Science and Technology in India
Ministries
related to Science and Technology
■
Ministry of Science & Technology
In ancient times, Science & Technology was known as Natural Philosophy in India. The Ministry of Science and Technology was formed in May 1971. The Union Department of Science and Technology plays a crucial role in promoting science and technology in the country. This department provides detailed information on science education, scientific research and development. The Office of the Scientific Advisor to the Government of India was formed in November 1999. Currently, the Ministry of Science and Technology functions as three main departments - Department of Science & Technology (DST), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), and Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR)/Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR).
■
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)
The Ministry of New and
Renewable Energy (MNRE) is a ministry of the Government of India came into
existence on 1982. The main responsibility of Ministry of New and
Renewable Energy is for the research and development, protection of
intellectual property and foreign cooperation, promotion, and coordination in
the renewable energy sources such as hydel, wind, biogas, battery energy and
solar power.
■
Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)
The Ministry of Earth
Sciences came into existence on 29 January 2006. The headquarters of the
Ministry of Earth Sciences is at Prithvi Bhavan, New Delhi. The National Centre
for Seismology is under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. India Quake is an app
released by the National Centre for Seismology in 2017 related to earthquakes.
■
Ministry of Education (MoE)/Ministry of Human Resource Development
Ministry of Education
(MoE) is a ministry of the Government of India came into existence on 15 August
1947. The ministry is responsible for the implementation of the National Policy
on Education. The Ministry is further divided into two departments
- Department of School Education and Literacy and Department of Higher
Education.
■
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
Ministry of Electronics
and Information Technology is a ministry of the Government of India came into
existence on 2016. It was carved out of the Ministry of Communications and
Information Technology on 2016. The ministry is responsible for IT policy,
strategy and development of the electronics industry.
■
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF & CC)
Ministry of Environment,
Forest and Climate Change is a ministry of the Government of India came into
existence on 1985. The ministry is responsible for the planning,
promoting, coordinating, and overseeing the implementation of forestry and
environmental programmes in india.
■
Ministry of Agriculture
Ministry of Agriculture
is a branch of Government of India for the formulation and administration
of the rules and regulations and laws related to agriculture in India.
■
Ministry of Defence
The Ministry of Defence
(MoD) is branch of Government of India which coordinates and supervise all
agencies and functions of the government relating directly to national security
and the Indian Armed Forces.
■
Ministry of Ayush
The Ministry of
Ayush is a branch of Government of India which is responsible for
developing education, research and propagation of traditional medicine and
alternative medicine systems in the country.
■
Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers
The Ministry
of Chemicals & Fertilizers is a branch of Government of India.
Currently, the Chemicals & Fertilizers functions as three main
departments - Department of Chemicals and Petro-Chemicals, Department of
Fertilizers, Department of Pharmaceuticals
■
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Ministry of Health &
Family Welfare is an Indian government ministry charged with health policy in
India. The two departments of the Ministry are as follows - Department of
Health and Family Welfare and Department of Health Research.
■ Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government
The Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor was established by the Government of India in November 1999. The objective of the Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor is to provide practical and objective advice to the Prime Minister and the Cabinet on scientific and technological matters. In August 2018, the Office of the PSA came under the Cabinet Secretariat.
Departments related
to Science and Technology
■
Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)
For the implementation
of atomic energy programmes, Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) was established.
DAE was formed in 3rd August 1954. The headquarters of DAE is in Mumbai. It is
directly under the Prime Minister of India.
■
Department of Biotechnology (DBT)
The Department of
Biotechnology came into existence in 1986. The Department of Biotechnology came
into existence during the Seventh Five Year Plan. Rajiv Gandhi was the Prime
Minister of India when the Department of Biotechnology was formed. The
Department of Biotechnology works under the Ministry of Science and Technology.
The National Biopharma Mission is a project launched by the Department of
Biotechnology in 2017 with the help of the World Bank.
■ Department of Science
and Technology (DST)
The Department of
Science and Technology (DST) is an indian government department established in
May 1971 under the Ministry of Science and Technology in India. It is formed to
promote science and technology and also to become a nodal department for
organising, coordinating and promoting the activities of scientific and
technology in india.
■
Department of Space (DoS)
The Department of Space
(DoS) is an Indian government department established in 1972. It is responsible
for the administration of programmes of space research and development. It
manages various agencies and institutes related to space exploration and space
technologies in the country.
■ Department
of Chemicals and Petrochemicals
Department of Chemicals
and Petrochemicals was established under the Ministry of Chemicals &
Fertilizers in 1991 and is responsible for the policy, planning, development,
regulation of Chemicals & Petrochemicals Industries.
