This book, which has been widely appreciated by readers, is primarily designed along the syllabus of the General Studies paper of the UPSC Civil Services Main Examination, but it will be of help in the Prelims General Studies I too. It goes beyond the syllabus to include topics of scientific interest, for the examination paper does not confine itself strictly to the syllabus.

Highlights

• There is a detailed discussion of the core science and technology issues in the ‘hi-tech’ fields of space research, nuclear research, information technology, Earth and ocean sciences, energy, and biotechnology.
• Also covered are some important topics of socio-economic nature from the point of view of S&T inputs, such as health care and medicine, agriculture, rural development, and industry.
• There is a chapter on ecology and environment, and the impact of human activity on the environment has been examined in the light of recent research and growing concern, besides the scientific efforts being made to mitigate environmental degradation.
• The principles, concepts and terms associated with each topic, in general, besides the research developments related to that field.
• Research and innovations that Indian scientists have developed and whatever is relevant to India and the ‘indigenisation’ of discoveries have been placed in context.
• The information—which is vast—has been presented in a concise and easy-to-understand way.
• The section on Recent Developments and Topical Issues presents a selection of ongoing research efforts in different fields which have given rise to new ideas, new terms, and fresh application of scientific principles and concepts in the development of new products and processes.
• Certain issues of current relevance pertaining to scientific and technological developments have also been discussed. Examples: Metaverse, Space Debris, Space and Security, Plastic Waste, Advanced Technologies and Agriculture, Satellite Internet, Geospatial Technology

The general reader will find the book most informative; but for the candidates of competitive examinations and job interviews that call for an advanced awareness of developments in the scientific and technological fields, this book is bound to be most useful.