Maharashtra Board Class 10 Defence Studies Chapter 5 Science Technology and National Security PDF Download

Science, Technology and National Security

In your Ninth Standard Work Book on Defence Studies, you had learnt that; to protect its national interests and core values in this world, a nation requires to develop credible National Power. You also learnt about the various factors which go into constituting National Power. Among the material factors; Science, Technology and Manufacturing capability are factors which need to be developed by our nation on priority if it aspires to become a modern, developed, and prosperous Nation State.

Relationship Between Science, Technology and Engineering

Technology is often developed from the basic knowledge of science combined with engineering. For example, science might study the flow of electrons in electrical conductors by using already-existing tools and knowledge. This new-found knowledge may then be used by engineers to manufacture new tools and machines such as semiconductors, computers, and other forms of advanced technology. In this sense, scientists and engineers may both be considered as technologists. Therefore the three fields i.e. Science, Technology and Engineering are often considered as one for the purposes of research and development.

Science is the systematic study of the structure and behaviour of the physical and natural world. Technology is the application of practical sciences for Industry or Commerce. Technology refers to methods, systems, and devices which are the result of scientific knowledge being used for practical purposes. A modern example is the rise of Information Technology (IT) which is the combined application of Computer Science and Electronics.

Engineering is the application of mathematics, as well as scientific, economic, social, and practical knowledge. This helps to invent, innovate, design, and manufacture, materials, components, tools, machines, weapon systems etc.

Teacher's Note

Science is like studying how things work. Technology is using that knowledge to make new things. For example, scientists study electricity, and engineers use that knowledge to make mobile phones.

Exam Trick

Remember: Science = Study. Technology = Use that study to make things. Engineering = Design and build those things.

Points to Remember

Science is the study of nature and how things work.
Technology is using science to make new products and tools.
Engineering is designing and building machines and systems.
All three work together to create new inventions.
Scientists discover, engineers create.

Scientific, Technological and Industrial Development in India

Looking back into ancient and medieval history, India gave the world great knowledge in Astronomy, Mathematics, Textiles and in many other fields. Until the 17th century India was economically and militarily at par with the European nations. In 1780 Tipu Sultan surprised the British forces in battle by using rockets against them; the British copied these rockets and used them against Napoleon in Europe in 1812. The industrial revolution in Europe in the 18th century rapidly changed the industrial capacity of Europe and it progressed rapidly. However, due to the British rule such an industrial revolution did not take place in India.

India has taken major strides in science and technology since its independence and today it is recognized for its achievements in many fields. These include Agriculture, Textiles, Health-care and Pharmaceuticals, Information-Technology, Space Technology, Defence Technologies and Nuclear Technology.

Several initiatives have been taken in the field of Science and Technology by the Indian government to enhance the security of the Nation. Some of these initiatives were for civilian use while some had defence applications. It is necessary to understand that it is not possible to say that certain technology is only for civilian use or for defence use. For example, satellites are used for regular mobile phone communication; they are also used by Defence Forces for their communication. Similarly, Nuclear Science is used for production of electricity; it is also used for production of nuclear weapons.

Dual-Use Technology: It is that technology which can satisfy more than one goal at any given time. Thus, expensive technologies used for military purposes can also be used to benefit civilian interests for peaceful purposes, these are termed as dual use technologies. Example: Global Positioning System - GPS

This chapter focuses on three areas of technology that are used by the Armed Forces to ensure security of India: Space Technology, Nuclear Technology and Electronics. All these are 'dual use' technologies.

Teacher's Note

India made rockets long ago. Even Tipu Sultan used rockets! Today India makes satellites and missiles. We are very proud of India's science and technology.

Exam Trick

Remember: Dual-use = one technology, two uses. GPS works for maps on phones AND for military navigation. Just like a knife can cut bread or help in cooking!

Points to Remember

India had great science in ancient times.
India gave mathematics and astronomy to the world.
After independence, India became strong in space, nuclear, and defence technology.
Dual-use technology helps both civilians and the military.
GPS is an example of dual-use technology.

Space Technology

Space technology is critical to human survival and progress. Satellites are now being used for many purposes: Meteorology, Television Broadcasting, Mobile Telephony, Navigation and Internet. Space systems are also used in multiple fields, such as Financial Management, education, Tele-Medicine, Scientific Research and Disaster Management. The use of outer space is also done for military support functions like reconnaissance, communication and navigation.

Space technology is an area of notable success, thanks to the efforts of Dr Vikram Sarabhai and many other scientists. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has made the nation self-sufficient in building and launching rockets, spacecraft and satellites. Space Technology also provides the ability to build missiles for military purposes.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was set up in 1969. Its vision was to harness space technology for national development. India produced its first indigenous satellite, Aryabhata, in 1975. This was launched by a Soviet (rocket) termed as space launch vehicle. India's first successful space launching programme was accomplished in 1983. Starting with Rohini, ISRO has developed several Satellite Launch Vehicles (SLVs), Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicles, Polar Satellite Launch Vehicles and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicles. The use of the Indian Remote Sensing Satellite (IRS) for reconnaissance purposes is the first major defence application of the Indian satellite.

Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai (1919-1971) is considered as the Father of the Indian space program. The establishment of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) was one of his greatest achievements.

Teacher's Note

India launched its first satellite Aryabhata in 1975. Today ISRO sends satellites for weather, TV, phones, and maps. Dr. Vikram Sarabhai made this dream true.

Exam Trick

Remember: ISRO = Indian Space Research Organisation. Aryabhata = First Indian satellite (1975). Satellites help in weather, TV, phones, and maps.

Points to Remember

ISRO was set up in 1969 by India.
Aryabhata was India's first satellite (1975).
Satellites are used for weather, TV, phones, and GPS.
Space technology is important for safety and development.
Dr. Vikram Sarabhai was the father of Indian space program.

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