Science & Technology

Distinguish between a Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) and a thermal nuclear reactor. In the context of first indigenously developed prototype FBR at Kalpakkam, explain the term 'criticality'. What are its implications for clean energy future of our country ?

Mention salient features of 'Mission Drishti'. Discuss the imaging techniques used in the satellite launched on 3rd May 2026. Why it is being considered world's first satellite of its kind ?

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

The fusion energy programme in India has steadily evolved over the past few decades. Mention India's contributions to the international fusion energy project - International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). What will be the implications of the success of this project for the future of global energy ?

How can India achieve energy independence through clean technology by 2047 ? How can biotechnology can play a crucial role in this endeavour ?

How does nanotechnology offer significant advancements in the field of agriculture ? How can this technology help to uplift the socio-economic status of farmers ?

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

Discuss the relationship between Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and living materials. How does Section 3(d) of the Indian Patent Act prevent evergreening of patents?

What are the emerging technological solutions for solving the acute freshwater crisis, with special reference to seawater desalination and wastewater recycling? Discuss their economic viability.

Discuss the potential hazards posed by Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) and asteroids to life on Earth. How do planetary defense missions like NASA's DART test mitigation strategies?

What is the main task of India's third moon exploration mission (Chandrayaan-3)? How is it distinct from the previous moon missions?

Introduce the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning. How can AI revolutionize healthcare diagnostics and personalized medicine in India?

Discuss the potential applications of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) in uncovering the origins of the universe and atmospheric characterization of exoplanets.

What is the basic principle behind vaccine development? How do mRNA vaccines differ from traditional inactivated viral vaccines?

Discuss the concept of Web 3.0 and explain how it decentralizes the internet compared to Web 2.0.

What are the key features and scientific objectives of India's first human spaceflight mission "Gaganyaan"? Discuss the technological milestones achieved by ISRO for this mission.

Discuss the applications of biotechnology in the field of agriculture. What are the biosafety concerns regarding genetically modified (GM) crops?

What are the research achievements in Blue LED technology that led to the Nobel Prize in Physics 2014? How has it transformed energy efficiency in lighting?

How does nanotechnology contribute to targeted drug delivery systems in cancer therapy? Discuss its advantages over conventional chemotherapy.

What is India's plan to have its own space station and how will it benefit our space programme?

How is science interwoven deeply with our lives? What are the important contributions of Indian scientists in the fields of science and technology in the 20th century?

Discuss the concept of Quantum Computing and explain how it differs from classical computing. What are the objectives of the National Quantum Mission?

How is the Government of India protecting traditional knowledge from biopiracy? Explain the functioning of the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL).

What is the significance of the indigenously developed ballistic missile defense (BMD) shield for India's strategic defense?

What are the research achievements in the field of 5G telecommunication technology? How will 5G enable the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart cities in India?

Discuss the work of Bose-Einstein Statistics done by Prof. Satyendra Nath Bose and its impact on the development of modern quantum mechanics.

Why is there so much excitement about the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)? What capabilities does it possess over Hubble Space Telescope?

What is India's third-stage nuclear power programme? How does it aim to utilize vast domestic thorium reserves for long-term energy security?

India has achieved remarkable successes in unmanned space exploration with missions like Chandrayaan and Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan). What are the next planned frontiers?

Give an account of the growth and development of nuclear science and technology in India. What is the advantage of fast breeder reactor technology?

Stem cell therapy is gaining popularity in India to treat a wide variety of medical conditions. Describe briefly what stem cell therapy is and what are the advantages it has over other treatments.

Discuss India's achievements in the development of indigenous cryogenic engine technology for satellite launch vehicles.

What are the main applications of nanotechnology in the agricultural sector, particularly in precision farming and soil health monitoring?

What are the main principles and applications of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology? Discuss the ethical dilemmas associated with germline editing.

Discuss the advantages and challenges of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) compared to conventional battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

What is the indigenously developed Regional Navigation Satellite System (NavIC)? Discuss its civilian and military applications for India.

Discuss the concept of Internet of Things (IoT) and explain how smart devices connected over high-speed networks can transform urban infrastructure and industrial manufacturing.

Scientific research in Indian universities has declined compared to specialized research laboratories. Discuss the reasons and suggest measures to revitalize university-level R&D.

What are the main principles and applications of three-dimensional (3D) printing? How can additive manufacturing transform industrial production in India?

What are the main scientific achievements and technological breakthroughs of the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan)? Why is it considered a triumph of frugal engineering?

Discuss the concept of shale gas and analyze its potential as an unconventional energy source in India. What are the environmental concerns related to hydraulic fracturing (fracking)?

What are the salient features of the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) policy in India? How does India balance intellectual property protection with public health imperatives under TRIPS?

What is the Large Hadron Collider (LHC)? Explain the significance of the discovery of the Higgs Boson particle in confirming the Standard Model of particle physics.