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UPSC Prelims 2025 Special: Revision Checklist for important Science and Technology topics that aspirants shouldn’t miss

By Priya Sharma and Anjali Mehta

kam sabdo me kahein to, this article presents a comprehensive revision checklist for critical Science and Technology areas crucial for UPSC Prelims 2025, guiding aspirants to streamline their study and focus on high-yield topics.

Introduction: Navigating the S&T Maze for UPSC Prelims

The UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination is a significant hurdle, and the Science and Technology (S&T) section, with its dynamic nature, often poses a unique challenge to aspirants. Unlike static subjects, S&T evolves rapidly, demanding a keen eye on current developments alongside a strong grasp of fundamental concepts. With UPSC Prelims 2025 approaching, a structured revision plan for important Science and Technology topics is not just beneficial but essential. This checklist aims to help you consolidate your preparation, ensuring you don’t miss out on topics that frequently feature in the exam or hold contemporary relevance.

Key Science and Technology Areas for Focused Revision

1. Biotechnology: Decoding Life's Blueprint

Biotechnology remains a hot topic for UPSC. Your revision should comprehensively cover:

• Gene Editing Technologies: Focus on CRISPR-Cas9, its mechanism, applications (in healthcare, agriculture), and the ethical concerns surrounding it. Understand ZFNs and TALENs in brief comparison.

• Vaccine Technology: Especially in the post-pandemic era, different types of vaccines (mRNA, viral vector, inactivated, subunit) and their development processes are crucial. India's vaccine development capabilities (e.g., Mission COVID Suraksha) are also important.

• Genetically Modified (GM) Crops: Understand the science behind GM crops, examples like Bt Cotton, Bt Brinjal, GM Mustard, and the regulatory landscape in India (GEAC). Note the pros and cons.

• Cellular Advancements: Stem cells (types, therapeutic potential, ethical issues), cloning, and tissue culture are perennial favorites.

• Bioinformatics & Genomics: Basics of DNA fingerprinting, Human Genome Project and its implications, and DNA sequencing.

2. Space Technology & Exploration: India's Celestial Strides

India's advancements in space technology, led by ISRO, make this a very important area. Focus on:

• Indian Space Missions: Thoroughly revise recent and upcoming ISRO missions like Chandrayaan-3 (objectives, findings), Aditya-L1 (solar studies), Gaganyaan (human spaceflight mission), NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar), and XPoSat. Understand their specific payloads and goals.

• Launch Vehicles: Know the differences and capabilities of PSLV, GSLV (MkII and MkIII/LVM3), and SSLV. Understand cryogenic engine technology.

• Satellite Technology & Applications: Types of orbits (LEO, MEO, GEO, HEO), and applications of satellites in communication (SatCom policy), remote sensing (RISAT, Cartosat series), navigation (NavIC system), and meteorology.

• Global Space Developments: Major international missions (e.g., James Webb Space Telescope, Artemis program), private players in space (e.g., SpaceX), and issues like space debris and space militarization.

3. Information Technology, Communication & Digital Revolution

This segment is vast and continuously evolving. Key areas include:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML): Basic concepts, types of AI, applications across sectors (healthcare, governance, agriculture), ethical implications, and India's National Strategy on AI.

• 5G Technology: Understand its features, advantages over 4G, potential applications (IoT, smart cities), and challenges in deployment in India.

• Cybersecurity: Common cyber threats (phishing, ransomware, malware), cybersecurity infrastructure in India (CERT-In, National Cyber Security Policy, Cyber Swachhta Kendra), data protection (Digital Personal Data Protection Act).

• Blockchain Technology: Basic principles, applications beyond cryptocurrencies (e.g., land records, supply chain management).

• Quantum Computing: Fundamental concepts, potential advantages over classical computing, and India's National Mission on Quantum Technologies & Applications.

• Internet of Things (IoT): Concept, applications, and security concerns.

• Supercomputing: India's National Supercomputing Mission and PARAM series of supercomputers.

4. Nanotechnology: The Power of Small

Nanotechnology's applications are expanding, making it relevant for UPSC.

• Basics: What is Nanoscience and Nanotechnology? Understand concepts like nanoparticles, nanotubes, and quantum dots.

• Applications: Focus on applications in healthcare (drug delivery, diagnostics), electronics (nanosensors), materials science (stronger, lighter materials), energy (solar cells), and environment (nanoremediation).

• Indian Initiatives: Nano Mission by the Government of India.

5. Defence Technology: Strengthening National Security

Indigenous development and strategic capabilities are key themes.

• Missile Systems: India's Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) – Prithvi, Agni, Trishul, Nag, Akash. Cruise missiles (BrahMos) vs. Ballistic missiles. Hypersonic technology. Anti-Satellite (ASAT) Mission Shakti.

• Indigenous Defence Platforms: Fighter aircraft (Tejas), main battle tanks (Arjun), naval assets (aircraft carriers, submarines like Project 75).

• Emerging Defence Tech: Drones and anti-drone systems, Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs), Artificial Intelligence in defence.

6. Health, Diseases & New Medical Frontiers

Public health is always a priority. Pay attention to:

• Diseases in News: Both communicable and non-communicable diseases that have been prominent. Understand their causes, modes of transmission, symptoms, and prevention/control strategies. Nipah virus, Zika, COVID-19 variants, antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

• India's Health Initiatives: National Health Mission, Ayushman Bharat, immunization programs (Mission Indradhanush).

• New Medical Technologies: Organoids, 3D printing in medicine, precision medicine.

Effective Revision Strategies for S&T

Beyond knowing the topics, *how* you revise matters. Prioritize understanding the basic scientific principles behind any technology. Link static concepts with current affairs – newspaper reading is indispensable here. For instance, if a new ISRO mission is launched, understand the technology of the launch vehicle and the scientific objectives of the payload. Focus on applications, especially those relevant to India's socio-economic development. Government reports and websites like PIB, Ministry of Science and Technology, and DRDO can provide authentic information. Don't forget to solve previous years' question papers to understand the pattern and depth of questions asked from S&T.

Conclusion: Ace S&T with Strategic Revision

The Science and Technology section in UPSC Prelims can be highly scoring if approached strategically. This checklist provides a framework, but consistent revision and staying updated with the latest developments are paramount. Remember, understanding the 'why' and 'how' of technological advancements will give you an edge. We wish you the very best for your UPSC Prelims 2025 preparation! For more updates, visit https://asarkari.com for regular news and job-related information.

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