Science – Medium Level – GK Questions

India Stack includes Aadhaar (identity), UPI (payments), e-KYC, DigiLocker, Account Aggregator. Open, interoperable infrastructure fostering innovation in fintech, healthtech, edtech. Model for Global South. [[NITI Aayog, MeitY Reports]]

CBDR (UNFCCC, 1992) recognizes historical emissions and development needs: developed countries take lead in mitigation/finance. Foundation for climate equity negotiations. India advocates CBDR in global forums. [[MoEFCC, UNFCCC Reports]]

India announced net-zero by 2070 at COP26 (2021), with interim targets: 500 GW non-fossil capacity, 50% renewable energy, 1 billion tonne CO₂ reduction by 2030. Balanced approach considering development needs. [[MoEFCC, NITI Aayog Reports]]

FMT restores healthy gut microbiota by transferring processed stool from a donor. Highly effective (>90%) for recurrent C. diff. Research ongoing for IBD, obesity, autism. Regulated by CDSCO in India. [[ICMR Guidelines, NCERT Biology Class 12]]

PHAs are biodegradable polyesters synthesized by bacteria as carbon storage. Fully compostable, used in packaging, medical implants. Aligns with circular economy goals; India promotes R&D under National Biofuels Policy. [[MoEFCC, NCERT Chemistry Class 12]]

Li-ion batteries (150-250 Wh/kg) provide superior energy density, cycle life, and power-to-weight ratio vs. alternatives. Dominant in EVs, smartphones, grid storage. Research focuses on solid-state Li-ion for enhanced safety. [[MNRE Reports, NCERT Chemistry Class 12]]

MIC (CH₃NCO) leak from Union Carbide plant caused one of the world's worst industrial disasters. Led to strengthened environmental regulations, disaster management protocols, and corporate accountability norms in India. [[MoEFCC Reports]]

FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles) Phase II (2019) supports EV demand incentives, charging infrastructure, and technology development. Critical for reducing transport emissions. [[DHI, MoHUA Reports]]

Seebeck effect: temperature gradient across dissimilar conductors generates voltage. Used in space probes (RTGs), waste heat recovery. Peltier effect is reverse (electricity → cooling). [[NCERT Physics Class 12]]

BharatNet (formerly NOFN) is the world's largest rural broadband project, connecting ~2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats via optical fiber. Enables e-governance, telemedicine, education in rural India. [[MeitY Reports]]

Herd immunity threshold depends on R₀ (basic reproduction number). Achieved via vaccination or prior infection. Protects vulnerable individuals unable to be vaccinated. Critical concept in public health. [[ICMR, MoHFW Guidelines]]

Atal Bhujal Yojana (2020) is a World Bank-assisted scheme for participatory groundwater management in water-stressed areas. Aims to improve water security and livelihoods. [[Jal Shakti Ministry Reports]]

Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) offers ₹5 lakh annual coverage for ~50 crore beneficiaries. World's largest government-funded healthcare program. [[NHA, MoHFW Reports]]

Flow reactors offer precise temperature/residence time control, easier scale-up, reduced waste, and safer handling of hazardous intermediates. Aligns with green chemistry principles. [[NCERT Chemistry Class 12]]

Sendai Framework emphasizes proactive risk reduction: understanding risk, strengthening governance, investing in resilience, enhancing preparedness. India aligns national policies with its targets. [[NDMA, UNDRR Reports]]

Pumped hydro stores energy by pumping water uphill during low demand; releases through turbines during peak. Accounts for >90% of global grid storage capacity. India has several operational plants. [[MNRE Reports]]

UPI security: MPIN for app access, OTP for transaction verification, biometric (fingerprint/face) for device unlock. Multi-factor authentication minimizes fraud risks. [[NPCI, RBI Guidelines]]

Agricultural drones equipped with multispectral sensors assess crop health (NDVI), soil moisture, pest infestation. Enable precision application of inputs, optimizing yield and sustainability. [[MoA Reports, ISRO]]

MOFs are porous crystalline materials with tunable pores. Applications: hydrogen/methane storage, CO₂ capture, drug delivery, catalysis. Active area of materials chemistry research. [[NCERT Chemistry Class 12]]

Adaptation combines hard (seawalls), nature-based (mangroves buffer storms), and social measures (planning, early warning). India's National Adaptation Fund supports such projects. [[MoEFCC, NDMA Reports]]