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India celebrated National Science Day on 28th February 2026. This day serves as a national tribute to the scientific temper of the country and commemorates the historic discovery of the 'Raman Effect' by Sir C.V. Raman in 1928.

2026 Theme: "Women in Science: Catalyzing Viksit Bharat"

Historical Context: The Government of India designated 28th February as National Science Day in 1986, with the first celebration held in 1987.

Sir C.V. Raman: A Legacy of Innovation

Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman remains a towering figure in global physics. His work fundamentally altered our understanding of the quantum nature of light.

Key Achievements & Honors

Nobel Prize (1930): He was the first Asian and the first non-White individual to win a Nobel Prize in any scientific field.

Distinctions:

• Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS): 1924
• Knighted: 1929
• Bharat Ratna: 1954
• Lenin Peace Prize: 1957

Institutional Building

Beyond his personal discoveries, Raman was an architect of India’s scientific infrastructure:

• Indian Journal of Physics (1926): Providing a platform for Indian research.
• Indian Academy of Sciences (1934): Promoting the cause of science.
• Raman Research Institute (1948): Established in Bengaluru to foster advanced research.

Understanding the Raman Effect

Discovered in collaboration with K.S. Krishnan, the Raman Effect is the phenomenon where light passing through a transparent material undergoes a change in wavelength due to interaction with molecular vibrations.

Applications of Raman Spectroscopy

The Raman effect is the cornerstone of Raman Spectroscopy, a non-destructive analytical technique used to determine molecular structure. Its modern applications include:

• Chemistry and Materials Science: It is used to identify unknown organic and inorganic compounds by analyzing their vibrational modes. It is also instrumental in characterizing the structure of materials, such as determining the quality of carbon nanotubes, analyzing stress and strain in semiconductors, and identifying different polymorphic forms of chemical substances.
• Medicine and Biology: Because it works effectively in aqueous environments and does not require invasive sample preparation, it is widely used to study proteins, DNA, and other biological tissues. It assists in disease diagnosis by detecting biochemical markers and enables the real-time monitoring of physiological changes at the cellular level.
• Forensic Science: Raman spectroscopy is highly valued for its ability to analyze evidence without destroying it. It can identify trace amounts of illicit drugs, explosives, or hazardous materials, even when they are contained within sealed evidence bags or glass containers.
• Nuclear Science: In the context of nuclear forensics, this technique is utilized for the safe characterization and monitoring of nuclear materials. It helps in identifying the oxidation states and crystal phases of substances like uranium and plutonium oxides, providing critical data for tracking the processing history of nuclear materials without the need for direct handling of radioactive samples.

Indian agriculture, valued at nearly $600 billion, is the backbone of the nation, supporting approximately 45% of the workforce. While it contributes 15–18% to the Gross Value Added (GVA), a significant disparity exists: India produces massive quantities of foodgrains, milk, and vegetables, yet captures only 2.5–3% of the $8 trillion global agri-food trade.

To bridge this gap, India is transitioning from a "Green Revolution" (volume-based) to a "Green-Gold Revolution" (value-based), focusing on market linkages, digitization, and climate resilience.

I. Current Developments Fueling Agricultural Growth

The government is deploying high-tech infrastructure and targeted schemes to modernize the sector.