15 June 2024 : PIB Summary For UPSC

1. “300 women Scientists to get research grants for 3 years under CSIR- ASPIRE scheme” says Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh

Topic: GS2 – Social Justice – Education, GS2 –  Governance – Government policies

Context

Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister, highlighted India’s strides in science and technology, emphasising women scientists’ support, sustainable bio-economy initiatives, and precision medicine development. He underscored the government’s vision of using scientific innovations to enhance ease of living and promote green growth.

Analysis of the news:

• Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasised the role of science and technology in empowering citizens, aligned with government’s vision to promote ease of living.
• 300 women scientists will receive three-year research grants under the CSIR-ASPIRE scheme.
• The CSIR-ASPIRE scheme, launched on International Women’s Day, received 3000 proposals, with 301 selected for support.
• The ‘One Week One Lab’ initiative will be scaled up to ‘One Week One Theme’ to showcase CSIR’s innovations and build connections with industries and stakeholders.
• The Seaweed mission will be expanded to promote a sustainable green economy.
• CSIR’s transformation of biomedical waste into soil additives was praised.
• Integration of PI-CHeCK with AI/ML for precision medicine development was encouraged.
• Focus on a comprehensive database for Indian women’s foot anthropometry for preventive healthcare.
• Dr. Singh highlighted the growth of India’s bio-economy from $10 billion in 2014 to over $130 billion in 2024.
• Promotion of biomanufacturing and bio-foundry to provide eco-friendly alternatives and support Bio-Start-Ups.
• Emphasis on BIO E3 (Bio-economy, Environment, Employment) and indigenous technology development.

CSIR-ASPIRE Scheme:

Scheme Name: CSIR-ASPIRE (Special Call for Research Grants for Women Scientists).Launch Date: Initiated on International Women’s Day last year. Purpose: Support women scientists by providing research grants. Application Response: Received around 3000 proposals from women scientists. Research Committees: Area-wise committees recommended 301 research proposals for support.Grant Duration: Grants will be provided for a period of three years. Target Group: Specifically aimed at empowering women scientists across various scientific domains. Objective: Enhance the participation and contribution of women in scientific research. Broader Vision: Aligns with the government’s efforts to promote gender equality and support women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Impact: Expected to drive innovation and research output by leveraging the potential of women scientists in India.

Practice Question:  Discuss the significance of schemes like CSIR-ASPIRE in promoting women’s involvement in STEM in India. Highlight the challenges faced by women in these fields and suggest measures to overcome them. (250 Words /15 marks)

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2025355 )

2. DRDO Unveils the Power of AI

Topic: GS3 – Science and Technology

Context

Ingenious Research Solutions Pvt Ltd., founded by Dr. Shivani Verma, developed “Divya Drishti,” an advanced AI biometric tool integrating face recognition and gait analysis, after winning DRDO’s Dare to Dream Innovation contest. This innovation, supported by DRDO’s CAIR, enhances identification accuracy, aiding Defence, Law Enforcement, and other sectors.

More information on Divya Drishti:

• Developer: Ingenious Research Solutions Pvt Ltd., a start-up founded by Dr. Shivani Verma. Developed after winning DRDO’s Dare to Dream Innovation contest 2.0.
• Technology: Advanced AI tool integrating face recognition with physiological parameters such as gait and skeleton.
• Features:
  • Combines facial recognition with gait analysis for dual biometric authentication.
  • Enhances identification accuracy by minimising false positives and identity fraud.
  • Utilises immutable physiological parameters for robust authentication.
• Applications:
  • Defence
  • Law Enforcement
  • Corporate security
  • Public Infrastructure
• Support: Developed under the guidance and mentoring of the Centre for Artificial Intelligence & Robotics (CAIR), a DRDO laboratory in Bangalore.
• Funding: Part of the Technology Development Fund (TDF) by DRDO.
• Objective: Contribute to the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ by promoting self-reliance in the defence and aerospace industry.

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2025293 )