India has proved its supremacy in tech-driven warfare in last 4 days: Jitendra Singh
Modern warfare is entirely technology-driven and India's supremacy stands proven over the last four days, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh said on Sunday.
Addressing the National Technology Day celebration at the Ambedkar International Centre here, the minister said that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has successfully developed and deployed home-grown technologies that have significantly enhanced national security and defence capabilities.
He pointed out that India has scaled up its defence capacity substantially over the last decade and credited Prime Minister Modi for providing an enabling ecosystem for scientific growth. 'India was never short of talent, but now we have leadership that fosters innovation,' he said.
"Most of the technologies used today in defence are indigenously developed, and it is Prime Minister Modi who instilled the confidence in us to seek Aatmanirbhar Bharat,' Singh said.
Recalling the origins of National Technology Day, Dr Singh noted that the day was first celebrated in 1998 to commemorate the successful Pokhran nuclear tests, conceptualised by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. 'The idea that inspired us in 1998 has matured under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, transforming India into a global technology leader,' he added.
Dr Singh highlighted that indigenisation has been a top priority since 2014, with Prime Minister Modi's consistent push for self-reliance. 'India is no longer dependent on external powers. Our success in modern warfare is a reflection of the progress towards Viksit Bharat @2047,' he remarked.
Expressing his satisfaction with scientific advancements, Dr Singh lauded the Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) for supporting pioneering initiatives, including the 1000-drone show during the Beating Retreat ceremony. He noted that drones, once symbolic, are now central to India's evolving defence ecosystem.
The Union Minister appreciated TDB's annual tradition of setting a new theme and highlighted this year's theme, 'YANTRA', which signifies transformation through advanced research and technological acceleration.
Highlighting India's remarkable progress in science, technology, and innovation, Dr Singh noted several key achievements that reflect the country's growing global stature. He pointed out India's impressive leap in the Global Innovation Index, moving from the 81st to the 39th position, and the fact that nearly 56 per cent of patents are now filed by resident Indians -- demonstrating a surge in domestic innovation.
India has also emerged as the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world, fostering entrepreneurship and technological advancement. In the defence sector, exports have seen a substantial rise from Rs 2,000 crore to Rs 16,000 crore, showcasing the strength of indigenous capabilities. He further highlighted that budgetary allocations for Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD) have more than doubled, from Rs 60,000 crore to Rs 1,27,000 crore, along with over a 100 per cent increase in DST and DBT budgets. Notably, 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.
Dr Singh also mentioned key initiatives like 'One Nation, One Subscription' and a single portal for fellowships under Science and Technology departments, which have improved the ease of doing research in India
During the event, the Union Minister released a compendium of 'Super 30 Startups' funded by TDB over the past five years and launched two new calls for proposals under the National Quantum Mission. He also handed over project grants to industry-academia consortia working on pilot projects for Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS).
Concluding his address, Dr Singh said, 'The 27th National Technology Day marks international recognition of India's leadership in science and technology, setting the tone for India @2047.'
The event was also attended by Padma Bhushan Ajai Chowdhary, who emphasised the 'Whole of Nation' approach to reducing dependence on foreign technology, and endorsed initiatives like Anusandhan NRF for achieving true Aatmanirbharta.
Dr Abhay Karandikar, Secretary DST; Dr Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary DBT; Dr Rajesh Pathak, Secretary TDB; senior officials, scientists, and dignitaries from the science and technology community were also present on the occasion.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
44 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Thrissur celebrates veteran Congress leader Therambil Ramakrishnan's Sathabhishekam with warm tributes
In a vibrant celebration, Thrissur came together to honour one of its most respected public figures, senior Congress leader and former Assembly Speaker Therambil Ramakrishnan, on his Sathabhishekam (a celebration marking completion of witnessing thousand full moons) on Friday. The birthday celebration held at Kausthubham Auditorium drew people from all walks of life, symbolising the deep admiration and emotional bond the public shares with the veteran Congress leader. By 10:45 a.m., Mr. Ramakrishnan arrived with his family, greeted by Congress leaders, supporters, and cultural personalities. Accompanied by his wife Chandra, he lit the traditional lamp, formally marking the beginning of the celebrations. A feast followed, setting the tone for a day filled with affection and reverence. Even elderly people, despite physical challenges, made it a point to attend — a testimony to the emotional legacy Mr. Ramakrishnan has left in the lives of so many. Union Minister and Thrissur MP Suresh Gopi greeted the senior leader with an embrace, acknowledging the decades of dedicated service Mr. Ramakrishnan gave to the constituency. In a rare moment of political transcendence, Minister of Higher Education R. Bindu paid her respects by touching Mr. Ramakrishnan's feet — symbolic not just of personal reverence but also of a shared past, as Mr. Ramakrishnan had been a classmate of her mother during their pre-degree days. All India Congress Committee (AICC) general Secretary K.C. Venugopal; KPCC President Sunny Joseph; former President K. Sudhakaran; Opposition leader V.D. Satheeshan; senior congress leaders Ramesh Chennithala and A.K. Antony greeted him over the phone. The guest list was a who's who of Kerala's political, cultural, legal, and journalistic spheres. Dignitaries included Ministers K. Rajan, Auxiliary Bishop Mar Tony Neelankavil, spiritual leader Swami Gabheerananda, football icon I.M. Vijayan, DCC President Joseph Tajett, UDF District Chairman T.V. Chandramohan, MLAs Saneesh Kumar Joseph, P. Balachandran, CPM District Secretary K.V. Abdul Khader, CPI's K.K. Valsaraj, former MPs T.N. Prathapan and Ramya Haridas.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Batteries, EVs under threat? India fires on all cylinders for rare earths amid China's tightening grip
As China tightens its stranglehold on the global supply of rare earth elements , India is shifting gears — fast. From forging new partnerships in Central Asia to finalising an ambitious incentive scheme for mineral recycling , India is pushing ahead to secure its place in the global race for critical minerals . At the recently held India-Central Asia Dialogue in New Delhi, India and five Central Asian nations expressed mutual interest in jointly exploring rare earths and other critical minerals. In a joint statement, they called for an early meeting of the India-Central Asia Rare Earth Forum, signalling growing geopolitical urgency to diversify away from China's near-monopoly. China's chokehold spurs urgency The backdrop to these moves is no coincidence. Over the past year, China has weaponised its control over rare earths, placing several critical minerals and magnets under strict export licence regimes. These are the very components vital for electric vehicles , wind turbines, semiconductors, and even military-grade systems. Beijing's message is clear: if the West can play export control hardball, China has its own scalpel and it's now using it with surgical precision. While the US, Europe, and Japan scramble to find alternative supply lines, India sees an opening — and it's moving to capitalise. From mission to momentum Under the Rs 34,300 crore National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM), India aims to become self-reliant in sourcing and processing critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements. Joint Secretary in the Mines Ministry, Dinesh Mahur, announced that an incentive scheme for recycling these minerals is in its final stages. The Union Budget has already earmarked Rs 1,500 crore specifically for this effort. Public Sector Enterprises are expected to contribute Rs 18,000 crore to the mission. With a sharp focus on domestic exploration, overseas block acquisition, and technological R&D, the NCMM is India's boldest bet yet to insulate its industries from global supply shocks. Auto industry feels the heat The urgency is not just strategic — it's also economic. Rare earth shortages are already casting a shadow over India's auto sector, especially electric vehicles (EVs), which depend on permanent magnets for motors. Bajaj Auto has warned that its e-scooter production could be impacted from July if Chinese export delays continue. TVS Motor has echoed similar concerns. According to the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), only a third of its members expect sales growth in June. The rare earth crunch, combined with high inventories and tight financing, has pushed automakers to brace for a cautious month — especially as the EV rollout faces headwinds. China's long game, India's fast track What China is doing today has been decades in the making. The world first saw signs of Beijing's ambitions in 2010 when it temporarily banned rare earth exports to Japan over a territorial spat. By 2020, China had passed its own Export Control Law, giving it sweeping powers to curb exports of materials deemed vital to national security. The law was broad enough to include critical minerals, tech, and even data. Now, with the US-China trade war escalating, rare earths have become Beijing's leverage. Export licenses have slowed, production lines in Europe have paused, and Washington is on edge. China's near-monopoly on processing and refining rare earths — not just mining them — means that even if other countries dig up the ores, they'll still need China to process them. Which is why India's current push isn't just policy — it's necessity. The Road Ahead While China refines 90% of the world's rare earths, India is still building capacity. But the groundwork is being laid — with diplomatic ties, budgetary commitments, and strategic focus. The success of the NCMM could determine whether India emerges as a resilient alternative or remains vulnerable to future supply shocks. With global demand for EVs, semiconductors, and green energy tech rising, the stakes couldn't be higher. In this global battle for minerals that power the future, India is no longer on the sidelines. It's suiting up — and firing on all cylinders.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
ETtech Deals Digest: Startups raise $142.7 million this week, up 8.5% on-year
Live Events Startups in India raised $142.7 million in funding across 14 rounds between May 31 and June 6, up 8.5% over the same week last the same period last year, startups had raised $131.5 million across 64 rounds. Funding fell marginally over the last week, where $147.7 million was raised in 16 activity was high among late and early-stage startups, lagging in the seed Singapore-based wealth management platform raised $53 million in a fresh funding round, led by two UK-based family offices. In August 2024, the company had raised $27 million as part of the same round, and this extension takes the total funds raised in the round to $80 (B2B) ecommerce platform Udaan closed a $114 million funding round led by existing investors M&G Prudential (UK) and Lightspeed Venture Partners. The round, executed at a flat valuation of $1.8 billion, includes the previously disclosed $75 million infusion from the two investors, which founder and CEO Vaibhav Gupta had announced during a townhall earlier this wealthtech startup, which provides digital fixed-return investment products, raised $20 million (Rs 173 crore) in a funding round led by Infosys cofounder Nandan Nilekani's Fundamentum digital lending platform Loantap announced raising $6.2 million in fresh equity funding led by July Ventures. Existing investors 3one4 Capital, Avaana Capital, Kae Capital and the Swapurna Family Office also participated in the financing startup GyanDhan has raised Rs 50 crore in a funding round from edtech firm Classplus and venture capital firm Pravega Ventures. The funds will be used for scaling operations, strengthening its consultant partnership network, expanding the team, and investing in furniture and home goods company Pepperfry raised Rs 43.3 crore from existing investors Norwest Venture Partners, Goldman Sachs, General Electric Pension Trust, Growth Equity Opportunity Fund, and Panthera Growth Partners, among a climate-tech-focussed asset financing and management platform, raised $3.5 million in a funding round led by the clean mobility-focused Micelio Technology Fund.
