108th Indian Science Congress

In News

The Prime Minister of India addressed the 108th Indian Science Congress (ISC).

•  The focal theme of this year’s ISC is “Science and Technology for Sustainable Development with Women Empowerment” which will witness discussions on issues of sustainable development, women empowerment, and the role of science & technology in achieving this.

About Indian Science Congress

•  It is a one-of-its-kind event in the country, bringing together scientists and researchers not just from the premier institutions and laboratories but also science teachers and professors from colleges and universities.
• It offers a platform for their interaction with students and the general public on matters related to science.
• It is organized by the Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA), an independent body functioning with the support of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) in the central government.
• The decline of Science Congress: It has attracted attention for all the wrong reasons — lack of serious discussion, the promotion of pseudoscience, outlandish claims by random speakers, and the absence of useful outcomes. 
  • Most credible scientists now avoid the event.
• Suggested Reforms: A better way to reform the Science Congress could be to develop an alternative forum where top Indian and global scientists could be invited to talk about the latest developments in the scientific world and their impacts on our lives. 
  • Such events are already being organised in many countries, and are extremely popular. 

Source: PIB