Mana La Excellence Group 1 Mains Practice Questions

Subject- Science and Technology • Because of zero resistance, superconducting

materials can save huge amounts of energy,
1.For the First Time, Physicists have achieved and be used to make highly efficient electrical
appliances.
Superconductivity at room temperature. What
• The problem is that superconductivity, ever
are the potential applications of
since it was first discovered in 1911, has only
Superconductivity? been observed at very low temperatures,
somewhere close to what is called absolute
Introduction:
zero (0°K or -273.15°C).
• Creating such extreme conditions of
Write briefly about superconductivity and its uses
temperature and pressure is a difficult task.
Body: • Therefore, the applications of
superconducting materials have remained
Mention its potential applications limited.
• But for the first time, physicists have achieved
Conclusion: the resistance free flow of an electrical current
in a material at room temperature 15 degrees
This is the one of the emerging technologies, this Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit).
type of innovations has the potential to reduce the • Although, the sample sizes used were
cost of material available to the poor people. So microscopic and the pressure at which
that, it would promote more inclusiveness and superconductivity emerged are still rather
impractical.
increase the accessibility and affordability of the
• This achievement will pave the way forward
poor.
for generation of superconductivity in
atmospheric conditions.
Content:
• Superconductivity is a phenomenon in which
Superconductivity: the electrical resistivity suddenly drops to zero
at its transition temperature (Tc).
• Superconductivity is a state in which a material
• It consists of two key elements:
shows absolutely zero electrical resistance.
➢ Zero electrical resistance: Usually, the flow of
• Electricity is essentially the movement of free an electrical current encounters some degree
electrons in a conducting material like copper. of resistance. The higher the conductivity of a
While the movement of electrons is in one material, the less electrical resistance it has,
particular direction, it is random and and the current can flow more freely.
haphazard. ➢ Meissner effect: It is the expulsion of a
• They frequently collide with one another, and magnetic field from a superconductor during
with other particles in the material, thus its transition to the superconducting state
offering resistance to the flow of current. when it is cooled below the critical
• In a superconducting state, however, the temperature.
material offers no resistance at all.
• All the electrons align themselves in a Potential applications of Superconductors:
particular direction and move without any • Superconductors already have drastically
obstruction in a “coherent” manner. changed the world of medicine with the
• It is akin to vehicles moving in an orderly advent of MRI machines, which have meant a
fashion on a superhighway. reduction in exploratory surgery.
App: Mana La Excellence Ph: 7207955032(Offline)/ 7207955034 (Online) 7207955035 (Test Series)
Mana La Excellence Group 1 Mains Practice Questions

• Power utilities, electronics companies, the based on Josephson junctions and rapid single
military, transportation, and theoretical flux quantum technology).
physics have all benefited strongly from the • Powerful superconducting electromagnets used
discovery of these materials. in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nuclear
• Maglev (magnetic levitation) trains- magnetic resonance (NMR) machines, magnetic
➢ These work because a superconductor confinement fusion reactors (e.g. tokamaks), and
repels a magnetic field so a magnet will the beam-steering and focusing magnets used in
float above a superconductor– this particle accelerators.
virtually eliminates the friction • RF and microwave filters (e.g., for mobile phone
between the train and the track. base stations, as well as military ultra-
➢ Superconducting magnets have been sensitive/selective receivers)
used to levitate trains above its rails. • High sensitivity particle detectors, including the
They can be driven at high speed with transition edge sensor, the superconducting
minimal expenditure of energy. bolometer, the superconducting tunnel junction
➢ However, there are safety concerns detector, the kinetic inductance detector, and the
about the strong magnetic fields used superconducting nanowire single-photon
as these could be a risk to human detector.
health. • Superconductors are also used in high field
• Large hadron collider or particle accelerator- scientific magnets.
➢ The latest and biggest large hadron • Superconducting magnetic propulsion systems
collider built in Switzerland by a may be used to launch satellites into orbits directly
coalition of scientific organisations from the earth without the use of rockets.
from several countries. • High-efficiency ore-separating machines may be
➢ Superconductors are used to make built using superconducting magnets which can be
extremely powerful electromagnets to used to separate tumour cells from healthy cells
accelerate charged particles very fast by high gradient magnetic separation method.
(to near the speed of light). • Since the current in a superconducting wire can
• SQUIDs (Superconducting Quantum flow without any change in magnitude, it can be
Interference Devices): used for transmission lines.
These are used to detect even the weakest
The use of superconductors under development
magnetic field. They are used in mine
(future uses)-
detection equipment to help in the removal of
land mines. • Very fast computing
• The USA is developing “E-bombs”- • low-loss power cables
➢ These are devices that make use of strong, • Other impacts of superconductors on
superconductor-derived magnetic fields to technology will depend on either finding
create a fast, high-intensity electromagnetic superconductors that work at far higher
pulse that can disable an enemy’s electronic temperatures than those known at present or
equipment. finding cheaper ways of achieving the very cold
➢ These devices were first used in wartime in temperatures currently needed to make them
March 2003 when USA forces attacked an Iraqi work.
broadcast facility.
➢ They can release two billion watts of energy at
once. fast digital circuits (including those

App: Mana La Excellence Ph: 7207955032(Offline)/ 7207955034 (Online) 7207955035 (Test Series)
Mana La Excellence Group 1 Mains Practice Questions

2. India’s green future, built on Hydrogen, • Today’s electrolysers (used to separate

Explain. hydrogen from water using cathode,
anode and membrane) consume 40-50
Introduction:
units of electricity to split water and
Write about importance of Hydrogen as an generate 30-35 units. Energy consumed is
energy-fuel. more than energy produced
• For energy, India is aiming for carbon
Body:
neutrality by 2070, the path to energy
Mention the reason why India’s Green Future built security goes through a mix of oil, coal,
on Hydrogen. blended fuels, natural gas, renewables and
Conclusion: electricity.
• At present India’s $3.12 trillion economy
India has a huge edge in green hydrogen needs 1,650 billion units (BU) of power
production owing to its favorable geographic made from nearly 400 GW of capacity. Of
conditions and presence of abundant natural this, green electricity is only 17%.
elements. With appropriate capacity addition to • When the economy touches $5-7 trillion in
renewable power generation, storage and the next decade, it will need at least 3,000-
transmission, producing green hydrogen in India 4,000 GW.
can become cost effective which will not only • Further, the energy import bill will triple by
guarantee energy security, but also ensure 2040.
gradually self-sufficiency.
• The only way out of these massive
Content: challenges is tapping as many green and
locally available energy sources as
• Hydrogen, nature’s lightest and most possible.
abundant element, can be used as energy
• It has estimated that net zero emissions by
after being taken out from
2070 will require:
➢ coal (brown hydrogen),
➢ 5,630 GW solar capacity
➢ natural gas (grey hydrogen),
➢ 99% reduction in coal use between
➢ renewable energy (green
2040 and 2060 and
hydrogen) and
➢ 90% fall in crude oil consumption
➢ water (blue hydrogen).
between 2050 and 2070.
• Governments and companies making
• By that time, it is estimated that green
hydrogen an important part of their carbon
hydrogen should meet 19% of industry’s
neutrality goals.
needs.
• National Hydrogen Mission to meet the
• India requires $10 trillion (₹750 lakh crore)
larger goal of self-reliance in energy
energy investments, including $8.4 trillion
production by the 100th Independence
for augmenting renewable capabilities.
Day in 2047.
Another $1.5 trillion will be required for
• The thing that is going to help India with a creating a green hydrogen ecosystem in
quantum leap in terms of climate is green the industrial sector.
hydrogen and also make India a global hub
• The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)
for green hydrogen production and export.
estimates 23 MT hydrogen demand by
• Hydrogen will drive economies not now 2050.
but in near future.
• India’s current output is 6.7 MT, produced
mostly from natural gas through steam-
App: Mana La Excellence Ph: 7207955032(Offline)/ 7207955034 (Online) 7207955035 (Test Series)
Mana La Excellence Group 1 Mains Practice Questions

methane reforming process (methane Mention how block chain technology can solve the
reacts with steam under pressure in environment crisis.
presence of a catalyst to produce
Conclusion:
hydrogen, carbon monoxide and a small
amount of carbon dioxide). • Digital infrastructure is a key to access the
• The biggest consumers of this hydrogen block chain technology for Environmental
are refineries, chemical companies and solution.
fertiliser plants. • It is evident that the block chain technology
• Green hydrogen accounts for just 0.1% can certainly help in solving the environmental
global hydrogen production. crisis and improve sustainability in various
• India’s first integrated green hydrogen ways.
electrolyser gigafactory in Bangalore with • However, driving the penetration of emerging
the production of 20 MT green hydrogen. technology like block chain will require
• India can produce green hydrogen from improving digital infrastructure.
15-20 GW installed capacity by 2030. • As block chain and related digital technologies
• For that, it will need to invest $4-5 billion in develop rapidly, policy makers are needed to
electrolysers. adjust the regulations that can help design
• The government is working on a pilot on future energy systems and mitigate
blue hydrogen, hydrogen CNG and green environment crisis.
hydrogen.
Content:
• The government are blending hydrogen
with compressed natural gas for use as Blockchain:
transportation fuel and industrial input in
• Block chain derives its name from the digital
refineries.
databases or ledgers where information is
• The government is planning to blend 15% stored as “blocks’’ that are coupled together
green hydrogen with piped natural gas for forming “chains”.
domestic, commercial and industrial
• It offers a singular combination of permanent
consumption.
and tamper-evident record keeping, real-time
• The Ministry of New and Renewable transaction transparency and auditability.
Energy is also working on a policy
• An exact copy of the block chain is available to
document for the national hydrogen
each of the multiple computers or users who
energy mission.
are joined together in a network.
• Corporate India has got the drift and is
• Any new information added or altered via a
working overtime to tap the opportunity at
new block is to be vetted and approved by over
hand.
half the total users.
3. What is blockchain technology? How Block- • Even though block chain is well known for the
chain technology can help to combat the technology behind cryptocurrencies such as
environmental crisis? Ethereum and Bitcoin, environmental
researchers are now finding its use in solving
Introduction:
the climate crisis, ranging from tracking the
Write briefly about block chain technology sustainability of products to monitoring
pollution.
Body:
• Over the last few years, governments and
organizations worldwide have focused on

App: Mana La Excellence Ph: 7207955032(Offline)/ 7207955034 (Online) 7207955035 (Test Series)
Mana La Excellence Group 1 Mains Practice Questions

using various technological tools to mitigate • This eliminates any potential intermediaries
climate change and biodiversity loss between investors and beneficiaries.
challenges. • Through Sun exchanges solar panels,
• One of the tools that could be highly effective companies in south Africa have reduced their
in tackling the climate crisis is block chain. energy costs by nearly 30%
• From a technology point of view, block chain is • Power Ledger, a technology company in
a digitally distributed, decentralized ledger Australia, has started to explore the impact of
that helps track and verify transactions. block chain.
• The Organisation established a pilot project in
Block-chain technology can help to combat the
India’s uttar Pradesh.
environmental crisis:
• They allowed home owners with solar panels
• Investments that involve large, international on the roof tops to sell the power to other on
sustainable development projects have the grid.
become highly complicated causing delays and • This involves setting up of prices in real-time
backlogs. and implementing transactions over the block
• Block chain-enabled processes and platforms chain
can manage transactions highly effective and • These systems can help increase the
efficient. deployment of renewable energy
• Due to this reason, sustainable development • Block chain Technology can also useful for
and other climate-related initiatives are sustainable and environmental friendly supply
desirable for investors. chain practices.
• Block chain enabled processes and platforms • The Technology can track products from
can help manage stakeholders that work in manufacturer and help prevent inefficiency
different capacities and waste by making supply chain transparent.
• This will help increase efficiency, reduce • Block chain can also help the consumers better
transactions and make climate-related understand how the products were made and
sustainable development highly beneficial for shipped.
private investments. • This will allow them to make environmental
• According to a report by the report by the friendly choices
United Nations Environment Programme • Foodtrax is the block chain-based App that
(UNEP), block chains distributed ledger plans to track the foot from its origin to shelf
technology can provide significant to eradicate food waste due to the storage and
improvements by allowing investors, improper handling
renewable energy project developers and • Through their block chain-based App, Foodtrax
purchasers to collaborate on a common has interlinked data temperature loggers and
platform with established global standards for equipment measuring and monitoring,
compliance due diligence. focusing on the developing of a flexible
• South Africa-based renewable energy start up solution that covers all steps related to the
Sun Exchange allows anyone with an internet supply chain with transparency
connection to purchase solar panels online and • An area of environmental sustainability where
rent them to hospitals, schools, businesses and the block chain can have a significant impact in
other companies in Africa. recycling program on the block chain,
• Sun Exchange uses the Bitcoin block chain for organizations can give the Financial Incentives
making cross border payments.

