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 11–20 of 185 questions
Explanation
A key feature of the Open Science Framework in the 2020 policy is the ‘One Nation, One Subscription’ initiative. This proposal aims to provide all individuals and institutions in India with free access to national and international scientific journals. By removing financial barriers to information, the policy seeks to democratize knowledge and empower researchers, students, and the general public.Explanation
The 2020 policy places a strong emphasis on equity and inclusion within the scientific community. One of its specific structural features is the mandate for at least thirty percent representation of women in all selection and evaluation committees. This measure is intended to address gender imbalances and ensure that women play a significant role in decision-making processes in science.Explanation
To bolster research funding and coordination, the policy proposes the establishment of the National Research Foundation. This body is designed to seed, grow, and facilitate research across universities and colleges. By providing a centralized mechanism for funding, the foundation aims to build a robust research culture and bridge the gap between academia, government laboratories, and the private industry.Explanation
India’s scientific journey is marked by the sequential issuance of formal policy documents.Explanation
The ‘One Nation, One Subscription’ policy is intended to make scientific literature universally accessible within the country. Under this model, the government negotiates with publishers to provide a single central subscription. This outcome ensures that even researchers in remote areas or smaller institutions can access high-quality research papers without facing the burden of individual or institutional subscription fees.Explanation
The Department of Science and Technology was established in 1971 to serve as a nodal agency for promoting science and technology in India. Since its inception, it has played a critical role in formulating policies and implementing programs that support research across various disciplines.Explanation
The INSPIRE program is a flagship initiative designed to attract young talent to the study of science. It focuses on students at various levels, from schools to doctoral research. By providing scholarships and internships, the scheme encourages students to pursue careers in basic sciences and research, thereby ensuring a steady supply of skilled scientific manpower for the nation.Explanation
The Department of Science and Technology functions under the Ministry of Science and Technology, not the Ministry of Earth Sciences. As the nodal department, it is responsible for organizing and promoting scientific activities throughout India. It provides crucial funding for both fundamental and applied research in various academic and research institutions, supporting the overall development of the country.I. NIDHI aims at nurturing ideas and innovations into successful startups.
II. KIRAN is focused on empowering women scientists.
III. INSPIRE provides scholarships for higher education in humanities.
IV. SERB is a statutory body under DST to promote basic research.
Which of the above statements are correct?
Explanation
The Department of Science and Technology manages several specialized schemes. NIDHI focuses on nurturing startups and innovations, while KIRAN empowers women scientists through various career opportunities. The Science and Engineering Research Board is a statutory body that promotes basic research. However, the INSPIRE scheme specifically supports education in natural and basic sciences rather than the humanities.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 11 | (d) Decentralized, bottom-up, and inclusive architecture |
| 12 | (b) ‘One Nation, One Subscription’ for scientific journals |
| 13 | (c) Equity and Inclusion - Mandates 30% women representation in committees |
| 14 | (d) National Research Foundation (NRF) |
| 15 | (a) SPR 1958 TPS 1983 STP 2003 STIP 2013 |
| 16 | (b) Providing journal access for all individuals and institutions in India |
| 17 | (b) 1971 |
| 18 | (a) INSPIRE |
| 19 | (c) It functions under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. |
| 20 | (c) I, II, and IV 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.