Department of
Science and Technology (DST)
The Department of
Science and Technology (DST) is an Indian government department established in
May 1971 under the Ministry of Science and Technology in India. It is formed to
promote science and technology and also to become a nodal department for
organising, coordinating and promoting the activities of scientific and
technology in India.
Main responsibilities
of the Department of Science and Technology
• Formulation of
policies relating to science and technology.
• Matters relating to
the Science Advisory Committee of the Cabinet.
• Undertaking or
financially sponsoring scientific and technological surveys, research designs
and development activities.
• Allocating grants to
scientific research institutions, scientific associations and bodies.
• Matters affecting
scientific and technical departments/organisations/institutions. Example -
financial officers, procurement and import policies and practices.
• Management
Information Systems for science and technology and its coordination.
• Promotion of
enterprises involving commercialization of such technology not under the
Department of Science, Technology and Industrial Research. Matters relating to
domestic technology for their promotion.
• All other measures
necessary for the promotion of science and technology and their application for
the development and security of the country.
• Dissemination of
science and technology at the state, district and village levels for basic
development through State Science and Technology Councils and other mechanisms.
• Making the benefits
of science and technology available to the weaker sections of the society,
women and other backward classes.
Areas in which the
Department of Science and Technology has the power to take decisions
• Science and
Engineering Research Council.
• Technology
Development Board and related laws such as Research and Development Cess Act,
1986, Technology Development Board Act, 1995.
• National Council for
Science and Technology Communication.
• National Science and
Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board.
• Autonomous science
and technology institutions related to the subject under the Department of
Science and Technology including Institute of Astro-Physics and Institute of
Geomagnetism.
a. Promotion and funding
of professional science academies by the Department of Science and Technology.
b. Survey of India and
National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organisation.
c. National Special
Data Infrastructure
d. National Innovation
Foundation (Ahmedabad)
Nature and Scope of
Science and Technology
Science and technology
are branches of science that play an important role in the development of a
country. Science is a Latin word. Technology comes from the Greek word
technologia. The three major branches of science include physical science, life
science, and earth science. Physical Science includes Physics, Chemistry,
Geology, Astrology etc. Life Science includes Botany (Study of Plants) and
Zoology (Study of Animals). Geology, Meteorology, Oceanography, and Astronomy are
the branches of Earth Science. Anthropology, Sociology, Economics etc are
examples of Soft Science. The main objective of Science and Technology is
to promote the most innovative areas in the fields of science and technology.
Science is a systematic approach that helps us understand the natural world through observation, investigation, and analysis. In order to explain events, trends and provide forecasts, it uses empirical data. Conversely, technology is the application of scientific ideas and understanding to solve practical problems and improve human life. Natural sciences, Social sciences, Interdisciplinary sciences and Applied sciences are the scopes of science. In many different sectors, such as manufacturing, communications, transportation, healthcare, and agriculture, technology plays a significant role in economic expansion and social progress. Technology came into existence from early breakthroughs like printing press and wheel to more recent ones like computer, mobile phones and artificial intelligence. Advancing Healthcare, Fostering Innovation, Enhancing Communication, Solving Global Challenges, Driving Economic Growth, Empowering Education, Improving Quality of Life among other areas are the applications of Science and Technology.
Relevance
of Science and Technology
Science and Technology
make life easier and more comfortable for people. Science and technology enable
us to save both time and money. Knowledge, Skills and Techniques, Discovery,
Understanding and Application are the five components of Science and
Technology. Science and technology are crucial in our day to day life as they
have made things more simple, fast and secured.
Relevance
of Science and Technology in different sectors
1.
Agriculture
The agriculture sector
has been significantly impacted by scientific and technical advancements. Soil
cultivation, crop cultivation and harvesting, animal production, and the
processing of plant and animal products for human consumption and use are
considered to be among these technologies.
2.
Medicine
Science and Technology
studies the new concepts of science and medicine and their relevance to science
education.
3.
Healthcare
Science and Technology
in healthcare enables healthcare professionals to compare patient health data,
identify risk factors, and recommend preventive measures.
4. Environment
Science and Technology
helps in improving productivity, conserving resources and protecting the
environment. With the right use of technology, we can reduce greenhouse gas
changes by generating less carbon dioxide emissions.
5.
Education
The use of computer
hardware and software for studying and also to practice to learn and teach.
6.
Communication
The communication sector
is heavily reliant on technology. The companies interact with their clients
through a variety of communication channels, including text messages, phone
calls, and emails.
7.