App: Mana La Excellence Ph: 7207955032(Offline)/ 7207955034 (Online) 7207955035 (Test Series)
Mana La Excellence Group 1 Mains Practice Questions

to individuals in the form of a cryptographic 4. Nanotechnology shapes the future of

token healthcare. Explain.
• This could be in exchange for depositing of
Introduction:
recyclables will such as plastic, cans, bottles,
containers etc. Write briefly about Nano -Technology
• This helps to track essential data such as cost, Body:
volume and profit and also helps to evaluate
the environment impact of an individual or Mention the how Nano-technology shapes the
company participating in the program future of Health care system.
• Many organisations are already working on Conclusion:
such block chain-based recycling program
• For instance, an Organisation named the ✓ Because of their small size, much concern has
plastic bank leverages block chain and IBM been expressed about the potential for
cloud Technology to create an application that adverse health effects arising from the ability
can help to monetize Ocean plastic of nanoparticles to penetrate cell walls and the
• Through this its sustainability project, plastic blood-brain barrier.
banks turn plastic into currency by successfully ✓ These concerns also include possible
setting up of collection centers across the third detrimental health effects during
world countries manufacturing and transportation.
• This allows people to deposit used plastic in ✓ Therefore, there is a need to identify key gaps
exchange of different incentives such cash in knowledge and areas where further
benefits, cryptocurrencies etc. research may be targeted in order to
• The organisation is now working on a block efficiently exploit the technology.
chain-powered applications that allows user to Content:
exchange plastic for cryptographic tokens.
✓ Nanotechnology is to have substantial
• Although there are several benefits of block
application in the healthcare sector.
chain technology when it comes to solving the
environmental crisis, there are many pitfalls ✓ It is the most radical and wide-reaching
emerging technology.
associated with it.
✓ Its use cases, and its market share.
• A significant amount of electricity and
✓ Nanotech is a multi-disciplinary field of
computing power is required for processing
research that deals with the restructuring and
certain transactions on bitcoin and etherum
manipulation of matters that are of the size of
block chains
1 to 100 nanometers, i.e., at the molecular
• This is a crucial challenge in many countries
level.
where energy can be prohibitively expensive
✓ The word ‘nano’ means ‘dwarf’ in Greek.
• There is also a requirement for regulatory
✓ Let’s understand what a nanometer is all
frameworks that will be key to addressing the
about.
high cost of processing power.
✓ building nano-robots, nano-tubes, nano-dots,
• Electricity tariffs would be required to change,
nanowires, and nano-sheets that could be
so energy consumers are highly likely to
used for innovative and path-breaking medical
participate in surplus energy trading through
applications from diagnosis of disease and
block chain platforms
drug delivery to the disease-affected areas of
the human body with great precision,

App: Mana La Excellence Ph: 7207955032(Offline)/ 7207955034 (Online) 7207955035 (Test Series)
Mana La Excellence Group 1 Mains Practice Questions

something that hasn’t been actively pursued representing the physiology of a biological
until now. process and clinical outcomes.
✓ The space where nanotechnology meets ➢ Nanoparticles injected into humans can detect
healthcare is called nano-medicine. these biomarkers with extremely high efficacy
✓ Industry experts estimate the nano-medicine as compared to scanning the human body
market share to grow up to $260Bn in 2025 from the outside, thereby reducing the
from $141Bn in 2020. chances of drug failure/rejection.
✓ While nanostructures occur naturally in soil,
Medical Imaging:
dust, oceans, plants, and animals, scientists
today are building nano-materials with newly ➢ Nanoparticles/Quantum dots are so small that
manipulated attributes or engineered their surface area to volume ratio is relatively
properties. high, thus producing excellent contrast and
✓ This holds massive potential and opens new fluoresce.
doors in drug delivery systems, body scans, ➢ In generic terms, a nanoparticle is more like a
gene therapy, identifying cancer cells, and glow-in-the-dark thing, and its ability to reflect
health monitoring. light will help us in biological labeling at the
✓ Nanotechnology is helping to considerably molecular level.
improve technology in sectors like information ➢ Nanoparticles in medical devices and drug
technology, homeland security, medicine, therapy can give us much better diagnosis
transportation, energy, food safety, and results and treatments with a higher success
environmental science. rate.
The most promising use-cases of Nanotechnology Wound Treatment:
in Healthcare:
➢ One of the major pain points of wound healing
Targeted Drug Delivery System: is contamination with microorganisms.
➢ Silver nanoparticles have antibacterial and
➢ In conventional drug delivery mechanism,
anti-inflammatory properties that provide
when you take a medicine for a headache, it
better wound healing efficacy with less
possibly goes through your entire body,
bacterial resistance.
including the head, to give you relief.
➢ They can be used as scaffolds for skin
➢ This also means that the drug delivery
regeneration.
mechanism is inefficient, slow, requires more
➢ Nano-fibrous materials can also be used as
drug consumption than needed, and may
delivery systems for drugs, proteins, growth
impact non-targeted organs.
factors, and other molecules.
➢ Nanotechnology can carry drugs to specific
➢ This will help us in targeted drug delivery with
cells and release them when it reaches the
minimal and effective drug usage.
targeted organ or area.
➢ Needless to say, there exists great scope for
➢ This can be highly instrumental, for instance, in
advancements in nanotechnology that hold
curtailing the side effects of chemotherapy.
the potential to revolutionize and reinvent
Diagnosis: healthcare systems despite existing hurdles.
➢ Nanomedicine, nano-pharmacology, nano-
➢ A biomarker, is a measurement, substance, or
imaging, and targeted drug delivery systems
chemical in the body which indicates a disease
will make the diagnosis and prevention of
or a condition.
diseases, and care delivery more efficient and
➢ It is seen that nanotechnology can bridge the
patient-centric.
gap between measurable biomarkers
App: Mana La Excellence Ph: 7207955032(Offline)/ 7207955034 (Online) 7207955035 (Test Series)
Mana La Excellence Group 1 Mains Practice Questions

5. What is GAGAN system? Why ISRO’s GAGAN collaborated to develop the GPS Aided Geo
satellite navigation programme is a landmark in Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) as a regional
Indian aviation? Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS).
• The GAGAN's goal is to provide a navigation
Introduction:
system to assist aircraft in accurate landing
Write briefly about GAGAN Satellite navigation over the Indian airspace and in the adjoining
area and applicable to safety-to-life civil
Body:
operations.
Mention the reasons why GAGAN satellite • GAGAN is inter-operable with other
navigation programme is a landmark in Indian international SBAS systems.
Aviation sector. • GAGAN is the first Satellite-Based
Conclusion: Augmentation System in the world which has
been certified for approach with vertical
GAGAN will provide global recognisation to India’s guidance operating in the equatorial
capabilities and also improve the operational ionospheric region.
efficiency in aviation sector and it has many more • GAGAN covers the area from Africa to
applications in other sectors as well. Australia and has expansion capability for
With ISRO’s GAGAN (GPS Aided Geo Augmented seamless navigation services across the region.
Navigation), India has become the first country in • GAGAN provides accuracy, availability, and
the Asia-Pacific to successfully develop such a integrity essential for each phase of flight,
system for aviation use. enroute the approach for airports within the
GAGAN service volume.
GAGAN and its work:
• This makes airline operations more efficient
• GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation and effective, increase air safety, and fuel
(GAGAN) is a step by the Indian Government efficiency.
towards Satellite-based Navigation Services in • GAGAN is designed to provide accuracy and
India. integrity necessary to enable reliance on GPS
• It is a system to improve the accuracy of a for all phases of flight from enroute through
global navigation satellite system (GNSS) approach, for all qualified airports within the
receiver by providing reference signals. covered Zone.
• GAGAN is a system of satellites and ground • It will also provide increased accuracy in
stations that provide GPS signal corrections, position reporting of aircraft, allowing for
giving you better position accuracy. more uniform and high-quality air traffic
• It is the first such system developed for India management
and neighboring countries in the equatorial • It will enable aircraft to land even at smaller
region. and regional airport not equipped with
• GAGAN works by augmenting and relaying expensive ground based landing systems.
data from GPS satellites with the help of two • Further, with vertical guidance at runways, a
augmentation satellites and 15 earth-based significant cost will be saved due to withdrawal
reference stations. of ground aids and reduced workload of airline
• The system utilises the satellite-based wide crew and traffic controllers.
area augmentation system (SBAS) technology. • One essential component of the GAGAN
• The Airports Authority of India (AAI) and Indian project is the study of the ionospheric
Space Research Organization (ISRO) have behaviour over the Indian region.

App: Mana La Excellence Ph: 7207955032(Offline)/ 7207955034 (Online) 7207955035 (Test Series)
Mana La Excellence Group 1 Mains Practice Questions

• GAGAN ionospheric algorithm was developed ➢ Safeguard women & Children in

by ISRO. This makes India the third country in distress
the world which has such precision approach ➢ Railway Anti-collision, unmanned level
capabilities. Other than GAGAN, there are only crossings
three space based augmentation systems in ➢ Farmers
the world: ➢ Power grids and Banks
➢ US(WASS) ➢ River flow e.g. Brahmaputra can be
➢ Europe(EGNOS) and tracked and alert people against flood
➢ Japan(MSAS) ➢ Digital India, Smart cities & AMRUT
• Though primarily meant for aviation, GAGAN
An IndiGo plane flew while landing at Rajsthan’s
will provide benefits to many other user
airport, was the first time a landing was affected
segments such as intelligent, transportation,
using an indigenously developed Satellite Based
maritime, highways, railways, surveying,
Augmentation System (SBAS) that provides three-
geodesy, security agencies, telecom industry, dimensional navigation guidance to aircraft. The
personal users of position location application successful trial of IndiGo plane puts India in a niche
etc. global league
Significance of GAGAN 6. How ISRO intends to revolutionize India’s
• Smaller airports will benefit: Once fully rolled healthcare?
out, it will make several smaller airports such Introduction:
as those in the North-East capable of having
compliant aircraft land in low-visibility Write briefly about India’s health sector
scenarios. Body:
• Handle the Poor weather and low visibility
conditions: This new technology provides a Mention the potential applications of ISRO
substantial operational benefit in poor programs in India’s health sector
weather and low visibility conditions. Conclusion:
• Increase the more Operational Safety: Aircraft
can derive maximum benefit in terms of India's space programme has potential to
improved safety during landing, reduction in significantly improve health care through tele-
fuel consumption, reduction in delays, medicine and gene therapy which will go a long
diversions and cancellations etc. way in providing affordable treatment to large
section of people.
• Tool to alert before natural disaster: AAI in
coordination with Indian National Centre for Content:
Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has
• India's space programme has potential to
implemented GAGAN Message Service (GMS)
significantly improve health care.
through which alert messages to fishermen,
farmers, and disaster affected people will be • The satellite technology can be used
sent on the occurrence of natural disasters, extensively to enhance the health care sector
calamities, such as flood, earthquake etc. in a big way.
• Non-aviation field: The additional capabilities • The human space flight program has led to
of GAGAN are also being explored to utilise it several applications of space technology in the
in health care sector such as artificial heart,
non-aviation fields such as: kidney dialysis, invisible braces, sun glasses as
well as other bio-medical instruments.
➢ Ship navigation e.g. fishermen
App: Mana La Excellence Ph: 7207955032(Offline)/ 7207955034 (Online) 7207955035 (Test Series)
Mana La Excellence Group 1 Mains Practice Questions

