Office of Principal Scientific Adviser to the GoI

𝑫𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒃𝒐𝒏𝒊𝒛𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑯𝒂𝒓𝒅-𝒕𝒐-𝑨𝒃𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝑺𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝑰𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒂 In this chapter of Vigyan Dhara, the focus is on highlighting the challenges of decarbonizing Hard-to-Abate sectors such as steel, cement and heavy-duty transport. These are the industries that are important to India's economy but difficult to transition to low-carbon pathways. Why Hard-to-Abate sectors matter? These sectors require high-temperature industrial heat and complex chemical processes that cannot easily be electrified. A large share of CO₂ emission comes from the chemical transformation of limestone, not just energy use in the cement production. Their transition must balance the economic growth and climate goals as the backbone of infrastructure. Explore more about this in a write-up curated by Ms. Nidhi Aggarwal, Former Junior Policy Fellow, PAIU-OPSA, in the February 2026 edition of Vigyan Dhara - Decarbonising India’s Hard-to-Abate Sectors: Challenges, Socio-economic Impacts, and the Role of Industry–Academia Collaboration Read the #VigyanDhara magazine here: lnkd.in/gmba7pm9 #VigyanDhara #HardToAbate #NetZeroIndia #SciencePolicy #GreenInnovation #Sustainable #Industry

𝑫𝒆𝒑𝒍𝒐𝒚𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕-𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑫𝒆𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒅-𝑫𝒓𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝑭𝒐𝒄𝒖𝒔 Mission सह-SANKALP, driven by the OPSA, is working towards building a strong connection between the developers and implementers of technologies in the real world. This mission ensures that solutions actually work by understanding on-ground challenges and programme needs. Some key efforts under this approach include: • Understanding real challenges by hearing directly from implementing agencies • Checking and identifying technologies to fit into existing programmes meaningfully • Managing and ensuring a smooth journey from pilot stages to wider adoption • Promoting the use of evidence in decision-making #MissionSehSankalp #Mission #Science #Development #InnovationForImpact #PublicPolicy #Livelihoods #ViksitBharat2047

India takes a significant leap toward manufacturing-led growth with the approval of BHAVYA (Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna) by the Union Cabinet. With an outlay of ₹33,660 crore, the initiative aims to develop 100 plug-and-play industrial parks across the country—creating world-class infrastructure that enables businesses to move from concept to production faster than ever before. 🔹 Pre-approved land & ready infrastructure 🔹 Strong push for ease of doing business 🔹 Support for MSMEs, startups & global investors 🔹 Focus on sustainability and multimodal connectivity 🔹 Large-scale job creation across sectors By fostering industrial clusters and strengthening domestic supply chains, BHAVYA is set to unlock new opportunities, attract investments, and accelerate India’s journey toward a globally competitive and self-reliant economy. A transformative step towards #ViksitBharat and #AtmanirbharBharat. Read the full press release: pib.gov.in/PressReleasePa…

The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India organised a National Exhibition-cum-Technical Event under Mission सह-SANKALP (Science and Advanced Networks for Knowledge-driven Action for Livelihood Promotion) at Dr Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi on 18th March 2026. Mission सह-SANKALP is a flagship initiative that aims to make rural livelihood self sufficient by developing scalable, and locally relevant solutions. The event was inaugurated by PSA Prof. @AjaySoodIISc. He was joined by Dr (Mrs) Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary, Office of the PSA (OPSA); Dr @rajesh_gokhale, Secretary, @DBTIndia; Dr Rajneesh, Additional Secretary, @minmsme; Dr @sdonempudi, Distinguished Scientist, @CSIR_IND; Ms. Swati Sharma, Joint Secretary, @MoRD_GoI; Dr Anuradha Agarwal, Project Director, @icarindia; Dr Anita Agarwal, Scientist-F and Head SEED division, @IndiaDST; and Dr Sangeeta Agarwal, Scientist 'F', OPSA. In his keynote address, Prof. Sood underscored the mission of Seh-Sankalp and emphasised the importance of sustainable livelihood across India. Dr Maini called for sustained collaboration among stakeholders to translate innovations into solutions at the grassroot level to enhance livelihood outcomes across the country. The program witnessed unveiling of the Mission सह-SANKALP logo, release of the Resource Book on Science and Technology Interventions for Sustainable Livelihood Systems. and inauguration of the technology exhibition by Prof. Sood. Special session with Secretaries from key participating ministries and departments, and panel discussions with participation of diverse stakeholder group highlighted the shared perspectives on integrating Science and Technology (S&T) into India’s livelihood architecture, the work being done at grassroot levels, and critical dimensions of livelihood transformation. Read the full press release: pib.gov.in/PressReleasePa… Access the Resource Book on Science and Technology Interventions for Sustainable Livelihood Systems: psa.gov.in/CMS/web/sites/… An online repository titled “Technology for Livelihoods: Bridging Innovation and Impact” can be accessed at: psa.gov.in/livelihood-ana…

