India's Astral Ambitions: A Quantum Leap in Science and Innovation

India unveils a bold scientific vision with the government planning a space station and moon landing by 2047 and boosting quantum technology research. The National Research Foundation aims to distribute Rs 50,000 crore over five years for underfunded colleges. Moreover, India's fast breeder reactor at Kalpakkam is set to achieve criticality by 2025.

India's scientific landscape is undergoing a transformative phase, with the government outlining an ambitious space vision. This vision includes the establishment of a space station by 2035 and the targeted landing of an Indian on the moon by 2047. Concurrently, significant investments are being made into quantum technologies.

The National Research Foundation has been operationalized to channel Rs 50,000 crore into underfunded colleges and universities. This initiative seeks to bolster research output, especially in state universities, while newly published research, based on the Chandrayaan-3 mission, further enriches India's scientific achievements.

In the realm of nuclear energy, the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board has greenlit the operationalization of a fast breeder reactor at Kalpakkam, expected to reach criticality by 2025. This move marks a pivotal step in India's nuclear power trajectory, hinting at the future potential, including the use of thorium.

(With inputs from agencies.)