“NIDHI, PURSE and VAIBHAV Programmes Strengthen Startups
New Delhi: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh mentioned that India’s Reform Express is being driven by science, know-how, and innovation, with know-how performing as the central pressure behind governance, administration, and financial transformation.
Addressing media individuals on the achievements of the Ministry of Science & Technology and the Ministry of Earth Sciences for the 12 months 2025, the Minister mentioned that the nation’s future development over the subsequent 20 years shall be led by innovation-driven sectors akin to Space, oceans, biotechnology, clear vitality, and superior manufacturing.
The briefing adopted a complete assessment of reforms and mission-mode programmes that underline the Government of India’s sustained deal with science-led improvement since 2014.
Highlighting the reform journey, Dr. Jitendra Singh mentioned that each main reform undertaken by the Government right now, throughout departments and ministries, is technology-enabled. He famous that this transformation has been potential attributable to the constant prioritisation of science, know-how, and innovation in nationwide policymaking. Referring to successive Independence Day addresses of the Prime Minister since 2014, the Minister mentioned that every tackle has carried a robust scientific theme, reflecting the authorities’s long-term intent and international imaginative and prescient.
The Minister underscored flagship missions akin to Deep Ocean Mission and Gaganyaan, stating that India is getting ready concurrently for human spaceflight and deep-sea exploration. He mentioned that whereas an Indian astronaut will enterprise into outer area, India can even ship a human-occupied submersible to depths of as much as 6,000 metres, marking a historic twin achievement in 2027.
A serious spotlight of the 12 months, the Minister mentioned, is the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund of ₹1 lakh crore, below which the authorities is straight supporting personal sector R&D, an unprecedented step globally. Complementing this, the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has been established to democratise analysis funding, develop participation past elite establishments and mobilise practically 50–60% of its assets from non-government sources together with philanthropy and trade.
Dr. Jitendra Singh additionally highlighted initiatives akin to the National Quantum Mission, NIDHI, PRERNA / PURSE, and the VAIBHAV programme, geared toward strengthening startups, analysis infrastructure and international scientific collaboration, together with structured engagement with the Indian scientific diaspora.
Detailing CSIR’s contributions, the Minister cited globally related improvements together with steel-slag-based sturdy roads, indigenous paracetamol manufacturing, India’s first indigenous antibiotic Nafithromycin, sustainable meals improvements akin to millet-based merchandise, and the HANSA-NG two-seater coach plane developed below a PPP mannequin. He described these efforts as examples of “foreign markets accepting Swadeshi innovation”. Public outreach initiatives like One Day as a Scientist had been additionally highlighted for fostering scientific mood amongst college students.
On the Earth Sciences entrance, the Minister mentioned India has made important advances in climate forecasting by way of IMD’s Nowcasting functionality, enabling correct three-hour predictions. He additionally highlighted the desalination plant in Lakshadweep as a worldwide mannequin for sustainable freshwater technology utilizing ocean assets, alongside progress in ocean vitality, marine commentary techniques, and local weather resilience.
Concluding, Dr. Jitendra Singh mentioned that India has moved from being an importer to an exporter of high-end applied sciences, together with vaccines and medical units, with India’s bioeconomy rising as a significant development driver. “The best is yet to come,” he mentioned, including that science-led reforms will speed up India’s journey in the direction of turning into a prime international economic system properly