Science and Technology

Please attempt these Science and Technology questions along with the Current Affairs questions. 

Question 1

Critically comment on the strategic significance of Agni-5.  (200 words)

Source: IDSA and Fair observer.

Question 2

“The only way forward for country’s rapid indigenization of defence products, with both the public & private sectors playing roles in the endeavour”. Comment in the light of recent controversies in the defence sector and Steps taken in this regard.  (200 words)

Source: DPP 2013.

Question 3

“The Government’s communication policy has had a crippling effect on public relations and national morale as AIR and DD came to be used as a propaganda trumpet rather than as a voice of India to its multitudinous diversity”. Discuss suggesting broadcasting reforms India should contemplate with special reference to Prasar Bharti.

Source:

http://www.ifp.co.in/nws-12841-reforming-prasar-bharati/

http://www.newindianexpress.com/editorials/Free-Prasar-Bharati-of-Government-Control/2013/12/25/article1963485.ece

http://www.dailypioneer.com/columnists/edit/prasar-bharatis-troubles.html

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/expert-panel-favours-total-autonomy-for-prasar-bharati/article5615203.ece

Question 4

“Community Radio has been advocated as a powerful instrument of social change”. Substantiate with the challenges CR is facing to get vital coverage.

Source:

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/community-radio-stations-may-get-support-scheme/article4423957.ece

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/community-radio-should-focus-on-social-development-sarath-kumar/article5560978.ece?css=print

Question 5

“India’s solar power policy is now entering round two. And there is much that needs to be reviewed and reworked as the business of solar energy has seen massive turbulence in India as well as globally”. Comment in the light of challenges Indian Solar mission is facing.

Source:   THE TIMES OF INDIA

LIVEMINT.COM

Question 6

“India’s Nuclear Liability Law is flawed” Critically comment.

Source:   Hindustantimes.com

Deccan Herald

Question 7

“There is need for Indian Space Organization to remodel its space technology missions to accommodate space commerce and space laws in its policies”. Discuss (200 Words)

Question 8

“The recent advancement in Chinese Space Program opens a Pandora box for Space Diplomacy”. In the light of above statement, analyze the strategic implications on India with the rising Space Diplomacy of China. (200 Words) 

Question 9

“The Research and Development should be the backbone to support the sphere of Indian Space competence”. Substantiate   (200 Words)

Question 10

“Though India revised its Intellectual Property law, it still needs serious relook to encourage business and Research and Development in India.” Comment (200 Words)

Source: Business Standard 11th January = Why India needs to take IP seriously

 Question 11

“TRIPS have been a basis for relevant Indian legislations.” Comment in the light of adjustment India did to comply with TRIPS obligations. (200 Words)

Biomaterials

Biomaterials are biological or synthetic substances which can be introduced into body tissue to replace an organ, bodily function also used as a part of an implanted medical device.

The type of substance used is depandant on the type of tissue needed ie., whether soft or hard.For soft tissue replacements like heart valve, liver,heart implants etc.,polymers like nylon,rubber,silicon are used.For hard structures like bone & joint replacements metals like chromium,titanium etc and their alloys are used.
About 45% of heart valve implants in US are made of bm’s explains its significance.Most commonly used valve is bileaflet valve.Also has variety of applications like bone plates,joint replacements, artificial skin in plastic surgeries and where injuries are so deep restricting usage of natural skin graft.Breast implants to prevent cerivical cancer,contact lenses etc.,

How ever their use is limited as it needs to satisfy biocompatibility that is such repalcements may face rejection by patients immune system.They inturn need to pass clinical tests. Also their lifespan decreases over a period of time with corrosion,degradation in case of metals and polymer valves.

Usage of these may not have problems like transplantation by natural organs like liver ,kidney face social,ethical constraints.Further with the advent of nano technology new avenues may be thrown open and use of biomaterials may increase with time.

An important use of biomaterial was demonstrated by French scientists when they successfully implanted an artificial heart with the help of biomaterials which mimics the functions of contractions of the heart.