GS Paper III · Science & Tech
Indian Achievements in S&T Current Affairs for UPSC (GS Paper III)
From the syllabus: Science and technology: developments and their applications and effects in everyday life; achievements of Indians; indigenization of technology; awareness in IT, space, computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology; intellectual property rights
Why it matters: This subject highlights historical and contemporary scientific milestones, emphasizing the role of indigenous institutions and scientists in solving complex developmental challenges.
In the news
October 2026
06 Oct 2026Telangana
Renowned Indian Metallurgist Palle Rama Rao Passes AwayCelebrated Indian metallurgist and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hyderabad, Palle Rama Rao, has passed away. Recognized globally for his pioneering contributions to physical and mechanical metallurgy, he served in several...
03 Oct 2026
Realigning ISRO's Strategic Focus Toward Developmental Space TechnologyAmid expanding private sector participation in commercial satellite launches, analysts are urging the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to realign its primary focus back to utilizing space technology as a tool for public...
September 2026
19 Sep 2026
Launch of Indigenous Ocean Research Vessel Sagar ManthanGarden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) has launched Sagar Manthan, an indigenous ocean research vessel valued at 840 crore rupees. Designed for scientific marine exploration, the vessel is scheduled to be operational by early...
12 Sep 2026
ISRO Develops Life Support Systems for Gaganyaan MissionThe Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) detailed the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) designed for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission. The system manages oxygen supply, carbon dioxide removal, cabin...
11 Sep 2026
Low R&D spending fuels postdoctoral brain drain in IndiaRecent government data reveals that India spends approximately 13 dollars per capita annually on research and development, compared to 250 dollars by China and over 2,100 dollars by the United States. With only 2,500 government-funded...
11 Sep 2026
ISRO Emphasis Shifted Towards Space Applications for National DevelopmentPolicy evaluations of India's space program emphasize that the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is increasingly prioritizing space technology applications for national socio-economic development. Focus areas include satellite...
10 Sep 2026
ISRO Successfully Launches Earth Observation Satellite EOS-05The Indian Space Research Organisation has launched its Earth Observation Satellite, EOS-05, designed to provide high-resolution imaging data. The satellite will assist in real-time monitoring of weather patterns, forest cover,...
08 Sep 2026
Scaling India's Emergency Cell Broadcast Alert SystemThe Government of India is expanding the rollout of its indigenous Cell Broadcast Alert System to transmit automated, geo-targeted disaster warnings directly to mobile handsets. Unlike conventional SMS messages, cell broadcast...
05 Sep 2026
ISRO Successfully Launches Earth Observation Satellite EOS-05The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully placed the 2,367 kg EOS-05 satellite into Sub-Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit using the GSLV-F17 launch vehicle. The state-of-the-art satellite will enhance India's Earth...
04 Sep 2026
FOSS Advocacy Highlights Public Spending on Proprietary SoftwareA report by the Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) collective revealed that premier Indian public academic and research institutions spent over ₹134 crore on proprietary software licenses. The group advocated for adopting sovereign...
02 Sep 2026
Defence PSUs Urged to Reduce Import DependenceDefence Minister Rajnath Singh instructed Defence Public Sector Undertakings to significantly cut down reliance on foreign imports. Recent global conflicts demonstrate that assured domestic supply chains, rapid repair, and sustained...
August 2026
24 Aug 2026
Gaganyaan Mission Outlines Advanced Crew Escape System DesignDetails regarding the safety mechanisms for ISRO's Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission highlighted the high-thrust 'puller' design of the Crew Escape System (CES). The system is engineered to detect launch vehicle anomalies within...
22 Aug 2026
Cochin Shipyard Delivers INS Mangrol to Indian NavyCochin Shipyard has delivered the indigenously built warship INS Mangrol to the Indian Navy. The vessel is named after the coastal township of Mangrol in Gujarat, representing continued progress in domestic defence shipbuilding. It...
01 Aug 2026
Private Sector Overtakes Government in India’s R&D SpendingFor the first time since 2010, India’s R&D spending has crossed 0.8% of GDP. Data reveals a structural shift where private industry contributed 51.8% of national research spending in 2023-24, surpassing the collective contribution of...
01 Aug 2026
Understanding the Formation of Blue Straggler StarsIndian astronomers have discovered new insights into the formation of Blue Straggler Stars, which appear younger and hotter than other stars in their clusters. The research indicates these stars are formed through mass transfer in...
July 2026
24 Jul 2026
DRDO Conducts Flight Test of Project Kusha Air Defence SystemThe Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted a flight test of Project Kusha, India's indigenous long-range air defence system. Designed to detect and destroy incoming enemy aircraft, drones, and...
23 Jul 2026
Understanding the Mechanics of Magnetic Levitation TrainsMagnetic levitation (maglev) trains use powerful magnetic fields to lift and propel trains above a guide-way, completely eliminating rolling friction. This technology allows trains to achieve speeds exceeding 400 km/hr while offering a...
21 Jul 2026
Vikram-1 Rocket Marks Growth of Private Space SectorThe launch of Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 rocket marks an engineering triumph that advances India's ambitions in the commercial space flight domain. Developed by a private Indian aerospace manufacturer, the rocket is designed to...
