Science and Technology in India: A UPSC Aspirant’s Guide to Key Developments and Challenges

 

Science and Technology in India: A UPSC Aspirant’s Guide to Key Developments and Challenges

Welcome back to SVADYAYA FOR UPSC! Today, we delve into Science and Technology (S&T), a dynamic and high-scoring topic for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, particularly in Prelims (GS Paper I) and Mains (GS Paper III). From space missions to artificial intelligence, India’s S&T advancements are shaping its global standing and addressing domestic challenges. However, the sector also faces hurdles that require innovative policymaking. This comprehensive guide covers key developments, challenges, and strategies to ace S&T in your UPSC preparation. Let’s dive in!

Why Science and Technology Matters for UPSC

S&T is a critical component of the UPSC syllabus, intersecting with Current Affairs, Economy, Environment, and Governance. It tests your ability to connect scientific advancements with their societal, economic, and policy implications. Questions in Prelims often focus on recent developments, while Mains demands analytical answers linking S&T to national development. This post equips you to tackle both with clarity and confidence.

Key Developments in Indian Science and Technology

1. Space Exploration: India’s Stellar Achievements

India’s space program, led by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is a global success story.

  • Chandrayaan Missions: Chandrayaan-3 (2023) made India the first nation to land on the lunar south pole, confirming water ice and mineral deposits. Chandrayaan-4 is planned for 2028 to bring back lunar samples.
  • Gaganyaan: India’s first manned space mission, targeting 2025–26, aims to send three astronauts to a 400-km orbit, showcasing India’s human spaceflight capabilities.
  • Aditya-L1: Launched in 2023, India’s first solar observatory studies solar dynamics, aiding climate and space weather research.
  • Private Sector Boost: The 2020 space sector reforms opened doors for private players like Skyroot Aerospace, with Vikram-S, India’s first private rocket launch in 2022.

UPSC Relevance: Know mission objectives, timelines, and payloads (e.g., Pragyan rover). Link to India’s global soft power and self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat).

2. Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation

India is emerging as a global AI hub, with applications in governance, healthcare, and agriculture.

  • National AI Strategy: NITI Aayog’s #AIforAll initiative promotes AI adoption, with programs like AIRAWAT (AI supercomputer) and IndiaAI Mission (2024).
  • Digital India: Initiatives like Aadhaar, UPI, and 5G rollout (covering 98% of districts by 2025) have transformed governance and connectivity.
  • Smart Cities Mission: Integrates IoT and AI for urban planning, e.g., smart traffic systems in Pune and Ahmedabad.

Impact: Enhanced service delivery, financial inclusion (e.g., Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile trinity), and data-driven policymaking.

UPSC Tip: For Mains, discuss AI’s ethical challenges (privacy, bias) and link to Digital India’s role in inclusive growth.

3. Biotechnology and Healthcare Innovations

Biotechnology is revolutionizing India’s healthcare and agriculture sectors.

  • COVID-19 Vaccines: Covaxin (indigenous by Bharat Biotech) and Covishield showcased India’s vaccine manufacturing prowess, with over 2 billion doses administered by 2023.
  • Genomics: The IndiGen project (2019) mapped Indian genomes, aiding precision medicine and genetic research.
  • Agricultural Biotech: Bt crops (e.g., Bt Brinjal) and gene-editing technologies like CRISPR improve crop yields and pest resistance.

UPSC Relevance: Understand key terms (mRNA, CRISPR) for Prelims. For Mains, analyze biotech’s role in food security and public health.

4. Renewable Energy and Green Technology

India is a global leader in renewable energy, aiming for 500 GW capacity by 2030.

  • Solar Energy: The International Solar Alliance (ISA), co-founded by India, promotes solar adoption. The PM Suryodaya Yojana (2024) targets rooftop solar for 100 million homes.
  • Green Hydrogen: The National Hydrogen Mission (2021) aims to make India a green hydrogen export hub by 2030.
  • E-Mobility: FAME-II scheme promotes electric vehicles, with 1.5 million EVs on Indian roads by 2025.

UPSC Tip: Link to India’s Paris Agreement commitments (40% non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030) and discuss green tech’s role in sustainable development.

5. Defence Technology: Strengthening Self-Reliance

India’s defence sector is advancing through indigenous innovation.

