UPSC Mains 2016 · GS III · Q13 · 12.5 marks · 200 words

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.

हिन्दी में

अतिसूक्ष्म प्रौद्योगिकी (नैनोटेक्नोलॉजी) 21वीं शताब्दी की प्रमुख प्रौद्योगिकियों में से एक क्यों है? अतिसूक्ष्म विज्ञान और प्रौद्योगिकी पर भारत सरकार के मिशन की प्रमुख विशेषताओं तथा देश के विकास के प्रक्रम में इसके प्रयोग के क्षेत्र का वर्णन कीजिए।

Emerging Technologies

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “What do you understand by nanotechnology? In what ways can nano-technology aid in socio-economic growth of the country?”

Swati SharmaAIR 17 · CSE 2023 · 209 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a definition

Nanotechnology is to use technology in production of resources at nano scale (1-100nm). There has been predicted growth of around 35% between 2021-26 globally.

Nanotechnology can aid in socio-economic growth of country →

Body · points

i) Economic growth -

  • In agriculture sector, nanotechnology (eg) - nanofertilisers - IFFCO Urea

  • nanodrones for monitoring crops

  • nano seeds to enhance productivity

  • In manufacturing sector, - (eg) - nanobots to address skill gap

  • nano sensors for preventing chemical and biological accidents

  • In service sector - (eg) - nano drones to address delivery to remote areas

  • nanosatellites for connectivity and reduced costs

ii) Social growth

  • In health (eg) - nanomedicines for targeted delivery

  • nanomicelles for cancer treatment

  • In environment (eg) - nanoscrubbers for oil spills

  • nano tags for species conservation

  • Nano products can aid income of farmers

Government of India has taken steps to aid the sector

Diagram
[Nano Mission] --> [Increased research and development] --> [Micro nano enterprises]

However [Challenges] such as - i) proliferation of nanomaterials ii) Nanomaterials can enter food chain iii) Unintended side-effects of nanotechnology

[Reforms] such as -

  • Adequate research on nanotechnology
  • Mechanism for review of policies
  • institutional checks eg - biotech under MOEFCC

Close · a way forward

Efforts should be enhanced to reap benefits of nanotechnology to create $5 trillion economy.

1 more topper’s answer to this question, part by part, and how they all approached it: open the question.

Toppers’ answers to other close questions

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2016, General Studies Paper III, Q13. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.