S&T Minister Jitendra Singh Chairs Strategic Meeting on Science Advancements & Innovations
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 12th Feb. Union Minister for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, chaired the monthly joint meeting of various Science Ministries and Departments in New Delhi on Sunday.
Among the agenda items discussed was a review of the recent Space Hackathon, which aimed to hone students’ skills and foster innovation in space-related challenges.
The Space Hackathon, held last month as part of the India International Science Festival – 2023 (IISF-2023), garnered significant attention, with over 4,000 teams registering within a month. Fifty-seven teams were shortlisted for the grand finale, showcasing their solutions to technical issues related to the Geospatial BHUVAN portal.
Expressing satisfaction at the overwhelming response to the inaugural Space Hackathon, Dr. Jitendra Singh appreciated the efforts of all involved. Following a rigorous 30-hour competition, sixteen teams were selected for pitch presentations, and four were declared winners. These winning ideas will receive support from ISRO, marking a significant step towards fostering innovation in the space sector.
In addition to the Space Hackathon, the meeting applauded the success of the IISF-2023, which attracted nearly 35,000 participants, including delegates from various states. Dr. Jitendra Singh commended the scientific departments for their contributions to the event’s success.
Furthermore, discussions centered on the operationalization of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF), with a notification issued on February 5, 2024. Dr. Jitendra Singh suggested the exploration of an NRF logo by DST and emphasized the importance of a forthcoming portal for all fellowships across different science departments, currently undergoing a security audit.
The meeting also addressed proposals regarding the service conditions of research scientists in government departments and institutions. Dr. Jitendra Singh urged the mobilization of the newly established Science Media Communication Center (SMCC) to disseminate information about scientific achievements effectively.
Moreover, attention was drawn to Brazil’s hosting of the G20 Presidency and its call for drafts to formulate the G20 Bioeconomy Initiative. The first Experts Meeting on this initiative is scheduled for March 13-14 in Brazil.
The meeting reflects Dr. Jitendra Singh’s commitment to fostering collaboration and synergy among various scientific disciplines.
Key officials including Dr. Ajay K Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, and Secretaries from DSIR, CSIR, DST, DBT, and the Ministry of Earth Sciences, participated in the deliberations, underscoring the importance of collective efforts in advancing science and technology.
This monthly review initiative continues to break silos and promote an integrated approach to scientific endeavors, ensuring India’s continued progress on the global stage.
