GS-III: Science & Technology

What contribution can Nanotechnology play in enhancing the Energy efficiency in India. Discuss highlighting associated challenges also towards the same.

The contributions of nanotechnology towards energy efficiency are as follows: Solar Cells: Nanotechnology has revolutionised the development of solar cells, including quantum dot solar cells and organic photovoltaics. For instance, Indian researchers are innovating with nanostructured materials to boost solar ..

What are lead-acid batteries? How could these batteries help India in achieving the SDGs?

A lead acid battery is a type of rechargeable battery that runs on lead and sulfuric acid. To facilitate a managed chemical reaction, the lead is immersed in the sulfuric acid. The battery generates power as a result of this ..

What are the benefits of a lithium ion battery? What are the challenges to its wide-spread usage? What can be done to overcome these challenges?

The lithium ion battery in the past few years has become the preferred mode for storing energy, finding usage in handheld devices like your smartphones, laptops to Electric vehicles, power plants and various other applications. Its importance in policy making ..

What are the advantages of offshore wind energy projects over onshore projects? What are the associated challenges?

Despite having a 7500 km long coastline and government’s push for renewable energy, offshore wind energy is still a relatively underdeveloped sector in India.  Offshore wind energy is generated by harvesting the power of wind at the sea rather than ..

What is Aditya-L1 mission? Discuss its objectives and importance.

Aditya-L1 is the India’s first dedicated scientific mission, which aims to send a satellite to study the dynamics of sun’s chromosphere. The mission is a joint venture between ISRO and physicists from various institutes including Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru; ..

What do you understand by Optogenetics? Discuss its applications in healthcare.

Optogentics uses techniques from optics and genetics to control and measure the activities of particular cells of living tissue, typically neurons.  Scientists are using the technology to make an animal to perform required physical activity by controlling its brain cells. ..

What is DMH-11 that was recently approved by the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee? What are the advantages and challenges in its adoption?

The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), working under the ambit of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has recently approved the environmental release of GM Mustard Hybrid DMH 11 for seed production and commercial cultivation. DMH 11: Dhara ..

What is tokenization? What are the challenges and way ahead for this unique RBI initiative?

Tokenisation is the process of replacing actual credit and debit card information with an alternate code called ‘token’. A tokenized card transaction is considered safer as the actual card details are not shared during the transaction..This token is unique for ..