August 2021 30/- A CSIR Publication

Message from Union S&T Minister Dr Jitendra Singh

Special Contributions ▶▶ Dr K. VijayRaghavan Principal Scientific Adviser ▶▶ Dr Ashutosh Sharma Azadi Ka Amrit Secretary, DST ▶▶ Dr M. Rajeevan Mahotsav Secretary, MoES ▶▶ Dr K. Sivan Secretary, Space ▶▶ Dr Shekhar C. Mande Secretary, DSIR ▶▶ Dr Trilochan Mohapatra Secretary, DARE ▶▶ Dr Balram Bhargava 75 Years of S&T Secretary, DHR ▶▶ Dr Renu Swarup Progress Secretary, DBT ▶▶ Dr G. Satheesh Reddy Independent Secretary, Defence R&D ▶▶ Shri K.N. Vyas India’s Remarkable Secretary, Atomic Energy Journey Vol. 58 No. 8 August 2021 ISSN: 2582-6492 (Online) ISSN 0036-8512 (Print) Science National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR) R E P O R T E R Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR)

CONTENTS

SPECIAL CONTRIBUTIONS

Some Leaders Who Helped Shape Science in India And Who Left Us Recently K. VijayRaghavan 9

Message from Union S&T Celebrating 75 Years of India’s Minister Dr Jitendra Singh S&T Journey Major Recent Contributions of 8 DST Ashutosh Sharma, Akhilesh Gupta & Jenice Jean Goveas 16

From Sounding Rocket to Launch Vehicles Achievements of Department of Space K. Sivan 24

APPLE Satellite Changing the Tide in Public Health Systems in 75 Years Role of ICMR Balram Bhargava & Rajni Kant The Journey of Building 32 Defence Technological Capability G. Satheesh Reddy 75 Years of India’s 57 Independence and 80 Years of CSIR Shekhar C. Mande, Geetha Vani Rayasam & G. Mahesh Indian Agriculture Journey from Begging 38 Bowl to Sustainable Food Security Trilochan Mohapatra & P.K. Rout Department of Atomic Energy A Proud Symbol of AatmaNirbhar 63 Bharat K.N. Vyas & M. Ramanamurthi DBT Building a Strong Biotechnology 45 Research & Translation Ecosystem Renu Swarup Ministry of Earth Sciences & A. Vamsi Krishna Contributing Towards a Weather- 70 ready & Climate-smart India M. Rajeevan, Gopal Iyengar & Bhavya Khanna Reforms & Action Points to 51 Strengthen STI Ecosystem in India Ashok A. Sonkusare, Seepana Mohit Rao & Neeraj Sinha 77 Editorial

INDIA’S 75 YEARS S&T JOURNEY Science EVERY time an Indian spacecraft soars into the skies or a long-range indigenous missile R E P O R T ER hits its target several kilometres away with pinpoint accuracy, our hearts fill with pride. India-made spacecraft and missiles have become symbols of the grand success of science and technology in a country that gained independence just about seven decades back. But, DIRECTOR beyond spacecraft and missiles, there is much more to the success in science and technology DR RANJANA AGGARWAL that India has achieved despite battling several odds. And so, it is with the intention of showcasing just a snapshot of the achievements of EDITOR the Indian scientific community and scientific institutions during the past seven decades HASAN JAWAID KHAN that this special issue is being brought out. The issue has been planned on the occasion of ASSISTANT EDITOR the initiation of the year-long programme by the Government of India – Azadi ka Amrit SONALI NAGAR Mahotsav – to commemorate 75 years of India’s Independence. MEHER WAN At the time of Independence, India inherited a shattered economy, no worthwhile infrastructure for the development of science and technology, no sound industrial base, LAYOUT & DESIGN abysmally low agricultural production and almost non-existent health services. Imported NEERU VIJAN foodgrains fed the people. Famines were chronic. The country led a “ship to mouth” MANENDER SINGH existence. However, today as we initiate the celebrations of 75 years of the country’s independence, PRODUCTION we look back with pride at the innumerable occasions when India’s scientists innovated, ASHWANI KUMAR BRAHMI devised ingenious processes, and came up with practical solutions for the industry on one side ARUN UNIYAL of the spectrum and the country’s rural and remote areas on the other end of the spectrum. ANIL KUMAR Most of us have heard these success stories…these are stories that cannot be forgotten… these are stories that swell our chests with pride every time we hear them. BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT For instance, when multinationals tried to make us believe that powdered milk food could DR MOHAMMAD RAIS not be made from buffalo milk, Indian scientists came up with the technology of spray-drying fat-rich buffalo milk which could then be converted to powdered milk food. Similarly, when denied the services of a top-end supercomputer for research and meteorological purposes, India developed its own supercomputers that today compete with the global best at a fraction of the cost. The space story is not much different. Despite technology denials at various points of time, the Indian space programme has notched up enviable successes placing it among the top space programmes in the world. This special issue of Science Reporter centred round the theme “75 Years of S&T in India – Retrospect and Prospects” is not an exhaustive account of the successes and achievements of the Indian scientific community and scientific institutions, but strives to provide a glimpse into some of the innumerable S&T developments in the country after independence. We are indeed grateful to the Hon’ble Union Minister for S&T Dr Jitendra Singh for graciously agreeing to write a message for the special issue. We are also grateful to the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India and nine science Secretaries to the Government of India – DST, DBT, Earth Sciences, Space, Health, DSIR, Atomic Energy, COVER DESIGN Defence, and Agriculture – for honouring our request and supporting our endeavour to MANENDER SINGH come out with a publication to showcase India’s S&T prowess. Hasan Jawaid Khan

Science Reporter is published monthly by the National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR), CSIR, Dr K S Krishnan Marg, New Delhi-110 012. NIScPR assumes no responsibility for statements and opinions advanced by the authors or for any claims made in the advertisements published in Science Reporter. For Editorial Queries: Ph.: 91-011-25848702; Email: [email protected]; Fax: 91-011-25847062 For Sales & Subscription Related Queries: Ph.: 91-011-25841647, 25846301 Extn. 289; Email: [email protected] ; [email protected] For Advertisement Related Queries: Ph.: 91-011-25843359,291; Email: [email protected]; Website: http://www.niscair.res.in Subscription: Inland: 1 yr: Rs 300/-; 2 yrs: Rs 570/-; 3 yrs: Rs 810/- Foreign: 1 yr (Air Mail): US $ 90 (Annual) © National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR)

August 2021 | Science Reporter | 7 MESSAGE Dr Jitendra Singh Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences Minister of State PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space

INDIA has had an ancient scientific legacy spanning fields such as astronomy, medicine, surgery, mathematics, metallurgy — some of it documented, much of it undocumented. After years of being under foreign rule, it was this embedded scientific spirit and technological acumen of India’s scientists, technologists, science administrators and policymakers that helped the country catapult itself to becoming a world scientific power to reckon with so soon after it gained independence in 1947. Today, as we enter into the 75th year of India’s Independence, it is appropriate that we appreciate, assess and evaluate our scientific prowess and achievements. Some recent global indicators are especially noteworthy. India today has attained the 3rd global ranking in terms of research publications and is globally at number 9 in the quality of research publications in the world’s reputed and recognised SCI Journals. The country has featured within the top 50 innovative economies globally (at 48th rank) as per Global Innovation Index (GII). India has also been consistently making its presence felt as a member of leading international scientific coalitions – in fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Astronomy, Solar Energy, Climate Research, and as amply demonstrated recently, in global vaccine research, development and supply. India was even elected as Chair of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Executive Board recently. While these developments are indeed praiseworthy and make us feel proud, there is still much that awaits for the country to be achieved. The role of the Indian scientific community and its scientific institutions is precisely cut out — to make the country truly “AatmaNirbhar” and come up with scientific and technological solutions to problems that not only Indians face but also ones that plague the global citizens. The time is opportune for this to happen — the present government has given a special filip to S&T in keeping with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s special focus on Science and Technology. However, for this to happen, the Indian scientific establishment will have to reorient its functioning. I have said this at many fora and would like to reiterate once again that the scientists of different Ministries and Departments should further enhance collaboration in the field of Research & Development so that our dependence on imports can be reduced considerably. Science Ministries and Departments should stop working in isolation and enter into active collaborations to make the scientific endeavour more citizen-centric. And today, with several industries and corporate houses engaging in excellent R&D, the scientific institutions should actively look for and further streamline and strengthen collaborations and networking with them. The celebration of the 75th year of India’s Independence should be an occasion for the scientific enterprise in the country to resolve to come together to work for the country’s progress. It is, however, also an occasion to celebrate what science and scientists have contributed to India all these years. And so, I congratulate Science Reporter and the CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) for putting together this special issue that seeks to showcase the growth of India’s scientific institutions during the past 75 years and the excellent contribution of the Indian scientific community to the country’s progress. I take this opportunity to wish India’s scientists and scientific establishments more strength in the days and years to come.

Dr Jitendra Singh

8 | Science Reporter | August 2021 SOME LEADERS WHO HELPED SHAPE SCIENCE IN INDIA AND WHO LEFT US RECENTLY

Prof. K. VijayRaghavan Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India

HE COVID-19 pandemic has Mitra, and Dr Shailja Vaidya Gupta for Prof. Shashikumar wreaked havoc in India and all the concept and content. Madhusudan Chitre over the world. Many scientists The Prime Minister Shri Narendra T (7 May 1936-11 January 2021) passed away in 2020 and 2021; some Modi, when he addressed the nation due to COVID-19 complications and during Mann Ki Baat on National some due to other causes. When we Science Day 2021 said: Prof. Shashikumar Madhusudan lose people in our communities, we Chitre, known as Kumar Chitre to his always meet to share memories and friends, was born in Bandra, Mumbai to grieve. This pandemic has not only “The way we know of other (then Bombay) in 1936. He did his killed many but has also disrupted our scientists of the world, in the schooling in Mumbai itself and went to grieving and mourning and made these same way, we should also obtain a B.A. in Mathematics from the a remote exercise. We should not let know about the scientists of Elphinstone College, Mumbai, in 1956. this de-humanising of interactions — India... I definitely would He then won the Duke of Edinburgh a compulsion of the times — become want that our youth know, Scholarship to study at Cambridge, St. the new normal. It is important that understand and read a lot Peter’s College (Peterhouse) where he we remember each of these lives and about the history of science obtained the Mathematical Tripos in celebrate them while mourning their of India; about our scientists 1959. While at Peterhouse, he wrote departure and being supportive of as well.” an essay on “Why are sunspots dark?” family and friends. It is in that spirit that for his final Tripos. Reading this, Fred this collection — not comprehensive, Hoyle suggested he develop this into a not complete — is to be viewed. Here are a few who left us but not PhD thesis and this earmarked a life- I would like to acknowledge the before they gave us lessons, we will live long affair with the Sun. For his PhD, support and efforts of my colleagues by and not without leaving an impact on he moved to Churchill College and was Dr H.S. Sudhira, Gubbilabs, Dr Siuli the global scientific community. neighbours with Stephen Hawking.

August 2021 | Science Reporter | 9 eldest son of RL Narasimhaiah and ‘Kumar’ Chitre was a scholar, scientist, and a thoughtful colleague. There Leelavati. His father was a professor in was, and still is, collegiality, and only a modest level of hierarchy at the [Tata Physics at Bengaluru’s Central College Institute of Fundamental Research] and, much interaction over tea, across and among one of the early science disciplines. Kumar nucleated these with his understated wit and insights. communicators in Kannada. His father At a personal level, I owe him a lot. My Molecular Biology Unit PhD had a significant influence on Roddam. interview, which had him on the panel, focused on fluid mechanics, of which His younger brother, Prof. RR Simha I had a very modest understanding; and not on biology, of which I had no was a mathematician and a faculty at training, poor knowledge, and no understanding. TIFR, Mumbai. He is also known My fortuitous entry into TIFR, a scientific paradise, a biology questioner for his work on Simha – Narasimhan would not have permitted, was facilitated by this gentle and understanding measures on Riemann surfaces. interviewer… A big loss. Narasimha studied in Acharya - Prof. K. VijayRaghavan tweeted Pathashala, Bengaluru, the same school where Prof. CNR Rao also studied as batchmates. He later went on to obtain a Bachelor of Engineering degree His PhD thesis was on the structure of his group was in the mapping of in Mechanical Engineering from the Sunspots with Fred Hoyle. differential rotation of the solar interior University Visvesvaraya College of Chitre then worked as a Lecturer and the measurement of heavy element Engineering in Bengaluru. After his at the University of Leeds and then abundances in the solar interior. He was graduation, he was initially unsure and went to Caltech for his post-doctoral also interested in gravitational lensing one visit to IISc (then, Tata Institute) research. While at Caltech, a meeting and carried out studies through his changed the course of his life. When with S.K. Bhattacharjee, a nuclear students. During his research career, he visited for the first time, he was physicist from TIFR, resulted in him he collaborated with his colleagues at mesmerized with the Spitfire aircraft applying to TIFR for a position in TIFR and abroad as well. that was on display in front of the 1966, the year when Homi Bhabha had After his retirement at TIFR as a Department of Aerospace at IISc, which passed away in an accident. However, Senior Professor in 2001, he shifted Prof. MGK Menon, the Director of his focus to science communication TIFR then, offered him a position and and outreach. He was instrumental in Chitre came back to Mumbai in 1967 to setting up the Centre for Excellence spend the rest of his life. in Basic Sciences, for which he was During his career at TIFR, the Academic Chairperson, until his he primarily worked on the demise. Chitre received numerous magnetohydrodynamics of the Sun. honours during his vast career. He was One of the major contributions from a Fellow of the Third World Academy of Sciences, Royal Astronomical Society, and all three Indian science academies. He also served as the President of the Astronomical Society of India. He was also awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2012. Chitre also served on the board of Trustees of JN Tata Trust and worked as an Honorary Executive Director of Homi Bhabha Fellowship Council. Chitre died on 11 January 2021, aged 84.

Prof. Roddam Narasimha

(20 July 1933-14 December 2020) helped him to resolve his decision to pursue studies at IISc. He obtained a Prof. Roddam Narasimha was an Master's (then, Diploma) in 1955 and eminent scientist who worked on worked under Prof. Satish Dhawan. On aerospace and particularly on fluid Prof. Dhawan’s insistence, he went to dynamics. He was also referred to as Caltech to pursue his doctoral research Roddam in professional circles and under Hans Liepmann, which he Simha in family circles. He was the obtained in 1961. He returned to IISc

10 | Science Reporter | August 2021 “Deeply pained by the demise of noted aerospace scientist Prof. Roddam holding several positions including Narasimha today who contributed immensely to space technology. His that of the Director during 1980-1997. research in parallel processing, aerospace electronics, surface technologies, She has also contributed her efforts and computational fluid dynamics, leadership at National Aerospace as a member of many national and Laboratories, and policy contributions to aerospace technology proved to international committees. be the stepping-stones to make India self-reliant in civil aviation. Indian Dr Shanta was born on 11 March science is indebted for his remarkable contributions to many of India’s 1927, in Chennai in an illustrious major scientific programs from issues of climate change, the design and family that boasted of two Nobel development of civilian aircraft programs, and of the Light Combat Aircraft, Laureates, C.V. Raman (grand uncle) Tejas. His passing away creates a void in the scientific community globally and S. Chandrasekar (uncle). She and in India.” studied at the National Girls High School, Chennai. Completing her pre- - Prof. K. VijayRaghavan wrote in his obituary for Prof. Narasimha university course at Presidency College in Madras, India, Dr Shanta went on in 1962 as a faculty that he remained Dr V. Shanta to pursue her ambition to become a until his retirement in 1999. While at doctor. She then graduated in MBBS (11 March 1927-19 January 2021) IISc, he was instrumental in setting up in 1949, and MD in obstetrics and the Centre for Atmospheric Sciences gynaecology in 1955. A chance meeting Dr V. Shanta was an Indian oncologist (now, Centre for Atmospheric and during her last year of MBBS drew her well known for her efforts in making Oceanic Sciences) in the early 1980s. towards cancer. But the key moment cancer treatment affordable. She was the His interest in the atmosphere, and was when Dr Muthulakshmi Reddy, chairperson of Adyar Cancer Institute, more particularly the monsoon and the first woman house surgeon in India, Chennai. She has been associated with clouds, continued to drive his research set up the cancer centre in Chennai. the Adyar Cancer Institute since 1955, interests till his final years. She was looking for a medical officer While being the Professor at IISc, and Dr Shanta jumped in. he served as the Director of CSIR- And the rest is history. National Aerospace Laboratories Dr Shanta dedicated all (NAL) on deputation from 1984-1993. her life at the Cancer Post his retirement from IISc, he Institute to support served as the Director of the National cancer patients, studying Institute of Advanced Studies until the disease, its detection, 2004. He was then affiliated with the and its treatment. Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Dr Shanta was Scientific Research (JNCASR), where elected as a fellow of he continued his research. During all the National Academy these years, he published extensively. of Medical Sciences. He also served as a visiting faculty and She has received several held various positions during his career. accolades in recognition While at the CSIR-National for her work including Aerospace Laboratories, he was the Magsaysay Award instrumental in setting up of a parallel (2005) and Padma computing system, which was not Vibhushan (2016). conceived hitherto, to solve several Dr Shanta died on computational problems. He also 19 January 2021, aged 93 offered critical support to ISRO, years. particularly in investigating failures of certain launch vehicles, which greatly “Dr V. Shanta, Chairperson of the Adyar Cancer Institute, Chennai passed helped in their rectification later. He away early this morning. She will be greatly missed by the cancer care and was also a member of the Indian Space research community all over the world and the many tens of thousands of lives she Commission. has impacted. At 93, Dr Shanta was active to the end. A month ago, she wrote to He was awarded the Padma a science agency on a matter related to the cancer institute and was pleased that Vibhushan, India's second-highest it was resolved. Her attention to detail, and caring were legendary. The great civilian award, in 2013. institution she has built will live and grow.” He passed away on 14 December - Prof. K. VijayRaghavan tweeted 2020, after a brief illness. August 2021 | Science Reporter | 11 Prof. Khadg Singh Valdiya he taught and researched various to popularize science among young institutions including Wadia Institute students, particularly in his home state (20 March 1937-29 September 2020) of Himalayan Geology, Jawaharlal of Uttarakhand. Prof. Khadg Singh Valdiya or Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific He passed away on 29 September KS Valdiya as he was popularly Research (JNCASR), and Kumaon 2020. referred to, was a leading Indian University. He also served as the Vice- Chancellor of Kumaon University. geologist, educationist, and science Prof. M.S. Narasimhan communicator. He was popular for Valdiya was instrumental in the his contribution to an understanding of establishment of several key geological (7 June 1932-15 May 2021) Indian geodynamics. institutions in India, notably, Wadia Valdiya was born to Dev Singh Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dr Narasimhan was a renowned Valdiya and Nanda Valdiya on 20 March Central Himalayan Environmental mathematician who carved a niche for 1937 in Kalaw, now in Myanmar. His Association, Nainital, G.B. Pant himself through some of his seminal Institute of Himalayan Environment and contributions in the field of algebraic Development, Almora, and the Geology and differential geometry. Department at Kumaon University. He was elected as a Fellow of the Third World Academy of Sciences, Geological Society of India, Geological Society of America, Geological Society of Nepal, and all three Indian science academies. During his scientific career, he extensively published many journal articles and authored many books. He was conferred with Padma Bhushan by the Government of India. Valdiya’s key contribution was on understanding Himalayan geology. His studies have greatly contributed to the understanding of the paleogeography of the region and shed light on geodynamics. This resulted in providing a more detailed account of the evolutionary history of the family moved back to Pithoragarh Himalayas. A synthesis of his work on in Uttarakhand where he did his geodynamics has led him to author a schooling. He obtained his BSc, MSc, very popular book called, The Making Narasimhan was born into a family and PhD from Lucknow University. He of India: Geodynamic Evolution. hailing from the North Arcot district in then joined there as a faculty in 1957. During the latter part of his life, Tamil Nadu. He was the eldest of five He was a Fulbright Scholar during he had dedicated himself to science siblings. He completed his schooling 1965-66, during which he was at Johns communication. He was actively and joined Loyola College in Chennai Hopkins University. During his career, involved in science outreach activities for his Bachelor’s degree. He then joined the Tata Institute of Fundamental “With the passing of Khadg Singh Valdiya, we have lost a Himalayan scholar Research (TIFR), Mumbai for his and a scholar of Himalayan proportions. Born in Myanmar he returned to his doctoral studies in 1953. He obtained native Pithoragarh and then studied at Lucknow University where he completed his doctorate from the University of his Ph.D. Mumbai in 1960 under the guidance of Valdiya was a geologist focusing on sediments and tectonics. His research K. S. Chandrasekharan, a well-known interests were wide. He helped establish and grow the best geology institutions mathematician working on number in the country and found a welcoming research abode after retirement [from theory. He then joined as a faculty at JNCASR], where he continued to be productive. the TIFR in 1960. An abiding interest of his research was the origin of the Himalayas and the Narasimhan’s major contributions origin of the Himalayan rivers in general and the Ganga in particular.” are in the field of algebraic and differential geometry, more specifically - Prof. K. VijayRaghavan tweeted in the field of vector bundles. His

