YOJANA MAY 2023
CHAPTER 1: INNOVATION IN SPACE TECH.
In India, ISRO has been at the forefront of space technology and exploration since its inception.
In ISRO, the evolution of space technology and innovation had taken place at various technological frontiers.
Space Transportation System:
1. The 1970s marked the beginning of space transportation system with the development of solid-propulsion-based Sounding Rockets, which are capable of putting 30 kg of payload in 120km of altitude.
2. It was followed by development of first generation launch vehicles, i.e., Satellite Launch Vehicles (SLV) and Augmented SLV (ASLV) with the induction of liquid-propulsion technology.
3. The integration of solid and liquid propulsion and the development of various key technologies in the areas of Aerodynamics, Manufacturing, Composites, System Reliability etc have resulted in the development of the second-generation workhorse launch vehicle, such as the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), with the capability of placing a 1700 kg payload into polar orbit.
4. The indigenous development of a Cryogenic propulsive engine was the major technological development of third generation rockets i.e., GSLV launch vehicles, which have the capability of placing a 2000 kg payload in Geo-Synchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
5. Launching of high-throughput communication satellites necessitated the development of a further advanced launch vehicle, ie, Launch Vehicle MK3 (LVM3). Powered by the world’s 3rd largest solid boosters, high-capacity liquid and cryogenic engines, LVM3 has the capability of putting 4000 kg payload in GTO.
6. The latest member of ISRO's rocket family is the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), a three-stage launch vehicle. Solid stages and a liquid propulsion based velocity trimming module made SSLV capable of launching a 500 kg satellite into a 500 km planar orbit in a quick turn-around time.
Space Infrastructure
1. Early 1970s were the formative years of the Space Infrastructure of ISRO, which led to the foundations for design, building and operation of spacecraft. The first satellite of the country, ‘Aryabhata’ was realized and launched on 19 April 1975.
2. Further momentum was gained with the indigenous development of key technologies for spacecrafts such as Advanced Propulsion, Power Systems, Thermal Systems, Deployable Structures, Space Bus Systems, Communication Systems, Ground Infrastructure, Optical, Microwave, Scientific & Communication Payloads etc, for the self-reliance in spacecraft technology.
3. Capability in the remote sensing has grown from the coarse resolution of 1 km to the fine resolution of 28 cm with day & night and all-weather capability.
4. The communication transponders have also proportionally grown from a mere single unit to 317 numbers.
5. ISRO has mastered the capability of making satellites of 2000 kg with 1 kW power to 6000 kg with 14 kW power, operating in various frequency bands and with wide, shaped, and highly focused spot capability for communications, sub-metre resolution, optical, multi-spectral, and microwave imaging for earth observations, and progressing from payload-based navigation solutions to a satellite constellation - NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation).
Space Science and Inter-Planetary Missions
1. ISRO has sailed successfully to the reach of the Moon and Mars. Chandrayaan-1, the first lunar orbiter mission has brought new experiences in hosting international payloads, calibration, data interpretation, adopting global standards in science data formats, etc. Successful findings of water on the Moon was the scientific breakthrough achieved by Chandrayaan-1.
2. Chandrayaan-2 mission was altogether a highly complex mission, consisting of an Orbiter, Lunar Rover and Lunar Lander craft, as compared to its predecessor.
3. ISRO continues to explore Mars with the first ever interplanetary mission to the red planet, called Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), aka Mangalyaan.
4. The multi-wavelength space astronomy mission, AstroSat has served astronomers from nearly 50 countries. One of the breakthrough findings of the mission is the detection of UV emission from star formation in a galaxy that is 9.4 billion years away, providing the first measurements in the redshift range, near to the peak of the cosmic star-formation history of the Universe.
Space Applications
1. Ground technologies for tracking multiple objects in space, including the establishment of multi-object tracking radar, an integrated multimission ground segment for earth observation satellites, Polarimeteric Doppler Weather Radar, state-of-the-art advanced ground station for Earth Observation satellites at Bharti station have facilitated uninterrupted use of satellite services.
2. The revolution in imaging technologies such as Pushbroom, 3-Tier Imaging, Step-Stare, Stereo Imaging, Scatterometer, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Altimeter, TDI imaging, VHR imaging, etc., in the domain of Earth Observation served to accomplish 47 missions with capabilities of spatial resolution from 1 km to 28 cm, temporal resolution of 24 days to 2.5 days, and spectral resolution of 7 bits to 14 bits.
