GS Score 2017 Mains Test 9 With Solutions - Science Technology & Environment

SCORE
Test - 9
GS Mains
Test Series
IAS - 2017
Science Tech. &
Environment
TEST - 9
GS MAINS TEST SERIES 2017
SCIENCE TECH. AND ENVIRONMENT

Time Allowed: 3 hr. Max. Marks: 250
1. In current times communicating science and development can be underlined as root cause of
any social change. Discuss various modes and means for science and development communication
and how they made the social impact. Also highlight the challenges in their adoption.
2. There have been increasing incidences of antimicrobial resistance, which could be more
disastrous then fighting a war. Discuss various reasons of antimicrobial resistance, how human
activities are supporting the superbugs to thrive? What could be the way to handle this problem?
3. What do you understand by Block-Chain Technology? While describing the diverse set of
applications of this technology, comment on the main advantages of this technology?
4. Uniqueness of Indian space programme lies with the ability to use the space based platforms
for implementing various application programmes, which touches the day to day life of common
man. Do you agree? If yes then substantiate the statement by highlighting major space based
application which significantly impacted the civilian life.
5. What is hyper-loop technology? What are its advantages as compared to high speed railway like
Bullet trains? Does India need investments in such technologies?
6. Indian government announced Digi-Gaon initiative in 2017-18 budget. What are the important
components of this initiative? How does it try to achieve the objective of ‘inclusive growth’?
7. The use of atomic energy is not just limited to create military deterrence and power generation;
it has acquired a vast dimension. The acquisition by man of the knowledge of how to release
and use atomic energy must be recognised as third epoch of human history. Examine the sentence
in light of current development in area of atomic energy use.
8. What is Aquaponics? Analyze how it is better as compared to conventional agriculture practices?
How it can help in tackling climate change in agriculture?
9. What do you understand by smart grids? Elucidate, how smart grids could help in overcoming
the power crisis?
10. Indian government has been focusing on moving towards cash-less society. What are the
hindrances in adopting digital payment systems in India? What steps government has taken in
this direction and what else is needed?
11. India is going global through its collaborations in various megaprojects in research and
development. Discuss India’s efforts in this direction and the significance of these projects.
12. Ransomware is the evolving challenge of digitization; many of the digital infrastructures could
be the possible targets. Discuss about ransomware and various ways through which user may
encounter this threat? What steps should be taken to counter ransomware attack?
13. Science and technology can serve the classroom, the teacher and the students with its content,
influence the methods of teaching and learning, provide the mean to infuse into and enrich
classroom processes. In this reference discuss how science and technology hold the potential to
extend the classroom beyond its walls, in fact doing away with the walls.
Science - Tech. & Environment [1]

14. Net Metering is an encouraging mechanism to promote the generation of renewable power on
small scale. In this reference discuss net metering mechanism. Also discuss its advantage as
India is facing huge challenge to provide affordable and easily accessible energy to all its
residents.
15. What is the importance of Kigali Agreement and how it is different from Paris Climate Deal?
What is Indian commitment under the deal and what are the likely challenges to be faced by
India in this?
16. The union Environment Ministry recently notified a ‘Graded Response Action Plan’ against air
pollution for Delhi and the National Capital Region. How does it tries to control pollution level
and what are the likely challenges to be faced?
17. With increase in sea based trade volumes oil spills have emerged as major threats to coastal
environment. How oil spills effect coastal environment? What steps should be taken to protect
environment against such incidents?
18. Water will be one of the scarcest resources if not managed well in time, however, India has the
vast traditional knowledge and techniques to conserve this precious resource. In this reference
review water availability in India and discuss various traditional water management techniques
which can be useful to evade the crisis.
19. While highlighting India’s biodiversity, discuss how this biodiversity can be integrated with the
development in present time, when India is in pressing need to maintain its economic pace.
20. Discuss the major provisions of Regional Centre for Biotechnology Bill, 2016. How it would
provide a skill base for wider adoption of Biotechnology in every walk of life in future?

[ 2 ] Science - Tech. & Environment

TEST - 9
SCIENCE TECH. AND

ENVIRONMENT
Time Allowed: 3 hrs. Max. Marks: 250
Q. Marks Instructions to Candidate
1.
• There are 20 questions.
2.
3.
4. • All questions are compulsory
5.
6. • The number of marks carried by a question is indicated
7. against it.
8.
9.
• Answer the questions in NOT MORE THAN 200 words each.
10.
Contents of the answer is more important than its length.
11.
12.
• Answers must be written within the space provided.
13.
14.
15. Any page or portion of the page left blank in the Question-
16. cum-Answer Booklet must be clearly struck off.
17.
18.
19.
20.
Name _______________________________
Roll No.___________________________
1. Invigilator Signature _______________ Mobile No.___________________________
2. Invigilator Signature _______________ Date ________________________________
Signature ____________________________
2
REMARKS GS MAINS TEST SERIES 2017
Remarks
3
Roll No.____________
Q1. In current times communicating science and development can be underlined as root
cause of any social change. Discuss various modes and means for science and development
communication and how they made the social impact. Also highlight the challenges in
their adoption. (12.5 Marks)
Remarks
4
Remarks
5
Q2. There have been increasing incidences of antimicrobial resistance, which could be more
disastrous then fighting a war. Discuss various reasons of antimicrobial resistance, how
human activities are supporting the superbugs to thrive? What could be the way to handle
this problem? (12.5 Marks)
Remarks
6
Remarks
7
Q3. What do you understand by Block-Chain Technology? While describing the diverse set
of applications of this technology, comment on the main advantages of this technology?
(12.5 Marks)
Remarks
8
Remarks
9
Q4. Uniqueness of Indian space programme lies with the ability to use the space based
platforms for implementing various application programmes, which touches the day to
day life of common man. Do you agree? If yes then substantiate the statement by
highlighting major space based application which significantly impacted the civilian
life. (12.5 Marks)
Remarks
10
Remarks
11
Q5. What is hyper-loop technology? What are its advantages as compared to high speed
railway like Bullet trains? Does India need investments in such technologies?
(12.5 Marks)
Remarks
12
Remarks
13
Q6. Indian government announced Digi-Gaon initiative in 2017-18 budget. What are the
important components of this initiative? How does it try to achieve the objective of
‘inclusive growth’? (12.5 Marks)
Remarks
14
Remarks
15
Q7. The use of atomic energy is not just limited to create military deterrence and power
generation; it has acquired a vast dimension. The acquisition by man of the knowledge
of how to release and use atomic energy must be recognised as third epoch of human
history. Examine the sentence in light of current development in area of atomic energy
use. (12.5 Marks)
Remarks
16
Remarks
17
Q8. What is Aquaponics? Analyze how it is better as compared to conventional agriculture

practices? How it can help in tackling climate change in agriculture? (12.5 Marks)
Remarks
18
Remarks
19
Q9. What do you understand by smart grids? Elucidate, how smart grids could help in
overcoming the power crisis? (12.5 Marks)
Remarks
20
Remarks
21
Q10. Indian government has been focusing on moving towards cash-less society. What are
the hindrances in adopting digital payment systems in India? What steps government
has taken in this direction and what else is needed? (12.5 Marks)
Remarks
22
Remarks
23
Q11. India is going global through its collaborations in various megaprojects in research and
development. Discuss India’s efforts in this direction and the significance of these
projects. (12.5 Marks)
Remarks
24
Remarks
25
Q12. Ransomware is the evolving challenge of digitization; many of the digital infrastructures
could be the possible targets. Discuss about ransomware and various ways through which
user may encounter this threat? What steps should be taken to counter ransomware
attack? (12.5 Marks)
Remarks
26
Remarks
27
Q13. Science and technology can serve the classroom, the teacher and the students with its
content, influence the methods of teaching and learning, provide the mean to infuse into
and enrich classroom processes. In this reference discuss how science and technology
hold the potential to extend the classroom beyond its walls, in fact doing away with the
walls. (12.5 Marks)
Remarks
28
Remarks
29
Q14. Net Metering is an encouraging mechanism to promote the generation of renewable

power on small scale. In this reference discuss net metering mechanism. Also discuss
its advantage as India is facing huge challenge to provide affordable and easily accessible
energy to all its residents. (12.5 Marks)
Remarks
30
Remarks
31
Q15. What is the importance of Kigali Agreement and how it is different from Paris Climate
Deal? What is Indian commitment under the deal and what are the likely challenges to
be faced by India in this? (12.5 Marks)
Remarks
32
Remarks
33
Q16. The union Environment Ministry recently notified a ‘Graded Response Action Plan’
against air pollution for Delhi and the National Capital Region. How does it tries to
control pollution level and what are the likely challenges to be faced? (12.5 Marks)
Remarks
34
Remarks
35
Q17. With increase in sea based trade volumes oil spills have emerged as major threats to
coastal environment. How oil spills effect coastal environment? What steps should be
taken to protect environment against such incidents? (12.5 Marks)
Remarks
36
Remarks
37
Q18. Water will be one of the scarcest resources if not managed well in time, however, India
has the vast traditional knowledge and techniques to conserve this precious resource. In
this reference review water availability in India and discuss various traditional water
management techniques which can be useful to evade the crisis. (12.5 Marks)
Remarks
38
Remarks
39
Q19. While highlighting India’s biodiversity, discuss how this biodiversity can be integrated
with the development in present time, when India is in pressing need to maintain its
economic pace. (12.5 Marks)
Remarks
40
Remarks
41
Q20. Discuss the major provisions of Regional Centre for Biotechnology Bill, 2016. How it
would provide a skill base for wider adoption of Biotechnology in every walk of life in
future? (12.5 Marks)
Remarks
42
Remarks
GS Mains Test Series 2017
Answer Hints: Test No.9 www.iasscore.in
SCIENCE TECH. AND

ENVIRONMENT
1. In current times communicating science and development can be underlined as root cause
of any social change. Discuss various modes and means for science and development
communication and how they made the social impact. Also highlight the challenges in their
adoption.
E
Hints:
OR
Science and development communication has drawn the attention of policy makers, planners,
scientists, and media personnel during the past decade world over and so as in India. Various
means and modes has been utilised by the science communicators to reach out to the masses. Different
tool are employed for public dissemination of science and inculcation of scientific spirit.
Over the year there has been remarkable increase in developmental coverage be it science, technology,
health, environment or agriculture etc. in different mass media involving print, electronic, digital,
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folk or interactive. Success of various initiatives like Polio eradication, enhancing coverage of
institutional deliveries, MNREGA, and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan are tremendously supported by the
communication models. Some of the important modes and means employed for science and
development communication are:
• Popular literature like articles/features in daily newspaper, periodical, and specialised S&T
magazines etc.
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• Exhibition on trains like Science Express and Environment Express.
• Science Centres and Parks.
• Contests like quizzes, essay, scientific model, toys and kits, public speaking, debate and
seminars.
• Popular lectures on developmental subjects for general public, for students at schools and
colleges.
• Tours to botanical, zoological gardens, museums, planetariums, bird centuries, industries

and national parks.
• Digital software, Apps, CDs, social media, Blogs, Podcasts.
• Community radio, community TV, workshops, symposiums and seminars.

