Relevance: mains: G.S paper III: Technology missions.
- The Nano Mission is an umbrella programme of Government of India for overall development in the field of Nano technology through studies, research and innovations.
- Nano technology deals with variety of applications in medical, space, telecommunications, food processing and environmental protection.
- Acknowledging its vast potential, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) launched a programme called Nano Science and Technology Initiative (NIST) in 2001.
The Nano Mission is successor of this programme. The Government approved Nano Mission in 2007.
- Today, India has emerged 6th worldwide in terms of scientific publications.
OBJECTIVE OF THE NANO-MISSION
- Basic Research Promotion-
- Infrastructure Development for Nano Science and Technology Research- it is proposed to establish a chain of shared facilities across the country.
- Nano Application and Technology Development Programmes- The Mission proposes to promote application-oriented Research and Development (R&D) Projects.
- Human Resources Development- The Mission shall focus on providing effective education and training to researchers and professionals in diversified fields.
- International Collaborations
DIST ACTIVITIES IN NANO SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SO FAR
- Establishment of Centres of Excellence- Eleven Units/Core Groups on Nano Science have been sanctioned across the country.
- International Collaborative Programmes- Joint R&D activities are already taking place with several countries. For example, with the US, several projects have been funded on CNTs in composites, nano-encapsulating materials, etc. under the DST-NSF programme.
- With Germany, a programme on engineered functional nano composites has started which could focus on magnetic properties, magnetic interactions, gas-solid interactions including catalysis, etc.
- Programmes are also on with Italy, EU and developing with Taiwan.
- ARCI, Hyderabad, which is an autonomous institutues of DST has active programme in nano materials with institutions in Russia, Ukraine, Japan, Germany and USA.