Human Space Exploration
1. At present, ISRO is actively pursuing the maiden human spaceflight mission Gaganyan to send astronauts to space and return safely back.
2. A new vehicle i.e., Test Vehicle (TV) has been developed to test critical crew associated systems. ISRO conducted a major development test.
3. ‘Integrated Main Parachute Airdrop Test (IMAT)’ to simulate different failure conditions of the parachute system before it is deemed qualified to be used in the first human spaceflight mission. Gaganyaan is at an advanced stage of its mission realisation.
Technology Innovation Continues
To develop technologies for low-cost access to space and space travel, ISRO conceived a Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) programme to develop space planes and shuttles that can ascent to orbit, stay there, re-enter, and land on a runway like an aeroplane.
ISRO is actively pursuing the development of technologies for an Air Breathing Two Stage to Orbit (AB TSTO) vehicle under the Air Breathing Propulsion Project (ABPP).
ISRO has been actively pursuing several R&D programmes related to Space Robotics -Vyommitra (Humanoid robot), Lander and Rover for Chandrayaan-3 mission, On-orbit Satellite Refueling, Planetary Rock Sampler, Space-based robotic manipulator, Robotic arm-based umbilical systems, 3D printing in Space.
Conclusion:
Thus, the field of space technology has witnessed an unprecedented amount of innovation over the past few decades, and ISRO has played the role of a gravity organization to unlocking the secrets of the cosmos and advancing human knowledge. As we look towards the future, innovations in space technology will undoubtedly pave the way for new discoveries and advancements, opening up new frontiers for exploration and expanding our understanding of the universe.
CHAPTER 2: STARTUPS REVOLUTIONISING INDIA’S GROWTH STORY
The Indian startup ecosystem is constantly evolving, expanding, and innovating in tandem with the rapidly changing world.
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) is the nodal department for the Startup ecosystem.
Untill FY 2016-17, approximately one unicorn was being added every year. Over the past four years (since FY 2017-18), this number has increased exponentially, with 66% Year-on-Year growth in the number of unicorns being added every year.
India is home to over 108 unicorns today- becoming the second-largest unicorn nation in the world.
The spike in funding was majorly led by the increased adoption of digitisation and the easy availability of capital at the early stages of growth for startups.
Startup India has introduced various schemes to simplify and facilitate the process of raising funds at both early and mature stages.
Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SIFSS) with an outlay of Rs 945 crore, which provides financial assistance to early-stage startups for proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, market entry, and commercialization is supporting early-stage funding from angel investors and venture capital firms.
Under Fund of Funds scheme (launched in 2016), support is extended to Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) registered Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), which in turn invest in startups. FFS was announced with a corpus of Rs. 10,000 crores and is aimed at supporting and handholding startups at mature stages.
Credit Guarantee Scheme for startups is providing credit guarantees to loans extended to DPIIT-recognised startups by Scheduled Commercial Banks, Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), and Venture Debt Funds (VDFs) under SEBI registered Alternative Investment Funds.
CHAPTER 3: POTENTIAL OF INDIA’S EDTECH SECTOR
EdTech is the usage of technology – software and/or hardware, to enhance teaching and learning. Smartphones loaded with EdTech apps have now become synonymous with education.
India’s ICT Revolution
The Indian ICT industry has been growing rapidly over the last quarter century. In FY 2022, the industry crossed US$200 billion in total revenue and 5 million in total workforce.
By the end of 2023, it is predicted to spend US$144 billion on ICT. The services segment is expected to make up about 52% of this spending.
Between 2010 and 2022, the number of internet users in India has increased by 10X, from 92.5 million to 932.2 million.
There has also been 27X increase in the number of smartphone users in India, from 34 million in 2010 to 931 million in 2022. This is expected to rise to 1.53 billion by 2040.
How does EdTech help students?
1. Learning while playing: Gamified techniques used in EdTech, especially K-6, make concepts easier for students to understand and make learning a fun activity.
2. Classes anywhere and anytime: EdTech makes learning inclusive by reaching the remotest parts of India. Students can access these classes at their convenience and pace. Working professionals can devote their free time to learning a new skill.
3. Access to quality teachers: Most of the good-quality teachers charge hefty fees depending on the school and the grade level, making them unaffordable for the masses. EdTech facilitates access to quality teachers in every town and village in India, at the push of a few buttons in a mobile app.
How does EdTech help teachers?
EdTech not only benefits students but also teachers by providing engaging pedagogical practices to complement their teaching.