These participatory and interactive activities and demonstrations to learn about S&T principles
applications has developed as spirit of enquiry in children and adults. Superstitions and orthodoxy
is challenged by the rationality of people which is based on grounds of scientific enquiry. A
programme on scientific explanation of so called miracles was carried out at national level to educate
Hints: Science Tech. & Environment [1]
gullible people on issues of superstitions and unlawful practices. Perhaps India is the only country
to have special provision “to develop scientific temper, humanism, spirit of enquiry and reform” as
one of the fundamental duties in the constitution of India.
These communication means and modes of science and development has greatly impact the day to
day life and make the people aware about their rights, complex issues of conflicting interests of
development, environment, industry, business, politics, and public policies. However the challenges
lie in to reach people and communicating the science and development in local language in a
simple manner to general public. Apart from it access to scientific literature, internet and connectivity
to reach out masses in rural areas is posing challenge which needs to overcome. Several initiatives
has been taken in this direction like developing Apps in regional languages, news broadcast and
dubbing of important programmes in regional language which held the potential to reach masses
in simpler manner.
2. There have been increasing incidences of antimicrobial resistance, which could be more
disastrous then fighting a war. Discuss various reasons of antimicrobial resistance, how
human activities are supporting the superbugs to thrive? What could be the way to handle
E
this problem?
Hints:
OR
When microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites evolve themselves in ways that
render the medications used to cure the infections they cause ineffective, is called Antimicrobial
Resistance (AMR). When the microorganisms become resistant to most antimicrobials they are often
referred to as “superbugs”. This is a major concern because a resistant infection may kill, can spread
to others, and imposes huge costs to individuals and society. New resistance mechanisms are
emerging and spreading globally, threatening our ability to treat common infectious diseases, resulting
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in prolonged illness, disability, and death. Resistance in E. coli to one of the most widely used
medicines for the treatment of urinary tract infections (fluoroquinolone antibiotics) is very widespread.
Resistance to first-line drugs to treat infections caused by Staphlylococcus aureus—a common cause
of severe infections in health facilities and the community—is widespread.
Reason of antimicrobial resistance:
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• Antimicrobial resistance occurs naturally over time, usually through genetic changes. Bacteria
have great ability to adapt to hostile environments. They develop resistance to agents that
threaten their survival. All these resistance mechanisms are generated through genetic
modifications so that the progeny will also be resistant to the drug.
• These genetic modifications occur at two levels: mutations in the chromosomal genes and
horizontal transfer of resistance genes from one bacterium to another. There are many ways
by which bacteria can defend themselves from hostile aspects of an environment. For example,
bacteria can produce an enzyme that binds to the drug and makes it ineffective.
Human Activities supporting the superbugs to thrive:
• However, the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials is accelerating this process. In many
places, antibiotics are overused and misused in people and animals, and often given without
professional oversight. Examples of misuse include when they are taken by people with viral
infections like colds and flu, and when they are given as growth promoters in animals and
fish.
• Antimicrobial resistance is facilitated by the inappropriate use of medicines, for example,

when taking substandard doses or not finishing a prescribed course of treatment. Low-
[ 2 ] Hints: Science Tech. & Environment
quality medicines, wrong prescriptions and poor infection prevention and control also
encourage the development and spread of drug resistance. Lack of government commitment
to address these issues, poor surveillance and a diminishing arsenal of tools to diagnose, treat
and prevent also hinder the control of antimicrobial drug resistance
• Antimicrobial resistant-microbes are found in people, animals, food, and the environment (in
water, soil and air). They can spread between people and animals, and from person to
person. Poor infection control, inadequate sanitary conditions and inappropriate food-
handling encourage the spread of antimicrobial resistance.
• Antibiotic resistance is also spreading in wildlife in terrestrial or aquatic environments. In

this respect, the spread and contamination of the environment, especially through "hot
spots" such as hospital wastewater and untreated urban wastewater, is a growing and
serious public health problem. Antibiotics have been polluting the environment since their
introduction through human waste (medication, farming), animals, and the pharmaceutical
industry. Along with antibiotic waste, resistant bacteria follow, thus introducing antibiotic-
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resistant bacteria into the environment.
Way to handle the problem: OR

• Greater innovation and investment are required in research and development of new
antimicrobial medicines, vaccines, and diagnostic tools.
• Need to improve awareness and understanding of antimicrobial resistance through effective

communication, education and training.
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• Strengthen the knowledge and evidence base through surveillance and research
• Reduce the incidence of infection through effective sanitation, hygiene and infection prevention
measures.
• Regulation and optimization is required in the use of antimicrobial medicines in human and
animal health.
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WHO is providing technical assistance to help countries develop their national action plans, and
strengthens their health and surveillance systems so that they can prevent and manage antimicrobial
resistance. It is collaborating with partners to strengthen the evidence base and develop new responses
to this global threat. Antimicrobial resistance is a complex problem that affects all of society and is
driven by many interconnected factors. Single, isolated interventions have limited impact.
Coordinated action is required to minimize the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance.
Supplementary Notes
Antibiotics were discovered about 75 years ago and they are powerful, often life-saving medicines.
They fight bacterial infections, such as strep throat, cellulitis (a skin infection), and some types of
pneumonia. They allow us to survive many serious bacterial illnesses, such as meningitis, and carry
patients through cancer treatment and surgeries without infection.
They are not useful against colds and flus because those are viral illnesses. Other common viral
infections that aren't helped by antibiotics include pink eye, upper respiratory infections such as
bronchitis and sinusitis, and sore throats other than strep throat.
Some ear infections are bacterial, but many are viral and won't be helped by antibiotics. Even
bacterial ear infections are often better treated by a wait-and-see approach because these usually go
away on their own in two to three days.
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OR
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Yet health care providers still prescribe far too many antibiotics inappropriately, for instance, for
illnesses that are most likely viral. In the United States, about 50 percent of antibiotics prescribed to
patients are unnecessary or inappropriate.
Superbugs
This overuse of antibiotics has led to a frightening development that you may have heard about
called superbugs. These are drug-resistant strains of bacteria that only respond to our most powerful
antibiotics, or in some cases, to no antibiotic, and the problem is getting worse. In fact, many experts
believe we are on the verge of being unable to treat some harmful bacterial illnesses using any of our
current antibiotics. If that happens, we may once again be desperately searching for ways to combat
some bacterial illnesses that were once easily treated with an antibiotic.
The issue is so important that the White House convened a summit last June to address the topic,
and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, and the
European Union consider this problem one of our most pressing health issues.
One example of a superbug is MRSA. It has led to life-threatening skin infections, such as cellulitis,
most notoriously among vulnerable populations in health care settings such as hospitals and nursing
homes. MRSA is now also found in nail salons and gym facilities. It is also showing up among
populations that weren't previously considered vulnerable. For example, in September there was
an outbreak of MRSA skin infections among athletes at a private school in Washington D.C. Most
healthy people can weather such infections with treatment, but other people with existing illnesses
are at particular risk. Reducing antibiotic overuse is the most effective way to keep a wider population
safe from superbugs.
Antibiotic overuse is also problematic in livestock farming. Eighty percent of the antibiotics used in
the United States are fed to farm animals, mostly to help them grow faster. The antibiotics kill off
most of the bacteria in an animal, but resistant bacteria — superbugs — can multiply. Humans can
get sick from this bacteria by eating contaminated food. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are found in
much of the meat in our supermarkets. This is why it is important to practice food safety at home,
washing hands and surfaces often; keeping raw meat, poultry, seafood and eggs separate from
produce and ready-to-eat foods; cooking to the right temperature; and keeping foods properly
refrigerated.
How Antibiotics Affect the Body
Antibiotics are chemicals that can wipe out bacteria, or prevent bacteria from multiplying so that
the body's own defenses can fight off illness. Some antibiotics, such as Augmentin, are called "broad
spectrum" because they are effective against a wide spectrum of bacteria. Others, such as penicillin,
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only fight a few species of bacteria, and are called "narrow spectrum."
While fighting bacteria is a good thing when working to cure a bacterial illness, doctors must be
OR
careful about which bacteria are eliminated. That's because our bodies are naturally host to trillions
of bacteria, many of which are important for health. Using antibiotics can disrupt the body's bacterial
balance. The greatest risk comes from using broad spectrum antibiotics, which are more likely to kill
off "good" bacteria in the gut while fighting the bacteria that are causing an illness. Removing this
good bacteria can leave the body vulnerable to new illnesses.
3. What do you understand by Block-Chain Technology? While describing the diverse set of
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applications of this technology, comment on the main advantages of this technology?
Hints:
Emergence of internet has given way to new forms of technological advancements and innovations.
Block-chain is also part of one of that innovation which is supposed to revolutionize the national
and international financial systems, transportation system, supply chains and various others sectors.
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Block chains are "an open, distributed ledger that can record transactions between two parties
efficiently and in a verifiable and permanent way. It is an anonymous, distributed and shared
ledger.
A block is the “current” part of a block chain which records some or all of the recent transactions,
and once completed, goes into the block chain as permanent database. Each time a block gets
completed, a new block is generated. Blocks are linked to each other (like a chain) in proper linear,
chronological order with every block containing a hash of the previous block. To use conventional
banking as an analogy, the block chain is like a full history of banking transactions. Bitcoin
transactions are entered chronologically in a block chain just the way bank transactions are.
Each block contains a timestamp and a link to a previous block. By design, block chains are inherently
resistant to modification of the data — once recorded the data in a block cannot be altered
retroactively.
Certain benefits of block chain technology are:
• As a public ledger system, block chain records and validate each and every transaction
made, which makes it secure and reliable.
• All the transactions made are authorized by miners, which makes the transactions immutable
and prevent it from the threat of hacking.
• Block-chain technology discards the need of any third-party or central authority for peer-to-
peer transactions.
• Decentralization of the technology.
Apart from being the backbone of crypto-currency or Bitcoin system block chain technology has
several applications like:
Financial system:
• Various banks like Duestche bank has been using it for areas like payments and settlement
of fiat currencies, asset registries, enforcement and clearing derivative contracts, regulatory
reporting, KYC recording etc.
• International supply chain management as it helps in tracking and recording of the goods
across the supply chain.
• Online recording of the land records and asset management. This can be very helpful as
fudging records will be very difficult since records are simultaneously maintained at various
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locations.
Apart from these applications various industrial sectors and governments have been trying to find
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the applications of the technology which are specific to them. Areas like traffic management, tracking
monitoring and management, managing land use changes and land degradation can be important
application areas.
Supplementary Notes
Bitcoin: a digital currency
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Bitcoin correspond to a virtual currency or digital currency which uses cryptography principles to
make it secure.
• Bitcoin is the first decentralized digital currency.
• Bitcoin are digital coins you can send through the Internet.
• Compared to other alternatives, Bitcoin have a number of advantages.
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• Bitcoin are transferred directly from person to person via the net without going through a
bank or clearinghouse. (This means that the fees are much lower, you can use them in every
country, your account cannot be frozen and there are no prerequisites or arbitrary limits.)
However,Bitcoin are not recognized by RBI in India.
4. Uniqueness of Indian space programme lies with the ability to use the space based platforms
for implementing various application programmes, which touches the day to day life of
common man. Do you agree? If yes then substantiate the statement by highlighting major
space based application which significantly impacted the civilian life.
Hints:
Even after a late starter Indian Space programme has emerged one among the six leading space
faring nation without much external help. Indian space programme was envisaged by Dr. Vikram
Sarabhai to harness the space technology for the benefit of the common man. There has been number
of satellites launched by ISRO for telecommunication, broadcasting, weather forecasting, resource
mapping, land planning and for other civilian purposes. Major civilian applications of satellites are
as follows:

