India is rapidly advancing its position in the global science and technology arena, with several key developments unfolding in the past 24 hours. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan underscored India's progress in building a robust innovation ecosystem, advocating for the nation to be recognized as a global brand of excellence in knowledge, science, and technology. This statement coincided with the release of the NITI Aayog report, 'Pathways to Progress: Analysis and Insights into India's Innovation Story', which provides insights into the country's achievements, challenges, and future roadmap in innovation. Science & Technology Minister Jitendra Singh highlighted the pervasive nature of innovation in India, extending beyond frontier technologies, while NITI Aayog member V K Saraswat stressed the strategic importance of science, technology, and innovation for India's development trajectory.
A major strategic move sees India investing $18.2 billion into its "Semiconductor Mission" to transition from a chip buyer to a chip maker. This initiative includes approving 10 new projects covering design, fabrication, testing, and packaging, with two fabrication plants already greenlit. The goal is to reduce dependence on imported chips and build a self-sufficient supply chain, thereby strengthening technological sovereignty.
In a significant scientific breakthrough, Indian scientists have developed a nanomaterial that can stimulate brain cells without the need for surgery. Researchers from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) demonstrated that graphitic carbon nitride (g-CβNβ) can naturally interact with neurons, promoting their growth, maturation, and communication. This discovery holds potential for new therapeutic avenues for neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, and could even contribute to future "brainware computing" technologies.
Looking towards future energy solutions, a team from IPR Gandhinagar has proposed a comprehensive roadmap for India's fusion power plans. The roadmap includes developing India's first fusion electricity generator, the Steady-state Superconducting Tokamak-Bharat (SST-Bharat), aiming for a power output five times its input. This ambitious plan also incorporates advanced concepts like digital twinning and machine learning-assisted plasma confinement to accelerate progress in fusion technology.
Further bolstering India's commitment to sustainable development, the Tata Chemicals Limited (TCL)βTERI Centre of Excellence (CoE) on Biochemicals was inaugurated. Located at TERI Gram, Gurugram, the CoE aims to accelerate India's transition towards sustainable biochemical production by developing cost-effective, innovative technologies for platform and specialty biochemicals from renewable feedstocks. This initiative marks a crucial step in reducing reliance on fossil-based resources and positioning India as a leader in sustainable biomanufacturing.