Question 52 from UPSC CSE 2020 - S&T

Question

Consider the following activities:
1. Spraying pesticides on a crop field
2. Inspecting the craters of active volcanoes
3. Collecting breath samples from spouting whales for DNA analysis
At the present level of technology, which of the above activities can be successfully carried out by using drones?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. 1, 2, and 3

Strategy: Consider the feasibility of using drones for three activities: spraying pesticides over crops, inspecting volcano craters, and collecting whale breath samples. All listed activities are practical given current technology, as evidenced by global usage, safety benefits in dangerous sites, and documented scientific studies.

Key Info: Drones, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), have seen widespread adoption in diverse fields:

-   **Spraying pesticides**: Agricultural drones are used for precision spraying, crop health monitoring, and yield estimation. Pilot projects, such as in Telangana, India, have demonstrated pesticide spraying by drones for faster and more uniform coverage. Many countries, including the US and China, have legalized and standardized such drone uses, citing efficiency, reduced labor, and safer operator conditions.

-   **Inspecting volcano craters**: Volcanic craters emit toxic gases and present direct risks to human researchers. Drones equipped with cameras and scientific sensors have enabled the remote observation, gas sampling, and mapping of active volcanic sites, such as in Hawaii, Japan, and Iceland. Such missions gather critical real-time data on eruptions and ground deformation.

-   **Collecting whale breath for DNA analysis**: Marine biologists have used drones outfitted with petri dishes or filter devices to intercept and collect 'blow' (exhaled breath condensate) from whales, without disturbing the animals. This method allows non-invasive sampling for DNA, hormones, pathogens, and microbiota analysis, aiding in the study of whale health and ecology. Notable research teams in Australia and the US have used this technique successfully.

Globally, drone regulation and technological capabilities have advanced, supporting their application to previously inaccessible or dangerous environments, and facilitating cutting-edge research and safer, more efficient fieldwork.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: 1 and 2 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: 2 and 3 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: 1 and 3 only

Consider the following activities: Spraying pesticides on a crop field Inspecting the craters of active volcanoes Collecting breath samples from spouting whales for DNA analysis At the present level of technology, which of the above activities can be successfully carried out by using drones?

Consider the following activities:

Spraying pesticides on a crop field

Inspecting the craters of active volcanoes

Collecting breath samples from spouting whales for DNA analysis
At the present level of technology, which of the above activities can be successfully carried out by using drones?