  • DRDO Achievements: Agni-V (ICBM), Tejas fighter jet, and Arjun tank showcase India’s defence capabilities.
  • Private Sector Role: iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) fosters startups like Tonbo Imaging for advanced defence tech.
  • Aatmanirbhar Bharat: 2024 defence export target of ₹35,000 crore achieved, with focus on indigenous manufacturing.

UPSC Relevance: Know key systems (e.g., BrahMos missile) for Prelims. For Mains, discuss S&T’s role in national security and global positioning.

Major Challenges in Indian Science and Technology

1. Low R&D Investment

India’s R&D spending is ~0.7% of GDP, far below global leaders like the US (3.4%) and China (2.4%).

  • Impact: Limits innovation in cutting-edge fields like quantum computing and advanced AI.
  • Solution: Increase public-private R&D funding, as proposed in the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) Act, 2023.

UPSC Tip: Use data points in Mains to highlight the need for higher R&D budgets.

2. Brain Drain and Skill Gaps

Many Indian scientists and engineers migrate abroad due to better opportunities, with 1.3 million Indian-origin researchers in OECD countries (2023 data).

  • Impact: Loss of talent hampers innovation and project execution.
  • Solution: Strengthen schemes like VAJRA (Visiting Advanced Joint Research) to attract diaspora scientists and improve STEM education.

UPSC Tip: Link brain drain to human capital development in Mains answers.

3. Digital Divide

Despite Digital India’s success, 40% of India’s population lacks internet access (TRAI, 2024), especially in rural areas.

  • Impact: Limits access to e-governance, online education, and digital economy benefits.
  • Solution: Expand BharatNet for rural broadband and promote digital literacy.

UPSC Tip: Discuss inclusive growth and digital equity for Mains essays.

4. Ethical and Regulatory Challenges

Emerging technologies like AI, gene editing, and drones raise ethical concerns.

  • Issues: Data privacy (e.g., concerns over Aadhaar), AI bias, and unregulated gene-editing applications.
  • Solution: Enforce the Personal Data Protection Act (2023) and establish clear AI ethics guidelines.

UPSC Tip: For Mains, analyze the balance between innovation and regulation.

5. Environmental Impact of Technology

Rapid industrialization and tech adoption contribute to pollution and resource depletion.

  • Issues: E-waste (3.4 million tonnes annually, 2023) and coal-based energy reliance.
  • Solution: Promote circular economy models and green tech adoption.

UPSC Tip: Link to environmental sustainability and SDGs in Mains answers.

Key Government Initiatives to Know

  • National Quantum Mission (2023): Aims to develop quantum computing and communication by 2030.
  • Anusandhan NRF Act (2023): Boosts R&D through public-private partnerships.
  • IndiaAI Mission (2024): Promotes AI innovation and adoption.
  • National Hydrogen Mission (2021): Targets green hydrogen production.
  • Space Sector Reforms (2020): Encourages private participation via IN-SPACe.

How to Approach S&T for UPSC

  1. Prelims:

    • Memorize key facts: Mission names, launch years, and scientific terms (e.g., ISRO’s SSLV, CRISPR).
    • Practice MCQs from previous years’ papers and focus on recent developments (e.g., Aditya-L1, 5G rollout).
    • Know international S&T frameworks: ISA, CERN, ITER.

  2. Mains:

    • Structure answers with an introduction, development overview, challenges, and solutions.
    • Use examples (e.g., Covaxin’s role in Vaccine Maitri) and data (e.g., renewable energy targets).
    • Link S&T to broader themes like economic growth, national security, and sustainability.

  3. Interview:

    • Be ready to discuss recent S&T advancements (e.g., Gaganyaan’s significance).
    • Highlight India’s global contributions (e.g., ISA) and local challenges (e.g., digital divide).

Conclusion: Your Role as a Future Policymaker

Science and Technology are not just exam topics—they’re tools to transform India into a global leader. As UPSC aspirants, understanding S&T’s potential and challenges prepares you to craft policies that drive innovation while ensuring inclusivity and sustainability. Stay updated with current affairs, practice answer-writing, and connect concepts across the syllabus for a holistic approach.

What’s Next? My next post will explore Indian Polity’s constitutional framework, a must-master topic for UPSC. For more resources, visit my YouTube channel, SVADYAYA FOR UPSC, for free video lectures and innovative study strategies. Drop a comment with your queries or topics you’d like covered—let’s conquer UPSC together!

Happy studying,
SVADYAYA FOR UPSC
SHANAKR SIR

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