Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India

I am pleased to join the synergy-building workshop organized by the RuTAG IIT Delhi, in collaboration with the National Cooperative Union of India. This event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders—NGOs, artisans, and rural development practitioners—united in their commitment to advancing rural communities through practical and sustainable technological solutions. RuTAG, an initiative of the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, has been bridging technology with local needs by providing demand-driven interventions to address challenges faced by rural populations. Through the development, testing, and refinement of technologies in various sectors such as agriculture, textile, water management, energy, etc. RuTAG empowers communities to improve livelihoods, reduce manual labor, enhance efficiency, among others. Participants from diverse backgrounds shared their valuable insights and problem statements, providing ground-level perspectives on the challenges faced in rural settings. These field-level experiences brought a richer understanding of how technology can be tailored to meet real & practical needs. The workshop showcased several innovative technologies—all designed & developed to create a tangible impact in rural settings. These demonstrations highlighted how technology can be adapted to local conditions, offering sustainable solutions for rural development. I actively participated during the workshop and thankful for the valuable insights shared by all involved. Through collaboration, we can continue creating scalable, locally-relevant technologies that address the real needs of rural communities. Looking forward to seeing the positive outcomes that emerge from these discussions and partnerships. Hafsa Ahmad I Dibojit Pathak

Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, participated today as the Chief Guest at the Gandhian Young Technological Innovation (GYTI) Awards, to confer awards on India’s young innovators, recognizing their dedication to creating solutions for India’s sustainable future. In his address, Prof. Sood highlighted the role of a robust R&D ecosystem in advancing India’s “Amrit Kaal” journey, underscoring how innovation is key to achieving a self-reliant and inclusive Viksit Bharat. Prof. Sood also noted India’s rise in the Global Innovation Index (GII) from 81st in 2013 to 39th in 2024, emphasizing how the National Deep Tech Startup Policy will further strengthen the country’s innovation ecosystem and empower youth to become job creators, translating research into impactful solutions. Prof. Sood briefly described a new initiative of the Office of PSA on taking technology to the grassroots level, namely RuTAGe Smart Village Centers. This platform will further amplify the mission of RuTAG to develop innovations based on local requirements. Other dignitaries present at the event included Sitharam T.G, Chairman, AICTE; Dr Renu Swarup, former Secretary, Department of Biotechnology; Raghunath Mashelkar, former Director General, CSIR India; Prof. PVM Rao Professor, Department of Design & Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi; Prof. Anil Gupta, Founder of Honey Bee Network and Gujarat Grassroots Innovation Augmentation Network; and Shri Ramesh Patel, Secretary, SRISTI.ORG

Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India invites applications for the posts of Scientist 'D' and Scientist 'E' on Deputation/Direct Recruitment Basis. Circular regarding the extension of the last day of submission of application for these posts can be accessed here: https://lnkd.in/gu3Xi9Sy

Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, chaired the 8th meeting of the Empowered Committee for Animal Health (ECAH) of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) on October 28, 2024. The meeting focused on the efforts and achievements made so far in the regulatory streamlining of animal drugs, vaccines, biologicals, and feed additives. The ECAH also deliberated on the recently released Poultry Disease Action Plan, which emphasizes proactive disease management through biosecurity measures, enhanced surveillance, and vaccination protocols, thereby safeguarding both the poultry population and public health in India. The meeting was also attended by Scientific Secretary Dr (Mrs.) Parvinder Maini Secretary, DAHD, Mrs. Alka Upadhyaya; Scientist ‘F’ from the Office of PSA, Dr. Sangeeta Agarrwal and representatives from the ICAR- Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), among others. Read the full Press Release here: https://lnkd.in/geVrj7xi

Ambassador of India to Germany, H.E. Shri Ajit Gupte, called on Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, and Scientific Secretary, Dr (Mrs.) Parvinder Maini, today to discuss the areas of cooperation between India and Germany and possibilities of strengthening the bilateral relations. The discussions also centered around potential collaboration for sustainable and inclusive growth, and technological interventions for achieving the sustainable developmental goals (SDGs). Divya Vashisht, PhD Embassy of India, Berlin German Embassy New Delhi

Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, made a visit to the Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE) and Army War College, Mhow(AWC) to assess the ongoing Research & Development (R&D) efforts and technology infusion for the Indian Army. This visit highlights the nation’s commitment to fostering indigenous technology development in alignment with key national missions including National Quantum Mission (NQM), Chip to Startup (C2S) and INDIAai, and contributing to Atmanirbhar Bharat. Prof. Sood engaged in interaction with officials of AWC and addressed their queries on various technologies of strategic importance. Prof. Sood was accompanied by Scientific Secretary, Dr (Mrs.) Parvinder Maini, and Adviser, Dr. Rakesh Kaur, from the Office of PSA. High-ranking officials from MCTE and Army HQ, including Lt Gen KH Gawas, PVSM, VSM, Commandant MCTE, and Senior Colonel Commandant Corps of Signals, Lt Gen KV Kumar, PVSM, VSM, SO-in-C and Colonel Commandant, Corps of Signals, Lt Gen RK Shani, VSM, DGIS and Maj Gen CS Mann, AVSM, VSM, ADG ADB, facilitated the visit. The officials showcased MCTE's achievements in developing indigenous technologies, which are critical to supporting India’s defence modernization and self-reliance efforts. Read the full press release here: https://lnkd.in/gFdxgMFJ #Yearoftechnologyabsorption2024 #AtmanirbharBharat #DigitalIndia #IndianArmy #ARTRAC #TechSecurity #SelfReliance

The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India is pleased to invite you to a live discussion featuring Prof. V Ramgopal Rao, Group Vice Chancellor – Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani Campuses and former Director – Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, and Dr. Anandi Iyer, Co-Chair of the FICCI Innovation Committee and Director of the Fraunhofer Office India, on “Industry-Academia Partnerships for Research and Innovation in India.” The discussion will explore the unique perspectives from academia and industry on how collaborations can bridge gaps, foster technology-driven solutions, and enhance India’s research and innovation ecosystem. The focus will include models, challenges, and strategies to drive impactful partnerships that meet the nation's technology needs. Date: 30th October, 2024 Time: 5 PM onwards Join the event tomorrow live on YouTube here: https://lnkd.in/gS-PDUtZ Dr (Mrs.) Parvinder Maini B. Chagun Basha Shakun Shan

Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, participated in the Stakeholders Meeting organized by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) today, as part of the Electric Vehicle Mission under the Mission for Advancement in High-impact Areas (MAHA) Program. In his address, Prof. Sood highlighted the importance of e-mobility within the growing automobile sector for achieving the sustainability goals of tge country. He also emphasised the importance of collaboration among multiple stakeholders for developing indigenous R&D in the sector. Other dignitaries who participated in the meeting include Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science & Technology, Government of India and CEO, ANRF; and Dr. Shashi Bhushan Pandey, Program Coordinator, Electric Vehicle Mission at ANRF. Call for proposals for the MAHA-EV Mission is currently open. The details of the call can be accessed here: https://lnkd.in/g269S_hB The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser has also published a report the “e-Mobility R&D Roadmap for India” which can be accessed here: https://lnkd.in/gGyvcv9K

The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India mourns the loss of Prof. Rohini Godbole, an eminent physicist and ardent advocate for women in STEM. An elected fellow of all three of India’s National Science Academies—the Indian National Science Academy - INSA, the Indian Academy of Sciences (IAS), and the @National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI)—as well as TWAS – The World Academy of Sciences, Prof. Godbole was also awarded the Padma Shri for her extensive work in particle phenomenology. As we remember her remarkable life, her commitment to creating a more inclusive scientific community will continue to inspire the future generations.

The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India is pleased to announce a Logo Design Contest for the Rural Technology Action Group (RuTAG). This is a chance for individuals to contribute to shaping the visual identity of this important initiative. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀: • Eligibility: Open to all Indian citizens • Submission Deadline: 15th November, 2024 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆: • Participants are required to submit their logo designs via email to [email protected].  • Each submission must include a brief explanation of the logo's concept. • During submission, applicants are requested to include their name(s) & contact details (email ID, phone number, alternate phone number, and address). • Only one entry per participant (either individual or team) is permitted. 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀: • Prize Money: ₹25,000 for the winning entry • Certificate of Achievement from the Office of the PSA The complete terms and conditions can be accessed here: https://lnkd.in/g7CFtu4J For inquiries, contact [email protected]. For more information about RuTAG, please visit: https://lnkd.in/gDUfi-yv Dr (Mrs.) Parvinder Maini Dr. M. Mohanty, FNAAS Hafsa Ahmad Dibojit Pathak