UPSC Mains 2016 GS3 Q13 — Nanotechnology
Why is nanotechnology one of the key technologies of the 21st century? Describe the salient features of Indian Government's Mission on Nanoscience and Technology and the scope of its application in the development process of the country. (Answer in not more than 200 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- WhyDescribe
- Scope keywords
- nanotechnologykey technologies of the 21st centuryMission on Nanoscience and Technologyscope of its applicationdevelopment process of the country
- Implicit sub-parts
- What unique properties of matter at the nanoscale (surface-to-volume ratio, quantum effects) make it a 'key' disruptive technology?
- What are the institutional frameworks and funding mechanisms established under the Nano Mission?
- How does the Nano Mission address the gap between basic research and industrial product development?
- How can nanotechnology specifically solve Indian developmental challenges like water purification, agricultural productivity, and affordable healthcare?
- Common pitfalls
- Spending too many words defining nanotechnology rather than explaining 'why' it is a key 21st-century tech.
- Failing to mention the specific components of the Nano Mission, such as the Nano Mission Council or the emphasis on capacity building.
- Providing generic applications of nanotechnology without linking them specifically to India's 'development process' (e.g., ignoring doubling farmers' income or the Jal Jeevan Mission).
- Omitting the regulatory or ethical aspects which are implicit in a 'Mission' for a new technology.
- Dimensions required
- Scientific (Properties)Institutional/Policy (Nano Mission)Economic (Developmental impact)Social (Public health and Agriculture)Infrastructure (Research facilities)
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate approximately 40 words to the rationale of Nano as a 21st-century key tech. Spend 70 words on the specific features of the Nano Mission (Phase I/II, HRD, Infrastructure). Use the remaining 90 words for a diverse application section mapped to Indian development goals, ensuring a strong conclusion on the technology's transformative potential.
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