20 Jul 2026
India Launches Semicon 2.0 to Strengthen Chip EcosystemFollowing the initial phase of the India Semiconductor Mission, the government is focusing on Semicon 2.0 to expand local semiconductor fabrication. This phase aims to diversify the ecosystem by emphasizing supply chain resilience,...
19 Jul 2026
India Unveils Semicon 2.0 to Drive Domestic Semiconductor HubThe Indian government has launched the second phase of its semiconductor program, Semicon 2.0, focusing on building a robust local ecosystem for chip fabrication, assembly, and testing. Moving beyond the foundational incentives of the...
19 Jul 2026
Undersea Excavation Begins for Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet TrainThe Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project has achieved a major milestone with its second Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) beginning excavation for India's first undersea rail tunnel. The 21-kilometer tunnel, featuring a 7-kilometer...
18 Jul 2026
Skyroot Aerospace Prepares Vikram-1 Rocket for Maiden FlightIndia's first private orbital rocket, Vikram-1, developed by Skyroot Aerospace, is prepared for its maiden lift-off. The entire flight sequence, spanning 14 phases from lift-off to orbit injection, will take approximately 15.46 minutes....
17 Jul 2026
Skyroot Aerospace set for Vikram-1 private orbital launchSkyroot Aerospace is prepared to launch Vikram-1, India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket, on July 18 from Sriharikota. This marks a historic milestone for the Indian private space sector, demonstrating advanced hardware...
16 Jul 2026
India's L1 Procurement Policy Criticized as Barrier to InnovationRenowned scientist Dr. R.A. Mashelkar has raised concerns about India's public procurement system, stating that the policy of favoring the lowest bidder (L1) acts as a major barrier to indigenous deep-tech and AI innovation. Dr....
15 Jul 2026
Draft National Health Research Policy UnveiledThe Department of Health Research has prepared a draft national health research policy that aims to overhaul India's medical research landscape. This marks the first unified national framework spanning clinical medicine, biomedical...
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July 2026
15 Jul 2026
NASA Astronaut Anil Menon Launches to ISSIndian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon, along with two Russian cosmonauts, launched successfully on an eight-month mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The team will conduct scientific research and technology...
13 Jul 2026
Commissioning of INS Mahendragiri highlights India's self-reliance in warship buildingThe commissioning of INS Mahendragiri, an advanced stealth frigate built under Project 17A, showcases India's growing indigenous naval design and shipbuilding capabilities. Constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, the vessel is...
13 Jul 2026
ISRO tests crucial Gaganyaan crew module systemsThe Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted separation tests of the umbilical mechanism for the Gaganyaan crew module. This system acts as the critical physical link supplying power, fuel, and communication...
12 Jul 2026
India-Made EXIM Containers Rolled Out Under Manufacturing SchemeIn a major boost to domestic manufacturing, the first Made in India export-import (EXIM) container, built by DCM Shriram Group, was unveiled at Dadri for global shipping giant Maersk. This marks the first major milestone of the 10,000...
07 Jul 2026
Private Indian Satellite Mission Drishti Loses Contact Post Solar StormMission Drishti, the world's first OptoSAR satellite developed by a private Indian space technology company, has lost communication following a severe solar storm. The satellite was successfully launched in May 2026 aboard a SpaceX...
06 Jul 2026
Skyroot Aerospace to Launch Payloads on Vikram-1Skyroot Aerospace has announced that Vikram-1, India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket, will carry six diverse payloads. These include micro-art, diamond jewellery, and scientific instruments, marking a significant...
06 Jul 2026
Indigenous Stealth Frigate Mahendragiri to be CommissionedThe Indian Navy is set to commission the indigenous stealth frigate Mahendragiri this week. Part of Project 17A, the vessel incorporates advanced stealth features, indigenous weapons, and sensors, strengthening India's maritime security...
04 Jul 2026
Indian Scientists Recreate Human Placenta Functions on a ChipResearchers in India have successfully engineered a microfluidic device that replicates key biological functions of the human placenta, often referred to as a 'placenta-on-a-chip'. The chip accurately models critical processes like...
03 Jul 2026
Legacies of Scientific Heritage: The Annual Obaid Siddiqi LecturesThe fifth Obaid Siddiqi Lectures are set to commence in Bengaluru, delivered by Dr. Samira Sheikh of Vanderbilt University. The lectures, which bridge history and biological sciences, commemorate the contributions of Dr. Obaid Siddiqi,...
Practise Indian Achievements in S&T
10 of our latest questions on this topic (out of 18).
Question 1 of 10
The recently launched 'Sagar Manthan' is an indigenous ocean research vessel constructed by which shipbuilder?
Mains practice
For the first time in over a decade, India's Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD) has seen the private sector outspending the government. Analyze the factors behind this structural shift and discuss how a robust private-led R&D ecosystem can contribute to achieving the goal of 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047.
15 marks
For the first time, the private sector contribution to India's R&D expenditure has surpassed the combined contribution of all levels of government. In light of this development, analyze the factors behind this structural shift and discuss how India can leverage this trend to bridge its scientific and technological gap with other leading global economies.
15 marks
With India's R&D expenditure crossing 0.8 percent of GDP and the private sector leading national spending for the first time, analyze the structural challenges that have historically limited India's R&D intensity. Suggest policy measures to leverage private sector momentum to achieve the target of 2 percent of GDP on R&D.
15 marks
Previous years' questions
Past exam questions sorted by topic are coming here. Until then, the full papers are in our previous papers library.