New Delhi, Feb 11: Union Minister for Science & Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh on Sunday convened the monthly joint meeting of different Science Ministries and Departments at the Science Centre here, wherein among other agenda items, he reviewed the Space Hackathon held last month for the students to sharpen their skills and innovation.
The 30-hour hackathon on space-related challenges like technical issues related to the Geospatial BHUVAN portal was organised as part of the India International Science Festival – 2023 (IISF-2023) held at the DBT THSTI – RCB Campus in Faridabad, Haryana from January 17 to 20, 2024.
Expressing satisfaction at the huge response for the first-of-its-kind Space hackathon, the S&T Minister appreciated the fact that over 4,000 teams were registered in the span of one month. 57 teams were shortlisted for the grand finale at Faridabad.
The high-level joint meeting of different Science Ministries and Departments included representatives from Science & Technology, Biotechnology, CSIR, Earth Sciences, Dept. of Space and Atomic Energy.
Dr Singh was informed that after the conclusion of a gruelling 30-hour hackathon at the IISF venue, the initial jury shortlisted the top 24 teams. The main jury selected 16 teams for the pitch presentation, and finally, four teams were declared winners and their ideas were supported by ISRO. Besides, 11 runners-up were also declared.
Dr Jitendra Singh also commended all the scientific departments for the grand success of the IISF-2023 which saw close to 35,000 participants including more than 11,000 delegates. Seven State S&T Ministers, 27 State officials and Secretaries and 75 delegates also participated in the four-day Science Fest.
The Science Secretaries’ monthly meeting also lauded the Departments for the groundwork involved in the operationalization of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF) with its issue of notification on 5th February 2024. Dr Jitendra Singh suggested that DST could go for the search of Anusandhan NRF Logo.
Dr Jitendra was informed that a demonstration was held for the One portal being designed for all fellowships of various Science Departments. A Security Audit of the portal is now being conducted by NIC before it is launched for the scholars.
The meeting also discussed a proposal for Service conditions of Research Scientists in various Government Departments and Institutions.
The S&T Minister called for the mobilization of the recently set up Science Media Communication Center (SMCC) to raise awareness about new achievements and discoveries/inventions. He directed a Workshop held by all Nodal Officers of Laboratories and Departments for easier flow of newsworthy achievements.
Dr Singh was informed that Brazil, being the G20 Presidency host this year, has called for drafts to formulate the G20 Bioeconomy Initiative and the first Experts Meeting will be held on 13-14 March in Brazil.
The meeting was held as part of the monthly review meetings of Science Secretaries, initiated by Dr Jitendra to break the silos and evolve a synergistic integrated approach among different scientific streams.
Senior Officers of the Science Ministries and Departments, including Science & Technology, Biotechnology, CSIR, Earth Sciences, ISRO and Atomic Energy were also present.
