While the world awaited the first colour TV in 1928, CV Raman, an Indian scientist made a stunning discovery

India has come a long way since Independence in the development of science and technology. February 28 is celebrated as the National Science Day in India. Indian Space Research Agency prepares for Chandrayaan-2, the country's second mission to the Moon. The indigenous mission comprises of an Orbiter, Lander and Rover. The mission will carry a six-wheeled Rover which will move around the landing site in the semi-autonomous mode as decided by the ground commands. The instruments on the rover will observe the lunar surface and send back data, which will be useful for analysis of the lunar soil. The Chandrayaan-2 would orbit around the moon and perform the objectives of remote sensing the moon.

What makes the mission interesting is that the nearly Rs 800 crore project is cheaper than the production budget of the Hollywood movie 'Interstellar'. Speaking about the mission, K Sivan, ISRO chairman, in an exclusive interview with TOI explained the procedures involved in keeping costs to a minimum. By miniaturising the complex, big system with strict quality control and maximising the output or the product, the space mission was kept cost-effective and frugal, the Chairman said. 

India has come a long way since Independence in the development of science and technology. February 28 is National Science Day in India. The event has been celebrated every year since 1987 to mark the contributions of scientist Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman to the field of science. It was on this day (28 February) in 1928 that he discovered a phenomenon of scattering of photons which was later known as the Raman Effect. For his discovery, Raman was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1930, making it the first Nobel Prize for India in the field of Science.

What is the Raman Effect?

The Raman Effect was a phenomenon first observed by the physicist  CV Raman while working in the lab of the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Kolkata. The phenomenon occurs when there is a change in the wavelength of light when a light beam is deflected by molecules. For example, when a beam of light traverses a dust-free, transparent material, a small fraction of the light emerges in directions apart from the incoming beam. While most of this scattered light is of the same wavelength, some part of it has wavelengths which are different from the incident light. This is known as the Raman Effect.

The current theme for 2018 is 'Science and Technology for Sustainable Future'. Considering that India imports 80 per cent of its oil needs, the fall in crude oil prices in 2014 was regarded as a sign that the country would meet its fiscal deficit targets. While considering crude price movements, the Draft National Energy Policy (DNEP) has acknowledged the need to strengthen renewables, according to an Economic Times report.

On the occasion of National Science Day, National Awards will be conferred on the awardees for 2017 for their contribution in the communication of Science and Technology and promote scientific temper.

Why this day is observed as National Science Day

28 February is celebrated in India every year as National Science Day to spread the message of the importance of scientific applications in the day-to-day life of the people. To explore new horizons and push scientific frontiers further, we need to encourage the nation's youth to develop a passion for science. The government has this noble aim as it, through the Department of Science and Technology, organises events such as Science Week which culminates in National Science Day.

The event displays the achievements in the field of science for the betterment of humanity. The day also is used to discuss issues and implementation of newer technologies for the development of science. (Via timesnow)