{"id":43185,"date":"2025-05-12T20:17:32","date_gmt":"2025-05-12T14:47:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/?p=43185"},"modified":"2025-05-12T20:17:54","modified_gmt":"2025-05-12T14:47:54","slug":"national-technological-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/current-affairs\/12-05-2025\/national-technological-day","title":{"rendered":"National Technological Day"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS3\/Science and Technology<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>May 11 marked the<strong> 27th National Technological Day of India.<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>This year\u2019s theme is <strong>&#8220;YANTRA&#8221;, <\/strong>which signifies transformation through advanced research and technological acceleration.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee<\/strong> designated <strong>May 11 as National Technology Day<\/strong> in India to commemorate the <strong>Pokhran nuclear tests <\/strong>conducted by the Indian Army in <strong>1998.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>On May 11, 1998,<\/strong> two other special technological advances were showcased by India\u2019s scientists and engineers.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The successful test firing of Trishul missile; and the first test flight of the indigenously developed aircraft Hansa.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This observance<strong> aims to cultivate a scientific mindset and inspire the younger <\/strong>generation to pursue careers in technology, engineering, and mathematics.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#ebecf0\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Do You Know?<\/strong><br>&#8211; India is currently among <strong>nine countries<\/strong> in the world that have a publicly known nuclear weapons programme.<strong>Homi Jehangir Bhabha<\/strong> is credited with pioneering India\u2019s nuclear programme.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Ancient India\u2019s Contribution to Science<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-dominant-color=\"beac7f\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"522\" height=\"518\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ancient-india-contributions-to-global-science.png\" alt=\"ancient india contributions to global science\" class=\"not-transparent wp-image-43186\" style=\"--dominant-color: #beac7f; width:422px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ancient-india-contributions-to-global-science.png 522w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ancient-india-contributions-to-global-science-300x298.png 300w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ancient-india-contributions-to-global-science-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 522px) 100vw, 522px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>India\u2019s Technological\u00a0 Achievements\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>India secured the <strong>39th rank in the Global Innovation Index 2024<\/strong> and <strong>6th position in global Intellectual Property (IP) filings<\/strong>, as per the WIPO report.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2024 <\/strong>also marked India&#8217;s rise to <strong>49th place from 79th in 2019, <\/strong>showcasing advancements in ICT infrastructure and digital transformation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>India has also emerged as the<strong> third-largest startup ecosystem in the world, <\/strong>fostering entrepreneurship and technological advancement.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>India\u2019s Agricultural Achievements:\u00a0<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Green Revolution (1960s\u20131970s): <\/strong>Introduction of high-yielding varieties (HYVs) of wheat and rice.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>White Revolution (1970s): <\/strong>India became the world\u2019s largest milk producer, ending milk imports.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>India\u2019s Indigenous Defence Technology Achievements:\u00a0<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>INS Kalvari (1967): <\/strong>India\u2019s first indigenous naval submarine, marked the beginning of \u2018Made-in-India\u2019 defence capabilities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Agni Series:<\/strong> Long-range ballistic missiles for strategic deterrence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Prithvi Series:<\/strong> Surface-to-surface tactical missiles.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>BrahMos: <\/strong>Co-developed with Russia, world\u2019s fastest supersonic cruise missile.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tejas (LCA): <\/strong>India\u2019s first indigenously developed supersonic fighter jet.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>INS Arihant:<\/strong> India\u2019s first ballistic missile nuclear submarine.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>INS Vikrant (2022):<\/strong> First indigenous aircraft carrier, a major naval milestone.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>India\u2019s Indigenous Space Technology Achievements:\u00a0<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Chandrayaan-1 (2008): <\/strong>India\u2019s first lunar mission. Became the 4th country to send a probe to the moon.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Discovered water molecules on the lunar surface\u2014a groundbreaking scientific achievement.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan, 2013): <\/strong>India became the first nation to reach Mars on its first attempt.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>104 Satellites in One Launch (2017): <\/strong>Set a world record for the most satellites deployed in a single mission.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Chandrayaan-3 (2023):<\/strong> Achieved a soft landing near the Moon\u2019s south pole, a global first.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Aditya-L1 (2023):<\/strong> India\u2019s first solar mission, studying the Sun\u2019s outer layers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Gaganyaan (2027):<\/strong> India\u2019s first crewed spaceflight mission.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Shukrayaan (2028): <\/strong>Venus orbiter mission, aiming to explore the planet\u2019s dense atmosphere.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Digital Infrastructure:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Aadhaar: <\/strong>World&#8217;s largest biometric ID system.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>UPI (Unified Payments Interface): <\/strong>Revolutionized digital payments and fintech.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>India leads in real-time digital transactions globally.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Government Initiatives to Boost Technology Advancements:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Make in India (2014): <\/strong>Boosts domestic manufacturing, including in high-tech sectors like defence, electronics, semiconductors, and space technology.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Atal Innovation Mission (AIM): <\/strong>Launched by NITI Aayog to promote a culture of innovation via: Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) in schools, Atal Incubation Centres (AICs) for startups.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS): <\/strong>Promotes R&amp;D in AI, robotics, The Internet of Things (IoT), quantum computing, and more through dedicated Technology Innovation Hubs (TIHs).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Technology Development Board (TDB): <\/strong>Provides financial support to commercialize indigenous technologies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>National Supercomputing Mission (NSM): <\/strong>Aims to install a network of world-class supercomputers across premier institutions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>National Quantum Mission (NQM): <\/strong>With an investment of \u20b96003.65 crore over eight years, it is positioning India as a leader in quantum computing, communication, sensing, and materials.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A total of 152 researchers from 43 institutions across 17 states and 2 Union Territories are contributing to this mission.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>IN-SPACe and NSIL (NewSpace India Ltd):<\/strong> Promote private sector participation in India\u2019s space programme.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) &amp; iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence): <\/strong>Encourage indigenous defence startups and MSMEs to build advanced technologies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>INSPIRE Program (DST): <\/strong>Encourages students to pursue science education and careers in research through scholarships and internships.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Budgetary Allocations and Growth:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Budgetary allocations for <strong>Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD)<\/strong> have more than doubled, along with over a 100% increase in DST and DBT budgets.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The space sector budget<\/strong> has nearly <strong>tripled<\/strong>, driven by the opening up of the sector to private participation\u2014positioning India as a future-ready technological power.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Government-led initiatives in India have created an ecosystem of innovation, skill development, and R&amp;D that enables the country to grow as a global technological hub while ensuring inclusive benefits for its citizens.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2128132\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>PIB<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<h3><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n<li class=\"ms-5\">May 11 marked the 27th National Technological Day of India.<\/li>\n<p><\/p>\n<h3><strong>About<\/strong><\/h3>\n<li class=\"ms-5\">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.<\/li>\n<li class=\"ms-5\">On May 11, 1998, two other special technological advances were showcased by India\u2019s scientists and engineers.<\/li>\n<li class=\"ms-5\">The successful test firing of Trishul missile; and the first test flight of the indigenously developed aircraft Hansa.<\/li>\n<li class=\"ms-5\">This observance aims to cultivate a scientific mindset and inspire the younger generation to pursue careers in technology, engineering, and mathematics.\u00a0<\/li>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/current-affairs\/12-05-2025\/national-technological-day\" class=\"btn btn-primary btn-sm float-end\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-43185","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-current-affairs"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43185","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=43185"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43185\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":43202,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43185\/revisions\/43202"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=43185"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=43185"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=43185"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}