Biotechnology — Meaning and Types

Biotechnology is the application of living organisms, cells, enzymes and biological processes to develop useful products and technologies.

Modern Biotechnology: Uses techniques such as genetic engineering, recombinant DNA technology, genome editing, tissue culture and molecular diagnostics.

Red Biotechnology: Deals with healthcare and medicine, including vaccines, gene therapy, insulin and diagnostic technologies.

Green Biotechnology: Focuses on agriculture, including genetically modified crops, biofertilizers and biopesticides. Example: Bt cotton.

White Biotechnology: Uses biological processes for industrial production of biofuels, enzymes, chemicals and biodegradable materials. Example: Bioethanol.

Blue Biotechnology: Utilises marine organisms and resources for pharmaceuticals, food products and industrial applications.

Grey Biotechnology: Focuses on environmental protection, including wastewater treatment, recycling and bioremediation using microorganisms.

With reference to Biotechnology, consider the following statements:

1. Red Biotechnology is primarily associated with healthcare and medical applications.
2. Green Biotechnology focuses mainly on agriculture, including biofertilizers and genetically modified crops.
3. White Biotechnology is associated with industrial production such as biofuels and enzymes.
4. Blue Biotechnology primarily deals with wastewater treatment and bioremediation.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 1 and 4 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (a)

 
Powers and Functions of the President of India

Executive Powers: Under Article 53, executive power of the Union is vested in the President. He appoints the Prime Minister, Union Ministers and other key constitutional authorities.

Administrative Powers: Under Article 77, the President makes rules for the convenient transaction of Union government business and allocation of work among ministers.

Judicial Powers: The President appoints judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts as per the constitutional process and can seek the Supreme Court’s opinion under Article 143. He also exercises clemency powers under Article 72.

Legislative Powers: The President summons and prorogues Parliament, can dissolve the Lok Sabha, addresses Parliament, nominates 12 members to the Rajya Sabha and gives assent to Bills.

Ordinance and Financial Powers: Under Article 123, the President can promulgate Ordinances when Parliament is not in session. He also causes the Union Budget to be laid before Parliament and recommends certain financial proposals.

Diplomatic and Military Powers: Represents India internationally, appoints and receives diplomatic representatives and serves as the Supreme Commander of the Defence Forces under Article 53.

Emergency Powers: Can proclaim National Emergency (Article 352), President’s Rule (Article 356) and Financial Emergency (Article 360), subject to constitutional safeguards.

With reference to the powers and functions of the President of India, consider the following statements:

1. The President can promulgate Ordinances when Parliament is not in session.
2. The President nominates 12 members to the Rajya Sabha.
3. The President can seek the opinion of the Supreme Court on questions of law or fact.
4. The President can proclaim a Financial Emergency under Article 360.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 1 and 4 only

(c) 2, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (d)

 Powers and Functions of the Prime Minister

Head of Government: The Prime Minister is the real executive head of the Union and heads the Council of Ministers, providing overall political and administrative leadership.

Council of Ministers: Under Article 75, recommends persons for appointment as ministers, allocates and reshuffles portfolios, presides over Cabinet meetings and coordinates the functioning of ministries.

Link with President: Under Article 78, the Prime Minister communicates decisions of the Council of Ministers and legislative proposals to the President and advises him/her on important constitutional matters.

Parliamentary Role: Advises the President on summoning and proroguing Parliament and dissolution of the Lok Sabha; as leader of the government, he/she also ensures legislative support for government policies.

Policy Leadership: Provides overall direction to economic, social, domestic and administrative policies and acts as the chief political spokesperson of the Union Government.

Diplomatic and Crisis Role: Represents India at major international forums, contributes to foreign policy and provides political leadership during emergencies, wars and national crises.

Chairmanship and Political Leadership: Chairs important bodies such as NITI Aayog and Inter-State Council, while also leading the ruling party/coalition and coordinating the political and administrative machinery.

With reference to the powers and functions of the Prime Minister of India, consider the following statements:

1. The Prime Minister recommends persons for appointment as Union Ministers by the President.
2. The Prime Minister acts as a link between the President and the Council of Ministers.
3. The Prime Minister advises the President regarding the summoning and prorogation of Parliament.
4. The Prime Minister is the constitutional head of the Union executive.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 1 and 4 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (a)

 
Artificial Intelligence (AI) 


AI refers to the ability of machines to perform tasks requiring human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning and decision-making.

Key Technologies: AI includes Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Neural Networks, Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Computer Vision.

Machine & Deep Learning: Machine Learning enables systems to learn from data, while Deep Learning uses multi-layered neural networks to identify complex patterns.

NLP & Computer Vision: NLP enables machines to understand human language, while Computer Vision enables interpretation of images and videos.

Types of AI: Narrow AI performs specific tasks; Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) aims at human-like general intelligence; Super AI is a hypothetical form surpassing human intelligence.

Functional Types: AI may include Reactive Machines that respond to current inputs, Limited Memory AI that uses past data, and hypothetical Theory of Mind and Self-Aware AI.

Applications: AI has evolved from rule-based systems to advanced learning systems and is now used in healthcare, agriculture, finance, governance, defence and education, offering opportunities while raising concerns about ethics, privacy and responsible use.

With reference to Artificial Intelligence (AI), consider the following statements:

1. Machine Learning enables systems to learn patterns from data.
2. Deep Learning uses multi-layered neural networks.
3. Narrow AI is designed to perform specific tasks.
4. Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) has already achieved human-level intelligence across all domains.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 1 and 4 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (a)