• The tele-medicine could be a potential tool for proved in defence as well such as flame proof
improving the health care facilities across the coatings of equipment, search and rescue
country, it will cut the cost of medical beacons, and aerogel thermal wear for soldiers
treatment and at the same time ensure quality for sustaining extreme temperatures.
services, particularly to people in rural areas. • It had started developing the QUEST program
• ISRO has provided connectivity to rural at the request and interest of healthcare
hospitals with the super specialty hospitals in professionals in the country who were
the country. interested in learning how the space agency
• The use of various satellite-related innovations handles safety, quality, and reliability for the
in health sector, space imaging techniques can interaction of man, machine, and environment
be helpful for early detection of cancer, in its potential human spaceflight programs.
cardiovascular disease and heart surgery. • ISRO's technology spin-off in handling the
• Monitoring of astronaut's heart in space can interaction of its man, machine, and
be of great help to similar needs on the surrounding environmental conditions has the
ground. potential to be useful for the healthcare sector
• ISRO’s programs will provide the quality, of India. With inputs from ISRO, it has already
affordable health care to all sections of our helped in developing cheaper artificial limbs,
society by cutting down the cost of technology, left ventricular assist, artificial jaws, and
available to poor people. ventilators, among other things.
• Some futuristic developments involving the 7. What is GIS Technology? Mention role of
'bio-capsules' to reduce the effect of high Geospatial technology in Agriculture.
radiation levels, treating diabetes and brain
cancer as well as their use in gene therapy. Introduction:
• India's Space Programme is unique for its Write briefly about GIS technology.
orientation to socio-economic objectives
which is useful for many developing countries. Body:
• QUEST (Quality Upgradation Enabled through Mention the GIS technology application in
Space Technology) of ISRO will help 11 agriculture.
hospitals across the country in improving their
safety, quality, and reliability. Conclusion:
• With the Health-QUEST, ISRO will show • As a result, geospatial technologies give a
healthcare professionals on how the space farmer with a repository of information that he
agency handles the interaction of man, may utilise to make informed decisions that
machine, and environment in its potential ensure effective and efficient farm
human spaceflight programs. management and enhance productivity.
• The technology involved in ISRO’s Health- • To get the most out of their farms, farmers
QUEST is a kind of spin-off of space programs should understand and utilise these
technology. technologies in conjunction with their
• It has helped develop cost-effective artificial knowledge and expertise.
limbs, left ventricular assist, artificial jaws, and
ventilators, among other things. Content:
• Both manned and unmanned spaceflights of • Geospatial technology is a field that is rapidly
ISRO undergo extreme temperature changes. evolving.
• Another application of spin-off of ISRO
technology in the health sector which has
App: Mana La Excellence Ph: 7207955032(Offline)/ 7207955034 (Online) 7207955035 (Test Series)
Mana La Excellence Group 1 Mains Practice Questions

• Geographic information systems (GIS), global and agricultural development has progressed
positioning systems (GPS), and remote sensing at a rapid pace during the previous decade.
(RS), all new technologies that aid the user in • Plantation crops are largely surveyed and
the collecting, analysis, and interpretation of mapped using geospatial technology.
spatial data, are referred to as geospatial • In nations like Malaysia and Indonesia, rice
technology (GST). mapping is a big endeavor.
• It is concerned with the relationship, state of • Australia is a prominent consumer of
artificial and natural objects in space, whether geospatial technologies, with remote sensing
on Earth or elsewhere. and geographic information systems (GIS)
• In India, geospatial technology has made being particularly popular for mapping crops
inroads into a variety of areas, both public and like sugarcane and oil palms.
private. • At the micro-level, geospatial techniques are
• Agriculture, telecommunications, oil and gas, primarily utilised for mapping groundwater
environmental management, forestry, public resources, drainage patterns, variable rate
safety, infrastructure, and logistics are among fertiliser delivery, and pesticide and insecticide
the major sectors in India that use geospatial management.
technology. • Increased yields, resource management,
• The geospatial industry is expected to grow prediction of outcomes, and improved farm
rapidly in the next few years as stakeholders practises are all benefits of geospatial
from all sectors see the value and long-term technologies in agriculture.
cost effectiveness of adopting geospatial tools
Role in Carbon Sequestration:
and technologies.
• By 2025, India's GDP is predicted to reach $9- • The act of transferring and securely storing
10 trillion, and the country's economy would atmospheric CO2 into other long-lived carbon
have transformed into one that is highly reservoirs is known as carbon sequestration
industrialised and technologically advanced. (CS).
• To prepare for the anticipated economic • The capacity of integrated RS-GIS to do
expansion, India would need an effective and advanced spatial and/or temporal analysis on
modern information and knowledge regime. several layers of high-resolution data.
• In the future, geospatial technologies will be • This aids research activities aimed at
crucial to information management in India, controlling the global carbon cycle, mostly by
and uses of this technology can have giving useful data and assisting with
significant social and national implications. implementation methods.
• The market for GIS-based technology in India • In CS administration and monitoring, an
has been growing. integrated RS-GIS can be used as a Decision
• Several Indian states, including Telangana, Support System (DSS) tool.
Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Rajasthan, and • The use of an integrated RS-GIS allows for the
Tamil Nadu, have begun to use geospatial quantification of climatic and soil conditions
technology to improve governance and across a region's geographical and temporal
management. variability.
• Carbon stocks have been mapped using
Geospatial Technology's Impact on Agriculture:
remote sensing methods such as Synthetic
• In the Asia-Pacific area, the use of new and Aperture Radar (SAR), Light Detection and
modern information, geospatial, and Ranging (LiDaR), and satellite sensors like as
communication technologies (ICTs) for rural Landsat, SPOT, and Ikonos.
App: Mana La Excellence Ph: 7207955032(Offline)/ 7207955034 (Online) 7207955035 (Test Series)
Mana La Excellence Group 1 Mains Practice Questions

• The recovery of vegetation increases the CS 8. Mystery ‘space debris found in three areas in
potential of eroded soils. Gujarat. Discuss challenges associated to the
• C-Lock, a new system that standardises the Space Debris?
estimation of agricultural carbon
Introduction:
sequestration credits, was developed using a
regional-scale GIS as the operating platform. Write briefly about Space debris
• The association of soil CS potential with soil Body:
erosion type, altitude, soil type, and soil parent
material was examined using a GIS in a recent Mention the associated challenges and measures
experiment to simulate soil CS potential in to handle space debris.
eroded locations. Conclusion:
• The regeneration of vegetation boosts the CS
potential of degraded soils. • We must think of the space environment as a
• A biogeochemical model that simulates shared and limited natural resource.
carbon, nutrient, and water dynamics for • To continue benefiting from the science,
various ecosystems, is included in GIS system. technology and data that operating in space
• Precision carbon management, an expanding brings, it is vital that we achieve better
domain of applied science, is made easier with compliance with existing space debris
such a technology. mitigation guidelines in spacecraft design and
• In CS management, the synergistic role of RS operations.
and GIS technologies was integrated. • This is essential for the sustainable use of
• Using an integrated RS-GIS method can help space.
with CS management and monitoring Content:
strategies.
• This approach may be used to estimate above- Space debris:
and below-ground biomass, delineate • Space debris can include natural space debris
geographic variability, predict potential carbon such as meteoroids, or man-made ones which
stocks and revenues, and outline appropriate can include defunct spacecrafts and satellites,
management strategies for localised and stages of rockets which have launched
regional scales in climate change mitigation. payloads, dead satellites, satellite explosions
• The use of an integrated RS-GIS strategy for and collisions.
precision carbon management will become • According to NASA, “more than 25,000 objects
increasingly obvious in the near future. larger than 10 cm are known to exist” as space
• Farmers can better understand their farms' debris and the estimated population of
site-specific demands by using remote sensing, particles between 1 and 10 cm in diameter is
GPS, and GIS. approximately 500,000.
• They can utilise this information to develop • According to NASA’s estimates, as of January
and implement management approaches that 2022, the amount of material orbiting the
assure the best possible utilisation of inputs in Earth exceeded 9,000 metric tons.
order to maximise production and revenues.
Associated challenges with the space debris:

• Since the beginning of the space age in 1957,

tonnes of rockets, spacecraft and instruments
have been launched to space.

App: Mana La Excellence Ph: 7207955032(Offline)/ 7207955034 (Online) 7207955035 (Test Series)
Mana La Excellence Group 1 Mains Practice Questions

• Initially, there was no plan for what to do with • Many space agencies, private companies
them at the end of their lives. and other space actors are changing their
• Since then, numbers have continued to behaviour to adhere to these guidelines
increase and explosions and collisions in space but this is not enough
have created hundreds of thousands of • The number of debris objects, their
dangerous debris. combined mass, and the total area they
• The biggest contributor to the current space take up has been steadily increasing since
debris problem is explosions in orbit, caused the beginning of the space age.
by left-over energy – fuel and batteries – • This is further fueled by a large number of
onboard spacecraft and rockets. in-orbit break-ups of spacecraft and rocket
• Despite measures being in place for years to stages.
prevent this, we see no decline in the number • The total area that space debris takes up is
of such events. important as it is directly related to how
• Trends towards end-of-mission disposal are many collisions we expect in the future.
improving, but at a slow pace. • As things stand, collisions between debris
and working satellites is predicted to
Measures need to handle the Space Debris:
overtake explosions as the dominant
• In view of the constant increase in space- source of debris.
traffic, we need to develop and provide • On average over the last two decades, 12
technologies to make debris prevention accidentals fragmentations have occurred
measures, and European Space Agency is in space every year and this trend is
doing just that through its Space Safety unfortunately increasing.
Programme. • Fragmentation events describe moments
• In parallel, regulators need to monitor the in which debris is created due to collisions,
status of space systems as well as global explosions, electrical problems and even
adherence to debris mitigation under their just the detachment of objects due to the
jurisdiction more closely. harsh conditions in space.
• International guidelines and standards now • While not all satellites currently comply
exist making it clear how we can reach a with international guidelines, more and
sustainable use of space: more space actors are attempting to stick
➢ Design rockets and spacecraft to minimise the to the rules.
amount of ‘shedding’ material becoming • Rocket bodies are among the largest
detached during launch and operation, due to objects we send to space and are at a high
the harsh conditions of space. risk of being involved in catastrophic
➢ Prevent explosions by releasing stored energy. collisions.
➢ ‘passivating’ spacecraft once at the end of • All steps to ensure they do not linger in
their lives orbit after a maximum of 24 hours from
➢ Move defunct missions out the way of working launch.
satellites • High rates of debris mitigation in
o either by de-orbiting them or geostationary orbit
o moving them to a ‘graveyard orbit’ • Satellites launched into the geostationary
➢ Prevent in-space crashes through careful protected region, 35 586 - 35 986 km in
choice of orbits and by performing ‘collision altitude, have very high rates of adherence
avoidance manoeuvres’. to debris mitigation measures.

App: Mana La Excellence Ph: 7207955032(Offline)/ 7207955034 (Online) 7207955035 (Test Series)
Mana La Excellence Group 1 Mains Practice Questions

• Between 85% and 100% that reached the equipment manufacturing, universities, and
end of their life this decade attempted to laboratories.
comply with these measures, of which 60 - • Comprehensive solar manufacturing policy: It
90% did so successfully. is needed which clearly mention about robust
• In geostationary orbit, there is a clear supply networks, lower cost supply
commercial interest for operators to keep agreements, subsidies on cost of power,
their paths free from defunct satellites and financing and capex, incentives for R&D etc.
debris – to not do so would put their • Costs competitiveness: Solar manufacturing
spacecraft, and bottom line, at serious risk. has to deal with significant costs related to
• Continued creation of space debris will setting up assembly lines, land acquisition,
lead to the Kessler syndrome, when the labour needs, taxes, power costs and other
density of objects in low Earth orbit is high working capital requirements. Hence,
enough that collisions between objects government needs to incentivize companies to
and debris create a cascade effect, each boost or set up new solar component
crash generating debris that then increases manufacturing capacity.
the likelihood of further collisions. • Manufacturing excellence: India should deal
• At this point, certain orbits around Earth with manufacturing excellence to build and
will become entirely inhospitable. continuously innovate the cutting-edge
manufacturing mindset as opposed to build
9. Recently, India has received proposals for
and forget approach.
setting up 10 GW of solar equipment
manufacturing capacity. Discuss the need for Content:
Solar manufacturing units in India.
Present capacity of solar manufacturing:
Introduction:
• India’s renewable energy generation capacity
Write the significance of solar energy and the need is the fourth largest in the world (currently 136
for solar manufacturing. GW which is 36% of total capacity).
• It is growing at the fastest speed among all
Body:
major countries.
Write briefly about present status of solar • The current capacity of solar cell
manufacturing units in India. manufacturing in India is about 2,500 MW.
Mention the need for Solar manufacturing units in • In case of solar modules as well 7000 MW of
India and related challenges associated to it. capacity is being added in addition to existing
capacity.
Conclusion: • The nation has around 9 GW of annual solar
Some measures needed to overcome the module manufacturing capacity and around 3
challenges associated to Solar Manufacturing GW of annual solar cell production capacity.
Units in India: • A solar cell is the basic building block of a solar
module.
• Developing an Ecosystem: Indian government
must focus on creating manufacturing clusters Need of developing Solar manufacturing
throughout the country similar to solar parks, capacity:
with the availability of the entire supply chain, • Harvest potential and Self-reliant: India need
research and development (R&D) centers, to fully use its solar power potential, this is not
possible unless making India self-sufficient in
App: Mana La Excellence Ph: 7207955032(Offline)/ 7207955034 (Online) 7207955035 (Test Series)
Mana La Excellence Group 1 Mains Practice Questions

the manufacture of solar cells and modules, (ALMM) for solar PV cells and modules will be
batteries and ancillary equipment. eligible to participate in projects under
• To curb import dependency: Currently, 80% of government programs.
solar cells and modules used in India are • Challenge at the World Trade Organisation
imported from China and comprise $2.16 (WTO): US has challenged India's solar energy
billion of imports in 2018-19. policy before the World Trade Organisation
• Meet domestic demand: India’s solar (WTO), on the line of domestic sourcing of
manufacturing capacity is insufficient, under- solar panels, which was upheld by WTO.
utilised and unviable, as out of 2.5 GW demand
10. Private investors, Coal India Limited,
in 2020 only 15% was met through domestic
Government exploring ways to make coal mining
manufacturing.
more profitable. Discuss the issues related to
• To achieve INDC targets: India’s current solar
Commercialisation of coal.
power installed capacity is 35.73 GW. Hence,
domestic manufacturing is needed to achieve Introduction:
set target of 175 GW of renewable energy by Write briefly about present status of coal mining
2022, which includes 100 GW from solar regime in India.
power generation.
Body:
Challenges faced by solar manufacturing in India
Mention the advantage and hurdles related to
• Lack of Investment: Firstly, to achieve the 100 new Coal mine regime in India.
GW target, India needs to invest $65 billion in
the next four years, but major part investment Conclusion:
is raised within the country and there is less Implement the measures that are suggested
investment from foreign direct investment below.
(FDI).
• Technology and R&D: India in comparison to Content:
China does not bring latest (next generation) New commercial coal mining:
technology at a competitive price, which
hampers development of solar manufacturing Key features of new regime:
in India. • No previous mining experience is required for
• High cost: Indian solar cells are, on average, participating in bidding.
20- 30% more expensive than cells • 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) through
manufactured in China. Hence, manufacturers automatic rule is allowed for coal mining.
tend to choose affordable equipment through • The revenue sharing will be on an ad valorem
import from China. (the value of the transaction) basis and not on
• Quality control issues: Some companies have the basis of a fixed amount.
voiced their concerns about the quality of • The present bidding terms also allow other
Indian made cells and reported some minerals to be extracted from these blocks.
manufacturers falsely label their 380 Wp • The Ministry of coal will help the private sector
(capacity of a solar in watt peak) cells as 400 in getting statutory approvals like environment
Wp because there are no government entities and other approvals.
to ensure the quality of these cells.
• Policy issues: Only those models and Benefits from commercial coal mining
manufacturers that are included in the
approved list of models and manufacturers
App: Mana La Excellence Ph: 7207955032(Offline)/ 7207955034 (Online) 7207955035 (Test Series)
Mana La Excellence Group 1 Mains Practice Questions

• Reducing India’s dependence on import: India number of bidders as the auctions are held in
meets a fifth of its annual requirement of coal the middle of COVID-19 pandemic.
through imports which costs about Rs 1 lakh Additionally, no foreign firm has placed a bid
crore. Commercial coal mining can cut the as there is declining trend in corporate and
import bill by Rs 30,000 crore. financial interest in coal due to rising concerns
• Modernizing the coal sector: The expectation over its environmental and social fallouts.
is that the new mining majors will set new • Eligibility criteria are broad enough to
benchmarks in terms of mechanization, encourage non-serious bidding: Non serious
automation, mining practices, etc. Thus, the bidders may use coal mines as assets to
new regime will spur improvements across the leverage in the market, without any intention
industry. of actually mining them as happened during
• Enhancing productivity of the coal sector: By the 2000s.
ending the monopoly of Coal India Limited and • Deep pockets and risk management
bringing in competition. Also, earlier captive capabilities are needed for beginning the
coal mining entities had no incentive to production: After winning a coal auction state
enhance their production beyond their own and mining permits are required,
needs. rehabilitation and resettlement needs to be
• Meeting the demand: To meet its growth managed. Very few firms in India today have
requirements and become self-sufficient, India the financial and risk management capabilities
need to expand its production to 1,500 million to go through all of this.
tonnes per year.
Further steps required to make the new
• Revenue for the State: In captive coal mining commercial coal regime a success
companies were not required to pay royalty to
states as mined coal was meant for their own • Addressing the concerns of the state regarding
end use. But mines auctioned under new their declining revenue share: There are
norms will generate total revenues of around massive community and environmental
Rs 7,000 crore per annum. externalities of coal mining borne by states
• Development of aspirational districts: Most of harbouring these mines. Under new regime
the mines auctioned under new norms are in states would lose an estimated Rs. 48 to Rs.
aspirational districts. These mines would 115 per tonne.Therefore, improving the design
create more than 69,000 jobs once they are of auction is needed to address the revenue
operationalised. Central Government will also concern of States. Efforts like National Coal
spend money in creating infrastructure in Index (NCI) could be initiated for transparency
these regions that means additional job and in revenue.
economic opportunity to such districts. • Enact ‘Sustainable Coal Mining Code’ for
removing the overlapping jurisdictions of
Hurdles in India’s new commercial coal regime
multiple bodies: The code should consolidate
• Opposition from state governments that may all statutory provisions governing
ensue legal battles: Jharkhand government has opening/closing and environment/forest
challenged the auctions under the new regime matters related to coal mines. It should also
arguing that it stands to lose vital forest cover, establish an independent, multi-disciplinary
its tribal communities will be displaced, and unified authority for ensuring compliance with
yet it hasn’t been consulted. various clearance and regulatory
• Purported shallow competition which may requirements.
keep bid prices low: This is due to a smaller
App: Mana La Excellence Ph: 7207955032(Offline)/ 7207955034 (Online) 7207955035 (Test Series)
Mana La Excellence Group 1 Mains Practice Questions

• Indicating the recoverable reserves instead of development, it is necessary to utilize every

geological reserves would attract more energy resource available in the country,
bidders: At present the offer document for especially nuclear power.
coal blocks indicate Geological reserves. This is • Currently, the world is dependent on fossil
a quasi-scientific estimation of the reserves in fuels to match the huge amount of energy
a block which may or may not be extractable consumption which are finite in quantity
by employing usual technologies. across the world.
• Technological upgradation for making coal • This is why energy security is such an
mining environmentally sustainable: Replacing important issue.
blasting technology with cutting technologies
Energy Security and its status in India:
for producing coal, introduction of ‘in-pit'
crushing, adoption of pipe belt conveyors for • Energy security means consistent availability
transportation of coal to silos or railway sidings of sufficient energy in various forms at
and transition to Pan-India use of only washed affordable prices.
coal will help the sector. • These conditions must prevail over a longer
• Incentives should be offered to bidders for period of time if energy is to contribute to
adopting the state-of- the- art mining sustainable development.
technologies. This would ensure the infusion • India’s power generation capacity has
of new generation technology in the coal increased a hundred-fold since Independence,
mining sector. and it is today the third-largest producer of
electricity in the world.
11. In India’s energy security crisis led to a
question about nuclear power. Discuss. • But still, India is far behind in terms of energy
security.
Introduction: • This is because India is also one of the world’s
Mention the present status of Nuclear Energy in largest energy consumers and currently relies
India on imported fuels to a significant extent.
• The major fuel in India’s energy mix
Body: is coal 55%, a major portion of which is
Mention the importance of Nuclear Power in produced domestically.
India. • Renewable energy sources make up about
20%.
What measures can be taken to promote
alternative sources of energy?
Conclusion:
In conclusion, given the country’s demographic
growth, the aspirations of a young population, lack
of indigenous fuel resources, and mounting
climate change, India needs a long-term vision and
commitment to safeguarding electricity for the
upcoming generation.
Content: Status of Nuclear power in India:
• Energy is the engine for economic growth and • Nuclear power is considered by many as being
when the country moves ahead on the path of the only source of energy suitable
App: Mana La Excellence Ph: 7207955032(Offline)/ 7207955034 (Online) 7207955035 (Test Series)
Mana La Excellence Group 1 Mains Practice Questions

to support continuous industrialisation and • These reactors were commissioned during

urbanisation. 1983-85.
• But it currently provides only 3% of India’s • By the 1990s, Indian nuclear scientists and
total electricity. engineers were ready to scale up from 220
• Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited MWe. Accordingly, two reactors of 540 MWe
(NPCIL) is the public sector enterprise under were commissioned at Tarapur in 2005 and
the Department of Atomic Energy entrusted 2006.
with the task of nuclear power generation in • NPCIL decided to avail advantage from
the country. economies of scale and volume by upgrading
• But, India is planning to significantly increase further to 700 MWe capacity reactors and
the present share of electricity derived from standardizing this design for ‘fleet
nuclear power in the next two to three construction’.
decades to reduce India’s dependence on • At present, 10 nuclear power reactors with a
fossil fuels. total of 8000 MW capacity are under
• About India’s Nuclear power production construction.
program • Additionally, the government has accorded
• India has the world’s third-largest reserves of administrative approval and financial sanction
thorium. Thorium, however, cannot be used as of 10 indigenous PHWRs of 700 MW capacity
a fuel in its natural state. each, to be set up in fleet mode.
• It needs to be converted into its usable “fissile” • On progressive completion, India’s nuclear
form after a series of reactions. power capacity is expected to reach 22480
• To aid this, a three-stage nuclear program was MW by the year 2031.
envisaged.
Importance of Nuclear Power:
• Dr. Homi J Bhabha envisioned the road map of
the three-stage nuclear program. Many questions will be raised on India’s nuclear
• The program had been conceived with the power investment when India’s renewable energy
ultimate objective of utilising the country’s share is more than 20%. But the rationale behind
vast reserves of thorium-232. retaining nuclear power are,
• These three stages feed into each other in such • Reduce Indian imports: Currently, India draws
a way that the spent fuel generated from one nearly 63% of its total energy generation from
stage of the cycle is reprocessed and used in thermal sources. Of this, nearly 55% is met
the next stage of the cycle to produce power. from coal and the rest from gas. The
• This kind of closed fuel cycle was designed to worrisome part of this configuration is that
breed fuel and to minimise the generation of India imports a significant part of its fossil
nuclear waste. fuels. For a large and rapidly developing
• Currently, there are 22 operational reactors in country, bulk fuel imports raise economic and
India with a total installed capacity of 6780 strategic vulnerabilities. Nuclear power can
MWe (Megawatts electric). avert such situations.
• The countries first two reactors at Tarapur, • Nuclear power’s low carbon footprint: The
Maharastra were imported. large-scale use of coal has severe
• But the 220 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water consequences for global warming and climate
Reactors (PHWRs) at Kalpakkam, Tamil change, which are critical issues besides air
Nadu was the first completely pollution that the planet faces today. If a
indigenous nuclear power plant. growing Indian economy continues to rely on

App: Mana La Excellence Ph: 7207955032(Offline)/ 7207955034 (Online) 7207955035 (Test Series)
Mana La Excellence Group 1 Mains Practice Questions

coal, carbon emissions are bound to rise. This ➢ So India needs to improve its grid connectivity
will impact national expenditure on domestic programs along with the development of
environmental and health measures. Nuclear Nuclear power.
energy, in this context, offers a meaningful • India should include all available energy
alternative. sources:
• Limitations attached to other renewable ➢ In 2018-19, India’s per capita electricity
energy sources: Renewable energy is consumption was at 1181 kWh.
environmental-friendly and a natural choice ➢ This is very low if one can compare it with
for India. But there are certain challenges countries like Canada (17179 kWh),
associated with it. Such as, the US (13338 kWh), China (3000 kWh).
➢ Firstly, solar and wind energy generation ➢ So, India needs to scale up electricity
is land-intensive. production to assure a reasonable quality of
➢ Secondly, nuclear plants have life for citizens. Such requirements make India
become completely indigenous. enhance every available energy source.
Whereas solar plants require imported
12. What do you understand by the word Ethanol
technology and materials such as photovoltaic
blending? Discuss the present Ethanol Blending
cells, batteries, and storage equipment, etc.
program in India.
➢ Thirdly, solar and wind power generation
needs energy storage systems. This makes Introduction:
them unsuitable as a baseload source of
Write briefly about current Statics related to the
electricity.
Ethanol Blending in India
➢ Demand supply gap: There is a huge gap
between energy demand and energy supply in Body:
India, due to its rapidly growing economy. So,
Mention the need for Ethanol Blending and
the energy shortages in India will continue
challenges Associated to that.
during the upcoming years. Focusing on
nuclear now will help India to tackle those Conclusion:
challenges.
As we progress towards higher blending of
Measures to be taken- ethanol, careful monitoring and assessment of
emissions changes will be needed to make sure
• Increase cleaner and sustainable sources: that emission reduction potential can be
➢ India is a developing nation and its economy is enhanced both for regulated and unregulated
dominated by the manufacturing and service pollutants.
sectors, which are energy-intensive.
➢ India also has to find a middle ground between Content:
economic development and environmental Ethanol blending programme in India:
sustainability, which requires it to change its
energy mix. • The Centre had “launched pilot projects in
➢ So, India should increase cleaner, sustainable, 2001 wherein 5 percent ethanol blended
and nuclear power sources to tackle future petrol was supplied to retail outlets”.
needs. • Success of field trials eventually paved the way
• India needs reliable power supplies: for the launching of the Ethanol Blended Petrol
➢ Nearly one-third of India’s population is still (EBP) Programme in January, 2003 for sale of 5
not connected to any of the country’s five percent ethanol blended petrol in nine States
electricity grids. and four UTs.
App: Mana La Excellence Ph: 7207955032(Offline)/ 7207955034 (Online) 7207955035 (Test Series)
Mana La Excellence Group 1 Mains Practice Questions