Entertainment
Computers and other
technological devices are widely used in the entertainment industry to create
special effects in films, watch films, edit films, compose and record music and
develop animated cartoons and games etc.
8.
In Our Daily Life
Science and technology
have simplified our day to day life. They have made our sleeping, cooking,
working and communicating easier and faster.
National Policy on Science
and Technology and Innovation
Scientific Policy
Resolution 1958
The main objective is
to nurture, promote and sustain science and scientific research. This policy
aims to bring the benefits of acquiring and applying scientific knowledge to
the people. This policy encourages research in all scientific fields. This plan
emphasizes on developing infrastructure for scientific research and making them
available properly.
Technology Policy
Statement 1983
This plan is part of
the government's policy of achieving technological self-sufficiency and
efficiency. The main objectives of this policy are to coordinate socio-economic
projects and implement the National Innovation System. According to the
Technology Policy Statement, the government distributes materials for the
implementation of this policy and sends detailed instructions to various
ministries and agencies in this regard.
Science and
Technology Policy 2003
The main objectives
are to bring investment and innovation and implement the use of science and
technology in the country. The Science and Technology Policy 2003 was a policy
prepared in consideration of the changes in the scientific research sector in
line with the changes in the economic sector during the liberalization phase of
1990. It was decided to invest heavily in the research and development sector
with the aim of increasing the investment in GDP to 2%.
Science and
Technology Innovation Policy 2013
The science policy was
launched with the aim of speeding up and stabilizing the welfare activities of
the people as science and technology started accelerating national development.
To promote the innovation ecosystem led by science and technology in the
country, and to link science, technology and innovation with socio-economic
priorities.
Science and
Technology Innovation Policy 2020
Aims to bring about
profound changes by promoting research at the individual and official levels of
short-term and long-term projects. This policy helps in identifying the
limitations and strengths of the Indian science and technology sector, making
the Indian science and technology sector more efficient and providing its
benefits in the socio-economic field.
Main Objectives
• To foster a
scientific mindset among all sections of society and increase employment opportunities
through the use of science and technology.
• To enhance India's
scientific performance by providing world-class infrastructure and make India
one of the top five scientific powers in the world.
• To seek effective
implementation of research results in the socio-commercial sector by including
private participation and new technologies in the field of scientific and
technological research.
Science
and Technology Institutes and Organisations in India
India is among the top
countries globally in the field of scientific research. Below are a list of
institutes and organisations in india for the progression and development in
the field of scientific education and scientific research & development.
National
Academies related to Science and Technology
■
Indian Academy of Sciences (IASc), Bengaluru
The Indian Academy of
Sciences was established in 1934. C.V. Raman was the founder of the Indian
Academy of Sciences. The headquarters of the Indian Academy of Sciences is in
Bangalore. C.V. Raman was elected as the first President of the Indian Academy
of Sciences. The second President was Professor T.S. Sadashivan and the third
President was Professor M.G.K. Menon. In honour of C.V. Raman, the Government
of India established the Raman Chair in 1972. The Council invites eminent
scientists from within and outside India to be its chairpersons. Project
lifescape is a joint initiative of the Indian Academy of Sciences and the
Centre for Ecological Science to provide education on biodiversity.
■
Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE), Gurgaon
The Indian National
Academy of Engineering (INAE) was established in 1987. It comprises of India's
most distinguished engineers, engineer-scientists and technologists. The
Academy is an autonomous institution supported partly by the Department of
Science and Technology. The headquarters of the Indian National Academy of
Engineering is in Gurgaon.
■
Indian National Science Academy (INSA), New Delhi
The Indian National
Science Academy was established in January 1935. The headquarters of the Indian
National Science Academy is in New Delhi. The original name of the Indian
National Science Academy was the National Institute of Sciences of India. It
was renamed the Indian National Science Academy in 1970.
■
National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), New Delhi
The National Academy of
Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) was established in 1990. The headquarters of the
National Academy of Agricultural Sciences is in New Delhi. The main objective
of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences is to promote environmentally
sustainable agriculture.
■
National Academy of Biological Sciences (NABS), Chennai
The National Academy of
Biological Sciences was established on 31 December 2004. Dr. S. Kannaiyan is
the founder president of the National Academy of Biological Sciences. The
headquarters of the National Academy of Biological Sciences is in Chennai.
■
National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS), New Delhi
The National Academy of
Medical Sciences was established on 21 April 1961. The headquarters of the
National Academy of Medical Sciences is in New Delhi. The National Academy of
Medical Sciences functions under the Union Ministry of Health and Family
Welfare. The National Academy of Medical Sciences was inaugurated by Jawaharlal
Nehru.