12 | Science Reporter | August 2021 work with C.S. Seshadri, an Indian mathematician, on unitary and stable “Prof. M. Anandakrishnan’s passing is a loss for engineering. Felled by COVID bundles, the Narasimhan-Seshadri at age 92, his brisk stride, sharp mind, infectious cheerfulness, all shook others theorem, is considered a pioneering from sluggishness. Son of a brick-layer, Head of Civil Eng, [IIT Kanpur], VC of work and has significant applications [Anna University], a caring teacher is gone.” in gauge theory and conformal field - Prof. K. VijayRaghavan tweeted theory used in mathematical physics. Narasimhan also characterised real analytical functions, these are Nadu on Information Technology and Technology. He then joined the United functions with derivatives of all orders e-Governance. Nations Commission on Science and that obey Taylor’s series--via Cauchy Anandakrishnan was born in Tamil Technology for Development (CSTD) type inequalities. With S. Ramanan, Nadu. He obtained his Bachelor of as the Chief of New Technologies at another Indian mathematician, he Engineering in Civil Engineering from the Office of Science and Technology worked on the proof of the existence of the College of Engineering, Guindy, (OST), where he served until his universal connections, generalization of Madras University, Chennai in 1952. retirement in 1989. While at UN, he well-known results on the existence of He went on to obtain a Master's degree was also the Deputy Director of CSTD universal bundles in topology. He also in 1957 and a PhD in Civil Engineering and served as the secretary of the collaborated with mathematician Prof. in 1960 from the University of UN Advisory Committee on Science R. R. Simha, another TIFR faculty Minnesota. and Technology for Development. (younger brother of Professor Roddam Anandakrishnan returned to Anandakrishnan returned to India in Narasimha) to prove the existence India in 1962 and worked briefly at 1990 to become the Vice-Chancellor of of moduli of general type complex the Central Road Research Institute, Anna University, which he served until structures on a real analytic manifold. New Delhi. After working for a year, 1996. These measures were called Simha– he joined as a member of the faculty Anandakrishnan has received Narasimhan measures on Riemann of civil engineering at the Indian several awards and honours for his surfaces. Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IIT services. Notable among them is Padma Narasimhan played a key role Kanpur) where he worked till 1974. Shri in 2002 and the Distinguished in the development of mathematics He held various positions at IIT Leader Award by the University in India. He was the first Chairman Kanpur including the Chairman of of Minnesota in 2003. He was also of the National Board for Higher the Department of Civil Engineering, conferred the Commander of the Mathematics. He was elected as a Dean, and Acting Director. National Order of Scientific Merit by Fellow of the Royal Society. He was Anandakrishnan moved to the the Government of Brazil in 1996. also a Fellow of all the three science USA in 1974 to work as a Science Anandakrishnan was also elected as academies in India. He was a recipient Counsellor at the Indian Embassy a Fellow of the National Academy of of the French National Order of Merit in Washington DC, on deputation Sciences, India, Institution of Engineers (1989) and the Padma Bhushan award from the Department of Science and (India), and the Indian Society of in 1990. To date, he is the only Indian Technical Education. to win the King Faisal International He passed away on 29 May 2021, Prize for Science from Saudi Arabia, aged 92 years. which he received jointly with Simon Donaldson of Imperial College. Dr Srikumar Banerjee Narasimhan passed away on 15 May 2021 in Bangalore, aged 88 years. (25 April 1946-23 May 2021)

Prof. Munirathna Dr Srikumar Banerjee was the former Chairperson of the Atomic Energy Anandakrishnan Commission of India and the former (12 July 1928-29 May 2021) Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India. He was Prof. Munirathna Anandakrishnan was well-known as a metallurgical engineer an engineer, educationist, and science by training. administrator. He was the chairperson Banerjee obtained his B.Tech. with of the Indian Institute of Technology, honours in Metallurgical Engineering Kanpur, and a former Vice-Chancellor from the Indian Institute of Technology, of Anna University. He also served as Kharagpur in 1967. He then went to an Advisor to the Government of Tamil attend the Training School at Bhabha

August 2021 | Science Reporter | 13 “Dr Srikumar Banerjee’s passing is too sudden, too soon. Former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission [DAE, India], his interests straddled the most fundamental to the most applied. In every discussion, his astute leadership ensured that there was more light and no heat.” - Prof. K. VijayRaghavan tweeted

Dr Nandivada Rathnashree Soon, in 1999, she also became its (26 November 1963-9 May 2021) Director. Since then, she was a force to reckon with for numerous activities Dr Rathnashree was an avid astronomer on astronomy outreach, that not only and science communicator. She was impacted within the National Capital the Director of Nehru Planetarium Region, but across the country. where she started her career as a senior Rathnashree’s key contribution educator. Earlier she was trained in has been towards the preservation of theoretical astrophysics. the Jantar Mantar observatories of Raja Rathnashree was born in Sawai Jai Singh. She and her team have Hyderabad on 26 November 1963. After been instrumental in enabling these her schooling in Kendriya Vidyalaya accessible to the general public. She (1981), she studied at the University firmly believed that astronomy outreach carried out at archeo-astronomy heritage Atomic Research Centre (BARC). College for Women in Hyderabad. She sites and through archeo-astronomy Soon after, in 1968 he formally started obtained her Master’s in 1986 from instruments, had immense potential for his career there with the Metallurgy Hyderabad Central University. She then wider communication and appreciation. Division at BARC and went on to joined for her doctoral research at the Rathnashree and her students have become its Director during 2004-2010. Tata Institute of Fundamental Research extensively worked in the cleaning and Earlier in 1974, for the work he with the theoretical astrophysicist Prof. carried out at BARC, he was awarded Alak Ray. She received the PhD in Metallurgical Engineering her PhD in 1992 for the from IIT Kharagpur. In the latter part work on binary stars. of his career, he also served as DAE She was a postdoctoral Homi Bhabha Chair Professor at fellow at the University BARC. Banerjee held various visiting of Vermont, USA positions abroad at the University during 1992-1994, of Sussex, Brighton, England, Max- where she worked on Planck-Institut für Metallforschung, the pulsar observations University of Cincinnati, and the Ohio using the Arecibo State University, USA. radio-telescope. During He also served as the Chairman, the 1994-1996, she was a Board of Governors of IIT Kharagpur postdoctoral fellow at during 2014-2017. He was elected the Raman Research as a fellow of the Indian Academy Institute in Bengaluru. of Sciences, National Academy Rathnashree of Sciences, India, and the Indian moved to New Delhi National Academy of Engineering. He in 1996 as a Senior received numerous recognitions for Planetarium Educator at his work and contribution to services. the Nehru Planetarium. Dr Banerjee was awarded the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science “Rathnashree’s key contribution has been towards the preservation and Technology in Engineering Science of the Jantar Mantar observatories of Raja Sawai Jai Singh. She and (1989) and Padma Shri in 2005. her team have been instrumental in enabling these accessible to Banerjee passed away during the the general public.” early hours of 23 May 2021 due to a heart attack.

14 | Science Reporter | August 2021 restoring of some of the Jantar Mantar instruments, apart from creating a host “Professor Govind Swarup was an exceptional scientist. His pioneering works in of outreach collaterals to train tour radio astronomy have attained global commendation. Anguished by his passing guides in both Jaipur and New Delhi. away. My thoughts are with his near and dear ones.” She has also written extensively on the - Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India tweeted mathematics behind these instruments. Acknowledging her role in these, the Archaeological Survey of gyro-radiation model, a model that joined the CSIR-National Physical India appointed her to the committee considers radiation from electrons Laboratory in New Delhi (1950-53). overseeing the restoration of Jantar whose speeds are much smaller than the A fellowship he chanced upon led him Mantar in New Delhi. Rathnashree speed of light, to explain microwave to work at CSIRO in Australia during also worked with the National Council solar emissions. Several observations 1953-1955. He returned to India in 1955 of Science Museums advising them made by him and his students provide and was back at NPL till 1956. He then on astronomy-related exhibits and independent support for the Big Bang proceeded to pursue doctoral research at activities at various science centres. model of the Universe. Stanford University which he obtained Rathnashree passed away on 9 Swarup was born in 1929 at in 1960. He was an Assistant Professor May 2021. Thakurdwara, Uttar Pradesh. He came at Stanford University from 1961-1963. Prof. Govind Swarup from a relatively wealthy family. He His notable contribution has been had an early education in English and to initiate and start the radio astronomy (23 March 1929–7 September 2020) many other subjects. program and activities in India. With Swarup went on to obtain a his brief stints at CSIRO, Australia, Prof. Govind Swarup, a radio Bachelor’s (1948) and Master’s degree and while at Stanford University, USA, astronomer, discovered the ‘type-U’ (1950) in Physics from the Allahabad he had the urge to establish something solar bursts. He also developed the University. After his Master’s, he similar back home. He and a few of his colleagues wrote to about five key organisations in India about this. And the most encouraging one was from Dr Homi Bhabha who was the Director of TIFR, Mumbai. This prompted Prof. Swarup to return to India in 1963 while joining as a Reader at TIFR in 1965. Swarup is known for building the Ooty Radio Telescope (ORT) on the hillslopes of Ooty and the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) near Pune. These ingenious, economical, and powerful observational facilities are used not just by Indian scientists, but also by scientists from 31 countries the world over. A recipient of the Padma Shri, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Department of Atomic Energy, Prof. Swarup was a promoter of an all- inclusive approach to teaching science. The proposal that he made along with Prof. V. G. Bhide for a 5-year integrated program for an intensive education in science led to the establishment of the Indian Institutes of Science Education With Professor Govind Swarup’s demise, the world of astronomy has lost a and Research (IISERs). great scientist, institution-, and telescope-builder. Ever-smiling, not one to take Prof. Govind Swarup passed away a no for anything he wanted to be done, he took on many impossible tasks, on 7 September 2020. inspired colleagues to accomplish them. - Prof. K. VijayRaghavan tweeted

August 2021 | Science Reporter | 15 CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF INDIA’S S&T JOURNEY Major Recent Contributions of Department of Science & Technology

Ashutosh Sharma Akhilesh Gupta Jenice Jean Goveas Secretary to Government Senior Advisor DST Post Doctoral Policy of India, Department of Department of Science & Fellow Science & Technology Technology

The Prologue the significant global position that we beleaguered country, handed over to India being the cradle of one of the are in today. The stalwarts who stand Indians from the shackles of the British, oldest civilisations in the world, out include Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, to a world leader that we are today. has a tradition that is embedded in the first PM of India, who initiated India’s S&T journey has been no less science and technology. Ancient several reforms in higher education than a rollercoaster ride, and the real Indian land well balanced the wisdom and science and technology and was drivers of India’s S&T ecosystem have and knowledge of sages and seers, of particularly instrumental in setting up been the well-paced National Science rishis and researchers, of scholars and the Indian Institutes of Technology. Policies. scientists whose scientific knowledge The first one was inaugurated on is preserved in the Vedas, Ayurveda 18 August 1951 at Kharagpur by India’s Science Policies Propelling and our other ancient granthas. Today then Minister of Education, Maulana India’s S&T Growth many centuries later, and 75 years Abul Kalam Azad. The Science Policy Resolution 1958 after achieving independence, India India propelled herself into the captured the vision of India as a has come a long way as she gears domain of space right from the 1960s welfare state and largely emphasised up to provide and deploy high-tech and through diplomatic ties with the basic research in almost every field of solutions in several key areas including Soviet Union planted the seed of the science. It was instrumental in building education, healthcare, transport, Indian Space Research Organisation, and nourishing the science ecosystem etc. to all citizens, reaching even the simultaneously advancing nuclear in India through science education marginalised communities. capability which was jubilantly and research. It provided the required demonstrated through the first nuclear directions to set up organisations like S&T in India Post-independence test explosion on 18 May 1974 at Defence Research and Development Travelling back in time along the Pokhran. Organization (DRDO-1958), the eventful lane of India’s S&T ecosystem, All along the past 75 years, India Department of Electronics (DOE- flashes in to the mind’s eye several held on to S&T as the magic wand 1971), the Department of Science milestones that directed our nation to that transformed an economically & Technology (DST-1971), the

16 | Science Reporter | August 2021 Department of Space (DOS-1972), “There is commendable improvement in the participation of and the Department of Environment women in extramural R&D projects from 13% in 2000-01 to 24% in (DOE-1980). It fostered the creation 2016-17. India is ranked 3rd in terms of the number of PhDs awarded of basic infrastructure needed to build in Science and Engineering (S&E) after the USA and China and also the foundation of India’s scientific 3rd in global scientific publication as per NSF, USA. According to research, critical human capital and the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), India’s Patent R&D capacities. Office stands th7 among the top 10 Patent Filing Offices in the world By the 1980s, India could boast of and 9th for Resident Patent Filing.” some strong science and agriculture- based qualified professionals and strategic technological platforms. India’s agronomy got a major thrust establishment of intellectual rights of India streamlined its efforts with new during the green revolution of the regimes to protect and incentivise vigour by launching several flagship sixties, the white revolution of the inventors. The rapid advancement initiatives to support and stimulate seventies, the yellow revolution of the of communication technologies, new R&D culture among students and eighties, the golden revolution of the issues related to cybersecurity and young researchers including Make in nineties when India started becoming ethics, such as privacy consideration India, Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), self-sufficient in agricultural produce, and inequity came to light. Mechanisms Start-Up India, Stand-Up India, Fund particularly food grains. to address such unforeseen issues of Funds for Start-ups (FFS), Pradhan The Technology Policy Statement were also considered in this policy. Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY), of 1983 majorly focused on achieving This helped India grow her S&T E-Business portal, introduction of technological competence and self- investments. R&D spending touched a the Patent Box Regime, Regulatory reliance by nurturing indigenous significant percentage of GDP (0.7%), Sandbox and tax sops including removal technologies and reducing the though way behind the targeted 2%. of Angel tax, etc. Such proactive dependence on imports in critical Research outputs such as publications, steps and innovation strategies have areas. The policy also aimed at numbers of PhD students, and patent enabled India to develop a fairly robust strengthening the technology base filing from the research and innovation manufacturing and service sector while especially in trending sectors of that also increased significantly. Sixteen simultaneously ensuring a sound R&D time including information technology, new IITs (2004 onwards) were ecosystem with skilled manpower electronics, and biotechnology. established taking their total number giving rich dividends in terms of global Increased R&D investments and to 23. In addition, new institutes like rankings particularly in the Global collaboration among governmental IISERs (2006 onwards) came into Innovation Index where India stands organisations, educational institutions being. Thus, Science, Technology 48th and is the third most innovative and industries were guided by this and Innovation (STI) became the major lower-middle-income economy in the policy. Technology Development Fund drivers of national development and the world. (TDB) was established to provide socio-economic benefits of S&T were financial assistance to Indian industries. firmly established. Recent Major Developments Technology Information Forecasting The Science Technology & in STI and Assessment Council (TIFAC) Innovation Policy 2013 laid emphasis During the past 6-7 years, India has was established for continuous and on creating a robust environment for added several feathers to her cap. systematic forecasting and assessment enhanced private sector participation Particular note may be made of studies of emerging technologies. in R&D and enthused new vigour India’s Gross Expenditure on R&D In the following two decades, India to establish a PPP framework. It (GERD) that nearly tripled between took massive strides towards progress encouraged participation in S&T based 2007-08 to 2017-18 and per capita by opening the economy through high-risk innovations due to which R&D expenditure increased 1.5 times. liberalisation, privatisation and India increased her participation in Another commendable improvement globalisation. global mega-science projects, including is in the participation of women in The Science and Technology the Laser Interferometer Gravitational- extramural R&D projects that increased Policy of 2003 aimed at upgrading the Wave Observatory (LIGO), the Large from 13% in 2000-01 to 24% in 2016- research and academic infrastructures, Hadron Collider (LHC - CERN), 17. India is ranked 3rd in terms of the building a connection with the economy the International Thermonuclear number of PhDs awarded in Science and society at large. It focused on Experimental Reactor (ITER) and the and Engineering (S&E) after the the investment required for research Square Kilometre Array (SKA). USA and China and also 3rd in global and development (a target of 2% of The Indian decade of innovation, scientific publication as per NSF, USA. GDP), collaboration between industry launched in 2010 made ‘Innovation’ a According to the World Intellectual and research institutions, and the buzzword. Post 2014, the Government Property Organisation (WIPO), India’s

