Executive Summary
This document provides a comprehensive synthesis of the fundamentals, applications, and policy frameworks of Science and Technology (S&T), with a specific and detailed focus on the Indian context. The core thesis is that the symbiotic relationship between science (the systematic study of the world) and technology (the application of knowledge to create products and solutions) is the primary driver of modern development, economic growth, and societal well-being.
India has strategically positioned itself as a significant force in the global S&T landscape. Post-independence, the nation has built a robust infrastructure of academic and research institutions, culminating in a strong knowledge base and a pool of trained manpower. This has enabled notable achievements in critical sectors such as Space Technology, with a self-reliant satellite launch capability; Nuclear Technology, for both energy and defense; and Information Technology, which is a key driver of the national economy.
National S&T policy in India has evolved significantly. It began with the Scientific Policy Resolution of 1958, which focused on creating basic research infrastructure, and has progressed to the Science, Technology & Innovation Policy of 2013, which aims to position India among the top five global scientific powers by fostering a national innovation system that links R&D to inclusive economic growth.
The document further examines specific technology domains that are shaping the future, including Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology, Nanotechnology, and Ocean Technology. It details their core concepts, applications, and societal impact, while also addressing associated challenges such as cybercrime. A significant portion is dedicated to India’s strategic programs, outlining the status of its nuclear energy production, its three-tiered nuclear weapons program, and the defense technologies developed under the purview of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).