This can include interactive whiteboard, educational videos, VR/AR simulations, and other digital resources that can help engage students and enhance their learning experience.
EdTech can also help in the process of academic administration through automated grading, classroom management tools, paperless classrooms, and eliminating guesswork.
Key Growth Drivers
The growth of EdTech in India has been driven by five key factors that are essential for its expansion and success. These include:
1. Demographic Dividend: There is a huge room for EdTech to grow in India. There are about 300 million kids in K-12, out of whom 85-90 million have internet access. The current penetration of EdTech among kids with internet access stands at just 5%. Also, at school and higher education levels, the numbers are very promising for EdTech to create impact at scale.
2. Technology Infrastructure: The government’s initiatives to expand digital infrastructure, such as the National Broadband Mission, Digital India, and BharatNet, along with the telco-led digital revolution, have made it easier for EdTech to reach out to remote areas.
3. Government Initiatives: The government has launched various programmes and initiatives to promote digital education, such as SWAYAM, DIKSHA, and ePathshala.
4. Pandemic-led Behavioral Changes: The pandemic accelerated the adoption of online education in India and across the world.
5. Increased Funding: The sector has attracted significant investments from venture capitalists and private equity firms, which have enabled EdTech companies to expand their offerings and reach a larger user base.
Financial Potential
The Indian EdTech sector was valued at US$750 million in 2020 and has grown to reach US$ 5.8 billion by early 2023, at a CAGR of 43%.
The market size is estimated to grow 3.7X over the next five years, from the current levels to $10.4 billion.
By 2027, the sector is expected to grow to US$10.1 billion.
This growth is driven by rising demand for non-academic courses from Tier Il and lll cities and the need for personalization in the EdTech space.
Challenges
EdTech also presents several challenges that need to be considered as we embrace EdTech products, platforms, and services. Three major challenges include:
1. Psychological and Social Effects of Online Digital Education: Lack of face-to-face interaction and socialization opportunities can affect their mental health and social skills.
2. Perception of Parents: Parents may have reservations about the effectiveness of EdTech and may prefer traditional classroom-based education for their wards.
3. Pupil-teacher Ratio: It is important to maintain a low pupil-teacher ratio in online education programmes to ensure that students receive personalised attention, and mentorship from teachers.
Critical Success Factors
3 critical success factors that can enhance this impact of EdTech include:
1. Integrate Practical Work- This will help students develop group dynamics, team building, and interpersonal skills that are vital at the workplace.
2. Create Multilingual Content: EdTech platforms need to focus on content creation in regional languages to ensure wider reach, usage, and relevance.
3. Focus on Holistic Education: EdTech programmes must ensure that the core elements of holistic education that include environmental responsibility and sustainable development and cultivation of human values are also integrated into the curriculum and overall design of the programmes.
Conclusion
Thus, EdTech will play a complementary role through techniques, products, platforms, and services that will support, enrich, and enhance the teaching-learning experience
for students, and equip them with knowledge and future skills that are vital for success in the 21st century.
CHAPTER 4: LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY FOR TRANSFORMING HEALTHCARE
Digital health
Digital health would also refer to the use of technology interventions for providing healthcare solutions and empowering healthcare seekers and providers (including individuals, the community or professional caregivers, doctors, the paramedical workforce, and the pharmaceutical and medical device industries), with a focus on better quality, higher efficiency, and easy access to healthcare services.
Telemedicine
It is the delivery of health care services, where distance is a critical factor, by all health care professionals using information and communication technologies for the exchange of valid information for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease and injuries, research and evaluation, and for the continuing education of health care providers, all in the interests of advancing the health of individuals and their communities.
MobileHealth or mHealth
It uses handheld devices such as tablets with pre-loaded customized software applications are being used by field-level healthcare functionaries in several countries, including India.
Internet of Medical Things (loMT) has combined medical devices and applications connecting to health IT systems that use diverse networking technologies to improve communication between doctors and patients, to decreasing the potential for exposure to contagious diseases, along with various smart sensor technologies that can collect data at the user level.
Growth of digital health interventions
As per the Precedence Research report (May 2022), the global market size of digital health was estimated at USD 332.53 billion in 2022. It is anticipated to peak around USD 1,694.21 billion by 2032, showing a CAGR of 19.4%.
As per a recent impact study by an NGO, each tele-consultation at an Ayushman Bharat Health & Wellness centre saves an average of a journey of up to 21.58 km, and more than Rs 941 as Out-of-Pocket- Expenditure (OOPE) on healthcare.
Telehealth platforms and solutions have led to an enhanced level of equity with increased reach and inclusion of marginalised and hard-to reach populations and regions.
The Digital health solutions can help manage increasing prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer effectively by providing personalized care plans, monitoring patient health remotely, and improving patient engagement.
With telemedicine, there would be higher maintenance of records and documentation. This reduces the likelihood of missing out on advice from the doctor and other health care staff.
India leads the way- Digital health initiative driving change
Some of the key features of the digital interventions launched by the Government of India are inclusiveness, multilingual platforms, scalability, and interoperability. These have helped serve a population of over a billion people.
The following are some of the initiatives that have seen a vast acceptance among people, accompanied by innumerable advantages.
1. Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM)
The Prime Minister launched ABDM in September 2021.
It envisions an integrated digital health infrastructure for the country and aims to develop the backbone that is necessary to support it.
These digital highways will bridge the existing gap among different stakeholders of healthcare ecosystem.
ABDM proposes to create a seamless online platform through the provision of a wide-range of data, information and infrastructure services, duly leveraging open, interoperable, standards based digital systems while ensuring the security, confidentiality and privacy of health-related personal information.
An important part of ABDM is ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account). The ABHA is a 14-digit number that will uniquely identify a beneficiary as a participant in India’s digital healthcare ecosystem.
2. (CoWIN) system
The Covid Vaccine Intelligence Network(CoWIN) system was launched on 16 January 2021.
It has provided the technological backbone to India’s Covid-19 vaccination programme, which has administered more than 220 crore doses, so far.
The key features of the CoWIN platform are (i) Blended registration- Beneficiaries can register online or on-site (walk-in) to Vaccination Centre. (ii) Beneficiaries can book online appointment based convenience (iii) Track Vaccination Schedule (iv) Instant Digital vaccination Certificate with certificate correction utility (v) Multilingual portal with 12 languages (vi) Mobile application for their ease of use for vaccinator (vii) Vaccine Stock Management (viii) Publishing of Vaccine Schedules in advance (ix) Real Time Dashboards (x) tracking of Adverse Event Following Immunization (AEFI) (xi) Digital Covid-19 vaccination Certificate tracking, and (xii) Facility wise coverage.
3. Tele-MANAS: Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States
It was launched on 10 October 2022.
It aims to provide free telemental health services, including counseling, integrated medical and psychosocial interventions through video consultations with mental health specialists, e-prescriptions, follow-up services, and linkages to in-person services, particularly to the remote areas and vulnerable groups of the population.
Specialized care is being envisioned through the programme by linking Tele-MANAS with other services like the national tele-consultation service, e-Sanjeevani, Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, mental health professionals, Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres, and emergency psychiatric facilities.
4. Ni-kshay 2.0 Portal
The President of India launched the ‘Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan- Ni-kshay 2.0, a digital platform for community support for the persons diagnosed with tuberculosis, in September 2022.
As of 3 March 2023, around 13.25 lakh TB patients were on TB treatment in the Ni-kshay portal, out of whom 9.69 lakh TB patients had given their consent for adoption.
5. Health Technology Assessment (HTA)
It is an institutional arrangement under the Department of Health Research (DHR) to facilitate the process of transparent and evidence informed decision-making in the field of health.
It provides evaluation of the appropriateness and cost effectiveness of available and new health technologies in the country.
Established in 2017, it has supported the Union Health Ministry, Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY, and various states with evidence-based decision making.
Conclusion
Thus, technology-aided health interventions and digital solutions in healthcare have revolutionized the health scape globally by bringing in unprecedented change. It has been widely acknowledged that digital health has the potential to bring about rapid, radical, and vast changes in not only healthcare services but also research and development in pharma, medical devices, drugs, and vaccination cold chain management, supply chain, and logistics, etc.
CHAPTER 5: QUANTUM COMPUTING TRANSFORMING TECHNOLOGY
Quantum computing
It is a multidisciplinary field comprising aspects of computer science, physics, and mathematics that utilizes quantum mechanics to solve complex problems faster than on classical computers.
Traditional computing, uses ‘bits'—binary digits of 0s and 1s - to represent information. However, quantum computing uses quantum bits, or ‘qubits; which can exist in multiple states simultaneously, instead of just two states (i.e.,0and 1).
