India and the UK have joined forces to establish the ‘NET Zero’ Innovation Virtual Centre to focus on decarbonization of manufacturing and transport systems, among other areas.
India and the UK have a long history of cooperation in science, technology, and innovation. Recently, the two nations have come together to establish the ‘NET Zero’ Innovation Virtual Centre to work towards achieving their shared goal of decarbonization and achieving net-zero targets.
1. India and UK to jointly create India-UK ‘NET Zero’ Innovation Virtual Centre
India and the UK have agreed to establish the India-UK “NET Zero” Innovation Virtual Centre, as announced by Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh. During a meeting of the India-UK Science & Innovation Council, Singh and his British counterpart, UK Minister George Freeman, called for increased cooperation in science and technology between the two nations.
2. India’s Economic Growth under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi
Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted India’s fast-moving progress to becoming an economic powerhouse under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his six-day visit to the UK leading a high-level official Indian delegation of the Ministry of Science & Technology.
3. Framework for UK-India relations
The Union Minister spoke about the close collaboration between the two countries and how it has been strengthened through an ambitious ‘Roadmap 2030’ framework that provides a basis for UK-India relations across health, climate, trade, education, science and technology, and defence.
4. Rapid growth in India-UK S&T collaboration
Dr Jitendra Singh informed his British counterpart that the India-UK Science & Technology (S&T) collaboration has been rapidly expanding, and the joint research programme has gone from an almost zero base to close to £300-400 million. He also mentioned that the UK has emerged as India’s second-largest international research and innovation partner.
5. Areas of focus
The India-UK “NET Zero” Innovation Virtual Centre will focus on areas such as the decarbonisation of manufacturing process and transport systems, and green hydrogen as a renewable source. Energy efficiency and renewable energy are central pillars in India’s journey towards net zero, according to Dr Jitendra Singh.
6. Importance of Industry-Academia collaboration
Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted the significance of collaboration between industry and academia for economic growth and development. The revival of DST Innovate UK Industrial R&D programme will provide opportunities for academia and industry in both India and the UK to develop new products and processes for economic growth.
7. India’s commitment to environmental goals
Dr Jitendra Singh spoke about India’s commitment to achieving its environmental goals, including the development of mitigation and monitoring solutions for environmental pollution and techno-based pathways for reducing carbon emissions and achieving ambitious net-zero targets.
8. Multidimensional cooperation
The multidimensional, multi-institutional, multi-agency cooperation between India and the UK covers a range of areas, such as energy security, food and agriculture, water, climate change, environmental studies, and social and cultural changes. The India-UK Science and Innovation Council (SIC) will continue to work towards strengthening the partnership in science, education, research and innovation.
We hope that the India-UK ‘NET Zero’ Innovation Virtual Centre will pave the way for further collaboration between the two nations in the areas of science, technology, and innovation. We invite you to subscribe and follow our journey towards achieving a sustainable future.
Do Follow us on Facebook and For More Updates on Competitive Exams Checkout our Website
