- Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh felicitated 62 young innovators at the 12th National Level Exhibition and Project Competition (NLEPC). - The NLEPC showcases grassroots innovations developed by school students under the INSPIRE-MANAK scheme, managed by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and National Innovation Foundation (NIF). - Emphasized that school students are successfully turning innovative ideas into marketable products and entrepreneurship, marking a shift toward an indigenous innovation ecosystem. - Highlighting India's rise in the Global Innovation Index (GII) to 39th rank, driven by institutional support for youth-led research and development. - **INSPIRE MANAK scheme:** A flagship program by the Department of Science and Technology and National Innovation Foundation targeting students in classes 6 to 10 to foster original scientific ideas and grassroots entrepreneurship. - **National Level Exhibition and Project Competition (NLEPC):** The apex national exhibition showcasing top science projects and prototypes selected from state-level competitions under the INSPIRE-MANAK initiative. - **Department of Science and Technology (DST):** A department under the Ministry of Science and Technology responsible for promoting new areas of science and technology and coordinating national scientific research. - **National Innovation Foundation (NIF):** An autonomous body under the DST, India, dedicated to supporting grassroots technological innovations and traditional knowledge holders across the country. **Introduction** Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh felicitated 62 young innovators at the 12th National Level Exhibition and Project Competition (NLEPC), highlighting how school students under the INSPIRE-MANAK scheme are converting innovative ideas into commercial products and fostering a culture of grassroots entrepreneurship and scientific temperament in India. **Core Issue and Detailed Points** - Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh felicitated 62 young innovators at the 12th National Level Exhibition and Project Competition (NLEPC). - The NLEPC showcases grassroots innovations developed by school students under the INSPIRE-MANAK scheme, managed by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and National Innovation Foundation (NIF). - Emphasized that school students are successfully turning innovative ideas into marketable products and entrepreneurship, marking a shift toward an indigenous innovation ecosystem. - Highlighting India's rise in the Global Innovation Index (GII) to 39th rank, driven by institutional support for youth-led research and development. **Key Statutory Bodies, Acts & Concepts** - **INSPIRE MANAK scheme:** A flagship program by the Department of Science and Technology and National Innovation Foundation targeting students in classes 6 to 10 to foster original scientific ideas and grassroots entrepreneurship. - **National Level Exhibition and Project Competition (NLEPC):** The apex national exhibition showcasing top science projects and prototypes selected from state-level competitions under the INSPIRE-MANAK initiative. - **Department of Science and Technology (DST):** A department under the Ministry of Science and Technology responsible for promoting new areas of science and technology and coordinating national scientific research. - **National Innovation Foundation (NIF):** An autonomous body under the DST, India, dedicated to supporting grassroots technological innovations and traditional knowledge holders across the country.