📢 Important Update! The last date for submission of proposals under Mission सह-SANKALP has been extended till April 15, 2026. 🔗 For details and submission, visit: onlinedst.gov.in @DrJitendraSingh @karandi65 @PrinSciAdvOff @DrAnitaAgg13 @AnuradhaPughat @DBTIndia @CSIR_IND @moesgoi

Seh-Sankalp (Science and Advanced Network for Knowledge-driven Action for Livelihood Promotion) is an initiative steered by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India as recommended by PM-STIAC (Prime Minister’s Science, Technology & Innovation Advisory Council). The mission aims to make rural livelihood more self sufficient, providing scientific support system that culminates in generating opportunities and leading to upliftment for generations. Seh-Sankalp resource book is a curated inventory of 357 ready to use Science, Technology, Interventions (STIs) collated from participating ministers and departments. It makes innovation accessible through QR codes in the book that connect users to innovators. Mission Seh-Sankalp is future proofing rural India by giving technologies that scales livelihoods and supports self sufficiency of individuals. To know more about the mission: psa.gov.in/livelihoodMiss…

The 2nd India-EU Workshop on Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Technologies was held at the Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy, from 15 to 17 March 2026. The workshop was jointly organised by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (OPSA) to the Government of India, and the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD) of the @EU_Commission in partnership with @EU_JRC, the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), and EU Delegation to India. In her opening remarks, Dr Rakesh Kaur, Adviser/Scientist-‘G’, OPSA, underlined the importance of India-EU cooperation in creating trusted, interoperable, and future-ready charging ecosystems for clean mobility transition. Ms. Nienke Buisman, Head of Unit International Cooperation, DG RTD EC and Dr Christian Thiel, Head of Unit (Sen.), JRC also highlighted the importance of deeper India-EU collaboration to support the transition towards sustainable and connected mobility systems. Participants also visited the European Interoperability Centre for EVs and Smart Grids at JRC Ispra. Other officials and experts contributing across the workshop included Dr Hafsa Ahmad, Scientist-‘D', OPSA; Mr. Abhijit Mulay, Deputy Director, ARAI; Mr. Nitish Kumar Jain, @IndianStandards; Ms. Aleksandra Klenke and Ms. Marina Kousoulidou from DG MOVE; and Mr. Antonio Marquez Camacho, DG RTD. The workshop also saw participation from representatives of industry and research institutions including @TataMotors, Fraunhofer Society, @OCA_info, @siamindia, SCANIA/TRATON, Industrial Vehicles Corporation (IVECO)/TATA, Asea Brown Boveri (ABB), @alpitronic, @argonne, @Uni_Mumbai, @enedis, ENEL X, ELLI, @CharIN_eV, @iitmadras, DELTA, and BRUSA. Read the full press release here: pib.gov.in/PressReleasePa…

Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood gave an interview for the segment of "Tech Trends" at the Live DD Morning Show at @DDNational on 17th March 2026. He mentioned the importance of science and technology (S&T) roadmap in paving the way for Aatmnirbhar Bharat. Prof. Sood spoke about the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 culminating in advancements across various sectors such as biotechnology, quantum technology, AI, and semiconductors. He also touched upon the various landmark achievements such as development of COVID vaccine, India’s space missions, among others, and highlighted the role of science in economic growth and diplomacy. Watch the full interview: youtu.be/KyeG11Cw8CU

𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝑰𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒕𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝑪𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆, 𝑰𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑺𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒆𝒔 Mission सह-SANKALP, guided by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (OPSA), follows a whole government approach. It helps in bringing science and technology closer to livelihood programmes across India. As it involves the collaboration between: •⁠ ⁠Research institutions •⁠ ⁠Ministries •⁠ ⁠And Implementation agencies. This collaboration helps create scientific knowledge into practical solutions for communities. And it aims to ensure that innovation, policy, and on-ground implementation work together to create sustainable livelihood opportunities. #MissionSehSankalp #Science #Livelihoods #WholeOfGovernment #InnovationForImpact #DST #OPSA

Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India Prof. @AjaySoodIISc attended the Quantum Technology (QT) Conclave on “Quantum to Impact: From Research to Real-World Adoption” as the Chief Guest on 16th March 2026. The conclave, held at Le Meridien, New Delhi, brought together industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, and innovators to accelerate the transition of quantum technologies from research to real-world applications. It also sought out to foster collaboration, address commercialisation and talent challenges, and strengthen India’s position in the global quantum ecosystem. In his inaugural address, Prof. Sood gave a snapshot of the latest status of Quantum Computing and Quantum Communications in India. He highlighted recent developments and the various research milestones achieved in the field. He remarked on the wide-ranging impact of QT from artificial intelligence to sustainability and climate change. Prof. Sood also highlighted India’s National Quantum Mission with “Quantum Technologies and Applications” being one of the missions of the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC), being implemented by DST. He also spoke about the likely future roadmap of Quantum Computing and the potential the field holds that can be tapped into. The inaugural address was joined by Mr. @vinodsood, Chairman, CII Digital Transformation Committee and Co-Founder & Managing Director - @SystiqueStories; Mr. @SunilQNu, Co-Founder & CEO, @qnulabs; Dr Nagendra Nagaraja, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, @qpiai; Mr. Vijay Sethi, Chairman, Director & Board Member, @bosonqpsi; Dr @rishimb, Co-Founder & Managing Director (India) & Global CTO – AA2IT India Pvt. Ltd.; and Mr. @deepak_sidha, Senior Manager, @FollowCII.

𝐀𝐬 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧-𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐈 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐚 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐧 “𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐬. The versatility of Foundation Models makes them a critical layer of today’s AI ecosystem and a key area for innovation in India. Therefore, developing indigenous foundation models is a strategic priority. India’s objective is to harness foundation models for inclusive growth and public good, while ensuring they are governed in a manner consistent with the country’s values, legal framework, and security interests. This white paper provides an understanding of India’s approach to advancing indigenous foundation models through public–private collaboration and to governing these systems that support trust, accountability, and responsible adoption. The White Paper also provides details on India’s approach - which is centred on building indigenous capability across the foundation-model stack. Rather than relying on a single model, India is developing an ecosystem that combines (i) shared compute access, (ii) India-centric data and model repositories, and (iii) multiple model-building efforts across text, speech, multimodal, and sectoral systems. Read the White Paper here: psa.gov.in/CMS/web/sites/…

Dr @NaushadF, Chairperson, Forbes Marshall called on the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India Prof. @AjaySoodIISc to discuss increased participation of industries in RDI fund so as to further strengthen India's research ecosystem. They also discussed about promoting deep tech research in the industrial R&D ecosystem. The meeting was joined by @DrAshishM1, Executive Director, @FollowCII; Mr. Janak Nabar, CEO, @ctierpune; and Mr. Rohit Gupta, Chief Technology Officer and Dr Divya Vashisht, OSD from the Office of PSA.

𝑺𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝑪𝒂𝒑𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑳𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝑺𝒚𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒎𝒔 Mission सह-SANKALP is grounded in the sustainable livelihood framework, which recognises that livelihoods depend on the combined strength of five interconnected capitals: • Natural capital — land, water, ecosystems • Human capital — skills, health, knowledge • Social capital — institutions, collectives, networks • Financial capital — income, savings, access to credit • Physical capital — infrastructure and productive assets Science-based interventions, when deployed in an integrated manner, can contribute to strengthening these capitals simultaneously. This approach enables programmes to address multidimensional poverty and improve resilience to economic and environmental shocks. The Mission therefore moves beyond income augmentation alone and considers the broader systemic conditions necessary for sustainable livelihood outcomes.

National SAMAVESHA 2026 at @iitdelhi highlighted collaborative efforts to strengthen India’s Research and Innovation Ecosystem The event brought together representatives from 14 ministries and departments along with researchers, scientists, academicians, entrepreneurs and policy leaders from across India’s research and innovation ecosystem The event highlighted successful models emerging from the I-STEM ecosystem and encouraged wider participation in strengthening shared research infrastructure across the country Read here: pib.gov.in/PressReleasePa… @PrinSciAdvOff