India has made a major stride in scientific computing with the launch of three new PARAM Rudra Supercomputers, marking a significant achievement under the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM).
These indigenously developed supercomputers, costing Rs 130 crore, were dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Strategically located in Delhi, Pune, and Kolkata, they are set to enhance scientific research in fields such as astronomy, material science, and earth sciences.
What Are PARAM Rudra Supercomputers?
The PARAM Rudra Supercomputers are high-performance computational systems designed to support advanced research in key scientific areas, including:
Astronomy: The Giant Metre Radio Telescope (GMRT) in Pune will use PARAM Rudra for studying Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) and other celestial phenomena.
Material Science and Atomic Physics: The Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC) in Delhi will employ this technology for cutting-edge research in materials science and atomic interactions.
Cosmology & Earth Sciences: At the SN Bose Centre in Kolkata, PARAM Rudra will support advanced research into the universe and earth sciences.
Why Are These Supercomputers Important?
Supercomputing plays a crucial role in modern science, supporting everything from climate modeling to drug discovery and quantum simulations. These powerful systems are particularly vital for complex tasks like weather forecasting, offering hyper-local and accurate predictions that can benefit sectors like agriculture and disaster management.
National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) — Advancing Self-Reliance
Launched in 2015, the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) is part of India’s push for Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance) in technology, aimed at building state-of-the-art computing systems domestically. The NSM is a collaborative initiative by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Department of Science and Technology (DST), and is executed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc).
Complementary Developments: HPC Systems for Weather Research
In addition to the PARAM Rudra systems, Prime Minister Modi also inaugurated two High-Performance Computing (HPC) systems named Arka and Arunika, which are designed for weather and climate research. These systems are expected to significantly improve India’s capacity to predict critical weather events like cyclones and heat waves.
