The recent MSV‑2035 report on climate research, prepared by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru as the nodal institution, warns that India is losing the ability to build its own scientific instruments. Reliance on imported, often un‑calibrated equipment is leading to inaccurate data in national and international journals, raising doubts about the credibility of Indian science.
Key Developments
- India’s leading climate scientists highlight a critical gap in domestic instrument manufacturing, linking it to the Atmanirbhar drive.
- The GeM portal’s mandatory low‑bid rule is cited as a stumbling block for customised, high‑quality equipment; a June 2025 Finance Ministry amendment now allows institutions to bypass GeM for tenders up to ₹200 crore.
- The report calls for long‑term studies on the climate impact of “uncontrolled” renewable energy installations, emphasizing the need to estimate the social cost of carbon and apply the “polluter pays” principle.
- It recommends building an indigenous Earth System Model from first principles, distinct from models adapted from the USA or Europe.
- Eight “mega projects” spanning observatories, satellites, in‑situ networks and carbon‑neutrality research are outlined, with total costs of about ₹795 crore (modest growth) to ₹1,359 crore (aspirational) by 2035.
Important Facts
• The report was drafted by a working group chaired by Prof. S.K. Satheesh (IISc) and former INCOIS director S.S.C. Shenoi, after consulting ~3,200 researchers; 68 comments and a panel of 35 experts shaped the final draft.
• It is presented as a “climate‑research community document” – indicative rather than a binding government policy.
• India has already crossed the halfway mark of its pledged 500 GW