Prelims shortlisting criteria

Question 1

Important broad themes

Answer 1

1. ICT(Most important)
2. Biotech(followd by ICT)
3. Physics & spacetech

Question 2

Some other themes

Answer 2

• Alternative energysourcesand materials(e.g. H-CNG, bio-fuels, shale gas, photovoltaics, fly ash)
• Bio-technology– Hybridization, new developments such as DNA (genetic) engineering/alteration techniques (CRISPR, RNAi), use of important microorganisms (e.g. blue-green algae), symbiotics etc.
• Nano-technologyand developments – e.g. Carbon nanotubes
• Astrophysics(e.g. neutron stars, gravitational waves, black holes),Higher physics(e.g. general theory of relativity),space-missions
• Polar regions– Issues, bodies and treaties related to Arctic and Antarctica, new developments such as seed vault
• Diseasesin India – Outbreaks, pandemics, eradicated diseases, WHO or MoHFW guidelines
• Patents(issues and developments) – Evergreening, Patents Act, IPAB, WIPO
• Emerging technologies(especially communication)– Li-Fi, Wearable technologies, Internet of Things etc.
• New Banking regulations/developments– For e.g. Banking correspondents, payments bank, Core Banking Solutions etc.
• Planning in India– for e.g. objectives of 12thPlan, goals of other FYPs, bodies related to planning, Finance Commission
• Agricultural policy in India– Pricing and issues related, major missions and initiatives,regulation of agricultural markets
• Wetlands– Conventions, wetlands in India, benefits and issues
• Biodiversity/National parks– Almost every year there is a question since 2011