation
Chapter at a Glance
Chapter End Exercise
Previous Years’ Questions
Practice Exercise
Answer Keys
Hints and Explanations
Unit II Progression of Science and Technology
1. Space Technology
Introduction
Space Science
Two Ways of Exploration
Space Research in India
Organization Setup Under Isro
Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC)
ISRI Satellite Centre (ISAC)
Sriharikota High Altitude Range Centre (SHAR)
ISRS Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network
INSAT Master Control Facility
National Remote-Sensing Agency
National Mesosphere-Troposphere Radar Facility
Second Launch Pad at Sriharikota
Antariksh Corporation Limited
Indian Space Vision for the Next Decade
Satellite Systems
Different Types of Orbits
Indian Satellite System/INSAT
Control and Stability in Orbit
India’s Earlier Satellites
Aryabhata
Bhaskara-I & II
APPLE (Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment)
Rohini
Stretched Rohini Series Satellites (SROSS-C and SROSS-C2)
Remote-Sensing Satellites
Polar Sun-Synchronous Orbits
Sun Synchronous Polar Orbit
Multispectral Imaging
Charge-Coupled Devices or CCDs
Remote-Sensing Applications
Signal Systems
Direct-to-Home Service
Working of DTH Network
Advantages and Limitations of DTH Network
Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSAT)
VSAT Technology
Future Applications
Satellite Launch Vehicles
Rocket Technology
SLV-3
ASLV
PSLV
New Solid-Propellant Strap on Motor
Geostationary Launch Vehicle (GSLV)
History of Indigenous Cryogenic Upper Stage Project (CUSP)
Cryogenic Engine Technology
Applications of Cryogenic Technology
New Technology in Launch Vehicle Programme
Programme Materials Production
Newer Rocket Launch Methods
Air-Breathing Rocket
Ione Engine
Options to Bring Down the Cost
A Reusable Launch Vehicle
Space capsule Recovery Experiment (SRE)
Reuseable Launch Vehicle Tested Successfully
Sounding Rockets
Location of Launch Pads
Terls
Hyperplane Project Space Satal Avatar
Global Positioning System
Galileo (European Satellite Navigation System)
Need for Galileo
Gagan
Glonass
Telemedicine
Village Resource Centres (VRCs)
Space Technology in World
World Space Research Programme
The Russian Space Technology Programme
The European Space Technology Programme
China’s Space Technology Programme
India’s Space Technology Programme
Hubble Space Telescope
SpaceX’s Dragon
Hyperplane
Hyperplane: Project Avatar
RLV-TD
Space Recovery Experiment
Chandrayaan-II
Satellite Navigation
Progress of Space Technology
Chapter at a Glance
Chapter End Exercise
Previous Years’ Questions
Practice Exercise
Answer Keys
Hints and Explanations
2. Indian
Introduction
Nuclear Power in India
Atomic Energy Regulatory Board
Department of Atomic Energy
Need for Nuclear Energy
Nuclear Processes
Nuclear Fission
Nuclear Fusion
Radioactivity
Chain Reaction
Nuclear Reactor
Nuclear Reactor/Atomic Reactor
Parts of Nuclear Reactors
Nuclear Chain Reactions
Mechanism of Nuclear Power Generation
Development of Nuclear Energy in India
India’s Three-Stage Nuclear Power Programme
Atomic Energy Centres in India
Research Reactors in India
Types of Nuclear Power Reactors
Department of Atomic Energy
Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL)
Functions of Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL)
Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)
Radiation Technologies and Applications
Radioisotope Production and Processing
Application of Radioisotopes
Nuclear Medicine and Healthcare
New Radiation Sterilization of Medical Products
Industrial Applications of Radioisotopes
Beam Technologies
Development of Higher Technology
Accelerator
Pulse Electron Accelerator
Radio-Telescopy
Agricultural Nuclear Technology
Radioactivity
Radioisotopes
Applications of Radioisotopes
Important Terminology
Tokamak
Radiometric Dating/Radioactive Dating
Radiocarbon Dating
Uranium-lead Radiometric Dating
Potassium–argon Dating
Rubidium–strontium Dating
International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER)
Aims of ITER’s Mission
Nuclear Waste Management
Stages in Nuclear Waste Management
Nuclear Tests of India
Regulation and Safety Authority
International Atomic Energy Agency
