“Central Secretariat Services in the Govt of India, established 107 years ago, are the backbone of the administrative structure. They are the ground workers, who script success stories of the government in place. To ensure for them motivation to perform in a work-friendly environment is,therefore, our collective responsibility. In a complete departure from the status quoist approach of the earlier governments, #DoPT, under the leadership of PM Sh @NarendraModi ji, took a pathbreaking decision of clearing the backlog of thousands of stranded promotions by ordering mass promotions, so as to keep the employees motivated by avoiding stagnation in services”. Central Secretariat Services 107th #CSSDay2026 New Delhi

Walked around the Exhibition and interacted with students and #StartUps on the sidelines of the “IIT Kanpur Samanvay 2026” at #BharatMandapam, #NewDelhi. Highlighting student-led innovations and showcasing 20+ cutting-edge and Deep-tech technologies, the event brought together 200+ leaders from Industry to foster collaborations.

At the 8th "India–UK Science and Innovation Council" (SIC) meeting , being held in New Delhi this time, witnessed the participation of a large British contingent led by the Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds , Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Trade, and including Ms. Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India; Mr. Ben Mellor, Deputy High Commissioner to India; Ms. Amanda Brooks, Interim Permanent Secretary, Department for Business, Innovation and Trade; Mr. Harjinder Kang, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner; and Mr. Rhys Bowen, International Director, Department for Business, Innovation and Trade, along with other representatives of the UK’s science, research and innovation ecosystem. The last "India–UK Science and Innovation Council" (SIC) meeting was held in London in 2023 where I was accompanied by the Principal Scientific Advisor as well as Secretaries of different Science Ministries in the Govt of India. The hallmark of today's meeting was the inauguration of the "BRIC-CDFD–ONT India Genomics Centre of Excellence". The Council’s broader cooperation agenda builds on the "India–UK Research and Innovation Memorandum of Understanding", the "Technology Security Initiative" and "India–UK Vision 2035". Industry-led research and technology commercialisation remain important areas of engagement.

My address at the INSPIRE-MANAK award function at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, felicitating 62 young outstanding innovators among school children, from Class 6 to 12, from across India, selected through a national level competition. Key Takeaways: "Today, school students from across the country, including Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, are seen not only creating novel innovations , but also demonstrating entrepreneurial skill to translate their ideas into marketable products and business ventures. 25 students had already taken their products to market, while around 250 intellectual property rights had been generated by young innovators. Some students were earning lakhs of rupees while still in school. Equally amazing is the geographical diversity of participants, from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to Jammu & Kashmir and from Mizoram to Mumbai, as well as the variety of projects covering agriculture, healthcare, environmental protection, accessibility, energy, water conservation, safety and improving everyday life for older people.   Several of the projects presented at the exhibition, addressed everyday challenges through scientific and technological solutions. These included, for instance, an AI-based alcohol detection system designed to switch off the vehicle engine when the driver is detected having consumed alcohol , or an ultrasonic washing machine that can save water with better washing, or a device designed to deter stray dogs through vibrations, or an assistive technology for visually impaired students, or a tracking walking stick etc. In the last one decade, the government has initiated several programmes for mentorship of such talented children to enable them to recognise their strengths, refine their ideas and navigate the journey from an initial concept to a practical application and finally a market product. I also propose that the future edition of the programme include a dedicated session in which young innovators could speak directly about their work and experiences".

“INSPIRE-MANAK Awards for school children are decided through a very scientifically designed All India competition…” #BharatMandapam #DST, Ministry of Science and Technology

My Address at the 13th "All India Sustainable Mountain Development Summit", at #SKUAST, #Srinagar. Key Takeaways: "2,500 km long Himalayan range, extending from Ladakh and J&K to Northeast, stands as a strong wall guarding the entire northern margin of the Z Indian subcontinent. At the same time, this majestic mountain serves as a cradle to large rivers , beautiful springs and vast snow glaciers, with a steep slope regulating the water flow. Ironically, this dynamism and grandeur of Himalayas itself sometimes amplifies into adversities like flash floods, landslides and climate challenges. Hence, the need for safeguards. Preserving the Himalayas and the Himalayan ecosystem is, therefore, a national responsibility, and every citizen has a stake. Ministry of Science & Technology, Govt of India, has initiated the 'National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem', as a part of the 'National Action Plan on Climate Change'. Three centres have been identified at the University of Kashmir, Sikkim University and Tezpur University to strengthen research on climate change and the Himalayan ecosystem. The first ever capacity building programme in Glaciology has also been initiated in Jammu & Kashmir and a pilot study has been initiated by the Wadia Institute Dehradun in 10 villages of J&K. Aroma Mission and Purple Revolution, originating from Bhaderwah, have given J&K a national identity. PM Sh @narendramodi ji mentioned it in Mann Ki Baat and Republic Day Tableau showcased it at Kartavya Path.

Thanks #SKUAST-K Vice-Chancellor, Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai and the faculty, for kind felicitation during the 3-day “All India Sustainable Mountain Development Summit”. #Srinagar

#Srinagar: Arrived at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir #SKUAST-K for the 13th “All India Sustainable Mountain Development Summit”, focusing on “Contouring Sustainable Himalayan Landscapes for Inclusive Viksit Bharat.” A vital platform to advance sustainable mountain development, protect the Himalayan ecosystem and empower mountain communities. Thanks for the warm welcome Vice Chancellor Prof Nazir A Ganai, Secretary Science & Technology Govt of J&K Smt Babila Rakwal, faculty and eminent scholars and participants from across the country.

Launched the redeveloped Websites of the Department of Science & Technology #DST and the Ministry of Science & Technology. The new websites are citizen-friendly based on the principle of citizen-first, multilingual in 22 languages, and offer a single-window platform for research grants, fellowships, scientific schemes as well as opportunities for students, researchers, StartUps, common citizens etc. The redesigned information architecture enables users to locate relevant information more efficiently, including eligibility criteria, application guidelines, calls for proposals, awards, results and official notifications. By bringing these resources together in a structured format, the portals aim to reduce the effort required to navigate government information and strengthen public participation in India’s science and technology ecosystem. The initiative advances a more inclusive and citizen-centric digital environment, and embodies PM Sh @NarendraModi’s vision of “Science by the People, Science for the People”.