Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
Environment & Ecology
- PYQs8
- Articles1
Background
CSIR is a premier scientific research organization in India, crucial for indigenous technology development, innovation, and addressing national challenges in various sectors including environment, health, and industry. Its role in promoting scientific temper and translating research into societal benefits is vital for India's development goals.
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is India's largest research and development organization, established as an autonomous body under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. It is primarily funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology and plays a crucial role in promoting scientific and industrial research across various fields.
Facts & tables
- Established
- 1942
- Parent Ministry
- Ministry of Science and Technology (through DSIR)
- Structure
- Network of 37 national laboratories, 39 outreach centres, 3 innovation complexes, and 5 units.
- Mandate
- Scientific and industrial research, technology development, and societal missions.
| Type | Reference |
|---|---|
| Conceptual area | Science & Technology |
Prelims angle
Prelims angle: Statement-based questions
Prelims angle: Conceptual understanding
- India's largest R&D organization, established 1942.
- Autonomous body under Societies Registration Act, 1860.
- Works under Ministry of Science & Technology (DSIR).
- Focuses on scientific research, technology development, and societal impact.
- Key role in indigenous innovation and sustainable development.
Check if created by Constitution or by Parliament.
| Year | Framing tags |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding |
| 2024 | Factual recall, Conceptual understanding |
| 2023 | Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall |
| 2023 | Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding |
| 2021 | Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding |
| 2021 | Purpose or function of a policy tool, Factual recall |
| 2016 | Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding |
| 2014 | Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding |
Timeline
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Science & Technology
Conceptual area
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Prelims 2014
Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding
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Prelims 2016
Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding
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Prelims 2021
Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding
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Prelims 2021
Purpose or function of a policy tool, Factual recall
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Prelims 2023
Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall
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Prelims 2023
Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding
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Prelims 2024
Factual recall, Conceptual understanding
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Prelims 2025
Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding
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Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Nalanda University Sign MoU to Advance Science-Led Sustainable Development, Technology Outreach and Rural Transformation
CSIR is India's leading R&D organization, fostering scientific research and technology development across diverse fields, with a focus on societal impact and industrial growth.
See also
Past papers
2014–2025 · 8 questions
In the news
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Nalanda University Sign MoU to Advance Science-Led Sustainable Development, Technology Outreach and Rural Transformation
CSIR is India's leading R&D organization, fostering scientific research and technology development across diverse fields, with a focus on societal impact and industrial growth.
Try these PYQs
Consider the following statements:
1. Carbon fibres are used in the manufacture of components used in automobiles and aircrafts.
2. Carbon fibres once used cannot be recycled.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
* Carbon fibres are highly valued for their unique properties like strength, lightness, and stiffness. They are widely used in the manufacturing of various components in automobiles and aircraft to reduce weight and improve performance. * Carbon Fiber Recycling: While traditional carbon fibre recycling methods were limited, advancements are being made in this field. Here are some possibilities 1. Mechanical recycling - This process breaks down carbon fibres into smaller pieces for use in applications where their original form is not necessary. 2. Chemical recycling -This method dissolves the resin holding the fibres together, potentially allowing the extraction of reusable carbon fibres. 3. Thermal recycling - High temperatures are used to convert the resin into usable materials while recovering the carbon fibres. * These recycling technologies are still evolving, but they offer a more sustainable approach to using carbon fibres. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
"Membrane Bioreactors" are often discussed in the context of:
* Membrane Bioreactors are often discussed in the context of: D. Wastewater treatment technologies. * Membrane Bioreactors (MBRs) combine a membrane process like microfiltration or ultrafiltration with a biological wastewater treatment process. * They are used to improve the quality of treated wastewater and are known for their efficiency in removing contaminants.
Consider the following statements:
Statement I:
Activated carbon is a good and an attractive tool to remove pollutants from effluent streams and to remediate contaminants from various industries.
Statement II:
Activated carbon exhibits a large surface area and a strong potential for adsorbing heavy metals.
Statement III:
Activated carbon can be easily synthesized from environmental wastes with high carbon content.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Activated carbon is widely used to clean pollutants because of its unique properties and sustainable production methods. ✅ Statement I: Correct. Activated carbon effectively removes pollutants from industrial effluents due to its high adsorption capacity. It’s commonly used in water treatment and pollution control. ✅Statement II: Correct. This is because activated carbon has an extremely large surface area, created by its porous structure, allowing it to trap heavy metals and other contaminants efficiently. ✅ Statement III: Correct. Moreover, activated carbon can be produced easily and cost-effectively from carbon-rich wastes like coconut shells, rice husks, and other agricultural residues, making it an eco-friendly option. Thus, both Statement II and Statement III are correct, and together they explain why Statement I is true.
How is permaculture farming different from conventional chemical farming?
1. Permaculture Farming discourages monocultural practices but in conventional chemical farming, monoculture practices are pre-dominant.
