Saturday, March 8, 2014

Reinforcement of National mission on nano science and technology

  • The government has reinforced the national mission on nano science and technology "Nano Mission" with a boost of Rs 650 crore for the 12th plan period (2012-17)

Background
  • This will be the 2nd phase of this mission that was introduced in May 2007 as an "umbrella capacity-building programme". 
  • The first phase had an allocation of Rs 1000/- crore for 5 years.
About the Nano Technology
  • Nanotechnology is the engineering of functional systems at the molecular scale helping us to dramatically improve our ability to construct high performance products.
  • This technology can be a real game changer for its wide applicability and scope to improve a wide range of products and processes that touches day-to-day lives.
  • This complex but "enabling technology" can mould many common products and services in a revolutionary way thus contributing to economy and national  evelopment.
Mission Objectives
  • To boost research and development in nano science and technology by promoting basic research, human resource development, research infrastructure development and international collaborations 
  • This time the emphasis will be on developing and promoting application-oriented R&D so that useful products, processes and technologies emerge.
  • The scheme covers all scientists, institutions and industry across the country.
Achievements
  • It so far has shown a promising glimse of what it can achieve in future through useful products like 
  • Nano hydrogel-based eye drops 
  • Pesticide removal technology for drinking water 
  • Water filters for arsenic and fluoride removal
  • Nano silver-based anti-microbial textile coating.
NOTE: India is at present amongst the top five nations in the world in terms of scientific publications in nano science and technology.
  • It has orchestrated national dialogues to promote R&D in development of standards for nanotechnology and for laying down a National Regulatory Framework Road-Map for Nanotechnology (NRFR-Nanotech).

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