August 2021 | Science Reporter | 17 th Patent Office stands 7 among the top for us to truly be free and independent. “As the largest extra-mural 10 Patent Filing Offices in the world Self-reliance in S&T is the way forward STI funding agencies in the th and 9 for Resident Patent Filing. for India to ensure a hassle-free journey country, DST is boosting Some of India’s biggest milestones ahead. India’s entire innovation value have been in space exploration. India’s chain comprising researchers, achievements have skyrocketed from Major Recent Initiatives and Missions entrepreneurs, academic and the successful launch of India's first of DST research institutes, startups, satellite Aryabhatta in 1975 to the The Department of Science and industry, and so on.” Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) or Technology (DST) established in the Mangalyaan in 2013 followed by the year 1971, has the mandate to diversify Chandrayaan programme and the most and strengthen S&T activities in the  awaited manned Gaganyaan mission. country. Since its inception, DST has Attracting and promoting These achievements speak volumes of played a pivotal role in coordinating innovation pursuits: Innovation the exceptional scientists of the likes of and integrating S&T areas across the in Science Pursuit for Inspired Dr APJ Abdul Kalam who have left an ministries and associated departments, Research (INSPIRE), a flagship indelible mark in the sands of time. S&T institutions, academia, and programme of DST, has been In the nuclear arena, India industry, regionally and globally. successfully implemented to attract exploded the country's first nuclear test DST has made great efforts in and promote a scientific talent base Operation Smiling Buddha in 1974 and taking science to society, ensuring last- in the country. INSPIRE-MANAK there has been no looking back ever mile connectivity, and has successfully (Million Minds Augmenting since in exploring nuclear energy for catered to the application of S&T for National Aspirations and peaceful purposes. India has made her the weaker sections, women, and other Knowledge) awards were launched presence felt from pole to pole, with the disadvantaged sections of the society. in 2018 to further facilitate young Indian Antarctic Programme launched DST is striding ahead with an extensive school children to take up science in 1981 and several subsequent missions network of programmes and facilitating and innovative projects. to Dakshin Gangotri. India’s Arctic schemes to promote research and observation station IndARC was set up development in areas of national in 2015, halfway between Norway and importance. the North Pole. The Department of Science Today, India is actively engaged & Technology is one of the key in emerging technologies such as government departments contributing Nanotechnology, Artificial Intelligence, significantly to scientific research in the Robotics, Augmented and Virtual country. As the largest extra-mural STI Reality, Internet of Things and so on. funding agency in the country, DST In drug manufacturing, India through is boosting India’s entire innovation  Boosting innovation and startup her generic lifesaving drugs has value chain comprising researchers, activity: A national programme become the pharmacy of the world in entrepreneurs, academic and research titled NIDHI (National Initiative supplying affordable medicines. As the institutes, startups, industry, and so for Developing & Harnessing COVID-19 pandemic forces the world on. The last seven years witnessed Innovations), which addresses the to realign in terms of various sectors, the the impactful initiatives undertaken by entire value chain of Innovations, Indian scientific ecosystem is gearing DST to steer the innovative culture in has been launched. NIDHI up to receive yet another pathbreaking the country. significantly impacted India’s national Science, Technology and Today, DST has a portfolio of innovation ecosystem by nurturing Innovation Policy (STIP-2021) shortly. exhilarating programmes and schemes 3,681 startups through a network The clarion call by our Hon'ble PM which are significantly elevating the of 153 incubators created by DST, Shri Narendra Modi to build an Atma STI ecosystem. DST’s investment in which generated 65,864 jobs as Nirbhar Bharat further emphasises how the S&T system more than doubled cumulative direct employment, essential technology indigenisation is in the last seven years from about Rs creating a wealth of Rs 27,262 2900 Cr in 2014-15 to Rs 6072 Cr in crores and generated 1,992 2021-22. intellectual properties. NIDHI's collective strength and power, its Major Initiatives Impacting STI incubator network, and its startups Ecosystem were tested successfully during Some of the milestone initiatives of the COVID-19 pandemic through DST during the last seven years are the the ‘Centre for Augmenting WAR Image credit: DST following: with COVID-19 Health Crisis

18 | Science Reporter | August 2021 (CAWACH)’ programme by • Three Centres of Excellence “To address gender imbalance, supporting various solutions to (CoE) for ‘Climate Research’ a new scheme viz. KIRAN was resolve the COVID crisis. were established in Himalayan launched, and a pilot scheme Universities in Kashmir and Vigyan Jyoti was tested on a the North Eastern States of limited scale and duration to Sikkim and Assam to lead attract and encourage young climate change research. women to take up science.” • The Survey of India (SoI), a subordinate Department under DST, has embarked on a pan-India geospatial mapping of the country and launched web portals to facilitate the Image credit: http://www.nidhi- access of the digital map eir.in/about.php or data to every citizen of the country and help centre  Cyber-Physical Systems: DST and state organisations in has launched ‘A National Mission decision making, planning, on Interdisciplinary Cyber- monitoring, and governance. Physical Systems’ at a total outlay of Rs 3660 Cr for five years to  Providing state-of-the-art create a strong foundation and a facilities to researchers: seamless ecosystem for cyber- Sophisticated Analytical & physical systems and technologies Technical Help Institutes (SATHI) [like Artificial Intelligence centres to house major analytical (AI), Robotics, Internet of instruments have been established Things (IoT)] encompassing to provide standard services of knowledge generation, human high-end analytical testing, thus resource development, research, reducing dependency on foreign Courtesy: DST technology, and product sources. The DST has set up three development, innovation, and such centres at IIT Kharagpur, IIT science. DST has also undertaken commercialisation. Delhi, and BHU under the SATHI an implementation plan for Gender programme. Advancement for Transforming  Aligning with national agenda: Institutions (GATI), urging higher • DST has enrolled new  Reversing brain drain to brain education and research institutions initiatives such as Super gain: Several overseas doctoral to support diversity, inclusion, and Computing Mission; and post-doctoral fellowships have equity. In addition, the Science Advanced Manufacturing; been introduced to reverse the and Engineering Research Board Waste Management, and culture of brain drain to brain gain. (SERB), a Statutory body of the Science and Technology Additionally, through its milestone DST, launched SERB-POWER of Yoga and Meditation initiative ‘VAJRA’, DST brings (Promoting Opportunities for (SATYAM) to boost the the best of global science and Women in Exploratory Research) country’s prowess through scientists to India, including NRIs. in 2020 to mitigate gender disparity STI. in science and engineering research • DST also initiated a Mission funding in Indian academic Innovation Programme with institutions and R&D laboratories. smart grid and off-grid to develop domain-specific Image credit: https://vajra-india.in/  Communicating science: An leadership of India. internet-based dedicated Science • DST support through thematic  Empowering women scientists: Channel and an hourly daily programmes on Clean Energy To address gender imbalance, programme on Doordarshan and Water, Nano Science and a new scheme viz. KIRAN was (DD Science) were launched in Technology, Climate Change launched, and a pilot scheme early 2019. In addition, schemes Research, and outreach has Vigyan Jyoti was tested on a limited such as ‘AWSAR’ empower led to excellent progress in scale and duration to attract and the young to take up science by these thematic areas. encourage young women to take up encouraging young scientists to

August 2021 | Science Reporter | 19 • Liberalised Geospatial Guidelines and Policy for acquiring and producing Geospatial Data and Geospatial Data Services and mapping. • Guidelines on Scientific Social Responsibility empowering the society. • Policy on Scientific Research Launch of the DST DD Science and India Science channels by Former Infrastructure Sharing Hon’ble Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan (Courtesy: The Hindu) Maintenance and Networks write popular science articles best global science was initiated (SRIMAN) for facilitating on their research pursuits. that includes participation in creation, use, access, ‘Thirty Meter Telescope Project’ maintenance and disposal of  Inter-ministerial collaborations: and ‘India-Israel Industrial R&D R&D infrastructure. DST is actively collaborating and Technological Innovation with different ministries to fund’ established by DST in recent  2 National Missions in new and promote national STI. It has years. emerging areas launched partnered with the Ministry of • National Mission on Education (MoE) under a 50:50 Major Success Stories During Interdisciplinary Cyber- partnership to implement the 2020 Physical Systems (ICPS) IMPRINT (Impacting Research The significant challenges that 2020 put — technology development Innovation and Technology) before the world helped India emerge in the areas of Artificial programme to address and provide as a forerunner in underscoring the Intelligence, Industry 4.0, solutions to the most relevant critical role of science and technology Robotics, Sensors, IoT, etc. engineering challenges faced in bringing positive transformations for for rapid economic growth. by the nation. In association a safe, secure and better society well with the Ministry of Railways, prepared for the future. DST has played • National Mission on Quantum DST has rolled out the Railway a facilitative role in pushing S&T to Technology and Applications Innovation Mission to support become the core of decision making, (NM-QTA), for R&D to the first phase of cyber-physical claiming increased media space and manufacture in Quantum industry 4.0 implementation gaining public trust. Technologies and related for the modern coach factory. areas being launched.  India’s ranking in publications,  Building international networks: R&D & innovations has risen  Mission mode programmes New international S&T exponentially: India is placed initiated collaboration to connect with the 3rd among countries in scientific • Sophisticated Analytical & publication as per the NSF Technical Help Institutes database. The country has featured (SATHI) – to build a shared, within the top 50 innovative professionally managed, S&T economies globally (at 48th rank), infrastructure for industry, as per Global Innovation Index MSMEs and Startups. (GII). It has also reached 3rd • Scientific and Useful Profound position in term of the number of Research Advancement PhDs, in size of Higher Education (SUPRA) – to encourage and System, as well as in terms of the develop projects that seek number of Startups. new scientific breakthroughs based on risk taking, profound  4 S&T related policies thinking, long-term impact on formulated our fundamental research. • 5th Science, Technology, and DST initiated international S&T Innovation Policy (STIP) • Technology Mission on collaboration including participation in ‘Thirty Meter Telescope Project’ creating India’s vision for STI Electric Mobility & Storage (Courtesy: PIB) led economic growth. – R&D for tropical climate-

20 | Science Reporter | August 2021 Courtesy: DST

proof battery and beyond the for production and utilisation empowering women Li-ion battery chemistries, of Methanol/DME. researchers in STI. electric motors and power • National Hydrogen Energy electronics. Mission being initiated, led  National Missions – Significant • Supercritical Carbon Dioxide by MNRE but contributed impacts

(S-CO2) Power Plant and by DST for enhancing the • 5 Supercomputers assembled Material Acceleration production and utilization of indigenously and installed Platform for Clean energy. hydrogen, primarily green under National Super • Efficient Water Use and hydrogen. Computing Mission, a dozen Purification – Technology more likely to be set up shortly.  demonstration for disruptive 3 Impactful schemes empowering Param Siddhi the High- technology for desalination, women in science launched performance Computing- renewable powered • Vigyan Jyoti, for encouraging artificial Intelligence (HPC- desalination systems, girl students to take up science AI) achieved global ranking technology solutions for water as a career. of 63 among the top 500 most powerful non-distributed conservation, water-energy- • Gender Advancement for computer systems. food nexus, agriculture & Transforming Institutions industrial water use efficiency. (GATI), a charter for assessing • Three Sophisticated Analytical • Mission Programme on gender equity in Science, & Technical Help Institutes “Methanol Economy” – R&D Technology, Engineering and (SATHI) centres set up; five for indigenous development Mathematics (STEM). Centres every year likely. of process, technology, • SERB Power fellowships • 25 Technology Innovation catalysts, chemical processes, & research grants are Hubs set up under National

August 2021 | Science Reporter | 21 Courtesy: DST

Mission on Interdisciplinary pure Indigenous Indian cows. Cyber-Physical Systems • “Science and Technology (NM-ICPS) bringing about of Yoga and Meditation” strong collaboration and co- (SATYAM) aimed at fostering ownership among industry, scientific research on the academia, and government, effects of yoga and meditation connecting them with full flexibility. on physical & mental health was initiated. • SVAMITVA Scheme launched by Hon’ble Prime  Combatting COVID-19 SCTIMST, an Institute of the DST, Minister of India on National developed a diagnostic test kit that can • ‘Centre for Augmenting WAR confirm COVID-19 in 2 hours at low cost Panchayat Day (24 April 2020) to provide an integrated with COVID-19 Health Crisis • White paper on “Focused property validation solution (CAWACH)’ launched to Interventions for ‘Make in for rural India, using Drone scout, evaluate and support India’: Post COVID 19” Technology deployed by the innovations and startups released by Technology Survey of India. addressing COVID-19 Information, Forecasting and challenges. Assessment Council (TIFAC) • Integrated geospatial platform for giving immediate SAHYOG launched to help • Over 80 startups and technology and policy impetus area-specific strategies & industries supported. More to make India Aatmanirbhar. decisions in COVID-19 than two dozen products outbreak. are already commercialised on scale including global Vision 2025 and Beyond: Major • DST’s OTT “India Science quality or better ventilators, R&D Missions & New Initiatives Channel” launched, which diagnostics, PPE and N95, DST has made concerted efforts in also helped disseminate AI based applications, cultivating and promoting scientific COVID-19 information. biomedical waste disposal, temperament amongst the masses and is leading the innovation drive in the • COVID Katha released – a thermal scanners, and other country. For the next five years, DST public awareness booklet relevant innovations. has laid down a vision to improvise in English, Hindi and a • Sree Chitra Tirunal novel and impactful programmes to few regional languages. Institute for Medical bring technological and innovative Sciences and Technology based S&T growth in the country.  Promoting S&T led Traditional (SCTIMST) brought out Knowledge System  5th Science, Technology and several technologies and Innovation Policy (STIP): • Inter-Ministerial funding products – diagnostic kit for Decentralised, evidence-based, programme “Scientific COVID 19 which works bottom-up draft 5th Science, Utilisation through Research better with mutations; Technology and Innovation Policy Augmentation-Prime Products UV-based Facemask Disposal formulated with an eye on the from Indigenous Cows” Bin; superabsorbent material future of S&T. (SUTRA-PIC India) to for liquid respiratory and undertake systematic scientific other body fluid solidification  National Mission on investigation of uniqueness of and disinfection, etc. Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical

22 | Science Reporter | August 2021 Systems (ICPS): Mission with a by the grantees of projects to reach “DST has made concerted cost of Rs 3660 Cr, for technology out to stakeholders of science efforts in cultivating and development in areas like and society at large with all the promoting scientific Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, tools, knowledge, manpower temperament amongst Sensors, Big Data Analytics, and infrastructure of S&T in the the masses and is leading geographical information systems, universities, R&D labs, IITs by the innovation drive in the advanced materials manufacturing choosing one or more activities country.” via invention of new products such as scientific infrastructure and services, creation of sharing; mentoring/training of skilled young human resource at college/university faculty; training all levels, and development of on high end scientific skills and start-ups. research; student internships;  Generation of High Resolution fostering research culture and National Topographic Data  National Mission on Quantum many more. Base (HRNTDB): To be prepared Technology and Application for the first time using Drone  Positioning Sophisticated (NM-QTA): To promote and foster technology images being developed Analytical & Technical Help R&D in Quantum Technologies at 10 cm resolution. India to join Institutes: To build a shared, and related areas like quantum select club of few nations to have professionally managed, and computing, quantum cryptography, Ultra/High resolution NTDB data strong S&T infrastructure, readily quantum communication, quantum as foundation data. metrology and sensing, quantum accessible to academia, start-ups, enhanced imaging, etc. manufacturing, industry and R&D  Wikipedia in Indian Languages: labs. Creation of Wikipedia in Hindi  Scientific Research Infrastructure and other major Indian languages  Sharing Maintenance and Vigyan Jyoti: To be implemented through a two-step process – Networks (SRIMAN): Policy in 500 districts in the country, to Machine translation and vetting by on access and sharing of S&T sustain girls’ career in science and experts before final posting. infrastructure covering other issues technology with interventions at like procurement, maintenance, school to PhD/post doctoral level,  National Large Solar Telescope disposal, capacity building for targeting meritorious girls. (NLST): Establishing a 2-metre National Large Solar Telescope effective utilisation of public  Technology Mission on Electric research infrastructure in all (NLST) facility at Merak on the Mobility & Storage: R&D for Indian side of Pangong Lake in scientific departments and research tropical climate-proof battery organisations. Ladakh for observation of Sun and beyond the Li-ion battery and studies of various physical  Guidelines on Scientific Social chemistries, electric motors and processes in the Sun. Responsibility: To be implemented power electronics. The Way Forward Intending to build a technologically sound and self-reliant India, the Department of Science & Technology (DST) is aggressively marching ahead with novel approaches and initiatives to spur a research innovation culture across sectors and stakeholders. It aims to create a coordinated STI nexus of knowledge performers and knowledge consumers to address societal challenges and problems at large. DST would continue to work and contribute towards integrating science with society and science for society and will help S&T to find solutions to all societal problems.

