₹1 lakh crore RDI Fund scheme launched at ESTIC 2025
What happened
- The PM launched the ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund scheme at the first Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025 [PIB].
Background
- The RDI scheme and the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) are meant to link academia, industry and government for long-term research [PIB].
Why it matters
- Private firms do little R&D in India. Low-cost, long-tenure finance is the lever the scheme uses.
How to use this in Mains
- As per PIB (2025-11-05): the PM launched the ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund scheme at the first Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025.
- Private firms do little R&D in India. Low-cost, long-tenure finance is the lever the scheme uses.
Quotable data pointThe PM launched the ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund scheme at the first Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025.
PIB: MoST: RDI Fund scheme launch, 5 Nov 2025
Exam angle
UPSC
Prelims: RDI, ANRF.
Practice MCQs
Original practice questions (not PYQs).
Practice · UPSC
RDI Fund size
Answer (c) & explanation
PIB.
Practice · UPSC
ESTIC stands for
Answer (a) & explanation
PIB.
Practice · UPSC
ANRF stands for
Answer (a) & explanation
PIB.
Go deeper
ExplainerWeather Forecasting in India and Mission Mausam: IMD, Numerical Models, Doppler Radars, Bharat Forecast System, Supercomputers, Weather Modification and Early Warnings (UPSC Notes + PYQs)ExplainerAnusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF): the ANRF Act 2023, the ₹1 Lakh Crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme and India’s R&D Gap (UPSC Notes + PYQs)
Official source: PIB: MoST: RDI Fund scheme launch, 5 Nov 2025
facts from cited sources only; faculty review pending