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  • Q.4. In the quest of scientific and technological development, ethical values should not be neglected. Discuss it in the current context.[1] 

    • 18,Oct 2024
    • Posted By : SPM IAS Academy
    • 0 Comments
    • APSC2023
    • GS4

    The pursuit of scientific and technological development is central to human progress, driving economic growth, improving healthcare, enhancing communication, and addressing global challenges like climate change. However, ethical values must be carefully integrated into these advancements to ensure that they do not harm individuals, societies, or the environment. In the context of Viksit Bharat (Developed India), a vision articulated by India’s leadership for a progressive, self-reliant, and ethically robust nation, the balance between development and ethics is crucial.

    1. Ethics in Technological Advancement

    Technological innovations, while transformative, often raise concerns about privacy, inequality, and exploitation. For example, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation holds the potential to revolutionize industries but also poses risks like job displacement and privacy invasion. In such cases, ethical considerations are paramount. Mahatma Gandhi advocated that “Science without humanity” is dangerous, emphasizing that technological advancements should always serve humanity’s broader good.

    In India’s push towards becoming a digital economy, the need for ethical data usage and cybersecurity is critical. The Aadhaar program, India’s digital identity system, has been a revolutionary tool for financial inclusion, but concerns about data privacy underscore the importance of balancing technological growth with ethical safeguards. The introduction of the Data Protection Bill in India is a step towards ensuring that citizens’ rights are protected in this era of data-driven technology.

    2. Sustainable Development and Environmental Ethics

    The development of green technologies like solar energy, electric vehicles, and sustainable agriculture in India embodies the idea that scientific progress should align with environmental ethics. India’s commitment to climate action, as seen in the International Solar Alliance and its Net Zero by 2070 goal, reflects the balance between progress and responsibility. The use of science to tackle climate change aligns with Viksit Bharat, where growth is envisioned as sustainable and inclusive, not destructive.

    The principle of Ahimsa (non-violence), deeply rooted in Indian philosophy, extends to environmental stewardship. Ethical development in India is also seen in the promotion of clean energy, reducing the harm to both nature and human health. Projects like the National Solar Mission demonstrate how technology, when guided by ethical considerations, can help build a sustainable future.

    3. Ethics in Medical and Biotechnology

    The development of biotechnology, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcased the power of science to save lives. The rapid development of vaccines like Covaxin and Covishield in India highlighted the potential of science to serve humanity. However, the ethical dimensions of accessibility and equity were also central. While wealthier nations secured vaccines faster, initiatives like Vaccine Maitri, through which India supplied vaccines to over 95 countries, demonstrated an ethical commitment to global health equity. This initiative reflects Viksit Bharat’s ethos of sharing the fruits of scientific development with the world, rooted in the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family.

    Similarly, advances in genetic engineering and stem cell research hold enormous potential for medical breakthroughs. However, these fields raise ethical concerns about consent, human dignity, and the potential misuse of technology for harmful purposes, such as cloning or genetic discrimination. Ethical oversight, through frameworks like India’s National Bioethics Committee, is crucial in ensuring that these technologies are used for healing rather than harm.

    4. Equity and Inclusion in Technological Development

    Ethical considerations must also address the digital divide—the gap between those with access to technology and those without. As India drives forward with initiatives like Digital India, the ethical challenge is ensuring that technology benefits all sections of society, including rural populations, women, and marginalized groups. The focus on inclusivity in India’s development narrative aligns with the Viksit Bharat vision, ensuring that technological advancements are accessible to all, not just the elite.

    For example, the PM WANI (Wi-Fi Access Network Interface) initiative aims to democratize access to the internet, providing affordable connectivity in rural and underserved areas. This initiative highlights how technological progress, when guided by ethical values like inclusivity and equity, can empower millions and contribute to a more just society.

    5. AI and Ethical Decision-Making

    As AI becomes more integrated into decision-making processes, ethical questions arise about accountability, bias, and transparency. The potential for AI to influence sectors like criminal justice, employment, and healthcare means that ethical guidelines are necessary to prevent misuse. Algorithms, if not carefully monitored, can perpetuate biases, reinforcing social inequalities.

    India’s NITI Aayog has emphasized the need for responsible AI, ensuring that AI development is aligned with ethical considerations like fairness and transparency. This reflects the broader Viksit Bharat vision of using technology not just for economic growth but for social good, where ethics guide innovation.

    6. Global Leadership with Ethical Development

    India, as it pursues the vision of Viksit Bharat, is positioning itself as a leader in ethical technological development on the global stage. Initiatives like the International Solar Alliance and India’s leadership in space technology demonstrate how scientific advancements can be ethically aligned with global welfare. Satellites developed by ISRO for purposes like disaster management, weather forecasting, and environmental monitoring reflect an ethical commitment to using technology for the greater good of humanity, ensuring progress is inclusive and responsible.

    In the quest for scientific and technological development, ethical values should never be neglected. The vision of Viksit Bharat calls for a harmonious blend of innovation with inclusivity, sustainability, and global responsibility. Whether in the realms of AI, biotechnology, or green energy, the future of India’s development hinges on ensuring that ethics guide progress. As Mahatma Gandhi warned, “The science of today is the technology of tomorrow,” but it must always be tempered with moral judgment, ensuring that the advancements serve humanity, protect the vulnerable, and respect the dignity of life.

    This alignment between science and ethics is not just a national necessity but a global imperative for the future of a developed, just, and sustainable world.

    Check out  UPSC Coaching Centre Guwahati | APSC Coaching Centre Guwahati | Crack APSC Exam | UPSC Civil Services Exam | Ethics Paper in UPSC Exams

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