2. Conventional chemical farming can cause increase in soil salinity but the occurrence of such phenomenon is not observed in permaculture farming.
3. Conventional chemical farming is easily possible in semi-arid regions but permaculture farming is not so easily possible in such regions.
4. Practice of mulching is very important in permaculture farming but not necessarily so in conventional chemical farming.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
Statement 1 is correct: Permaculture farming indeed discourages monocultural practices, promoting biodiversity and the efficient use of available resources. On the other hand, conventional chemical farming often involves monoculture practices. Statement 2 is correct: Conventional chemical farming can lead to an increase in soil salinity due to the heavy use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, while permaculture farming promotes soil health and does not contribute to soil salinity. Statement 3 is incorrect: The statement about conventional chemical farming being easily possible in semi-arid regions but permaculture farming not being so easily possible in such regions is not necessarily true. Permaculture farming can be adapted to various climates and environments, including semi-arid regions, by using appropriate design principles and techniques. Statement 4 is correct: The practice of mulching, which involves covering the soil with organic material to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil health, is an important aspect of permaculture farming, but it is not necessarily a key practice in conventional chemical farming.
There is some concern regarding the nanoparticles of some chemical elements that are used by the industry in the manufacture of various products. Why?
1. They can accumulate in the environment, and contaminate water and soil.
2. They can enter food chains.
3. They can trigger the production of free radicals.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Statement 1 is correct: Nanoparticles from industry can pollute air, water, and soil due to their small size and resistance to breakdown. This buildup can harm plants, and animals, and even contaminate drinking water. Statement 2 is correct: Nanoparticles can be inadvertently ingested by plants or animals, entering the food chain. As they move up the food chain, they can bioaccumulate in organisms, potentially causing harm at higher trophic levels. Statement 3 is correct: Some nanoparticles can trigger the production of free radicals in cells. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that can damage cells and contribute to various health problems, including inflammation and cancer.
Show 3 more PYQs
‘R2 Code of Practices constitutes a tool available for promoting the adoption of
* The R2 Code of Practices is a tool available for promoting the adoption of environmentally responsible practices in the electronics recycling industry. * R2 stands for Responsible Recycling.
The Code of Practices outlines a set of standards that electronics recyclers should follow to ensure responsible handling of electronic waste.
Consider the following statements regarding Mercury pollution :
1. Gold mining activity is a source of mercury pollution in the world.
2. Coal-based thermal power plants cause mercury pollution.
3. There is no known safe level of exposure to mercury.
How many of the above statements are correct?
* Statement 1 is correct: Gold mining is poisoning Amazon forests with mercury. To separate the gold, miners mix liquid mercury into the sediment, which forms a coating around the gold. * Statement 2 is correct: Fly ash generated by TPPs is one of the ways mercury is released into the environment. Fly ash is usually disposed of in ash ponds in the form of ash slurry, forming an aquatic ecosystem of its own. Coal-based TPPs are the major source of mercury – the ninth most toxic element found on earth — emissions into the environment. Mercury contributed over 80 percent of emissions released by the TPPs, according to 2016 estimates by the Delhi-based think-tank Centre for Science and Environment. * Statement 3 is incorrect: While mercury is unquestionably toxic, toxicology works on the principle of dose: “The dose makes the poison.” Hence, scientific bodies define reference doses (RfD) or tolerable intake levels, not zero exposure. WHO's Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake (PTWI) for methylmercury (from fish) → 1.6 µg/kg body weight/week and 1 µg/litre for total mercury in drinking water. If no safe level truly existed: Mercury would be completely banned, not regulated. NOTE: UPSC usually considers extreme statement to be wrong.
Which of the following is/are the advantage/advantages of practising drip irrigation?
1. Reduction in weed
2. Reduction in soil salinity
3. Reduction in soil erosion
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Drip irrigation is an efficient water delivery system that applies water directly to the roots of plants through a network of tubes, emitters, and valves. It is widely used to conserve water, improve crop yields, and prevent soil degradation. Statement 1 is correct: Drip irrigation delivers water precisely at the plant's root zone, reducing the moisture available on the soil surface. Since weeds typically thrive in moist topsoil, limiting water exposure to non-target areas helps suppress their growth. This makes weed control easier compared to traditional irrigation methods like flooding or sprinklers, which wet the entire field. Statement 2 is incorrect: Soil salinity refers to the accumulation of salts in the soil, which can hinder plant growth. While drip irrigation helps manage water efficiently, it does not directly reduce salinity. However, it can be combined with strategic flushing techniques (applying extra water at intervals) to push salts below the root zone, preventing salt buildup in the upper soil layers. Statement 3 is correct: Drip irrigation releases water slowly and in a controlled manner, reducing surface runoff that can lead to soil erosion. Unlike traditional flood irrigation, which can wash away the topsoil, drip irrigation preserves soil structure and fertility, making it a sustainable choice for agriculture.
Hence, the correct answer is option C.