DAE and DST — Tech Evolutions

Entry	Year	Description	Impact
Atomic Energy (Amendment) Bill, 2015	2015	This amendment to the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, enabled the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) to form joint ventures with other public sector undertakings (PSUs) for setting up nuclear power projects. Previously, NPCIL was restricted from forming JVs, limiting its ability to raise capital and accelerate project execution.	The amendment aimed to facilitate greater investment in nuclear power generation, allowing NPCIL to leverage resources and expertise from other PSUs. This was crucial for accelerating India's nuclear power capacity expansion plans and attracting more capital for large-scale projects, thereby strengthening India's energy security [VY:ENV-05-02-03] and promoting indigenous nuclear technology development.
National Science Technology and Innovation Policy (NSTIP) 2020	2020	While not a legislative amendment, the NSTIP 2020 is a significant policy shift by DST. It aims to reorient India's S&T ecosystem towards an 'open science' framework, promoting equity, inclusion, and a decentralized approach to innovation. It emphasizes building a robust S&T infrastructure and fostering a 'science for society' approach.	This policy aims to make Indian S&T globally competitive and locally relevant. It impacts DST's funding priorities, research focus, and collaboration strategies, promoting greater public engagement and ethical considerations in scientific research. It is expected to drive innovation, create jobs, and address societal challenges more effectively, aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.