Practice Test 28

Science and technology are recognised in India's national development agenda as indispensable drivers of economic growth, improved quality of life, and enhanced national security, and the government has invested substantially in building a comprehensive national innovation ecosystem spanning research institutions, universities, industry partnerships, and startup ventures that collectively contribute to the country's technological capabilities and competitive position. The Defence Research and Development Organisation, established in 1958, has grown into a network of over fifty laboratories engaged in research and development across the full spectrum of defence technology including guided missiles, combat aircraft, electronic warfare systems, naval systems, armoured vehicles, small arms, advanced materials, energetic materials, and soldier support systems, and has achieved significant milestones including the development of Agni and Prithvi ballistic missiles, the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile developed in partnership with Russia, the Tejas light combat aircraft, the Arjun main battle tank, the Akash surface-to-air missile system, and the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, with its network of thirty-seven laboratories across the country, is the largest publicly funded multi-disciplinary research organisation in India, conducting research in areas as diverse as pharmaceuticals and healthcare, chemicals and polymers, aerospace engineering, oceanography, genomics, electronics, and environmental science, and has contributed to industrial development through the development and transfer of technologies in areas including drugs, chemicals, leather processing, food technology, mining equipment, and instrumentation. The Indian Space Research Organisation has not only achieved remarkable milestones in space exploration and earth observation but has also made significant technology spinoffs available to Indian industry including remote sensing data for agriculture, forestry, urban planning, disaster management, and navigation services that underpin critical infrastructure in telecommunications, banking, and transportation. The Department of Biotechnology has built a vibrant ecosystem for life sciences research and biotechnology enterprise, supporting research in genomics, vaccine development, diagnostic tools, agricultural biotechnology, bioinformatics, and marine biology, and has nurtured the development of India's biotechnology industry which now includes globally competitive generic pharmaceuticals companies and vaccine manufacturers. The National Mission for Quantum Technologies and Applications, announced with an allocation of eight thousand crore rupees, aims to develop India's capabilities in quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing, and quantum materials, which are expected to have transformative applications in national security, financial services, healthcare, and logistics. The Science and Technology policy framework emphasises stronger linkages between research institutions and industry to ensure that publicly funded research delivers practical outcomes and creates commercial value.