3. Science and Technology in India: A National Overview
India has made progressive and perceptible advancements in S&T, establishing a strong scientific base and becoming a leading developing nation. The 21st century is marked as a period of significant technological advancement and knowledge enrichment.
3.1 Framework for Development
India possesses a robust S&T infrastructure comprising academic institutions, R&D laboratories, advanced medical centers, and various industries. This ecosystem supports development across numerous fields:
- Higher education and scientific research
- Agricultural and medical systems
- Space science and infrastructure
- Information and communication technology
- Multiple engineering disciplines
3.2 S&T’s Impact on Indian Industry and Economy
The contribution of S&T to Indian industries has been tremendous, creating a niche for economic growth.
- Post-Independence: The development of indigenous technology was recognized as indispensable, leading to advancements in Atomic Energy and Space Science.
- Post-1990: The era of Globalization, Liberalization, and Privatization spurred a flourishing of industries in Information Technology, Automotive, Biotechnology, Nanotechnology, and Pharmaceuticals.
- Government Role: The government has made sizable investments in R&D and established numerous organizations to foster consistent growth.
Key S&T and Research Organizations in India:
| Organization | Acronym |
| Council of Scientific and Industrial Research | CSIR |
| Department of Science and Technology | DST |
| All India Institute of Medical Sciences | AIIMS |
| Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences | ARIES |
| Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research | IGCAR |
| Defence Research and Development Organisation | DRDO |
| Council for Advancement of People’s Action and Rural Technology | CAPART |
| Indian Space Research Organisation | ISRO |
3.3 S&T’s Influence on Indian Society
The development of technology is directly related to the growth, peace, and security of society.
- Security: CCTV cameras provide surveillance and a sense of security. Technology aids police in tracing criminals.
- Connectivity: Telecommunications have reduced communication gaps, connecting people even in remote regions.
- Quality of Life: The expansion of electricity, roads, television, and telecom networks to remote villages has provided essential facilities, entertainment, and knowledge upgrading.
3.4 Key Facts and Recent Achievements
- India is ranked among the top five global destinations for technology transactions and top ten for the number of scientific publications.
- The country operates 27 active satellites, with 11 facilitating its communication network.
- Nuclear Power: The 1,000 MW Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project Unit 1 was set up, with Unit 2 under commissioning.
- Navigation: The Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS 1G) was launched, completing India’s independent navigation system and reducing dependency on the US GPS.
- International Collaboration: India became an Associate Member State of CERN and the second country outside Europe to join the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO).
- Health: The Department of Health Research planned a three-tier national network of 160 Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDLs).