India has made remarkable strides in science and technology in 2024, marking an exceptional year for innovation and research. From ground breaking discoveries to technological advancements, Indian scientists have once again demonstrated their global leadership in various fields. In this article, we highlight the top 10 science and technology achievements by Indian researchers and institutions in 2024.
1. India’s Chandrayaan-3 Moon Landing
The Chandrayaan-3 mission, launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), successfully landed on the Moon in August 2024. This achievement marked India as the first country to land on the Moon’s south pole, advancing India's space exploration efforts and contributing valuable scientific data.
2. ISRO’s Gaganyaan Mission Progress
The Gaganyaan mission, India’s first crewed spaceflight, made significant progress in 2024. ISRO conducted successful crew module tests and finalized preparations for the crewed launch, expected in 2025. This marks a milestone in India’s human space exploration program.
3. India's First Quantum Computing Experiment
Researchers in India successfully demonstrated quantum computing experiments on indigenous platforms in 2024. This represents a major leap in India's ambitions to establish a quantum computing industry. Indian scientists developed algorithms and hardware for applications in cryptography, AI, and materials science.
4. Breakthroughs in Malaria Vaccine Development
Indian scientists contributed significantly to the global fight against malaria with advancements in vaccine development. In 2024, a collaborative effort between Indian institutes and international organizations resulted in a breakthrough malaria vaccine showing promise for large-scale use in endemic regions.
5. India’s Green Hydrogen Push
India launched a large-scale green hydrogen initiative in 2024, aiming to produce hydrogen using renewable energy sources. The push for green hydrogen is expected to transform India’s energy sector and reduce its carbon footprint, as the country aims for net-zero emissions by 2070.
6. Advancements in Artificial Intelligence Research
India’s growing AI sector made major strides in 2024, with notable research achievements in natural language processing, medical diagnostics, and AI ethics. Indian startups and academic institutions became key players in AI development, particularly in healthcare and education.
7. Progress in CRISPR Gene Editing Technology
Indian scientists made significant progress in CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology in 2024. Researchers developed new techniques for precision editing of genes to treat genetic disorders, and India became one of the leading countries for gene-editing research in agriculture and medicine.
8. India’s Role in the International Space Station (ISS) Research
In 2024, India expanded its collaboration with NASA and other international space agencies in scientific research aboard the ISS. Indian scientists contributed to experiments in space biology, material science, and climate change, positioning India as a key partner in global space science.
9. Breakthrough in Agricultural Biotechnology
Indian scientists achieved breakthroughs in agricultural biotechnology in 2024, including the development of genetically modified crops resistant to drought and pests. This has significant implications for improving food security in India and other developing nations.
10. Water Purification Technologies
In 2024, India achieved significant progress in water purification technologies, particularly through the development of low-cost, efficient filtration systems. These innovations are crucial for addressing water scarcity issues across the country, especially in rural areas.