RAS question
Which Indian institution is the nodal agency for biotechnology research and funding?
Correct answer: (A) Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), under the Ministry of Science and Technology, is India’s nodal agency for promoting and funding biotechnology research and development.
Explanation
DBT is the right answer because it is the Ministry of Science and Technology body responsible for promoting and funding biotechnology research and development. The PM India source reinforces that role through the Bio-RIDE scheme: the Union Cabinet approved the continuation of DBT’s umbrella biotechnology schemes, covering biotechnology R&D, industrial and entrepreneurship development, and biomanufacturing and biofoundry. Bio-RIDE supports extramural funding for research institutions, universities and individual researchers, and DBT promotes excellence, innovation-driven discovery research and entrepreneurship in biotechnology and modern biology. That combination of departmental mandate, R&D promotion and funding support is why DBT fits the nodal-agency description.
Why the other options are wrong
- (B) CSIR is a broader scientific and industrial research organisation, while DBT is the specific biotechnology research and funding nodal agency.
- (C) ICAR is centred on agricultural research, whereas the biotechnology mandate and funding role belong to DBT.
- (D) ICMR focuses on medical research, not the broader biotechnology R&D and funding role held by DBT.
Concept
Institutional mapping in Science and Technology connects each sector to the correct Union-level department or research body. RAS repeats such questions because schemes, funding channels and regulatory roles often hinge on knowing the responsible institution.