PIB Summary- 5th January, 2022 | PIB (Press Information Bureau) Summary - UPSC PDF Download

Defence Research And Development Organization

Why in News?

Recently, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has celebrated the 64th Foundation Day on 1st January, 2022.

About Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is an agency of the Government of India, charged with the military’s research and development.
• It is headquartered in Delhi, India and has its 50+ labs all across the country.
• It was formed in 1958.
• It is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.
• With a network of 52 laboratories, which are engaged in developing defence technologies covering various fields, like aeronautics, armaments, electronics, land combat engineering, life sciences, materials, missiles, and naval systems, DRDO is India’s largest and most diverse research organisation.

Objectives of DRDO

• Design, develop and lead to production state-of-the-art sensors, weapon systems, platforms and allied equipment for our Defence Services.
• Provide technological solutions to the Services to optimise combat effectiveness and to promote well-being of the troops.
• Develop infrastructure and committed quality manpower and build strong indigenous technology base.

Issues with DRDO:

• Inadequate Budgetary Support
• It also suffers from inadequate manpower in critical areas to the lack of proper synergy with the armed forces.
• Cost escalation and long delays have damaged the reputation of DRDO.
• DRDO is big on promise and small on delivery. There is no accountability. Nobody is taken to task for time and cost overruns.
• Equipments are obsolete and is just tinkering with World War II equipment instead of working on cutting-edge technology.

Indian Science Technology and Engineering Facilities  Map (I-STEM)

Why in News?

I-STEM project has been accorded extension for five years, until 2026 and enters its second phase with added features.

About Indian Science Technology and Engineering facilities Map (I-STEM):

• An initiative of Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Govt. of India under the PM-STIAC mission.
• The goal is to strengthen the R&D ecosystem.
• Done by connecting researchers with resources in part by promoting technologies and scientific equipment development indigenously.
• Also by providing necessary supplies and supports to researchers.
• This will enable them to access existing R&D facilities through the I-STEM web portal.
• The portal hosts the database of facilities across India.
• Presently, the portal lists more than 25,000 pieces of equipment from 850 institutions across the country.
• It has more than 20,000 Indian researchers.
• The portal also features a Digital Catalogue of indigenously developed technologies.

Prime Minister’s Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (PM STIAC) 

• It is a 21 member advisory council that advises the PM on science, technology, as well as innovation. It also coordinates implementation of PMs scientific vision.
• It aids in the formulation and timely implementation of major science and technology missions and evolves interdisciplinary technology development programmes.
• It also advises the government on developing ‘Clusters of Excellence’ in science including city-based R&D clusters.
• It also aims to bring together all science and technology partners from academia and institutes to industries near such centres or cities.