Application of Emerging Technologies in Public Health
Science & Technology
- PYQs8
- Articles1
Background
The effective deployment of technology is critical for addressing India's vast public health challenges, improving healthcare access and quality, and achieving universal health coverage, aligning with national development goals and the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), genomics, and advanced medical devices are increasingly being integrated into India's public health system to enhance diagnostics, surveillance, program implementation, and access to healthcare, especially in remote areas.
Facts & tables
- AI Applications
- Used for diagnostics (e.g., tuberculosis, diabetic retinopathy screening) and program implementation.
- i-Drone Initiative
- Leverages drones for delivering vaccines and critical medical supplies, overcoming geographic barriers.
- Medtech Advancements
- Includes medical devices, diagnostics, and next-generation vaccines/therapeutics for targeted interventions.
- Digital Health Integration
- Digital health and data science are evolving domains, integral to public health decision-making.
| Type | Reference |
|---|---|
| Conceptual area | Public Health |
| Conceptual area | Science & Technology |
| Body | Role |
|---|---|
| Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) | Promotes and integrates technology in health research |
Prelims angle
Prelims angle: Statement-based questions
Prelims angle: Policy measures
- AI: Diagnostics (TB, diabetic retinopathy), program implementation.
- i-Drone: Vaccine/medical supply delivery, overcoming barriers.
- Medtech: Devices, diagnostics, next-gen vaccines/therapeutics.
- Digital health: Evolving domain, data-driven decisions.
- Impact: Improved access, efficiency, patient-centric care.
| Year | Framing tags |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Statement-based questions, Factual recall |
| 2024 | Statement-based questions, Multi-statement analysis |
| 2022 | Factual recall, Conceptual understanding |
| 2018 | Conceptual understanding, Terminology-based question |
| 2018 | Multi-statement analysis, Policy measures |
| 2018 | Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall |
| 2017 | Statement-based questions, Policy measures |
| 2016 | Statement-based questions, Factual recall |
Timeline
-
Public Health
Conceptual area
-
Science & Technology
Conceptual area
-
Prelims 2016
Statement-based questions, Factual recall
-
Prelims 2017
Statement-based questions, Policy measures
-
Prelims 2018
Conceptual understanding, Terminology-based question
-
Prelims 2018
Multi-statement analysis, Policy measures
-
Prelims 2018
Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall
-
Prelims 2022
Factual recall, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2024
Statement-based questions, Multi-statement analysis
-
Prelims 2025
Statement-based questions, Factual recall
-
How ICMR is rewiring the health ecosystem
India is increasingly leveraging emerging technologies like AI, drones, and advanced medtech to transform its public health system. AI aids diagnostics and program delivery, drones ensure supply chain efficiency in remote areas, and medtech innovations enable targeted treatments, all contributing to better healthcare access and outcomes.
See also
Past papers
2016–2025 · 8 questions
In the news
How ICMR is rewiring the health ecosystem
India is increasingly leveraging emerging technologies like AI, drones, and advanced medtech to transform its public health system. AI aids diagnostics and program delivery, drones ensure supply chain efficiency in remote areas, and medtech innovations enable targeted treatments, all contributing to better healthcare access and outcomes.
Try these PYQs
Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding Smart India Hackathon 2017?
1. It is a centrally sponsored scheme for developing every city of our country into Smart Cities in a decade.
2. It is an initiative to identify new digital technology innovations for solving the many problems faced by our country.
3. It is a programme aimed at making all the financial transactions in our country completely digital in a decade.
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
Statement 1 is incorrect: The Smart India Hackathon (SIH) is not a scheme for developing Smart Cities. Instead, it is a nationwide initiative aimed at identifying innovative digital technology solutions to solve real-world challenges across various sectors. Statement 2 is correct: The Government of India launched the Smart India Hackathon to encourage students and professionals to develop innovative digital solutions for challenges in agriculture, health, education, energy, environment, and other domains. It serves as a platform for young minds to engage in problem-solving and contribute to technological advancements. Statement 3 is incorrect: While the hackathon focuses on digital technology innovations, it is not specifically centered on digital financial transactions. Instead, it covers a wide range of sectors where technology can drive efficiency and innovation. Hence, correct answer is option (B).
Consider the following statements regarding AI Action Summit held in Grand Palais, Paris in February 2025:
I. Co-chaired with India, the event builds on the advances made at the Bletchley Park Summit held in 2023 and the Seoul Summit held in 2024.
II. Along with other countries, US and UK also signed the declaration on inclusive and sustainable AI.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
✅ Statement I: Correct
*India co-chaired the AI Action Summit in Paris (Feb 2025), continuing efforts from the Bletchley Park (UK, 2023) and Seoul (South Korea, 2024) Summits on AI governance.* ❌ Statement II: Incorrect
*The joint statement on ‘Inclusive and Sustainable AI’ was signed by 58 countries including India and China, but the US and UK did not sign due to concerns about overregulation.* Correct Answer: Only Statement I is correct.
Which of the following is/are the aim/aims of "Digital India" Plan of the Government of India?
1. Formation of India's own Internet companies like China did.
2. Establish a policy framework to encourage overseas multinational corporations that collect Big Data to build their large data centres within our national geographical boundaries.
