Science Technology and Innovation Policy — Current Affairs 2026

Current Affairs Connections

Recent developments and news linked to Science Technology and Innovation Policy.

India-France Joint Call for Proposals on Quantum Technologies and AI

October 2025

In a significant move reflecting India's focus on strategic technologies, the Department of Science & Technology (DST) and its French counterpart launched a joint call for proposals in Quantum Technologies and Artificial Intelligence. This initiative, building on existing international collaborations, aims to foster cutting-edge research and development in these critical areas, aligning with the STIP 2020 draft's emphasis on future-ready technologies. The collaboration seeks to leverage mutual strengths, share expertise, and co-create solutions for global challenges, demonstrating India's commitment to science diplomacy and its role in shaping the future technological landscape. This directly supports the 'Strategic Technologies' and 'International Collaborations' pillars of India's Science Technology and Innovation Policy.

UPSC Angle: Discuss the significance of international collaborations in strategic technologies like Quantum Computing and AI for India's STIP objectives and national security. (Mains GS3)

National Research Foundation (NRF) receives substantial budgetary allocation for 2024-25

February 2024

The Union Budget 2024-25 allocated a significant corpus to the newly established National Research Foundation (NRF), signaling a strong governmental push to bolster research and development across universities and colleges. This move is a direct outcome of the recommendations from the draft STIP 2020 and the National Education Policy 2020, aiming to democratize research funding and create a more equitable research ecosystem beyond premier institutions. The NRF's mandate to fund interdisciplinary research, build research capacity, and foster industry-academia linkages is central to achieving the STIP's vision of a knowledge-based economy and enhancing India's overall innovation output. This addresses the 'STI Financing' and 'Decentralized Institutional Mechanism' aspects of the policy.

UPSC Angle: Analyze how the National Research Foundation (NRF) is poised to transform India's research landscape and contribute to the objectives of the Science, Technology and Innovation Policy. (Mains GS3)