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In a resounding affirmation of India’s technological prowess, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh recently outlined the pivotal roles of Bio-Economy and Space Economy in shaping the nation’s future trajectory.
Against the backdrop of India’s remarkable economic growth, currently the highest in the world at over 6%, Dr Jitendra Singh heralded the burgeoning sectors of Bio-Economy and Space Economy as the vanguards of India’s continued prosperity.
With the unveiling of the GenomeIndia Flagship Programme, which aims to conduct 10,000 genome sequencings, Dr Jitendra Singh marked this initiative as a watershed moment for India. He emphasised that such endeavours would not only pave the way for genetic-based remedies but also catalyse significant advancements in the country’s public healthcare system. Genome sequencing, he contended, holds the potential to redefine healthcare strategies globally, both therapeutically and prophylactically.
Drawing attention to India’s remarkable strides in the realm of Bio-Economy, Dr Jitendra Singh noted that the sector has witnessed unprecedented growth. Over the past decade, India’s bio-economy has surged a remarkable 13-fold, catapulting from US$10 billion in 2014 to over US$130 billion in 2024. The Biotechnology Sector, he added, has experienced rapid expansion, propelling India into the ranks of the top 12 bio-manufacturers worldwide.
Dr Jitendra Singh underscored the need for indigenous solutions to indigenous problems, emphasising India’s emergence as a frontline nation among scientifically advanced countries. He cited successful initiatives like Mission COVID Suraksha and the Indian Biological Data Centre, which have made significant contributions to India’s bio-economy.
In a significant move towards sustainable growth, Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted the introduction of new schemes, such as Bio-manufacturing and bio-foundry, aimed at promoting green growth. These initiatives, he explained, would foster the development of environmentally friendly alternatives like biodegradable polymers, bio-plastics, and bio-pharmaceuticals, thereby transforming India’s manufacturing paradigm towards regenerative principles.
Shifting focus to India’s Space Economy, Dr Jitendra Singh emphasised its vast potential for expansion. Currently estimated at US$8.4 billion, constituting 2-3% of the global space economy, India’s space sector is poised for exponential growth. With the implementation of the Indian Space Policy 2023, Dr Jitendra Singh projected that India’s space economy could reach US$44 billion by 2033, opening up new vistas of opportunity and innovation.
Returning to the GenomeIndia Project, Dr Jitendra Singh reiterated its significance in the context of India’s healthcare landscape. By cataloguing genetic variations across diverse Indian populations, this initiative aims to create a comprehensive database essential for developing personalised healthcare solutions tailored to India’s unique genetic makeup.
Dr Jitendra Singh hailed the GenomeIndia Project as a testament to India’s commitment to scientific advancement and collaborative research. With its ambitious scope and far-reaching implications, this initiative epitomises India’s journey towards technological renaissance and global leadership in the fields of bio-economy, space economy, and beyond.
India is enthusiastically embracing cutting-edge technology to advance across all sectors, including healthcare and space exploration, aiming for comprehensive development and innovation.
At the “International Patient Safety Conference 2024” in Bengaluru, Union Minister Dr Singh emphasised the transformative potential of AI in clinical medicine, stressing the urgent need for integrating traditional and modern healthcare methods.
Highlighting the COVID-19 pandemic’s role in showcasing the value of India’s traditional medicinal practices, he underscored the importance of merging allopathic medicine with complementary approaches like AYUSH for holistic health.
With India’s growing focus on digital health initiatives, Dr Singh advocated for optimising the integration of AI into healthcare systems across public and private sectors to enhance patient care and achieve optimal outcomes.