3. Connect many of our villages to the Internet and bring Wi-Fi to many of our school, public places and major tourist centres
Select the correct answer using the code given below
* Statement 1 is not correct: The formation of India’s own internet companies, similar to China’s approach, is not an aim of the Digital India programme. The initiative focuses on creating digital infrastructure, providing digital services, and promoting digital literacy — not establishing government-backed internet firms. * Statement 2 is not correct: The Digital India plan does not include any policy framework to attract foreign multinational corporations to build data centres in India. While data localisation and data centre policies have emerged later under different frameworks, they are not part of the original Digital India objectives. * Statement 3 is correct: One of the key aims of Digital India is to connect villages through broadband and to provide Wi-Fi access in schools, public places, and tourist centres. This is part of its core pillars like Broadband Highways, Public Internet Access Programme, and Early Harvest Programmes.
When the alarm of your smartphone rings in the morning, you wake up and tap it to stop the alarm which causes your geyser to be switched on automatically. The smart mirror in your bathroom shows the day's weather and also indicates the level of water in your overhead tank. After you take some groceries from your refrigerator for making breakfast, it recognises the shortage of stock in it and places an order for the supply of fresh grocery items. When you step out of your house and lock the door, all lights, fans, geysers and AC machines get switched off automatically. On your way to the office, your car warns you about traffic congestion ahead and suggests an alternative route, and if you are late for a meeting, it sends a- message to your office accordingly.
In the context of emerging communication technologies, which one of the following term best applies to the above scenario?
The scenario described involves various devices (smartphone, geyser, smart mirror, refrigerator, car, etc.) communicating with each other and with the user, and automatically performing tasks based on certain triggers. This is characteristic of the Internet of Things (IoT). Option B is correct: Internet of Things (IoT) is a system of interrelated computing devices, mechanical and digital machines, objects, animals or people that are provided with unique identifiers (UIDs) and the ability to transfer data over a network without requiring human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction. Option A is incorrect: Border Gateway Protocol is a protocol used to exchange routing information across the internet and is not relevant to the scenario described. Option C is incorrect: Internet Protocol is a set of rules for sending and receiving messages at the Internet address level, but it doesn't cover the broad range of device intercommunication described in the scenario. Option D is incorrect: A Virtual Private Network is a technology for using the internet or another intermediate network to connect computers to isolated remote computer networks that would otherwise be inaccessible, which also doesn't fit the scenario.
With reference to the Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme, consider the following statements :
1. To implement the scheme, the Central Government provides 100% funding.
2. Under the Scheme, Cadastral Maps are digitised.
3. An initiative has been undertaken to transliterate the Records of Rights from local language to any of the languages recognized by the Constitution of India.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
* Statement 1: Correct. The Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme (DILRMP) is 100% centrally funded by the Central Government for Union Territories and North-Eastern States. For other states, the funding pattern may vary, but it largely involves central assistance for implementing the scheme. * Statement 2: Correct. Cadastral Maps (detailed maps showing boundaries of individual land parcels) are being digitized under the scheme. This aims to create accurate digital land records, enabling better governance and reduced disputes. * Statement 3: Correct. An initiative has been undertaken to transliterate Records of Rights (RoR) from local languages into languages recognized by the Constitution of India. This improves accessibility and ensures land records are understood by a wider audience.
Show 3 more PYQs
"3D printing" has applications in which of the following?
1. Preparation of confectionery items
2. Manufacture of bionic ears
3. Automotive industry
4. Reconstructive surgeries
5. Data processing technologies
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a process of making three dimensional solid objects from a digital file. It is used in a wide range of industries and has various applications. It can be used to create intricate and customized shapes in confectionery items like chocolates, candies, and other desserts. It has been used to create customized bionic ears for people with hearing impairments. It is used in the automotive industry for rapid prototyping, manufacturing of customized parts, and even some production of vehicle components. It is used in reconstructive surgeries to create patient-specific implants, prosthetics, and surgical guides. It can be used to create specialized components and parts for data processing technologies, such as computer hardware. Therefore, all the five statements are correct.
Regarding ‘DigiLocker’, sometimes seen in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is a digital locker system offered by the Government under Digital India Programme.
2. It allows you to access your e-documents irrespective of your physical location.
Select the correct answer using the code given below
Statement 1 is correct: DigiLocker is a cloud-based digital locker system launched by the Government of India under the Digital India Programme. Its primary objective is to reduce reliance on physical documents by providing secure digital storage and access to e-documents issued by government departments, educational institutions, and other entities. Statement 2 is correct: DigiLocker enables users to access their electronic documents (e-documents) anytime, anywhere, provided they have an internet connection. This enhances convenience, eliminates the need to carry physical documents, and ensures secure and verifiable digital storage. Therefore, both statements are correct.
Consider the following communication technologies:
1. Closed-circuit Television
2. Radio Frequency Identification
3. Wireless Local Area Network
Which of the above are considered Short-Range devices/technologies?
Out of the listed communication technologies, all three can be considered short-range devices/technologies. Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV): CCTV systems primarily use cables or wireless connections with a limited range, typically within a building or a designated area. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID): RFID uses radio waves to identify objects. The reading range of RFID tags depends on the specific technology but generally falls within the short-range category, from a few centimetres to a few meters. Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN): WLANs, commonly known as Wi-Fi networks, typically operate within a range of tens of meters indoors and up to hundreds of meters outdoors depending on factors like signal strength and frequency band. While the range might be slightly larger than the others on this list, WLANs still fall under the short-range classification compared to technologies like cellular networks or satellite communication.