Science TechnologyWednesday, 28 October 2026·The Hindu - National
PM Modi on science, ANRF funding, patents and PFBR first criticality
At ESTIC 2026 on October 27, 2026, PM Modi highlighted ANRF funding, patent growth, AI, space and the 500 MW PFBR first criticality.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On October 27, 2026, at the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said science succeeds only when it moves from the laboratory to society and cited the 500 MW Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) reaching first criticality.
Key specifics
- The event was the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2026 in New Delhi.
- Modi referred to ₹1 lakh crore research commitment, including ₹12,000 crore for lab-to-market research.
- He said patents filed in India rose from about 50,000 to 1.5 lakh.
- The 500 MW Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) has reached first criticality.
- He also mentioned Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan, and Indian-made AI chips and a domestically built AI model.
Exam lens
Science and technology question type: match the institution and achievement, with ANRF funding, patent numbers, PFBR first criticality, and India’s space and AI milestones as the likely TNPSC one-liners.