Correct Answer: C. Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

Option C is Correct.

• About CSIR:

• The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is one of the largest publicly funded R&D organizations in the world.
• It functions under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India.
• Established in 1942, CSIR operates through a network of 38 laboratories and 39 outreach centres across India.
• It covers a wide range of scientific fields — from aerospace to biotechnology, chemicals, and environmental science.
• Role in Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP):
• The RVP is administered by CSIR under the aegis of the Ministry of Science & Technology.
• CSIR acts as the nodal agency for processing nominations, organizing evaluation, and coordinating the award ceremonies.
• The award aims to recognize outstanding and inspiring contributions in science, technology, and innovation across India.

 Option A is Incorrect. Department of Science and Technology (DST)

• About DST:
• The Department of Science and Technology (DST), under the Ministry of Science and Technology, is responsible for promoting new areas of science and technology, and coordinating R&D activities in India.
• It funds scientific research, supports innovation, and builds capacity through schemes like:
• INSPIRE Awards, Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), Vigyan Jyoti, and others.
• Why incorrect:
• While DST plays a policy and funding role in India’s science ecosystem, it is not the administering authority for Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar.
• The operational responsibility for RVP lies specifically with CSIR.

Option B is Incorrect. NITI Aayog

• About NITI Aayog:
• The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) is the policy think tank of the Government of India, established in 2015 replacing the Planning Commission.
• It focuses on strategic and long-term policy formulation in various sectors, including health, education, environment, and innovation.
• Initiatives like Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), National Energy Policy, and SDG India Index are linked with NITI Aayog.
• Why incorrect:
• NITI Aayog is not a scientific or research institution; it is a policy advisory body.
• It does not administer or confer national awards in science or technology.
• Hence, it has no direct role in the RVP process.

Option D in Incorrect. Indian National Science Academy (INSA)

• About INSA:
• The Indian National Science Academy (INSA), established in 1935, is an autonomous institution promoting science in India.It represents Indian scientists internationally and promotes research excellence.
• INSA confers its own awards, such as the INSA Medal for Young Scientists, INSA Teachers Award, etc.
• Why incorrect:
• INSA is an independent scientific body, not a government department or council.
• It does not administer government awards like the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar.
• The RVP is a national-level government award managed by CSIR, not by INSA.

 Answer: B. Schedule II

Explanation:

• The Asian Palm Civet is protected under Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which ensures legal protection against hunting and trade.
• It is, however, not under Schedule I (highest protection).
• It is also classified as “Least Concern” by the IUCN Red List due to its wide distribution and adaptability.

Answer:  B. 2 only

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is incorrect: Dyslexia is not related to intelligence; it is a neurodevelopmental disorder and has no medical cure.
• Statement 2 is Correct: It often runs in families, showing a genetic link and brain-based differences in processing language.
• Statement 3 is Incorrect:  It can be identified early in childhood, typically when children begin to learn to read (around age 5–7).

Answer B. A physiological disorder in rice caused by arsenic toxicity

Explanation:

• Straighthead is a physiological disorder (not infectious) in rice caused by arsenic toxicity in soil. It results in empty, sterile florets, distorted husks, and upright panicles because of lack of grain weight.
• Option A is incorrect – it’s not a variety but a disorder.
• Option C is incorrect – Magnaporthe oryzae causes rice blast disease, not straighthead.
• Option D is incorrect – it is not pest-borne.

Answer: A. 1, 2 and 3 only

Statement 1 is correct:  Smart classrooms and digital libraries
The PM-SHRI framework explicitly requires Information & Communication Technology (ICT) coverage across PM-SHRI schools, with smart classrooms, digital initiatives and enhanced library facilities to support digital pedagogy and e-content. This is a central, repeatedly stated component in the scheme documents.

Statement 2 is Correct:  Emphasis on green practices like solar power and waste management.
The PM-SHRI guidance asks schools to adopt sustainability measures (energy-efficient/LED lighting, solar installations where feasible), rainwater harvesting, waste-management/recycling, nutritional gardens and plastic-free practices — integrating these into campus operations and student activities. These green practices are part of the school-assessment and school-design norms.

Statement 3 is correct:  Inclusion of vocational and skill-based learning.
PM-SHRI implements NEP-2020 priorities, which include mainstreaming vocational and skill education. The scheme provides for vocational labs, procurement of tools and trainer support, and links with local industry for internships/entrepreneurship — i.e., skill/vocational interventions are built into PM-SHRI.

Statement 4 is Incorrect: Focus solely on science and technology streams”.
PM-SHRI’s stated goal is holistic, multidisciplinary education aligned with NEP-2020 — covering arts, sports, life-skills, languages, vocational streams and not just science & technology. The scheme explicitly aims for well-rounded students with 21st-century skills rather than a narrow S&T focus. That directly contradicts the claim that PM-SHRI focuses solely on science and technology.