Indian National Large Solar Telescope

August 2021 | Science Reporter | 23 FROM SOUNDING ROCKET TO LAUNCH VEHICLES

ACHIEVEMENTS OF DEPARTMENT OF SPACE

APPLE Satellite

K. Sivan Chairman, ISRO Secretary, Department of Space

HE Indian space programme the formation of the Indian National has come a long way in the Committee on Space Research T58 years since its inception. (INCOSPAR) under the Department From the modest beginning of its space of Atomic Energy (DAE), barely programme nearly six decades back, five years after the launch of the India has persevered to pursue space Earth’s first artificial satellite research in earnest and to perfect many Sputnik-1, that heralded the space age. space technologies to facilitate that This farsighted critical decision and endeavour. the later perseverant philosophy of the From a fledgling Sounding people who steered the programme, Rocket Launch Facility established facilitated India to master space in the early 1960s in Thumba near technology. Trivandrum, it has matured into a giant world-class space power. Today, Formal Beginning ISRO sprawls across the country with The formal beginning of the Indian huge launch stations, tracking centres, space programme can be traced to the R&D facilities and manufacturing and launch of a Nike-Apache sounding data processing units, all engaged rocket on 21 November 1963, from in highly sophisticated and complex Thumba, then a fishing hamlet near technological activities. Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Notwithstanding its presence as Kerala, with the establishment of the one of the strong space-faring nations Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching today, the Indian space programme Station (TERLS). Later, TERLS began in a modest way in 1962 with became an international sounding rocket

Image credit: ISRO 24 | Science Reporter | August 2021 launching facility and such rockets “Today, with a total satellites for television broadcasting and were launched for upper atmospheric, workforce of over 17,000, telecommunication. The experiment geomagnetic and space research by ISRO’s establishments are became a tool for mass education many countries. functioning in many parts through various programmes designed It was at this time Dr Vikram of the country with each exclusively for the project. Sarabhai, the architect of the Indian concentrating on a specific SITE was conducted for a period space programme, set up a Space area. of one year, covering more than 2400 Science and Technology Centre at villages in 20 districts of six Indian Thumba for the development of states and territories (Andhra Pradesh, technologies necessary for space Bihar, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, research. In 1969, the Indian Space Orissa, and Rajasthan). SITE was Research Organisation, better known followed by STEP and conceived by its ubiquitous acronym ISRO, as a sequel to SITE. STEP was for telecommunication experiments and was conducted for a period of 13 hours every day for a little over two years. And, it was in this decade that ISRO developed its first Satellite Launch Vehicle SLV-3, which had its successful launch on 18 July 1980 thrusting India into the select league Apple Satellite of six countries with the capability to launch satellites on their own. APPLE Satellite in the former Soviet Union. Aryabhata The Experimentation Phase laid the firm foundation for the later The 1980s were times for immensely successful Indian satellite experimentation for launch vehicle programme. Bhaskara 1 and 2, the technologies to demonstrate the two experimental earth observation country’s ability to develop Augmented satellites, provided the rich experience Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV) with a and the confidence to build complex payload capability of 150 kg into Low operational remote sensing satellites. Dr Vikram Sarabhai – Architect of India’s Earth Orbit, a more capable launch space programme Today, India is a world leader in the vehicle compared to SLV-3 which was satellite-based remote sensing area. capable of putting a 40 kg satellite into was formed. Government of India Additionally, APPLE, India’s a low earth orbit. constituted the Space Commission and first experimental communication During the same period, ISRO established the Department of Space satellite, though launched by the acquired extensive experience in (DOS) in 1972 and brought ISRO under European Ariane rocket, reached its the design, development, building, DOS in the same year. final geosynchronous orbital home in launching and in-orbit maintenance Today, with a total workforce of June 1981 with the help of a rocket of a variety of satellites including over 17,000, ISRO’s establishments are motor developed in India. Aryabhata, communication and remote sensing functioning in many parts of the country the two Bhaskaras, as well as APPLE satellites. INSAT-1B, India’s first with each concentrating on a specific were launched free of cost, which multipurpose operational satellite area. The country’s public as well as reflects India’s successful international launched in 1983, demonstrated the private sector industries are playing a space cooperation policy. In the recent country’s ability to bring about a crucial role in our space programme. past, India has not only flown foreign Besides, academic institutions have scientific instruments on-board Indian “The world got an inkling also contributed to the Indian space spacecraft but has also launched them. of India’s ability to design, endeavour. Besides taking a leap into the build and maintain a complex domain of satellites, ISRO conducted remote sensing satellite in The Learning Phase two significant experiments in the 70s 1988 when IRS-1A, the first The 70s were the learning phase during – Satellite Instructional Television operational satellite built in which many experimental satellites Experiment (SITE) and Satellite India, started imaging the were built, including India’s first Telecommunication Experimental earth from orbit.” satellite Aryabhata, which was launched Project (STEP) – to obtain hands- on 19 April 1975 from a launch centre on experience on the utilisation of

August 2021 | Science Reporter | 25 rapid and major revolution in India’s The Indian National Satellite vehicle of India. It is the first Indian telecommunications, television (INSAT) system today is one of the launch vehicle to be equipped with broadcasting and weather forecasting. largest domestic communication liquid stages. With 51 successful flights Today, communication satellites satellite systems in the Asia-Pacific over the years, PSLV has emerged as are an integral part of our economic region and has become an integral the reliable and versatile workhorse infrastructure. part of our telecommunications launch vehicle of India. In fact, it has The world got an inkling of India’s and TV broadcasting infrastructure launched 342 foreign satellites as on ability to design, build and maintain including DTH services driving the 22 June 2021 and has carved out a a complex remote sensing satellite in country’s communications revolution. niche in the commercial satellite launch 1988 when IRS-1A, the first operational Besides, our geostationary satellites arena. satellite built in India, started imaging are providing vital inputs to the task On 15 February 2017, PSLV the earth from orbit. The images sent of nationwide weather forecasting, created a world record by successfully by satellite circling the Earth from its especially in the provision of advance placing 104 satellites in orbit during a 900-km-high polar orbit were utilised warning of cyclones, saving lives and single launch. Well, as numbers go, it in such diverse fields as agriculture, mitigating the loss of property. One of was undoubtedly a record, but the real groundwater prospecting, mineral them carries a satellite-aided Search- significance is the immense confidence survey, forestry, etc. and-Rescue transponder and has helped reposed by foreign countries, including in speedy rescue of people in distress in the USA, in the capability of ISRO. This The Growth Phase the open seas. success was the result of meticulous During the 1990s, ISRO began building High throughput satellites such as planning and flawless execution of the the INSAT-2 series of multipurpose GSAT-11, GSAT-29 and GSAT-19 are mission by ISRO. satellites indigenously. At the same supporting the Digital India campaign time, systematic usage of imagery from by boosting broadband connectivity Expanding the Horizon our remote sensing satellites for tasks to the rural and inaccessible Gram In the early 21st century, the Indian like crop yield estimation, groundwater Panchayats in the country. The launch vehicle programme has ventured and mineral prospecting, forest survey, transponders on these satellites will beyond the PSLV resulting in the urban sprawl monitoring and wasteland also bridge the digital divide of users development of the Geosynchronous classification and fisheries development, including those in Jammu & Kashmir Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) with began. and North-Eastern regions of India. more payload capability, efficiency Today, India has a fleet of Perfecting the launch vehicle and sophistication. GSLV, with the advanced remote sensing satellites technology is an immensely difficult capability to launch 2-ton satellites equipped with high resolution and and challenging task, which only a into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit multispectral cameras dedicated to few countries possess. Till now ISRO (GTO), employs cryogenic propulsion cartography, resource survey and has developed five launch vehicles technology in its third stage. ocean and atmospheric applications. (SLV-3, ASLV, PSLV, GSLV and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Apart from these, polar orbit based GSLV Mk III, which is also known as Vehicle Mark II (GSLV Mk II) is the observation satellites, weather watching LVM3) and mastered the technology of fourth generation launch vehicle having satellites INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR – rockets that use solid, liquid as well as three stages (including the cryogenic circling the earth in the 36,000 km high cryogenic propellants. upper stage) with four liquid strap-ons. geosynchronous orbit, are providing Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle Cryogenic technology involves storage valuable inputs for weather forecasting. (PSLV) is the third generation launch of liquid hydrogen & liquid oxygen

Communication satellites (Image credit: ISRO)

26 | Science Reporter | August 2021 SRE-1 (Image credit: commons.wikimedia.org) at very low temperatures. Materials its return journey and a little later, the attention of the world – the Space used to operate at these very low re-entered the earth’s atmosphere. It Capsule Recovery Experiment-1 temperatures, chilling processes, and was successfully recovered over the (SRE-1). Launched by PSLV in interplay of engine parameters make Bay of Bengal about 20 minutes after January 2007, SRE-1 with its scientific the development of cryogenic stage a its launch. experiments orbited the Earth for 12 very challenging and complex task. Subsequently, after two successful days and was successfully de-orbited With the successful qualification of developmental flights and with the and recovered over the Bay of Bengal. the indigenously developed Cryogenic successful injection of Chandrayaan-2 This proved several technologies Upper Stage (CUS) in the GSLV-D5 into the Earth Parking Orbit in July necessary for reusable launch vehicles flight on 5 January 2014, ISRO 2019, GSLV Mk III successfully and human spaceflight. demonstrated its mastery of cryogenic entered into its operational phase. rocket propulsion. Since January 2014, Besides these, India’s Reusable Venturing into Space the vehicle has achieved six consecutive Launch Vehicle Technology The space science missions of India – successes. Demonstrator (RLV TD) was Chandrayaan-1, Mars Orbiter Mission, GSLV Mk III, India’s fifth- successfully flight tested in May Astrosat and Chandrayaan-2 – have generation satellite launch vehicle 2016 and several critical technologies caught the attention of millions of has two solid strap-ons, a core liquid were successfully validated. The Indians as well as the outside world. booster and a cryogenic upper stage. first experimental mission of ISRO’s Launched by PSLV on The vehicle is designed to carry 4-ton Supersonic Combustion Ramjet 22 October 2008, the 1380 kg class of satellites into Geosynchronous (SCRAMJET) engine towards the Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft was Transfer Orbit (GTO) or about 10 tons realisation of air breathing propulsion successfully navigated to the Moon in to Low Earth Orbit (LEO). LVM3-X/ system was also successfully conducted three weeks and was put into an orbit CARE Mission, the first experimental in August 2016. With this, India around the moon. On 14 November suborbital flight of GSLV Mk III became the fourth country to flight test 2008, when a TV set sized ‘Moon Impact on 18 December 2014 injected the the SCRAMJET engine. Probe’ separated from Chandrayaan-1 Crew Module Atmospheric Re-entry The Indian space programme has spacecraft and successfully impacted on Experiment (CARE) in December always focused on the development the surface of the Moon, India became 2014. The CARE module began and utilisation of space technologies the fourth country to send a probe to the to achieve overall development of lunar surface after the United States, the country. Despite its emphasis on the Soviet Union and Japan and the fifth “The space science missions applications, ISRO has pursued many individual country to put a spacecraft of India – Chandrayaan-1, Mars space science projects in earnest to into an orbit around the Moon. Later, Orbiter Mission, Astrosat and perform meaningful exploration of when Chandrayaan-1 conclusively Chandrayaan-2 – have caught space. India’s first satellite Aryabhata discovered water molecules on the the attention of millions of was a scientific satellite. lunar surface, it was widely hailed as a Indians as well as the outside After Aryabhata, ISRO entered pathbreaking discovery. world.” into the realm of science missions Encouraged by the success of again with a unique mission that caught Chandrayaan-1, ISRO endeavoured

August 2021 | Science Reporter | 27 “The crew selection and basic space flight training of four astronaut trainees for the Gaganyaan project have been completed at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre (GCTC), Russia and ISRO are gearing up for the mission- specific training in India.”

science data which will enrich our understanding of the Moon’s evolution and mapping of the minerals and water molecules in the Polar regions. Mars Orbiter Mission Spacecraft (Image Credit: isro.gov.in) Having successfully built many communications, meteorological to realise the Mars Orbiter Mission Indian astronomy mission aimed at (weather monitoring), remote for demonstrating India’s capability to studying celestial sources in X-ray, sensing and scientific satellites, ISRO build, launch and navigate an unmanned optical and UV spectral bands has successfully established and spacecraft to Mars. Launched by PSLV simultaneously. AstroSat recently made operationalised the Navigation with on 5 November 2013, the 1340 kg a major breakthrough by discovering Indian Constellation (NavIC), with eight Mars Orbiter Spacecraft encountered one of the earliest galaxies in extreme- satellites in orbit, which are providing Mars on 24 September 2014. With this, Ultraviolet light. accurate position, navigation and time ISRO became the fourth space agency The Chandrayaan-2 mission, information to users in India and its to successfully send a spacecraft to India’s second mission to the moon, was surroundings. Further, through GPS Mars orbit. Achieving success in the successfully launched on 22 July 2019. Aided GEO Augmented Navigation first such mission itself is yet another Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter spacecraft (GAGAN), ISRO is providing satellite- accomplishment of ISRO. was placed in its intended orbit. The based navigation services with accuracy AstroSat launched by PSLV in eight instruments onboard the Orbiter and integrity required for civil aviation September 2015 is the first dedicated are continuously providing useful applications and to provide better Air Traffic Management over Indian Airspace. Apart from this, ISRO has also facilitated students in building and launching satellites for various applications. So far, 14 student satellites have been launched by ISRO.

Human Space Flight Endeavour The “Gaganyaan Programme” approved by the Government of India in 2018 is a point of inflexion in the growth profile of India's space endeavour. With the Gaganyaan Programme, a new vertical has been created within ISRO, and a new ISRO centre namely Human Spaceflight Centre (HSFC) was established on 10 January 2019 and started functioning. Gaganyaan is a national programme wherein ISRO is leveraging the domain expertise of various national agencies like Indian Armed Forces, DRDO labs, CSIR labs, academic institutions, AstroSat (Image Credit: isro.gov.in) Chandrayaan-2 (Image credit: Indian maritime agencies, and industry Wikimedia Commons) 28 | Science Reporter | August 2021 Inauguration of Human Space Flight Centre Inauguration of NSIL by Dr K. Kasturirangan, (Image credit: ISRO) former Chairman, ISRO (Image credit: ISRO) partners. MoUs/contracts are also in of ISRO-CNES collaboration, a India, many Non-Government-Private- effect with concerned participating three-week training programme for Entities (NGPEs) have started engaging agencies. ISRO has organised various flight surgeons was conducted at ISRO. in space activities for commercial Industry meets and workshops to apprise An International Symposium on gains. Many start-ups and industries the industries about the requirements of Human Spaceflight and Exploration have started making launch vehicles Gaganyaan. was organised by ISRO in Association and satellites and are eager to provide The crew selection and basic space with the International Academy space-based services. Participation of flight training of four astronaut trainees of Astronautics (IAA) to bring NGPEs including academic institutions, have been completed at the Gagarin together national and international start-ups and industries in end-to-end Cosmonaut Training Centre (GCTC), experts, scientists, professionals and space activities is expected to expand Russia and ISRO are gearing up for the academicians for the exchange of the space economy. mission-specific training in India. The technical information and policy details In order to enhance the diffusion preliminary design of major subsystems on human space flights. of space technology and boost the has been completed and ISRO has space economy within the country, the entered into the realisation phase. The Space Technology participation of private companies in test plan for various systems is also As a collaborator with industries, space activities needs to be encouraged. finalised. over the last five decades, ISRO has The Government of India announced ISRO has initiated the process of been successful in the development reforms for opening up the space sector encouraging micro-gravity research in of indigenous end-to-end capability in to private entities by the creation of academic institutes. Five microgravity space technology and space activities. the Indian National Space Promotion experiment proposals have been This has also led to growth in Indian and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) shortlisted for flying in Gaganyaan industries, with more than 500 MSMEs, under the Department of Space (DOS). unmanned flights. ISRO will be PSUs and large private industries IN-SPACe will encourage, promote supporting the activities of payload contributing significantly to the Indian and hand-hold the private sector for design and qualification. space programme. The involvement their participation in the Space sector. In addition, to meet the of industries in space activities has IN-SPACe has already promoted programmatic schedule targets, foreign created jobs for around 45,000 people and hand-held four student satellites, collaboration is being planned in in the country. Many sectors like which were successfully launched by areas that require establishing large defence production, telecom, materials, PSLV-C51. infrastructure and long lead research chemicals and precision engineering To enable enhanced participation and development. The major areas of have benefitted from this exercise. of Indian Industries in taking up collaborations are astronaut training, Space-based applications/services high-tech space-related activities, the life support systems, spacesuit, wind over the years have grown much Government of India on 6 March 2019 tunnel testing, flight surgeon training, more than originally envisaged. Many incorporated NewSpace India Limited etc. ISRO has entered into contracts and new applications are being developed (NSIL), a wholly-owned Central Public agreements with various international worldwide to meet the growing user Sector Enterprise (CPSE), under the agencies like M/s Glavkosmos Russia; demands and requirements. The administrative control of the Department NRC Canada; INCAS Romania, and activities are on a growth trajectory of Space. NSIL is the commercial arm CNES France. In the framework with huge commercial potential. In of ISRO with the primary responsibility

August 2021 | Science Reporter | 29 participants from 17 countries and the second batch was conducted from 15 October to 15 December 2020 with 30 participants from 16 countries.

Geared for Future Challenges The Indian space programme has many challenges ahead. There are plans to build heavier and more capable and efficient satellites. And, space science missions like Chandrayaan-3, Aditya-L1, Mission to Venus to further explore the solar system, are in progress. Pursuit of research and development activities pertaining to small satellite launch vehicle, air-breathing rocket During UNNATI programme 2019 propulsion and demonstration of reusable rocket technology, are also of enabling Indian industries to take up 2002, is aimed at introducing the newly progressing. high technology space-related activities. recruited engineers to the ISRO systems The space programme in the With the expansion of the space by providing exposure to the ISRO country is poised for several major sector to private entities, Government programmes, achievements, rules, breakthroughs in the development of India enhanced the role and scope of regulations, systems, processes, etc. of advanced technology needed for NSIL to encompass more responsibilities Similar Centralised Induction Training the realisation of the future launch in the primary business areas and programmes are being provided to vehicle and spacecraft missions in widen the scope. The revised mandate Office Assistants and Junior Personal the coming years. Efforts are on to broadly covers (i) Owning satellites for Assistants in Administrative areas. establish the necessary infrastructure Earth observation and communication During the 50th anniversary of for casting large boosters, liquid- applications; (ii) Providing space-based the United Nations Conference on propellant engines, heavy cryo- Earth observation and communication the Exploration and Peaceful uses of boosters for advanced heavier services; (iii) Building and launching. Outer Space (UNISPACE+50), India launchers and missions in the area of announced a capacity building training remote sensing, communications and Building Human Resources programme UNNATI (UNispace navigational satellites as well as space Towards capacity building in human Nanosatellite Assembly & Training by science systems. Necessary ground resources and to meet the growing ISRO) on Nanosatellite development infrastructure for providing mission demands of the Indian Space in three batches for international support during the launch phase and in- Programme, the Indian Institute of participants from countries around orbit support for the planned missions Space Science and Technology (IIST), the world. The course comprises of a is under realisation. a deemed university, was established combination of theoretical coursework The continuing expansion of space at Thiruvananthapuram in 2007. The and hands-on training. As part of the applications programmes like Village institute offers Bachelor’s Degree in theoretical coursework, the participants Resources Centres, telemedicine, tele- Space Technology with specialisation are taken through basics of satellite education, disaster management support in Aerospace Engineering and technology (Module 1) and nanosatellites and outreach through Direct-To-Home Electronics & Communication and (Module 2). The participants would television, reiterates the increasing Masters Programme in areas of space be introduced to the design aspects role played by the Indian space technology. of satellites, the various subsystems systems in providing direct benefits to ISRO is also developing systematic of a satellite and their functionality, society. capacity enhancement plans at configuration evolution and post-launch The Indian space programme individual, organisational, institutional, mission operations. As part of the continues to pursue successful goals industrial and user/community levels. hands-on training, all participants are on all fronts in meeting the objectives Various training and development introduced to Assembly, Integration of achieving self-reliance in space activities are envisaged through both and Testing (AIT) of Nanosatellites in technology and its applications for centralised and decentralised systems. the labs of URSC. national development. The scheme of Centralised Induction The first batch of UNNATI Training Programme for newly joined Programme was conducted from 15 scientists/engineers, introduced during January to 15 March 2019 with 29

30 | Science Reporter | August 2021 CHANGING THE TIDE IN PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEMS IN 75 YEARS Role of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)

Dr Balram Bhargava Dr Rajni Kant Secretary, Department of Health Research (DHR) Director, ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, & Director General, Indian Council of Medical Gorakhpur Research (ICMR) Scientist G & Head, Research Management, Policy, Planning and Coordination (RMPPC), ICMR Hqrs

