भारत का विज्ञान और प्रौद्योगिकी परिदृश्य तथा अनुसंधान एवं विकास वित्तपोषण
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क्यों मायने रखता है
This article provides highly quotable facts, data points, and policy updates essential for GS-3 answers on India's Science & Technology achievements and the indigenization of technology. Initiatives like the ANRF, Quantum Mission, and the ₹1 trillion R&D fund are critical for discussions on making India a developed nation (Viksit Bharat) by 2047.
सारांश
Department of Science & Technology (DST) Secretary Abhay Karandikar stated that India is on track to become self-reliant and globally influential in science and technology by 2047. Highlighting India's rank as the third-largest global hub for scientific publications, PhDs, and start-ups, he outlined several transformative policy initiatives driving this growth. Key interventions include the operationalization of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) and the creation of a ₹1 trillion R&D fund to boost private-sector investment in deep tech. Furthermore, national missions covering Quantum Technology and Cyber-Physical Systems, combined with leadership in 5G rollout and indigenous AI models, are positioning India to lead in next-generation frontier technologies.
मुख्य बिंदु
- India ranks 3rd globally in science & engineering publications, PhD outputs, and start-up ecosystem size (>1.7 lakh start-ups, >100 unicorns).
- The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) was established to fuel collaborative translational and foundational research.
- A ₹1 trillion National R&D and Innovation Fund has been set up to stimulate private-sector research in deep-tech areas like AI, quantum computing, semiconductors, and space technology.
- Major technological strides include the $1 billion National Quantum Mission (developing four quantum hubs) and the National Mission on Cyber-Physical Systems (supporting 25 Tech Innovation Hubs and 884 startups).
- India is the second-largest global deployer of 5G over IPv6, actively fostering a 6G research ecosystem and developing indigenous AI large language models (like IIT Bombay's RxJai).
महत्वपूर्ण शब्द
Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)
An apex statutory body established in 2023 to provide strategic direction for scientific research. It aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry with a ₹50,000 crore five-year corpus.
UPSC context
GS Paper III: Science and Technology. Crucial for questions on R&D funding, indigenization, and the National Education Policy 2020.
National Quantum Mission (NQM)
A flagship initiative launched in 2023 to develop indigenous capabilities in quantum computing, communication, sensing, and materials. It targets building intermediate-scale quantum computers (50-1000 qubits) by 2031.
UPSC context
GS Paper III: S&T. Tests knowledge of frontier technologies, strategic autonomy, and India's position in the global tech race.
National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS)
A mission launched in 2018 to foster innovation in Cyber-Physical Systems through 25 Technology Innovation Hubs (TIHs). It focuses on AI, robotics, and IoT to address national priorities.
UPSC context
GS Paper III: S&T. Relevant for topics on Industry 4.0, automation, and academia-industry collaboration.
Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme
A ₹1 trillion corpus announced in the 2024 Interim Budget providing 50-year interest-free loans to the private sector. It aims to catalyze long-term R&D in "sunrise" domains and deep tech.
UPSC context
GS Paper III: Economy/S&T. Important for discussions on private sector participation in research and the "Jai Anusandhan" vision.
India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)
The nodal agency launched in 2021 to build a sustainable semiconductor and display ecosystem. It manages schemes for fabrication (Fabs), design (DLI), and testing (ATMP) with a ₹76,000 crore outlay.
UPSC context
GS Paper III: Indigenization of Technology. Vital for supply chain resilience, electronics manufacturing, and strategic self-reliance.
Department of Science & Technology (DST)
The nodal department under the Ministry of Science and Technology responsible for organizing, coordinating, and promoting S&T activities and policy formulation in India.
UPSC context
GS Paper III: S&T. Central to the institutional framework governing India's scientific progress and mission-mode projects.
प्रारंभिक ट्रैप
ANRF and the ₹1 trillion R&D fund rely exclusively on Central Government budgetary allocations.
ANRF strictly mandates mobilizing ~70% of its ₹50,000 crore budget from the private sector and non-government sources, moving away from a purely public-funded R&D model.
संबंधित अवधारणाएँ
What is the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)?
- Apex Body: विश्वविद्यालयों और संस्थानों में वैज्ञानिक अनुसंधान के लिए उच्च स्तरीय रणनीतिक दिशा प्रदान करने हेतु विज्ञान और इंजीनियरिंग अनुसंधान बोर्ड (SERB) का स्थान लिया।
- Funding Mandate: Has an estimated ₹50,000 crore budget over five years, with ~70% targeted to be mobilized from private sector contributions and philanthropists.
- Governance structure: The Prime Minister serves as the ex-officio President of its Governing Board, while the Principal Scientific Adviser chairs the Executive Council.
What are Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS)?
- Core Definition: Systems that integrate sensing, computation, control, and networking into physical objects, effectively bridging the digital and physical worlds.
- Key Examples: Driverless cars, smart electrical grids, industrial robotics, and AI-driven automated medical monitoring devices.
- National Mission: The NM-ICPS is implemented by DST through 25 Technology Innovation Hubs to boost translational research, IP creation, and start-ups in this sector.
अंतर-विषय पैटर्न
ANRF + Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
ANRF aims to boost India's low Gross Domestic Expenditure on R&D (GERD) by leveraging Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds, directly linking scientific output to corporate governance mandates.
Deep Tech Corpus + Capital Deficit Financing
The ₹1 trillion 50-year interest-free loan scheme for deep tech mirrors long-term public infrastructure financing, testing candidates on the difference between revenue expenditure and capital-stimulating loans.
Expect a multi-statement question on ANRF's governing structure and its 70% private-sector funding mandate in GS-3/Prelims 2026.
संबद्ध PYQ · 4
संबद्ध PYQ · 4
- 2020PrelimsGS1
With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following? 1. Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units 2. Create meaningful short stories and songs 3. Disease diagnosis 4. Text-to-Speech Conversion 5. Wireless transmission of electrical energy Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- 2022PrelimsGS1
Which one of the following is the context in which the term "qubit" is mentioned ?
- 2016MainsGS3
Discuss India's achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology has helped India in its socio-economic development?
- 2025MainsGS3
India aims to become a semiconductor manufacturing hub. What are the challenges faced by the semiconductor industry in India? Mention the salient features of the India Semiconductor Mission.
