Important Facts of the News
- Event: India International Science Festival (IISF 2025)
- Duration: 4 days (6 December to 9 December 2025)
- Venue: Chandigarh
- Review meeting chaired by Dr. Jitendra Singh on 02 November 2025 at 4:29 PM (PIB Delhi timestamp)
- Previous review meeting date: 29 September 2025
- Key speaker at review: Dr. Jitendra Singh (Minister of State, Independent Charge for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space)
- Theme focus: science-led governance, innovation, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, deep tech, AI, biotechnology, quantum technologies, clean energy
- Senior officials in attendance: Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood; Dr. M. Ravichandran; Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty; Prof. Abhay Karandikar; Dr. Rajesh Gokhale; Dr. N. Kalaiselvi
- Vijnana Bharati representatives were present at the meeting
From policy-following to science-led policymaking
Dr. Singh highlighted that government action increasingly follows scientific guidance rather than science awaiting policy direction. He described the present approach as one where science and technology directly influence policy priorities and implementation across sectors.
Enabling environment for innovation
The minister noted that government functions mainly as an enabler, creating conditions where private industry, startups and young innovators can advance work in Deep Tech, Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology, Quantum technologies and Clean Energy. IISF 2025 will, he said, be a stage to display contributions from ministries, academia, industry and entrepreneurial ventures.
Showcasing Aatmanirbhar Bharat through science and technology
IISF 2025 is intended to spotlight India’s progress toward technological self-reliance. The festival will present achievements across key areas that the government identifies as pillars of national self-sufficiency, while also serving as a forum for scientific exchange and collaboration.
Who attended the review
The review meeting included senior science and technology officials: Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood (Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India); Dr. M. Ravichandran (Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences); Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty (Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy); Prof. Abhay Karandikar (Secretary, Department of Science & Technology); Dr. Rajesh Gokhale (Secretary, Department of Biotechnology); and Dr. N. Kalaiselvi (Secretary, Department of Scientific & Industrial Research and Director General, CSIR). Representatives from Vijnana Bharati also participated.