This property of qubits, known as ‘superposition’ allows quantum computers to perform many computational calculations orders of magnitude faster than classical computing.
Impact of Quantum Computing
1. Faster data analysis in industrial data science applications: Quantum computers can perform certain types of calculations significantly faster than classical computing logic. which could enable faster data analysis for business problems in the era of big data, particularly for large datasets created with high velocity.
2. Improved machine learning outcomes: Quantum computers could potentially improve machine learning by enabling more efficient optimization of algorithms so that computer vision capabilities become more efficient, accurate, and fast.
3. Improved optimization for complex problems: Many analytics problems involve finding the optimal solution to a complex problem. Quantum computers can potentially solve these problems much faster than classical computers, enabling more efficient optimization of complex systems.
4. Improved industrialization- The Distributed computing networks, federated learning, ‘Internet of Everything, blockchain, and related technologies can be envisioned to become more efficient in terms of achieving their desired objectives computationally as well as in terms of quality of outcome.
5. Improved process efficiencies in digital transformation: Quantum computing may result in faster process automation by analyzing real-time data generated in the organization processes.
Implications for practice and policy
There are serious deliberations that are needed from a public policy viewpoint, some of which are listed below as:
Quantum computing is an advanced area where research and development are still at a nascent stage. which presents an opportunity for India to establish well-funded Research Centers of Excellence.
Long-term schemes of the Department of Science and Technology could possibly be introduced whereby strategic infrastructure and manpower training projects can be funded in the established.
Quantum computing also needs clear and sustained policy and governance since it deals with new levels of data and computation.
The legal frameworks surrounding data management, data sharing, data privacy, information assurance, algorithmic governance, and transparency need to evolve.
Similarly, frameworks surrounding security, transparency, accountability, fairness, and ethical use of quantum computing systems also need to evolve.
Policymaking at the national level on Skill areas of data science, decision science, and machine learning needs to create consolidated efforts towards the future talent and skill development of the large young population that India boasts of, to make them future- ready.
Realization of digital healthcare and biomedical research would be strongly facilitated using quantum computing.
Startups focusing on quantum computing can be encouraged using government support through organizations like the Technology Development Board, where grants can be given to startup ventures in non-metropolitan cities in the space of quantum computing product development.
Conclusion
The quantum computing domain is an area that the government must focus on because it will be heavily dependent on exploiting information assets within and outside the organizations in the long-term.
CHAPTER 6: AI CHATBOTS FUTURE AND CHALLENGES
A bot is a piece of code, a programme, or an application that can conduct pre-defined tasks using a database of pre-existing responses or a limited knowledge base.
They are unable to give appropriate answers to complex questions, that the developers did not know might be asked.
The new-age chatbots utilise Al and Natural Language Processing (NLP) to simulate human-like conversations and automate responses to customer queries, making it easier for users to find information without human intervention.
They are making a profound impact in areas such as healthcare, finance and banking, education, customer service, e-commerce, human resources, marketing, and social media.
Al chatbots can transform the healthcare sector by offering numerous services to both healthcare providers and patients.
They can function as virtual aides, offering assistance to patients with their healthcare inquiries. Their 24x7 availability makes basic healthcare accessible to people at all times and all places, and reduces the workload faced by the healthcare system.
AI chatbots are playing a dominant role in handling customer queries and requests across sectors and industries. Customer service chatbots can be integrated into various digital channels, such as websites, mobile apps, social media platforms, and messaging applications to help people with their inquiries and provide support.
E-commerce companies are using Al chatbots to help their customers locate products that match their needs by asking questions about preferences and showing relevant products.
Education is a key area where Al chatbots are becoming increasingly relevant. Generative Al can help in the digital transformation of our education system and make it more efficient and accessible.
It can help with content creation, the translation of educational material into multiple languages, and even play the role of a tutor or instructor where there is a lack of teaching resources.
The banking sector uses Al chatbots as a way of reducing costs and enhancing customer satisfaction. The primary reason for their popularity is that they can minimise the expenses of providing initial support.
The biggest concern about Al chatbots is that their increasing use can result in a considerable number of people losing their jobs.
Other challenges that Al chatbots are associated with include their improper responses due to misunderstandings, their lack of emotional intelligence, which may result in biases and a lack of empathy, and their compromises on privacy.
There are also some ethical issues, and over-dependence on technology is another concern as it can impact our emotional, intellectual, and physical health.
CHAPTER 7: 5G CYBERSECURITY CHALLENGES
The 5" Generation of the mobile network, or 5G is the latest global standard for wireless communications.
