National Technological Day

Syllabus: GS3/Science and Technology

Context

• May 11 marked the 27th National Technological Day of India.
  • This year’s theme is “YANTRA”, which signifies transformation through advanced research and technological acceleration.

About

• Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee designated May 11 as National Technology Day in India to commemorate the Pokhran nuclear tests conducted by the Indian Army in 1998.
• On May 11, 1998, two other special technological advances were showcased by India’s scientists and engineers.
  • The successful test firing of Trishul missile; and the first test flight of the indigenously developed aircraft Hansa.
• This observance aims to cultivate a scientific mindset and inspire the younger generation to pursue careers in technology, engineering, and mathematics. 

Ancient India’s Contribution to Science

India’s Technological  Achievements 

• India secured the 39th rank in the Global Innovation Index 2024 and 6th position in global Intellectual Property (IP) filings, as per the WIPO report. 
• The Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2024 also marked India’s rise to 49th place from 79th in 2019, showcasing advancements in ICT infrastructure and digital transformation.
• India has also emerged as the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world, fostering entrepreneurship and technological advancement. 
• India’s Agricultural Achievements: 
  • Green Revolution (1960s–1970s): Introduction of high-yielding varieties (HYVs) of wheat and rice.
  • White Revolution (1970s): India became the world’s largest milk producer, ending milk imports.
• India’s Indigenous Defence Technology Achievements: 
  • INS Kalvari (1967): India’s first indigenous naval submarine, marked the beginning of ‘Made-in-India’ defence capabilities.
  • Agni Series: Long-range ballistic missiles for strategic deterrence.
  • Prithvi Series: Surface-to-surface tactical missiles.
  • BrahMos: Co-developed with Russia, world’s fastest supersonic cruise missile.
  • Tejas (LCA): India’s first indigenously developed supersonic fighter jet.
  • INS Arihant: India’s first ballistic missile nuclear submarine.
  • INS Vikrant (2022): First indigenous aircraft carrier, a major naval milestone.
• India’s Indigenous Space Technology Achievements: 
  • Chandrayaan-1 (2008): India’s first lunar mission. Became the 4th country to send a probe to the moon.
    • Discovered water molecules on the lunar surface—a groundbreaking scientific achievement.
  • Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan, 2013): India became the first nation to reach Mars on its first attempt.
  • 104 Satellites in One Launch (2017): Set a world record for the most satellites deployed in a single mission.
  • Chandrayaan-3 (2023): Achieved a soft landing near the Moon’s south pole, a global first.
  • Aditya-L1 (2023): India’s first solar mission, studying the Sun’s outer layers.
  • Gaganyaan (2027): India’s first crewed spaceflight mission.
  • Shukrayaan (2028): Venus orbiter mission, aiming to explore the planet’s dense atmosphere.
• Digital Infrastructure:
  • Aadhaar: World’s largest biometric ID system.
  • UPI (Unified Payments Interface): Revolutionized digital payments and fintech.
    • India leads in real-time digital transactions globally.

Government Initiatives to Boost Technology Advancements:

• Make in India (2014): Boosts domestic manufacturing, including in high-tech sectors like defence, electronics, semiconductors, and space technology.
• Atal Innovation Mission (AIM): Launched by NITI Aayog to promote a culture of innovation via: Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) in schools, Atal Incubation Centres (AICs) for startups.
• National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS): Promotes R&D in AI, robotics, The Internet of Things (IoT), quantum computing, and more through dedicated Technology Innovation Hubs (TIHs).
• Technology Development Board (TDB): Provides financial support to commercialize indigenous technologies.
• National Supercomputing Mission (NSM): Aims to install a network of world-class supercomputers across premier institutions.
• National Quantum Mission (NQM): With an investment of ₹6003.65 crore over eight years, it is positioning India as a leader in quantum computing, communication, sensing, and materials.
  • A total of 152 researchers from 43 institutions across 17 states and 2 Union Territories are contributing to this mission.
• IN-SPACe and NSIL (NewSpace India Ltd): Promote private sector participation in India’s space programme.
• Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) & iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence): Encourage indigenous defence startups and MSMEs to build advanced technologies.
• INSPIRE Program (DST): Encourages students to pursue science education and careers in research through scholarships and internships.
• Budgetary Allocations and Growth:
  • Budgetary allocations for Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD) have more than doubled, along with over a 100% increase in DST and DBT budgets. 
  • The space sector budget has nearly tripled, driven by the opening up of the sector to private participation—positioning India as a future-ready technological power.

Conclusion

• Government-led initiatives in India have created an ecosystem of innovation, skill development, and R&D that enables the country to grow as a global technological hub while ensuring inclusive benefits for its citizens.

Source: PIB