Question map
Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2014 was given to which one of the following?
Explanation
The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2014 was presented to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)[1]. ISRO won this prestigious award for forty years of pioneering work culminating in the successful launch of India's first Mars orbiter in September 2014[2]. The prize was formally presented at a function on May 18, 2017 in New Delhi[3]. This recognition highlighted ISRO's significant contributions to space technology and its applications for peaceful purposes and national development. The award acknowledged ISRO's achievements in satellite technology, remote sensing, and interplanetary missions that have benefited not just India but also the global community.
Sources- [1] https://www.isro.gov.in/IndiraGandhiPrize.html
- [2] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/isro-chosen-for-indira-gandhi-prize-for-peace-disarmament/article6614424.ece
- [3] https://www.isro.gov.in/IndiraGandhiPrize.html
PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
Full viewThis is a classic 'Headline Current Affairs' question. In 2014-15, ISRO's Mangalyaan (Mars Orbiter) success was the single biggest Indian scientific achievement. If an organization dominates the news cycle for a historic feat, it becomes a magnet for national awards. You cannot solve this with static books; you solve it by tracking the 'Event of the Year'.
This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.
- Statement 1: Did the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre receive the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2014?
- Statement 2: Did the Indian Institute of Science receive the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2014?
- Statement 3: Did the Indian Space Research Organisation receive the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2014?
- Statement 4: Did the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research receive the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2014?
- Explicitly states which organization received the 2014 prize.
- Names the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) as the 2014 recipient, contradicting the claim about Bhabha Atomic Research Centre.
- News article reports ISRO 'won' the 2014 Indira Gandhi Prize.
- Provides independent media confirmation that ISRO, not BARC, was the 2014 awardee.
- Citation notes 'ISRO chosen for Indira Gandhi prize for peace, disarmament' for 2014.
- Supports the record that ISRO was the named recipient for 2014 rather than BARC.
Identifies the Atomic Energy Institute at Trombay as renamed Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and lists it among India's principal nuclear institutions.
A student could use this to recognize BARC as a major national atomic institution likely to be considered for awards related to nuclear policy or development and then check awardee lists for 2014.
Gives historical fact that the Trombay institute became BARC and situates it as the central atomic research body.
Knowing BARC's central role, one could infer its activities might intersect with peace/disarmament themes and therefore search prize records or announcements mentioning BARC.
Shows BARC personnel (e.g., its Director Raja Ramanna) were directly involved in India's nuclear weapons programme, linking the centre to nuclear policy and technology.
A student might use this to judge whether BARC's work is of the kind (nuclear-related) that an Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development could plausibly recognize, then verify awardee lists.
Describes India's foreign policy stance advocating disarmament and using international forums, which is the thematic domain of the Indira Gandhi Prize (peace, disarmament, development).
This connects the prize's subject matter to national institutions involved in nuclear issues; a student could therefore check if institutions like BARC were ever awarded for contributions to disarmament or peaceful nuclear development in 2014.
Notes India sponsored disarmament initiatives (e.g., Eighteen Nations Disarmament Conference), illustrating governmental engagement with disarmament topics tied to awards in that field.
A student could use this to justify searching official records of peace/disarmament prizes to see if state-linked institutions such as BARC were recipients in 2014.
- Explicitly states which organization received the 2014 prize.
- Names the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) as the 2014 recipient, not the Indian Institute of Science.
- Reports that ISRO won the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2014.
- Provides supporting contemporary news coverage attributing the award to ISRO rather than IISc.
- Contains a citation noting ISRO was chosen for the Indira Gandhi Prize for the relevant year.
- Corroborates other sources that the award went to ISRO in 2014.
States Indira Gandhi 'brought attention to the relationship between disarmament and economic development', which defines the thematic link in the prize's title (Peace, Disarmament and Development).
A student could infer that recipients are likely those contributing to disarmament-related policy or development work and check whether IISc's 2014 activities matched that focus.
Identifies the Indian Institute of Science as India's principal scientific research institute, a potential actor in development and technology.
One could check whether IISc had programs or achievements in 2014 that align with 'development' or 'peace/disarmament' aims to judge plausibility of it receiving the prize.
Describes India's foreign policy emphasis on disarmament to promote development, illustrating the national importance of the disarmament–development nexus recognized by the prize.
Use this pattern to reason that institutions advancing disarmament or reducing military expenditure could be prize candidates, then examine IISc's 2014 record for such contributions.
Notes India’s institutional involvement in disarmament (e.g., sponsoring conferences), reinforcing that disarmament is an institutional/policy field which prizes might reward.
A student could look for institutional awardees (not only individuals) in 2014 and see if IISc fits that institutional award pattern.
- Official ISRO page explicitly states the 2014 Indira Gandhi Prize was presented to ISRO.
- Provides date and names of presenters/receiver, confirming the award was received on behalf of ISRO.
- News report states ISRO won the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2014.
- Mentions ISRO's achievements (e.g., Mars orbiter) as the basis for the 2014 prize, corroborating the award year.
- Wikipedia references an ISRO item indicating ISRO was chosen for the Indira Gandhi prize for peace/disarmament (linking to ISRO content about the 2014 prize).
- Acts as an additional secondary source corroborating the award to ISRO.
Notes ISRO's Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) reached Mars orbit on Sept 24, 2014, marking a high-profile, low-cost scientific achievement for India.
A student could infer that a major national achievement in 2014 might have made ISRO a candidate for national/international awards that year and then check award lists for 2014.
Describes Mangalyaan as a significant, low-cost scientific milestone that 'showed the world' India could do space science—an accomplishment with development and prestige implications.
Use this to argue ISRO's work had development impact in 2013–14, then look up recipients of development-related prizes in 2014 to see if ISRO appears.
Explains ISRO's institutional status (creation in 1969 and purpose to indigenise space technology), showing it's a national organisation capable of receiving institutional prizes.
A student could combine this with knowledge of prize rules (which often allow organisations) to assess plausibility and then check the 2014 prize recipient list.
States Indira Gandhi 'brought attention' to the relationship between disarmament and economic development, linking her legacy to disarmament and development themes the prize covers.
Since the prize is for 'Peace, Disarmament and Development', a student could use this to justify searching prize archives for recipients whose work relates to development (like ISRO's contributions).
Gives an example of the historical connection between Indira Gandhi's era and India's space programme (Rakesh Sharma flight in 1984), showing a long-standing association between the prize's namesake and space-related milestones.
A student could view this as contextual support for why a space organisation might be considered relevant to an Indira Gandhi–named prize and then verify actual 2014 award records.
- Explicitly states which organization received the 2014 prize.
- Names Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) as the 2014 recipient, directly contradicting the claim that TIFR received it.
- News article reporting the 2014 prize winner.
- Specifically states ISRO won the Indira Gandhi Prize for 2014, refuting that TIFR was the recipient.
- References the selection of ISRO for the Indira Gandhi prize (2014) in its citations.
- Corroborates other sources that ISRO — not TIFR — was chosen for the 2014 prize.
States the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) was set up to promote research in mathematics and pure sciences, defining its institutional focus.
A student could use this to judge alignment between TIFR's pure-science research mission and the Indira Gandhi Prize’s stated themes (peace, disarmament, development) to assess plausibility that TIFR would be a typical recipient.
Explicitly references the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research as an item of factual knowledge (establishment date question), confirming TIFR is a notable, named institution in these sources.
A student could take this as confirmation that TIFR is a prominent Indian institute and therefore a plausible candidate for national/international awards, then check a 2014 winners list externally.
Notes Indira Gandhi’s role in linking disarmament and economic development, clarifying the prize’s thematic emphasis on disarmament and development associated with her name.
A student could use this to infer the prize likely rewards contributions related to disarmament/economic development and then test whether TIFR’s activities in 2014 match those themes.
Describes India’s foreign policy emphasis on disarmament and economic development, reinforcing the interpretation of the prize’s scope (disarmament linked to development).
A student could combine this definition of the prize’s topical scope with TIFR’s research remit to assess whether TIFR’s work would fit typical award criteria, before checking award records.
Mentions the year 2014 in a contemporary context (Project Tiger had 44 reserves in 2014), establishing 2014 as a referenced recent year in these materials.
A student can note that 2014 is within the modern period covered by these sources and thus seek the 2014 Indira Gandhi Prize recipient list externally to confirm or refute the statement.
- Bullet 1. [THE VERDICT]: Sitter (Current Affairs). If you read the newspaper in late 2014, this was front-page news.
- Bullet 2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: Major National Awards & Honours linked to Science & Tech achievements.
- Bullet 3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize the 'Big 4' Indian Awards for that year: Gandhi Peace Prize (Govt), Indira Gandhi Prize (Trust), Bharat Ratna, and Padma Vibhushan. Also, map the HQs of the options: BARC (Trombay), IISc (Bengaluru), ISRO (Bengaluru), TIFR (Mumbai).
- Bullet 4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: Awards follow impact. Don't memorize lists blindly. Ask: 'Who did something historic this year?' ISRO reached Mars in 2014. The award acknowledges that specific 'Development' milestone.
The statement names BARC; several references document BARC's origin, renaming, and its role in India's nuclear programme.
Knowing key national research institutions (founding dates, renaming, core functions) is high-yield for UPSC questions on science & technology and modern Indian history. It connects to topics on technological development, nuclear energy policy, and institutional architecture. Expect questions asking to identify roles, dates, or linkages between institutions and national programmes; learn by making a timeline and noting each institution's mandate.
- Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 9: Distribution of World Natural Resources > nucleaR eneRgy. > p. 24
- INDIA PEOPLE AND ECONOMY, TEXTBOOK IN GEOGRAPHY FOR CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Mineral and Energy Resources > Nuclear Energy Resources > p. 61
- Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 8: Energy Resources > Source: Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India, March 2018 > p. 27
The references mention the Atomic Energy Commission (est. 1948) and the Department of Atomic Energy as the nodal agency — context needed when assessing awards or recognitions related to nuclear bodies.
Mastering the institutional framework of India's nuclear establishment helps answer polity, governance and security questions that probe agency mandates, administrative control, and historical origins. This concept links to questions on leadership (e.g., Homi Bhabha), policy-making, and civil-military/strategic dimensions. Prepare by mapping agencies, founding years, and key leaders.
- Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 38: Developments under Nehru’s Leadership (1947-64) > Progress of Science and Technology > p. 647
- History , class XII (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 9: Envisioning a New Socio-Economic Order > Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru > p. 126
- Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 39: After Nehru... > The Smiling Buddha > p. 703
The Indira Gandhi Prize relates to peace/disarmament; references describe India's official stance against arms race and its use of UN platforms for disarmament initiatives.
UPSC frequently tests India's foreign policy and disarmament positions in both GS and essay papers. Understanding India's advocacy, multilateral engagement (UN), and historical initiatives enables answers on continuity/change in foreign policy and on security-diplomacy intersections. Study official policy statements, major conferences India hosted/supported, and link them to institutional actors.
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 88: Foreign Policy > II I Disarmament > p. 610
- Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 38: Developments under Nehru’s Leadership (1947-64) > Foreign Policy > p. 649
Reference [1] describes Indira Gandhi emphasising the relationship between disarmament and economic development, which is central to the prize's thematic focus.
High-yield for modern Indian history and foreign policy: questions often probe leaders' policy priorities and their international initiatives. Understanding this linkage helps answer questions on India's policy rationale and legacy. Prepare by reviewing leaders' speeches/policies and how they framed development vis-à-vis security.
- Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 39: After Nehru... > Foreign Relations > p. 716
References [3] and [6] show India's opposition to arms races and its use of UN and multilateral forums (e.g., sponsoring conferences) to advance disarmament.
Relevant for UPSC's international relations and modern history segments: questions ask about India's role in disarmament, NPT/CTBT positions, and diplomatic initiatives. Master by mapping India's major disarmament initiatives, UN engagements, and treaty positions to answer cause–effect and policy-evolution questions.
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 88: Foreign Policy > II I Disarmament > p. 610
- Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 38: Developments under Nehru’s Leadership (1947-64) > Foreign Policy > p. 649
Reference [5] records IISc's founding (1909) and its role as a major scientific research institution in India.
Useful for questions on science & technology institutions and their historical origins. UPSC often asks about flagship institutions, their founders, and roles in national S&T capacity. Study by listing major institutions, founding years, patrons, and core mandates.
- History , class XII (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 9: Envisioning a New Socio-Economic Order > b) Science and Technology > p. 126
Several references describe ISRO's Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) and its 2013–2014 achievement of reaching Mars orbit, which is central to ISRO's public recognition in that period.
High-yield for UPSC: questions often ask about landmark missions, their dates, significance and cost-effectiveness. Connects to India's scientific diplomacy and technology policy. Prepare by memorising mission names, years, objectives, and distinctive achievements.
- Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 39: After Nehru... > Space Venture to Mars > p. 771
- Science ,Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 13: Our Home: Earth, a Unique Life Sustaining Planet > Our scientific heritage > p. 216
The 'Indira Gandhi Prize' is managed by a private trust (Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust), whereas the 'Gandhi Peace Prize' is awarded by the Government of India. UPSC loves to swap the 'Awarding Body' or the 'Jury Chairman' (often the CJI or PM) in statement-based questions.
Analyze the Prize Title: 'Peace, Disarmament and **Development**'. BARC (Option A) is nuclear (strategic/weapons implications), making 'Peace/Disarmament' a complex fit. TIFR (Option D) and IISc (Option B) are academic/theoretical. ISRO (Option C) directly drives 'Development' (satellites for agriculture/weather) and had the massive 'Mars Mission' soft-power victory in 2014. It was the only candidate with a global 'Peace/Development' headline that year.
Link this to GS-3 (Science & Tech > Indigenization). The prize cites 'Development'—use this to argue in Mains how Space Technology (ISRO) is not just for prestige but for 'Development' (tele-education, disaster warning, resource mapping), fitting the prize's mandate perfectly.