UPSC Prelims 2015 Q10: Science & Technology – Science & Technology Institutions
Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding National Innovation
Foundation - India (NIF)?
1. NIF is an autonomous body of the Department of Science and Technology under the Central
Government.
2. NIF is an initiative to strengthen the highly advanced scientific research in India’s premier
scientific institutions in collaboration with highly advanced foreign scientific institutions.
Select the correct answer
using the code given below.
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a) 1 only
Explanation
National Innovation Foundation - India (NIF)
Set up in 2000, with its base in Gujarat.
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. NIF is an autonomous body of the Department of Science and Technology under the Central Government | Correct | It became an autonomous body of the DST in 2010 |
| 2. NIF is an initiative to strengthen the highly advanced scientific research in India's premier scientific institutions in collaboration with foreign institutions | Incorrect | It supports grassroots innovations and traditional knowledge of ordinary people |
What NIF does:
| Work | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scouting | Finds innovations by farmers, artisans and students |
| Support | Helps with patents, prototypes and marketing |
| Linked with | The Honey Bee Network started by Prof. Anil Gupta |
| Awards | Grassroots innovation awards given by the President |
Answer: (a) 1 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. NIF is an autonomous body of the Department of Science and Technology.
- (b) Incorrect. NIF is about grassroots innovation, not highly advanced research.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 2 is false; NIF has no link with foreign scientific institutions.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 1 is true; it works under the Central Government.
Key point
NIF (2000; autonomous body of DST since 2010): supports grassroots innovations and traditional knowledge; linked to the Honey Bee Network.
Remember
NIF = grassroots innovation, under DST.
Common mistakes
- Reading 'innovation' as high-end laboratory research.
- Confusing NIF with the Atal Innovation Mission of NITI Aayog.
- Thinking NIF is an NGO; it is a Government body.
Exam tip
NIF = innovation from villages, not from laboratories.
Sources
- National Innovation Foundation - India — About NIF
- Department of Science and Technology — Autonomous institutions