The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board
Nuclear Supplier Group
The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL)
Non-proliferation Treaty
Nuclear Safety Regulatory Authority Bill, 2011
Nuclear Command Authority
Political Council
India’s Points of Objections on CTBT
Significance of Indian Nuclear Explosions
Thermo-Nuclear Bomb
Neutron Bomb
Nuclear Fallout
Nuclear Winter
Nuclear Accidents
Windscale Fire
Three Mile Island
The Goiânia Accident
The Chernobyl Accident
The India-based Neutrino Observatory
Dark Matter
The String Theory and Axions
Accelerator Driven System
Laser-Induced Plasma Spectroscopy
Yellow Cake/or Urania
Chapter at a Glance
Chapter End Exercise
Previous Years’ Questions
Practice Exercise
Answer Keys
Hints and Explanations
3. Biotechnology and Genetics
Introduction
Importance of Biotechnology
Branches of Biotechnology
Biotechnology Research and Development in India
Department of Biotechnology (DBT)
Human Resource Development
Contribution of India in various Branches of Biotechnology
Basic Research in Modern Biology
Biotech Product and Process Development
Miscellaneous Issues
How does Modern Biotechnology Work?
DNA Vaccine
Human Applications
Industrial Biotechnology
Environmental Biotechnology
Fighting Infectious Diseases
Antibiotics
Reproductive Technologies
Cloning
Recombinant DNA Technology or DNA Cloning
Reproductive Cloning
Therapeutic Cloning
How can Cloning Technologies be Used?
Can Organs be Cloned for Use in Transplants?
Risks of Cloning
Cloning Animals
Human Cloning
Stem Cells
Types of Stem Cells
Potential Uses of Stem Cells
Stem Cells and Cloning
Genetically Modified Organism
Genetically Modified (GM) Food: Benefits and Controversies
Human Genome
The Human Genome Project
DNA Fingerprinting
Practical Applications of DNA Fingerprinting
Problems with DNA Fingerprinting
Gene Therapy
Working of Gene Therapy
What is the Current Status of Gene Therapy Research?
Plant Tissue Culture
Bioinformatics
Need for Bioinformatics
Bioinformatics Methods
Application of Bioinformatics
Bioremediation
Bioremidiation Methods
Bioprospecting
Bio-Piracy
Bio-pesticides
Bio-Fertilizers
Steps by Government of India
Chapter at a Glance
Chapter End Exercise
Previous Years’ Questions
Practice Exercise
Answer Keys
Hints and Explanations
4. Information and Communication Technology
Introduction
Information Technology Industry in India
National Informatics Centre (NIC)
Biotechnology Information System Network (BTISNET)
NICNET (NIC Network)
Software Technology Parks of India (STPI)
National e-Governance Plan (NeGP)
Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET)
Internet
Internet in India
Internet Protocol
Internet Telephony or VoIP
Wireless (Mobile) Internet
Remote Area Business Message Network (RABMN)
Education and Research Network (ERNET)
Cloud Computing
Service Models of Cloud Computing
Important Services of Internet
E-mail (Electronic mail)
P-Commerce
Video Conferencing or Video Teleconference
Social Networking Sites
Cyber Crimes
Computer Virus
Important Malwares
Security Management
Computer Worm
Medium of Communication
3G Technology
3G Standards
4G Technology
Bluetooth and Wireless Technology
Wi-Fi
Li-Fi
IMAX
GPRS
IPTV
Computer
History
Characteristics of Computer
Limitations of a Computer
Top 10 Supercomputers of the World
Internal Structure of a Computer
Dual Core Technology
Software
System Software
Utility Software
Application Software
General-purpose Software
Computer Networks
Local Area Network (LAN)
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
Wide Area Network (WAN)
Personal Area Network (PAN)
Wireless Personal Area Network
Body Area Network
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Ethernet Networking
E-mail
Voice Telephony (VoIP)
Computer Simulation
Applications of Computer Simulation
Nanocomputing—The Next Wave
Convergence of Technologies
Prospects of Convergence of Technologies
Global Innovation and Technology Alliance (GITA)
Significance of GITA
Focus Areas for Global Technological Alliance
EYCIN
Working of EYCIN
Optical Discs
Google Earth
Identity Theft
Phishing
Optical Computing
Importance of Optical Computing
Why are Optical Computers Faster?
