The Department of Science and Technology (DST) is the nodal agency in India for formulating and implementing policies related to astronomy.

The government policies on astronomy data and information sharing aim to promote research and development in astronomy, facilitate collaboration among astronomers, and ensure the availability of astronomy data to the public.

Open access to astronomy data is a key principle of the government policies on astronomy data and information sharing. This means that astronomy data should be made available to the public without any restrictions.

ISRO plays a crucial role in astronomy data and information sharing by collecting and archiving astronomy data, developing data sharing platforms, and promoting research and development in astronomy.

The Indian Astronomy Data Centre (IADC), National Virtual Observatory (NVO), and AstroSat Data Archive are all examples of government-funded astronomy data sharing platforms in India.

Data quality standards are essential in astronomy data and information sharing to ensure the accuracy and reliability of astronomy data, facilitate data interoperability, and enable data reuse and analysis.

IVOA standards, FITS standard, and VOEvent standard are all commonly used data quality standards in astronomy.

Data security measures are crucial in astronomy data and information sharing to protect astronomy data from unauthorized access, prevent data loss or corruption, and ensure compliance with data protection regulations.

Encryption, authentication, and authorization are all examples of data security measures used in astronomy.

Sharing astronomy data and information accelerates research and discovery, promotes collaboration among astronomers, and enhances public understanding of astronomy.

Astronomy data and information sharing face challenges such as data volume and complexity, data quality and standardization, and data security and privacy.

Astronomers can contribute to the effective implementation of government policies on astronomy data and information sharing by following data quality standards, adhering to data sharing agreements, and promoting open access to astronomy data.

International collaboration plays a vital role in astronomy data and information sharing by facilitating data sharing across borders, promoting joint research projects, and enhancing the global understanding of astronomy.

The International Virtual Observatory Alliance (IVOA), Square Kilometre Array (SKA), and Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) are all examples of international collaborations in astronomy data and information sharing.

The public can access astronomy data and information shared by government agencies through online data portals, by submitting data requests, and by attending public outreach events.