PIB Summary- 20th March, 2025 | PIB (Press Information Bureau) Summary - UPSC PDF Download

Redefining energy storage with photo-assisted, self-charging energy storage devices

Context

Researchers from the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru, have developed a new type of battery that can charge itself using oxygen from the air.

New Discovery: Air-Chargeable Photo-Assisted Battery

• Photo-Assisted Feature: This battery can also store more energy when exposed to light, combining solar energy capture with energy storage.
• No External Power Needed: Unlike regular batteries that need an external power source, this battery can recharge on its own.
• Use of Special Materials: It uses vanadium oxide (VO₂) and tungsten trioxide (WO₃), which improve energy storage and charge separation.

 How does it work?

• Normally, batteries need an external power source to recharge, but this battery absorbs oxygen to regain its charge.
• It also uses photo-assisted charging, meaning it stores more energy when exposed to light.
• The battery is made using vanadium oxide (VO₂) and tungsten trioxide (WO₃) as key materials.
• The WO₃ layer helps separate charges, improving energy storage.
• The VO₂ layer works as an air cathode, helping in self-charging.
• This innovation makes the battery more sustainable and self-reliable for future energy needs.

Sustainable Energy Solution: This innovation supports clean energy and can power self-reliant electronic devices.
Higher Energy Storage: The battery increases charge storage capacity by 170% at a low current.
Open Circuit Potential: It provides an output voltage of 1V without an external source.

RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN S &T

Context

Government-led R&D initiatives in academic institutions foster innovation, strengthen industry-academia collaboration, and enhance India’s global research competitiveness.​​​​​​​​

Significance of R&D Measures in Academic Institutions

• Bridging Theory and Practice: Exposure to R&D enables students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems.
• Fostering Innovation & Critical Thinking: Encourages creativity and problem-solving abilities through hands-on research.
• Academia-Industry Collaboration: Strengthens the linkage between academic institutions and industries, facilitating technology transfer.
• Enhancing Global Competitiveness: Provides students with opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and international research exposure.
• Preparation for Knowledge-Driven Economy: Trains students to meet the demands of an evolving economy driven by research, technology, and innovation.

Impact of Government-Led R&D Initiatives on Student Exposure

• Ph.D. Enrollment Growth: Increased by 81.2% from 1.17 lakh (2015-16) to 2.13 lakh (2021-22).
• Rise in Female Participation: Female Ph.D. enrollment doubled from 48,000 (2014-15) to 99,000 (2021-22), enhancing gender representation.
• Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in Higher Education:
  • Overall GER increased from 23.7% (2014-15) to 28.4% (2021-22) for ages 18-23 years.
  • Female GER rose from 22.9% (2014-15) to 28.5% (2021-22).
• STEM Enrollment: 25.6% of total enrollments (98.49 lakh students in 2021-22) were in STEM fields at UG, PG, and Ph.D. levels.

Key R&D Initiatives by the Government

• DBT-JRF, DBT-RA, Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship, BioCARe Fellowship, and M K Bhan Fellowship provide research opportunities.

Research Infrastructure Support (RRSFP Programme):

• DBT-BUILDER: Strengthened 177 departments in 45 universities/institutes (Central, State, and Private).
• DBT-SAHAJ: Created a national research resource-sharing platform for academia and industry collaboration.

Star College Programme (2008):

• Focuses on hands-on experimental science at UG level to encourage students toward research careers.

DBT-BIRAC Amrit Team Grant:

• Supports collaborative research between academia, clinical institutions, and startups.

B. Department of Scientific & Industrial Research (DSIR) Initiatives
CSIR Doctoral & Postdoctoral Fellowships:

• Provides fellowships for young researchers, with over 650 academic and R&D institutions benefiting.

Support for Research Projects:

• Financial assistance for frontier scientific research, contributing to scientific publications, patents, and technology development.

India’s Global Research Standing:

• Ranked 3rd globally in publishing Science and Engineering research articles.
• Increased researchers per million population from 215 (2015) to 260 (2020).

C. Department of Science and Technology (DST) Initiatives
INSPIRE (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research):

• INSPIRE Internship: Science camps for top 1% Class X students.
• Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE): 12,000 annual scholarships for UG-level students in science.
• INSPIRE Fellowship: 1,000 fellowships annually for Ph.D. students.
• INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship: 100 fellowships annually for young researchers (27-32 years).

FIST (Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure):

• Supports basic infrastructure and emerging research facilities.
• Benefitted 3,072 departments & PG colleges, with a ₹3,130.82 crore budget.

SATHI Centres (Sophisticated Analytical and Technical Help Institutes):

• Provides high-end research equipment and training for researchers, MSMEs, and startups.

PURSE (Promotion of University Research and Scientific Excellence):

• Strengthens university R&D ecosystems and capabilities.

WISE-KIRAN (Women in Science & Engineering):

• Provides targeted programs for women scientists to improve participation in S&T research.

Conclusion

• Increased Research Output: Higher Ph.D. enrollments and research projects contribute to India’s scientific advancements.
• Stronger Academia-Industry Linkages: Facilitates technology transfer and innovation in industries.
• Greater Global Competitiveness: Empowers students for international research collaborations and cutting-edge technological advancements.