• National Science Day is celebrated annually on February 28 to commemorate Sir C.V. Raman’s discovery of the ‘Raman Effect’ (1928), which earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics (1930).

• First observed in 1987, the day promotes scientific awareness, inquiry, and innovation across India.

• The theme for National Science Day 2025 is: ‘Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science & Innovation for Viksit Bharat’.

Objectives of National Science Day:

• Promote scientific awareness in everyday life.

• Showcase India’s achievements in science and technology.

• Encourage innovation and technological development.

• Inspire youth to pursue careers in scientific research.

India’s Scientific Milestones in 2024

1) Global Recognition in Innovation

 • Ranked 39th in the Global Innovation Index 2024.

 • Ranked 6th in global Intellectual Property (IP) filings.

 • Improved from 79th (2019) to 49th (2024) in the Network Readiness Index, reflecting digital transformation progress.

2) Strengthening Research and Innovation

a) Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF):

• Supports inclusive research through PM Early Career Research Grant (PMECRG) and Inclusivity Research Grant (IRG).

b) National Quantum Mission (NQM):

• Investment of Rs 6,003.65 crore to advance quantum computing, communication, and sensing in 43 institutions.

c) National Supercomputing Mission (NSM):

• Increased computational power to 32 PetaFlops in 2024, with a target of 77 PetaFlops using indigenous technology.

• Supercomputers deployed at NCRA-Pune and SN Bose Institute-Kolkata.

d) BharatGen Initiative:

• Developing India’s first multilingual Large Language Model (LLM) for AI applications.

3) Expansion of Geospatial Technology

• Over 6,200 students trained in geospatial technology across seven states.

• Plans to expand training programs in schools and colleges.

4) Advancements in Climate Research & Disaster Preparedness

• Established four Centres of Excellence for risk mapping of floods and droughts.

• Strengthening disaster preparedness and sustainability strategies.

INSPIRE: Encouraging Young Scientists

Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) program nurtures young talent.

Achievements in 2024:

• 34,343 INSPIRE Scholars.

• 3,363 Fellows & 316 Faculty Fellows supported.

• 10,13,157 nominations received for INSPIRE-MANAK competition, focusing on Class 11-12 students.

Bridging the Gender Gap in STEM

• WISE-KIRAN program supports women in scientific research.

• WISE-PhD and Postdoctoral Fellowship programs encourage women to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers.

• Vigyan Jyoti Program inspires young girls to enter STEM fields.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)