• Currently, 5 per cent of ethanol is blended with • Use of ethanol-blended petrol decreases
petrol in India. emissions such as carbon monoxide (CO),
• The government of India has advanced the hydrocarbons (HC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx),
target for 20 per cent ethanol blending in the expert committee noted. Higher
petrol (also called E20) to 2025 from 2030. E20 reductions in CO emissions were observed
will be rolled out from April 2023. with E20 fuel — 50 per cent lower in two-
• This will help India strengthen its energy wheelers and 30 per cent lower in four-
security, enable local enterprises and farmers wheelers.
to participate in the energy economy and • Spelling out the opportunity for India for
reduce vehicular emissions. embracing ethanol, the paper stresses that
“availability of large arable land, rising
Ethanol:
production of food grains and sugarcane
• Ethanol can be produced from sugarcane, leading to surpluses, availability of technology
maize, wheat, etc which are having high starch to produce ethanol from plant-based sources,
content. and feasibility of making vehicles compliant to
• In India, ethanol is mainly produced from ethanol blended petrol make E20 not only a
sugarcane molasses by fermentation process. national imperative, but also an important
• Ethanol can be mixed with gasoline to form strategic requirement”.
different blends. • In Europe, biofuels have been seen as a
• As the ethanol molecule contains oxygen, it measure to reduce emissions of greenhouse
allows the engine to more completely combust gases from road transport because they were
the fuel, resulting in fewer emissions and considered CO2-neutral fuels once lifecycle
thereby reducing the occurrence of emissions are considered.
environmental pollution. Challenges:
• Since ethanol is produced from plants that
harness the power of the sun, ethanol is also • Less Production:
considered as renewable fuel. ➢ Currently, domestic production of bioethanol
is not sufficient to meet the demand for bio-
Need for Ethanol blending in India: ethanol for blending with petrol at Indian
• Ethanol has become one of the major priorities OMCs.
of 21st Century India. ➢ Sugar mills, which are the key domestic
• Mixing 20 percent ethanol in petrol holds suppliers of bio-ethanol to OMCs, were able to
multiple attractions for India. supply only 57.6% of the total demand.
• First, it can potentially reduce the auto fuel ➢ Sugar mills do not have the financial stability to
import bill by a yearly $4 billion, or Rs30,000 invest in biofuel plants.
crore. ➢ There are also concerns among investors on
• Second, it also provides for farmers to earn the uncertainty on the price of bioethanol in
extra income if they grow produce that helps the future as the prices of both sugarcane and
in ethanol production. bio-ethanol are set by the central government.
• Third, and no less important, is the fact that • Compatible vehicles:
ethanol is less polluting than other fuels and, ➢ vehicles need to be produced with rubberised
per the NITI Aayog paper, “offers equivalent parts, plastic components and elastomers
efficiency at lower cost than petrol”. compatible with E20 and engines optimally
designed for use of E20 fuel”

App: Mana La Excellence Ph: 7207955032(Offline)/ 7207955034 (Online) 7207955035 (Test Series)
Mana La Excellence Group 1 Mains Practice Questions

➢ The NITI Aayog paper said that two-wheelers transportation, thus increasing the cost and risk
and passenger vehicles that are now being factor.
made in the country “are designed optimally
12. Discuss the major achievements of ICAR in
for E5 (5 percent ethanol blend with petrol)
Crop Science.
while rubber and plastic components are
“compatible with E10 fuel”. Introduction:
• Water Foot-print: Discuss the objectives of ICAR.
➢ While India has become one of the top
producers of ethanol but it lags top producers, Body:
the USA and Brazil, by a huge margin and Mention the list of achievements of ICAR in the
remains inefficient in terms of water usage. field of crop science.
➢ India’s water requirements for producing
ethanol are not met through rainwater and the Conclusion:
groundwater is used for drinking and other Write the way forward
purposes.
➢ Water footprint, that is water required to Content:
produce a liter of ethanol, includes rainwater The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
at the root zone used by ethanol-producing is an autonomous organisation under the
plants such as sugarcane, and surface, ground Department of Agricultural Research and
water, and fresh water required to wash away Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and
pollutants. Farmers Welfare , Government of India.
• Limited Sugarcane Availability:
➢ Sugarcane is another limited resource that Formerly known as Imperial Council of Agricultural
affects the ethanol blending in the country. Research, it was established on 16 July 1929 as a
➢ In order to achieve a 20% blend rate, almost registered society under the Societies Registration
one-tenth of the existing net sown area will Act, 1860 in pursuance of the report of the Royal
have to be diverted for sugarcane production. Commission on Agriculture.
Any such land requirement is likely to put a The ICAR has its headquarters at New Delhi. The
stress on other crops and has the potential to Council is the apex body for co-ordinating, guiding
increase food prices. and managing research and education in
➢ India’s biofuel policy stipulates that fuel agriculture including horticulture, fisheries and
requirements must not compete with food animal sciences in the entire country.
requirements and that only surplus food crops
Thrust Areas of ICAR in Crop Science-
should be used for fuel production, if at all.
• Lack of Alternatives: Harnessing conventional and modern scientific
➢ Producing ethanol from crop residue can be a knowledge, tools, and cutting-edge of science for
good alternative but the annual capacity of development of improved crop varieties/hybrids
bio-refinery is still not enough to meet the 5% suited to diverse agro-ecologies and situations,
petrol-ethanol blending requirement. and efficient, economic, eco-friendly and
➢ Other biofuels such as Jatropha have often sustainable crop production and protection
proven to be commercially unviable. technologies; promoting excellence in basic,
• Handling issues: strategic and anticipatory crop science research
Ethanol being a highly flammable liquid marks
obligatory safety and risk assessment measures
during all phases of production, storage and
App: Mana La Excellence Ph: 7207955032(Offline)/ 7207955034 (Online) 7207955035 (Test Series)
Mana La Excellence Group 1 Mains Practice Questions

Refinement of seed-production technologies and hybrids in quality protein maize (QPM) and baby
production of breeder seed with added emphasis corn for high nutritional value in addition to high
on hybrid cultivars yield
Employed genes for stress resistance and quality
in several crops from their wild relatives;
developed early and suitable plant types for new
niche areas and cropping systems in pulses and
other crops; evolved effective male sterility
systems for hybrid development in many crops

Conservation and sustainable use of genetic

resources of plants, insects and other
invertebrates, and agriculturally important
microorganisms
Providing knowledge-intensive advisory and
consultancy in crop-science
Achievements
Developed and released nearly 3,300 high-yielding
varieties/hybrids of field crops for different agro-
ecologies; facilitated verification and identification For the first time, successfully employed molecular
of technologies under the country-wide, marker assisted selection/pyramiding and
synergistic network of All India Co ordinated backcross transfer of 'xa13 , and 'Xa21 , genes from
Projects; these outputs ushered in the eras of IRBB 55 in the genetic background of Pusa Basmati
green and yellow revolutions in mid1960s and 1; thus developed bacterial blast resistant variety
mid-1990s, respectively; national average Improved Pusa Basmati 1
productivity raised by 2-4 folds in foodgrains,
Identified and isolated a gene conferring male
rapeseed-mustard and cotton since 1950-51
sterility in mustard that is useful for hybrid
development in other crops; developed a SCAR
marker for fertility restorer gene

First in the world to develop hybrids in grain pearl

millet and cotton in the 1970s; also developed
hybrids in other crops, including non-conventional
crops, such as castor, safflower, rice, pigeonpea
and rapeseed-mustard; developed single cross
App: Mana La Excellence Ph: 7207955032(Offline)/ 7207955034 (Online) 7207955035 (Test Series)
Mana La Excellence Group 1 Mains Practice Questions

Cloned and characterized a gene 'Pi-Kh' that including Interactive Kiosks for Basmati rice,
confers resistance to Blast disease; validated the cotton, mustard, chickpea and groundnut
gene in transgenic rice
Identification of novel Arabidopsis derived
promoter that drives constitutive expression of
foreign genes in transgenic plants
Isolated and cloned drought stress responsive
transcription factors 'TaCBF5' and 'TaCBF9' from
drought tolerant wheat variety C 306
Digitalized extant-notified varieties database using
Sequenced 6.7 million base pairs of long-arm of Indian Information System (INDUS) software;
chromosome 11 of rice in a major global effort developed DUS test parameters for 35 crops for
DNA fingerprinting in 33 major crops; Indian conditions.
fingerprinted 2215 released varieties and Doubled the seed production of improved
landraces. varieties in a year amounting to 606,000 quintals
during 2006-07 through a mega seed project; thus
enhanced the transfer of released varieties for
cultivation
13. Mention the list of useful plants and their
utility to mankind.
Introduction:
Mention the overall usage of plants to humans.
Conserved over 346,000 germplasm accessions of Body:
crops and their wild relatives at NBPGR, New
Delhi, and 2, 517 microorganism cultures (394 Mention the names of various useful and harmful
bacterial, 2, 077 fungal, 36 Actinomycetes and 10 plants and their utility.
yeast accessions) at NBAIM, Mau; digitalized Conclusion:
database of over 175,000 insect species at IARI,
New Delhi Content:

Established a mechanism of registration and Plants provide us with food, fiber, shelter,
documentation of potentially valuable plant medicine, and fuel. The basic food for all
germplasm at NBPGR, New Delhi; registered 482 organisms is produced by green plants. In the
accessions belonging to 77 plant species process of food production, oxygen is released.
This oxygen, which we obtain from the air we
Developed the bioinsecticide strain DOR Bt-l, breathe, is essential to life.
registered and commercialized its formulation
KNOCK W.P. along with a low-cost mass Here we have a list of scientific names of the
multiplication methodology for integrated common plants –
management of semilooper caterpillar in a Common Names Scientific Names
number of crops; developed endosulfan-tolerant
strain of Trichogramma chilonis (Endograma); Apple Pyrus malus
deployed Pest Management Information System Bamboo Bamboosa aridinarifolia

App: Mana La Excellence Ph: 7207955032(Offline)/ 7207955034 (Online) 7207955035 (Test Series)
Mana La Excellence Group 1 Mains Practice Questions

Banana Musa paradisicum Plants are essential for human nutrition.

Banyan Ficus benghalensis Numerous plants and trees on this planet provide
Barley Hordeum vulgare us with vegetables, fruits, seeds, species, essence,
Black Gram Palsoes Mungo edible oils, beverages, and other food products.
Black Pepper Piper nigrum Plants and Medicines
Brinjal Solanum melongena
Capsicum Capsicum fruitscence Plants are a great source of medicine. According to
modern history, many life-threatening diseases
Carrot Daucas carota
were cured by preparing pastes from roots, herbs,
Cashew nut Anacardium occidentale
barks, and different plants’ leaves. Aspirin,
Clove Syzygium aromaticum
sandalwood, basil leaves, clove oil, and cinchona
Cotton Gossypium herbaceum
are a few examples of medicinal plants used even
Cucumber Cucumis sativas
today in many pharmaceutical industries.
Curry leaf Murraya koenigii
Drumstick Moringa oleifera Plants and Industries
Garlic Allium sativum Besides food and medicines, plants and trees play
Ginger Zingiber officinale an essential role in industries. Many raw materials
Guava Psidium guava are obtained by plants and giant trees used to
Lemon Citrus Limonium produce various industrial products, including
Mango Mangifera indica paper, spices, cosmetics, pencils, rubber,
Mint Mentha arvensis furniture, and other household products.
Money Plant, Epipremnum aureum Perfumes and other essential oils are extracted
Devil’s Ivy from different parts of a flower and seeds.
Neem Azadhirachta indica
Plants and Health
Onion Allium cepa
Orange Citrus aurantium ➢ Plants benefit us by reducing both
Pea Pisum sativam physiological and psychological stress, such as:
Peepal Ficus religiosa Linn. ➢ Improves mood
Pineapple Ananus sativus ➢ Boosts air quality
Potato Solanum tubersum ➢ Decreases risk of illness
➢ Encourages healthy eating
Radish Raphanus sativus
➢ Relieves stress and anxiety.
Rice Oryza sativa
Rose Rosa Other importance of plants include:
Sandalwood Santalum album
➢ Plants help with soil quality
Spinach Spinacia oleracea
➢ Spices and herbs are employed in flavouring
Tobacco Nicotina tobaccum
foods and beverages.
Tomato Lycopersican esculentum ➢ Planting trees helps fight climate change and
Tulsi Ocimum sanctum mitigate its consequences
Turmeric Curcuma longa ➢ Vegetation plays a dominant role in the earth’s
Watermelon Citrullus vulgaris water cycle by preventing soil erosion and
Wheat Triticum Aestivum increasing groundwater levels.
➢ Plants also provide habitat for insects, birds,
Plants and Food monkeys and other small animals.

