(GIST OF YOJANA) Milestones and Initiatives in Science and Technology

(DECEMBER-2024)

Milestones and Initiatives in Science and Technology

Introduction:

India has witnessed remarkable progress in the realm of science and technology in recent times, highlighted by significant advancements and initiatives designed to propel the nation into a fresh epoch of innovation. These breakthroughs emphasize the country's dedication to bolstering research, enhancing technological prowess, and nurturing creativity.

Key Achievements and Initiatives:

Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF):
Foundation: The ANRF was founded via the ANRF Act of 2023 in order to strengthen research capacities across diverse fields in India.

Aims:

Encourage partnerships among universities, colleges, research entities, and industries.
Prioritize solution-driven research in critical domains such as electric vehicles, advanced materials, solar technology, health tech, and sustainable agriculture.
Funding: A financial allocation of Rs. 50,000 crore for the timeframe 2023-2028.

Recent Developments:

PARAM Rudra Supercomputer:

Site: Launched at the S. N. Bose National Center for Basic Sciences, Kolkata (September 2024).
Importance: Introduces high-performance computing resources to eastern India.

Major Areas of Influence:

Advanced materials, high-energy physics, earth sciences, and cosmology.
Boosts simulations and computational analysis in material and earth sciences.
Supports biological research using machine learning for disease investigation.

Bharat Gen: India’s Multimodal AI Initiative:
Inception: September 2024.
Focus: Creation of generative AI frameworks in language, speech, and computer vision for Indian languages.

Objectives:

Encourage data sovereignty and the preservation of culture.
Improve AI accessibility across governmental, educational, and private sectors.
Tackle the representation of underrepresented languages in AI systems.

National Quantum Mission (NQM):

T-hubs: Set up at premier institutions (IISc Bangalore, IIT Madras, IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi).

Emphasis Areas:

Quantum computing, communication, sensing, and materials.
Promote coordination among research teams to strengthen national and international collaborations.

Vigyan Dhara - Unified Center Sector Scheme:
Aim: Consolidate three pivotal initiatives into a unified framework.

Focus Areas:

S&T capability enhancement, research and development, and technology implementation.
Financial Backing: Rs. 10,579.84 crore for the duration 2021-2026.

Women in Space Leadership Program (WiSLP):

Collaboration: Partnership between the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and British Council.
Target Demographic: 250 early-career researchers.
Objective: Enable women to take charge in space sciences and conquer gender biases in research.

Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP): Honor outstanding contributions in science, technology, and innovation.