To ensure that the country is ready to meet scientific and technological challenges of the future, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) will soon launch five technology missions - Mission on electric mobility,  Mission methanol, Mission on promoting research and development in quantum technology, cyber physical systems Mission and last but not the least the Mission on digital mapping.

DST Secretary Ashutosh Sharma  told the reporters here recently that the government was working continuously shape a seamless science, technology and innovation system, which was cutting edge, collaborative, inclusive, relevant and aligned to national priorities.

In this regard, the new missions would cover aspects ranging from electric mobility to quantum science and technology. 

The electric mobility Mission seeks to promote long-term research and development in all aspects of technologies  in the wake of climate change concerns while  Mission methanol envisages establishment of centres of excellence for production and utilisation of methanol and dimethyl ether using various solid fuels and natural gas and develop knowledge base and trained manpower in the area.

The third mission seeks to promote developments in the area of cyber physical systems, which includes artificial

intelligence, robotics, sensors, big data analytics, geographical information systems and advanced materials.

The aim is to give a fillip to the manufacturing sector through development of new products and services, creation of skilled human resources at different levels, from technician to researchers and entrepreneurs.

A mission on promoting research and development in quantum technology and related areas of quantum computing, quantum cryptography, quantum communication, quantum metrology and sensing, andquantum enhanced imaging will be based on the properties of quantum mechanics.

The fifth mission aims to produce digital maps across the country to a scale of 1:500 with the help of satellites and drones. The entire country would be mapped within the next two years.

Meanwhile, the DST under the Union Science and Technology is also preparing a draft geospatial data policy which puts down in writing who can own geospatial data, how they can use it, and how it can be shared.