2016 · GS Paper 3 · Q13 · 12 marks
Why is nanotechnology one of the key technologies of the 21st century? Describe the salient features of Indian Government's Mission on Nanoscience and Technology and the scope of its application in the development process of the country.
In short
Nanotechnology is a key 21st century technology because nanoscale materials gain new properties that transform health, energy, farming and electronics. India's Nano Mission, approved in 2007 with about Rs 1,000 crore under DST, built research centres, skills and industry links, with uses such as IFFCO's Nano Urea.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 265 words
Nanotechnology engineers matter at 1 to 100 nanometres, where materials gain new strength, conductivity and reactivity. As a general-purpose technology spanning medicine, energy and farming, it prompted India's Nano Mission in 2007.
Why Nanotechnology Is a Key 21st Century Technology
1. Novel properties: Graphene is about 200 times stronger than steel and conducts better than copper (NITI Aayog, 2024), enabling post-silicon electronics. 2. Resource efficiency: Nano catalysts, coatings and fertilisers achieve more output with less material and energy. 3. Convergence: It underpins chips, quantum devices, batteries and biotech, so it decides strategic autonomy.
Umbrella design
Approved in 2007 with about Rs 1,000 crore for five years under DST, it scaled up the 2001 Nano Science and Technology Initiative.
Expert steering
A Nano Mission Council under Prof. C.N.R. Rao set priorities.
Institutions and skills
Centres of Excellence, INST Mohali, M.Tech programmes and fellowships built capacity, with industry-linked projects.
Agriculture
IFFCO's Nano Urea (2021), sprayed on leaves, cuts fertiliser use, subsidy and soil overload.
Water
IIT Madras's AMRIT nano-filter removes arsenic and iron cheaply in affected villages.
Health and energy
Targeted nano drug delivery lowers side effects in cancer care, while nano-coated solar cells and battery electrodes support clean energy goals.
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Question from the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2016 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.