75 Days Mains Revision Plan 2024 – Science and Technology
Science and Technology
Topic: Indian Science and Technology – Developments and their Applications
Q1. The ‘leaky pipe syndrome’ in India’s scientific ecosystem leads to insufficient R&D investment, a discouraging research environment, and a persistent gender gap. Discuss. (10M)
Key Demand of the Question:
To discuss how the ‘leaky pipe syndrome’ contributes to key issues like low R&D investment, a discouraging research environment, and persistent gender inequality in India’s scientific community.
Structure of the Answer:
-
Introduction: Define the ‘leaky pipe syndrome’ and its relevance to India’s scientific ecosystem.
-
Body:
- Insufficient R&D Investment: Explain how the loss of talent due to the ‘leaky pipe syndrome’ leads to inadequate investment in innovative research.
- Discouraging Research Environment: Discuss the factors like lack of mentorship, outdated infrastructure, and limited opportunities that create a negative atmosphere for research.
- Persistent Gender Gap: Elaborate on how the syndrome disproportionately affects women and other underrepresented groups, resulting in fewer opportunities and perpetuating gender inequality in science.
Conclusion: Summarize the impact of the ‘leaky pipe syndrome’ on India’s scientific development and suggest measures to address these challenges.
Introduction
The ‘leaky pipe syndrome’ in India’s scientific ecosystem refers to the phenomenon where, at various stages of the research and academic career pipeline, there is a disproportionate loss of talent, particularly among women and underrepresented groups. India’s research and development (R&D) expenditure-GDP ratio is 0.7% only.
Body:
Impact of leaky pipe syndrome in India’s scientific ecosystem:
Insufficient R&D investment:
- Funding disparities: Research funding in India often favours established institutions and projects, leaving limited resources for emerging researchers and unconventional ideas.
- g. Out of the approximately 40,000 higher education institutions in India, less than 1% actively participate in high-quality research.
- Loss of talent: Young and talented researchers face difficulties securing funding for innovative projects, leading to a loss of potential breakthroughs. India has one of the highest emigration rates of highly skilled individuals in the world.
- E.g. 6% of Silicon Valley’s workforce is from India.
Discouraging research environment:
- Lack of mentorship: Many junior researchers lack access to experienced mentors who can guide them through the complexities of academia and research.
- E. India’s gross enrollment ratio (GER) in higher education was 27.3 percent in 2020-21 indicating that a substantial portion of students do not pursue higher education.
- Inadequate infrastructure: Many research institutions in India face infrastructure challenges, including outdated laboratories and limited access to advanced research equipment.
Persisting gender gap:
- Underrepresentation: Women continue to be underrepresented in scientific fields, with fewer opportunities for leadership roles and research projects.
- g. Women make up only 34% of the workforce in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), and men vastly outnumber women majoring in most STEM fields.
- Societal bias: Gender bias and stereotypes contribute to the challenges faced by women scientists, affecting their career progression.
- g. existence of a glass ceiling.
- Work-Life balance: Balancing research careers with family responsibilities is often more challenging for women due to societal expectations.
- g. India’s R&D workforce has less than 15 per cent women.
Lack of diversity and inclusion:
- Underrepresented groups: The ‘leaky pipe’ affects not only women but also individuals from marginalized communities, leading to a lack of diversity in scientific research.
- g. lower number of SCs and STs in Indian research institutions.
Way forward:
- Implement policies that promote gender diversity in STEM fields. Encourage girls to pursue STEM education, offer scholarships, and establish mentorship programs to support women in research.
- Enhance the research ecosystem by upgrading research infrastructure, providing access to cutting-edge equipment, and fostering collaborative research partnerships with global institutions.
- Implement diversity and inclusion training programs in research institutions. Promote a culture of inclusivity and zero tolerance for discrimination.
- Promote partnerships between research institutions and industries to translate research findings into practical applications.