NDIA has witnessed substantial to a significant degree and are being Equitable Access to Healthcare achievements in population health targeted for elimination. The public health landscape of a state, Iimprovement during the last seven In recent years, the unfolding of nation or country is ever evolving. decades. One of the key developments Mission Indradhanush and schemes There is always a need to balance is the improvement in life expectancy like Swachch Bharat, Ujjawala Yojna, the research efforts between various at birth, which has increased from 32 Ayushman Bharat and Poshan Abhiyan fields, with the existing availability of years in 1947 to 69.4 years in 2021 – are going to have tremendous impact on resources to achieve equitable access more than double increase in the last various health indicators. to healthcare and health services. The seven decades. The marked reduction in Maternal Mortality from 2000 per 100,000 live birth to 113 and Infant Mortality from 145 per 1000 live birth to 28.7 is again a testament to the tremendous progress in Indian medical research and health interventions. The country has also been able to eliminate diseases like small pox, polio, Yaws, guinea-worm and neonatal tetanus through consistent research and ground level implementation. Diseases like cholera, leprosy, tuberculosis, malaria, kala-zar, lymphatic filariasis, which used to cause serious concern, have now been controlled Mission DELHI: Tackling heart attack within the first 30 minutes

32 | Science Reporter | August 2021 government programmes and medical protocols. ICMR is supporting Ayushman Bharat and ensuring a sustainable and cost-effective model through its ongoing programmes like health technology assessment, standard treatment workflows and national list of essential medicines and diagnostics. Scientists working in High Containment Facility at NIV, Pune These programmes would serve as an expertise to state health ministries and important tool in prioritising national departments. health spending and providing a ICMR also consistently uniform guideline to ensure quality collaborates with international partners Mobile Stroke Unit: Providing treatment healthcare services across the nation. to exchange ideas and work jointly on at the doorstep The health research infrastructure Indian Research Fund Association major research programmes thereby built by ICMR has been critical in contributing to both extramural as well (IRFA) was established with this turning around the country’s health purpose before independence, in 1911. as intramural research in India. ICMR indicators, reduce the spread of research programme are aligned with The primary objective of the IRFA was infectious diseases, combat non- to carry out medical research in tropical national health priorities and meant to communicable diseases, save lives and serve the people of India. diseases like malaria, tuberculosis and reduce the impact of health challenges. plague. The lead taken by the Council in India’s Post-independence, the Indian Viral Outbreaks and Epidemics Research Fund Association was Epidemics come at a great economic renamed as the Indian Council of and social cost, not to mention loss Medical Research (ICMR), under the of precious human lives. India has aegis of the Ministry of Health and witnessed a multitude of epidemics Family Welfare. ICMR, in its new ranging from water-borne diseases avatar, has grown into a pan-India like cholera and vector-borne diseases organisation with 27 institutes, over like malaria. Epidemic containment a hundred field Stations/Units and a and providing cure to the affected network of laboratories. incurs great economic cost and As the leading medical research loss of productivity. ICMR has led ICMR team conducting COVID-19 institute in India, ICMR has become the surveillance of critical diseases, Sero-survey apex body for planning, formulation, research response to the COVID-19 conducted investigations and developed coordination, implementation and pandemic is an example of ICMR’s evidence to tackle numerous outbreaks promotion of biomedical research. commitment in the area. In addition to and epidemics. ICMR today carries out pioneering developing the nation’s first indigenous The organisation has contributed to the work in areas of epidemic monitoring vaccine against COVID-19, ICMR has study of various virus-induced diseases made and approved testing kits, built like acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis, a network of laboratories across the rabies, polio, etc. ICMR also played country with over 2600 labs, developed a prominent role in India’s biggest COVID-19 protocols, conducted sero- public health achievement of control surveys and essentially informed the and eventual elimination of polio. The policy response for the disease in India. country which was once the epicenter In addition to this, to achieve of polio in the world has now officially the goal of improving the healthcare eliminated the disease. system in the country through research Post H1N1 outbreak, ICMR programmes, ICMR encourages recognised the gap and took lead to capacity building. Through its research become self-sufficient in tackling the Team working in COVID testing grants and fellowships, the organisation emerging and reemerging infectious and control, maternal and child supports innovative research in the field diseases. It set up a network of Viral health, nutrition, lifestyle diseases of medicine. The 27 institutes under Diagnostic and Research laboratories and occupational health. The research the umbrella of ICMR cover medical (VRDL) across the country. carried out by the various ICMR research at a pan-India level and ICMR also set up Asia’s first BSL-4 institutes forms the basis of various offer both region and disease-specific laboratory to conduct research on the

August 2021 | Science Reporter | 33 Environmental surveillance for viral outbreak by NIV team Community based survey for epidemiological study in vector borne diseases most infectious viruses in a contained human health and the environment, been under the purview of the environment. The combination of BSL-4 a National Institute for One Health is organisation’s research areas. Several with a vast network of VRDL has being set up at Nagpur. The Institute malaria elimination demonstration resulted in successful investigation and will address the issue of zoonosis and projects (Konkan Railways, CCMP containment of CCHF, Nipah & Zika. anti-microbial resistance through inter- in Odisha, MEP in Mandla) have Not even one sample was sent outside sectoral collaboration. successfully shown 85-90% decrease the country. in malaria cases. To combat death and During the COVID-19 pandemic Communicable Diseases illness caused due to diarrhea, ICMR too, these proved to be an asset in Millions of lives in India have been demonstrated the efficacy of Oral establishing the diagnosis of the novel lost due to communicable diseases like Rehydration Therapy. It established Coronavirus as well as isolating and malaria, cholera, Kala azar and HIV in that Home Available Fluids (HAF) culturing it for developing a vaccine. the past. Over the years, ICMR through such as sherbet or tender coconut water ICMR has also geared up to be its various research institutes has been and pressed rice water were effective. future ready. An international platform working to tackle major communicable Following the successful ‘RESEARCH – Regional Enabler for diseases in the country, with proven elimination of polio in India, ICMR South East Asia Research Collaboration success. is now working towards eliminating for Health’ in collaboration with WHO ICMR pioneered the diseases like Kala-azar, filariasis, and 10 other countries of South-Asian development of commercial diagnostic leprosy, malaria and tuberculosis in region has been set up to effectively kits against dengue and chikungunya, mission mode by setting up multi- combat emerging and re-emerging direct antibody tests for early diagnosis stakeholder platforms, India TB infectious diseases in South East Asia of Kala-azar and timely development Research Consortium (ITRC) and region as well as to tackle cross border of vaccines against the Kyasanur Malaria Elimination Research Alliance infections. With increased interaction Forest Disease (KFD) and Japanese (MERA) India. Over these years, between humans and animals – domestic Encephalitis. ICMR also demonstrated ICMR has continued to perform and wild, and influenced by climate for the first time that home-based research and develop strategies for change, human health can no longer treatment is as successful as hospital- treatment, prevention and control of be seen in isolation. To understand the based treatment for tuberculosis. The enteric infections and HIV/AIDS that complexities between animal health, Council further simplified tuberculosis threaten the nation’s health. treatment by laying the foundation of There has been continuous influx of the Directly Observed Treatment Short evidence into national policy decisions, Course (DOTS) in 1964. Recently, be it the malaria drug policy change in ICMR has developed TruNAT, a cost North-East (due to demonstration of effective, PHC friendly diagnostic for rising resistance towards Chloroquine) TB that has been recommended by or addition of triple drug therapy for WHO after successful multi-country accelerated elimination of lymphatic trial. The same platform has also been filariasis from the hotspot-areas of the deployed for Point-of-Care testing in country. Asia’s First BSL-4 laboratory at ICMR-NIV, Nipah, Leptospirosis & COVID-19. Pune – played a pivotal role in tackling Other communicable diseases Non-Communicable Diseases COVID-19, Nipah, Zika and other viral like Malaria, Leprosy, Lymphatic Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) outbreaks filariasis and Cholera have also are not contagious, but they pose a

34 | Science Reporter | August 2021 In another major initiative, generating database on nutritive values ICMR along with the Cardiology and of over 650 Indian foods, which is Emergency Medicine departments of used by various national organisations, All India Institute of Medical Sciences planners and academic research (AIIMS), launched a pilot project called institutions. Now it is working in close Mission DELHI (Delhi Emergency Life partnership with the National Nutrition Heart Attack Initiative) where people Mission to improve nutrition related would be able to call prescribed toll- deficiencies across India. free numbers for a motorbike-borne emergency medical assistance unit in Reproductive, Maternal and the eventuality of a heart attack or chest Child Health pain. Field Station at Sagar (Shimoga) in India has a high burden of morbidity ICMR has also successfully Karnataka for study of KFD and mortality in women, children and initiated mechanisms to provide stroke infants. ICMR has pioneered exemplary great risk to the overall wellbeing of treatment through state-of-the-art research in maternal and child health. the society. In the recent past, such Mobile Stroke Unit (MSU) in Tezpur In 1981, ICMR pioneered in vitro diseases have grown exponentially. The and Dibrugarh area of Assam, India. fertilization and successfully supported burden of non-communicable diseases The MSU was a commendable piece of the delivery of the first Test Tube baby weighs heavily, since they can go work in light of the ongoing pandemic. in India – Harsha – on 6 August 1986. undiagnosed and lead to severe decline This was a landmark step in the field of in individual productivity and even Nutrition infertility treatment and placed India on death. Early detection and prevention ICMR has also made salient of non-communicable disease is one of contributions in nutrition, like the key focus areas of ICMR. assessment of nutritive values of ICMR has dedicated institutes commonly consumed Indian foods and to carry out research on various non- studies of nutrient deficiency disorders. communicable diseases like cancer, It has led intensive work in areas like environmental and occupational iodine deficiency, anaemia, night hazards, disease informatics and blindness where it has addressed gaps implementation research. ICMR in diagnostics and affordable treatment also maintains national registries for mechanisms to tackle the diseases cancer, stroke, cardiovascular diseases, paving the way for implementation of diabetes, etc. Due to the efforts of the national programmes in these areas. First scientifically documented Test Tube national cancer registry programme, ICMR dispelled the myth that Baby Harsha – a contribution of ICMRNIIRH cancer has been made a notifiable in collaboration with KEM Hospital, protein deficiency is the main reason Mumbai disease in 12 states. for malnutrition and highlighted ICMR’s researches have often calorie gap as the actual bottleneck the world map in the arena of assisted shape health policy mechanisms. For in Protein Energy Malnutrition reproductive technologies. example, an India State-Level Disease (PEM). The organisation also laid the ICMR has also developed effective Burden Initiative was launched in foundations for Recommended Dietary indigenous diagnostic kits for the collaboration between ICMR, the Allowances (RDA) which is used as detection of Chlamydia trachomatis, Public Health Foundation of India guiding information for RDA values pregnancy detection, sperm quality (PHFI), Institute for Health Metrics and by government organisations and other assessment and fertility assessment Evaluation (IHME), and senior experts statutory bodies till date. tests to assist quick diagnosis and and stakeholders from nearly a hundred ICMR has pioneered other inspiring intervention. A quarter of India’s institutions across India. The data work in the field of nutrition – from population constitutes adolescents. estimates were based on the analysis assessing dietary intake of individuals, Majority of young and growing of all identifiable epidemiological data households and nutritional profiles children have poor or limited from India over a quarter of a century, of different communities through knowledge and lack of awareness on led by ICMR and the collateral aided periodic surveys to developing simple sexual and reproductive health. The in informing health planning to reduce and sensitive biochemical indicators ICMR-NIRRH, Mumbai, developed health inequalities prevalent amongst for assessment of vitamin nutritive service delivery models for adolescent states in India. This study led to the and pathogenic mechanisms of various reproductive and sexual health and identification of the rising burden of nutritional deficiency syndromes, to guidelines on sexually transmitted NCDs thus guiding states to develop identifying and establishing growth infections, to help build awareness more nuanced policies. norms for Indian children and even among the youth of the country.

August 2021 | Science Reporter | 35 ICMR’s contribution in last 75 years

S.No. Activities Relevance 1. Network of 27 disease-specific • Evaluation of new drugs, insecticides, vaccines, devices, diagnostic kits & other institutes and more than 100 field interventions relevant for every corner of the country Stations/Units 2. Clinical Trial Registry – India • Registers clinical trials conducted in India to improve transparency and accountability, (CTRI) ensure conformation to accepted ethical standards and reporting of all relevant results of the trials. • ICMR also provides ethical guidelines for clinical trials 3. National Cancer Registry Programme • Generate reliable data on the magnitude and pattern of cancer in India • Undertake epidemiological studies based on results of registry data • Help in designing, planning, monitoring and evaluation of cancer control activities under the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) • Develop training programmes in cancer registration and epidemiology 4. Surveillance networks (IDSP, • Generate timely and geographically representative data on the clinical, epidemiological, rotavirus, polio, Antimicrobial and pathological features of several diseases in Indian population resistance, etc.) 5. Nutrition • Identified priority areas, conducted research in a multicentre mode and found effective, practical, economically viable and sustainable solutions for nutrition related problems • Nutritive value of Indian Foods and Food Fortification are landmark achievements of ICMR. 6. Support in outbreak/epidemics/ • Leading the fight against COVID-19 pandemics/National Emergencies • Successful containment of Nipah and Zika Virus • Surveillance of health impact due to Indian Ocean Tsunami in 2004 (NIE, NIRT, NICED, CRME, VCRC, RMRC-PB) • Environment and health impact assessment for Bhopal Gas Tragedy, 1984 (NIOH, NIMS, BHRMC, NIP, NICPR) • Earthquake in Gujarat, 2001 (NIMR, DMRC) • Supercyclone in Odisha, 1999 (NIMR)

7. Inputs for policy implementation • Covaxin for COVID-19 • DOTS for Tuberculosis • UMDT for Leprosy • Malaria Drug Policy in North-East • ORS implementation in diarrhea 8. Guidelines/Regulations • National Guidelines for Accreditation, Supervision and Regulation of ART Clinics in India • Ethical Guidelines for Biomedical Research on Human Participants • Guidelines for Good Clinical Laboratory Practices • Guidelines for Safety Assessment of Foods Derived from Genetically Engineered Plants • Intellectual Property Rights Policy • Guidelines for Stem Cell Research • Dietary Guidelines for Indians 9. Isolation/characterisation of new • Asia’s first BSL-4 laboratory developed pathogens • Cholera strain O139 • Kyasanur forest disease (KFD) • Leptospirosis • Paragonimiasis 10. Research support to Medical Colleges • Funds majority of research in medical colleges • Short Term Studentship Program to promote interest and aptitude for research among medical undergraduates 11. Capacity building • Generate and nurture human resources for health research activities through fellowships (JRF, SRF, RA, STS) and trainings/workshops

36 | Science Reporter | August 2021 susceptibility to particular illness or disease. In India, apart from rural and urban habitats, some communities also live in isolated remote with varying terrains and ecosystems. Such tribal people have different health care needs. ICMR conducts research on health issues of the tribal populations of the country, including nutritional disorders, Demonstration by VCRC staff on the use common communicable and non- Community study in nutrition during of Insecticide treated Bed Nets for personal communicable diseases, environmental the 1960s protection to the community in a tribal village in Koraput District, Odisha health problems, etc. ICMR played a ICMR has also been a pioneer pivotal role in addressing the problem in the validation of contraceptive It has now become mandatory to of fluorosis in the tribal hinterland of methods for incorporation in national follow the National Ethical Guidelines Madhya Pradesh leading to a drastic programme. It has also led decisive for Biomedical & Health Research decrease from 51% prevalence of work in contraception and family and to register ethics committees disease to 2.6% post-intervention. planning including research on efficacy with the Department of Health ICMR also has four Regional of postpartum Intrauterine Devices Research under the New Drugs & Medical Research Centres (RMRC) at (IUDs), evaluation of improved Clinical Trial Rules, 2019. The Gorakhpur, Port Blair, Dibrugarh and contraceptive implants, among others. ICMR Bioethics Unit at NCDIR, Bhubaneshwar. These regional centres Bengaluru, has been recognized as work towards regional health challenges Promoting Health Research and the first centre in WHO South-East in these areas. For instance, the JE/AES Ethical Practices Asia Region to become a WHO disease, which was claiming the lives of Across all these years, ICMR has Collaborating Centre for Strengthening thousands of children in the Gorakhpur paid close attention to ensuring and Ethics in Biomedical Research. area, now with a combination of promoting ethical practices in medical Recently, ICMR added another feather ICMR research and state-led initiatives and health research by means of correct to its cap when in April 2020, India has been drastically reduced. In the biosafety infrastructure, capacity became one of the first countries in the Andamans, ICMR helped in diagnosis building of doctors and scientists and world to release Guidelines for Ethics and control of leptospirosis (earlier much more. ICMR’s guidelines related Committees reviewing research during known as Andaman Haemorrhagic to ethical standards for human research the COVID-19 pandemic. Fever), a zoonotic infection that are well recognizsed. The Central was haunting the island. Similarly, Ethics Committee on Human Research, Regional Health Issues and Tribal lymphatic filariasis is on the verge of a national level committee chaired by Health elimination from Nancowry Islands due distinguished luminaries, has played a Habitat shapes our lives and the food to the implementation of DEC-fortified critical role in guiding ICMR policy we eat. Rural and urban habitats salts. and overcoming complex ethical influence our diet and lifestyle, which Committed to Research challenges. in turn impacts our overall health and Since its inception, ICMR has been an enabler of success for improved and accessible health systems across the nation. Through its research capacity and several areas of expertise, it has played a pivotal role in establishing evidence-based theories and diagnostics that have directly impacted government schemes as well. The apex organisation has been instrumental in improving the health landscape of the country over the years and ever since Independence. ICMR is committed to strengthen its research to benefit the society in the future too.

