GS3 · Module 14 of 22
Science and Technology in Depth – UPSC GS3
This module of the GS Paper 3: Economy, Environment, S&T & Security course covers space, nuclear, defence, biotechnology, health, it, emerging technologies and ipr. It has 5 study lessons and a 40-question practice quiz. Free lessons can be read in full; premium lessons show a preview.
Lessons in this module
1. India's Space Programme: Launchers, Missions and Reforms
Free 7 minEarly years: INCOSPAR (Indian National Committee for Space Research) was set up in 1962 under Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the father of India's space programme. The first sounding rocket was launched from Thumba (near Thiruvananthapuram) in…
2. Nuclear Technology: Energy, Programme and Policy
Premium 7 minNuclear fission: a heavy nucleus such as uranium-235 or plutonium-239 absorbs a neutron and splits into lighter nuclei. This releases energy (by E = mc²) and 2–3 neutrons that sustain a chain reaction. Nuclear fusion:…
3. Defence Technology, Missiles and Self-Reliance
Premium 7 minDRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation): formed in 1958 and headquartered in New Delhi, with about 40–50 laboratories. It designs weapons systems, which are produced by: Defence PSUs: HAL, BEL, BDL, Mazagon Dock, GRSE, BEML;…
4. Biotechnology, Health Technology and Bioethics
Premium 7 minBiotechnology uses living organisms, cells or their components to make products or solve problems. Traditional biotech: fermentation (curd, bread, alcohol) and selective breeding. Modern biotech: recombinant DNA technology (1970s), which cuts and joins DNA from…
5. IT, Artificial Intelligence, Quantum, Semiconductors and IPR
Premium 7 minThe IT and BPM industry: revenues of about $280 billion (2024–25, NASSCOM), about 7% of GDP. It employs about 58 lakh people directly. It is India's largest services export. Global Capability Centres (GCCs): India hosts…
Module quiz: Science and Technology in Depth (40 questions)Maps & infographics in this module
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