• Agriculture & Soils: Crop production forecast, Saline/sodic soils mapping, Agro-Met services
& disaster surveillance (pest, floods, drought), Horticulture development. This has enable the
farmers to take inform decisions regarding sowing of crops and disaster control.
• Bio Resources and Environment: Forest cover and type mapping, Wetland inventory &
conservation plans, Bio diversity characterization, Desertification status mapping, Coastal,
mangroves, Coral Related, Snow and glacier studies. Optimal and sustainable utilisation of
resources can be planned while checking on illegal utilisation of resources.
• Rural Development: National Drinking Water mission, Wasteland mapping/ updation,
Watershed development and monitoring, Land records modernization plan
• Water Resources: Irrigation infrastructure assessment, Water resource information system,
Snow melt run-off estimation, Reservoir capacity evaluation, Site selection for hydro-power
• Disaster Management Support: Operationally addressing various natural disasters like floods,
cyclone, drought, landslide, earthquake and forest fire, Research and development on early
warning systems and decision support tools.
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• Urban Development: Urban sprawl mapping of major cities, Master / structure plans,
Comprehensive development plans of selected cities / towns, Base map generation for towns,
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National urban information system.
• Tele-Education: ‘EDUSAT’, India’s first thematic satellite dedicated exclusively for educational
services, was used extensively to cater to a wide range of interactive educational delivery
modes like one-way TV broadcast, video conferencing, computer conferencing, web-based
instructions, etc.
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• It will supplement the curriculum-based teaching, imparting effective teacher training,

providing access to quality resource persons and new technologies, thus finally resulting in
taking education to every nook and corner of India.
• EDUSAT provided connectivity to schools, colleges and higher levels of education and also
supported non-formal education including development communication.
• Tele-Medicine: Telemedicine is one of the unique applications of Space Technology for societal
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benefit. ISRO Telemedicine programme started in 2001 has been connecting remote/rural/
medical college hospitals and Mobile Units through the Indian satellites to major specialty
hospitals in cities and towns.
• IRNSS: ISRO has developed its own navigation system providing accurate position and
timing signals over Indian region and its neighbourhood. Defence services will benefit
immensely out of this. Communication network through satellites provide uninterrupted
services in business community especially the ATMs and stock exchanges.
ISRO has truly lived up to vision Dr. Sarabhai in mastering complex technologies of rockets and
spacecrafts. It has also made the innovative application touching the life of people. As per survey,
the direct and indirect benefits far exceed the investment made by government in Indian space
programme.
Supplementary Notes
Space research in India began in the 1920s with studies conducted by scientists S K Mitra, C V
Raman and MeghnadSaha. However, it was only from the 1940s and 50s that institutionalised
probe into space related activities started gaining nationwide attention. At this point, space studies
in India was restricted to aspects of Earth’s atmosphere, weather prediction and the surrounding
magnetic field.
ISRO, RLV-TD HEX-01, re-usable launch vehicle, ISRO launches spacecraft, ISRO launches
spaceshuttle, history of ISRO, space research in India, space activities in India, Chandrayaan,
Mangalyaan, Aryabhata, ISRO achievements, Jawaharlal Nehru, Vikram Sarabhai, India satellites,
Rakesh Sharma, India space shuttles, India launch vehicles Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru along with
scientist Vikram Sarabhai (centre) established the Indian National Committee for Space Research
(INCOSPAR) which became ISRO later.
History of space activities in India reached its first milestone in 1962 when Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru
along with scientist Vikram Sarabhai established the Indian National Committee for Space Research
(INCOSPAR). Following the establishment of the INCOSPAR, the first rocket launch from India
took place in November 1963.
The ICONOSPAR grew to become the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in 1969. With
the establishment of the ISRO and further with the government of India forming the Space
Commission for policy formulation and the Department of space, research and execution of space
related enterprises got a boost that it never had before.
Over the next 50 + years, ISRO has improvised and developed technology, launching several
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indigenously created vehicles into space.
Below is a timeline of the key achievements made by ISRO since its establishment.
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1975: The first Indian satellite, Aryabhata, was launched using a Russian rocket. It provided India
with the basis of learning satellite technology and designing.
1975: ISRO along with NASA developed means of using space communications system for TV
broadcasting. This resulted in the creation of the project Satellite Instructional Television Experiment
(SITE). It was a one-year program covering Indian villages and districts. The main purpose of SITE
was to experiment usage of satellite broadcasting to educate the masses.
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1976-77: Satellite Telecommunication Experiments Project (STEP) was launched as a sequel of SITE.
It used satellite technology for enhancing domestic communication.
1980: The first indigenously created satellite vehicle was launched from Sriharikota range in Andhra
Pradesh. SLV-3 placed the Rohini satellite, RS-1, in orbit, thereby making India the sixth member of
an exclusive club of space-faring nations
1983: Having experimented with SITE and STEP, the Indian National Satellite System (INSAT) was
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commissioned to work on broadcasting, telecommunication, meteorology and rescue operations. It

is the largest domestic communications system in the Asia Pacific. Over the next few decades, a
number of INSAT satellites were propelled into space.
1984: The first Indo-Soviet manned space mission was launched. Rakesh Sharma became the first
Indian citizen to go into space. He flew aboard in the Soviet rocket Soyuz T-11, as part of a three
member Soviet-Indian crew.
1987: The Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV) Programme supported a larger payload
than the SLV-3 and was meant to be low-cost. From March 1987, there were four developmental
flights under the programme
2008: In October 2008, the first lunar mission launched by ISRO. The spacecraft, Chandrayaan
took off from the SatishDhawan Space Centre and it operated till August 2009. The project was
announced by former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, as part of his independence day speech in 2003.
The greatest achievement of this lunar project was the discovery of a large number of water molecules
in moon. ISRO plans to launch its second lunar mission, Chandrayaan 2 by 2018.
2014: Mangalyaan, India’s first interplanetary mission was launched, making ISRO the fourth space
agency to reach Mars. Mangalyaan gained worldwide repute as being the least expensive Mars
mission till date.
2017: ISRO made a world record for launching 100 + satellites in a single mission.
5. What is hyper-loop technology? What are its advantages as compared to high speed railway
like Bullet trains? Does India need investments in such technologies?
Hints:
Transportation sector is witnessing some new innovations like Transit Elevated Bus, Solar Powered
Planes and Hyperloop with focus on reducing time, power consumption. ‘Hyperloop’ is a futuristic
transportation technology concept, facilitating high speed travel through a partial vacuum tube.
Some of the important characteristics of this concept are:
• This technology used partial vacuum tube to increase the speed of the travelling pods.
• Pods travel at supersonic speeds around 100-1200 KM/hr.
• It uses passive magnetic levitation and as a result consumes less power as compared to high
speed train.
Its advantages as compared to high speed train and why it can be transformational:
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• Because of passive levitation it does not require continuous AC supply for magnetic levitation.
This significantly reduces the power consumption and cost.
OR
• It can use renewable sources of energy and is energy efficient because it uses regenerative
breaking system.
• It is said that this technology can be built at 1/4th cost of high speed trains because of less
power requirement.
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• Also because it uses pod capsules with 30-40 people in it will have flexibility of road
transportation system.
Despite these advantages there are going to be certain challenges for this technology:
• This technology is in conceptual stage only and has not been testes anywhere till now.
• The safety concerns for the technology, as it uses partial vacuum system, where in case of
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accidents oxygen supply will not be available.

Need of such technologies in India:
Transportation bottlenecks have been a major challenge in India and have been hampering India’s
faster growth. If India adopts such technologies it will reduce the time taken for travel
• It will also cost India less as compared to Bullet trains or high speed trains
• As it uses renewable energy, it will also fit into India’s renewable energy plans
But the issues of safety, land acquisition, funding from government, creating infrastructure and
legislation allowing private foreign players into the rail transportation segment remains.
If India plans to use Hyperloop technology (as proposal for building Pune – Mumbai segment is
with Niti Aayog) proper safety evaluation, focus on local capacity building, technology sharing
mechanism should be considered.
Supplementary Notes
Hyperloop One, has announced 35 teams from all over the world to actualise the potential of the
system in different regions – with one of them being India. If the system finds its way to India, we
could potentially see distances like Delhi-Mumbai (~1200 kilometers) being covered in less than one
hour.
The ‘Hyperloop One Global Challenge’, announced by the company in May 2016, was able to
attract 2,600 teams of engineers and planners from across the globe, according to a report from
Inverse. The 35 finalist teams were announced on Friday, and will be present at three showcases
that will be held by the company in New Delhi on February 28, Washington DC on April 6 and
London on April 27.
The company will be inviting government leaders to these showcases, to display the potential of the
high-speed system in their individual regions. Nick Earle, who oversees global field operations of
HyperloopOne has said the feedback from governments will be determining if Hyperloop One is
considered for the region.
Among the proposed routes and their feasibility, Hyperloop is potentially looking at five Indian
sectors where the system can be built: Delhi-Mumbai, Bangalore-Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai-
Bangalore, Mumbai-Chennai and a port connector project. The company has shared a big list of
potential routes across the globe. Earle has said that there could be multiple winners going forward,
and the company is keeping all options open.
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OR
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List of all proposed Hyperloop projects under consideration

Regions that win will then be checked for feasibility before the company moves forward with any
projects. “We want to have three routes in production in the next five years,” said Lloyd to Inverse.
This means that Hyperloop will be choosing only three systems to build out of the 35 it has projected.
6. Indian government announced Digi-Gaon initiative in 2017-18 budget. What are the
important components of this initiative? How does it try to achieve the objective of ‘inclusive
growth’?
Hints:
Digitization has been main focus area of Indian government with the aim to improve the delivery of
services by increasing their reach. With BharatNet, providing backbone infrastructure to digitally
connect villages, being rolled out government has launched the DigiGaon initiative in 2017-18 budget
to transform the quality of life in rural areas.
[10] Hints: Science Tech. & Environment

DigiGaon initiative will be launched to provide tele-medicine, education and skills through digital
technology.
As India is suffering from inequalities between urban and rural areas, especially in health and
education, DigiGaon initiative will be able to achieve inclusive growth in following ways:
• Nearly 80% of India’s poor live in rural areas and deprived of education, skill facilities to
come out of vicious circle of poverty. Along with this the incidences of diseases and high cost
of health check-ups at private hospitals make them vulnerable to falling in poverty trap.
Through DigiGaon initiative government will be able to solve many of these problems.
• Marginalized sections of society like SCs, STs and women will be the main beneficiaries of
this initiative. It will help them in throwing away the shackles of caste system, patriarchy
and take part into mainstream.
• The gap between the rural-urban literacy rates, availability of health facilities will be reduced.
• An important component of DigiGaon initiative is skill building. With decreasing farm holding
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and reduced income from farm sector, skill building will provide rural youth alternative
livelihood opportunities.
• These new skills will be used in transforming the quality of life in rural areas.
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All these will not only help in ensuring the objective of inclusive growth, but also reduce the migration
from rural areas to urban areas. This will further help in propping up of slums in urban areas and
reduce the stress on urban infrastructure.
Therefore if implemented in a proper way, DigiGaon initiative can become a transformational
initiative for the rural areas.
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Supplementary Notes
Government has launched a number of initiatives for rural sector with focus on inclusive growth.
Some of them are:
Housing: PM Awaas Yojana – Gramin:
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• Government to construct 1 crore pucca (permanent) houses for the rural poor in the next
three years.
• A total of 4 Crore homes would be constructed under PMAY-G in rural areas across the
country by the year 2022.
• The scheme is expected to boost job creation in rural areas.
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan – Gramin:
• It is a sub-mission of the overall Swachh Bharat Mission.
Electrification:
Government of India has launched the scheme “Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana” for
rural electrification. The erstwhile Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY) scheme
for village electrification and providing electricity distribution infrastructure in the rural areas has
been subsumed in the DDUGJY scheme
PM Gram Sadak Yojana:
The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) was launched by the Govt. of India to provide
connectivity to unconnected Habitations as part of a poverty reduction strategy.

