Context:
Recently the Union Cabinet has approved continuation of the 3 umbrella schemes, merged into a unified central sector scheme namely ‘Vigyan Dhara’
Vigyan Dhara:
- Objective – Promote S&T capacity building, research, innovation, and technology development to strengthen the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) ecosystem in India.
- Nodal Ministry – Union Ministry of Science and Technology.
- 3 Components –
- Science and Technology (S&T) Institutional and Human Capacity Building
- Research and Development
- Innovation, Technology Development, and Deployment
- Features –
- Strengthen the S&T infrastructure by fostering well-equipped R&D labs in academic institutions.
- Encourage translational research in sustainable energy, water, etc.
- Build a critical human resource pool to strengthen the science and technology landscape.
- Implement focused interventions to enhance the participation of women in S&T, aiming for gender parity in STI.
- Reinforce government efforts to promote innovations at all levels, from school to higher education, industries, and startups.
- Implementation –
- All programs under the ‘Vigyan Dhara’ scheme will align with the 5-year goals of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) towards realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
- The research and development component will align with the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).
Source: PIB
Previous Year Question
Bisphenol A (BPA), a cause of concern, is a structural/key component in the manufacture of which of the following kinds of plastics?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2021 Prelims]
(a) Low-density polyethylene
(b) Polycarbonate
(c) Polyethylene terephthalate
(d) Polyvinyl chloride
Answer: (b)