Blogging/Blog
Types of Blogs
Virtual Reality
How is Virtual Reality Environment Created?
GSM (Global System for Mobile)
How is GSM Better than First Generation Wireless System?
What are the Advantages of GSM?
EDGE/EGPRS
What are Advantages of EDGE?
Expert Systems
Interactive Television (ITV)
Different Forms/Configurations of ITV
Smart Card
Instrument Landing System
What are the Limitations of ILS?
Virtual Water
What is Virtual Water Trade and its Significance?
Natural Disaster Information System
How will NDIS Warn People About an Impending Disaster?
Chapter at a Glance
Chapter End Exercise
Previous Years’ Questions
Practice Exercise
Answer Keys
Hints and Explanations
5. Defence Research and Technology
Introduction
Government’s Role in Defence Research and Technology
India’s Manoeuvres in Defence Research
Functions of Ministry of Defence
Organizational Set up and Functions
Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO)
Introduction
Vision
Mission
Infrastructure
Missile Programme of India
Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme of India (IGMDP)
Indian Ballistic Missile Defence Program (IBMDP)
Advanced Air Defence (AAD)/Ashwin Ballistic Missile Interceptor
Strategically Important Missiles Outside the IGMDP
Battle Tanks in India
Arjun
T-90S Tank
The T-90 M Bhishma
Air Crafts
LCA: Third Prototype Makes Maiden Flight
Saras: India’s First Indigenous Civilian Aircraft
Lakshya
Nishant
Indian Navy Ships
INS Mumbai
INS Delhi
INS Airavat
INS Viraat
INS Susana
INS Vikramaditya
INS Vikrant
INS Kolkata
INS Sumitra
INS Kamorta
INS Astradharini
RLD-TD
Varunastra (Torpedo)
INS Karna
Indian Submarines
Arihant
K- Nerpa
Scorpene Class
Sindhughosh Class
INS Kalvari (S50)
IRNSS Series
Radar Systems
Rajendra Radar
Indian Doppler Radar (INDRA)
Swordfish Radar
WLR
Aparna
Rohini
Stealth Technology
India’s Status in Stealth Technology
Agreements for Defence and Security Equipments
Chapter at a Glance
Chapter End Exercise
Previous Years’ Questions
Practice Exercise
Answer Keys
Hints and Explanations
6. Renewable and Non-Renewable Resources
Introduction
Background on Power Development in India
Energy Sector in India
Ultra-Mega Power Projects
Non-Conventional Energy
Indian Scenario for Renewable Energy
Natural Resources and Associated Problems
The Unequal Consumption of Natural Resource
Planing Land Use
The Need for Sustainable Lifestyles
Renewable and Non-renewable Energy Sources
Solar Energy
International Solar Alliance
Wind Energy
Hydel Energy
Tidal Energy
Ocean Thermal Energy
Geothermal Energy
Biomass Energy
Biogas
Biofuels
Hydrogen as a Fuel
Limitations of Non-Renewable Energy Sources
Coal
Petroleum
Natural Gas
Cumulative Achievements of Renewable Energy Programmes in India
Biomass Power/Cogeneration
Biomass Gasifiers and other Biomass Energy Programmes
Rural Energy Programmes
Integrated Rural Energy Programme (IREP)
Urjagram
Chemical Sources of Energy Programme
Geothermal Energy Related Programmes
Energy from Urban and Industrial Wastes
National Programme on Energy Recovery from Urban and Industrial Wastes
Magneto Hydrodynamics
Fuel Cell
Different Types of Fuel Cells
Miscellaneous
CFL
Working of CFL
Coal Bed Methane
The Process of Adsorption
The Process of Desorption
Chapter at a Glance
Chapter End Exercise
Previous Years’ Questions
Practice Exercise
Answer Keys
Hints and Explanations
7. Nutrition and Health
Introduction
Macro-Nutrients
Carbohydrates
Proteins
Fats
Micro-Nutrients
Nutritive Value of Food
Nutritive Value of Indian Foods
Nutritive Value of Processed Foods
Fermentation Technology in Food Science
Fermentation Process
Benefits of Probiotic Foods
National Health Policy
National Health Policy, 2017
Quality Control in Food, Drug and Medical Devices
Department of AYUSH
Department of Health Research
Department of AIDS Control
International Cooperation
Health Problems in India
Water-related Diseases
Reproductive and Child Health Project
First Phase
Second Phase
Latest Developments
National Rural Healthcare Mission
Various Diseases
Dots
Polio
Charge Syndrome (Coloboma, Heart Defect, Atresia Choanae)
Measles
Avian Influenza (H5N1) (Bird Flu)
Swine Flue (H1N1)
Scrub Typhus
Zika Virus
New Ebola Vaccine
Malaria
AIDS
Poliomyelitis
Avian Flu
New Bird Flu Vaccine Developed
Diabetes
Types of Diabetes
Why is Diabetes Considered So Dangerous?