Every few years, a new generation of mobile communications takes shape and is described as 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G networks, and so on.
Each of these brings higher data transfer speeds and lower latency rates -the time it takes for data to transfer or download. 5G is expected to bring in an average data rate of 100 megabits per second and promises to go up to 20 gigabits per second.
5G will unleash the benefits of Internet of Things (loT) technologies and connected devices. High speed and low latency will enable the connected devices to communicate in real-time, offering better and more reliable performance.
In India, 5G services were launched in October 2022, with telecom companies’ services in select cities. The country is estimated to have over 150 million 5G users by the end of 2024 - a tiny fraction of the current 1.2 billion mobile phone users.
Geopolitics of 5G
Given its potential to influence our digital future and bring economic transformation, it is not surprising that leading tech powers have strived to attain the ‘first mover’ advantage in 5G technology.
There are apprehensions that China might weaponise 5G technology by coercing the Chinese telecom companies to share their consumer data with the government or even force them to shut down 5G networks in times of geopolitical tumult.
In the last few years, the United States has spearheaded a campaign to counter the Chinese telecom companies’ dominance in the 5G market.
There have been efforts to bring together like-minded and leading democratic states to jointly tackle the tech challenge posed by authoritarian regimes such as China and Russia.
5G and Cyber Threat Landscape
Considering the potential role that 5G will play in national development and economic growth, it can undoubtedly be regarded as a critical infrastructure. Hence, 5G communication networks will represent a valuable target for cyberattacks, including sabotage.
Due to higher speeds and enhanced capacity, 5G requires more access points and network edges, where the local network or device connects with the internet.
This shifts much of the core network functions to the edges, closer to the end-user, making it challenging to enforce the requisite security compliance and ensure trusted third-party vendors.
Another important dimension in the context of 5G is privacy risks. Unlike 4G, networks running on 5G have a much smaller area of coverage. Hence, they require several smaller antennas and base stations. This can allow precise location tracking mobile phone or internet users inside and outside, potentially compromising their privacy.
Conclusion
Thus, 5G offers new opportunities for digitalization and development, but the technology and network are not secure by design. Therefore, countries, like India, adopting 5G must have a cyber-resilience plan in place.
CHAPTER 8: USE OF TECHNOLOGY IN URBAN PLANNING
Urban planning is the process of both developing and designing open land, urban areas, and the built environment.
Technology may be used by urban planners to enhance their process and build better urban areas where people can live and work. Urban planners can establish a database to get information about specific metropolitan regions using cloud technologies.
Cloud computing technologies can also aid in the planning of bigger infrastructure projects.
Technologies deployed in the urban design process: Urban planners can utilize technology to improve their urban planning process and create a better city region for people to live and work.
1. Cloud Technology: With cloud technology, urban planners can create a database to receive details of certain urban areas. Moreover, cloud technology can help in planning larger infrastructure projects.
2. Internet: Through the internet, urban planners can design cities that are remote worker-friendly. This results in urban concepts with less traffic congestion and better transport options.
3. Internet of things: Many of the basic IoT tools are already in use. Those include smart streetlights that switch off automatically and save energy. Urban planners can build on those solutions and develop concepts that enhance the urban infrastructure.
4. Planning apps: Urban planners can use modern technologies as well as open data to develop inclusive and vibrant spaces for residents and businesses. Planning tools such as “National Equity Atlas” and “Metro Pulse” assist in the urban design process and help to create areas that the inhabitants of a city need.
5. Virtual Reality: Virtual reality is also helpful in simulating scenarios to model urban environments in 3D. Through the use of advanced visualization techniques, urban planners can visualize different urban areas. In this way, potential environmental impacts can be projected. This leads to better evaluations and decisions.
o Urban planners may use the internet to create cities that are accommodating to distant workers. As a result, urban designs have better transportation alternatives and reduced traffic congestion.
o Several fundamental loT tools are already in use. They include intelligent streetlights that automatically turn off to conserve energy.
o Urban planners may employ technology to establish self-management strategies to create smarter cities and put more emphasis on growing communities and neighborhoods.
o Urban planners can handle and resolve the present urban difficulties if they are used properly. Technology will also enable urban planners to concentrate more on creating communities, leading to a higher level of municipal self-sufficiency.
UPSC MAINS PRACTICE QUESTIONS
1. 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? (2016)
2. 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?
3. What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology? How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of society? (2021)