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NEW DELHI: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh has asserted that India is no longer a follower but is offering leads to other countries, for them to follow.
In an interesting podcast conversation, Dr Jitendra Singh also dwelt on several versatile aspects of his personality including his hunger for literature and poetry, his encyclopedic knowledge of cinema and films, his treasure repository of lesser shared anecdotes about well known personalities etc, but most importantly, he shared the pride of seeing India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, setting global benchmarks, offering ideas and pioneering innovations across sectors. He highlighted the remarkable advancements India has made in recent years, in the fields of Space, Biotechnology and Nuclear energy etc., positioning itself as a key player on the world stage.
Dr. Jitendra Singh pointed out that India’s Space sector has witnessed an unprecedented transformation, with a surge in ambitious missions and international collaborations. The Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) is a testament to India’s technological progress, paving the way for future space missions, including Gaganyaan, Chandrayaan-4, and the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, India’s upcoming international space station, he said.
India has also emerged as a preferred destination for satellite launches, earning global credibility, said the Minister. The nation has successfully launched 433 foreign satellites, of which 396 were deployed in the last decade alone, generating $157 million and over €290 million in revenue from 2014-2023.
Dr Jitendra Singh pointed out that the historic success of Chandrayaan-3, which made India the first country to land near the Moon’s south pole, has positioned ISRO at the forefront of lunar exploration. The world’s leading space agencies, including NASA, are now awaiting India’s findings from the Moon’s southern pole, a milestone that underscores the nation’s rising dominance in space research.
The Minister also highlighted India’s pioneering role in biotechnology and bioeconomy. India became the first country to develop a DNA-based COVID-19 vaccine, demonstrating its leadership in vaccine research and development. Furthermore, India has introduced the first herpesvirus vaccine for cervical cancer, reinforcing its position as a leader in preventive healthcare, he said.
Dr Jitendra Singh said, India’s bioeconomy has surged from $10 billion in 2014 to nearly $140 billion today, with projections to reach $250 billion in the coming years. The number of biotech startups has skyrocketed from just 50 in 2014 to nearly 9,000 today, making India a global hub for biotech innovation. In bio-manufacturing, India now ranks third in the Asia-Pacific region and 12th globally, with its influence expanding rapidly, he added.
Dr Jitendra Singh noted that India’s Nuclear energy program, once met with scepticism, is now recognized for its peaceful and sustainable ambitions. The country has set an ambitious target of 100 gigawatts of nuclear energy by 2047, aiming to reduce carbon emissions by 50%, a commitment that is influencing global climate strategies. The world has now acknowledged India’s nuclear policy, which was envisioned by Homi Bhabha for peaceful purposes, as a model for responsible energy development.
What could bring greater pride to us, said Dr Jitendra Singh, than the prospect that the country now ranked fourth worldwide in scientific publications but by 2030, could surpass the United States to become the world’s top-ranked country in scientific publications.
Returning to Space sector glories, Dr Jitendra Singh said India’s space economy is set to grow 5 to 10 times in the next decade, further solidifying its leadership. The nation’s rapid economic ascent is evident in its global rankings, including its 12th position in bio-manufacturing and fourth place in scientific research publications.
Dr. Jitendra Singh concluded by emphasizing that India’s rise is no longer just about catching up but about setting the agenda for the world. “The clock has turned 360 degrees. Earlier, we learned from others; now, the world is looking up to us. The traffic is both ways,” he remarked.
