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.