Chandigarh, Dec 8 (NationPress) The Union Minister for Power, Housing, and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, participated in a panel discussion titled ‘New Age Technologies -- Vision 2047’ on the third day of the India International Science Festival (IISF) held in Panchkula.

He stressed that the onus of advancing new technologies and innovations lies with both scientists and students, urging them to implement these advancements for the benefit of society.

Expressing his joy that the festival is taking place in Panchkula, he noted that Haryana had previously hosted the event in Faridabad.

He articulated that the festival aims to unite academia and industry, enhancing collaboration between the two.

Highlighting the significant strides made in science, he remarked that recent advancements have made the world feel smaller. “With telecommunications, we can connect through both wired and wireless means and even engage with individuals globally,” he stated. “We are on the brink of an era dominated by artificial intelligence (AI), a pivotal technology for the future. When employed correctly, AI tools can provide effective solutions to numerous challenges.”

He urged scientists to utilize AI responsibly and for societal benefit, ensuring its full potential is realized.

The Union Minister mentioned that AI is currently being integrated into various sectors, particularly focusing on its role in the energy sector.

He explained that AI can significantly aid in smart metering and managing electrical appliances, leading to notable cost efficiencies.

Besides the energy domain, he also underscored the transformative potential of AI in housing, where it can be used to create homes that are warm in winter and cool in summer, thereby enhancing living standards.

Moreover, he announced that the Indian government has initiated a Rs 1 lakh crore research, development, and innovation (RDI) fund aimed at accelerating private sector R&D in strategic and emerging technology fields like AI, quantum computing, clean energy, and biotechnology.

The fund is designed to transform India into a global innovation hub by funding deep-tech initiatives and promoting self-reliance, managed by professional fund managers under the National Research Foundation (NRF).

He added that India is swiftly progressing beyond 5G technology in communications, moving towards 6G.

During this event, Manohar Lal also engaged with students, emphasizing Haryana's rapid advancements in science and technology and the special encouragement provided for innovation and research in local educational institutions.

Earlier, he also toured the science exhibition.