PARAM is an Indian series of supercomputers. Which organisation developed the first PARAM supercomputer?

Introduction / Context:
India entered the field of high performance computing with its own line of supercomputers named PARAM. These systems were developed in response to restrictions on importing foreign supercomputers. Knowing which institution created PARAM is part of basic general knowledge about Indian achievements in computer technology. This question tests your awareness of that key organisation and its contribution to advanced computing in India.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• PARAM refers to a family of Indian supercomputers.
• The development occurred within India by a specific organisation.
• Options list several well known Indian institutions involved in science and technology.
• We assume awareness of basic Indian science and technology history.

Concept / Approach:
The first PARAM supercomputer, PARAM 8000, was developed by C-DAC, the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing, an autonomous scientific society under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. C-DAC was set up specifically to build indigenous supercomputers and promote advanced computing research. While IITs and research centres like BARC and ISRO contribute significantly to science and engineering, they did not develop the PARAM line. Thus, the correct answer is C-DAC.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Historical summaries of Indian computing achievements list PARAM 8000 as a milestone built by C-DAC in the early 1990s. Government announcements and official C-DAC documents highlight PARAM as one of their flagship projects. Articles about supercomputing in India mention that C-DAC led the effort after the United States refused to supply Cray supercomputers. IITs, BARC and ISRO are mentioned as users or collaborators but not as the primary developers of PARAM. This consistent attribution in reliable sources verifies that C-DAC is the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• IIT Kanpur: A prestigious engineering institute engaged in research and education, but not the developer of the PARAM series.
• BARC (Bhabha Atomic Research Centre): Focuses on nuclear science and engineering; while it uses powerful computers, it did not create PARAM.
• IIT Delhi: Another top engineering institute with strong computing research but not responsible for the PARAM supercomputers.
• ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation): Indias space agency uses high performance computing for simulations, but it did not develop the PARAM line.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes assume that large research organisations like ISRO or BARC developed all major Indian technologies, including supercomputers. Others may guess one of the IITs because of their reputation in computer science education. To avoid this, remember that C-DAC was created with a specific mandate to develop advanced computing technology. PARAM is closely tied to C-DAC, just as rockets and satellites are tied to ISRO. Associating each major project with its parent organisation helps in answering many general knowledge questions correctly.

Final Answer:
The PARAM supercomputer series was developed by C-DAC (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing).