What is a digital signature? What does its authentication mean? Give various salient built-in features of a digital signature.

Points to Remember: Definition and purpose of a digital signature. Authentication process in digital signatures. Salient built-in features of digital signatures (e.g., non-repudiation, integrity, authenticity). Introduction: In the increasingly digital world, ensuring the authenticity and integrity of electronic documents is paramount. Digital signatures serve as the electronic equivalent of handwritten signatures, providing a verifiable way … Read more

Stem cell therapy is gaining popularity in India to treat a wide variety of medical conditions including leukaemia, Thalassemia, damaged cornea and several burns. Describe briefly what stem cell therapy is and what advantages it has over other treatments?

Points to Remember: Definition and mechanism of stem cell therapy. Advantages of stem cell therapy over conventional treatments. Specific applications in treating leukemia, thalassemia, corneal damage, and burns. Ethical considerations and limitations. Introduction: Stem cell therapy is a rapidly evolving medical field gaining significant traction globally, including in India. It involves the use of stem … Read more

With growing energy needs should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy.

Points to Remember: India’s growing energy needs and the role of nuclear power in meeting them. The advantages of nuclear energy (low carbon emissions, energy security). The risks associated with nuclear energy (nuclear accidents, waste disposal, proliferation). Balancing energy security with safety and environmental concerns. International cooperation and best practices in nuclear energy. Introduction: India’s … Read more

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

Points to Remember: Milestones in Indian nuclear development. Key figures and institutions involved. Advantages and disadvantages of the Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) program. India’s nuclear doctrine and international collaborations. Future prospects and challenges. Introduction: India’s journey in nuclear science and technology is a story of scientific perseverance, strategic planning, and self-reliance. Beginning with modest research … Read more

India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) which has a database containing formatted information on more than 2 million medicinal formulations is proving a powerful weapon in country’s fight against erroneous patents. Discuss the pro and cons of making the data base available publicly available under open-source licensing.

Points to Remember: India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) and its purpose. The debate surrounding open-source licensing of TKDL’s database. Pros and cons of public access to TKDL data. Potential implications for India’s intellectual property rights and global collaborations. Introduction: India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) is a unique initiative aimed at protecting India’s vast … Read more

Scientific research in Indian universities is declining, because a career in science is not as attractive as are business professions, engineering or administration, and the universities are becoming consumer-oriented. Critically comment.

Points to Remember: Declining scientific research in Indian universities. Lack of attractiveness of scientific careers compared to business, engineering, and administration. Increasing consumer orientation of universities. Critical analysis required, considering both sides of the argument. Introduction: India’s higher education system, particularly its universities, plays a crucial role in the nation’s scientific and technological advancement. However, … Read more

COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented devastation worldwide. However, technological advancements are being availed readily to win over the crisis.Give an account of how technology was sought to aid management of the pandemic.

Points to Remember: The role of technology in pandemic response. Specific technological applications during COVID-19. Benefits and limitations of technology in managing the pandemic. Lessons learned and future preparedness. Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic, a global health crisis of unprecedented scale, exposed vulnerabilities in healthcare systems worldwide. However, the crisis also accelerated the adoption and development … Read more

How is science interwoven deeply with our lives? What are the striking changes in agriculture triggered off by the science-based technologies?

Points to Remember: The pervasive influence of science in daily life. Science-driven advancements in agriculture and their impact. Both positive and negative consequences of scientific advancements in agriculture. The need for sustainable and ethical applications of scientific technologies. Introduction: Science, broadly defined as the pursuit of knowledge and understanding of the natural and social world … Read more

Describe the benefits of deriving electric energy from sunlight in contrast to the conventional energy generation. What are the initiatives offered by ourgovernment for this purpose?

Points to Remember: Benefits of solar energy over conventional energy sources. Government initiatives promoting solar energy in India. Challenges and limitations of solar energy adoption. Introduction: The world is facing an energy crisis fueled by dwindling fossil fuel reserves and the escalating impacts of climate change. Conventional energy generation, primarily reliant on fossil fuels (coal, … Read more

How is S-400 air defence system technically superior to any other system presently available in the world?

Points to Remember: S-400’s capabilities in range, target engagement, and countermeasures. Comparison with other leading air defense systems (e.g., Patriot, THAAD). Technological advancements incorporated in S-400. Limitations and vulnerabilities of the S-400. Geopolitical implications of S-400 deployment. Introduction: The S-400 Triumf (Triumph) is a Russian long-range surface-to-air missile system (SAM) considered one of the most … Read more