The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, today met and interacted with the members of his Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC). This Council renders advice on all matters related to Science, Technology and Innovation and monitors the implementation of the Prime Minister’s vision on these issues.Members of the Council briefed the Prime Minister on various steps being taken to nurture innovation and research in key sectors of science and technology.The Prime Minister emphasized that the fruits of science, technology and innovation must reach the common man, solve common day-to-day problems, and facilitate ease of living for the people of India. In this context, he urged the Council members to work towards establishing strong linkages between the educational institutions, R&D labs, industry and various government departments. He reiterated the need to break silos among academic and research institutions.The Prime Minister called for development of suitable platforms and mechanisms which can identify and nurture scientific talent among schoolchildren, and link them to Atal Tinkering Labs at the district and regional level. In this context, the Prime Minister mentioned some priority areas of research such as raising agricultural income, solutions for chronic and genetic diseases such as sickle cell anaemia, waste management and cyber security.The meeting was attended by Principal Scientific Advisor to the Prime Minister, Prof. K. VijayRaghavan, members of the Council, and senior officers of the Government of India.