Overview of Recent Science & Technology Initiatives
The Ministry of Science & Technology has launched a suite of mission‑mode programmes, policy reforms and funding mechanisms to accelerate scientific temper, research and innovation across the country. The thrust areas span emerging technologies such as quantum computing, artificial intelligence, semiconductor manufacturing, cyber‑physical systems, clean energy and biotechnology.
Key Developments
- Creation of a RDI Fund to catalyse industry‑academia partnerships.
- Launch of the National Quantum Missions.
- Inauguration of the India Semiconductor Mission.
- Roll‑out of the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber‑Physical Systems.
- Policy frameworks such as the National Geospatial Policy 2022, Indian Space Policy 2023 and BioE3 Policy 2024 to provide regulatory support for emerging sectors.
- Technology‑led innovation programmes: NIDHI, Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), and TIDE 2.0.
Important Facts & Figures
According to the Research & Development Statistics, 2022‑23, total GERD (public + private) rose from ₹60,197 crore in 2010‑11 to ₹1,27,381 crore in 2020‑21, placing India 7th globally in PPP terms. Public R&D expenditure (in crore rupees) was:
- 2016‑17: 63,974.55 (0.4% of GDP)
- 2017‑18: 71,969.15 (0.5% of GDP)
- 2018‑19: 82,250.19 (0.4% of GDP)
- 2019‑20: 87,813.47 (0.4% of GDP)
- 2020‑21: 80,992.83 (0.4% of GDP)
Science outreach funding (in crore rupees) under major schemes:
- NCSTC: 2020‑21 – 38.68, 2021‑22 – 52.60, 2022‑23 – 86.54, 2023‑24 – 52.63, 2024‑25 – 35.67.
- INSPIRE‑MANAK: 2020‑21 – 51.55, 2021‑22 – 56.10, 2022‑23 – 51.50, 2023‑24 – 53.72, 2024‑25 – 58.29.
Exam Relevance
- Understanding the scale of GERD helps answer questions on India’s position in global innovation rankings.
- Mission‑mode funding (e.g., Quantum, Semiconductor, Cyber‑Physical Systems) illustrates the government’s strategic use of targeted budgets – a recurring theme in GS3 questions on industrial policy.
- Outreach schemes like Atal Innovation Mission and INSPIRE‑MANAK are relevant to GS4 (Science & Technology) and to questions on building scientific temper.
- Policy documents (National Geospatial Policy, Indian Space Policy, BioE3 Policy) are examples of regulatory frameworks that can be cited in answers on sector‑specific governance.
Way Forward
To sustain momentum, the government needs to (i) increase the public R&D share to at least 0.5% of GDP, (ii) streamline inter‑ministerial coordination for mission‑mode programmes, (iii) strengthen industry‑academia linkages through tax incentives and IP‑rights reforms, and (iv) expand grassroots science communication via digital platforms like the newly launched ‘Samvaad’ and Science & Technology Communication Tools. Continuous monitoring of fund utilisation and outcome‑based assessments will ensure that the ambitious targets translate into tangible innovations and a robust scientific temperament across Indian society.