■
National Academy of Veterinary Sciences (NAVS), New Delhi
The National Academy of
Veterinary Sciences (NAVS) was established in 1993. Its objective is in the
future directions of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry during the 21st
Century. The academy is jointly sponsored by the Veterinary Council of
India. The headquarters of the National Academy of Veterinary Sciences is
in New Delhi.
■
National Environmental Science Academy (NESA), New Delhi
The National
Environmental Science Academy was registered in Bihar in 1988 under the
provisions of the Societies Act, 1860. The headquarters of the National
Environmental Science Academy is in New Delhi. The main objective of the
institution is to promote environmental science.
■
The National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI), Prayagraj
The National Academy of
Sciences is the first science academy in India. The National Academy of
Sciences was established in 1930. The founder of The National Academy of
Sciences is Meghnath Saha. The headquarters of The National Academy of Sciences
is in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The initial name of The National Academy of
Sciences was The Academy of Sciences of United Provinces of Agra and Oudh.
Other
Science and Technology Research Institutes and Organisations
■ Council of
Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR)
The CSIR was established
in 1942. Its headquarters are in New Delhi. Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar is the
founder director. CSIR is an Indian institution known for the development of
scientific research. CSIR works under the Ministry of Science and Technology.
The Prime Minister is the Chairman of CSIR.
■
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
India's indigenous
weapons development and production programs are implemented by DRDO (Defence
Research Development Organisation). It came into existence in 1958. Its
objective is to research and develop equipment required for India's defense
sector. It is headed by the Scientific Advisor to the Minister of Defense.
DRDO's headquarters are located in New Delhi.
■ Rajiv Gandhi Centre
for Biotechnology (RGCB)
Rajiv Gandhi Centre for
Biotechnology was established in 1990. RGCB is headquartered in
Thiruvananthapuram. RGCB started its operations under the name of Centre for
Development of Education, Science and Technology (CDEST). RGCB is the first
institution in the country to be named after Rajiv Gandhi. The Committee for
Science and Technology and Environment (STEC) under the Government of Kerala
was the initial controller of RGCB's activities. Prime Minister Narasimha Rao
laid the foundation stone of the new headquarters building of RGCB on 18
November 1995. In 2002, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam dedicated the institution to the
nation. In 2007, the institution was taken over by the Central Government.
■ Indian
Institute of Science (IISc)
The headquarters of the
Indian Institute of Science is in Bengaluru. The Indian Institute of Science
was established in 1909. Jamshedji Tata and Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV were the
founders of the Indian Institute of Science. The first name of IISc was Tata Research
Institute. Morris Travers (British Chemist) was the first director of IISc. The
motto of IISc is Discover and Innovate, Transform and Transcend, Serve and
Lead.
■ Indian Council
of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
ICAR was formed on 16
July 1929. ICAR functions under the Ministry of Agriculture. The Union Minister
of Agriculture is the President of ICAR. ICAR was known as Imperial Council of
Agricultural Research at the time of its formation. Indian Journal of
Agricultural Research and Indian Journal of Animal Research are the
publications published by ICAR.
■ Indian Council
of Medical Research (ICMR)
The Indian Council of
Medical Research (ICMR) is one of the oldest medical research institutions in
the world. The headquarters of ICMR is in New Delhi. ICMR was established in
1911 as the Indian Research Fund Association. It was renamed as the Indian
Council of Medical Research in 1949.
■ Tata Institute
of Fundamental Research (TIFR)
The Tata Institute of
Fundamental Research (TIFR) was established in 1945. Homi.J.Bhabha is the
founder of Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR). The main campus of
Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) is located in Mumbai.
■ Sree Chitra
Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology (SCTIMST)
Sree Chitra Tirunal
Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology (SCTIMST) was established in
1976. Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology
(SCTIMST) was inaugurated by P.N. Haskar (the then Chairman of the Planning
Commission). Its headquarters is in Thiruvananthapuram. Sree Chitra Tirunal
Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology functions under the Central
Department of Science and Technology.
■ Technology
Information Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC)
The Technology Information
Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC) was established in 1988. TIFAC is
headquartered in New Delhi. TIFAC is established to assess the technology
trajectories, look ahead in technology domain and support innovation by
networked actions in select areas of national importance.
■ Vigyan Prasar
Vigyan Prasar was
established in 1989. Vigyan Prasar is headquartered in New Delhi. The name of
the science clubs established by Vigyan Prasar is VIPNET. Dream 2047 is the
magazine published by Vigyan Prasar.
