Union Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Saturday said that 2020 was not just the year of Covid-19 but also a year of scientific achievements.
His remarks came at the inauguration of Coastal Research Vessel (CRV) 'Sagar Anveshika' at Chennai Port Trust.
"2020 is year of Covid-19 but I call it at a year of science. It was not only about health professionals but scientists too rose to the occasion and solved all the challenges we faced. We were the first one in the whole world to isolate the virus, start genome sequencing months back and then storing the virus," he said.
"2021 has come with an announcement of two vaccines being given emergency use authorisation," he added.
Speaking to reporters here, he said that 'Sagar Anveshika' is a coastal research vessel for strengthening scientific research about various issues inside the ocean."Today, we have added Sagar Anveshika which is a coastal research vessel for strengthening scientific research about various issues in the ocean. We already have vessels like Sagar Nidhi, Sagar Sampada. Two years back, I had launched Sagar Tara also. We already have Sagar Manjusha and Sagar Kanya," the Minister said.
"This vessel is going to add to our capacity and capability for exploring the ocean which is a huge source of water, energy, food, minerals, etc. This is a happy moment for all scientists," he said.
Vardhan also informed that the Central government is also in the advanced process of developing a "huge ambitious" deep ocean mission.
"I wish to congratulate them because this is being added at a time when the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is already in the advanced process of developing a huge ambitious deep ocean mission. This deep ocean mission will certainly enhance our knowledge and research around the oceans which will make us rich in terms of not only exploring but also helping mankind with this research," he said.
(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Dear Reader,
Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance.
We, however, have a request.
As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed.
Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard.
Digital Editor
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU