Panchkula, 6 December (H.S.):

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, on Saturday said that India’s global standing has grown remarkably across all sectors, with the nation now ranking third in the world for start-ups.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the 11th India International Science Festival (IISF) in Panchkula, Dr. Singh highlighted that India currently boasts 1.75 lakh registered start-ups and accounts for 56 percent of total patent filings. He added that with over 1.91 lakh research publications, India is poised to surpass the United States in scientific publications within the next two years.

“All this has been made possible through sustained efforts and an enduring passion for innovation,” he said.Dr. Singh described the festival as the “3Cs”—a unique confluence of Celebration, Communication, and Career.

“Through these three Cs, we can make science accessible to everyone and inspire mass participation in scientific progress,” he remarked.

Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Dr. M. Ravichandran, underlined the IISF’s role as a catalyst for India’s scientific advancement. He thanked the participants and noted that the festival showcases a dynamic platform designed to inspire new ideas for a developed India.

Over the four days, the event will host interactive workshops, research-based competitions, expert mentoring sessions, problem-solving debates, collaborative projects, and live satellite tracking demonstrations.

The 11th edition of the India International Science Festival, being held from December 6 to 9 in Panchkula, will feature exhibitions, business meetings, competitions, and cultural programmes.

IISF 2025 focuses on five major themes:

Science, Technology and Ecology of North-West India and the Himalayan Region

Science for Society and Education

Science and Technology for Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India)

Biotechnology and Bio-Economy

Integration of Modern Science with Traditional Knowledge

The event will also include special sessions for women in science, school students, young entrepreneurs, and early-career researchers, reinforcing its goal of making science inclusive, accessible, and aspirational.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar