Prioritise growth-oriented regulations, deep tech push; invest in human capital, particularly in STEM fields

The upcoming 2025 budget presents a critical juncture for India. As global economic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions loom large, the choices we make today will determine whether India can sustain its growth trajectory and emerge as a global leader in the coming decades. While India has made significant strides, particularly in building a world-class digital public infrastructure, our policy framework needs a fundamental shift to capitalise on the opportunities before us. I outline three key expectations that should be central to the 2025 budget.

Read the full article at: https://indianexpress.com/article/business/economy/prioritise-growth-oriented-regulations-deep-tech-push-invest-in-human-capital-particularly-in-stem-fields-9770602/

Centre links Farmer ID to PM-Kisan, makes it mandatory for new applications

The Centre has set a target of creating 6 crore farmer IDs by the end of March this year.
Written by Harikishan Sharma


According to sources, all new applicants for the PM-Kisan scheme will have to get registered with the Farmers' Registry and provide their farmer ID in the application form.


The Centre has made it mandatory for new applicants to obtain a farmer ID for enrolment into the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) to get benefits under the scheme.

The move by the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare to make farmer ID mandatory for registering new beneficiaries under the PM-Kisan is significant as it receives about 2 lakh new applications monthly. “This farmer ID guarantees that the applicant-farmer owns the land, and thus, the PM-KISAN registration process would be vastly simplified,” said a source, adding that it will ease the process for farmers to avail themselves of the benefits of the Central scheme.


According to sources, all new applicants for the PM-Kisan scheme will have to get registered with the Farmers’ Registry and provide their farmer ID in the application form. This system has come into force across 10 states for any new applicant with effect from January 1, 2025, said the sources.


The agriculture ministry has sent a communication to these 10 states, said the sources. In the remaining states, it will be made mandatory at a later date, they added.


Kisan Pehchaan Patra or farmer ID is an Aadhaar-like unique digital identity linked dynamically to the state’s land records with information like demographics, crops sown, and ownership details. The database created through the farmer ID will be known as Farmer’s Registry — one of the three registries under the Agri-Stack component of the Centre’s Digital Agriculture Mission for the creation of digital public infrastructure in the farm sector, which was approved by the Union Cabinet last year. The government has set a target of creating 6 crore farmer IDs by March end this year. Till January 7, one crore farmer IDs have been created.

The 10 states in which farmer ID has been made mandatory for registration of new beneficiaries under the PM-Kisan are Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. These 10 states account for about 84 per cent (9.25 crore) of 11 crore PM-Kisan beneficiaries.

Under the PM-Kisan scheme, eligible farmer families receive Rs 6,000 per annum in three equated instalments (Rs 2,000 in each instalment) through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) every four months. The scheme was launched on February 24, 2019, just before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. With 100 per cent funding from the Centre, the money is directly transferred to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries.


Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 18th instalment of the PM-KISAN scheme on October 5, 2024, in Washim, Maharashtra. In the latest round of the instalment, the PM-Kisan amount was transferred to over 9.4 crore farmers across the country.


Recently, a Parliamentary panel has recommended doubling the yearly payouts under the PM-Kisan to Rs 12,000 per annum from the present Rs 6,000.

Sixth-generation aero-engine can be developed by tying up with foreign firm: DRDO chief

India will have to invest close to $4 billion-$5 billion, says Samir V. Kamat

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) chairman Samir V. Kamat. | Photo Credit: ANI


The only way India can develop a sixth-generation aero-engine and other technologies required is by co-development with a foreign manufacturer, Samir V. Kamat, Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), said while noting that India currently invests only 5% of its defence budget for research and development, which needs to increased to 15%.

To realise that capability, he said the country will have to invest close to $4 billion to $5 billion, that’s ₹40,000 crore to 50,000 crore.

His remarks come against the backdrop of huge delays in the development of indigenous fighter jets, while China has made rapid progress in this area. Incidentally, India is in talks with France for the co-development of a 110KN engine for the fifth-generation jet, Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), that is on the drawing board and at least a decade away from the roll-out of a prototype.

There are still critical issues that need to be worked out before an agreement can be reached, sources said on the status of discussions between India and France.

The decision for the co-development of a new engine was announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Paris in July 2023. Since then discussions have been going on between the DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), and Safran to work out the specifications and other modalities.

“If we look at what we need to do in terms of technologies, the first priority is aero-engines. Today, we have demonstrated a fourth-generation aero-engine for our fighter aircraft but going ahead we will need a sixth-generation aero-engine where the thrust to weight ratios exceed 10,” Mr. Kamat said, speaking at an event two days ago.

He detailed various technologies that need to be developed such as single-crystal blade powder metallurgy discs and ceramic matrix composites for static parts to begin with.

“And if we have to do this and deliver an aero-engine the only way I can see is if we do a co-development with a foreign Original Equipment Manufacturer.”

Elaborating further, he said various facilities have to be to set up — testing facilities for each sub-system, a high-altitude test facility, flying test-bed, manufacturing facilities to make the disc which would need investing in a forge press which can press 50,000 tonnes, and so on.


In this regard, Mr. Kamat said that when it comes to platforms India had reached a “certain level of maturity” in fighter aircraft, but needs to build capacity. “Today, we are not able to deliver 16 aircraft per year. For that we should increase our capacity. Whether it should be in the public sector, private sector or joint, is a decision we all have to arrive at.”

Further, addressing an oft demand that a separate assembly line should be set up by the private sector for the LCA, Mr. Kamat noted that only U.S., and may be Russia, has two players in the fighter space. Overall, in other countries you have only one major player because the volumes are not sufficient, he stated adding, “So we have to take a call and support whatever decision we arrive at after due deliberations.”

The jet-engine technology is a closely guarded secret due to its extreme criticality in modern warfare. India made unsuccessful attempts in the past to develop an engine locally under the now shelved ‘Kaveri’ project. The Kaveri project was sanctioned by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) in 1989 and over the course of 30 years, before it was shut down, saw an expenditure of ₹2035.56 crore and the development of nine full prototype engines and four core engines.


The General Electric (GE) F-414 engine deal, which Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. bagged, is for manufacturing licence of an already operational engine. The deal gives India access to several technologies and industrial processes involved in the manufacture of jet engines and will upskill the capabilities of the Indian industry, both public and private, officials stated earlier.

The F-414 engines are meant to power the LCA-MK2, a larger and more capable variant of the LCA currently in service, and also the initial version of the under-development AMCA. The AMCA is planned in two phases — MK1 with the GE414 engine and a MK2 with an engine to be co-developed with France.

Speaking at the same event, Indian Air Force (IAF) chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh said that R&D loses its relevance in case it is not able to meet timelines. “Technology delayed is technology denied. There has to be an increased aptitude for acceptance of risks involved and failures in R&D,” he stated, adding that they haven’t yet received the first 40 LCA.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/sixth-generation-aero-engine-can-be-developed-by-tying-up-with-foreign-firm-drdo-chief/article69081772.ece

India Takes a Giant Leap in Genomics: Launch of Indian Genomic Data Set & IBDC Portals to Empower Global Research

 "India’s Genomic Revolution: 10,000 Whole Genome Samples Now Accessible Globally"
"Prime Minister Modi Congratulates Scientific Community as India Poised to Lead the Next Generation Revolution in Biotech"

Posted On: 09 JAN 2025 7:51PM by PIB Delhi

Making a vital move towards self-reliance in the field of genomics, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, today announced that India is no longer dependent on foreign genomic data. At the Genome India Data Conclave, held at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi,

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi the Indian Genomic Data Set unveiled and Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launched the ‘Framework for Exchange of Data Protocols (FeED)’ and the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC) Portals, making 10,000 whole genome samples accessible to researchers across India and the globe.

Addressing the conclave, Dr. Singh proudly stated, “India has developed its own genomic data set, a monumental achievement that will fuel future medical and scientific breakthroughs. The entire collection of 10,000 whole genome samples, archived at IBDC, is now made available for research purposes not only within India but globally. This data set will serve as a critical resource for genomics research, contributing to advancements in personalized healthcare and medicine.”

The Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC) will facilitate seamless access to valuable genetic information, enabling researchers to explore genetic variations and design more accurate genomic tools. The 10,000 whole genome sequencing (WGS) samples come from diverse Indian populations and provide a rich catalog of genetic variations. This initiative is set to position India as a leader in genomics, enabling the development of genomic chips tailored to the Indian demographic, thereby enhancing the precision of genetic studies.

Dr. Singh emphasized the significance of the 'GenomeIndia' project, spearheaded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), which aims to create a robust and comprehensive database of India’s genetic diversity. The data will serve as a foundation for cutting-edge research and will catalyze innovations in areas such as mRNA-based vaccines, protein manufacturing, and genetic disorder treatments. He said in India there is diversity not only in food, culture and geography but also in Genome.

The launch of the ‘Framework for Exchange of Data (FeED)’ Protocols under the Biotech-PRIDE Guidelines ensures that the high-quality, nation-specific data will be shared in a transparent, fair, and responsible manner. The Biotech-PRIDE Guidelines, introduced in 2021, are a testament to India’s commitment to ethical and secure data sharing.

Dr. Singh highlighted the impressive growth of India’s bioeconomy, which has surged from $10 billion in 2014 to over $130 billion in 2024, with projections to hit $300 billion by 2030. The Minister attributed this growth to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the new Bioeconomy Policy, which is set to make India a global leader in biotech, positioning the country to lead the 4th industrial revolution.

India now ranks 12th globally in biotech and 3rd in the Asia-Pacific region. The Minister also pointed out that India is the largest vaccine producer in the world and the third-largest startup ecosystem. The rapid rise of biotech startups—from just 50 in 2014 to over 8,500 in 2023—demonstrates India’s growing leadership in biotechnology and its potential to revolutionize the global bioeconomy.

Dr. Jitendra Singh further announced a future target of sequencing 10 million genomes to accelerate India’s advancements in genomics and personalized medicine. He also suggested expanding the initiative by collaborating with prominent institutions such as the Tata Memorial Hospital to enhance data enrichment efforts.

Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary of DBT said with Genomic Data Avialble we can counter genetic and hereditary diseases.

Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, spoke about the transformative potential of this data, emphasizing its role in the prevention and cure of genetic disorders. He also highlighted that the data generated from the GenomeIndia project would not only strengthen healthcare but also provide invaluable insights for agricultural, environmental, and industrial research.

Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Director General of ICMR; Dr. Y Narahari, CBR, IISc Bengaluru; Dr. Arvind Sahu, Executive Director RCB and senior officials from the concerned scientific ministries were present at the event, underscoring the collective effort behind the success of this project.

In his video message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the scientific community on this achievement and laid out a roadmap for India’s future in genomics. He praised the initiative as a testament to India’s scientific prowess and its vision for the future of healthcare and biotechnology. This initiative will also develop an ecosystem which would act as Knowledge hub and Innovation Hub and contribute to make Viksit Bharat @2047. He also reiterated that Pro-people governance, Digital Public infrastructure development and Genomic Data Bank will empower India.

The ‘GenomeIndia’ project is poised to make India a global hub for genomic research, positioning the country at the forefront of the next scientific and medical revolution.

Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2091577