Q21. Which organization functions as the premier industrial research and development entity in India, operating a network of laboratories across the country?
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 21–30 of 185 questions
Q22. Who serves as the ex-officio President of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)?
Explanation
The organizational structure of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research is headed by the Prime Minister of India, who serves as its ex-officio President. This high-level leadership ensures that the council’s research priorities are aligned with national goals. The Minister of Science and Technology acts as the Vice President, overseeing the functional and administrative aspects of the organization.
Q23. The prestigious Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize is awarded annually by which institution?
Explanation
The Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize is one of India’s most prestigious awards for outstanding contributions to science and technology. It is awarded annually by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research to recognize the achievements of young Indian scientists. The prize covers multiple disciplines, including biological, chemical, and physical sciences, honoring the legacy of the first director general of the CSIR.
Q24. Find the odd one out among the following Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) laboratories.
Explanation
While the National Physical Laboratory, National Chemical Laboratory, and Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology are all part of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research network, the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre is not. VSSC is a major research center under the Indian Space Research Organisation. It focuses on the development of rocket and launch vehicle technology for India’s space program.
Q25. Match the laboratories in List I with their respective locations in List II.
| CSIR Laboratory | Location |
|---|---|
| A. National Physical Laboratory (NPL) | i. Pune |
| B. National Chemical Laboratory (NCL) | ii. Hyderabad |
| C. National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) | iii. Nagpur |
| D. Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) | iv. New Delhi |
Explanation
India’s premier research laboratories are strategically located across the country. The National Physical Laboratory is situated in New Delhi, while the National Chemical Laboratory is based in Pune. The National Environmental Engineering Research Institute operates from Nagpur, and the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology is located in Hyderabad. These centers conduct specialized research that contributes to national scientific advancement.
Q26. Which of the following initiatives is a collaborative project between the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Ministry of AYUSH to prevent the misappropriation of traditional Indian knowledge?
Explanation
The Traditional Knowledge Digital Library is a collaborative initiative between the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and the Ministry of AYUSH.
Q27. The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) was launched under the aegis of which organization?
Explanation
The Atal Innovation Mission was launched under the aegis of NITI Aayog to create a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in India. It serves as an umbrella platform that promotes various initiatives across schools, universities, and industries. By providing institutional support and incentives, the mission aims to transform the country into a global hub for innovation and technological development.
Q28. What is the primary target demographic for the Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) established under the Atal Innovation Mission?
Explanation
Atal Tinkering Labs are specifically designed to foster curiosity and creativity among young school students, primarily those in grades six to twelve. These labs provide students with access to modern tools and technologies, such as robotics and 3D printing. By encouraging hands-on learning and problem-solving, the labs aim to prepare the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.
Q29. Which component of the Atal Innovation Mission is specifically designed to support and foster world-class startups and add value to the startup ecosystem?
Explanation
Atal Incubation Centres are established to support and nurture world-class startups by providing them with necessary infrastructure, mentorship, and networking opportunities. These centers play a crucial role in adding value to the startup ecosystem by helping entrepreneurs transform their ideas into successful businesses. They are located in universities, research institutes, and corporate bodies to facilitate industry-academia collaboration.
Q30. Consider the following components under the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM):
I. Atal Tinkering Labs
II. Atal Incubation Centres
III. Atal New India Challenges
IV. Mentor India Campaign
V. Atal Grand Challenges
Which of the above correctly lists the core operational initiatives of AIM?
I. Atal Tinkering Labs
II. Atal Incubation Centres
III. Atal New India Challenges
IV. Mentor India Campaign
V. Atal Grand Challenges
Which of the above correctly lists the core operational initiatives of AIM?
Explanation
The Atal Innovation Mission operates through several core initiatives designed to cover the entire innovation lifecycle. These include Atal Tinkering Labs for schools, Atal Incubation Centres for startups, and Atal New India Challenges for sector-specific innovations. Additionally, the Mentor India Campaign provides professional guidance, while Atal Grand Challenges focus on solving large-scale problems through technological interventions.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 21 | (c) CSIR |
| 22 | (b) Prime Minister of India |
| 23 | (d) CSIR |
| 24 | (a) Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) |
| 25 | (c) A-iv, B-i, C-iii, D-ii |
| 26 | (a) Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) |
| 27 | (d) NITI Aayog |
| 28 | (b) School students in grades 6 to 12 |
| 29 | (c) Atal Incubation Centres (AICs) |
| 30 | (c) I, II, III, IV, and V |
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.