On 26 September 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated three PARAM Rudra supercomputers and two high-performance computing systems to the nation. These advanced computing systems were developed indigenously under the National Supercomputer Mission (NSM), in line with the Make in India initiative. The supercomputers were designed and built by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC).
What Is the PARAM Rudra Supercomputer?
The PARAM Rudra supercomputers are named after Lord Shiva, symbolizing strength and power. Each PARAM Rudra supercomputer is capable of processing one petaflop (10^15 operations per second). These systems are designed to tackle complex scientific and engineering challenges in fields such as physics, artificial intelligence, and data analytics.
Key Locations of PARAM Rudra Supercomputers
The three PARAM Rudra supercomputers have been installed in key research centers across India:
- Pune: At the Giant Metre Radio Telescope (GMRT) for studying Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) and astronomical phenomena.
- Delhi: At the Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC) to support research in material science and atomic physics.
- Kolkata: At the S.N. Bose Centre for research in physics, cosmology, and earth sciences.
High-Performance Computing (HPC) Systems for Meteorology
In addition to PARAM Rudra, two High-Performance Computing (HPC) systems named Arka and Arunika were also inaugurated. These systems are installed at:
- Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune
- National Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), Noida
The HPC systems will significantly improve weather and climate predictions, helping to forecast tropical cyclones, heavy rainfall, and heat waves more accurately.
Importance of the National Supercomputer Mission
The National Supercomputer Mission (NSM), launched in 2015, aims to create a robust supercomputing infrastructure in India. The mission’s goal is to meet the growing computational demands of researchers, academia, and industries. The systems developed under NSM have already made significant contributions, from genomics research to disaster management and environmental studies.
Global and National Impact of PARAM Rudra
The deployment of the PARAM Rudra supercomputers represents a big leap for India’s technological self-reliance. By advancing research in key fields, these supercomputers will:
- Boost India’s competitiveness in global scientific research.
- Strengthen disaster management with better weather forecasting.
- Support growth in emerging fields like AI and machine learning.
- Contribute to industry 4.0 and make India a major player in the digital world.
PARAM Rudra Supercomputers Key Points
With Param Rudra Supercomputers and HPC system, India takes significant step towards self-reliance in computing and driving innovation in science and tech. https://t.co/ZUlM5EA3yw
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 26, 2024
- PARAM Rudra supercomputers were launched under the National Supercomputer Mission.
- Three PARAM Rudra systems were installed in Pune, Delhi, and Kolkata.
- The High-Performance Computing (HPC) systems Arka and Arunika will enhance India’s weather forecasting capabilities.
- These systems will boost research in fields such as physics, climate science, and artificial intelligence.
- The initiative aligns with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) vision.
| Supercomputer | Location | Purpose |
| PARAM Rudra | Pune (GMRT) | Real-time search for Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) and astronomical events |
| PARAM Rudra | Delhi (IUAC) | Research in material science and atomic physics |
| PARAM Rudra | Kolkata (S.N. Bose) | Research in physics, cosmology, and earth sciences |
| HPC Arka | Pune (IITM) | Improved weather and climate predictions |
| HPC Arunika | Noida (NCMRWF) | Enhanced accuracy in forecasting critical weather phenomena |
Also Read Latest Current Affairs 2024
PARAM Rudra is a supercomputer developed by C-DAC with a processing speed of one petaflop.
PARAM Rudra supercomputers are installed in Pune, Delhi, and Kolkata.
These systems are designed for weather forecasting and climate research.
The NSM is an initiative by the Government of India to develop supercomputing infrastructure for research, academia, and industries.
PARAM Rudra will boost research in fields like AI, cosmology, and disaster management, supporting India’s technological growth.