Question 53 from UPSC CSE 2015 - Current Affairs

Question

Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2014 was given to which one of the following?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Indian Space Research Organization

Strategy: Link the award keywords of Peace, Disarmament, and Development to the organization best known for public sector science and international development, which is ISRO. Eliminate other options that are purely research or academic institutes without a focus on large-scale development.

Key Info: ## The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development
An annual award established in 1986 by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust, it honors individuals or organizations that promote international peace, disarmament, and sustainable development.

**ISRO's Contribution**
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), India's premier space agency, received the 2014 prize for its outstanding contributions to international cooperation and development. Its achievements in affordable satellite launches and social applications like tele-education, telemedicine, and disaster management were highlighted. The successful Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) showcased India's capabilities in low-cost space technology.

**Other Institutions**
Institutions like the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Indian Institute of Science, and Tata Institute of Fundamental Research are leaders in atomic and fundamental science. However, they are not as directly engaged with the themes of peace, disarmament, or large-scale development as ISRO.

**Past Recipients**
The award has also been presented to other notable figures and organizations, including:
- Gro Harlem Brundtland
- UNHCR
- Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

Answer

Option A: Bhabha Atomic Research Centre

Answer

Option B: Indian Institute of Science

Answer

Option D: Tata Institute of Fundamental Research