India: A New Global Power in Space, Health, and Biotech
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Synopsis
India is emerging as a global leader in space, health, and biotechnology, as highlighted by Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology. With advancements in various sectors, the nation is setting new benchmarks and gaining international recognition.
Key Takeaways
- India is becoming a global leader in space and biotech.
- Successful missions like SpaDeX demonstrate India's technological capabilities.
- India's bioeconomy is projected to reach $250 billion.
- Significant growth in biotech startups, from 50 to 9,000.
- India is influencing global climate strategies with its nuclear energy policies.
New Delhi, Feb 19 (NationPress) India has transitioned from being a mere follower to becoming a global leader in critical sectors such as space, health, and bioeconomy, according to Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, on Wednesday.
Singh emphasized the significant strides India has made in recent years across fields like space exploration, biotechnology, and nuclear energy. The nation has established itself as a prominent player on the international stage.
“India is not merely following anymore; we are now setting global benchmarks and leading innovations across various sectors,” Singh declared. “The paradigm has shifted. Previously, we learned from others; now, the world looks to us for guidance. The exchange of knowledge is mutual,” he stated.
Referencing the success of the recent Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX), which showcased India's capability in orbital docking, Singh noted that the nation’s space sector has undergone a remarkable transformation.
He described SpaDeX as “a testament to India’s technological progress” and asserted that it will lay the groundwork for upcoming space missions, including “Gaganyaan, Chandrayaan-4, and the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS)”, which will be India’s own space station.
Singh elaborated on how India has become a favored destination for satellite launches, gaining international credibility. “India has successfully launched 433 foreign satellites, with 396 of them deployed in just the last decade, generating $157 million and 260 million euros in revenue between 2014 and 2023,” he stated.
The Minister underscored India’s pioneering role in biotechnology and bioeconomy, highlighting the nation’s introduction of the first herpesvirus vaccine for cervical cancer, further solidifying its status as a leader in preventive healthcare.
He also pointed out the impressive growth of the bioeconomy sector, which expanded from $10 billion in 2014 to nearly $140 billion. Projections indicate that the bioeconomy industry could reach $250 billion in the near future.
“The number of biotech startups has surged from just 50 in 2014 to nearly 9,000 today, establishing India as a global hub for biotech innovation. In bio-manufacturing, India ranks third in the Asia-Pacific region and 12th globally, with its influence growing rapidly,” the Minister remarked.
India has taken significant steps into space biology, setting the stage for human survival beyond Earth. “Research in space medicine and human physiology in extraterrestrial environments is now a vital area of study, and India is establishing global standards rather than just adhering to them,” Singh explained.
In the realm of nuclear energy, Singh noted that the country has set an ambitious target of achieving 100 gigawatts of nuclear energy by 2047.
“India aims to reduce carbon emissions by 50 percent, a commitment that is shaping global climate strategies. The world now recognizes India’s nuclear policy, originally envisioned by Homi Bhabha for peaceful purposes, as a model for responsible energy development,” the Minister stated.
India's scientific contributions are gaining international acclaim, with the country currently ranked fourth globally in scientific publications, and its space economy is projected to grow 5 to 10 times over the next decade, Singh concluded.
