Overview On 28 February 2026 , the CSIR‑NPL marked National Science Day (NSD‑2026) with a two‑part programme: a morning National Science Conclave and an afternoon National Science Day Lecture . The events highlighted India’s historic Raman Effect and the contemporary push for Electric Vehicles as a sustainable energy revolution. Key Developments First ever National Science Conclave provided a platform for researchers, students and scientists Best posters received certificates of merit, encouraging interdisciplinary research and young talent. Opening remarks by Prof. Venu Gopal Achanta , Director, CSIR‑NPL, linked the institute’s legacy to the Raman Effect through founding director K.S. Krishnan. Chief Guest Prof. Bhim Singh (Vigyan Shri, ANRF National Science Chair, IIT Delhi) delivered the lecture on the theme “ Electric Vehicle – a Sustainable Energy Revolution”, covering evolution, technology, charging infrastructure and policy roadmap. Guest of Honor Prof. Prateek Sharma, Vice‑Chancellor, Delhi Technological University, emphasized building a repository of societal problems and fostering academia‑research collaboration. Vote of thanks by Dr. Govind Gupta highlighted women’s contributions in catalysis and the institute’s outreach activities. Important Facts The Conclave’s three thematic domains were: Materials Science and Technology (MST) – advanced materials for industry and defence. Physics, Engineering and Metrology (PEM) – includes Quantum Metrology and precision instrumentation. Environment, Health and Chemistry (EHC) – sustainable solutions for public health and environmental protection. More than 150 participants attended, and the event was streamed to a wider academic audience. UPSC Relevance Understanding the role of institutions like CSIR‑NPL is essential for GS1 (Science & Technology) questions on India’s research ecosystem. The celebration of National Science Day underscores the importance of scientific heritage (GS1) and the promotion of science among youth (GS4). The focus on Electric Vehicles aligns with India’s climate commitments, renewable energy targets, and the “Make in India” manufacturing push (GS3). Discussions on Quantum Metrology relate to emerging technologies vital for defence, space and industrial sectors. Way Forward To translate the conclave’s outcomes into policy impact, the following steps are recommended: Institutionalise the National Science Conclave as an annual event to continuously nurture young researchers. Develop a national database of societal challenges, linking academia, research labs and industry for solution‑oriented projects. Strengthen funding for Quantum Metrology and EV research under the National Mission on Transformative Mobility . Promote gender‑inclusive participation in science, building on the highlighted role of women in catalysis at CSIR‑NPL. These measures will reinforce India’s scientific self‑reliance and support sustainable development goals, both key themes in the UPSC syllabus.