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KIRAN (Knowledge Involvement in Research ) Advancement through Nurturing) is an initiative to provide opportunities to women scientists who

This question was previously asked in
CDS II 2021 General Knowledge Previous Year Paper (14-Nov-2021)
The correct answer is

had a break in their career due to family reasons.

Understanding the KIRAN Initiative

The question asks about the primary purpose of the KIRAN initiative, specifically targeting women scientists. KIRAN stands for Knowledge Involvement in Research Advancement through Nurturing. It is an initiative by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) in India.

The main goal of the KIRAN division at DST is to provide opportunities to women scientists and technologists and to address gender disparity in the Science & Technology (S&T) sector. This is achieved through various programs under the KIRAN umbrella.

Eligibility for KIRAN Opportunities

One of the significant challenges faced by women in science is often a break in their career, frequently due to family responsibilities such as childbirth, childcare, or elder care. This break can make it difficult to return to research and maintain their career trajectory.

The KIRAN initiative, particularly through programs like the Women Scientists Scheme (WOS), is designed specifically to support women scientists who have faced such career breaks. These schemes aim to provide them with opportunities to re-enter the scientific mainstream, update their knowledge, and pursue research and development activities.

Let's look at the options provided:

  • had a break in their career due to family reasons.
  • are pursuing innovative research in life sciences.
  • have collaborative projects with labs in foreign countries.
  • have leading edge projects in Nano-Science and Technology.

While pursuing innovative research (option 2), having collaborative projects (option 3), or working in specific fields like Nano-Science (option 4) are all valuable aspects of scientific careers, the core and unique focus of specific KIRAN programs, like the Women Scientists Scheme (WOS), is to support women scientists who have had a career hiatus, often for family reasons. This focus addresses a specific barrier preventing many talented women from continuing their scientific careers.

Therefore, the most fitting description of the women scientists targeted by a key part of the KIRAN initiative is those who had a break in their career due to family reasons.

Why the Correct Option is Key

The KIRAN initiative aims to correct the imbalance and brain drain that occurs when skilled women scientists leave the workforce due to personal circumstances. By offering schemes tailored to those with career breaks, it provides a crucial pathway for them to return, thereby enriching the scientific community and leveraging their expertise.

Revision Table: KIRAN Initiative Focus

Aspect Description
Initiative Name KIRAN (Knowledge Involvement in Research Advancement through Nurturing)
Governing Body Department of Science & Technology (DST), India
Primary Target Group Women Scientists and Technologists
Key Objective addressed by specific schemes Providing opportunities to those who had a career break (often for family reasons) to re-enter S&T domain.

Additional Information: WISE-KIRAN Division

The KIRAN initiative falls under the WISE-KIRAN Division of the Department of Science & Technology. WISE stands for Women in Science and Engineering. This division supports various programs aimed at women scientists at different stages of their careers and to address various challenges they face, with a significant focus on enabling those who have taken breaks to return to active research.

Other schemes under WISE-KIRAN also exist, addressing issues like providing opportunities for young women scientists, supporting research projects, etc. However, the specific aspect highlighted in the question points towards the prominent feature of assisting women with career breaks.

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