New Delhi, March 4 -- On National Science Day each year on 28 February, we rightly celebrate discovery and innovation. India's scientific community has earned that recognition. However, the role of science in national life has changed in ways that are not immediately obvious.

Science is no longer only about discovery. It increasingly shapes how countries make economic and strategic choices-much like it already does for companies.

This is most visible in the climate space.

For India, climate is not a conceptual environmental prediction. It is a reality of the present day. A weak monsoon affects growth.

Heat affects energy demand and human productivity. Extreme weather influences infrastructure design, insurance costs and public spendin...