Nation Building through Science and Innovation

• Science and technology play a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of a nation. As India envisions becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047, scientific advancements will act as the bedrock for demographic dividends, gender equality, economic security, climate resilience, and equitable progress.
• To realize this vision, India must embrace “Science for Society and Science for Sustainability,” fostering inclusive participation, indigenous innovations, and global collaborations.

Role of Science in Nation Building

• Economic Development: Science drives innovation in industries like space, IT, and pharmaceuticals, boosting GDP & self-reliance. E.g., Chandrayaan-3 enhanced India’s global standing in space exploration.
• Health and Well-being: Scientific advancements in vaccines, diagnostics, and medicines improve life expectancy and disease control. E.g., Covaxin made India self-sufficient in COVID-19 vaccine production.
• Environmental Sustainability: Research in clean technologies and resource management helps combat pollution and climate change. E.g., National Clean Air Programme aims to reduce air pollution in cities.
• Agricultural Productivity: Biotechnology and precision farming improve crop yield and ensure food security. E.g., GM Mustard enhances oilseed production.
• Climate Resilience: Science aids in renewable energy adoption & disaster preparedness, making communities climate-resilient. E.g., National Solar Mission promotes solar power for sustainable development.

Challenges in Scientific Development

• Funding Constraints: India’s investment in R&D is only about 0.65% of its GDP (Economic Survey 2022-23), lower than global leaders like the USA (2.8%) and China (2.2%).
• Gender Disparity in STEM: Only 16.6% of faculty in Indian STEM institutions are women, with fewer in senior leadership roles. E.g., Dr. Anandibai Joshi’s legacy remains an exception rather than the norm.
• Limited Industry-Academia Collaboration: Weak partnerships between academic institutions and the private sector hinder the commercialisation of innovations.
• Misinformation and Scientific Temper: Fake news and pseudoscience on social media impede scientific literacy. E.g., Vaccine hesitancy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Brain Drain: Many Indian scientists seek better opportunities abroad due to limited research infrastructure and funding.
• Bureaucratic Hurdles: Cumbersome approval processes for research grants delay innovation.
• Outdated Curriculum: Academic syllabi often lag behind global advancements, limiting exposure to cutting-edge technologies.
• Accessibility of Research Infrastructure: Advanced laboratories and technology are concentrated in a few urban centres, leaving rural regions underserved.

Key Science & Technology Initiatives of India

1. INSPIRE (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research): Encourages youth to pursue careers in basic and applied sciences through scholarships and mentorship programs.
2. INSPIRE-MANAK: Promotes innovative ideas among school students with planned inclusion of Class 11 & 12 students from 2025 to nurture grassroots innovations.
3. Vaishvik Bharatiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV): Connects the Indian STEM diaspora with Indian institutions for collaborative research in cutting-edge technologies like AI, quantum computing, and biotechnology.
4. Technology Development Board (TDB): Provides financial assistance and venture capital for innovations in healthcare, agriculture, clean energy, and space technologies.
5. National Quantum Mission (NQM): Advances quantum computing, communication, and cryptography with a vision to position India as a global leader in quantum technologies by 2031.
6. Artificial Intelligence Mission: Develops AI applications in healthcare diagnostics, precision agriculture, disaster management, and smart governance.
7. National Hydrogen Mission: Promotes green hydrogen as a clean energy source with a focus on re-ducing carbon emissions and achieving energy security.
8. National Supercomputing Mission (NSM): Enhances computational capacity for climate modeling, genomics research, and artificial intelligence applications.
9. Science and Heritage Research Initiative (SHRI): Integrates traditional knowledge with modern science, producing products like HerbaHeal, Kosh Shree, and Yoga-based health solutions.

Be Prelims Ready!

Way Forward

• Boost Public Investment: The Union Budget 2025-26 has nearly doubled the science and technology allocation with:
  • ₹20,000 crore allocated to the Department of Science and Technology (DST) to initiate a private sector-driven Research, Development, and Innovation Fund.
  • ₹6,600 crore for Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), up from ₹6,303 crore in the previous fiscal year.
  • Expansion of Prime Minister Research Fellowship (PMRF), offering 10,000 fellowships with enhanced financial support in IITs and IISc.
• Gender Inclusivity: Wider adoption of Vigyan Jyoti and WISE programs with scholarships, mentorship, and flexible work policies to encourage women’s participation in STEM.
• Industry-Academia Collaboration: Operationalization of the National Research Foundation (NRF) to promote joint R&D projects, CSR-linked funding, and startup incubations.
• Scientific Temper & Digital Literacy: Introducing scientific inquiry-based learning in schools, along with mass awareness campaigns to counter misinformation and promote critical thinking.
• Inclusivity for Marginalised Communities: Setting up Mobile Science Labs, localised science hubs, and e-learning platforms to bring scientific knowledge to remote areas.
• Global Collaboration: Active participation in G20 Science Ministers’ Meeting and Global Innovation Exchange to enhance knowledge sharing and capacity building.

Reference: Hindustan Times | PIB

UPSC Mains PYQs – Theme – Role of Sci & Tech

1. [UPSC 2020] How is science interwoven deeply with our lives? What are the striking changes in agriculture triggered off by the science-based technologies?
2. [UPSC 2016] Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How has the application of this technology helped India in its socioeconomic development?
3. [UPSC 2016] Why is nanotechnology one of the key technologies of the 21st century? Describe the salient features of Indian Government’s Mission on Nanoscience and Technology and the scope of its application in the development process of the country.

PMF IAS Pathfinder for Mains – Question 98

Q. Discuss the role of scientific research and innovation in addressing the socio-economic challenges of India. How can science and technology act as catalysts in achieving the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047? (250 Words) (15 Marks)

Approach

• Introduction: Define the role of scientific research and innovation in nation-building and the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.
• Body: Highlight how scientific research and innovation address socio-economic challenges and act as catalysts for inclusive growth, strategic independence, digital transformation, and climate resilience.
• Conclusion: Suggest measures to strengthen the innovation ecosystem and highlight its transformative potential for achieving self-reliant and inclusive growth by 2047.