India has made a significant advancement in scientific computing with the launch of three indigenously developed PARAM Rudra supercomputers under the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM). These supercomputers, costing Rs 130 crore, are strategically placed in Delhi, Pune, and Kolkata to enhance research in astronomy, material science, and earth sciences. During the launch event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the importance of computing power in driving research, economic growth, disaster management, and strategic advancements. He emphasised India’s growing technological prowess, calling for contributions in terabytes and petabytes, and hailed the launch as a sign of the nation’s progress.
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
The PARAM Rudra Supercomputers, developed by C-DAC Pune, are advanced computational systems with a processing capability of 1 petaflop. Designed to enhance research in various fields—including astronomy, material science, atomic physics, cosmology, and earth sciences — these supercomputers are deployed at key institutions in Pune, Delhi, and Kolkata.
At the Giant Metre Radio Telescope (GMRT) in Pune, PARAM Rudra improves the analysis of Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) and other celestial phenomena by providing enhanced sensitivity to low and mid-radio frequencies. This capability enables more detailed studies of the interstellar medium, black holes, and cosmic origins.
In addition to astronomy, PARAM Rudra supports research in material science and atomic physics at the Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC) in Delhi, allowing scientists to simulate atomic interactions and explore advanced materials.
The supercomputers also play a vital role in weather forecasting and climate research at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune and the National Center for Medium Range Weather Forecast (NCMRWF) in Noida. By processing large datasets efficiently, PARAM Rudra helps improve the accuracy of weather predictions, benefiting sectors like agriculture and disaster management.
Equipped with Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), PARAM Rudra is set to revolutionise data-intensive fields and is a key part of India’s National Supercomputing Mission, aiming for technological self-reliance and leadership in high-performance computing.
What is the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM)?
The National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) was launched to build a robust supercomputing infrastructure in India, addressing the growing computational needs of academia, researchers, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and startups. Jointly managed by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), it is implemented by C-DAC and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). The mission focuses on enhancing India’s high-performance computing capabilities and achieving technological self-reliance. Now, along with the PARAM Rudra supercomputers and High-Performance Computing (HPC) systems, Arka and Arunika, are all set to improve weather and climate research.
The new high-performance computing systems, Arka and Arunika, are designed to enhance the accuracy and lead time of weather predictions related to tropical cyclones, heavy precipitation, thunderstorms, heat waves, and droughts. Replacing the existing systems, Pratyush and Mihir, at NCMRWF in Noida and IITM in Pune, respectively, they will have a combined processing power of 21.3 petaflops.
These systems utilise Eviden’s BullSequana XH2000 architecture and patented direct liquid cooling technology, ensuring optimal performance. At IITM, Arunika will provide 10.7 petaflops for atmospheric and climate research, while Arka at NCMRWF will offer 7.49 petaflops for weather modelling.
Both systems will feature advanced hardware, including AMD Milan 7643 processors and NVIDIA A100 Tensor Core GPUs, as well as extensive data storage capabilities. With 2,115 CPU nodes and 18 GPU nodes at NCMRWF, and 3,021 CPU nodes and 26 GPU nodes at IITM, these systems are set to foster global collaboration, positioning India as a key player in international meteorological research.
Fields that PARAM Rudra Supercomputers will boost:
1. Astronomy: Giant Metre Radio Telescope (GMRT) in Pune
The GMRT in Pune will utilise the PARAM Rudra supercomputer to study Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) and other astronomical phenomena. This upgrade significantly enhances the telescope’s computational power, allowing for more efficient processing of vast data and improved sensitivity to low-frequency signals. As a result, astronomers can conduct complex analyses, accelerating breakthroughs in understanding the universe’s origins, black holes, and the interstellar medium. The GMRT, operational since the 1990s, continues to be a crucial part of the global astronomy community, and this enhancement will foster international collaborations in radio astronomy.
2. Material Science and Atomic Physics: Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC) in Delhi
The Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC) in Delhi will leverage the PARAM Rudra supercomputer to enhance research in material science and atomic physics. This technological advancement will facilitate more in-depth studies and simulations in these fields, promoting innovation and discovery.
3. Cosmology & Earth Sciences: SN Bose Centre in Kolkata
The SN Bose Centre in Kolkata will employ the PARAM Rudra supercomputer to support advanced research in physics, cosmology, and earth sciences. This capability will enable researchers to explore fundamental questions about the universe and our planet, contributing to significant scientific advancements in these areas.
The deployment of PARAM Rudra supercomputers represents a significant advancement in scientific research across India. By enhancing computational capabilities at key institutions like the Giant Metre Radio Telescope, the Inter-University Accelerator Centre, and the S.N. Bose Centre, these systems will facilitate deeper insights into astronomy, material science, atomic physics, and earth sciences. This initiative not only promotes complex analyses and breakthroughs but also fosters international collaborations, positioning India as a vital player in the global scientific community and paving the way for impactful discoveries.
