Image Courtesy: SN Bose Institute
PARAM Rudra Supercomputer
India’s advancements in supercomputing have reached new heights with the development of the PARAM Rudra series, under the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM). Spearheaded by the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) and the Department of Science and Technology (DST), PARAM Rudra is poised to revolutionise research across diverse fields, ranging from advanced materials and high-energy physics to earth sciences and cosmology. Three PARAM Rudra supercomputers have been installed in Pune, Delhi, and Kolkata, and each of these is configured to work on different research capabilities.
The PARAM Rudra, with its 838 TFLOPS capacity, will enhance research in several scientific domains. In materials science, it will accelerate the discovery and design of new materials through high-throughput computational materials design, paving the way for innovations in material synthesis. In earth sciences, it will assist in computational modelling of earth and planetary materials, integrating first-principles calculations with cutting-edge experimental techniques like LHDAC (Laser Heated Diamond Anvil Cell) experiments.
Biological sciences will benefit from the application of machine learning to study biomolecular functions, advancing the understanding of diseases and the development of new treatments. In chemical science, it will help explore the electronic structure of molecules to deepen our understanding of chemical reactivity, aiding quantum chemistry.
The supercomputer’s role extends to high-energy astrophysics, where it will help in research on the fundamental properties of matter and the universe. It will support studies on non-equilibrium properties of strongly interacting matter, contributing to research on dense matter as observed in the ALICE experiment at CERN and models related to gravitational waves, high-energy photons, and astrophysical neutrinos.
Beyond scientific research, PARAM Rudra’s impact on everyday life is substantial. Its launch signifies India’s unwavering commitment to self-reliance in high-performance computing, a cornerstone of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. By investing in such cutting-edge technology, India is ensuring that its scientific community has access to the tools necessary to drive innovation and make significant global contributions.
During its launch on 26 September 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised that high-performance computing technologies like PARAM Rudra will bolster India’s global competitiveness in areas such as space exploration and semiconductor manufacturing. It is also expected to play a critical role in disaster management, economic growth, and enhancing the ease of doing business. It will improve India’s ability to predict weather and climate-related phenomena, directly benefiting sectors like agriculture and disaster preparedness.
Key Features of PARAM Rudra
The supercomputer series is designed to perform intensive numerical computations at extraordinary speeds. Its 1-petaflop processing capacity enables massive data to be processed efficiently.
Installations:
Pune: The Giant Metre Radio Telescope (GMRT) will utilise PARAM Rudra to study Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) and other astronomical phenomena.
Delhi: The Inter-University Accelerator Centre will use it in research in material science and atomic physics.
Kolkata: The SN Bose Centre will focus on advanced research in physics, cosmology, and earth sciences.
Impact on Research & Development
Astronomy: The supercomputer’s processing capabilities will allow scientists to study cosmic phenomena in detail.
Materials Science and Physics: The supercomputer will support pioneering research that could lead to breakthroughs in critical areas.
Weather and Climate Research: With the addition of Arka and Arunika, companion HPC systems specifically designed for weather forecasting, PARAM Rudra will enhance the predictability of severe weather events, aiding agriculture and disaster management.
Aligned with the government’s vision of fostering indigenous technological development, this supercomputer strengthens India’s position as a global player in scientific research and innovation. Its enhanced computing capabilities will ensure India stays ahead in scientific discovery and industrial growth.
