UPSC Prelims 2015— Question 10

Correct answer: Option A. The National Innovation Foundation-India is an autonomous institution under the Department of Science and Technology. It was created to strengthen grassroots innovation and traditional knowledge by identifying, documenting and supporting innovative ideas from ordinary citizens. The second statement incorrectly describes it as an initiative focused on advanced research in premier scientific institutions and foreign collaborations. Option-wise analysis: Option A: “1 only” is correct. It directly matches the factual or conceptual requirement tested by the question and is supported by the principle explained above. Option B: “2 only” is incorrect. It does not match the specific fact, definition, institutional role, geographical association, or constitutional/economic principle required here. The key distinction is the one identified in the core explanation, so this option can be eliminated. Option C: “Both 1 and 2” is incorrect. It does not match the specific fact, definition, institutional role, geographical association, or constitutional/economic principle required here. The key distinction is the one identified in the core explanation, so this option can be eliminated. Option D: “Neither 1 nor 2” is incorrect. It does not match the specific fact, definition, institutional role, geographical association, or constitutional/economic principle required here. The key distinction is the one identified in the core explanation, so this option can be eliminated. Prelims takeaway: Focus on the precise institutional role, constitutional provision, geographical association, or technical definition being tested. UPSC questions often place a broadly familiar fact beside a narrowly incorrect qualifier; identifying that qualifier is essential for elimination.