IT, Space, Robotics, Biotech & IPR — UPSC Questions

No directly relevant verified UPSC Mains PYQ is available.

Discuss different types of cyber crimes and measures required to be taken to fight the menace. (UPSC Mains GS3, 2020)

What are the different elements of cyber security? Keeping in view the challenges in cyber security, examine the extent to which India has successfully developed a comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy. (UPSC Mains GS3, 2022)

Discuss different types of cybercrimes and measures required to be taken to fight the menace. (UPSC Mains GS3, 2020)

Data security has assumed significant importance in the digitized world due to rising cyber-crimes. The Justice B. N. Srikrishna Committee Report addresses issues related to data security. What, in your view, are the strengths and weaknesses of the Report relating to protection of personal data in cyber space? (UPSC Mains GS3, 2018)

Discuss the potential threats of Cyber-attack and the security framework to prevent it. (UPSC Mains GS3, 2017) Question wording and years cross-checked against the published UPSC GS3 previous-question compilation.

Public health system has limitations in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that the private sector could help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives would you suggest? (UPSC Mains GS2, 2015)

Introduce the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI). How does AI help clinical diagnosis? Do you perceive any threat to privacy of the individual in the use of AI in healthcare? (UPSC Mains GS3, 2023)

What are the different elements of cyber security? Keeping in view the challenges in cyber security, examine the extent to which India has successfully developed a comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy. (UPSC Mains GS3, 2022)

Introduce the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI). How does AI help clinical diagnosis? Do you perceive any threat to privacy of the individual in the use of AI in healthcare? (UPSC Mains 2023, GS Paper 3, 150 words, 10 marks)

Data security has assumed significant importance in the digitized world due to rising cyber crimes. The Justice B. N. Srikrishna Committee Report addresses issues related to data security. What, in your view, are the strengths and weaknesses of the Report relating to protection of personal data in cyber space? (UPSC Mains 2018, GS Paper 3, 250 words, 15 marks)

With reference to India's satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements: PSLVs launch satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.

GSLV Mk III is a four-stage launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A) 1 only B) 2 and 3 C) 1 and 2 D) 3 only Correct Answer: A (UPSC Prelims 2018)

Discuss India's achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology has helped India in its socio-economic development? (UPSC Mains 2016, GS Paper 3)

Foreign direct investment in the defence sector is now said to be liberalised. What influence this is expected to have on Indian defence and economy in the short and long run? (UPSC Mains GS3, 2014)

Cyber warfare is considered by some defense analysts to be a larger threat than even Al Qaeda or terrorism. What do you understand by Cyber warfare? Outline the cyber threats which India is vulnerable to and bring out the state of the country’s preparedness to deal with the same. (UPSC Mains GS3, 2013)

AI-generated scientific results require more than computational verification to become reliable public knowledge. Discuss with reference to mathematical proof assistants, research ethics and India's scientific capacity. (250 words, 15 marks)

“Security weaknesses in widely used software can become governance failures across many unrelated organisations.” Examine in the context of PHP2Shell. Discuss the measures India should adopt to strengthen software-dependency security, responsible AI use and continuity of digital public services. (250 words)

The emergence of autonomous AI agents has fundamentally altered the nature, speed and complexity of cybersecurity threats. Examine the implications of agentic AI for India's digital infrastructure, data protection and national security. Suggest technological, institutional and regulatory measures to ensure the safe and responsible use of autonomous AI systems. (250 words, 15 marks)

The Government of India's decision to regulate trade margins on expensive cancer medicines highlights the tension between pharmaceutical market freedom and the right to affordable healthcare. Critically examine the effectiveness and limitations of trade-margin rationalisation in improving access to cancer treatment. Suggest measures to balance public health, patient affordability and pharmaceutical innovation. (250 words, 15 marks)

The emerging AI competition is increasingly a contest over open models, semiconductors, data, standards and global technological ecosystems rather than model performance alone. Examine this statement and discuss the strategy India should adopt to achieve innovation, strategic autonomy and responsible AI governance.

The OpenAI-Hugging Face security incident shows that an AI system need not possess human-like intent to produce serious real-world harm. Examine the risks posed by autonomous AI agents and suggest a techno-legal framework for their safe development and deployment in India.

India's regulatory response to artificial intelligence has so far relied on subordinate legislation under the Information Technology Act, 2000, sectoral regulation and non-binding national guidelines. In the light of the emergence of agentic AI and synthetically generated content, critically examine whether India requires a dedicated standalone AI statute, and discuss the principles on which liability should be allocated across the AI value chain. (250 words, 15 marks)

The success of India's first private orbital launch marks a shift from a state-monopoly space programme to a broader national space ecosystem. Discuss the strategic and economic significance of private launch capability for India in the context of the global race for Low Earth Orbit, and examine the policy and structural bottlenecks that must be addressed to sustain it. (250 words, 15 marks) (GS Paper 3)

Data centres are emerging as the critical infrastructure of the artificial intelligence era, yet India hosts only a small fraction of global capacity despite generating a fifth of the world's data. In light of recent state-level initiatives such as Gujarat's Data Centre Policy 2026-29, examine the opportunities and challenges in making India a global data centre hub, with particular reference to energy, water and environmental sustainability. (250 words, 15 marks)

India’s export of Astra Mk-I missiles to Indonesia marks a shift from defence import dependence to defence partnership diplomacy. Discuss its significance for India’s defence self-reliance, defence exports and Indo-Pacific strategy.

Artificial intelligence, autonomy and algorithmic warfare are transforming the character of modern conflict. Discuss the opportunities and risks for India, and suggest a roadmap for sovereign, ethical and operationally effective military AI.

Assess the role of multi-pronged interventions like cloud seeding, emission bans, and GRAP in mitigating seasonal air pollution in urban India, and propose a framework for integrating technology and policy for long-term air quality improvement in megacities.

Examine the significance of Mission Sudarshan Chakra in enhancing India's air defence capabilities and discuss its role in promoting self-reliance in defence technology amid evolving geopolitical threats.