Q1. What was the primary objective of the Scientific Policy Resolution (SPR) of 1958?
Science and Technology Policies and Government Programmes: RAS Prelims MCQs
185 RAS Prelims MCQs on science and technology policies and government programmes cover the Scientific Policy Resolution, the STIP, institutions of science, digital and innovation missions, and the Rajasthan Department of Science and Technology. The year, body, aim and target group of each policy or mission are asked as facts, matches and sequences.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 1–10 of 185 questions
Q2. Which eminent Indian scientist is credited with drafting the Scientific Policy Resolution of 1958 alongside the then leadership?
Explanation
Homi J. Bhabha played a pivotal role in shaping India’s scientific landscape during the post-independence era. He collaborated closely with Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to draft the Scientific Policy Resolution of 1958. This foundational document emphasized the importance of science for national advancement and laid the groundwork for establishing various scientific institutions and research programs across the entire country.
Q3. Which of the following best defines the core vision of the Scientific Policy Resolution 1958?
Explanation
The core vision of the 1958 resolution centered on encouraging individual creativity and initiative in the pursuit of scientific understanding. By fostering an environment where knowledge could be acquired and applied freely, the policy aimed to ensure that the benefits of science reached all citizens. This approach was considered essential for social transformation and overall national prosperity in India.
Q4. Identify the incorrect statement regarding the Scientific Policy Resolution 1958.
Explanation
The Scientific Policy Resolution of 1958 actually aimed to improve the status and conditions of scientific workers rather than reducing their benefits. It sought to recognize their contribution to nation-building and provide them with an honorable place in society. The policy emphasized the acquisition and application of scientific knowledge to improve the quality of life for all Indian citizens.
Q5. Match the policies in List I with their corresponding year of implementation in List II.
| Policy/Document | Year of Implementation |
|---|---|
| A. Scientific Policy Resolution | i. 2003 |
| B. Technology Policy Statement | ii. 2013 |
| C. Science and Technology Policy | iii. 1958 |
| D. Science, Technology and Innovation Policy | iv. 1983 |
Explanation
India has evolved its scientific framework through several key policies over the decades. The first Scientific Policy Resolution was adopted in 1958, followed by the Technology Policy Statement in 1983. Later, the Science and Technology Policy was introduced in 2003 to address new challenges. Finally, the Science, Technology and Innovation Policy was implemented in 2013 to integrate innovation.
Q6. Which of the following was a direct long-term effect of the adoption of the Scientific Policy Resolution 1958?
Explanation
Following the adoption of the 1958 resolution, India witnessed a significant expansion of its scientific infrastructure. This led to the creation of numerous national laboratories and specialized research institutes across diverse fields. These institutions provided the necessary environment for researchers to conduct advanced work, ultimately strengthening the country’s domestic capabilities in science and technology for long-term growth.
Q7. The Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP) 2013 introduced a new paradigm. Which of the following correctly identifies this paradigm?
Explanation
The Science, Technology and Innovation Policy of 2013 introduced a transformative paradigm that focused on societal benefits. It recognized that innovation must be directed toward solving the everyday problems of the common man. By linking scientific advancement with social needs, the policy aimed to ensure that the fruits of technological progress contributed directly to the welfare of the population.
Q8. What was the stated target for the Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD) as a percentage of GDP in the Science, Technology and Innovation Policy 2013?
Explanation
A major objective of the 2013 policy was to significantly increase the national investment in research and development activities. It set an ambitious target to raise the Gross Expenditure on Research and Development to two percent of the national Gross Domestic Product. Achieving this goal required enhanced participation from both the public and private sectors to drive technological innovation.
Q9. Which of the following is an exception to the key focus areas of the Science, Technology and Innovation Policy 2013?
Explanation
The 2013 policy emphasized the importance of intellectual property rights as a tool for fostering innovation and protecting scientific discoveries. Rather than eliminating these rights, it sought to strengthen the IPR framework to encourage investment in research. Other focus areas included promoting gender parity, increasing private sector participation in research, and developing cost-effective solutions for various national challenges.
Q10. Consider the following statements regarding the Science, Technology and Innovation Policy 2013:
I. It aimed to position India among the top five global scientific powers by 2020.
II. It focused on creating an environment for enhanced private sector investment in R&D.
III. It completely prohibited foreign collaboration in strategic scientific research.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
I. It aimed to position India among the top five global scientific powers by 2020.
II. It focused on creating an environment for enhanced private sector investment in R&D.
III. It completely prohibited foreign collaboration in strategic scientific research.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Explanation
The Science, Technology and Innovation Policy of 2013 set a strategic goal to place India among the world’s top five scientific powers by 2020. It also aimed to create a conducive environment for the private sector to invest more heavily in research and development. However, the policy did not prohibit foreign collaboration, but rather encouraged international scientific partnerships.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 1 | (b) To foster and sustain scientific research in all its various aspects |
| 2 | (a) Homi J. Bhabha |
| 3 | (c) Supporting individual initiative for the acquisition of knowledge |
| 4 | (d) It proposed a reduction in the remuneration of scientific workers to save government funds. |
| 5 | (c) A-iii, B-iv, C-i, D-ii |
| 6 | (b) Expanding the network of national laboratories and institutes |
| 7 | (d) Science, technology and innovation for the people |
| 8 | (b) 2 percent |
| 9 | (c) Eliminating intellectual property rights for basic research |
| 10 | (a) I and II only |
Key facts from Science and Technology Policies and Government Programmes
- The Scientific Policy Resolution of 1958, drafted with Homi J. Bhabha, aimed to foster and sustain scientific research in all its aspects.
- The order of institutions is CSIR (1942), DST (1971), National Innovation Foundation (2000) and Atal Innovation Mission (2016).
- STIP 2020 adopts a decentralised, bottom-up approach, and One Nation, One Subscription lowers journal costs for researchers.
- The NEP 2020 proposes the National Research Foundation; BioE3 means Economy, Environment and Employment.
- The Rajasthan Solar Energy Policy 2019 targets 30 GW by 2024-25; SRSAC under DST Rajasthan is located in Jodhpur.
- DigiLocker is the digital document wallet; the National Quantum Mission is under DST; Design Linked Incentive supports chip design.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Science and Technology Policies and Government Programmes?
This page has 185 practice MCQs on Science and Technology Policies and Government Programmes (Science and Technology). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
What was the Scientific Policy Resolution of 1958?
A policy statement that aimed to foster and sustain scientific research in all its aspects and to promote scientific temper. It was drafted with the help of Homi J. Bhabha under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
What does E3 stand for in the BioE3 policy?
Economy, Environment and Employment. The policy aims to move from a fossil-fuel-based economy to a circular bioeconomy by using biological systems, such as engineered microbes, for manufacturing, and to create jobs in biotechnology.
Where is the State Remote Sensing Application Centre of Rajasthan?
At Jodhpur. It works under the Department of Science and Technology of the State Government and uses satellite data for urban planning, agriculture monitoring and disaster management across the State.