Overview
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the ICMR concluded the second edition of SHINE on 11–12 August 2026. The programme brought biomedical research to schools in 83 locations across 31 States and Union Territories, reaching thousands of students from Classes 9‑12.
Key Developments
- Mobile BSL‑3 labs on wheels were showcased in Nagpur and Gorakhpur, allowing students to see high‑containment research in action.
- Interactive poster walks, live scientific demonstrations, and hands‑on exercises on BMI calculation and lab hygiene were conducted nationwide.
- Students from Delhi displayed innovations developed in Atal Tinkering Labs, highlighting youth‑driven public‑health solutions.
- The official SHINE website was launched, providing resources and updates for participants.
- A nationwide school competition on real‑world public‑health challenges was announced, with applications open until 11 September 2026.
Important Facts
- Target audience: Students of Classes 9‑12 from remote, rural, and urban schools.
- Geographic spread included remote areas such as Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Jharkhand, Odisha and Madhya Pradesh.
- The mascot “Dr Curio” was used in videos and posters to make science approachable.
- Teachers praised the programme for providing exposure beyond the classroom and urged more frequent editions.
- Participating schools plan to count competition entries toward internal project assessments.
Exam Relevance
The initiative illustrates how the government uses o