Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure (FIST)

Context: FISTAB S&T advisory board meeting highlights need for focusing on supporting interdisciplinary problems & translational research.

• "Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure (FIST)" Scheme is an initiative of the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India.
• The Scheme is intended to provide basic infrastructure and enabling facilities for promoting R&D activities in new and emerging areas and attracting fresh talents in universities & other educational institutions.

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1691482

Sree Narayana Gurudev

Context: Vice President pays his respects to Sree Narayana Gurudev - ‘one of the most influential saints of modern India’.

• Narayana Guru propagated India’s unique vision of harmony, peaceful coexistence and respect for diversity.
• Narayana Guru was a philosopher, spiritual leader and social reformer in India.
• He was born into a family that belonged to the Ezhava caste.
• He led a reform movement against the injustice in the caste-ridden society of Kerala in order to promote spiritual enlightenment and social equality.
• Narayana Guru organized an All-Region Conference in 1923 at Alwaye Advaita Ashram, which was reported to be first such event in India.
• He propagated the ideals of compassion and religious tolerance.
• His writings in "Anukampadasakam" extol various religious figures such as Krishna, The Buddha, Adi Shankara, Jesus Christ.

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1691265