Laboratory facility at RMRC, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar

August 2021 | Science Reporter | 37 75 YEARS OF INDIA’S INDEPENDENCE AND 80 YEARS OF CSIR

Shekhar C. Mande G. Mahesh Geetha Vani Rayasam Secretary, Department of Senior Principal Scientist Senior Principal Scientist Scientific & Industrial Research Council of Scientific & Industrial Council of Scientific & Industrial Director-General, Council of Research Research Scientific & Industrial Research

EVENTY-FIVE years of Indian It is a future that is laced with the raw Governing Body of CSIR approved independence, being celebrated energy and sparkling enthusiasm of the a proposal of Dr S.S. Bhatnagar to Snationwide as Azadi ka Amrit youth of this country. establish five national laboratories — Mahotsav, is a momentous occasion the National Chemical Laboratory, for every Indian citizen. This is an CSIR, the early years the National Physical Laboratory, the occasion to remember and reflect on The science and technology ecosystem Fuel Research Station, the Glass & the sacrifices made by the millions of India, primarily shaped by the efforts Ceramics Research Institute and the of Indians in attaining our freedom. and programmes of the Ministry of National Metallurgical Laboratory. It also is a time to look back at the Science and Technology, has done Today, thirty-seven CSIR laboratories, achievements and progress that we exceedingly well in embedding science including the 12 laboratories founded have made in these seventy-five years into the nation’s development. And by Dr S.S. Bhatnagar, play a vital gone by. It is also an opportunity to when one speaks of science in India, role in India’s science and technology envision a future that will have, among the Council of Scientific and Industrial programmes. other things, science, scientific and Research or CSIR is inextricably Since early times, scientific research traditional values at the core of India’s linked to the hundreds of technologies for technology development that can development in the coming years. that CSIR has given to the nation. catalyse the growth of Indian industries India has made giant strides in The 75th year of Indian independence was embedded in CSIR’s operations. its 75 years in almost all sectors. Be is even more special to CSIR because CSIR and its laboratories have evolved it health, education, transportation, CSIR enters its 80 years of gloriously hundreds of technologies and products communication, agriculture, science, serving the Indian society through S&T founded on science, scientific principles and many other sectors, India has done interventions. and scientific values. And many of these very well. That said, there is always The CSIR came into operation on technological developments have come scope for improvement, and we need 26 September 1942. Dr S.S. Bhatnagar, in the face of challenges and regimes of to take giant strides forward. India has the first Director-General of CSIR, technology denials to India. a teeming youth population that allows is revered as the father of research Although a large part of the CSIR the nation to dream of a vibrant future. laboratories in India. In 1943, the budget comes from public funding,

38 | Science Reporter | August 2021 considerable financial resources are raised from other sources, especially industries. When CSIR was established in 1942, CSIR appealed to the society for funding it, and the public donated a sum of Rs 44,000, which was a big sum of money at that time. This might be perhaps the earliest crowdsourcing of its kind to fund scientific research and development. Even at that point in time, industrial houses like Tata helped CSIR by funding. It is a matter of pride that CSIR partners with these and other industries to this day. Several decades CSIR-IICT developed a cost-effective process for Favipiravir later, CSIR and Cipla would give the CSIR has had a long and fruitful for Favipiravir, and the process was world several low-cost anti-HIV drugs, association with a large number of transferred to Cipla. The drug was and CSIR and TATA would develop a industries. During the most difficult brought into the market in a quick time. novel COVID-19 diagnostic kit. and critical time when the COVID-19 India has a rich legacy of pandemic hit India last year, CSIR traditional knowledge. Many of the Laying the foundation with laboratories churned out nearly one ancient medical practices have been basic research and industry hundred COVID-19 technologies in documented. However, these need to association a short span of six months. What is be validated from a modern scientific Investment in basic science is essential. important is, CSIR laboratories were perspective. In this regard, CSIR The fruits of such investment can be able to transfer over 60 technologies to has been involved in clinical trials of reaped in the form of technologies many industries. several ayurvedic formulations, and at the right time. The most recent CSIR has had a long association we have introduced several plant- story that exemplifies this is FNCAS9 with the pharmaceutical companies, and based drugs. It is a matter of pride Editor-Limited Uniform Detection it takes pride in being the fountainhead that during COVID-19, the first-ever Assay (FELUDA), CSIR’s COVID-19 of the generic pharma industry in phytopharmaceutical clinical trial was CRISPR-Cas based diagnostic kit. the country. India produced some of brought forth by CSIR in collaboration The CSIR-Institute of Genomics and the most affordable anti-HIV drugs. with Sun Pharma and the International Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB) had The credit for this goes to two of the Centre for Genetic Engineering and been working on the CRISPR-Cas CSIR laboratories, the CSIR-National Biotechnology (ICGEB). based diagnostic kit for sickle cell Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL) and CSIR today is at the forefront to anaemia for quite some time. When the CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical examine traditional medicines from the COVID-19 hit, the CSIR-IGIB team Technology (CSIR-IICT) that made the modern and scientific perspective, and could quickly reorient this technique drug formulation process very cheap the clinical trials in progress along with for developing a COVID-19 diagnostic and handheld the pharma industry to the Ministry of AYUSH will go a long kit. Not just developing the technology, manufacture the drugs at low cost and way in validating the Indian systems but in partnership with TATA, CSIR CSIR went global with these drugs. of medicines such as those from the has been able to go through the value History repeated itself when during the Ayurveda, Siddha and others from a chain to deliver the product in a record COVID-19 pandemic last year, CSIR- modern scientific perspective. time to the market. IICT developed a cost-effective process Technologies of the early years CSIR, being one of the earliest S&T organisations in the country, was naturally bound to the challenges that a newly independent country faced. CSIR needed to participate in all those challenges. For example, when the Green Revolution was happening, one of the immediate challenges was mechanisation in agricultural operations. The CSIR-Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-CMERI) in Durgapur FELUDA, CSIR’s COVID-19 CRISPR-Cas based diagnostic kit August 2021 | Science Reporter | 39 Swaraj tractor built by CSIR-CMERI made the first tractor, the 20 HP Swaraj, licensed to Punjab Tractor Ltd. Likewise, when agri-pesticides had to be made, the CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (formerly RRL, Hyderabad) produced several CSIR’s Kisan Sabha App connects farmers directly to transporters pesticides. These are a couple of During 1980, an era of technology Recently, CSIR-Centre for Cellular integral roles that CSIR played during denials, India faced difficulties and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), the Green Revolution. purchasing supercomputers for in collaboration with the Indian Institute CSIR’s indelible voters’ ink is academic and weather forecasting of Rice Research (IIRR), developed an oft-told story, one that will always purposes. CSIR took upon the an improved variety of Samba Masuri remain a cherished contribution of challenge, and the denial saw the rice with low Glycemic Index (GI) and CSIR, not just because of its innovation arrival of CSIR’s supercomputer. In blight resistance. Rice with low GI is but because it touches every voting 1986, the CSIR-National Aeronautical considered suitable for people with adult in this greatest of democracies. Laboratory (now National Aerospace diabetes. Consumption of food with low Beginning with leaving an indelible Laboratories) initiated the Flosolver GI results in the slow release of glucose mark on the fingers, hundreds of project, a parallel computing product into the bloodstream, reducing the ill CSIR products and technologies have for computational fluid dynamics. This effects of diabetes. The CCMB-IRRI footprints on the lives of every Indian. outstanding effort had a far-reaching rice variety has the lowest GI of 50.99 impact on how the world looked at against the usual 53 to 70 in several rice India in that era of technology denials. varieties. And being blight-resistant, it CSIR’s Central Mechanical has a better yield and being a suitable Engineering Research Institute in grain type; the variety has enhanced its Durgapur played a vital role in market potential and profit for farmers. designing the Mark II hand pump to During the COVID-19 induced draw groundwater. The installation of lockdown, when the farmers had lakhs of Mark II pumps alleviated the difficulty transporting their produce problem of drinking water in many to the vegetable markets or mandis, rural areas. To this day, this CSIR CSIR developed the Kisan Sabha App technology quenches the thirst of that connects the farmers directly with people in rural areas. the transporters. The two key partners, the transporter and the farmers are CSIR and innovations connected directly without middlemen. Indelible voters’ ink ¯ A CSIR innovation India is a land of innovations. We see Available in twelve Indian languages, innovations all around us. From school this has brought about efficiency in In the 1970s and 1980s, when children to the elderly, we have seen the movement of agricultural produce the buffalo milk had to be converted many examples of simple contraptions and, without the middlemen, the profit into powder form for transportation devised primarily to ease the way of margins of both the farmers and the and as baby food, the CSIR-Central doing things. Some of these frugal transporters have increased. Food Technological Research Institute innovations serve immense practical India is the third country in the (CSIR-CFTRI) developed the required purposes. On the other hand, science world to have its indigenous probe technology. That was a path-breaking and technology-led innovations are also for DNA fingerprinting. It is a matter innovation, and many do not realise fundamental to any society. We have of pride that the DNA fingerprinting that the Amul milk powder that is so witnessed such S&T based innovations technology was developed by CSIR’s widely used to feed infants is based on in various sectors, including strategic Centre for Cellular and Molecular a CSIR technology. sectors such as space and defence. Biology. The technology has enabled

40 | Science Reporter | August 2021 plant material. The ICAR’s National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) issued an import permit for bringing the heeng seeds to India. After that, several scientific interventions were introduced by CSIR-IHBT right from germination through nursery Ksheer Scanner developed by CSIR-CEERI for checking milk adulteration raising and transplantation and field providing justice to people, including The CSIR Heeng Story trials in different locations. The those in many high profile criminal In the year 2020, CSIR introduced the Institute did hydroponic cultivation cases. Due to CCMB’s efforts, the cultivation of asafoetida or heeng in and mass propagation of heeng using Centre for DNA Fingerprinting India for the first time. Despite India tissue culture techniques. Molecular and Diagnostics (CDFD) under the being the largest consumer of heeng and biochemical studies such as DNA Department of Biotechnology came into globally, this household spice is not barcoding for authentication of the being. cultivated in India and is imported from plant species, volatile compounds and To detect adulteration in milk, Afghanistan, Iran and other countries. metabolites profiling were also carried CSIR-Central Electronics Engineering CSIR’s Institute of Himalayan out. Research Institute (CSIR-CEERI) Bioresource Technology (CSIR- Be it COVID-19 technologies has developed Ksheer Scanner. CSIR IHBT) carried out ecological niche or the introduction of heeng, CSIR is also has a technology for detecting modelling to investigate landscapes focused on the nation’s Atmanirbhar adulteration in mustard oil. CSIR gave that meet the ecological requirements Bharat vision. the world, Saheli, the first non-steroidal of the asafoetida plant. Based on these once-a-week oral contraceptive pill. studies, the Institute identified Ladakh, Aroma mission of CSIR The pill is part of India’s family Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, A more recent contribution of CSIR planning programme and is exported to and Uttarakhand as suitable regions for that has touched the lives of thousands several countries globally. heeng cultivation in India. of farmers, improving their profit and Parboiling of rice is an ancient The challenging process of creating hundreds of entrepreneurs is traditional process of India. As we introducing the plant in India began in the Aroma Mission. CSIR introduced know, the parboiling of rice has many 2017. CSIR-IHBT contacted several and hand-held the cultivation of advantages. It reduces grain breakage countries for obtaining the requisite medicinal and aromatic plants in many during milling, greatly improves the vitamins and other nutrients in the polished rice grain, increases the oil in the bran, reduces proneness to insect infestation, changes the rice’s cooking and eating quality, and reduces the rice’s quality loss of nutrients during cooking. The technology for parboiling and drying plant – 4 tonnages per hour (TPH) capacity has been developed at CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore, using the appropriate equipment for optimal product recovery of the right quality. The Aroma Mission of CSIR has improved farmers’ incomes

August 2021 | Science Reporter | 41 regions of the country, including the remote northeast regions and facilitated setting up distillation units for farmers to produce the aromatic oils. CSIR also played a vital role in mentha, lavender and saffron cultivation in the country. The Aroma Mission has been a very successful programme of the country that, in the coming years, Tejas, light-weight combat aircraft, developed by CSIR-NAL will pan out across the country and traditional knowledge concerning neem, And talking of lightweight combat have hundreds of acres and thousands turmeric, basmati and so on, India, led aircraft, one of the challenges in the of farmers cultivating and producing by CSIR, fought nothing less than a aircraft industry has been to lower medicinal and aromatic plants and battle to prevent the misappropriation the aircraft’s weight. This is done developing plant-based products thus of India’s traditional knowledge. by using lightweight materials such as enabling higher earnings and profits. This also led CSIR to set up the composites. It is no small achievement Traditional Knowledge Digital Library that Tejas, the light Indian aircraft, Intellectual property and (TKDL), which now has been twenty comprises composite materials that are traditional knowledge years in existence. TKDL continues to 45% of its weight. Out of this, about document India’s traditional knowledge 25% was designed and developed at and pushes back or fights any attempt CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories by anyone to appropriate India’s ancient (CSIR-NAL). Over the years, CSIR- expertise as their own. NAL has developed many other critical technologies for Tejas and the aviation CSIR and the strategic sectors sector in general. Defence and space are two exceedingly Autoclaves are required to important strategic sectors that have manufacture superior quality structural implications for national security as components containing high fibre well. While India has very efficient volume fraction and low void content. and dedicated space and defence The autoclave is a pressure vessel that programmes and systems, institutions provides the curing conditions for the such as the CSIR also contributed to composite where vacuum, pressure, these sectors. heat-up rate and cure temperature are Head-Up Display (HUD) is controlled. High processing pressures an essential aid to aircraft pilots, allow the moulding of thicker sections especially in fighter aircraft. It is a of complex shapes. Honeycomb transparent display that presents data sandwich structures can also be made without requiring the pilot to look to a high standard, typically at lower away from their usual viewpoint. pressures. HUD displays flight information such CSIR-NAL has successfully as altitude, airspeed, angle of attack, developed state-of-art Indigenous navigation, weapon aiming and other Autoclave Technology to process flight information in the collimated advanced lightweight composites form so that the pilot can view the integral to modern-day civil and information with his head “up” and military airframes. The autoclaves’ size TKDL developed by CSIR documents looking forward, instead of looking ranges from smaller lab-scale to very India’s traditional knowledge down on other instruments mounted in large sizes up to 5m working dia and In the 1990s, CSIR, through its the cockpit. This high-tech system has 12m working length. These meet the rather aggressive intellectual property been developed by the CSIR-Central requirements of the aerospace industry, protection efforts, laid the foundation Scientific Instruments Organisation research and educational institutes. of IP protection in the country. (CSIR-CSIO) in Chandigarh. CSIO In the last 7-8 years, several CSIR, while carrying out cutting- began developing the technology from autoclaves have been supplied to edge scientific research, is also very scratch after the UK, USA, France, and various organisations in the strategic mindful of the traditional systems and Israel declined to share it with India. sector and academic institutions. About the ancient scientific knowledge of this This technology was first adapted for 500 million rupees worth of business country. When attempts were made the indigenous light combat aircraft has been generated as of date. The to misappropriate some of India’s Tejas. autoclave technology has successfully

42 | Science Reporter | August 2021 promoted the local ecosystem, Currently, the National Centre for industry was operating in the cottage mitigating imports and creating millions Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), sector. The Institute has given several of employment man-hours. Goa, manages the Indian Antarctic technologies to the leather sector. Large sums of money are spent programme. However, we might Some of the latest technologies include every year on aviation fuel. To lower recall that the first Indian expedition to waterless chrome tanning process, the cost and also reduce pollution, Antarctica was launched from CSIR- electro-oxidation based zero wastewater CSIR has been working on developing National Institute of Oceanography discharge, smart leathers, compost for biofuel. In December 2018, the Indian (NIO), Goa, which comprised 21 agricultural applications, product for Airforce Pilots flew India’s first scientists and support staff led by dry tanning, high-value collagenous military flight using blended bio-jet Dr S.Z. Qasim, the then Director products and activated carbon from fuel. The fuel, made from Jatropha oil, for the CSIR-National Institute of trimming and fleshing wastes, was processed at CSIR-Indian Institute Oceanography. preservation-cum-unhairing process of Petroleum (CSIR-IIP), Dehradun. It CSIR-National Institute of and biogas for energy conservation. was a proud moment for CSIR and the Oceanography has been undertaking The transfer of such technologies to the country when the first biofuel flight of scientific expeditions in the oceans for leather and leather product industries the Indian Air Force did a flypast on several decades now. Even during the (existing and start-ups) has increased India’s Republic Day in 2019. Biofuel ongoing COVID-stricken year, CSIR- the existing employee base and new job technology holds a lot of promise as it NIO undertook the largest scientific creation. is carbon-neutral, reduces air pollution, expeditions ever with 30 scientists that and is likely to bring down import bills will cover 11,000 nautical miles in 90 Science and the public on crude oil. days aboard the NIO research vessel Apart from its intense R&D efforts, Sindhu Sadhana. CSIR has been engaged in inculcating From space to the seas scientific temper in school children. The year 2021 marks India’s 40th CSIR and the leather sector The CSIR’s Jigyasa program is a scientific expedition to Antarctica. The The leather industry occupies unique platform for bringing scientists Indian journey marks four decades of prominence in the Indian economy and teachers to nurturing young minds. the country’s scientific endeavour to the because of its massive potential for This program envisages opening up the southern white continent. The Indian employment, growth and exports. The national scientific facilities to school Antarctic expeditions began in 1981. leather and footwear industry directly children, enabling CSIR scientific As we know, the Indian Antarctic employs approximately 4.5 million knowledgebase and facility to be utilised programme built three permanent people, with more than 30% being by schoolchildren. This model of research base stations in Antarctica women. The CSIR-Central Leather engaging school children also has been — named Dakshin Gangotri, Maitri, Research Institute (CSIR-CLRI) has extended to other schools in addition to and Bharati. As of today, Maitri and interwoven its research efforts to meet KVS. To date, over 3,00,000 school Bharati are operational. industry training needs since the time students have participated in the Jigyasa programme. The engagement of scientists and scientific institutions with the public is vital. It is the duty and responsibility of scientists to communicate and share their scientific research with their peers and the public. The citizens have a right to know, and importantly, such communication efforts can inspire the younger generation to take up science. CSIR is conscious of these facts and has a system in place for public engagement and outreach. During the COVID-19 pandemic, outreach became a regular feature, and we had numerous webinars in several Indian languages that addressed various aspects of COVID-19. We received very favourable responses from the public. Recently, we have initiated a CRIR-NIO’s RV Sindhu Sadhana undertook the largest scientific expedition recently webinar series that is showcasing the

August 2021 | Science Reporter | 43 Students interacting with former S&T Minister and President of India as a part of Jigyasa programme success stories of CSIR. We plan to recovers potash, a beneficial fertiliser, wastes, environmental protection, mine showcase at least 80 success stories as from the waste of sugarcane processing safety, construction of low-cost hazard a part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav industries has also been noteworthy. resistant houses, unravelling India’s celebrations. This waste to wealth technology of underwater cultural heritage, one could CSIR-CSMCRI not only recovers go on. Fostering and catalysing valuable fertiliser but also lowers Needless to say, CSIR has played technology development pollution and even yields cattle feed. a significant role in the 75 years of In addition to doing its research and With CSIR entering its 80th year Indian independence. It is difficult to technology development, CSIR fosters of existence, it is only natural that recount all the manifold contributions and catalyses technology development many CSIR institutes and laboratories of CSIR of its last eighty or so years in by researchers and technologists in are celebrating their own milestones. a few pages. In recent years, we have other organisations. This is done Earlier this year, CSIR-National initiated steps to transform CSIR into through the different programmes. One Physical Laboratory (NPL) celebrated a globally competitive organisation. such programme is the New Millennium its 75th anniversary. Shri Narendra The transformation entails a series Indian Technology Leadership Initiative Modi, Honourable Prime Minister, of essential changes to align to (NMITLI). NMITLI seeks to catalyse graced the celebratory event and gave the changing times and fulfil new innovation centred scientific and his inaugural address. CSIR-NPL has societal needs. Earlier this year, two technological developments as a vehicle been the standards bearer of the country national institutes, the CSIR-National to attain for Indian industry a global and, on its 75th anniversary, dedicated Institute of Science Communication leadership position, in selected niche the National Atomic Timescale and and Information Resources (CSIR- areas in a true “Team India” spirit, Bhartiya Nirdeshak Dravya Pranali NISCAIR) and the CSIR-National by synergising the best competencies (Indian Reference Materials) to the Institute of Science, Technology of publicly funded R&D institutions, Nation. and Development Studies (CSIR- academia and private industry. It is indeed heartening that CSIR NISTADS) were merged to form the This most extensive public-private has been receiving the support and CSIR-National Institute of Science partnership R&D programme in the patronage of India’s highest offices. Communication and Policy Research country has given numerous innovative Such support strengthened by the (CSIR-NIScPR). The creation of technologies. decades of solid and long-lasting the new entity will strengthen S&T A recent innovation has been the partnerships with Indian industries and communication and S&T policy development of dental implants. Under the acknowledgement of the public research in the country. the NMITLI funded programme, of CSIR’s contributions has kept the It is a long road ahead for CSIR, researchers from the Maulana Azad wheels of CSIR rolling for 80 long but what is certain is that a New CSIR Institute of Dental Sciences and years now. for a New India will continue to play the Indian Institute of Technology The contributions of CSIR to the a critical role in India’s science and developed dental implants that cost half nation are so vast and varied that the technology ecosystem for many more the price of the imported implants. likelihood of a direct or indirect CSIR decades to come. CSIR-Central Salt and Marine footprint in any sphere is very high. Chemicals Research Institute’s spent Solid waste management, electricity wash management technology that generation from vegetable or plant

44 | Science Reporter | August 2021 DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY A PROUD SYMBOL OF AATMANIRBHAR BHARAT

Shri K.N. Vyas Dr M. Ramanamurthi Secretary, Department of Atomic Raja Ramanna Fellow, DAE Energy; Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission

S the country approaches arts, social sciences, management, security, food security and national the 75th Anniversary of her humanities and many other domains. security and to carry out developments Aindependence, it is indeed Science and technology have and innovations in the use of Nuclear an occasion to celebrate and rejoice played a pivotal role behind every facet and Radiation Technology leading to in her growth, progress, triumphs of the growth and transformation of the economic and social benefits to the and achievements. Much has been nation over the last 75 years. Realising nation and a better quality of life to its accomplished in this long march after that the socio-economic progress of the citizens”. her rebirth, rising from the ashes of a nation hinges upon a robust science fledgling and impoverished nation to and technology infrastructure, a large become one of the largest economies of spectrum of science and technology the world. institutes and centres, including the This task of nation-building has Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), been a multi-pronged effort, facilitated were set up across the country covering by a sustained pursuit of growth across a gamut of domains requiring rapid agricultural, infrastructural, energy, progress, in order to propel the nation industrial, health and educational forward on a path of growth and sectors amongst many others. The green development. revolution has made the nation self- sufficient in food grain production and The Birth of DAE visionary infrastructural developments Atomic Energy Commission was have made it an industrial powerhouse. constituted in 1948 soon after The nation today generates surplus independance and the Department of electricity and a vast network of Atomic Energy was established in 1954. educational institutions have created a The mission statement of DAE is “To large pool of trained and expert human harness the power of the atom towards resources in science, technology, enhancing energy security, health Dr Homi Bhabha during the construction phase of AEET

August 2021 | Science Reporter | 45 “As of today, it is estimated that the use of nuclear energy avoids carbon emissions roughly equivalent to removing one-third of all cars from the world’s roads.”

