PM's Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC)

• Govt scraps Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) and replace it with PM's Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC)
• It has 2 functions
  1. Act as a high-level advisory body to several ministries.
  2. Execute Mission-oriented programmes.
• It has 9 members. Unlike the earlier SACs, Secretaries of various scientific ministries like Education, Environment and Health would be special invitees to PM STIAC meetings.
• PM-STIAC identified 9 National S&T Missions

National Language Translation

• By MEITy, MHRD and DST.
• It combines machine and human translation, which will eventually enable access to teaching and research material bilingually i.e. in English and one's native language.
• It removes the English barrier.

National Mission on Quantum Frontier

• By DST, Dept of Space, DAE, DRDO, MEITy.
• To initiate work in the control of quantum mechanical systems.
• It will also be helpful for national security and in the development of quantum computers, quantum chemistry, quantum sensors, quantum communication and quantum cryptography.

National Mission on Artificial Intelligence

• By NITI Aayog, DST, MEITy, DBT.
• It will address societal needs like healthcare, education, agriculture, smart cities and infrastructure, including smart mobility and transportation.

National Biodiversity Mission

• By MoEFCC, DBT.
• It includes documentation of India’s biodiversity (cataloguing) and mapping all lifeforms in India including associated cultural and traditional practices.
• Assessment of the distribution and conservation status of India’s biodiversity.
• Development of a cadre of professionals.
• Establishment of a vibrant biodiversity-based economy.
• Engagement with the public
• Enhanced options for agricultural production and livelihood security.

National Mission on Electric Vehicles

• By DST, Dept of Heavy Industries, MNRE, Ministry of Power, NITI.
• Academia-Industry collaboration to develop vehicle subsystems and components including rare earth based 4 electric motors, Li-ion batteries, power electronics etc.
• To reduce fossil fuel consumption and mitigate emissions.
• Make EVs economically viable and scalable and build indigenous capability.

National Mission on Bioscience for Human Health

• By DST, DBT, Dept of Health Research, DAE and Dept of Health.
• Construct comprehensive reference maps of genomes and their study to identify the prevalence of rare and inherited diseases.
• The outcome will stimulate better diagnosis and treatment.

National Mission on Waste to Health

• DST, DBT, MoEFCC, SBA and Ministry of Urban Development.
• It aims to identify, develop and deploy technologies to treat waste to generate energy, recycle materials and extract worth.
• It will identify and support new technologies in creating a clean and green environment.
• The mission will assist and augment the Swachh Bharat and Smart Cities project.

Deep Ocean Exploration

• By Ministry of Earth Sciences, DBT, Dept of Space, MNRE, ONGC, DRDO, Geological Survey of India, National Hydrographic Office, National Biodiversity Authority.
• It aims to scientifically explore the deep oceans towards improving India’s understanding of the blue frontier.
• It will address issues arising from long-term changes in the ocean due to climate change.
• It includes exploration of resources and life; development of underwater vehicles and robotics; desalination techniques etc.

AGNI (Accelerating Growth of New India's Innovations)

• By Invest India.
• It supports the innovation ecosystem in India by connecting innovators across industry, individuals and the grassroots by commercially innovative solutions.
• It will provide a platform for innovators to bring their technology-ready products.
• It includes techno commercialization, working with Govt R&D labs, training and capacity building.

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