Access to MATLAB Software allowed for Academic Users

• 31 Mar 2022

Why in News?

For the first time in the country, academic users in India will be able to access the MATLAB software suite at no cost through the Indian Science Technology and Engineering facilities Map (I-STEM) portal.

What is MATLAB?

• MATLAB is a proprietary multi-paradigm programming language and numeric computing environment developed by MathWorks.
• MATLAB, used by more than 4 million users globally, allows matrix manipulations, plotting of functions and data, implementation of algorithms, creation of user interfaces, and interfacing with programs written in other languages.

How is this Step Significant?

• The software suite is hosted on the cloud server of I-STEM to provide user friendly access from anywhere in India.
• It is expected to assist many students and researchers in the country, especially those in the more remote and less-endowed institutions, thereby enhancing learning outcomes and promoting Research & Development efforts across India.

What is an I-STEM Portal?

• About:
  • I-STEM is a National Web portal for sharing R&D (Research and Development) facilities.
  • The portal facilitates researchers to access slots for the use of equipment, as well as to share the details of the outcomes, such as, patents, publications and technologies.
  • In July, 2021, I-STEM project was accorded an extension for five years, until 2026 and entered its second phase with added features.
• Launch:
  • Launched in January 2020, it is an initiative of Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India under the aegis of Prime Minister Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC) mission.
    • PM-STIAC: It is an overarching Council that facilitates the Principal Scientific Adviser’s Office to assess the status in specific science and technology domains, comprehend challenges in hand, formulate specific interventions, develop a futuristic roadmap and advise the Prime Minister accordingly.
• Goal:
  • The goal of I-STEM is to strengthen the R&D ecosystem of the country by connecting researchers with resources.
  • Promoting technologies and scientific equipment development indigenously, and providing necessary supplies and support to researchers by enabling them an access to existing publicly funded R&D facilities in the country through the I-STEM web portal.
• Phase-I:
  • In the first phase, the portal was listed with more than 20,000 pieces of equipment from 1050 institutions across the country and has more than 20,000 Indian researchers.
• Objectives under Phase-II:
  • The portal will host indigenous technology products listed through a digital catalogue. It will also host and provide access to selected R&D (Research and Development) software required to undertake research projects by students and scientists.
  • The portal will also provide a platform for the various City Knowledge and Innovation Clusters to enhance effective use of R&D infrastructure through leveraging collaboration and partnership built on a shared STI (Science Technology and Innovation) ecosystem.
  • New phase will be designed as a dynamic digital platform that will provide a boost to research and innovation especially for 2 tier and 3 tier cities and also for the emerging start-up ecosystem.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Q. ‘SWAYAM’ an initiative of the Government of India, aims at (2016)

(a) promoting the Self Help Groups in rural areas
(b) providing financial and technical assistance to young start-up entrepreneurs
(c) promoting the education and health of adolescent girls
(d) providing affordable and quality education to the citizens for free

Ans: (d)

Exp:

• Study Webs of Active-Learning for Young Aspiring Minds (SWAYAM) is a web portal where Massive Open On-line Courses are made available on all kinds of subjects.
• It is an Indian electronic e-educational platform which proposes to offer courses from the high school stage to postgraduate stage in an interactive electronic platform.

Source: PIB