Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding is given for outstanding contribution in which broad area?

Introduction / Context:
Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding is one of Indias important international honours. It was instituted to honour the memory of Jawaharlal Nehru and his vision of world peace, cooperation and friendship among nations. Exam questions on this award aim to test awareness of the goals behind major national and international recognitions.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The award is named after Jawaharlal Nehru.
• The full name includes the phrase International Understanding.
• We must identify the central purpose for which it is conferred.

Concept / Approach:
The words International Understanding clearly refer to efforts that improve relations between countries, promote peace and encourage cooperation across borders. The award has been given to heads of state, leaders, scholars and organisations that contribute to global harmony. Therefore, the correct option must relate to promotion of international understanding and friendly relations among nations, not simply to literature, science or internal social work.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the exact wording of the award name, especially the phrase International Understanding. Step 2: Recall that Nehru was an advocate of world peace, non alignment and cooperation among nations. Step 3: Match this vision with an option that describes promotion of peace and friendship across borders. Step 4: Eliminate options that refer only to internal affairs or specific disciplines like literature or science. Step 5: Choose promotion of international understanding and friendly relations among nations as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
A quick check is to remember some recipients, such as heads of state, global leaders or international organisations that have worked for peace and cooperation. Their work goes beyond a single academic field, which supports the idea that the award recognises broader contributions to international understanding rather than technical achievements in science or literature alone.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Government science and technology: Important but not tied directly to the phrase International Understanding in the award name.
Outstanding literary work in any language: There are separate literary awards at national and international level for that purpose, and they do not carry this exact title.
Grassroots social work within one country: This is usually honoured through national civilian awards or social service honours, not by this award which is outward looking and global in scope.
Advances in economic planning and policy: Economic contributions may indirectly support peace, but the specific award is not limited to economics.

Common Pitfalls:
Students often overlook the full name of awards and rely only on who they think has received them. This can lead to confusion between literary and peace oriented recognitions. Always read the complete title, pick key phrases and then link them to the primary goal of the award.

Final Answer:
Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding is given for promotion of international understanding and friendly relations among nations.