Principal Scientific Adviser Chairs 4th S&T Clusters Conference in Chandigarh, Calls for Greater Collaboration and Technology Deployment
Distilled Policy Brief
- Key technological deployments unveiled include an Automated Weather Station for climate-resilient agriculture, North India's first AI-driven Digital Podiatric Clinic for diabetic foot care, and EV infrastructure projects including Panchkula's EVChargeX battery swapping facility.
- The conference highlighted S&T clusters evolving into National Technology Accelerators with expanded global partnerships including 12 international MoUs, the UK Catapult Network, University of Western Australia, and the India-Australia Smart Farm Network.
🎯 Prelims High-Yield Examination Points
Science and Technology (S&T) Clusters operate under the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (Office of PSA) to bridge R&D, industry, and local socio-economic challenges.
⚖️ Mains Analytical & Syllabus Linkages
Examine how regional Science and Technology Clusters serve as 'National Technology Accelerators' in bridging the gap between academic R&D, industry validation, and grassroot technology deployment.
🎯 UPSC Prelims Practice Drill
With reference to the recent 4th Conference of Science and Technology (S&T) Clusters held in Chandigarh, consider the following statements: 1. The S&T clusters have evolved into integrated ecosystems functioning as 'National Technology Accelerators' addressing regional and social challenges. 2. Key technological deployments unveiled during the conference include an Automated Weather Station for climate-resilient agriculture and North India's first AI-driven Digital Podiatric Clinic. 3. The international partnerships highlighted during the event include the UK Catapult Network, the University of Western Australia, and the India-Australia Smart Farm Network. Which of the statements given above are correct?
- [A] 1 and 2 only
- [B] 2 and 3 only
- [C] 1 and 3 only
- [D] 1, 2 and 3
▶ Reveal Official Answer & Analytical Explanation
Statement 1 is correct because the S&T clusters are evolving into integrated ecosystems that act as 'National Technology Accelerators'. Statement 3 is correct as the conference highlighted global partnerships including 12 international MoUs, the UK Catapult Network, University of Western Australia, and the India-Australia Smart Farm Network. Statement 2 is incorrect because while the Automated Weather Station was unveiled, North India's first AI-driven Digital Podiatric Clinic was not among the specific deployments mentioned in the context of this briefing's highlighted technological deployments.
🏛️ Historical Twin PYQ Anchor (2021)
Consider the following statements regarding the "National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)": 1. It is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 2. Central Pollution Control Board acts as the sole regulatory executive body.