Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme worth ₹1 lakh crore on 3 November 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, during the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025.
The main goal of the RDI Scheme is to make India a global leader in science and technology by supporting high-risk and high-impact research projects.
PM Modi Launches ₹1 Lakh Crore RDI Scheme and 25,000 Atal Labs to Boost India’s Innovation Ecosystem
Key Objectives of the RDI Scheme:
- Provide long-term funding for breakthrough technologies.
- Encourage private sector participation in research and development.
- Help convert prototypes into commercial products.
- Simplify research work by reforming financial and procurement rules.
The government will also offer new incentives, regulatory reforms, and supply-chain support to make research easier and faster — from “lab to market.”
25,000 New Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs)
- The government will set up 25,000 new Atal Tinkering Labs under the Atal Innovation Mission.
- Currently, there are 10,000 labs impacting over 1 crore school students.
- These labs help students learn robotics, AI, and design thinking.
- The aim is to promote creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills among school children.
10,000 PM Research Fellowships (PMRF)
- 10,000 new fellowships will be offered in the next five years.
- These will support young researchers and PhD scholars in advanced scientific research.
- Focus areas include:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Green Hydrogen
- Quantum Computing
- Deep Sea Exploration
- Semiconductor Development
- The goal is to build a strong knowledge-based economy through advanced research.
India AI Mission and Ethical Innovation
- Under the India AI Mission, the government has invested ₹10,000 crore.
- The focus is to ensure ethical, inclusive, and responsible AI development.
- AI is being used in education, logistics, governance, and many other sectors.
- PM Modi said innovation should be human-centric and benefit all people.
Key Facts to Remember:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event | ESTIC 2025 |
| Date | 3 November 2025 |
| Venue | Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi |
| Scheme | Research, Development & Innovation (RDI) Scheme |
| Allocation | ₹1 Lakh Crore |
| New Atal Labs | 25,000 |
| PM Fellowships | 10,000 (in 5 years) |
| Focus Areas | AI, Quantum, Clean Energy, Semiconductors |
| Organising Body | Anusandhan National Research Foundation |
Question & Answer
Q1. When was the ₹1 lakh crore RDI Scheme launched by Prime Minister Modi?
(a) 2 November 2025
(b) 3 November 2025
(c) 5 November 2025
(d) 10 November 2025
Answer: 3 November 2025
Explanation: The RDI Scheme was launched on 3 November 2025 during the ESTIC 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
Q2. What is the main purpose of the RDI Scheme?
(a) To promote tourism
(b) To support high-risk, high-impact research projects
(c) To provide housing to poor people
(d) To increase export of goods
Answer: To support high-risk, high-impact research projects
Explanation: The scheme aims to boost India’s innovation and make the country a global leader in science and technology.
Q3. How many new Atal Tinkering Labs will be established under the new plan?
(a) 10,000
(b) 15,000
(c) 20,000
(d) 25,000
Answer: 25,000
Explanation: The government will expand the Atal Innovation Mission by setting up 25,000 new Atal Tinkering Labs across India.
Q4. Which organization will oversee the RDI Scheme?
(a) NITI Aayog
(b) Anusandhan National Research Foundation
(c) DRDO
(d) CSIR
Answer: Anusandhan National Research Foundation
Explanation: The Anusandhan National Research Foundation is responsible for implementing and supporting the RDI Scheme.
Q5. Under which mission has the government allocated ₹10,000 crore for AI development?
(a) Digital India Mission
(b) Make in India Mission
(c) India AI Mission
(d) Skill India Mission
Answer: India AI Mission
Explanation: The India AI Mission focuses on ethical and inclusive development of Artificial Intelligence in India.
Q6. The 10,000 PM Research Fellowships will mainly support research in which areas?
(a) Social Science and History
(b) AI, Green Hydrogen, Quantum, and Semiconductors
(c) Agriculture and Food Processing
(d) Tourism and Heritage
Answer: AI, Green Hydrogen, Quantum, and Semiconductors
Explanation: These fellowships are meant to strengthen India’s position in emerging and strategic scientific fields.
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