Improving Women’s Health in India
An Overview of Women’s Health
Occupational and Social Influences on Health
The Rotterdam Convention
Chapter at a Glance
Chapter End Exercise
Previous Years’ Questions
Practice Exercise
Answer Keys
Hints and Explanations
Unit III Recent Research and Development in Science and Technology
1. Modern Science and Technology
Robotics
Types of Robots
Components of Industrial Robots
A Robot System
Industry Applications
Advantages of Using Robots in Industries
Application of Robots at Home Environment
Application of Robots in Non-manufacturing Areas
Medical Applications
Microrobotics
Robotic Walking Frame
Supercomputer: World and India
Super Computer in India
India Joins Teraflop Club
Latest Developments
Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation (LASER)
Formation of Laser
Applications of LASER
Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR)
Optical Fibre
Step-Index Fibre
Graded-Index Fibre
Pulse Spreading
Advantages and Disadvantages of Optical Fibres
Fibre Optic Sensors
Fibre Amplifiers
Super Conductivity
Principle of Superconductivity
Applications
Large Hadron Collider (LHC)
Objectives of LHC
Design of LHC
Detectors
CERN
Objectives of CERN
CERN’s Mission
Particle Accelerators
Scientific Achievements
CERN’s Structure
Members
Fast Neutron Reactor
India’s Position on Fast Neutron Reactor
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial Intelligence Includes
Disadvantages of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence and World
Augmented Reality (AR)
Touchscreen Technology
iPad
Adam
Digital Signature
Working Principals of Digital Signature
Significance
Cloud Computing
Categories of Cloud Computing
Types of Clouds
Cloud Seeding
Application of Cloud Seeding
Challenges of Cloud Seeding
Nanotechnology
Background
Applications of Nanotechnology
Potential Benefits
Implications
Long Term Evolution (LTE)
Mobile Number Portability (MNP)
Light Emitting Diode (LED)
Concerns about LED’s
Applications of LED
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
Working of LCD
Applications
Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL)
Advantages of CFL than Filament Bulbs
Digital Money
Bitcoin
Virtual Currency
Hyperloop Technology
Importance of Hyperloop
Fuel-Gas Desulfurization (FGD) Technology
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
Types of IPR
National IPR Policy, 2016
Limitations
Conclusion and way forward
Trademark Rules
Significance
Data Exclusivity
Challenges for Data Exclusivity
Generic Medicines
Current regulation regarding Generic Drugs in India
Challenges for Generic Drugs in India
Preventive Measures for Common Usage of Generic Drugs
Bioprospecting and Biopiracy
Advantages and Challenges of Bioprospecting and Biopiracy
Steps Taken to Prevent Biopiracy
Chapter at a Glance
Chapter End Exercise
Previous Years’ Questions
Practice Exercise
Answer Keys
Hints and Explanations
Section B
Sample Questions with Answers
Section C
Preliminary Examination Practice Paper-I
Preliminary Examination Practice Paper-II
Preliminary Examination Practice Paper-III
Practice Paper for Mains Examination
Section D
Appendices