Right since its inception, the visionary founder Dr Homi Jehangir Bhabha had the foresight to realise that the nation would need to be self-reliant in this sphere in order to gain complete mastery over the technology and forge an independent path. However, the Panoramic view of research reactors CIRUS and DHRUVA foundations for science and technology R&D were poorly developed in the aspects of our diverse contributions reactor at Trombay in 1956. Built in country at that stage. DAE, therefore, shall be touched upon in this article to a short span of one year, this reactor embarked on R&D programmes in provide glimpses of our vast range of gave the confidence, set the tone and numerous disciplines to support its activities and achievements. provided the thrust for sustained programmes and has today emerged growth of the Indian nuclear sector into a distinctive organisation, not only Reactor Technology thereafter. A second research reactor as a hub for R&D in all aspects of the Electricity is one of the foremost CIRUS was built in 1960 and two nuclear fuel cycle but also for carrying requirements to run the engine of growth. power reactors were commissioned at out pioneering cutting-edge research In the early days of the nuclear energy Tarapur soon after. Two more research work in associated areas of relevance. journey, many nations understood the reactors Dhruva and Apsara-U as well Over the decades, this blend of importance of this powerful source of as 22 power reactors have since been activities and disciplines has led to the energy and embarked on nuclear energy constructed, commissioned and being creation of several world-class institutes programmes on a massive scale. India operated by DAE. Six power reactors and units of DAE, comprising a vast too decided to include nuclear energy are under construction and several network of 30 research centres, public in the energy basket of the nation to more are in the pipeline. sector units, aided institutes and service augment electricity production in the Radioisotopes produced in organisations around the country, having country. research reactors Dhruva and Apsara footprints spanning across multiple The journey to master the (U) are the key requirements in almost sectors such as energy, healthcare, technology began in right earnest with all applications of radiation technology agriculture, food preservation, drinking the setting up of the first research – healthcare, agriculture and food water, environment, etc. A few salient reactor in India and Asia – the Apsara preservation. Dhruva is the workhorse for the production of radioisotopes in the country. In addition to radioisotope production, material irradiation and neutron radiography facilities in the research reactors support the power programme towards material characterisation and diagnostics. It is important to mention that nuclear power plants produce no greenhouse gas emissions during operation, and over the course of their life-cycle, they produce only 33% of the emissions per unit of electricity when compared with solar and 4% when compared to thermal power plants. As of today, it is estimated that the use of nuclear energy avoids carbon emissions roughly equivalent to removing one- Kakrapar Atomic Power Station – Site view third of all cars from the world’s roads.

46 | Science Reporter | August 2021 Table 1: Recently developed Radiochemicals/ Radiopharmaceuticals/Freeze-dried kits

Sl. No. Product Name Application

99mTc-Hynic-TOC/HYNIC- 1. Neuroendocrine tumour imaging TATE Detection of sentinel nodes in 2. 99mTc-HSA-Nanocolloid breast and other cancers 3. 99mTc-UBI (29-41) Infection imaging 99mTc-HYNIC- 4. Malignant tumour imaging [cyclo(RGDfk)]2 APSARA (U) during the stage of final com- 5. 18F-FDG Cancer diagnosis missioning 6. Na18F Bone imaging Healthcare 7. 18F-FLT Tumour proliferation marker There is minimal awareness of the 68Ga-DOTA-TOC/DOTA- enormous contributions being made 8. Neuroendocrine tumor imaging TATE/DOTA-NOC by DAE in the healthcare sector of the country. Nuclear Medicine is a 9. 68Ga-PSMA-11 Prostate cancer imaging branch of medicine requiring the use Cancer imaging & 64Cu- 10. 64CuCl of specialised pharmaceuticals known 2 radiopharmaceutical preparation as radiopharmaceuticals, which are 131I-Lipiodol/188Re-DEDC- drugs tagged with radioactive elements 11. Liver cancer therapy and used for diagnostic as well as Lipiodol therapeutic purposes. Millions of 188Re-HEDP/177Lu- 12. Bone pain palliation procedures are being carried out every EDTMP/177Lu-DOTMP year using radiopharmaceuticals. 13. 177Lu-DOTA-TATE Neuroendocrine cancer therapy The diagnostic procedures produce functional imaging of the 177Lu-Hydroxyapatite/90Y- 14. Radiation synovectomy organ after the radiopharmaceutical is Hydroxyapatite administered. This is akin to an online 15. 177Lu-PSMA-617 Prostate cancer therapy live image of the functioning organ such as heart, brain, kidneys, liver, etc., enabling precise pinpointing the development of novel organ and of the malfunctioning segment of an disease-specific radiopharmaceuticals organ, aiding in accurate diagnosis for improved outcomes. DAE and therapy. Nuclear medicine formulates radiopharmaceuticals, procedures can diagnose abnormalities coordinates clinical trials, creates in the early stages of diseases such as harmonised protocols and provides cancer, neurological disorders and imaging services at its centres. Cancer therapy is an important Eye Plaque developed for the treatment of heart ailments, facilitating timely eye cancer commencement of treatment. Just as wing of DAE operations. Tata Memorial novel drugs for better outcomes are Centre (TMC) under the aegis of DAE to the tumour sites to facilitate higher being continuously developed by the is a pioneer in cancer research and radiation dose deliveries. This type of pharma industry, DAE is involved in treatment in the country. Radiation therapy, as well as radiopharmaceutical internal beam radiotherapy is known “The cost for eye and liver formulations, are extensively used at as Brachytherapy (Brachy in Greek cancer treatment in the these and other cancer centres of DAE means ‘short distance’). Therapeutic country is expected to be and more than 5 lakh patients receive radiopharmaceuticals are designed considerably lowered with the treatment every year. to deliver doses of ionising radiation availability of these new-age Radiation therapy is carried out to specific disease sites and are used procedures at an affordable with external beams of radiation – extensively in treatments of thyroid and cost.” usually from a 60Co source as well as by neuroendocrine tumours as well as for placing sealed radiation sources close bone pain palliation. The radiochemical

August 2021 | Science Reporter | 47 “All diagnostic and treatment time scale, governed by environmental procedures at DAE centres are conditions or on exposure to extraneous provided at a fraction of the influences. However, direct exposure cost incurred at privately run to ionising radiations such as gamma establishments, making them rays from a radioisotope can induce affordable to a large section of accelerated mutations. the society.” The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) has an extensive moiety makes the drug molecule more programme on creating induced potent and helps in reducing the mutations in various crops, a technique cycles of cancer treatment required known as mutation breeding. The method to be administered, alleviating patient involves exposing seeds to controlled distress. dose of gamma radiation, leading to The development of Ruthenium-106 favourable as well as unfavourable plaques for the treatment of eye mutations in them. Seeds with desirable cancer and Yttrium-labelled glass traits are selected and multiplied. microspheres (named BhabhaSphere) Extensive field trials are carried out for the treatment of liver cancer are two Cobalt Teletherapy machine – Bhabhatron in collaboration with state agricultural recent noteworthy developments. The Equipment for robotic surgeries, universities like Indira Gandhi Krishi production of Ru-106 eye plaques and DNA microanalysis, early-stage cancer Vishwavidyalaya (IGKV), Raipur, Dr Yttrium labelled glass microspheres detection equipment, teletherapy Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth require specialised skills and expertise machines, a blood irradiator using Cs- (DPDKV), Akola and many others. making them expensive in the 137, and a radioisotope extracted from The seeds are eventually released international market. These are low- nuclear waste have also emerged from for cultivation by the State Variety cost import substitutes, costing about the R&D efforts at DAE centres. Release Committee and notified by one-tenth of the equivalent imported All diagnostic and treatment the Central Crop Variety Release and products. Their use has been cleared procedures at DAE centres are provided Notification Committee, Ministry by the regulatory authority and several at a fraction of the cost incurred at of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, patients have received treatment at privately run establishments, making Government of India. Forty-nine TMH with excellent outcomes. The cost them affordable to a large section of the Trombay crop varieties including for eye and liver cancer treatment in the society. groundnut, rice, mustard, mung country is expected to be considerably bean, and cowpea with improved lowered with the availability of these Nuclear Agriculture characteristics like higher yield, early new-age procedures at an affordable Biological systems continuously maturity, improved disease resistance, cost. undergo mutations on a very slow drought tolerance, etc., have been The recent commissioning of Table 2: Trombay varieties released & notified India’s largest medical cyclotron S.No. Crop No. of Varieties Released facility in Kolkata, Cyclone-30 has enhanced the capability of DAE to 1. Groundnut 15 produce cyclotron-based radioisotopes 2. Soybean 2 for healthcare applications. Production and regular supply of 18F-FDG (PET 3. Mustard 4 detection of cancers) have been initiated 4. Sunflower 1 from Cyclone-30 to cater to the need of this extremely important short-lived 5. Linseed 1 radiopharmaceutical in the eastern 6. Mungbean 8 region of our country. Gallium-68 is being produced in the country for the 7. Urdbean 5 first time using this medical cyclotron. 8. Pigeon pea 5 Gallium-based radiochemicals such 68 9. Cowpea 2 as GaCl3 (PET radionuclide used for imaging of neuroendocrine cancers, 10. Paddy 5 prostate cancer, etc.) and 201TlCl (myocardial perfusion imaging agent) 11. Jute 1 for clinical utilisation are in the process Total 49 of obtaining regulatory clearance.

48 | Science Reporter | August 2021 “A recent contribution to food preservation is the development of a liquid nitrogen-based system for refrigerated transport of vegetables, fruits, seafood, etc. improving the economics and profitability for growers, farmers and traders.” developed using the radiation-induced mutation breeding techniques and are Liquid nitrogen based Reefer undergoing road trials cultivated extensively in the country. vegetables, pulses, spices, seafood, etc. Limited (TML) to jointly develop In recognition of their exceptional by radiation processing and transferred SHIVAYs for vehicular applications. contributions to mutation breeding the technology to private entrepreneurs. This technology, when extensively programmes, the mutation breeding Several such commercially operated deployed, will substantially reduce team of BARC has been conferred the facilities are available around the wastage and not only improve the ‘Outstanding Achievement Award’ by country. economics and profitability for the IAEA in 2021. India is the second largest fruits growers, farmers and traders but and vegetables and third largest fish also benefit the eventual end-users. Food Preservation producer in the world. However, a An upgraded version of the system, Pest infestation, contamination and substantial portion of the produce gets “SHIVAY-V”, has been designed for mould infestation are major problems wasted due to the spoilage caused by the reaching even lower temperatures of up faced by the agricultural sector, leading lack of cold chain facilities for storage to -70°C and can be used for storage to substantial losses to the extent of and transport. An important recent and transport of vaccines requiring such 20-30% of the produce. Prevention of contribution to the food preservation low temperatures. post-harvest spoilage is, therefore, a agenda has been the development of national imperative. a liquid nitrogen-based system for Food preservation is conventionally refrigerated transport of vegetables, carried out using chemical additives fruits, seafood, etc. such as sorbates, benzoates, parabens, Liquid nitrogen is a by-product sulphites, nitrites, nitrates, etc. of oxygen generation plants used Radiation processing provides a extensively in industrial and medical healthy and eco-friendly solution to sectors. A large untapped capacity, this problem as it eliminates the use therefore, exists in the country for the of chemicals in food preservation. The generation of liquid nitrogen, making it method involves exposure of food and relatively inexpensive. The technology agricultural commodities to measured is also an environmentally friendly View of a bay in food irradiation facility doses of gamma radiation. This process solution since the use of diesel or CFC results in favourable outcomes such as gases has been completely eliminated. In addition to the technologies disinfestation of pests, delayed ripening, These refrigerated vans or reefers detailed above, several other products inhibition of sprouting and elimination as they are known, have been named and applications to serve the agriculture of pathogens and microorganisms SHIVAY (Sheetal Vahak Yantra). A and food sector have emerged over the causing spoilage. Radiation processing significant advantage of SHIVAYs is years, such as solar dryers, disinfectors, is the only method of killing pathogens that they possess multimodal logistical soil testing kits and various kinds of in raw and frozen food. flexibility, being customisable to suit food processing techniques. The radiation beam produces its the mode of transport available at the effect by merely depositing its energy sourcing location of the merchandise – Technologies for Smart Cities and does not lead to any radioactivity railways, roadways or waterways. One of the objectives of the smart being generated in the target material. The systems require minimum cities mission is to provide clean and Radiation processing of food is a method maintenance due to very few moving sustainable environment through the approved by various organisations parts and are therefore rugged enough application of ‘smart solutions’. DAE such as IAEA, WHO, FAO and to be deployed even on rough road has developed a bouquet of technologies FSSAI. DAE has developed irradiation conditions. An incubation agreement which can be deployed to meet this technology for the preservation of fruits, has been signed with Tata Motors objective.

August 2021 | Science Reporter | 49 Sludge Hygenisation: This is a it amenable for installations in small as Increasing radioisotopes production dual-purpose technology for the well as large establishments generating is essential towards the expansion of hygenisation of sewage sludge as such waste. Biogas equivalent to 2 LPG several societal applications and the well as for its conversion to organic cylinders can be generated from each department is actively working towards fertiliser. Dried sewage sludge is metric tonne of waste. augmenting this capacity by building irradiated with gamma rays to eliminate reactors in the PPP mode pathogens and dormant seeds. The Plasma Pyrolysis: Graphite-based Eight cancer hospitals have been irradiated sludge is then enriched with plasma pyrolysis system has been brought into the DAE fold and several micronutrients by inoculation with Bio- developed for the thermal disintegration new ones are under construction.

NPK and used as fertiliser. A plant has of organic mass into hydrogen, CO2 A National Cancer Grid has been been commissioned by the Ahmedabad and lower hydrocarbons. Almost 99% established to link major cancer Municipal Corporation. of organic mass gets converted into centres, research institutes, patient combustible and toxic molecules are groups and charitable institutions Hybrid Granular Sequencing completely eliminated. Plasma pyrolysis across India for establishing uniform Batch Reactor (HgSBR) for Sewage is approved under the Gazette of India norms for prevention, diagnosis Treatment: Wastewater contains for safe disposal of Bio-Medical Waste. and treatment of cancer, providing fibrous impurities, known as floccular specialised training and education in mass, making it difficult to purify Water Purification: DAE has oncology and facilitating collaborative and recirculate. DAE has developed a developed low-cost water purification research on cancer. This is expected treatment technology for the conversion systems using membrane filters for to lead to a sharing of the knowledge of floccular mass to granular mass ultrafiltration of impurities. These and harmonisation of diagnosis and (contaminants aggregated into larger systems require no electricity and call treatment protocols across the country. particles) which settle at the bottom of for minimum maintenance, thereby DAE has thrived over the decades the tank. Pure water is decanted and can making them rugged and versatile. by building an R&D ecosystem be reused for industrial consumption. Technology has been transferred to facilitating a continuous update of its These plants incur considerably lower several entrepreneurs and the systems knowledge base. The Homi Bhabha operational and maintenance costs as are commercially available and in wide National Institute (HBNI), a ‘Deemed compared to a conventional sewage use. to be University’, was established treatment plant. A 150 KLD plant under its aegis in 2005 to provide a has been recently commissioned at Water Desalination: A technology for platform for further strengthening Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. A large 1500 the desalination of seawater has been the R&D infrastructure. HBNI is an KLD plant at Kalpakkam and a 40 KLD developed using nuclear waste heat. umbrella institute of 11 DAE units plant at RVNL, New Delhi, are under Two such plants have been set up at and constituent institutions primarily construction. Kalpakkam and are supplying potable focussing on educational, research and water to the nearby township. The developmental activities in the sphere Nisargruna: Nisargruna (repaying freshwater resources of the country are of nuclear sciences and engineering and our debt to nature) is an organic rapidly depleting due to overuse and cutting-edge basic and applied research. waste management technology for the seawater desalination technologies will Within a span of 16 years, HBNI has treatment of biodegradable waste such be required to be increasingly deployed established itself as a high-quality as food waste, municipal waste, abattoir in the future. This technology provides research institute accredited by NAAC waste, dung, etc. Pathogen and weed a cost-effective and viable solution and and its research activities have yielded free carbon-rich manure and biogas can be considered as a technology for rich dividends towards enhancing our are useful by-products. The technology the future. capabilities in several domains. has a modular design and is, therefore, DAE has attained the stature of a scalable from 10-100 kg/day, making Looking Ahead premier institution in the country by the The motto of DAE is ‘Atoms in dint of hard work supported by a strong the Service of the Nation’ and the organisational culture, state-of-the-art organisation has lived up to this mandate infrastructure, motivated workforce by delivering numerous pioneering and pathways to excellence forged over and one-of-its-kind technologies to the six decades of its existence and will nation. Work on serving and building continue to deliver yeoman service to upon this mandate continues unabated, the nation in the future. by way of enhancing capacities and developing innovative technologies for the nuclear sector as well as for societal Biomethanation plant Nisargruna benefits.

