Science and Technology Policy, IPR, and Achievements

Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) is set up under the NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India), which is the premier policy 'Think Tank' of the Government of India.

The Atal Innovation Mission was launched by the Government of India in 2016 to promote innovation and entrepreneurship across the country.

The key objectives of the Atal Innovation Mission are : 1. To create and promote an ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship across the country. 2. To establish Atal Tinkering Laboratories (ATLs) in schools across India to foster a culture of innovation from a young age. 3. To set up Atal Incubation Centres (AICs) to support entrepreneurs and startups. 4. To provide mentorship and funding support to innovative startups and entrepreneurs.

Statement 1 is incorrect. According to the Indian Patents Act (specifically Section 3(j)), biological processes for the production or propagation of plants and animals are not eligible for patents. This means creating a seed through a biological process cannot be patented.

Statement 2 is incorrect. The Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB) was established in India in 2003. It deals with appeals against decisions of the patent office and trademark registry.

Statement 3 is correct. Plant varieties themselves are not patentable in India. However, the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Act (PPVFR Act) provides a system for protecting the rights of plant breeders by granting them exclusive rights to sell propagating material of new varieties.

_Note: the Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021 abolished various Tribunals including India's Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB) and assigned their functions to the country's Commercial Courts and High Courts. However, UPSC asked this question in 2019 when an Appellate Board existed for intellectual property. Therefore correct answer is 3 only._

The movie The Man Who Knew Infinity is based on the life of the famous Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan. It portrays his journey from India to England and his collaboration with the British mathematician G.H. Hardy.

Statement 1 is correct: National Innovation Foundation-India (NIF) is indeed an autonomous body established under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) of the Government of India.

Statement 2 is incorrect: NIF's focus is not on highly advanced scientific research but rather on recognizing and supporting grassroots technological innovations and outstanding traditional knowledge developed by individuals and communities. These innovations often come from outside the formal scientific establishment. So, NIF works on a different level than collaborating with advanced foreign institutions, although its work can complement scientific research efforts.