UPSC Exam Preparation: Topic of the Day – India International Science Festival 2017
Taking cognizance of the importance of technology and innovation, India has declared 2010-2020 as the ‘Decade of Innovation’. To encourage scientific temper and in order to showcase India’s contribution in the field of Science and Technology over the years, India International Science Festival (IISF) is being organized every year since 2015 by the Ministry of Science and Technology along with Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA) and Ministry of Earth Sciences. The theme for the festival is ‘Science for New India’. The two editions of IISF prior to 2017 were held at New Delhi and have known to be successful. The third edition is planned to be organized at Chennai in October. The science festival intends to make innovation beneficial for the people and develop technology that is affordable to the masses. It aims at building strategies for rural India through the development of Science and Technology to improve the living conditions of the people.
- The festival would include activities like industry academia interaction, grassroot innovator’s summit, national level competitions for Bharat Nirman, Science and technology minister’s conclave etc.
- A special thematic session on deep ocean research will also be held at the festival. This is to popularize the National Mission on Deep Ocean Research, planned to be launched by the Government of India, which will bring in huge economic benefits by harnessing the ocean resources (water, energy and minerals).
- The Science and technology minister’s conclave at IISF 2017 will provide a platform for the participating countries to exchange their technological and scientific priorities that will help in developing a roadmap for scientific cooperation with focus on technology transfer, capacity building, internships, data sharing, fellowships etc.
- ‘Science for India’ is intended to provide opportunities to technocrats, scientists and students from all over the nation for brainstorming ideas in line with the flagship programmes of the Government of India, such as the Swachch Bharat Abhiyan, Namami Gange, Unnat Bharat Abhiyan etc.
- The IISF is intended to go a long way in delivering the goal of imparting ‘spirit of enquiry’ among the public.
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