Returning from Gujarat a couple of weeks ago, the State is in the news again. This time thanks to the Ambani wedding. But as world tech leaders are in Jamnagar, I was at the Indian High Commission moderating a panel session on technology between India and Wales with the First Minister of Wales and the Indian High Commissioner.
As TV channels try to understand why the current Indian Government will have a massive landslide victory, they keep forgetting the old Clinton adage “it’s the economy, stupid”. Whilst they obsess on “nationalist, Hindu, Muslim” as the answer to understand everything, they cannot accept Indians are as rational as Americans and Brits – “it’s the economy, stupid”.
So I wanted to remind myself of the India’s tech prowess. We often forget don’t we? Look at this
1. Space Exploration: Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan)
India's Mars Orbiter Mission, launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in 2013, made it the first Asian nation to reach Martian orbit and the first in the world to do so on its first attempt. This mission demonstrated India's advanced capabilities in low-cost space exploration. The success of Mangalyaan placed India among the elite group of space-faring nations and showcased its ability to execute complex missions efficiently and cost-effectively.
2. Digital Innovation: Unified Payments Interface (UPI)
India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) revolutionized the digital payments landscape, facilitating instant real-time payments between two parties. Launched in 2016 by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), UPI has become a world-leading digital payments platform, offering an efficient, user-friendly, and secure method of monetary transactions, significantly contributing to India's move towards a digital economy.
3. Pharmaceuticals: COVID-19 Vaccine Development
India played a crucial role in the global battle against the COVID-19 pandemic by developing and mass-producing vaccines. Covaxin, developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), is an indigenously developed COVID-19 vaccine, highlighting India's capabilities in vaccine research and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
4. Renewable Energy: Solar Power Expansion
India has made significant strides in renewable energy, particularly in solar power. The country aims to achieve 100 GW of solar capacity as part of its ambitious target of 450 GW of renewable energy by 2030. The establishment of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) by India, in collaboration with France, underscores its commitment to renewable energy and its leadership role in global sustainability efforts.
5. Information Technology: IT Services and Outsourcing
India remains a global leader in information technology and outsourcing, with its IT industry contributing significantly to the global market. Indian IT firms like Infosys, TCS, and Wipro are recognized worldwide for their software development, IT services, and consulting, driving innovation and efficiency across various sectors.
6. Startup Ecosystem: Unicorns and Innovation
India's startup ecosystem has seen explosive growth, with numerous startups achieving 'unicorn' status (valued at over $1 billion). This boom is indicative of a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit and a robust ecosystem supporting innovation, particularly in fintech, e-commerce, and tech-driven sectors.
7. Telecommunications: World's Second-Largest Internet User Base
India has rapidly expanded its telecommunications infrastructure, becoming the world's second-largest internet user base. This achievement has not only democratized internet access but has also spurred a digital transformation across the economy, enabling growth in digital services, e-commerce, and digital education.
8. Agricultural Innovation: Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF)
India has been at the forefront of promoting sustainable agricultural practices, such as Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF), which reduces farmers' dependency on loans and chemical inputs. This innovative farming approach has gained traction for its potential to increase farmers' incomes and promote sustainability.
9. Financial Inclusion: Jan Dhan Yojana
The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) initiative, aimed at expanding affordable access to financial services such as bank accounts, insurance, and loans, has been pivotal in promoting financial inclusion in India. Launched in 2014, it has helped millions of unbanked and underbanked Indians gain access to financial services.
10. Advanced Computing: Supercomputing Mission
India's National Supercomputing Mission aims to create a vast grid of high-performance computing facilities across the country. This initiative has bolstered India's capabilities in scientific research, weather forecasting, and complex data processing, underlining its commitment to advancing computing and analytical capabilities.
