Technology – Medium Level – GK Questions

Reinforcement Learning trains agents to maximize cumulative reward through interactions with an environment. Used in robotics for manipulation, locomotion, and autonomous navigation. Differs from supervised learning (labeled data) and unsupervised learning (pattern discovery). Critical for autonomous systems and AI applications.

Motion capture (using sensors, cameras, or wearables) records human movement and maps it to digital avatars for realistic animation in metaverse platforms. Combined with facial capture and AI for expressive interactions. Critical for immersive social experiences, virtual events, and training simulations. Important for emerging tech questions.

Proof of Work (PoW) requires miners to expend computational power to solve hash puzzles, securing the network and preventing double-spending. Energy-intensive; alternatives include Proof of Stake (PoW's successor in Ethereum), Proof of Authority, and Byzantine Fault Tolerance variants. Critical for understanding blockchain security and sustainability.

Aerospace uses 3D printing (especially metal AM) for lightweight, topology-optimized components like fuel nozzles, brackets, and engine parts. Reduces weight (improving fuel efficiency), consolidates assemblies, and enables rapid prototyping. Also used in healthcare (custom implants), automotive, and defense. Critical for advanced manufacturing questions.

Cobots feature force-limited joints, speed monitoring, and collision detection to ensure safe human-robot interaction. Used in assembly, packaging, and healthcare where flexibility and close collaboration are needed. Contrast with industrial robots requiring fenced workcells. Important for Industry 4.0 and workplace safety questions.

NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) are blockchain-based tokens representing unique digital or physical assets: art, collectibles, virtual land, avatars. Unlike cryptocurrencies (fungible), each NFT has distinct value and metadata. Enable true digital ownership and creator royalties in metaverse economies. Important for digital economy questions.

Immutability is achieved through cryptographic hashing and consensus mechanisms: each block contains hash of previous block, so altering any data changes subsequent hashes, requiring recomputation of entire chain. Decentralization prevents single-point control; transparency enables auditability; smart contracts automate logic. Core to blockchain trust model.

While 3D bioprinting can create tissue constructs and simple structures (skin, cartilage), fully functional complex organs (heart, kidney) with vascular networks remain a research challenge. Current applications: drug testing, disease modeling, and custom implants. Significant advances needed in biomaterials, cell sourcing, and vascularization.

Ultrasonic sensors emit high-frequency sound waves and measure echo return time to calculate distance. Cost-effective for short-range obstacle detection in mobile robots, parking systems, and industrial automation. LIDAR uses laser for high-precision mapping; IR for proximity; cameras for visual recognition. Important for robotics fundamentals.

SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) uses a laser to fuse polymer, metal, or ceramic powder particles into solid structures. No support structures needed as unsintered powder supports overhangs. Used for functional prototypes, end-use parts, and complex geometries. FDM extrudes filament; SLA cures resin; BJ binds powder with adhesive.

Lead-through programming involves physically guiding the robot arm through desired motions, which are recorded and replayed. Teach pendant uses a handheld controller for point-and-path programming. Both are common in manufacturing for tasks like welding, painting, and assembly. Important for industrial automation questions.

NM-QTA, launched in 2020, allocates ₹8000 crore over 5 years for research in quantum computing, communication, sensing, and materials. Implemented by DST with participation from IITs, IISc, and industry. Aims to position India as a global leader in quantum technologies. Critical for science policy and emerging tech questions.

Shodhganga is a digital repository of Indian theses and dissertations hosted by INFLIBNET. Provides open access to research output, promoting knowledge sharing and avoiding duplication. Critical for academic research infrastructure and open science questions.

PM-KISAN provides ₹6,000/year income support to farmer families via DBT. Aadhaar authentication ensures accurate beneficiary identification and reduces leakage. Integrated with land records and bank accounts. Critical for digital governance and agricultural welfare questions.

Health Claims Exchange (HCX) standardizes data formats and protocols for insurance claims, enabling seamless portability between insurers and providers. Reduces administrative burden and improves user experience. Critical for health financing reform and digital infrastructure questions.

LCH (Light Combat Helicopter) Prachand is designed for high-altitude operations, armed with missiles, rockets, and cannon. Features composite structure, stealth features, and advanced avionics. Inducted into Army and Air Force. Represents self-reliance in rotary-wing combat platforms. Critical for defense indigenization questions.

Qure.ai develops AI algorithms for interpreting medical images (X-rays, CT scans) to detect TB, pneumonia, and other conditions. Deployed in public health programs and hospitals globally. Represents India's strength in AI for social impact. Important for healthtech innovation questions.

NDEAR is a framework of specifications and standards enabling interoperability among education apps, platforms, and data systems. Supports innovation while ensuring privacy, security, and portability. Critical for scalable, inclusive digital education ecosystem under NEP 2020.

Remote sensing via satellites (like Resourcesat, Sentinel) provides multispectral imagery for crop health monitoring, acreage estimation, and yield prediction. Used in PMFBY (crop insurance) for objective loss assessment. Critical for technology-enabled agricultural policy and risk management questions.

ABDM includes HFR (Health Facility Registry) and HPR (Healthcare Professionals Registry) to create verified directories of providers. Enables discovery, credentialing, and interoperable service delivery. Critical for digital health infrastructure and governance questions.