Rural employment:
MGNREGA, Aajeevika, SHG-Bank Linkage Programme
Agriculture:
Soil Health Card, PM Krishi Sinchai Yojana
Education:
SSA, MDM
Budget 2017-18 has aim to bring one crore households out of poverty and to make 50,000 Gram
Panchayats poverty free by 2019, the 150th birth anniversary of Gandhiji.
7. The use of atomic energy is not just limited to create military deterrence and power
generation; it has acquired a vast dimension. The acquisition by man of the knowledge of
how to release and use atomic energy must be recognised as third epoch of human history.
Examine the sentence in light of current development in area of atomic energy use.
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Hints: OR
The destructive power of atoms has been a horrific example in front of the world during 2nd world
war but scientists since then are perusing a different trajectory to harness the positive side of atoms
for betterment of humanity. ‘Atoms for Peace’ was an initiative launched in the 470th Plenary in
the UNGA in 1953, with Smt. Vijayalakshmi Pandit of India being the president of the assembly. It
focuses on peaceful use of atomic energy, promising the use of radioactivity in energy generation
for harnessing the power of the atom. The motto of India’s nuclear energy programme is also the
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use of nuclear and radiation technology for providing better quality of life to its citizens. Since then
use of atomic energy has been diversified into many areas like health, energy generation, food
preservation and many more other areas.
• Nuclear Medicine – Diagnosis: Nuclear medicine uses trace amounts of radioactive substances
in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of diseases and conditions in a safe and
painless way. Nuclear medicine has proven its worth in the diagnosis of diseases such as
cancer, neurological disorders (like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases), and cardiovascular
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disease in their initial stages, permitting early treatment as well as reduced morbidity and
mortality.
• Radio Therapy: Radiation therapy involves the use of high energy radiation either by using
special machines or from radioactive substances. The aim of the radiation therapy is to
impart specific amount of radiation at tumours or parts of the body to destroy the malignant
cells.
• Food Preservation – Produce and Preserve: Radiation processing can provide a viable, effective
and eco-friendly alternative to chemical fumigants. There is an utmost need to adopt and
integrate the irradiated foods into the country’s supply chains to ensure food safety and
security. The irradiation based strategies have the potential to bring about a paradigm shift
in the agriculture sector and propel our nation towards prosperity.
• Energy Security – Nuclear is clean and Green: Nuclear Energy provides a solution to the
problem of global warming, being endowed with the lowest carbon footprint amongst all
energy producing sources-including the renewable sources such as solar, hydro and wind
power. India today needs to rapidly ramp up power production using nuclear energy. The
atomic energy sector is projected to make a significant contribution to energy security and
climate mitigation over the next few decades.

• Water-The Elixir of Life: Isotope hydrology techniques enable accurate tracing and
measurement of the extent of new and renewable underground water resources. The technique
is used for monitoring surface water resources for leakages through dams and irrigation
channels. This is used towards resource planning and sustainable management of water
resources. Scientists have developed low cost and user friendly kits for measurement of
contaminants in water. These are used for the detection of fluorine in ground water and
chromium in water of river Ganga.
• Sludge Hygienisation: large amount of sewerage sludge is generated which causes infectious
microorganisms to thrive and spread of disease thus becoming a health hazard. Radiation
technology has been used to hygienise the sludge to protect public health and environment
and in addition manufacture the manure with desirable quality for use in farm sector.
The applications of nuclear technology are straddling almost all walks of life, leading to economic
and social benefit to nations. These are the benefits which will continue to be leveraged for a
considerable period in the foreseeable future. Apart from power generation which is contributing
significantly to energy basket worldwide, applications of atoms has been demonstrating excellent
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performance in medical field and current fundamental research on atoms is opening new dimensions
to us for exploring their possibilities for betterment of humanity.
8.
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What is Aquaponics? Analyze how it is better as compared to conventional agriculture
practices? How it can help in tackling climate change in agriculture?
Hints:
Increasing use of chemicals in conventional agriculture and their adverse effects on the soil and
human health has increased demand for organic farming systems. Aquaponics is one of such farming
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practices which combine mariculture with horticulture or agriculture resulting into reuse of inputs
and increased efficiency.
Aquaponics is a careful blending of fish and vegetable cultivation. The Aquaponics farms are
configures in different varieties with fish and vegetables in same pond or different ponds.
Comparison with conventional agriculture practices:
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Aquaponics farming has several advantages.

• Neither drought nor torrential rains impact an aquaponics farm.
• It also requires a third of the space that traditional farming needs.
• Water requirement also reduces drastically since most of it is recycled.
• Another advantage of aquaponics is that the produce is organic. The fish catch off the coast
of Kerala is often contaminated with compounds of mercury due to heavy pollution.
• Also, fish and plants grown in the conventional methods often suffer from soil-borne diseases.
In an aquaponics farm, fishes and plants are protected from the attacks of pathogens by
around 240 types of microorganisms living within the system.
Despite these advantages the high initial investment is a major roadblock in its adoption on large
scale.
How it can help in tackling climate change:
Climate change has been a major concern for farmers because of variable rainfall patterns, reduced
rainfalls, increased temperatures and reduced yields. Fisheries catch has been severely affected in
Arabian Sea because of climate change. Aquaponics is seen as an important method of tackling

climate change and it focuses on efficient use of water through recycling, is not dependent on
rainfall and reduces the risk of sea water temperature on fish production. Thus it may emerge as
potential tool for ensuring food security when it is being threatened by climate change.
Since, Aquaponics provides huge opportunities for ensuring good returns for farmers and securing
our future against climate change there is need from the government side to provide financial and
technical support for establishing the same.
Supplementary Notes
Aquaponics essentially consists of a flood tank; grow bed and a fish tank. The three compartments
are interlinked by pipes and a pump is required to keep a continuous flow of water between them.
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OR
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The flood tank is usually situated on the top of the aquaponics system. It consists of water from the
fish tank. Here the water containing ammonia is converted to nitrates by sponges on the tank bed.
At the second stage, nitrate-rich water created by the bacterial process from the flood tank flows to
the grow bed made of gravel. The high concentration of nitrates enables plants to grow. Fresh
water after the refining process in the grow bed goes into the fish tank positioned at the end of the
system. Fishes grow in the tank without being affected by the usual reversals at sea.
9. What do you understand by smart grids? Elucidate, how smart grids could help in overcoming
the power crisis?
Hints:
As sources of power generation and locations for their consumption are at different places, grid
system plays an important role in transmission and distribution of power generated. The digital
technology that allows for two-way communication between the utility and its customers, and the
sensing along the transmission lines is what makes the grid smart. Like the Internet, the Smart Grid
will consist of controls, computers, automation, and new technologies and equipment working
together.
The benefits associated with the Smart Grid include:
• More efficient transmission of electricity
• Quicker restoration of electricity after power disturbances
• Reduced operations and management costs for utilities, and ultimately lower power costs for
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consumers
• Reduced peak demand, which will also help lower electricity rates
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• Increased integration of large-scale renewable energy systems
• Better integration of customer-owner power generation systems, including renewable energy
systems
• Improved security
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Today, an electricity disruption such as a blackout can have a domino effect—a series of failures
that can affect banking, communications, traffic, and security. This is a particular threat in the
winter, when homeowners can be left without heat. A smarter grid will add resiliency to our electric
power System and make it better prepared to address emergencies such as severe storms, earthquakes,
large solar flares, and terrorist attacks. Because of its two-way interactive capacity, the Smart Grid
will allow for automatic rerouting when equipment fails or outages occur. This will minimize outages
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and minimize the effects when they do happen. When a power outage occurs, Smart Grid
technologies will detect and isolate the outages, containing them before they become large-scale
blackouts. The new technologies will also help ensure that electricity recovery resumes quickly and
strategically after emergency — routing electricity to emergency services first, for example. In addition,
the Smart Grid will take greater advantage of customer-owned power generators to produce power
when it is not available from utilities. By combining these "distributed generation" resources, a
community could keep its health centre, police department, traffic lights, phone System, and grocery
store operating during emergencies.
How smart grids can be solution to India’s power crisis:
Power is critical to growth and development of India. Industrial development, mechanization of
agriculture, smart cities, digital India all depends on assured supply of electricity
According to industry experts the biggest contributing factor to India’s power crisis is not power
shortage but wastage. According to the World Resources Institute pegs losses due to electricity
transmission and distribution (T&D) in India at around 27 percent—the highest in the world. This
translates into the loss of millions of tons of coal and billions of cubic meters of natural colossal—
fossil fuels that were used to generate power and the huge pollution that resulted from the production.
Thus, smart grids with automation, low response time they help in saving and managing energy
while reducing dependency on fossil fuels.
Supplementary Notes
Government has approved the National Smart Grid Mission (NSGM) -an institutional mechanism
for planning, monitoring and implementation of policies and programs related to Smart Grid activities.
NSGM has three tier structure:
• At the apex level, NSGM has a Governing Council headed by the Minister of Power. Role
of Governing Council is to approve all policies and programme for smart grid implementation.
• At the second level, the NSGM has an Empowered Committee headed by Secretary (Power).
Role of Empowered Committee is to provide policy input to Governing Council and approve,
monitor, review specific smart grid projects, guidelines / procedures etc.
• In a supportive role, NSGM has a Technical Committee headed by Chairperson (CEA). Role
of Technical Committee is to support the Empowered Committee on technical aspect,
standards development, technology selection guidelines etc.
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• For day-to-day operations, NSGM has a NSGM Project Management Unit (NPMU) headed
by the Director NPMU.
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10. Indian government has been focusing on moving towards cash-less society. What are the
hindrances in adopting digital payment systems in India? What steps government has taken
in this direction and what else is needed?
Hints:
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• Post demonetisation, one of the main focus areas is to create a less-cash economy, as this is
key to channelling more saving through the formal financial system and improving tax
compliance.
Watal Committee has recently estimated that cash accounts for about 78 percent of all consumer
payments. And there are many reasons for this situation. Cash has many advantages:
• it is convenient, accepted everywhere, and
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• Its use is costless for ordinary people, though not of course for society at large.
• Cash transactions are also anonymous, helping to preserve privacy, which is a virtue as long
as the transactions are not illicit or designed to evade taxation.
In contrast, digital transactions face significant impediments.
• They require special equipment, cell phones for customers and Point-Of-Sale (POS) machines
for merchants, which will only work if there is internet connectivity.
• They are also costly to users, since e-payment firms need to recoup their costs by imposing
charges on customers, merchants, or both.
In the wake of the demonetisation, the government has taken a number of steps to facilitate and
incentivize the move to a digital economy. These include:
• Launch of the BHIM (Bharat Interface for Money) app for smart-phones based on the new
Unified Payments Interface (UPI) which has created inter-operability of digital transactions.
• Launch of BHIM USSD 2.0, a product that allows the 350 million feature phone users to
take advantage of the UPI.
• Launch of Aadhar Merchant Pay, aimed at the 350 million who do not have phones. This
enables anyone with just an Aadhar number and a bank account to make a merchant
payment using his biometric identification.
• Reductions in fees (Merchant Discount Rate) paid on digital transactions and transactions
that use the UPI.
• There have also been relaxations of limits on the use of payment wallets.
• Tax benefits have also been provided for to incentivize digital transactions.
• Encouraging the adoption of POS devices beyond the current 1.5 million, through tariff
reductions.
As a result of all these number of digital transactions has increased considerably. Data from the
National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) show that RuPay-based electronic transactions
increased by about Rs. 13,000 crore in case of POS transactions and about Rs. 2,000 crore in e-
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commerce, an increase of over 300-400 percent.Same has been the case with debit card, credit card
and AEPS (Aadhar-Enabled Payments System) transactions.
•
OR
The success of digitalization will depend considerably on new focus areas like:
The inter-operability of the payments system. The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) created
by the NPCI is the technology platform that will be the basis for ensuring interoperability.
But to ensure this, individual banks should facilitate not thwart inter-operability.
• As digital payments increase the security features of these e-payment systems will need to
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inspire trust, to ensure this trend continues.

