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SSC CHSL 2025 PYQ — Question 80

SSC CHSL - 15 Nov 2025 - Shift 2 • General Awareness • Q80

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Who among the following was the first female recipient of the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize?

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Correct answer: B

Explanation

The correct answer is Option 2: Asima Chatterjee.
Explanation:
Dr. Asima Chatterjee was the first female scientist to receive the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (SSB) Award.
Year: She was conferred this prestigious award in 1961.
Field: She was honored for her outstanding contributions in the field of Chemical Sciences.
Research: Her primary work focused on the chemistry of natural products (Phytomedicine)—specifically *Vinca* alkaloids (used in anti-cancer drugs)—and the development of anti-epileptic and anti-malarial drugs.
Other Achievements: She was also the first woman to become the President of the Indian Science Congress and was honored with the Padma Bhushan.
About the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award (for revision):

  • It is the most prestigious multidisciplinary award conferred in India in the fields of science and technology.
  • Institution: It is awarded annually by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
  • Nomenclature: It is named after the founder-director of CSIR, Dr. Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar.
  • Categories: It is awarded across 7 categories (Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Engineering Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Medical Sciences, and Physical Sciences).
  • Eligibility: It is typically awarded to Indian scientists under the age of 45.

Brief Introduction to Other Options:

  • Debala Mitra (Option 1): A renowned archaeologist, she became the first female Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
  • Sudipta Sengupta (Option 3): A renowned geologist, she was one of the first Indian women to visit Antarctica.
  • Archana Bhattacharyya (Option 4): A renowned physicist, she is known for her research in the field of the Ionosphere.

Important Question for Upcoming Examinations:
Question: By which institution is the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award conferred?
Answer: CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research). Question: In which year did Asima Chatterjee receive the SSB Award?
Answer: In 1961.
Question: Which is considered India's highest award in the field of science?
Answer: The Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award.