National Science Day, 2026

Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Science & Technology

Why in News?

Recently, National Science Day 2026 was observed to honour C.V. Raman’s discovery and highlight India’s latest scientific achievements.

National Science Day (NSD) – It is celebrated every year on 28 February to commemorate the discovery of the ‘Raman Effect’
Designated in –1986, by the Government of India.
Discovery– On 28 February 1928, Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman marked the discovery of the Raman Effect.
- It earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics (1930).
Aim – To promote science communication activities across the country, encouraging scientific inquiry and collaboration.
Conducted by - The Department of Science and Technology (DST), which functions under the Ministry of Science and Technology.

The Raman effect is the change in color (wavelength) of light when it passes through a material and is scattered by its molecules.

Key Highlights, 2026 – Theme – “Women in Science Catalysing Viksit Bharat.”
- Highlights the contribution of women scientists and aims to inspire more girls and women to pursue science careers.

India’s Scientific Achievements (2025)

Growing Global Standing – Ranked 38^th in Global Innovation Index 2025
6th worldwide in intellectual property filings (WIPO).
Improved position in Network Readiness Index.
ISRO Milestones – Over 200 achievements in 2025 and a successful Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) with two satellites in orbit.
Completed 100th launch from Satish Dhawan Space Centre and approved a third launch pad for Gaganyaan and future missions.
Aditya-L1 sent key solar data, and Shubhanshu Shukla returned after an 18-day ISS mission.
Semiconductors and Computing – DHRUV64 – first fully indigenous 64-bit microprocessor by C-DAC.
Vikram 3201 – A processor introduced by ISRO for use in space missions.
India Semiconductor Mission to strengthen chip manufacturing.
National Supercomputing Mission expanded high-performance systems for research in climate, drugs, and materials.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) – AI used in agriculture for monsoon forecasts via SMS.
MadhuNetrAI tool aids early detection of diabetic eye disease.
BharatGen, a multilingual AI model, supports farmers, small sellers, and citizens.
Quantum Computing – QpiAI-Indus, a 25-qubit quantum computer launched by Bengaluru startup QpiAI.
Later, the 64-qubit “Kaveri” processor was introduced.
Research and Youth – RDI Scheme approved with Rs 1 lakh crore to boost private investment in science.
Science outreach expanded through student competitions, mobile science vans, and the INSPIRE-MANAK program.

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