App: Mana La Excellence Ph: 7207955032(Offline)/ 7207955034 (Online) 7207955035 (Test Series)
Mana La Excellence Group 1 Mains Practice Questions

➢ Bioindicators are living organisms such as • Biotechnology sector is one sector which
plants that are used for assessing touches the lives of common people deeply as
environmental health and biogeographic it connects to important sectors such as
changes taking place in the environment. healthcare, agriculture, startup ecosystem etc.
➢ Plants play a vital role in recycling matter in • There is a need to support the development of
biogeochemical cycles. the sector by providing funds and encouraging
➢ Cotton, jute, coir, hemp and flax are the private investment.
different sources of plant fibres. • The government cannot be expected to be the
➢ During the process of photosynthesis, plants source of all funding, especially during the
produce oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide. pandemic-induced stress in the economy.
➢ Many edible trees provide us with gum,
Content:
rubber, paper, and other raw materials used to
make paper. • India’s bio-economy has grown eight times in
➢ Plants also maintain the ozone layer and help the last eight years and that the demand is on
save the earth’s life from damaging UV the rise in the country.
radiation. • India has grown from $10 billion to $80 billion.
➢ Plants also yield condiments like pepper, • Realising the importance of biotechnology,
ginger, cardamom, turmeric, cloves, the Indian government created the
cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, etc. Department of Biotechnology in the early 90s,
➢ There are a few plant species that provide to make India a powerhouse with respect to
dyes. These dyes are secreted from the roots, the Biotechnology industry.
bark, leaves, fruit or wood of indigo, henna, • The educational institutions were also
and turmeric plants. strengthened to cater to the increasing use of
➢ Plants also provide us with some refreshing biotechnology in many important walks of life.
and stimulating beverages. This includes • There are five big reasons why India is being
leaves of the tea plant, seeds of coffee and considered a land of opportunities in the field
cocoa plants. of the biotechnology—
➢ Sunflower oil, groundnut oil, olive oil, mustard ➢ diverse population and diverse climatic
oil, almond oil, coconut oil, etc., are different zones,
types of oil extracted from oilseeds and fleshy ➢ India’s talented human capital pool,
fruits. ➢ increasing efforts for ease of doing
1.India’s bio-economy has grown eight times in business in India,
the last eight years and that the demand for ➢ the demand for bio-products is
biotechnology in the country is on the rise. increasing continuously in India and
Explain the need for Biotechnology sector for the ➢ India’s biotech sector and its track
economic growth in India? record of success.
• Biotechnology sector is considered a sunshine
Introduction:
sector of Indian economy.
Discuss the facts on bio-economy in India • It contributes almost 3% to the Indian
GDP and has cascading effects on the different
Body:
sectors of the economy.
Discuss various application areas of • It can contribute to the growth of the Indian
biotechnology. economy and help meet the government’s
stated goal of $5 trillion economy by 2024.
Conclusion:
App: Mana La Excellence Ph: 7207955032(Offline)/ 7207955034 (Online) 7207955035 (Test Series)
Mana La Excellence Group 1 Mains Practice Questions

• In the last eight years, the number of startups ➢ The biotechnology industry is a part of the
in our country has increased from a few knowledge economy which is relatively easy to
hundred to 70,000 in 60 different industries. In scale up, especially for India.
this more than 5,000 startups are associated ➢ since we have a huge human resource base in
with biotechnology. the form of demographic dividend.
• The number of investors in the biotechnology • Sustainability:
sector has risen by nine times and biotech ➢ Biotechnology sector has the potential to help
incubators and funding for them have in utilising the resources in a more efficient
increased by seven times. manner by modifying the present inputs.
• The number of biotech incubators has ➢ For e.g. improved seeds have the capacity to
increased from six in 2014 to 75 now. provide better yields in the same unit area,
• Biotech products have increased from 10 leading to better utilisation of already scarce
products to more than 700. geographical area.
• The developments in health, agriculture, ➢ At the same time, it is helping in creating tools
energy, natural farming, bio fortified seeds are for a better environment in the form of low
creating new avenues for the sector. wastage products, waste to sanitation as well
as cleaning technology like oil zapper.
Need for Biotechnology Sector: • Self-Reliance:
• Foundation stone for different sectors: ➢ India’s prowess in the biotechnology sector is
Biotechnology sector contributes to the also helpful in decreasing independence on
development of different sectors like: technologically advanced products created in
➢ Agri-tech: Advances in biotechnology directly more advanced western countries.
contribute to the development of agriculture, ➢ For e.g., despite India’s dependence on foreign
as biotechnology provides more advanced companies for the initiation of Genetically
inputs to agriculture in the form of drought- Modified crops, now the capacity has been
resistant crops, higher yield seeds, etc. created in the Indian research ecosystem to
➢ Clean-tech: Scientists have discovered and develop new varieties of crops, which are
enhanced various forms of micro-organisms, better suited to Indian conditions.
which contribute to waste management. For • Investment Destination:
e.g. Oil zapper technology uses bacteria to ➢ Biotechnology is a sunshine sector and holds a
clean up oil spills. lot of potential going forward.
➢ Health-tech: Biotech contributes to healthcare ➢ This makes it a fertile sector for foreign
in the form of genetics and bio-informatics investment.
which can be utilised for fighting genetic and ➢ Therefore, it is important to facilitate the
other diseases with the help of modified industry, if India needs another avenue for
micro-organisms. foreign investment.
➢ Industrial biotech: The commercial uses of the • Employment Creation:
biotechnology include usage of different ➢ Biotechnology sector is a base sector for the
micro-organisms to produce commercially improvement of agriculture.
viable products. For e.g. probiotic curd is ➢ This is critical especially in the context of India
considered advantageous for the body as it as nearly two-thirds of the Indian population is
contains different type of beneficial still dependent on the agriculture sector.
organisms. ➢ For e.g., GM crops hold the potential to
• Knowledge Economy: increase the yields of the crops.

App: Mana La Excellence Ph: 7207955032(Offline)/ 7207955034 (Online) 7207955035 (Test Series)
Mana La Excellence Group 1 Mains Practice Questions

➢ However, there is a need for a complete study interspaced palindromic repeat (CRISPR)”
into the sustainability of GM crops and their associated proteins based systems.
long term effects on the environment, before • This system allows for targeted intervention at
giving final approval to them. the genome sequence.
• This tool has opened up various possibilities in
14. The Centre has paved the way for easy plant breeding.
introduction of genome edited crops. What is • Using this tool, agricultural scientists can now
genome editing and how is it different from edit genome to insert specific traits in the gene
genetically modified crops? sequence.
• Depending on the nature of the edit that is
Introduction:
carried out, the process is divided into three
Write briefly about Genome Edited crop. categories — SDN 1, SDN 2 and SDN 3.
➢ SDN1 introduces changes in the host genome’s
Body:
DNA through small insertions/deletions
Mention how genome editing different from without introduction of foreign genetic
Genetically Modified Organisms material.
➢ In the case of SDN 2, the edit involves using a
Mention the Regulatory issues which have
small DNA template to generate specific
prevented wider adoption of this techniques.
changes.
Conclusion: ➢ Both these processes do not involve alien
genetic material and the end result is
• In the face of new technological advancements
indistinguishable from conventionally bred
such as Genome Technology, the regulatory
crop varieties.
regime needs to be strengthened as well as
➢ On the other hand, SDN3 process involves
rationalised, for the sake of domestic as well as
larger DNA elements or full length genes of
export consumers.
foreign origin which makes it similar to
• Technology approvals must be streamlined, Genetically modified organisms (GMO)
and science-based decisions implemented. development.
• Rigorous monitoring is needed to ensure that
safety protocols are followed strictly, and Gene editing different from GMO development:
enforcement must be taken seriously to
• Genetically modified organisms (GMO)
prevent the spread of illegal GM crops. involves modification of the genetic material
Content: of the host by introduction of a foreign genetic
material.
• The central government paved the way for
• For example, in case of cotton, introduction of
easy introduction of genome edited crops. genes cry1Ac and cry2Ab mined from the soil
• A technique which allowed to ‘cut’ DNA bacterium Bacillus Thuringiensis (BT) allow the
strands and edit genes to bring about desired native cotton plant to generate endotoxins to
changes in the genome by using site directed fight pink bollworm naturally. BT Cotton uses
nuclease (SDN) or sequence specific nuclease this advantage to help farmers naturally fight
(SSN). Nuclease is an enzyme which cleaves pink bollworm which is the most common pest
through nucleic acid which is the building block for cotton farmers.
of genetic material. • The basic difference between genome editing
• Advanced research has allowed to develop the and genetic engineering is that while the
highly effective “clustered regularly
App: Mana La Excellence Ph: 7207955032(Offline)/ 7207955034 (Online) 7207955035 (Test Series)
Mana La Excellence Group 1 Mains Practice Questions

former does not involve the introduction of Conclusion:

foreign genetic material, the latter does.
While making a national strategy India should
• In the case of agriculture, both the techniques
consider following Principles such as:
aim to generate variants which are better
yielding and more resistant to biotic and • The precautionary principle of international
abiotic stress. law.
• Genetic engineering has greater control on • State sovereignty and prevention of
trait development of desired crop. transboundary harm.
• State responsibility and Environment Impact
Regulatory issues which have prevented wider
Assessment.
adoption of this technique:
• Principles of access to information, public
• GM crop has been a topic of debate, with many participation and access to justice.
environmentalists opposing it on the grounds • People’s right to self-determination and free
of bio safety and incomplete data. prior informed consent.
• In India, the introduction of GM crops is a time • Sustainable development and inter-
taking process which involves multiple levels generational equity.
of checks.
Content:
• The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee
(GEAC), is the regulator for introduction of any • Department of Biotechnology has stressed the
GM material and in case of agriculture multiple need for a national policy that can consolidate
field trials, data about biosafety and other India’s stand on the issue.
information is necessary for getting the nod • Synthetic biology refers to the science of using
before commercial release of any GM crop. genetic sequencing, editing, and modification
• Till date the only crop which has crossed the to create unnatural organisms or organic
regulatory red tape is Bt cotton. molecules that can function in living systems.
• Scientists both in India and across the world • Synthetic biology enables scientists to design
have been quick to draw the line between GM and synthesis new sequences of DNA from
crops and genome edited crops. scratch.
• The genome edited crops have no foreign • Synthetic biology has applications in various
genetic material in them which makes them fields from developing synthetic organisms for
indistinguishable from traditional hybrids. vaccination to creating natural products in a
• The variants developed through SDN1 and lab such as vanillin, the organic compound
SDN2 techniques do not have any alien DNA extracted from vanilla seeds, which can now
and as such can be treated as other hybrids. be grown in yeasts with additional plant
genomes.
15. A National Policy is needed for synthetic
• In the pharmaceutical industry, synthetic
biology, Discuss.
biology can be used to make natural
Introduction: compounds such as artemisinin used for the
treatment of malaria and Car T cell therapy
Write briefly about Synthetic biology
for cancer treatment.
Body: • It is starting to be used in the fashion industry
Why policy is needed? as well; some companies are exploring the
possibility of dyeing jeans without producing
Mention the application of synthetic biology and hazardous waste.
potential negative impact of it.
App: Mana La Excellence Ph: 7207955032(Offline)/ 7207955034 (Online) 7207955035 (Test Series)
Mana La Excellence Group 1 Mains Practice Questions

• Then there are companies using it to deliver ➢ Misuse of these technologies and a
fixed nitrogen to plants instead of using failure to account for unintended
fertilisers, engineering microbes to create food consequences could cause irreversible
additives or brew proteins. environmental damage.
• Currently, approvals for such crops come from • Do-It-Yourself Biology:
the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee ➢ It’s a movement of “citizen scientists”
(GEAC) under the Department of interested in synthetic biology
Biotechnology. experiments that has become an
international phenomenon over the last
Applications of Synthetic Biology:
decade.
• Standardised Biological Parts: identify and ➢ Often with little prior knowledge of the
categorise standardised genomic parts that field, enthusiasts meet in makeshift labs to
can be used (and synthesised quickly) to build take crash courses in biotechnology and
new biological systems. conduct hands-on experiments.
• Applied Protein Design: Redesign existing • Ethical Concerns: Many of the ethical
biological parts and expand the set of natural questions relevant to synthetic biology are
protein functions for new processes. similar to ethical discussions related to
For eg: Modified rice to produce beta- genome editing like:
carotene (a nutrient usually associated with ➢ Are humans crossing moral boundaries by
carrots), that prevents Vitamin A deficiency. redesigning organisms with synthetic
• Natural Product Synthesis: Engineer microbes biology techniques?
to produce all of the necessary enzymes and ➢ If synthetic biology yields new treatments
biological functions to perform complex and cures for diseases, who in our society
multistep production of natural products. will have access to them?
For e.g, Microorganisms harnessed 16. Mention the potential application of
for bioremediation (use of living Biotechnology in the conservation of
microorganisms to degrade environmental Environment.
contaminants into less toxic forms) to clean
Introduction:
pollutants from water, soil and air.
• Synthetic Genomics:Design and construct a Write briefly about biotechnology and its
‘simple’ genome for a natural bacterium. importance
For e.g, Yeast engineered to produce rose oil
Body:
as an eco-friendly and sustainable substitute
for real roses that perfumers use to make Mention the application of biotechnology in
luxury scents. Environment.

