A. Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)

Associated Concept: Entrepreneurship and Innovation

The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) is a flagship initiative launched by the NITI Aayog with the objective of promoting a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship across India. The mission serves as a platform for promoting world-class innovation hubs, grand challenges, startup contests, and self-employment activities, especially among school and college students.

Key initiatives under AIM include:

• Atal Incubation Centers (AICs): To nurture innovative startups.

• Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs): For school-level students to experiment with cutting-edge technologies.

• Mentor India Network: To provide guidance and mentorship to innovators.

AIM aims to build an innovation-driven entrepreneurial ecosystem in alignment with the government’s “Startup India” and “Digital India” missions.

B. Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)

Associated Concept: Gaps in Value Chains

The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) is a comprehensive scheme launched by the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying. It is designed to bridge critical gaps in the fisheries and aquaculture value chains. The scheme promotes sustainable fish production and modernizes fishing practices.

Key objectives include:

• Enhancing fish production and productivity.

• Reducing post-harvest losses by developing infrastructure like cold chains, ice plants, and fish landing centers.

• Improving value addition, branding, and marketing of fish products.

• Empowering fishers and fish farmers through skill development and financial inclusion.

PMMSY aims to bring about a Blue Revolution by unlocking the potential of India’s fisheries sector.

C. NITI Aayog

Associated Concept: Think Tank

NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) is the premier policy think tank of the Government of India. It was established in 2015, replacing the Planning Commission. NITI Aayog plays a crucial role in providing strategic direction, policy advice, and long-term planning for India’s socio-economic development.

Key functions include:

• Formulating national policies and fostering cooperative federalism.

• Promoting innovation and sustainable development goals (SDGs).

• Coordinating the Atal Innovation Mission and other reform-based initiatives.

• Conducting research and policy analysis for various sectors of the economy.

NITI Aayog serves as a bridge between the Centre and States, promoting data-driven policy making and outcome-based governance.

D. Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs)

Associated Concept: Machine Learning

Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) are part of the Atal Innovation Mission and are set up in schools across India to foster curiosity, creativity, and imagination in young minds. These labs provide students with access to tools and technologies such as robotics kits, 3D printers, sensors, microcontrollers, and machine learning platforms.

Goals of ATLs:

• Encourage students to build prototypes and solve real-world problems.

• Promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education through hands-on learning.

• Develop 21st-century skills like critical thinking, collaboration, and digital literacy.

ATLs are instrumental in nurturing future innovators and technologists from an early age.