Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

2021 JUN 5

Preliminary   > Science and Technology   >   Biotechnology   >   Organisations

Why in news?

  • The CSIR and Laxai Life Sciences Private Limited have initiated phase II clinical trials of anti-helminitic drug ‘Niclosamide’ for the treatment of COVID-19 patients.

About CSIR:

  • The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) was established by the Government of India in September 1942 as an autonomous body and is currently the largest research and development organisation in India.
  • It runs 37 national laboratories/institutes along with 42 outreach/Innovation centres throughout the nation.
  • It is mainly funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology but operates as an autonomous body through the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
  • The research and development activities of CSIR include aerospace engineering, structural engineering, ocean sciences, life sciences, metallurgy, chemicals, mining, food, petroleum, leather, and environmental science.
  • CSIR has a patent portfolio of 1,132 unique patents in force, out of which 140 patents have been commercialized.
  • CSIR also has 2,587 in force patents granted abroad in multiple countries.
  • Prime minister of India serves as the president of CSIR while minister of Science and Technology serves as vice president.

Prelims Question:

Consider the following statements regarding Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR):
1.It was established before independence.
2.Prime minister of India serves as the president of CSIR.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2

Answer to Prelims question