APPSC Group 1 Mains 2020-Science Technology Environmental Issues

In October 2020, the Nobel Prize for Chemistry was awarded to the CRISPR technology. Explain how CRISPR functions in nature and how it has been adapted for research and clinical applications.

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The CRISPR-Cas System: From Bacterial Defense to Revolutionary Biotechnology Introduction: The 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer A. Doudna for their development of a method for genome editing – the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology. While the prize recognized their adaptation of the system, CRISPR-Cas systems are naturally occurring mechanisms within … Read more

Is there any difference between gene therapy, transgenic organisms, and gene enhancement/genome editing? With examples, explain the ethical concerns in each of these approaches. When can genome editing be considered ethical?

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Gene Therapy, Transgenic Organisms, and Genome Editing: A Comparative Analysis with Ethical Considerations Introduction: Genetic engineering encompasses a range of techniques aimed at modifying an organism’s genetic material. This includes gene therapy, the creation of transgenic organisms, and genome editing/gene enhancement. While all involve manipulating genes, they differ significantly in their approach, applications, and ethical … Read more

What do you know about the agents, stages, and effects of soil erosion? What are the factors affecting soil erosion and measures to conserve soil?

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Soil Erosion: Agents, Stages, Effects, Factors, and Conservation Measures Introduction: Soil erosion is the process of detachment and transportation of soil particles by natural agents like wind and water, or by human activities. It’s a significant global environmental problem, impacting agricultural productivity, water quality, and biodiversity. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that soil … Read more

Classify solid waste in terms of source and types of solid waste. Explain the steps to manage this waste. Add a note on the advantages and disadvantages of landfills.

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Classification and Management of Solid Waste Introduction: Solid waste, also known as municipal solid waste (MSW), encompasses all discarded materials from residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional sources. The World Bank estimates that global MSW generation reached 2.01 billion tonnes in 2016 and is projected to increase to 3.40 billion tonnes by 2050. This escalating waste … Read more

Environmental Issues

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Environmental Issues: A Multifaceted Challenge Introduction: Environmental issues encompass a broad range of problems affecting the planet’s ecosystems and human well-being. These issues are interconnected and stem from human activities that disrupt natural processes. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that environmental factors contribute to an estimated 23% of all deaths globally. This includes air … Read more

All member states of the UN adopted 17 goals in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Name any four of these goals and explain how India can reach them.

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Achieving the SDGs in India: A Focus on Four Key Goals Introduction: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all 193 member states of the United Nations in 2015, outlines 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aimed at achieving a better and more sustainable future for all by 2030. These goals are interconnected and indivisible, … Read more

What is Clean Energy? List the sources of clean energy and explain how they work. Which of these sources can be used or are already widely used in India?

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What is Clean Energy? Sources, Mechanisms, and Indian Applications Introduction: Clean energy, also known as renewable energy or green energy, refers to energy sources that have minimal or no negative impact on the environment. Unlike fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) which release greenhouse gases contributing to climate change and air pollution, clean energy … Read more

What causes earthquakes? Can we prevent or predict where and when an earthquake will happen? What should relief agencies do after an earthquake occurs in an inland and a coastal region?

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What Causes Earthquakes? Prevention, Prediction, and Post-Earthquake Relief Introduction: Earthquakes are sudden, violent shaking of the ground caused by the movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth’s surface. The Earth’s lithosphere is fractured into several large and small plates that are constantly moving, albeit slowly. These plates interact at their boundaries, leading to the build-up … Read more

What is nuclear energy? At the end of 2019, seven nuclear reactors were under construction in India, with a combined capacity of 5.4 GW. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using nuclear energy in India? What is the NPT (Non-Proliferation Treaty) and how does it impact India, which is not a member of the NPT?

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Nuclear Energy in India: Advantages, Disadvantages, and the NPT Introduction: Nuclear energy is energy released during nuclear fission or fusion. Fission, the process used in current nuclear power plants, involves splitting heavy atomic nuclei (like uranium) into lighter ones, releasing a tremendous amount of energy in the process. At the end of 2019, India had … Read more

To date, ISRO has launched over 100 satellites. Explain what GEO, LEO, MEO, and SSO are. Use diagrams to illustrate your answer. Add a note on GSLV and PSLV launches.

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Understanding ISRO’s Satellite Launches: GEO, LEO, MEO, and SSO Orbits Introduction: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has significantly contributed to the global space arena, launching over 100 satellites to date. These satellites operate in various orbits, each designed for specific purposes. This response will explain the four primary types of orbits – Geostationary Earth … Read more