• Increased access to internet banking and increased understanding of mobile banking among
rural and poor people.
Supplementary Notes
The concept of payments banks is the brainchild of the Nachiket Mor Committee Report on
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“Comprehensive Financial Services for Small Businesses and Low Income Households”. The views
of the Committee resonated in the guidelines for licensing of payments banks issued by the Reserve
Bank of India (RBI) which stated unambiguously that, “The objectives of setting up payments banks
will be to further financial inclusion by providing (I) small savings accounts, and (ii) payments /
remittance services to migrant labour work force, low income households, small businesses and
other unorganized sector entities and other users”.
Jan Dhan Yojana
Conscious of the bitter reality that millions of citizens had, for long years, been left unserviced by
the formal banking system, the Government of India (GoI) propelled the formal banking structure
into aggressively advancing the cause of financial inclusion through the Jan Dhan Yojana (JDY).
The JDY became a mission driven program which witnessed the opening of 210 million no-frills
bank accounts and the issue of 174.6 million RuPay debit cards. Initial momentum has, however,
stalled and there is a growing reality that there is a world of difference between opening of accounts
and their active operation in the banking system. The existing brick-and-mortar set up of conventional
bank branches is proving inadequate to meet the whole demand of population, not only because of
geographical inaccessibility but also on account of the phenomenon of ‘white collar phobia’ often
experienced by the less privileged account holders who feel intimidated and unwelcome within the
formal banking establishment.
Specialised Banks
Payments banks will virtually specialise as deposit mobilisation and remittance banks. Their target
clientele is slated to be migrant labour in urban area, low income households typically maidservants
and daily labour, and ultra small businesses (such as panwallas, cobblers, etc.). The restriction on
day end balances in deposits not exceeding Rs.1.00 lakh may, prima facie, look insignificant, but
not when you look at it from the perspective of the target clientele. What these segments of the
population need is easy access to banking services, a comfortable milieu and the absence of
communication barriers.
Access
Payments banks are expected to have literally a million touch-points. The ATM debit cards that will
be issued to all accountholders will allow for seamless transactions using the existing infrastructure.
Payments banks may refrain from opening physical branches until the business model becomes
viable and profitable, but they will be able to provide last mile connectivity even in the distant and
remote areas by leveraging the network of mobile recharge dealers, the local convenience stores, the
small cyber cafes, and, in the specific case of India Post, the network of around 155,000 post offices
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spread across the length and breadth of the country.
Milieu
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Payments banks will have an immeasurable advantage in the financial inclusion space. Account
holders are likely to be positive about actually transacting in the system because of the comfort with
the service providers. No more will they be apprehensive about having to contact a veritable stranger
to have their transaction executed. The owner of the local kirana store, the guy recharging the
mobile phone, for that matter, any business correspondent of the payments bank in the locality,
and, of course, the all too familiar dakiya (postman) will be familiar faces with whom the account
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holders will be comfortable.

Communication Barriers
Apart from the ‘white collar syndrome’, the average small account holders also experience
communication barriers in transacting in the formal banking system not only on account of
procedural hassles but also language barriers (an inevitable impact of the transfer policy of most
public sector banks). What the payments banks will achieve is a transformation that will revolutionise
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the ground level banking environment that will enhance customer comfort and convenience, and
dissolve impediments.
Boost for Capital Formation
Wage earners, who presently do not have effective access to banking services, are compelled to
resort to ad hoc measures to safeguard their earnings. Such measures include concealing their
income within the residence which is particularly hazardous for women earners who are often
compelled, against their wishes, to hand over the cash to ill-intentioned husbands. Daily wage
labour and migrant workers leave their income in the custody of the contractor or supervisor,
running the risk of deception by unscrupulous custodians, apart from having no ready access to
their savings. With the advent of the payments banks, the wages can be directly credited into the
wage earners accounts and they could easily access the money for making small payments and
withdrawing cash. The remittance route would also be far more easily workable.
Urban – Rural Connect
Payments banks also hold out immense scope for establishing a smooth urban-rural connect. Migrant
labor is likely to discover that with a bank account in the city and the ATM card at their permanent
residence, it becomes easy and risk-free to deposit earnings in the city while the family uses the
ATM card to access funds for meeting monthly expenses in the village.

The possibility of transforming India into a cashless economy is a beguiling prospect but nevertheless
not one that is likely to be achieved in the foreseeable future. What can be predicted is that payments
banks will impel a significant reduction in the volume of cash transactions. And that will be a giant
stride on the road to making India a cashless economy.
11. India is going global through its collaborations in various megaprojects in research and
development. Discuss India’s efforts in this direction and the significance of these projects.
Hints:
India is poised to take its rightful place in the world both in political and economic arena, however
without advancing its collaborations in international megaprojects in research and development,
its access to newer knowledge and technology would be limited so India embarked on the
collaborations in the megaprojects which not just enhance its knowledge base in fundamental
research but also creates opportunities for its young scientists and ways to explore their economic
benefits.
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Going Global Through Mega Projects:
• Thirty Meter Telescope: TMT is the next-generation astronomical observatory that is scheduled
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to begin scientific operations in 2018 on Mauna Kea, Hawaii. India’s participation in TMT
project would strengthen the engineering development and scientific use of what will be the
world’s most advanced and capable astronomical observatory.
• Associate Membership of CERN: The European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN)
is the world’s largest nuclear and particle physics laboratory where scientists are probing the
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fundamental structure of the universe. Associate Member of CERN will enhance participation
of young scientists and engineers in various CERN projects and bring back knowledge for
deployment in the domestic programmes. It will also provide opportunities to Indian industries
to participate directly in CERN Projects.
• LIGO: India has agreed in principle to set up an advance gravitational wave observatory in
the country. That will be third such observatory across the world. Recent validation of
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gravitational wave will encourage participation of Indian scientist in fundamental research

related to astrophysics.
• Devasthal optical Telescope (ARIES): it is established in collaboration with Belgium at Devsthal

near Nainital. It is the largest steerable telescope in Asia. It will contribute to frontline
scientific research in astronomy and astrophysics.
• Collaboration with Italy: Trieste based Sincrotrone Elletra in Italy opened its two experimental
stations, XDR2 and XPRESS recently in partnership with Department of Science and
Technology. The two new beam lines will research on new material, pharmaceutical and
biotechnologies.
• International Solar alliance: it will not just create a single market for solar devices but also
enable organisations and institutions to invest into research work to enhance the efficiency
of existing products and create new one.
India’s participation in such project will not only leverage the India’s excellence for mutually
reinforcing benefits for high end pursuits on the frontiers but also enhance investigation and learning
opportunities along with economic benefits though enhanced industry activity.

12. Ransomware is the evolving challenge of digitization; many of the digital infrastructures
could be the possible targets. Discuss about ransomware and various ways through which
user may encounter this threat? What steps should be taken to counter ransomware attack?
Hints:
Ransomware is a type of malware that prevents users from accessing their system. This is achieved
by either locking the system or by locking the user files, till a ransom is paid. Modern ransomware
techniques which are collectively categorized as crypto-ransomware encrypt certain file types on
infected systems and force the user to pay ransom through certain online payment methods to get
a decryption key. These attacks have become a significant problem for patient data in hospitals and
customer data in businesses.
There are a variety of ways in which users may encounter this threat. These include:
• Ransomware can be unknowingly downloaded on systems when users visit malicious or
compromised websites.
• It can also arrive as a payload which is downloaded by another malware.
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• Some ransomwares are delivered as attachments from spammed emails, downloaded from
malicious advertisements or dropped by exploit kits on vulnerable systems.
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• Once executed in the system, ransomware can either lock the computer screen or in the case
of crypto-ransomware encrypt certain files.
• Ransomware is also considered scareware as it forces users to pay a fee or ransom by scaring
or intimidating them.
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Steps that will help overcome a ransomware attack:

