CONTENTS
- India’s Defence Exports Surge to Record High in FY 2023-24
- OptiDrop Platform
India’s Defence Exports Surge to Record High in FY 2023-24
Context:
India’s defence exports have reached a historic milestone, amounting to Rs 21,083 crore (approximately USD 2.63 billion) in the fiscal year 2023-24. This represents a significant increase of 32.5% compared to the previous fiscal year. Recent data also reveals an impressive 31-fold growth in defence exports over the past decade, when compared to figures from FY 2013-14. This surge underscores India’s growing prowess and competitiveness in the global defence market.
Relevance:
GS III: Indian Economy
Key Statistics on Defense Exports
Growth Over Two Decades:
- A 21-fold increase in defense exports was observed when comparing the periods from 2004-05 to 2013-14 and 2014-15 to 2023-24.
Contribution by Sector:
- The private sector accounted for approximately 60% of defense exports.
- Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) contributed to around 40% of the total.
Export Authorisations:
- The number of export authorisations issued to defense exporters saw an uptick in FY 2023-24 compared to FY 2022-23.
Key Drivers Behind the Growth
Policy Reforms:
- Reforms in defense policies have played a pivotal role in fostering growth.
Ease of Doing Business Initiatives:
- Initiatives aimed at simplifying business processes and reducing bureaucratic hurdles have contributed to the sector’s expansion.
Digital Solutions:
- Comprehensive digital solutions have been implemented, enhancing efficiency and transparency within the defense industry.
Global Acceptance:
- The rising global acceptance of Indian defense products and technologies has bolstered the growth of defense exports.
OptiDrop Platform
Context:
Recently, the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) in Bengaluru has developed a new platform called OptiDrop.
Relevance:
Facts for Prelims
About OptiDrop Platform
- Description: The OptiDrop Platform is a groundbreaking microfluidic chip-based system designed to streamline and cut down the costs associated with studying individual cells.
- Methodology: It utilizes an innovative technique for accurate and cost-efficient examination of single cells encapsulated within droplets.
- Unique Features:
- Real-time data visualization capabilities.
- Reduced data storage requirements.
- ‘Closed’ system architecture to safeguard against external contaminants.
- Support: The development of this platform received backing from the Biotechnology Industry Research Council (BIRAC), the Department of Science and Technology (DST), and the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD).
Applications of OptiDrop Platform
- Diagnostics: Potential for advanced diagnostic procedures.
- Therapeutics: Helps in understanding the effects on individual cells during drug screening.
- Agriculture: Useful in environmental control, specifically for detecting water contamination.
- Animal Health: Assists in the detection and sorting of CAR-T cells in immuno-oncotherapeutics.
- Genomics: Aids in the selection of CRISPR-modified single cells and high-efficiency clones in single-cell genomics studies.
What is C-CAMP?
- Overview: C-CAMP, supported by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, has been a driving force behind cutting-edge research and innovation in life sciences since its inception in 2009.
- Mandate: Its primary objective is to encourage entrepreneurship and innovation within the life sciences sector.
- Entrepreneurial Culture: C-CAMP has actively nurtured an entrepreneurial-friendly atmosphere in the academic and research community, notably through its involvement in Seed Funding Schemes for Startups.
