UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — On scientific collaborations in BRICS

Q1. Under the BRICS STI Framework Programme's Coordinated Calls for Multilateral Projects, what is the minimum number of BRICS member countries whose partners must be represented in a project consortium for a proposal to be eligible?

  • A. Two
  • B. Three
  • C. Four
  • D. All BRICS member countries

Q2. Which one of the following countries held the BRICS chairship and hosted the 17th BRICS Summit in 2025 at which the Action Plan for Innovation 2025–2030 was welcomed?

  • A. Russia
  • B. South Africa
  • C. Brazil
  • D. China

Q3. With reference to the 7th Coordinated Call for BRICS Multilateral Projects (2025–26) compared with earlier coordinated calls under the BRICS STI Framework Programme, consider the following statements: 1. The 7th Coordinated Call was launched following the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 2025. 2. Unlike earlier coordinated calls, the 7th call has removed the requirement of multi-country consortia and allows bilateral BRICS proposals. 3. The thematic priority areas of the 7th call include Water Resources, High Performance Computing & Artificial Intelligence, and Energy. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The 7th Coordinated Call was launched following the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 2025.
  2. Unlike earlier coordinated calls, the 7th call has removed the requirement of multi-country consortia and allows bilateral BRICS proposals.
  3. The thematic priority areas of the 7th call include Water Resources, High Performance Computing & Artificial Intelligence, and Energy.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 1 and 3 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q4. Which one of the following is the nodal Union Government department for coordinating India's participation in the BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Framework Programme, including the Coordinated Calls for Multilateral Projects?

  • A. Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology
  • B. Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology
  • C. Ministry of External Affairs (Multilateral Economic Relations Division)
  • D. Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)