• Create multiple backups of data, on an external hard drive and on cloud.
• The applications on my computer are not turned on by default.
• Operating system and the software used are updated with the latest security updates.
• For daily use, a guest account instead of an administrator account with limited privileges
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should be used.
• Never open spam emails or emails from unknown senders.
• Never download attachments from spam emails or suspicious emails.
Paying ransom does not give a guarantee that the criminals at the other end will give the decryption
key. And even if they do that, this would lead to a vicious cycle of cyber-crimes. So prevention is the
best way to handle it.
Supplementary Notes
Common types of Ransomware
CryptoLocker: Ransomware has been around in some form or another for the past two decades,
but it really came to prominence in 2013 with CryptoLocker. The original CryptoLocker botnet was
shut down in May 2014, but not before the hackers behind it extorted nearly $3 million from victims.
Since then, the CryptoLocker approach has been widely copied, although the variants in operation
today are not directly linked to the original. The word CryptoLocker, much like Xerox and Kleenex
in their respective worlds, has become almost synonymous with ransomware.
CryptoWall: CryptoWall gained notoriety after the downfall of the original CryptoLocker. It first
appeared in early 2014, and variants have appeared with a variety of names, including Cryptobit,
CryptoDefense, CryptoWall 2.0 and CryptoWall 3.0, among others. Like CryptoLocker, CryptoWall
is distributed via spam or exploit kits.
CTB-Locker: The criminals behind CTB-Locker take a different approach to virus distribution.
Taking a page from the playbooks of Girl Scout Cookies and Mary Kay Cosmetics, these hackers
outsource the infection process to partners in exchange for a cut of the profits. This is a proven
strategy for achieving large volumes of malware infections at a faster rate.
Locky: Locky is a relatively new type of ransomware, but its approach is familiar. The malware is
spread using spam, typically in the form of an email message disguised as an invoice. When opened,
the invoice is scrambled, and the victim is instructed to enable macros to read the document. When
macros are enabled, Locky begins encrypting a large array of file types using AES encryption.
Bitcoin ransom is demanded when encryption is complete.
TeslaCrypt: TeslaCrypt is another new type of ransomware on the scene. Like most of the other
examples here, it uses an AES algorithm to encrypt files. It is typically distributed via the Angler
exploit kit specifically attacking Adobe vulnerabilities. Once vulnerability is exploited, TeslaCrypt
installs itself in the Microsoft temp folder.
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TorrentLocker: TorrentLocker is typically distributed through spam email campaigns and is
geographically targeted, with email messages delivered to specific regions. TorrentLocker is often
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referred to as CryptoLocker, and it uses an AES algorithm to encrypt file types. In addition to
encoding files, it also collects email addresses from the victim’s address book to spread malware
beyond the initially infected computer/network—this is unique to TorrentLocker.
KeRanger: According to ArsTechnica, KeRanger ransomware was recently discovered on a popular
BitTorrent client. KeRanger is not widely distributed at this point, but it is worth noting because it
is known as the first fully functioning ransomware designed to lock Mac OS X applications.
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13. Science and technology can serve the classroom, the teacher and the students with its
content, influence the methods of teaching and learning, provide the mean to infuse into and
enrich classroom processes. In this reference discuss how science and technology hold the
potential to extend the classroom beyond its walls, in fact doing away with the walls.
Hints:
Science and technology has enriched almost all pursuits of human life, teaching and learning is also
greatly impacted by it. Teaching science in school curriculum inculcate rational thinking, problem
solving and deal with information, so students equipped with these abilities would be better able to
negotiate life itself even if they do not end upas scientist and technologist.
• Newer technologies has changed the way to access to information, the means to teach the
students, with the help of internet and multimedia they can explore the various parts of
world and have feel on their subjects.
• The possibilities of rapid communication have helped establish exchange of information,
sharing of equipment and resources, pooling of capabilities and in essence the spirit of
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working together.
• Teachers knowledge base is not limited by the printed textbooks, online material can help
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in spreading the dimensions beyond the syllabus. They can communicate with students in
a better way like with projectors, graphical presentations to make the class involved in the
discussions and learning.
• Use of virtual reality in education can newer dimension by enriching the experience and
understanding of students rather than mugging the subjects.
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• A wide variety of data rich applications across the different subjects are available and can
be infused into learning, interactive simulations, online maps and globes, data and its
representation, interactive dictionaries and thesauruses can be creatively used to enhance
students capability and interest.
• Particularly in science and mathematics, the possibility of plugging in measuring devices into
computer, providing real data input can create exiting possibilities. Doing science is within
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the reach of each classroom.

