Science Policy Convergence on National Day: PSA Ajay K. Sood Highlights Viksit Bharat and Indigenous Tech Push — UPSC Current Affairs | February 28, 2026
Science Policy Convergence on National Day: PSA Ajay K. Sood Highlights Viksit Bharat and Indigenous Tech Push
On National Science Day 2026, Principal Scientific Adviser Prof. Ajay K. Sood and senior officials highlighted the need for a strong science‑policy interface to drive <span class="key-term" data-definition="Viksit Bharat — a vision of a developed, self‑reliant India emphasizing scientific and technological progress (GS3: Science & Technology, GS1: Development)">Viksit Bharat</span>, focusing on indigenous aerospace, defence, critical metals and digital broadcasting technologies, while emphasizing women’s participation and science communication in Indian languages.
Overview The National Science Day 2026 celebration at Vigyan Bhawan brought together the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) Prof. Ajay K. Sood , senior officials of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) , and leaders from the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) . The theme, “Women in Science Catalysing Viksit Bharat ,” underscored the need for a robust science‑policy interface to translate research into national strength. Key Developments The PSA stressed coordinated mechanisms for sectors such as aerospace, defence, critical metals , advanced materials and digital communication. DST Secretary Prof. Abhay Karandikar INSA President Prof. Shekhar C. Mande Technical lectures showcased Made in India Technologies for Aerospace and Defence , a roadmap for critical metals , and Direct to Mobile Broadcasting as India’s next digital leapfrog. Important Facts • The event featured three lectures: (i) “Made in India Technologies for Aerospace and Defence” by Dr. Shubha V. Iyenger , highlighting the indigenous runway‑visibility system “Drishti” (Padma Shri 2026); (ii) “Roadmap & Solutions for Critical Metals” by Dr. K. Balasubramanian , urging a mission‑mode, systems‑based approach; (iii) “Direct to Mobile Broadcasting” by Shri Shashi S. Vempati , outlining collaboration with IIT Kanpur and a startup. • Emphasis was placed on communicating science in Indian languages to broaden public engagement. UPSC Relevance The discussions map directly onto GS‑3 (Science & Technology) and GS‑1 (India’s development challenges). Understanding the science‑policy interface is crucial for answering questions on technology self‑reliance, strategic sectors, and the role of women in STEM. The focus on indigenous technology aligns with recent UPSC essay topics on “Self‑Reliant India”. Way Forward • Institutionalise regular platforms for scientists and policymakers to co‑design missions in aerospace, defence, and critical metals. • Strengthen funding mechanisms that bridge frontier research with commercial translation, especially for women researchers. • Expand science communication in regional languages to foster inclusive public participation. • Adopt a mission‑mode, systems‑based approach for strategic non‑ferrous metals to ensure rapid scale‑up for space, defence, and nuclear applications.
National Science Day celebrated on 28 Feb 2026 with the theme ‘Women in Science catalysing Viksit Bharat’.
Principal Scientific Adviser Prof. Ajay K. Sood highlighted coordinated mechanisms for aerospace, defence, critical metals and digital communication.
DST Secretary Prof. Abhay Karandikar and INSA President Prof. Shekhar C. Mande stressed evidence‑based policy and women scientists’ empowerment.
Indigenous runway‑visibility system ‘Drishti’ (Padma Shri 2026) showcased in the ‘Made in India Technologies for Aerospace & Defence’ lecture.
Mission‑mode, systems‑based roadmap for critical metals and Direct‑to‑Mobile Broadcasting (collaboration with IIT Kanpur) were announced.
Emphasis on science communication in regional Indian languages to broaden public engagement.
Background & Context
The event underscored the science‑policy interface – a crucial mechanism for translating frontier research into national strength, aligning with the Viksit Bharat vision of a self‑reliant India. It also highlighted gender inclusivity in STEM as a driver of sustainable development.
UPSC Syllabus Connections
GS3•Developments in science and technology and their applicationsGS2•Government policies and interventions for developmentEssay•Economy, Development and InequalityEssay•Science, Technology and SocietyPrelims_GS•National Current AffairsPrelims_GS•Science and Technology ApplicationsGS1•Poverty and Developmental IssuesGS3•Inclusive Growth and issues arising from itGS3•IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and IPR
Mains Answer Angle
In a GS‑3 answer, candidates can discuss how strengthening the science‑policy nexus can accelerate indigenous technology, reduce import dependence and empower women scientists, linking it to the broader Viksit Bharat agenda.