Science and Technology is a high-scoring section in UPSC that rewards those who stay updated with current developments. From space missions to AI applications, S&T permeates modern governance and policy. This guide covers essential S&T current affairs for 2025.
Why S&T Matters in UPSC
Prelims: 8-12 questions on diverse S&T topics Mains GS-III: Dedicated section on S&T developments Essay: Technology and society themes are common Interview: Awareness of technological developments expected
Key S&T Topics for 2025
1. Space Technology
ISRO Missions: - Chandrayaan-3 success and findings - Aditya L1 solar mission updates - Gaganyaan progress - NISAR satellite (joint with NASA) - Future Mars and Venus missions
Space Policy: - Indian Space Policy 2023 implementation - IN-SPACe and private sector participation - Space debris management - Space situational awareness
Commercial Space: - Launch services growth - Satellite manufacturing - Space startups ecosystem - International collaborations
2. Information Technology
Digital India: - UPI and digital payments growth - DigiLocker and digital documents - Government e-services expansion - Digital public infrastructure
Emerging Technologies: - Artificial Intelligence developments - Blockchain applications - Quantum computing progress - 5G and 6G roadmap
Cybersecurity: - Data protection framework - Critical infrastructure security - Cyber threat landscape - National cyber strategy
3. Biotechnology
Healthcare: - Vaccine development capabilities - Gene therapy advances - Precision medicine progress - Medical devices innovation
Agriculture: - GM crops developments - Gene editing regulations - Biofortification programs - Biofertilizers and biopesticides
Bioeconomy: - Biofuels development - Bio-manufacturing - Biotech startup ecosystem - International collaborations
4. Defense Technology
Indigenous Development: - Tejas fighter aircraft - INS Vikrant and naval programs - Missile technology advances - Drone and counter-drone systems
Strategic Programs: - Nuclear capabilities - Submarine programs - Space defense applications - Cyber warfare capabilities
5. Energy Technology
Clean Energy: - Solar and wind technology advances - Green hydrogen developments - Battery storage solutions - Smart grid implementation
Nuclear Energy: - Nuclear power expansion - Thorium utilization program - Small modular reactors - Fusion research
6. Emerging Areas
Artificial Intelligence: - AI in governance - AI ethics and regulations - National AI strategy - AI applications in various sectors
Quantum Technology: - National Quantum Mission - Quantum computing research - Quantum communication - Quantum sensing
Creating S&T Notes
Organization Method: - Sector-wise (Space, IT, Biotech, etc.) - Application-wise (Healthcare, Agriculture, Defense) - Institution-wise (ISRO, DRDO, DBT, etc.)
For Each Topic Note: - Basic concept - Recent developments - Indian initiatives - Global comparison - UPSC relevance
Using NewsbookAI for S&T Updates
NewsbookAI helps track: - Space mission updates - Technology policy announcements - Research breakthroughs - Government initiatives in S&T
This ensures you never miss important S&T developments.
Important S&T Institutions
Space: ISRO, IN-SPACe, NSIL Defense: DRDO, BEL, HAL IT: MeitY, CDAC, NIC Biotech: DBT, BIRAC Atomic: DAE, BARC, NPCIL Research: CSIR labs, IITs, IISc
International Collaborations
Track India's partnerships: - NASA collaboration (NISAR) - European Space Agency - CERN membership - Bilateral S&T agreements - International research programs
S&T in Other Subjects
S&T + Economy: Tech startups, digital economy, innovation policy S&T + IR: Technology diplomacy, S&T agreements, space cooperation S&T + Society: Digital divide, ethical concerns, employment impact S&T + Environment: Clean technology, climate solutions
Mains Answer Writing for S&T
Structure: 1. Introduce the technology/development 2. Explain significance and applications 3. Indian status and initiatives 4. Challenges and concerns 5. Way forward and potential
Example Question: "Discuss India's achievements in space technology and its implications for national development." (250 words)
Key Points: - ISRO's major achievements - Applications: communication, remote sensing, navigation - Recent missions: Chandrayaan-3, Aditya L1 - Spin-off benefits - Private sector participation - Future roadmap - Balanced conclusion
Important S&T Data Points
Space: Number of satellites, launch success rate, missions timeline IT: Digital transaction volumes, internet penetration, startup numbers Biotech: Vaccine production capacity, research publications, patents Defense: Indigenous content percentage, export achievements
Government S&T Initiatives
- National Science Technology and Innovation Policy - Make in India for defense - Semiconductor Mission - National Quantum Mission - AI for All initiative - Bioeconomy Strategy
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Too Technical: Focus on applications and implications, not just science 2. Ignoring Ethics: Technology raises ethical concerns; address them 3. No Indian Context: Always relate to Indian developments 4. Outdated Info: S&T changes fast; stay current 5. Missing Policy: Know government initiatives and policies
Conclusion
Science and Technology is a dynamic section that rewards consistent preparation. From space achievements to AI applications, understanding S&T helps you appreciate modern governance challenges and opportunities. Use NewsbookAI to track daily S&T news, understand basic concepts clearly, and always think about policy implications. Your S&T awareness reflects your readiness to govern in a technology-driven world.