■ Survey of
India
The Survey of India was
established in 1767. It is the oldest scientific department in India. The main
objectives of the Survey of India are to provide reliable information for the
purpose of national security, sustainable national development and new
information markets.
■ Bhabha Atomic
Research Centre (BARC)
Bhabha Atomic Research
Centre (BARC) was established on 3 January 1954. The initial name of BARC was
Atomic Energy Establishment Trombay (AEET). BARC is headquartered in Trombay (Maharashtra).
Homi.J.Bhabha is the founder of BARC. BARC is an institution that came into
existence with the idea of 'How to effectively utilize nuclear energy for the
betterment of the country'.
■
Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR)
The Indira Gandhi Centre
for Atomic Research (IGCAR) is one of the major nuclear research centres in
India. It is located at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu. It is the second largest
institution of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) after Bhabha Atomic
Research Centre (BARC). It was established in 1971 as a dedicated centre
dedicated to research in fast reactor science and technology as a result of the
vision of Vikram Sarabhai. Originally, it was called Reactor Research Centre
(RRC). In December 1985, the then Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi renamed it
as Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR).
■ Technology
Development Board (TDB)
The Technology
Development Board (TDB) is a statutory body constituted by the Indian
Government according to the Technology Development Board Act, 1995. The
Technology Development Board provides financial support to industrial concerns
and other agencies for the development and commercial application of indigenous
technology. They also provides assistance for adapting imported technology to
wider domestic applications.
■ The
Science & Engineering Research Board (SERB)
The Science and
Engineering Research Board is a statutory body constituted by the Indian
Government according to an act of the Parliament of India in 2009 (SERB ACT, 2008).
It is working under the Department of Science and Technology. The
SERB was succeeded by Anusandhan National Research Foundation in the year 2024.
■
Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology (RRCAT)
Indore (Madhya Pradesh) is the headquarters of Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology (RRCAT). The foundation stone of RRCAT was laid by Giani Zail Singh in 1984. Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology is an institution set up to conduct research related to lasers, particle accelerators and related technologies.
Information Communication Technology
■ ICT : Nature and Scope of ICT
■ ICT in day today life
■ ICT and industry
■ ICT and Governance – various Government schemes promoting use of ICT
■ e-Governance Programmes and Services
■ Netiquettes
■ Cyber Security concerns
■ National Cyber Crime Policy
■ Management Information System (MIS)
■ Artificial Intelligence – benefits and impacts
■ Robotics
■ Recent Communication Technology
■ Information Communication Technology (ICT) Applications
■ Near Field Communication Technology
■ WIRE Communication
■ Networking Devices
■ Quantum Communications and Technologies Based on Quantum
Mechanics
■ Nanotechnology in Telecommunication
■ Wireless Communications
■ The Radio-frequency Spectrum
■ Mobile Network
■ Generation of Internet Technology
■ Telecommunication
■ Telecommunication in India
■ Modern Telecommunication System
■ Digital Television
■ Cable Television
Energy Requirement and Efficiency
■ India's existing energy needs and deficit
■ India's energy resources and dependence
■ Renewable and Non-renewable energy resources
■ Energy Policy of India – Govt.Policies and Programmes
■ Energy Security and Nuclear Policy of India
Nuclear Energy & Clean Energy Technology
■ Nuclear Reactors
■ Nuclear Power
■ India's Nuclear Energy Programme
■ India Three Stage Nuclear Programme
■ IAEA
■ Clean Energy Technology
■ Hydrogen
■ Fuel Cells
■ Solar Energy
Biotechnology & Modern Biological Applications
■ Biotechnology
■ Recombinant DNA Technology
■ Applications of Biotechnology
■ Bioinformatics
■ Genomics
■ Transcriptomics
■ Proteomics
■ Metabolomics
■ Fluxomics
■ DNA Sequencing
■ Next-generation Sequencing (Ngs)
■ The Human Genome Project
■ Crispr-Cas 9 Technology
■ Cloning
■ Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy
Environmental Science
■ Issues and concerns related to environment
■ Legal aspects for the protection of environment
■ Policies and Treaties for the protection of environment at National and International level
■ Environment protection for sustainable development
■ Biodiversity – its importance and concerns
■ Climate change
■ International initiatives (Policies, Protocols) and India's commitment
■ Western Ghats, Features, Characteristics and issues
■ Forest and wildlife
■ Legal framework for Forest and Wildlife Conservation in India
■ Environmental Hazards
■ Pollution
■ Carbon Emission
■ Global Warming
■ National action plans on climate change and Disaster Management
■ Developments in Biotechnology, Green Technology and Nanotechnology
To be Continued
