Chapter-28 : Scientific & Technological Development
Department of Science and Technology (DST)
Function:
- Connects science and technology (S&T) sector to government departments.
- Provides research and development support to scientists across India.
Policy and Guidelines:
- Geospatial data acquisition and production.
- Sharing of scientific research infrastructure (SRIMAN).
- National Geospatial Policy (2022): Promotes geospatial sector for national development.
Missions:
- National Quantum Mission (NQM):
- Eight-year mission to advance quantum technology (computing, communication, sensing, materials).
Opportunities for Scientists:
- KIRAN Scheme:Supports women scientists in research (physical, mathematical, life, earth sciences, engineering).
Attracting Young Talent:
- MANAK Scheme:Targets school students (10-15 years) to encourage interest in science and research.
National Supercomputing Mission (NSM):
- Provides supercomputing infrastructure for academic, research, and business needs.
Nanotechnology:
- Studies and develops materials and devices at the nanoscale (1-100 nanometers).
National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI):
- Nurturing knowledge-based and technology-driven innovations into startups.
Department of Science and Technology (DST) – Autonomous Bodies
- Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB):
- Premier funding agency for basic research in science and engineering.
- Technology Development Board (TDB):
- Supports technology development and commercialization.
- Translational Research Programme:
- Provides techno-legal-commercial and financial support for scientific and business ventures.
- Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR):
- Promotes industrial research for indigenous technology development.
- Grants recognition/registration to in-house R&D centers.
- Administrative body for the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR):
- Addresses national needs through research, partnerships, entrepreneurship, and policy making.
- Custodian for measurement standards in India.
- Survey of India (SOI):
- National survey and mapping organization.
- Creates base maps for national development.
- Department of Atomic Energy (DAE):
- Advances nuclear science, technology, and innovation.
- Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB):
- Regulates safety aspects of nuclear facilities.
- Department of Space (DoS):
- Promotes development and application of space science and technology for national development.
- Manages programs like launch vehicles, satellites, and remote sensing.
- Works under the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
Mission:
- Utilize space science and technology for national and global benefit.
- Contribute to science education in India.
Space Policy 2023:
- Framework for a thriving 21st-century space sector.
- Enables private companies (including startups) to participate in space activities.
Gaganyaan Mission (Human Spaceflight Programme):
- Objective: Send 3 astronauts to orbit Earth for 3 days and return safely.
- Spacecraft: ~5.3 tons, autonomous, carries 3 crew members, orbits at 400 km.
- Timeline: Targeted launch by 2025.
Chandrayaan-3 (Lunar Mission):
- Successfully soft-landed a lunar rover on the moon’s south pole.
- Joined elite group of nations (US, Russia, China) to achieve this feat.
- Targets moon’s south pole for possible water ice deposits (fuel, oxygen, water).
Aditya-L1 Mission (Sun Mission):
- India’s first space-based mission to study the Sun.
- Studies Sun’s photosphere, chromosphere, and corona using various detectors.
- Aims to understand coronal heating, mass ejections, space weather, etc.
Space Transportation System:
- Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV):
- Reliable and cost-efficient launch vehicle.
- Favored carrier for satellites by multiple countries.
- Promotes international collaboration.
- Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV):
- Operational vehicle for communication satellites.
- Uses indigenous cryogenic stage technology.
- PSLV and GSLV:Provide self-reliance in space transportation for various satellite missions (Earth observation, communication, navigation, exploration).
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