Though there are some grey area in adoption of science and technology like students getting busy
lot of time with social media and their access to the content which is inappropriate. Technology to
some extent has created distance between human emotion and their expression yet it can be teach
to students to appropriately use the technology and avoid its negative side. Embracing science and
technology possibilities to the classroom; Opening up classroom to wonders of nature, the product
and process of science and technology, bringing in wide world outside into the classroom can
create an opportunity for a much richer fare of information.
Supplementary Notes
Technologies that can shape our classrooms:
Augmented Reality (AR): Currently, however, access to AR technology for educational purposes
is mostly limited to smartphone apps. Apps like Sky Map lets you scout the night sky for
constellations, but they are not fully integrated as a component of education as they have yet to
reach the stage of seamlessness. The AR experience must be immersive enough to blend information
readily with the reality.With Google Glass and the other AR-enabled wearable devices that will
soon follow, students explore the world without having to hold up a device which could distract
from the experience.
Virtual field trips are also possible with AR, in other cases; students may be able to see supplementary
and interactive information appearing on historical artefacts for them to get to know more about its
history.
3D Printing: Students in the classroom of the future can print out 3D models for various purposes,
including show-and-tell. Engineering students and teachers are prime examples of who could directly
benefit from 3D printing technology. The 3D printer produces working mini-models to test out
engineering design principles, so students can perfect their design before making an actual prototype.
Together with CAD (computer-aided design) modelling software, 3D printing allows these students
to experiment freely with their designs without expending considerable costs and time.
Cloud Computing: The digital library is accessible, even when the campus library is not; students
may just need an electronic device to access all their homework and all other learning resources in
the Cloud.This means no more lugging heavy textbooks to school, and having constant access to
your reading materials as long as you have an Internet connection.
The concept of cloud-based virtual learning environment (VLE), which allows students to access
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learning content and participate in discussions in forums. Assignments or even tests can also be
easily disseminated to the class, minimizing the need for students to be physically present
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Flexible Displays: Just like regular paper, these displays will be lightweight, flexible and extremely
thin. This means we can roll them up into tubes or fold them like newspapers.
Game-Based Learning: To cater to such a fast-paced generation, schools will eventually abandon
traditional teaching methods of rote learning to align themselves with the times. One great way to
achieve that is to use what had always been considered as a major distraction to learning – video
games.
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14. Net Metering is an encouraging mechanism to promote the generation of renewable power
on small scale. In this reference discuss net metering mechanism. Also discuss its advantage
as India is facing huge challenge to provide affordable and easily accessible energy to all
its residents.
Hints:
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Net metering is a billing mechanism that credits solar energy system owners for the electricity they
add to the grid. It allows residential and commercial customers who generate their own electricity
from solar power to feed electricity they do not use back into the grid. For example, if a residential
customer has a PV system on the home's rooftop, it may generate more electricity than the home
uses during daylight hours. If the home is net-metered, the electricity meter will run backwards to
provide a credit against what electricity is consumed at night or other periods where the home's
electricity use exceeds the system's output.
Following are the advantage of Net-metering:
• It is a low-cost, easily administered method of encouraging customer investment in renewable
energy technologies.
• Net metering provides substantial economic benefits in terms of jobs, income and investment.
(Jobs in renewable sector).
• The net metering is a necessary policy to boost the growth of renewable energy, the energy
sovereignty and the energy self-production.
• Providers may also benefit from net metering because when customers are producing electricity
during peak periods, the system load factor is improved.
• It increases the value of the electricity produced by renewable generation and allows customers
to "bank" their energy and use it a different time than it is produced, giving customers more
flexibility and allowing them to maximize the value of their production.
• Giving customers control over their electricity bills - Net metering allows utility customers to
generate their own electricity cleanly and efficiently. During the day, most solar customers
produce more electricity than they consume; net metering allows them to export that power
to the grid and reduce their future electric bills.
• Protecting the Electric Grid - By encouraging generation near the point of consumption, net
metering also reduces the strain on distribution systems and prevents losses in long-distance
electricity transmission and distribution
In net metering Customers are only billed for their "net" energy use. On average, only 20-40% of a
solar energy system’s output ever goes into the grid. Exported solar electricity serves nearby customers’
loads. Many states have passed net metering laws. Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Bihar, Gujarat,
West Bengal and Maharashtra have adopted net metering for renewable power. As government
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has committed to provide affordable and easily accessible energy to all its residents, net metering
will encourage the users to go for renewable energy and in turn will reduce pressure on conventional
source of energy generation.
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15. What is the importance of Kigali Agreement and how it is different from Paris Climate
Deal? What is Indian commitment under the deal and what are the likely challenges to be
faced by India in this?
Hints:
The Kigali Agreement is a reaffirmation of the global intent to mitigate climate change and exemplifies
international co-operation in this regard.
Kigali agreement brought HFC, which are not ozone depleting but have greenhouse gas potential,
under the Montreal protocol to regulate their production and consumption with a view to phase
them down under financial assistance from Multilateral Fund created under Montreal Protocol.
• As per the agreement, these countries are expected to reduce the manufacture and use of
Hydro fluorocarbons (HFCs) by roughly 80-85%from their respective baselines, till 2045.
• Agreement will lead to a reduction of 0.5 degree in global temp by the end of the century
and enable us to achieve the goals set in Paris.
• The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol is legally binding and will come into force
from January 1, 2019.
The Agreement upholds the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective
Capabilities (CBDR & RC). It recognizes the development imperatives of high-growth economies
like India, and provides a realistic and viable roadmap for the implementation of a phase-out schedule
for high global warming potential (GWP) HFCs.
• The richest countries, including the U.S. and those in the European Union, will freeze the
production and consumption of HFCs by 2018, reducing them to about 15 per cent of 2012
levels by 2036.
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• China, Brazil and some countries of Africa, will freeze HFC use by 2024, cutting it to 20
percent of 2021 levels by 2045.
•
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India is part of a group that will only be freezing HFC use by 2028 and reducing it to about
15 per cent of 2025 levels by 2047.
How it is different from Paris Climate Deal:
Though both Kigali Agreement and Paris Climate Deal are aimed checking climate change and
keeping temperature rise within limits there are certain fundamental differences between the two:
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• Kigali Agreement is legally binding, whereas it is not the case in Paris Climate Deal.
• Unlike Paris agreement, it gives clear, concrete and mandatory targets with fixed timelines
to the signatory parties to achieve their targets.
India and Kigali
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• It has agreed on a lenient schedule as it consumes only 3% of HFCs as compared to the other
nations like the USA (37%) and China (25%). India will peak its production by 2028 and
reduce it to about 15% of 2025 level.
• It would be tough for Indian to adhere to this agreement along with Paris Pact especially
in view of its developmental obligations, increasing urbanization and rising life standard
across the country.
• It should also take into consideration the hot climatic conditions and growing demand for
air conditioners, refrigerators, and cars with growing middle-class incomes while implementing
the program.
Still, as a responsible nation with a global perspective, the Indian government has voluntarily passed
the order to stop the production of HFC-23 which is a by-product of commonly used refrigerant.
This will reduce the emission by 100 million tons equivalent of Carbon dioxide in next 15 years.
Supplementary Notes
• The Montreal Protocol is a most effective international environmental treaty to phase out the
Ozone Depleting Substances (ODSs) from the atmosphere.
• It came into force in 1989.
• It has 197 member parties to the protocol and become a first international treaty with
complete ratification.
• It has undergone several amendments and Kigali amendment is the eighth amendment to
this protocol.
• It has successfully curbed the 98% production of chlorofluorocarbons and other ODSs and
significantly contributed to the repair of the ozone hole.
16. The union Environment Ministry recently notified a ‘Graded Response Action Plan’ against
air pollution for Delhi and the National Capital Region. How does it tries to control
pollution level and what are the likely challenges to be faced?
Hints:
Air pollution has emerged as a major threat in urban areas in India. Recent cloud of smog over
Delhi during Diwali season is the latest example of it. Such situation has severe health implications.
There have been increased awareness and efforts to tackle the pollution such as banning of old
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vehicles, banning new registration of high CC vehicles and the most important being the ‘Graded
Action Plan’ for NCR by central government.
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has notified the Graded
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Response Action Plan to combat air pollution in NCR Delhi region and formally tasked a Supreme
Court-appointed panel with implementing a graded action plan for pollution control.
Graded Response Action Plan defines the measures to taken based on air quality on the basis of PM
2.5 and PM 10 in the atmosphere.
• Based on the air quality the grades have been classified as Emergency, Severe, Very Poor and
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Moderate poor.
• Under this plan emergency measures will be automatically enforced in NCR if level of PM2.5
breaches 300 micrograms per cubic metre (µgm/m3) and PM10 levels stay above 500 (µgm/
m3)for two consecutive days.
• The plan recommends measures like odd-even car rationing scheme and ban on construction
activities to combat air pollution.
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• During ‘very poor’ air quality, it recommends banning diesel generators and parking fee
increased by three to four times.
• It also lists a number of other measures such as closing brick kilns, stone crushers, hot mix
plants and intensifying public transport services and increasing the frequency of mechanised
cleaning and sprinkling of water on roads.
For enforcement of the action plan, the Union Government has assigned the task of implementation
of the Graded Response Action Plan to the EPCA (Environment Pollution Control Authority), which
will delegate responsibility to different departments.
In India the main issue has been the implementation of the laws and action plans. If the present
action plan also has same fate it will be very disastrous for health of Indian citizens.
• According to EPCA’s report, at least 16 agencies will have to work together to implement
the various parts of the plan. When so manydepartments are involved it is very difficult to
fix accountability.
• Some agencies have already pointed out problems in implementing the plan. During an air
quality emergency, for example, odd-even has to be imposed. The Delhi government has,
however, stated that it will be very difficult to implement the scheme without a notice of at
least a week, so that alternative arrangements for public transport can be made and an
awareness drive launched.
• The municipal corporations, which have to hike parking rates by 3-4 times if the air quality
is very poor, have to hold an elaborate meeting each time they change these rates.
A system will have to be devised to smooth out these problems. There is also need to consider good
air quality as a right issue and proper accountability mechanisms within the government must be
ensured if the set targets are not met.
Supplementary Notes
The major steps being taken by the Government to control pollution inter alia include the following:
(i) Notification of National Ambient Air Quality Standards;
(ii) Formulation of environmental regulations / statutes;
(iii) Setting up of monitoring network for assessment of ambient air quality;
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(iv) Introduction of cleaner / alternate fuels like gaseous fuel (CNG, LPG etc.), ethanol blend etc.;
(v) Promotion of cleaner production processes.
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(vi) Launching of National Air Quality index by the Prime Minister in April, 2015;
(vii) Implementation of Bharat Stage IV (BS-IV) norms in 63 selected cities and universalization
of BS-IV by 2017;
(viii) Decision taken to leapfrog directly from BS-IV to BS-VI fuel standards by 1st April, 2020;
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17. With increase in sea based trade volumes oil spills have emerged as major threats to
coastal environment. How oil spills effect coastal environment? What steps should be taken
to protect environment against such incidents?
Hints:
Increased sea based trade has been a major environmental hazard because of oil spills from collision
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of ships as happened in Chennai or leak from oil exploration sites as happened in Mexico. Off-shore
oil spills can do great harm to many components of natural ecosystems. Some of the most conspicuous
effects of oil spills are apparent among larger species of wildlife, such as marine mammals and
seabirds.
Marine and coastal wildlife exposed to oil suffer both immediate health problems and long-term
changes to their physiology and behaviour.
• In small doses, oil can cause temporary physical harm to animals. Types of trauma can
include skin irritation, altering of the immune system, reproductive or developmental damage,
and liver disease.
• When large quantities of oil enter a body of water, chronic effects such as cancer (crude oil
has benzene, which is a carcinogen.) become more likely, and direct mortality of wildlife
can be widespread.
Oil spills can also have indirect effects on wildlife by causing changes in behavior:
• relocation of home ranges as animals search for new sources of food
• increases in the amount of time animals must spend foraging
• disruptions to natural life cycles
Such affects are further aggravated because of absence of contingency plans, low technological
capacities to handle such events. As in Chennai oil spill,many observers felt that the spill had not
been quickly contained. It raises the questions on the efficacy of the National Oil Spill Disaster
Contingency Plan under the leadership of the Coast Guard.
• There is a need to take urgent steps to contain such disasters. Advanced technology,
mechanized methods and rapid measures to control the spread of the oil is required.
• A disaster action plan relating to oil spill must be finalized and Coast Guard and NDRF
must be given responsibility to implement it.
• Polluter pay principle must be strictly followed in such circumstances.
• Evaluation by independent authority of the clean-up process is must. In Chennai oil spill
case the clean-up was declared finished despite work remaining, steps must be taken to
avoid such situations.
Supplementary Notes
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Worst Oil Spills in history
1. The largest oil spill occurred in Kuwait during the Gulf war on 19 January 1991. It was a
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deliberate act by the Iraqi forces as they opened oil valves to slow down the advance of
American troops. Around 330 million gallons of oil were spilled on to the sea, which covered
more than 4,000 square km with a 4 inch thick oil slick.
2. The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico on 22 April 2010, which is known as the largest accidental
spill in history, released an estimated 210 million gallons of oil into the ocean. The spill was
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caused by the explosion at the Deepwater Horizon oil rig in the Gulf region. The oil
continuously flowed for over 85 days until it was capped on 15 July 2010. The massive oil
spill left 572 miles of shoreline covered with oil slick and cost the lives of thousands of birds
and marine creatures. Experts have stated that this oil spill will have long term environmental
impact.
3. Oil well Ixtoc 1 in the Bay of Campeche in Mexico exploded due to pressure buildup in June
1979, releasing 140 million gallons into the sea for ten months. The spilled oil covered the
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area of 1100 square miles and caused severe damage to marine life.
4. The explosion of Atlantic Empress, which was the result of the collision of two full supertankers
off the coast of Tobago in the Caribbean Sea ranks as number 4 in our list. The accident
released 88.3 million gallons of oil to the ocean. It also damaged both ships, and caused one
of the tankers to explode claiming the lives of 26 crew members.
5. The massive Nowruz oil field spill in the Persian gulf of Iran took place on 10 February 1983.
The spill occurred when an oil tanker crashed into the Nowruz field platform during the
war between Iran and Iraq, damaging the oil field underneath and releasing over 80 million
gallons of crude oil to the sea. The spill continued for 7 months and leaked approximately
1,500 barrels of oil per day.
6. The explosion of ABT Summer tanker in 1991 off the coast of Angola, spilled 80 million
gallons of oil into the ocean, causing oil slick that covered the area over 80 square miles. The
tanker burned for three days before sinking; however the oil was broken up by high seas,
therefore caused relatively small environmental damage.
7. The Kovla River oil spill which took place on 6 August 1983 in Russia was caused by the
poor maintenance of the pipeline. This resulted the release of 84 million gallons of fuel. The
dike containing the oil had collapsed due to cold weather conditions, causing the oil to
spread across 170 acres of streams, bogs and marshes, destroying the whole ecosystem.
8. Tanker Amoco Cadiz ran aground off the coast of Brittany, France, in 1978, spilling 68.7
million gallons of oil. The accident was caused by the failure to steer the vessel during a
severe storm. The oil was spilled into the English Channel, claiming the lives of hundreds
of thousands of marine creatures.
9. Explosion of the M/T Haven tanker off the coast of Italy on 11 April 1991 killed six people
and leaked 45 million gallons of oil for 12 years. The reason for the explosion was thought
to be the ship’s lack of maintenance. The oil spill caused severe damages to the marine life.
10. The Torrey Canyon oil spill near Scilly Isles (UK) occurred on 18 March 1967. The supertanker
collided with a reef off the coast of Cornwall, spilling around 36 million gallons of oil into
the sea. The spill polluted 180 miles of coastland and the oil slick expanded for over 270
nautical miles, killing more than 15,000 birds and damaging marine life in the whole region.
18. Water will be one of the scarcest resources if not managed well in time, however, India has
the vast traditional knowledge and techniques to conserve this precious resource. In this
reference review water availability in India and discuss various traditional water
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management techniques which can be useful to evade the crisis.
Hints:
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If water is not managed well now, by 2030, global demand for water is expected to exceed sustainable
resources by 40%. The World Bank estimates that water scarcity will be further worsened by climate
change and by 2050 it could cause a 6% decline in the GDP of some countries.
India with 2nd largest population and fast growing economy held 4.2% of world water resources.
It receives average annual rainfall of 116cm however most of it concentrated during monsoon
season. With Population growth of 17.5% and expanding economic activities base, The Per capita
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water availability in the year 2010 was 1588 meter3 against 5200 meter3 of the year 1951 in the
country. Thus India is a water stressed country as per international norms (when water availability
is less than 1700 m3 per capita per year). However, it has been projected that per capita surface
water availability is likely to be reduced to 1401 m3 and 1191 m3 by the years 2025 and 2050,
respectively.
To avoid the crisis situation in India, it needs to revert to its traditional practices along with finding
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the technological solution to this situation. India had a rich heritage of elaborate traditional
technologies and modes of social organisation that ensured adequate and reliable supply of water
even in arid regions. Here, dire water scarcity did not lead to fierce competition, but rather in
having most intense and creative forms of cooperation. This further led to give three dimensional
result — sustained eco-systems, creation of sustainable local economies and support to social norms
and technical skills. These traditional practices include:
• Bamboo drip irrigation- an ingenious system of efficient water management that has been
practised for over two centuries in northeast India. Here, water from perennial springs is
diverted to the terrace fields using varying sizes and shapes of bamboo pipes.
• Eri (Tank) system- Eri acts as flood-control system, prevent soil erosion and wastage of
runoff during periods of heavy rainfall, and also recharge the groundwater.
• Jhalara- they are step wells which collect the subterranean seepage of an upstream reservoir
or a lake.
• Talab/Bandi- Natural or manmade reservoirs that store water for household consumption
and drinking purposes
• Taanka- it is store water for household consumption and drinking purposes where rainwater
from rooftops, courtyards or artificially prepared catchments flows into underground pit.
• Johads- are small earthen check dams that capture and store rainwater.
• Kunds- saucer-shaped catchment area that gently slope towards the central circular
underground well.
• Baoli- secular step well structures from which everyone could draw water. Baolis on trade
routes were often frequented as resting places.
• Kuhls- Surface water channels found in the mountainous regions where they carry glacial
waters from rivers and streams into the fields.
These methods are tried and tested, simple and eco-friendly for most part and still currently used by
many communities in different parts of India. Though local watershed management is supported
by government policy, it tends to be overwhelmed by large projects that add more directly to GDP
growth. This should however not deter water soldiers to stop waging war against water-misusers.
Over the last quarter of a century, a wide variety of civil society and academic interventions in
India have attempted to revive the traditional systems on which pre modern societies based their
relationship with water.
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19. While highlighting India’s biodiversity, discuss how this biodiversity can be integrated
with the development in present time, when India is in pressing need to maintain its
economic pace.
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Hints:
India is one of the 17 mega-diverse countries which is rich in biodiversity and its associated traditional
knowledge systems. Due to its size, range of topography, altitude and climate, India exhibits a rich
variety of ecosystems such as forests, grasslands, deserts, wetlands, mangroves and coral reefs.
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These provide basic needs such as food, fibre, medicine, fodder, fuel wood and timber. Around 1.2
billion people coexist with 8% of recorded species, which includes over 45,000 species of plants and
91,000 species of animals.India’s tribal population is also dependent on forests and natural resources
to a significant extent.
Integration of Economic development with biodiversity
Though India possesses 18% of the world’s population but it has only 2.4% of land and 4.2% water
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resources. For a higher GDP growth rate, rapid development that pertains to industry and
infrastructure is required. But the development activities have sought to greatly affect the biodiversity.
Natural resources such as water, forests, fisheries and marine resources are being overexploited,
which in turn affects their renewability.Also, the emissions from industry and the transport sectors
are at a high level. There is indiscriminate discharge of solid wastes, industrial effluents and domestic
sewage with considerable impact. Therefore, there is a need of proactive efforts in ecosystem
management that involve government and community as such work cannot be done in isolation.
This integration can be achieved by following means.
• Many economic sectors like agriculture, fisheries, forestry, health, nutrition, water supply,
energy, trade, industry, transport and tourism which depend on biodiversity need to adapt
sustainable practices like organic farming, social forestry, rainwater harvesting, and
aquaculture activities undertaken in a sustainable manner.
• Development sector need to take responsibility toward biodiversity conservation and legal
measures should be enforced to enforce polluter pay principle and conservation of protected
areas.
• Positive biodiversity impacts might also be optimised through promoting people’s access to
benefits derived from the use of biological resources.
• Community-based joint forest management, promotion of traditional multi-species and multi-
variety agricultural practices, securing access to medicinal resources for local use, strengthening
traditional and cultural practices, and governing the use of wild resources are few examples.
• Fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the use of biological resources and
the knowledge associated thereto (one of the objectives of the Convention of Biological
diversity, or CBD, and the Biological Diversity Act of India) by users (industries) to the
providers (communities) act as incentives to local communities in the conservation and
sustainable use of bio-resources.
• Each sector should understand its relationship with biodiversity and come up with appropriate
mechanisms for conservation and sustainable biodiversity use.
• Here, the involvement of Central/State Ministries and Departments is equally important and
needed.
• The research institutions should be more proactive and come up with appropriate
management strategies, with budget options.
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To achieve many national and international biodiversity goals such as the National Biodiversity
Strategies and Action Plans, Aichi Biodiversity Targets and CBD objectives, biodiversity integration
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into developmental sectors is a prerequisite. This will promote holistic valuation of biodiversity and
ecosystem services thereby strengthening cases of investment in development sectors by governments
and the private sector.
Supplementary Notes
Project Brahma aims to create awareness of this problem, by increasing participation of the people
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in biodiversity documentation and conservation. In addition, there are several organizations carrying
out notable conservation work in India. Our aim is also to create a central resource where such
organizations can access all kinds of knowledge about Indian biodiversity. We imagine that the
Biodiversity of India website will significantly enhance environmental conservation efforts in India.
Aims
The final objective of Project Brahma is to promote biodiversity conservation through increasing
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community participation in the activity. Currently, the four major hurdles to community participation
are:
1. Lack of awareness about woes facing India's biodiversity: It can be assumed that many
Indians know about environmental degradation. For people in cities, it is the excessive
pollution and water woes that sensitize them to environmentalism, while in the rural areas,
it is the irregularity of monsoons, reducing crop yields, reduction in groundwater and a host
of such issues. However, relatively few people are aware of the alarming reductions in the
flora and fauna.
2. Lack of awareness about what is at stake: Indian biodiversity is unique, because it has
intricate links with our socio-cultural practices and medicinal knowledge. However, these
links are rarely appreciated. Loss of biodiversity not only leads to extinction of a given
species, but also extinction of the cultural practices and local knowledge associated with that
species. For example, the tiger is the national animal of India. The tiger is also considered
the vehicle of Goddess Durga. They have been depicted as symbols of majesty in Indian
culture. However, a resource that makes such knowledge accessible to the common man as
well as integrating traditional knowledge with modern scientific inquiry does not currently
exist. If such links are depicted clearly, the significance of biodiversity conservation will
become more evident to the common man.