Conclusion
Ultimately, overcoming the ‘leaky pipe syndrome’ is not just about strengthening the scientific ecosystem; it’s about ensuring that every individual, regardless of gender or background, has an equal opportunity to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and innovation in India.
Topic: Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology; Space Technology
Q2. ISRO has played the role of a gravity organization advancing space technology, unlocking cosmic secrets, and expanding human knowledge. Elucidate. (15M)
Key Demand of the Question:
To elucidate how ISRO has advanced space technology, made ground-breaking discoveries in space science, and expanded human knowledge through its missions and initiatives.
Structure of the Answer:
-
Introduction: Briefly introduce ISRO and its mission to advance space technology and contribute to global knowledge.
-
Body:
- Advancing Space Technology: Discuss ISRO’s achievements like the development of PSLV, GSLV, and reusable launch vehicles.
- Unlocking Cosmic Secrets: Highlight missions such as Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan, and ASTROSAT that have provided valuable data about the Moon, Mars, and the universe.
- Expanding Human Knowledge: Elaborate on ISRO’s role in enhancing scientific understanding through international collaborations, technology demonstrations, and educational outreach.
Conclusion: Reinforce ISRO’s role as a gravity organization in shaping the future of space exploration and contributing to human knowledge.
Introduction
Since its inception, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has consistently occupied a leading position in the field of space technology and exploration. Harnessing its critical assets and capabilities, ISRO has achieved significant milestones in space technology, firmly establishing India as a prominent global player in the realm of space exploration.
Body:
Role of ISRO in advancing space technology:
- PSLV’s Enhanced Versatility: it has showcased its remarkable capabilities, including the ability to restart its upper stage (PS4). This feature enables the PSLV to deploy multiple satellites into different orbits within a single mission.
- GSLV-Mark III: GSLV-Mark III made history by launching GSAT-19, a 3136 kg communication satellite, into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). It was the heaviest satellite ever launched using an Indian launch vehicle.
- Technology demonstration: ISRO’s experimental mission showcased India as the fourth country globally to successfully conduct flight-testing of a Scramjet engine, a critical component of an Air Breathing Propulsion System, highlighting its aerospace technology advancements.
- Reusable Launch Vehicle Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD): ISRO recently successfully conducted a flight test of India’s first winged body Reusable Launch Vehicle – Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD).
- This mission demonstrated autonomous navigation, guidance and control, as well as re-entry mission management capabilities, bringing India closer to its goal of a cost-effective, fully reusable launch system.
Role of ISRO in unlocking cosmic secrets:
- Aryabhata Satellite: ISRO’s first satellite, Aryabhata, launched in 1975, marked India’s entry into the space age.
- It conducted experiments in X-ray astronomy and solar physics, contributing to our knowledge of cosmic phenomena.
- ASTROSAT: India’s inaugural multi-wavelength observatory, successfully entered its intended orbit. With its five payloads, it has the unique capability to observe the Universe across the visible, Ultra-Violet, and X-ray segments of the electromagnetic spectrum.
- The Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), India’s maiden interplanetary endeavour, far exceeded its originally projected lifespan, celebrating three years in orbit by September 2017.
- Among its accomplishments, the Mars Colour Camera has captured nearly 940 images.
- Chandrayaan 1: a ground-breaking mission under the Chandrayaan program, was launched in October 2008. Equipped with a lunar impactor and orbiter, it made a significant discovery by detecting water molecules on the Moon’s surface.
- Chandrayaan 3: Chandrayaan-3’s Pragyan rover found the presence of Sulphur on the lunar surface in the south pole region. In addition, the rover’s instruments also detected various elements on the Moon’s surface – aluminium, silicon, calcium, and iron.
- The discovery of these elements will help scientists develop a better understanding of lunar geochemistry.
Expanding human knowledge
- IRNSS/NavIC: ISRO’s NavIC system, fully operational since 2020, provides precise positioning and timing information over India and the surrounding region.
- It supports various applications, including navigation for fishermen, disaster management, and transportation.