Potential Negative Impacts of Synthetic Biology: Conclusion:

• Negative Environmental Health: • It can be concluded that the application of

➢ The intentional or accidental release of biotechnology in the field of environment is
genetically engineered organisms into immense.
the environment could have significant • The application of biotechnology helps to
negative impacts on both human and reduce or solve the problems related to the
environmental health. environment and thus cleans the ecosystem
for living organisms.

App: Mana La Excellence Ph: 7207955032(Offline)/ 7207955034 (Online) 7207955035 (Test Series)
Mana La Excellence Group 1 Mains Practice Questions

• The main goal of Environmental Biotechnology • The utilization of Environmental

is to protect the natural ecosystem like land, Biotechnology can be seen at domestic,
water, air, soil and sediments. industrial and space level programs
• Because of industrialization, urbanization and • According to the current status of the nation,
anthropogenic activities, the environment is it can be stated that clean energy is the need
facing different issues like depletion of natural of the hour and can be used as an alternative
resources, pollution of natural bodies, etc.; by way to exhaustible sources of energy
applying the applications of biotechnology, • One of the pioneer examples of green energy
these problems can be effectively and is the waste collected from the organic and
efficiently solved. biomass wastes, which is processed to produce
clean energy
Content:
• Every country is opting for biomass energy as
• The use of Biotechnology for solving it is less harmful to the environment.
environmental problems and ecosystems is
Bioremediation
known as Environmental Biotechnology
• It is applied to study the natural environment • Bioremediation – is a process that uses mainly
and natural habitat of living organisms microorganisms, plants, or microbial or plant
• According to the International Society for enzymes to detoxify contaminants in the soil
Environment Biotechnology (ISEB), and other environments.
environmental biotechnology is defined as the • Vital microbes such as bacteria break the
development, use and regulation of biological complex dead organisms into useful organic
systems such as cells, cell compartment, matter and nutrients. But according to the
enzymes, for remediation of contaminated researchers, there are some contaminants
environments (land, water, air, and that cannot be degraded from the
sediments), and for environment-friendly environment by the process of
processes (green manufacturing technologies bioremediation. E.g.- Lead (Pb) and Cadmium
and sustainable environment) (Cd) cannot be decomposed by the
• Biotechnology can be used to tackle microorganisms
environmental issues like deforestation and air • The process of bioremediation occurs
pollution aerobically and anaerobically. In the aerobic
• Biotechnology can help in finding out the level condition, there is the requirement of oxygen
of Particulate Matter 2.5 in the air to perform the process. Ample amount of
• Biotechnology is already providing a clean and oxygen acts on contaminants and toxins and
renewable alternative to traditional fossil hence yields water, and carbon. In case of
fuels, the burning of which contributes to anaerobic conditions, there is no requirement
global warming. of oxygen and the microbes work with the
• The benefit of environmental biotechnology chemical compounds present in the soil to
helps us to avoid the use of hazardous decompose the contaminants
pollutants and wastes that affect the natural • Bioremediation is utilized to tidy up oil slicks or
resources and the environment. polluted groundwater. For, e.g., the Oil zapper
(formulated by TERI) benefits from
Bioenergy
hydrocarbon intensifies present in unrefined
• Biogas, biomass, fills, and hydrogen constitute petroleum and slick muck (a dangerous
the source for bioenergy hydrocarbon squander produced by

App: Mana La Excellence Ph: 7207955032(Offline)/ 7207955034 (Online) 7207955035 (Test Series)
Mana La Excellence Group 1 Mains Practice Questions

petroleum treatment facilities) and converts • Biosensors are capable of detecting extremely
them into innocuous CO2 and water. low levels of proteins, hormones, pollutants,
gases, and other molecules.
Following are the types of bioremediations:
Biotransformation
• Biotransformation: It is a process of
bioremediation in which a complex compound • The changes in the biology of the environment,
is converted to non-toxic form. This process which are changes of the complex compound
mainly refers to pharmacologic activity, mainly from simple non-toxic to toxic, is called the
drugs and xenobiotic biotransformation process
• Phytoremediation: The term Phyto meaning • It is used in the Manufacturing sector where
plant and remedial meaning restoring balance. poisonous substances are converted to by-
In this process of phytoremediation, green products
plants and microorganisms are used to
Biomarkers:
decrease the contaminated soils, sludge’s,
sediments, ground and surface water • It is an application of biotechnology in the
• Microbial Remediation: In this process of environment that responds to the chemicals
microbial remediation, microorganisms are to Measure the effect of pollution caused.
used to degrade organic contaminants. The • Biomarker is also an application of
process of microbial remediation can be environmental biotechnology by measuring
aerobic or anaerobic levels of chemicals or toxic or pollution that
• Molecular Ecology: this process is associated damages the environment.
with evolutionary biology by applying different • It is a major tool to create a link between the
methods like population genetics, oils and its sources.
phylogenetic, etc. DNA fingerprinting is used
17. Examine the role of biotechnology in
to understand the aspects of nature. This
achieving food security in India. What are various
technique is also used to study the population
challenges faced by biotechnology sector in
diversity of wild animals, especially the
India?
footprints of cheetah and polar bears
• Myco-remediation: In this process of Introduction:
bioremediation, fungi are used for
Write briefly about Food Security
decontamination. Myco-remediation is so
called as there is use of fungal-mycelia in the Body:
process of bioremediation. In an ecosystem,
Mention the role of biotechnology in achieving
fungus breaks down the organic substances
food security in India and associated challenges to
into smaller and simplest forms. Fungal
it.
mycelia produce extracellular enzymes and
acids which help in the breakdown of lignin Conclusion:
and cellulose.
• Population pressure has already begun to
Biosensors: affect the environment in large parts of the
developing world.
• It combines a biological component (such as an
• Because of intensive land use and widespread
enzyme) with various electronic components
biomass shortage, cultivated soils are being
to trigger a circuit when a particular type of
depleted of essential nutrients and organic
chemical is detected.
matter.

App: Mana La Excellence Ph: 7207955032(Offline)/ 7207955034 (Online) 7207955035 (Test Series)
Mana La Excellence Group 1 Mains Practice Questions

• Fisheries, livestock and forestry resources are information on genes responsible for
also under increasing strain. important agronomic traits. Gene information
• Biotechnology is the one of the important way can be used to accelerate breeding
out for this. programmes and develop high-yielding and
better varieties faster.
Content:
• For example, the International Crops Research
• Food insecurity is one of the most pressing Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT),
problems today, creating directly or indirectly have developed improved lines of chickpea
several other challenges. (tolerant to drought), groundnut (resistant to
• The challenge of nutritiously feeding the foliar disease), pearl millet (having high iron
skyrocketing population will be even more and zinc contents) and sorghum (tolerant to
severe in coming times. drought).
• For instance, the National Institute of Nutrition • We have already seen the success of Bt cotton
highlights that majority (two-thirds) of the in our country, as India from being an importer
states have a high percentage of malnourished a few years ago has now become a major
children and high level of wasting. exporter. The other potential GM crop to help
• This is mainly because of the non- the farming community is GM mustard.
availability/non-accessibility of/to enough • Biotech crops can play a significant role in food
amounts of proteins and micronutrients for security, giving farmers satisfaction about their
pregnant women and children under the age benefits and high adoption rates. Biotech
of five. crops helped alleviate poverty by helping 18
• The recently released Global Hunger Index also million small farmers and their families,
highlights that the situation is serious for India. totaling 65 million people.
• The spectrum of potential benefits from the
Food security has three dimensions: application of genetic engineering and
• Availability of sufficient quantities of food of biotechnology to food crops in developing
appropriate quality, supplied through countries ranges from diagnostic aids, for
domestic production or imports. example in plant diseases, through to gene
• Access by households and individuals to mapping.
appropriate foods for a nutritious diet. • The main objective of research and
• Optimal uptake of nourishment thanks to a development for food security is to find
sustaining diet, clean water and adequate improved seed varieties, that enable reliable
sanitation, together with health care. high yields at the same or lower tillage costs
through qualities such as resistance to or
Securing food security with biotechnology: tolerance of plant diseases (fungi, bacteria,
• There are a range of biotechnological viruses) and animal pests (insects, mites,
approaches, including both traditional ones nematodes) as well as to stress factors such as
like selective breeding and fermentation climatic variation or aridity, poor soil quality.
techniques, and modern ones such as • Equally important objectives are the transfer
genomics, molecular breeding and genetic of genes with nitrogen-fixing capacity onto
engineering, that can contribute towards grains, and the improvement of food quality by
achieving food and nutrition security. overcoming vitamin or mineral deficiencies. All
• In the current era, advances in genomics these crucial and basic needed expectations
sciences have equipped scientists to decode can be satisfied with the use of biotechnology.
genomes for any crop species and we can get
App: Mana La Excellence Ph: 7207955032(Offline)/ 7207955034 (Online) 7207955035 (Test Series)
Mana La Excellence Group 1 Mains Practice Questions

Challenges faced by Biotechnology sector: 18. Discuss the Biotechnology applications in

Agriculture and Allied sectors.
• Biotechnology research often requires access
to laboratories with high-end scientific Introduction:
infrastructure, the supply of expensive
Write briefly about Biotechnology and its
chemicals and reagents with minimum
importance.
shipping time between the supplier and the
user, and a disciplined work culture and Body:
documentation practice due to regulatory and
Mention the applications of Biotechnology in
intellectual property filing requirement.
Agriculture and Allied sectors
• Compared to the developed economies (the
United States), biotechnology research in India Conclusion:
is mainly funded by the public exchequer.
• The benefits of biotechnology are especially
Unless the private sector starts supporting
meaningful at a time when our global
applied research and engages with academic
population is growing and our demand for
institutions, the innovation in applied and
food is increasing, mainly in developing
translational biotechnology will be minimal.
countries.
• Companies have not been able to launch new
• However, it should be kept in mind that the
products at a significant pace because of
long-term consequences of the genetic
bureaucratic red-tape and multiple regulatory
modification are still unknown so the
bodies.
technology should be used cautiously.
• Innovative companies face funding constraints
since the investors have shied away from Content:
early-stage ventures.
• Biotechnology is the field that exploits living
• Another issue is the lack of trained manpower. organisms to make technological advances in
While India has a considerable number of various fields for the sustainable development
graduates and postgraduates in biotechnology of mankind.
and related fields, they are not employable.
• Biotechnology is the use of an organism, or a
Thus companies have to invest heavily in their
component of an organism or other biological
training before incorporating them into the
system, to make a product or process for a
business.
specific use.
• Lack of manufacturing capacity. Several
• With the development of genetic engineering
biotech parks (established through PPPs) are
in the 1970s, research in biotechnology
solely focused on providing biotech services
developed rapidly because of the new
and diagnostics rather than pure biotech
possibility to make changes in the organisms’
manufacturing.
genetic material (DNA).
• Low wages of scientists (compared to the
• Biotechnology deals with industrial scale
developed economies) and a few institutional
production of biopharmaceuticals and
research bases have not helped create more
biologicals using genetically modified
jobs in biotechnology.
microbes, fungi, plants and animals.
• Genetic Engineering techniques to alter the
chemistry of genetic material to introduce into
host organism and thus change the phenotype
of organism.