3. Inaccessibility of resources for getting that knowledge: Lack of awareness about biodiversity
loss can be assumed to be highest among the urban population; people in villages tend to
observe the diminishing populations of plants and animals right in front of their eyes. This
lack of awareness in the urban populace is primarily due to having not enough exposure to
nature. Additionally, people cannot readily access information about local biodiversity. Most
of such information is contained in books, journals or on websites aimed towards the research
community.
4. Unavailability of tools that foster community participation in conservation: The first thing
that needs to be done for increasing community participation is to get more people interested
in biodiversity. Raw data and textual information would be of limited use in achieving this.
Thus, resources aimed at the common man are in need.
Project Brahma provides a unique perspective in tackling these hurdles.
1. Making biodiversity accessible: Although several biodiversity-related resources exist for
Indian biodiversity, most Indians find these resources rather inaccessible (e.g., books in
libraries). Additionally, many such resources are limited access, i.e. created, curated and
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managed by experts. Although expert curation substantially increases the quality of data,
the common man is shut out of the process of knowledge creation and documentation.
Through Project Brahma, we aim to make the process of entering and extracting information
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related to India's biodiversity easy and accessible to everyone with an Internet connection.
2. Making biodiversity interesting: As mentioned above, the first step for increasing community
participation in biodiversity conservation is to make biodiversity interesting and approachable.
We live in an Internet age, where technologies such as Youtube, Flickr, RSS and Atom feeds,
Google Maps, Twitter etc. provide us with a unique opportunity to make people more
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interested in knowing more about India's flora and fauna. Project Brahma aims to make full
use of these and other available technologies as a means to get more people involved in
biodiversity conservation.
3. Education and awareness: If we are to pique people's interest in biodiversity, it is important
to do it the right way. Means such as video compilations, quizzes, online learning modules
are excellent ways to create rich learning resources. Using expert-knowledge, we plan to
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create a repository of online learning modules related to India's environment and biodiversity
4. Increasing community participation: The final goal of Project Brahma is to get more and
more people involved in biodiversity conservation. Through biodiversity documentation,
creation of online learning resources, social networking and Web 2.0 technologies we hope
to achieve part of this aim. These approaches would also be supplemented with grassroots
level activities, in collaboration with NGOs, schools and colleges, which feed information
into Project Brahma. We hope that such a multifaceted approach will provide a significant
boost to community participation in biodiversity conservation.
20. Discuss the major provisions of Regional Centre for Biotechnology Bill, 2016. How it
would provide a skill base for wider adoption of Biotechnology in every walk of life in
future?
Hints:
Biotechnology has emerged as major science and technological field which is affecting every walk
of life from medicines, health, food etc. Its potential to help in development of society and need for
greater collaboration among countries because of it being a relatively new field India had entered
into an agreement in 2006 with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation
(UNESCO) regarding establishment of the Regional Centre for Biotechnology Training and Education
in India to serve the member countries of UNESCO.
Regional centre for Biotechnology Bill, 2016 seeks to provide legislative backing to the Regional
Centre for Biotechnology established in, Faridabad (Haryana), in 2009. The major provisions of the
bill are:
Objectives: The Bill states that the objectives of the Regional Centre will include:
(i) disseminating knowledge by providing teaching and research facilities in biotechnology and
related fields,
(ii) facilitating transfer of technology and knowledge in the SAARC region and generally Asia,
(iii) creating a hub of biotechnology expertise, and
(iv) Promoting cooperation at the international level.
It’s importance:
Biotechnology has various applications in
• agriculture like introducing new plant varieties, increasing yield
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• Health: gene level manipulations to treat diseases, development of new vaccines etc.
•
OR
Industrial applications like biofuels, green chemistry etc.
Establishment of Regional Centre of Biotechnology will help India to build manpower to develop
cutting edge technologies in these areas. This will help India to tackle issues of climate change and
its impact on health, food production; improve efficiency of industrial processes and reduce
environment pollution from industries through use of biotechnology.
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In this way it would provide a skill base for wider adoption of Biotechnology in every walk of life in
future. Along with this it will help India establish itself as epicentre of knowledge development in
this field.
Supplementary Notes
Other initiatives of GoI in field of biotechnology:
Biotech-Kisan Scheme:
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Biotech-KISAN is a new programme that empowers farmers, especially women farmers. Cash crops
and horticulture can be a major source of income but the vagaries of climate, disease and market
often prevent this. Farmers are eager to use scientific tools that can mitigate these factors. The
Department of Biotechnology is partnering to stimulate these exciting directions.
The Scheme is for farmers, developed by and with farmers, it empowers women, impacts locally,
connects globally, is Pan-India, has a hub-and spoke model and stimulates entrepreneurship and
innovation in farmers.
Biotech-Krishi Innovation Science Application Network (Biotech-KISAN)” will be implemented in
15 agro-climatic zones of India in phased manner with the objective:
• Linking available science and technology to the farm by first understanding the problem of
the local farmer and provide solutions to those problems.
• The working together, in close conjunction, of scientists and farmers is the only way to
improve the working conditions of small and marginal farmers.
• This programme aims to work with small and marginal farmers especially the woman
farmer for better agriculture productivity through scientific intervention and evolving best
farming practices in the Indian context.

The aim is to connect farmers, scientists and science institutions across the country using Biotech-
KISAN hubs. These hubs will be glue in the existing system allowing small farmers to identify and
access scientific solutions to their problems. Each Biotech-KISAN hub will have a small team led by
a facilitator. The facilitator will connect with the farmers through visits by the team, meetings by
phone and by using WhatsApp and other modern communication technology.
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OR
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GS MAINS TEST SERIES 2017

SCIENCE TECH. AND ENVIRONMENT

Science - Tech. & Environment [1]

[ 2 ] Science - Tech. & Environment

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SCIENCE TECH. AND

Q. Marks Instructions to Candidate

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Q8. What is Aquaponics? Analyze how it is better as compared to conventional agriculture

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Q14. Net Metering is an encouraging mechanism to promote the generation of renewable

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SCIENCE TECH. AND

• Exhibition on trains like Science Express and Environment Express.

• Science Centres and Parks.

• Tours to botanical, zoological gardens, museums, planetariums, bird centuries, industries

• Digital software, Apps, CDs, social media, Blogs, Podcasts.

• Community radio, community TV, workshops, symposiums and seminars.

Human Activities supporting the superbugs to thrive:

• Antimicrobial resistance is facilitated by the inappropriate use of medicines, for example,

• Antibiotic resistance is also spreading in wildlife in terrestrial or aquatic environments. In

Way to handle the problem: OR

• Need to improve awareness and understanding of antimicrobial resistance through effective

applications of this technology, comment on the main advantages of this technology?

[ 6 ] Hints: Science Tech. & Environment

• It will supplement the curriculum-based teaching, imparting effective teacher training,

GS Score 2017 Mains Test 9 With Solutions - Science Technology & Environment

GS Score 2017 Mains Test 9 With Solutions - Science Technology & Environment