- Solar mission: ISRO has launched numerous space science missions, including Aditya-L1 (to study the Sun) and Chandrayaan missions (to explore the Moon), expanding our knowledge of the solar system and beyond.
- Collaboration: ISRO has collaborated with international space agencies, sharing data and research findings to contribute to global scientific advancements.
- Examples include collaborations with NASA on Chandrayaan and Astrosat missions.
- Educational outreach: ISRO actively engages in educational outreach programs, encouraging students and the general public to explore space science and technology. This fosters a culture of scientific curiosity and knowledge expansion.
- g. YUVIKA program.
Conclusion
ISRO’s journey as a gravity organization has been marked by innovation, determination, and a commitment to the pursuit of knowledge. Its accomplishments have not only elevated India’s standing in the global space community but have also enriched our collective understanding of the universe, leaving an indelible mark on the annals of space exploration.
ETHICS
3Q. What are the ethical challenges plaguing corporate governance in India, and what measures can be recommended to resolve these issues? [10M, 150words]
Key Demand of question:
Write about ethical challenges in corporate governance. Explain the measures that can be taken to resolve the issue.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction: Start by defining corporate governance.
Body:
- First, explain about ethical challenges in corporate governance with examples.
- Then explain the various measures to resolve the issue.
- You can add a corporate governance values diagram too.
Conclusion:
Conclude by highlighting its significance.
Introduction:
Corporate governance encompasses the systems, principles, and processes by which a company is directed and controlled. It includes practices and policies that ensure a company operates ethically, transparently, and efficiently, balancing the interests of various stakeholders including shareholders, management, employees, and the broader community.
Body:
Ethical challenges associated with corporate governance:
- Missing independence of directors: Directors’ independence can be compromised if they have close ties with promoters or management, affecting their ability to provide unbiased oversight.
E.g. The ICICI Bank controversy in 2018, where allegations of quid pro quo transactions undermined the independence of its board.
- Liability toward stakeholders: Companies may prioritize the interests of management or promoters over stakeholders, leading to mismanagement and crises.
E.g. The IL&FS crisis.
- Transparency and data protection: Inadequate transparency and data protection practices can harm stakeholder trust and security.
E.g. Co-forge firm data breach in 2024.
- Business structure and internal conflicts: Poorly defined business structures and unresolved internal conflicts can lead to governance issues and inefficiencies.
E.g. Open AI CEO and Board rift.
- Insider trading: Insider trading involves using confidential information for personal gain, undermining market integrity and fairness.
E.g. SEBI’s struggles with investigating insider trading.
Reforms needed in corporate governance:
- Strengthening board independence: Ensure boards have a significant number of independent directors. Conduct regular assessments of board performance and individual effectiveness.
E.g. Infosys is a benchmark for strong board governance practices.
- Enhancing transparency and disclosure: Implement rigorous financial reporting and disclose non-financial information like ESG factors.
E.g. Tata Sons’ history of transparency through press releases and reports.
- Empowering shareholders: Promote the use of proxy advisory services and shareholder activism.
E.g. Shareholder engagement in corporate decisions can improve governance outcomes.
- Effective risk management: Establish dedicated risk management committees and conduct regular risk assessments.
E.g. Proactive risk management helps companies navigate emerging threats.
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Integrate CSR practices into business operations and disclose CSR activities.
E.g. Azim Premji’s CSR egg initiatives in the schools of Karnataka.
Conclusion:
Addressing the complex dimensions of corporate governance in India demands a comprehensive strategy that includes legal reforms, strengthened regulatory measures, and a cultural shift towards ethical business practices. It is essential to continuously monitor and adapt to evolving global standards to maintain investor confidence and drive economic growth.
Follow us on our Official TELEGRAM Channel HERE
Subscribe to Our Official YouTube Channel HERE
Please subscribe to Our podcast channel HERE
Official Facebook PageHERE
Follow our Twitter Account HERE
Follow our Instagram Account HERE
Follow us on LinkedIn: HERE
