Q101. The 2025 update on Vigyan Dhara mentions that beneficiaries include young students aged 10-15 years. Under which specific component does it promote innovation and early interest in science?
- (a) INSPIRE-Fellowship
- (b) INSPIRE-SHE
- (c) INSPIRE-MANAK
- (d) INSPIRE-Faculty
Answer & solution
Answer: (c) INSPIRE-MANAK
INSPIRE-MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspirations and Knowledge) is a component under the INSPIRE scheme (Vigyan Dhara update) targeting students aged 10-15 years. It promotes innovation and early interest in science by recognizing and nurturing young scientific ideas.
Option 1 - INSPIRE-Fellowship: Targets doctoral research students (post-graduate level) pursuing basic and natural sciences; not for 10-15 year olds .
Option 2 - INSPIRE-SHE (Scholarship for Higher Education): Targets college students (17-22 years) pursuing basic and natural sciences; not for 10-15 year olds .
Option 4 - INSPIRE-Faculty: Provides research fellowships to young scientists and technologists for independent research positions; not for 10-15 year old students.