App: Mana La Excellence Ph: 7207955032(Offline)/ 7207955034 (Online) 7207955035 (Test Series)
Mana La Excellence Group 1 Mains Practice Questions

• The genotype is a set of genes in DNA These include Artificial insemination (AI),
responsible for unique traits or characteristics Embryo transfer (ET), In-vitro fertilization (IVF),
while the phenotype is the physical Somatic cell nuclear transfer, and the
appearance or characteristic of an organism. emerging technology on somatic cell nuclear
transfer.
Application of biotechnology in Agriculture:
• Artificial insemination is the deliberate
• Biotechnology has played a major role in introduction of sperm into a female’s cervix or
agriculture by altering genes, studying and uterine cavity for the purpose of achieving a
cloning various crops in order to provide better pregnancy through in vivo fertilization by
quality products of foods ultimately improving means other than sexual intercourse or
our lives. invitro-fertilisation.
• Hybrid Seeds, Artificial Seeds, Photosynthesis • Embryo transplantation, used with cattle,
improver, Stress resistant crops and plants, Bio goats, pigs, and sheep, aims to increase the
fertilizers, Bio-pesticides are some of the number of offspring from a quality female.
potential applications. • Cloning embryos to artificially produce genetic
• Potential advantages that biotechnology can duplicates of an animal has also become
confer across a wide range of agricultural possible.
applications are in areas such as livestock • Direct manipulation and alteration of an
management, storage of agricultural products animal’s genetic material— genetic
and sustaining current crop yields, while engineering—has the potential to produce
reducing the use of fertilizers, herbicides and even more drastic changes in animal breeding.
pesticides. It is believed that genetically altered pigs may
• Biotechnology offers a very promising one day be able to provide compatible organs
alternative to synthetic foods and an for emergency transplantation
improvement on conventional plant-breeding (xenotransplantation) into humans.
technologies. Combined with other advanced
Application of Biotechnology in Food Processing:
agricultural technologies, it offers an exciting
and environmentally responsible way to meet • Modern Biotechnology is helpful in enhancing
consumer demand for sustainable agriculture. taste, yield, shell life and nutritive values. This
is also useful in food processing (fermentation
Application of biotechnology in Animal
and enzyme involving processes). So
Husbandry:
Biotechnology is beneficial in erasing hunger,
• The application of biotechnology in this area, malnutrition and diseases from developing
in increasing production efficiency through countries and third word.
manipulation and control of physiological • Modern biotechnology products are
systems and improving the health and well- commercially reasonable hence it can improve
being of animals, assumes great significance. agriculture as well as food industry that will
• Biotechnology is being harnessed in various result in raise in income of poor farmers.
aspects of the livestock industry to hasten • Biotechnology has a major application in the
breed development for improved animal food sector.
health and welfare, enhanced reproduction, • Bread, cheese, wine, beer, yogurt, and vinegar
and improved nutritional quality and safety of are all made by culturing microorganisms and
animal-derived foods. are really the oldest products of
• Various biotechnology methods are used biotechnology.
in improving the breeding stock of animals.
App: Mana La Excellence Ph: 7207955032(Offline)/ 7207955034 (Online) 7207955035 (Test Series)
Mana La Excellence Group 1 Mains Practice Questions

• It helps in improving the edibility, texture, and • These stakeholders must appreciate that the
storage of the food; in preventing the attack of only way to postpone resistance is through
the food, mainly dairy, by the virus like improved hygiene and vaccinations.
bacteriophage. • Increasing public awareness and
• Biotechnologists are also developing tests that understanding is therefore the most crucial
will allow the detection of food-contaminating pillar towards tackling antimicrobial
microorganisms and the toxins they produce, resistance.
which may be present only in minute • AMR is an increasingly serious threat to the
quantities. global public health that requires action across
• Biotechnology also has applications in all government sectors and societies.
the detection of mutagens (substances that
Content:
cause genetic mutations) in individual food
products. Antimicrobial Resistance:
• GM crops which have been approved for use in
food items in select countries include corn, • Antimicrobial resistance is the resistance
maize, soya, tomato, potato and papaya. acquired by any microorganism (bacteria,
• Latest innovations in biotechnology viruses, fungi, parasite, etc.) against
that fortify major staples with micro nutrients antimicrobial drugs (such as antibiotics,
like vitamin A, zinc and iron can be game antifungals, antivirals, antimalarials, and
changers for hunger problem in India. anthelmintics) that are used to treat
infections.
19. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), is now a • As a result, standard treatments become
leading cause of death worldwide, higher than ineffective, infections persist and may spread
HIV/AIDS or malaria. Analyze. to others.
Introduction: • Microorganisms that develop antimicrobial
resistance are sometimes referred to as
Write briefly about antimicrobial resistance “superbugs”.
(AMR). • The World Health Organization (WHO) has
Body: identified AMR as one of the top ten threats to
global health.
Mention the data and causes on why antimicrobial • A comprehensive estimate of the global
resistance (AMR) is the leading cause of deaths impact of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has
worldwide. found that 1.27 million people died in 2019 as
Conclusion: a direct result of AMR, which is now a leading
cause of death worldwide, higher than
• A multi-stakeholder approach, involving HIV/AIDS or malaria.
private industry, philanthropic groups and The analysis: Global Research on Antimicrobial
citizen activists is needed. Resistance (GRAM) report:
• Private pharmaceutical industries must take it
upon themselves to distribute drugs in a • The Global Research on Antimicrobial
responsible manner. Resistance (GRAM) report used statistical
• Philanthropic charities must fund the modelling to estimate deaths linked to 23
development of new antibiotics, while citizen pathogens and 88 pathogen-drug
activists must drive awareness. combinations.

App: Mana La Excellence Ph: 7207955032(Offline)/ 7207955034 (Online) 7207955035 (Test Series)
Mana La Excellence Group 1 Mains Practice Questions

• Apart from 7 lakh deaths caused directly by with pneumonia accounting for almost 25 % of
AMR (these would not have occurred had the all child deaths.
infections been drug-susceptible), • The mortality from infectious diseases in India
another 49.5 lakh deaths were associated with today is 417 per 1,00,000 persons.
AMR (a drug-resistant infection was • The Food Safety and Standards Authority of
implicated, but resistance itself may or may India (FSSAI) banned the use of antibiotics in
not have been the direct cause of death). agriculture and allied sector.
• HIV/AIDS and malaria were estimated to have • There is no regulation in the poultry
caused 8.6 lakh and 6.4 lakh deaths industry where antibiotics added to food of
respectively in 2019. animals and feed them for profit.
• Of the 23 pathogens studied, drug resistance
Reasons for Spread of AMR:
in six (E coli, S aureus, K pneumoniae, S
pneumoniae, A baumannii, and P aeruginosa)
• The misuse of antimicrobials in medicine and
led directly to 9.29 lakh deaths and was
inappropriate use in agriculture.
associated with 3.57 million.
• Contamination around pharmaceutical
• One pathogen-drug combination – methicillin-
manufacturing sites where untreated waste
resistant S aureus, or MRSA – directly caused
releases large amounts of active antimicrobials
more than 1 lakh deaths.
into the environment.
• Resistance to two classes of antibiotics often
• Overuse, misuse, and improper use (e.g.,
considered the first line of defence against
taking antibiotics to treat viral diseases!) of
severe infections – fluoroquinolones and beta-
antimicrobials.
lactam antibiotics – accounted for more than
• Greater access to over-the-counter antibiotic
70% of deaths caused by AMR.
drugs in developing countries.
Antimicrobial Resistance in India: • Using broad-spectrum antibiotics over
narrow-spectrum antibiotics (targeting
• India is among the nations with the highest specific microbes only).
burden of bacterial infections. • Dumping of inadequately treated
• India, with its combination of large population, effluents from the pharmaceutical industry.
rising incomes that facilitate purchase of • Antibiotic use in livestock feed at low doses for
antibiotics, high burden of infectious diseases growth promotion is industrialized countries.
and easy over-the-counter access to • Poor sanitation and hygiene that forces the
antibiotics, is an important cause for the extended use of antimicrobials.
generation of resistance genes (such genes
help bacteria in surviving on being exposed to
antibiotics). 20. Global Health Estimates (GHE) released by
• In India, over 56,000 newborn deaths each World Health Organization estimates that all
year due to sepsis are caused by organisms non-communicable diseases together accounted
that are resistant to first line antibiotics. for 74% of deaths globally in 2019. Discuss.
• A study reported by ICMR (Indian Council of
Introduction:
Medical Research) from 10 hospitals showed
that when Covid patients acquire drug- Write briefly about the GHE findings released by
resistant infections in hospitals, the WHO.
mortality(death) is almost 50-60%.
Body:
• An estimated 4,10,000 children aged five or
less die from pneumonia in India annually;
App: Mana La Excellence Ph: 7207955032(Offline)/ 7207955034 (Online) 7207955035 (Test Series)
Mana La Excellence Group 1 Mains Practice Questions

• Define the NCD chronic diseases of long duration, and

• Mention the factors responsible for NCD generally slow progression.
and measures to control them. • Main types of NCDs are cardiovascular
diseases (like heart attacks and stroke),
Conclusion:
cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, Chronic
Way forward- neurologic disorders (Alzheimer’s, dementias),
diabetes etc.
• Monitoring progress and trends of NCDs and
Factors contributing to the NCDs:
their risk.
• Investing in better management of NCDs is
• Genetic Factor:
critical. Management of NCDs includes
In major NCDs including cancer, diabetes,
detecting, screening and treating these
cardiovascular diseases, mental health and
diseases and providing access to preventive
asthma.
care for people in need.
• Behavioural Factors:
• High impact essential NCD interventions can
Physical inactivity, unhealthy diets (diets low in
be delivered through a primary health care
approach to strengthen early detection and fruit, vegetables, and whole grains, but high in
timely treatment salt and fat), tobacco use (smoking,
• A comprehensive approach is needed secondhand smoke, and smokeless tobacco),
requiring all sectors including health, finance, and the harmful use of alcohol
transport, education, agriculture, planning and • Socio-economic factors:
others, to collaborate to reduce the risks Poverty is closely linked with NCDs. Nearly 30%
associated with NCDs and promote of NCD-related deaths in low-income countries
interventions to prevent and control them. occur under the age of 60, whereas in high-
income countries the proportion is only 13%.
Content:
• Urbanization and urban development policy:
• WHO provide a comprehensive and ➢ Encouraged mechanized transport and
comparable assessment of mortality and loss discourages physical activity. The
of health due to diseases and injuries for all nature of work available in urban areas
regions of the world. may require less energy expenditure
• Non-communicable diseases make up 7 of the than rural areas.
world’s top 10 causes of death, an increase ➢ Also, Children living in unfavourable
from 4 of the 10 leading causes in 2000(The social conditions, poor housing and no
new data cover the period from 2000 to 2019). access to parks and recreation centres
were likely to be overweight or obese.
• Heart disease now represents 16% of total
deaths from all causes. • Cultural norms:
Beliefs and norms amongst some social groups
• Life spans have increased over the years, with
a global average of more than 73 years (in include preferences for foods high in animal fat
2019) compared to nearly 67 (in 2000). which are socially acceptable but can result in
obesity, hypertension etc.
Non-Communicable Diseases:
Global Measures to control NCDs:
• NCDs are medical conditions or diseases that
are not caused by infectious agents. These are • NCDs are recognized as a major global
challenge in the United Nation’s 2030 Agenda
for sustainable development.
App: Mana La Excellence Ph: 7207955032(Offline)/ 7207955034 (Online) 7207955035 (Test Series)
Mana La Excellence Group 1 Mains Practice Questions

• As part of the Agenda, Heads of State and

Government committed to develop ambitious
national responses, by 2030, to reduce by one-
third premature mortality from NCDs through
prevention and treatment (SDG target 3.4).
• WHO has developed a Global action plan for
the prevention and control of NCDs 2013-
2020, which includes nine global targets that
have the greatest impact on global NCD
mortality. These targets address prevention
and management of NCDs.
• India is the first country to develop specific
national targets and indicators aimed at
reducing the number of global premature
deaths from NCDs by 25% by 2025.
Measures taken by India to control NCDs:

• National Programme for Prevention and

Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular
Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) was launched in
2010.
• Ayushman Bharat which would help to deal
with NCDs and injuries along with
communicable diseases.
• Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
(FSSAI) proposed a tax and advertisement ban
on unhealthy foods.
• FSSAI has launched ‘Eat Right India’ movement
and a mass media campaign ‘Heart Attack
Rewind’.
• Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana helps to reduce
indoor air pollution which is also responsible
for a significant number of acute respiratory
illnesses.

App: Mana La Excellence Ph: 7207955032(Offline)/ 7207955034 (Online) 7207955035 (Test Series)