2nd Indo-French Joint Committee of Science and Technology (JCST) meeting

Current Context: The 2nd Indo-French Joint Committee of Science and Technology (JCST) meeting took place on 18th January 2024 at Faridabad.

• The meeting was co-chaired by Prof Abhay Karandikar, Secretary for the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India and Dr Claire Giry, Director General for Research and Innovation at the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research.
• The committee discussed ways of catalyzing a stronger and rejuvenated Indo-French scientific partnership.
• They highlighted the success of the CEFIPRA model as a catalyst of Indo-French Collaboration and discussed stepping up research partnerships in new age technologies like ICPS, health, clean energy, AI, quantum technologies, and advanced materials.
• The aim of the Indo-French Joint Committee of Science and Technology (JCST) meeting is to identify thematic priorities, allocate resources, and enhance tools for achieving mutual goals.
• The committee discussed ways of catalyzing a stronger and rejuvenated Indo-French scientific partnership.

Question:

Q.1 Who co-chaired the 2nd Indo-French Joint Committee of Science and Technology meeting from the Indian side?
a. Dr Claire Giry
b. Prof Abhay Karandikar
c. Prof Ramesh Pokhriyal
d. Dr Harsh Vardhan