Science Technology in India Prelims Previous Year Questions
(2013 – UPSC Prelims)
Q.1) With reference to the history of Indian science and technology, consider the following statements:
- The concept of atom (Anu) was discussed in Vaisheshika Darshan of Kanada.
- Aryabhata proposed that the Earth rotates on its axis.
- The decimal system including the concept of zero was developed in India.
Which of the above statements are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct, Kanada (6th century BCE) in Vaisheshika Sutra discussed “Anu” (atom).
- Statement 2 is correct, Aryabhata (5th century CE) in Aryabhatiya said Earth rotates on its axis.
- Statement 3 is correct, Zero and decimal system were Indian contributions (Brahmagupta, 7th century CE).
(2015 – UPSC Prelims)
Q.2) ‘Mission Indradhanush’ launched by the Government of India pertains to:
A. Immunization of children and pregnant women
B. Eradication of certain rare diseases
C. Providing safe drinking water
D. Clean energy mission
Answer: A
Explanation:
- Mission Indradhanush (2014) was launched by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare to immunize children against 7 vaccine-preventable diseases.
- Though not a pure “Science Policy,” it reflects India’s S&T in healthcare and biotech application.
(2018 – UPSC Prelims)
Q.3) With reference to the ‘National Intellectual Property Rights Policy’, consider the following statements:
- It reiterates India’s commitment to the Doha Development Agenda and TRIPS agreement.
- Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion is the nodal agency for regulating intellectual property rights in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: C
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct, India’s IPR Policy (2016) aligns with WTO-TRIPS and Doha Declaration
- Statement 2 is correct, The nodal agency: DIPP (now DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce).
(2020 – UPSC Prelims)
Q.4) INSPIRE (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research) programme is aimed at:
A. Early attraction of talent to science at an early stage
B. Improving the quality of research publications
C. Enhancing industry-academia collaboration
D. Promoting start-ups in biotechnology
Answer: A
Explanation:
- INSPIRE (DST scheme) targets school students (MANAK awards), fellowships, and faculty awards.
- It motivates youth to take up science as a career.
(2011 – UPSC Prelims)
Q.5) Regarding DigiLocker, sometimes seen in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- It is a digital locker system offered by the Government under Digital India Programme.
- It allows citizens to store digital documents issued by government agencies.
Select the correct answer using the code below:
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: C
Explanation:
- DigiLocker (MeitY) is part of Digital India, offering secure cloud storage of government-issued documents like Aadhaar, PAN, driving license, marksheets.
- Covers New S&T initiatives under National Agenda.
(2021 – UPSC Prelims)
Q.6) Consider the following:
- National Innovation Foundation – India (NIF) is an autonomous body of the Department of Science and Technology.
- NIF is mandated to build a national register of innovations and traditional knowledge.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: C
Explanation:
- NIF was set up in 2000 under DST.
- It maintains a national register of grassroots innovations & traditional knowledge.