50 | Science Reporter | August 2021 MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES CONTRIBUTING TOWARDS A WEATHER-READY & CLIMATE-SMART INDIA

Dr M. Rajeevan Dr Gopal Iyengar Dr Bhavya Khanna Secretary, Ministry of Earth Scientist G & Adviser, MoES Scientist D (Communication Sciences in science)

ROM urban dwellers who the Earth (the Arctic, Antarctic and climate, and ocean state in the country. google weather forecasts, air Himalayas). In a relatively short span Improvements in monsoon, weather, Fquality updates, and information of four decades, the contributions from and climate forecasts have been on earthquakes, to rural habitants who MoES (and erstwhile DOD) to India’s possible as part of a targeted activity require information about monsoons, bright and better future are many, of the MoES called the National ocean state forecasts, alerts for unique, and significant. Monsoon Mission (NMM). Today, tsunamis and extreme weather, from India is a world leader in monsoon, researchers who seek a once-in-a- Weather, Climate & Ocean weather and climate prediction tools. lifetime opportunity of exploring Forecasts – Among the Best in Accurate prediction tools are necessary Antarctic and Arctic to those who aspire the World to address sectors such as agriculture, to implement innovative solutions for MoES has tremendously improved water, health, and energy vital to the societal benefit, the Ministry of Earth forecasts of monsoon, weather, economy. Sciences (MoES) touches the everyday lives of crores of Indians. MoES came into being in 2006, it is the youngest of all scientific ministries in India. MoES, known earlier as the Department of Ocean Development (DOD; 1981-2005), was granted the mandate of providing services for weather, climate, ocean and coastal state, hydrology, seismology, and natural hazards; sustainable exploration and harnessing of marine resources; and exploring the three poles of Doppler Weather Radars at Mumbai and in Sonmarg, Jammu & Kashmir

August 2021 | Science Reporter | 51 Forecasts of monsoon 2021 (left) and cyclone YAAS that occurred in May 2021 (right) were released by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) with a significant lead time on the latest modes of digital/social media

India has a wide network of Delhi, was released more than a week Swell Surge Forecast System is the Doppler Weather Radars (DWRs) before the cyclone hit the Indian coast. latest feather in the cap of MoES ocean covering almost all major cities, metros, An Integrated Flood Warning state forecast services. Additionally, coastal areas, and ports. DWRs are System is now available for Chennai special ocean state forecasts are highly specialised radars for weather and Mumbai. Forecasts on areas of supplied to neighbouring countries monitoring that can provide real-time inundation during the floods caused such as Comoros, Madagascar, data on rainfall, wind, storm, etc. The by high rainfall are also provided to Maldives, Mozambique, Seychelles Ministry is installing radars at various state governments. Systems for flash and Sri Lanka. locations in the country including the flood guidance and air quality early By developing and implementing Andaman and Nicobar Islands, metros warning are available in the country. next-generation computer models (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata), central These warning systems aid disaster and technologies such as artificial and NW Himalayas. Over the years, management authorities to initiate intelligence and machine learning, the the MoES has also been using satellite timely action and reduce impending MoES aims to equip India in predicting data from both Indian and international damage to life and property. extreme weather events such as heavy institutions to improve weather For ocean state forecasts, rainfall, cyclones, floods, heatwaves, prediction significantly. INDOFOS (INDian Ocean FOrecasting etc., in much advance, at various time A recent survey by the National System) set up by MoES at the Indian scales and geographical spreads. Council of Applied and Economic National Centre for Ocean Information Research (NCAER) found that an Services (INCOIS), Hyderabad, can Ocean S&T Services investment of nearly 1,000 crores predict height, direction and period India enjoys a unique opportunity in the Monsoon Mission (MM) and of waves, sea surface currents and to harness oceanic resources with High-Performance Computing of temperature, wind speed and direction, a long coastline of ~7,200 km, MoES has yielded almost fifty-fold and astronomical tides and oil-spill a dedicated space in the Central gains to farmers, livestock owners and trajectory in the Indian Ocean, well Indian Ocean, and an extended fisherfolk in the country. Today, India in advance with a lead time of 5 to 7 exclusive economic zone of over has expertise in providing accurate days. This information is beneficial 2 million square kilometres. monsoon forecasts for as long as three for maritime communities such as To best utilise this opportunity, weeks in advance, that too at a seasonal fisherfolk, Indian Navy, Indian Coast MoES, with its institutes including time scale, covering almost the entire Guard, merchant and passenger shipping the National Institute of Ocean span of the country. agencies, offshore oil and gas exploration Technology (NIOT) and the In addition, the country is equipped industries, research organisations and National Centre for Coastal to forecast extreme weather events such coastal communities. For example, high Research (NCCR) in Chennai, as cyclones with a lead time of up to tide forecasts help fisherfolk plan their has been working tirelessly to 10 days. For example, the forecast of trips and avoid impending dangers. develop and implement reliable cyclone YAAS in May 2021 by India The development of a Small technologies for harnessing Meteorological Department, New Vessel Advisory Services System and oceanic resources for the country.

52 | Science Reporter | August 2021 An open sea cage is nearly 9 metres wide moored to a suitable location in the sea (left). The cage is used to culture marine fish in a controlled yet natural sea environment (middle). Fishes are harvested when the desired size is attained (right) and sold in the open market.

NIOT has been conducting is the low-temperature thermal Meghdoot to issue weather advisories several societal and capacity building desalination technology set up in to farmers, and the Mausam, Umang, programmes, some in very niche areas Lakshadweep. The water plants convert and RAIN-ALARM apps for updates of ocean technology, such as marine salty seawater into potable water for on weather are also available. infrastructure. In collaboration with islanders. As a result, incidents of NIOT has begun work to develop a NCCR, NIOT has worked towards water-borne illnesses have reduced in deep seabed crawler, remotely operated protecting shores from erosion and the Lakshadweep islands. It is pertinent deep-water vehicle, in-situ soil tester, harnessing renewable energy from to note that these water plants run unmanned submersible, and deep- waves, tides, and offshore winds in entirely on renewable energy, hence, ocean drill. Together, this equipment the past decade. Several innovative the water produced is cost-effective and can help in mining nodules of high- and scientifically benefitting products sustainable. MoES is now working on value metals from the seabed and locate have been developed or indigenised setting up more such plants in other hydrothermal sulphide sites in the in these years, such as wave-energy locations of India. southern Indian Ocean. powered navigational buoys and off- In the last decade, MoES has Another very useful technology grid turbines. Beaches at Pondicherry implemented projects on open sea-cage under development is a manned and Kadalur, Periyakuppam that culture and production of biodiesel submersible that can transport up to were lost in the recent past have been from microalgae. These technologies three humans with equipment to a depth restored because of the meticulous have improved the livelihoods of coastal of up to six kilometres below the sea efforts of MoES along with the local dwellers tremendously. Almost every surface. Futuristic research projects governing bodies. MoES even supports day, about 7 lakh fisherfolk families on underwater acoustics are in the other countries such as Vietnam to receive advisories on the Potential pipeline. Underwater acoustics is the implement effective measures to restore Fishing Zone (PFZ), a flagship study of sound waves travelling inside lost beaches. programme of MoES that directly water. Such projects can help develop NIOT and INCOIS have set benefits coastal communities. The PFZ innovative underwater instruments and up an Ocean Observation Network advisories help them to locate areas sensors for imaging, detecting, and (OON) to facilitate real-time in-situ of abundant fish in the ocean. PFZ characterising ambient noise in Indian oceanographic data of the world’s advisories are disseminated through waters. These would be particularly oceans. At present, OON consists of a mobile apps, SMS alerts, social media, useful for sectors such as defence. vast network of several high-end types and helpline numbers. MoES, through the National of equipment such as buoys, moorings, A Search and Rescue Aid Tool Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), drifters, ship-board automated weather (SARAT) with a mobile app is in Chennai, works on unique aspects of stations, etc., along the Indian coast. place to track lost objects and persons coastal science such as monitoring water Amongst the most life-transforming in the sea. Other useful mobile apps quality, marine litter and pollution, and technologies implemented by MoES such as Damini to issue lighting alerts, diversity and health of coral reefs at the Gulf of Mannar. Data from these studies are vital for managing strategic areas of India’s blue economy, such as conserving coastal ecosystems and marine spatial planning. In June 2021, the Cabinet approved the Deep Ocean Mission, a unique flagship programme of the MoES, Puducherry had almost no beach in 2016, although sea walls were present that protected the coastline (left). The beach was restored by the meticulous efforts of the MoES and making India a world leader in ocean growing in 2020 to nearly a kilometre (right). science and technology. It will expand

August 2021 | Science Reporter | 53 In the Arctic, India has held an Indian Arctic station called Himadri at Svalbard, Norway, since 2008. It has been a member of the International Arctic Science Committee since 2012 and was granted an Observer status in the Arctic Council in 2013. NCPOR has deployed a moored observatory called IndARC since 2014 in the Kongsfjorden fjord, halfway between Norway and the North Pole, to monitor the upper ocean. The country has benefited by coordinating visits of nearly 200 scientists to the Arctic, which has yielded more than 100 research publications on Arctic science. NCPOR has also initiated a programme to understand the complex behaviour of Himalayan glaciers. The Himalayan Cryosphere Programme operates through a research station called Low-temperature thermal desalination water plant set up in Lakshadweep islands by MoES Himansh in the western Himalayas. converts seawater to potable water for islanders The programme has monitored six the exploration and utilisation of deep- NCPOR administers the Indian Himalayan glaciers spread across sea resources even further for societally Antarctic Programme and maintains 230 square km in the Chandra basin. benefitting activities. The aim also three permanent Indian research NCPOR has collaborated with several is to make India self-reliant in ocean stations in Antarctica (Dakshin Indian universities and institutes technology, create more jobs in this Gangotri since 1984, Maitreyi since under the Himalayan Cryospheric field, and enhance the capacity building 1989, and Bharati since 2012) making Observation and Modeling (HiCOM) of institutions working in this sector. cutting-edge polar research possible. programme to collect information on Notably, India is among the few glacier melt, snowmelt, rainfall, etc. In Research at the Earth’s Poles countries to have multiple year-round the future, HiCOM would also monitor The National Centre for Polar and research bases in Antarctica. So far, the thickness of glaciers and glacier Ocean Research (NCPOR), Goa — an NCPOR has successfully concluded lakes in India. autonomous institute under the MoES, 41 scientific expeditions to the In the Southern Ocean, India has is the only organisation in India that southernmost continent. actively pursued research since 2004. It provides opportunities to researchers Moreover, India is also a launched a multidisciplinary and multi- for conducting field experiments at consultative party to the Antarctic institutional annual expedition from the Earth’s poles (the Arctic in the Treaty System, implying that it Mauritius to Prytz Bay in Antarctica north and Antarctic in the south). has the right to participate in the to collect data on the upper Southern The polar expeditions coordinated decision-making processes in the Ocean and atmosphere. This research by MoES help execute specialised yearly Antarctic Treaty Consultative has helped improve the understanding scientific projects at the Earth’s poles, Meetings. India is also a member of of factors affecting climate change and which seems impossible elsewhere in many international bodies that govern significantly increased India’s scientific the country. Antarctic science and policy. publications in this area.

Bharati in Antarctica (left), Himadri in the Arctic (middle), and Himansh in the Himalayas (right) are research stations set up by MoES to provide unique opportunities for scientific research at the Earth’s poles.

54 | Science Reporter | August 2021 The Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC) set up by MoES at the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), Hyderabad (left) and a buoy moored in the ocean for collecting data on tsunamigenic earthquakes (right)

Making India Tsunami-ready workshops, training, and sensitisation recent times to understand the impact of The great Indian tsunami of 2004 caused modules for disaster management human-induced perturbations (such as enormous damage to life and property officers and hosts regional workshops greenhouse gas and aerosol emissions, in many south-east Asian countries, and training for Indian Ocean member land use and land cover changes, etc.) including India. Today, thanks to states. on the global climate system. MoES, our country is equipped with In 2020, two villages in Odisha The MoES has developed an a state-of-art tsunami early warning (Venkatraipur in district Ganjam and advanced ESM facility at the Indian system that can issue a tsunami alert Noliasahi in district Jagatsingpur) had Institute of Tropical Meteorology with a lead time of nearly ten minutes implemented the INCOIS Tsunami (IITM), Pune, called IITM-ESM. before a tsunami-genic earthquake Ready programme and become It has a global climate modelling occurs in the Indian ocean. Tsunami Ready Communities. They framework that allows ultra-modern The Indian Tsunami Early were certified by IOC-UNESCO as studies on climate change, including Warning Centre (ITEWC), set up by Tsunami Ready. India has become the deriving climate projections for the MoES at the Indian National Centre for first country to implement the Tsunami future. Notably, IITM-ESM is the first Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), Ready programme in the Indian Ocean climate model from South Asia that Hyderabad, is among the world’s Region with this recognition. INCOIS has contributed to the sixth assessment best. ITEWC has provided timely has also recently completed mapping report of the Intergovernmental Panel tsunami advisories to stakeholders, of highly tsunami vulnerable coastal on Climate Change. In the next five including the public and disaster regions using 3D Global Information to seven years, MoES plans to set up management authorities, for a decade System (GIS) techniques and is now a next-generation IITM-ESM. It would now. Between 2014 and March 2021, moving towards hosting a dedicated improve numerical modelling, climate ITEWC monitored 234 tsunami- 24X7 tsunami web portal. change assessments, and prediction of related earthquakes of magnitude ≥6.5 monsoons manifold. and provided timely tsunami-related Cutting-edge Research on advisories and warnings. ITEWC Climate Change Expanding Seismology Research is designated as a Tsunami Service Climate change scientists utilise Earth The National Centre for Seismology Provider for the Indian Ocean region by System Models (ESMs) that integrate (NCS) in New Delhi is equipped to the Intergovernmental Oceanographic interactions among the Earth system collect real-time data and accurate Commission (IOC) of UNESCO and components such as atmosphere, ocean, information on earthquakes, such as provides advisories to 25 Indian Ocean land, cryosphere and biosphere, and their location and depth. The data is rim countries. Scientists from INCOIS predict climate under a wide variety disseminated within a few minutes to are contributing members of the of conditions. ESMs are being used in the public and stakeholders through the Intergovernmental Coordination Group for the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System towards improving global tsunami services. Although ITEWC is primarily focused on monitoring and warning tsunamis, it also plays a vital role in providing technical inputs and creating community awareness and preparedness. It conducts regular capacity building activities such as Tsunami Standard Operating Procedure Location of the 3 km deep borehole at Gothane, Karad (marked as a red dot on the map) in Maharashtra (left) and the drilling site of the BGRL near Koyna (right)

August 2021 | Science Reporter | 55 A cloud raining after cloud seeding experiment as part of CAIPEEX IV and the aircraft used for seeding the cloud. The rainfall after cloud seeding was measured through a network of automatic rain gauges placed on the ground surface in Solapur, Maharashtra. latest digital communication modes, properties of rocks at a depth where exploratory project at IITM that including social media. the energy that causes earthquakes examines which clouds can be used to MoES has a network of 115 is released. The knowledge gained enhance rainfall and how should they stations across the country called the from this project will help understand be seeded to make it rain in a drought- National Seismic Network to monitor triggered earthquake activity in India prone area. Cloud seeding uses few earthquakes and provide valuable and other parts of the world. (that is, two to four) cylindrical flares information about their distribution, An important offshoot of the containing calcium chloride transported type, and risk in various settings. A BGRL project is the study of life under into the cloud using an aircraft. At the unique project of the NCS is the scientific extreme conditions. Drilling through the cloud base, the aircraft burns these deep drilling in Koyna, Maharashtra, deep Earth has provided an opportunity flares within 6-8 minutes. The burning to address specific questions around to discover microbial life that can of flares releases Calcium chloride the physics of earthquakes. A deep withstand temperatures of nearly 80 molecules inside the cloud, which settles borehole laboratory called Borehole degrees Celsius. This interdisciplinary on the water vapour molecules in the Geophysics Laboratory (BGRL) set up research aims to unravel subsurface cloud, causing the clouds to downpour. in 2015 near Koyna, is equipped with microbial diversity and aids the global The feasibility of using cloud seeding specialised equipment, nearly 4 km into quest of understanding the limits of life, to enhance rainfall in tropical regions the Earth’s interior to understand what mechanisms of microbial interaction such as India was unknown until the makes Koyna a hub for seismological with the environment, their adaptation recent past. activity. Very few countries have and their function in this planet and In Munnar, Kerala, the MoES such an elaborate facility to study beyond. maintains India’s highest cloud physics earthquakes. observatory at an altitude of 1820 Studies undertaken by MoES in Mitigating Water Scarcity metres above sea level. The observatory BGRL have shown that earthquake Several areas in our country are battling is equipped to study cloud physics activity in Koyna is modulated by the drought or water scarcity. How useful which would improve understanding of annual monsoon loading and post- would it be to make clouds pour in thunderstorms, lightning, and mountain monsoon unloading cycles of the Sivaji regions that are water tense? The Indian weather in a big way. Sagar reservoir. Although it was known Institute of Tropical Meteorology The Indian leadership has always that frequent earthquakes in Koyna (IITM) in Pune, an institute under maintained that science must be began after the impoundment of the MoES, has been working on a strongly inclined to service citizens. Sivaji Sagar reservoir in 1962 but what unique project called CAIPEEX that The father of our nation, Gandhi Ji, causes the earthquakes was unknown. aims to enhance rainfall in drought- considered science without humanity In the coming years, scientific deep prone regions by using an innovative a sin. Shri Jawahar Lal Nehru, first drilling will expand to up to 7 km technique called cloud seeding. Prime Minister of India and a strong below the Earth’s surface. This would CAIPEEX or Cloud Aerosol protagonist of scientific temper in the facilitate detailed observations of Interaction and Precipitation Indian society, advocated science for changes in physical and mechanical Enhancement Experiment, is a special societal benefit. The current Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, has insisted that science must meet the rising aspirations of Indians. The MoES, through its socially benefiting services and achievements, strives to live up to goals set by the visionary leadership of India for a bright and better future.

The highest Cloud Physics Laboratory of India at Munnar, Kerala, set up by the National Centre for Earth Science Studies (NCESS), Thiruvananthapuram, an institute under MoES

56 | Science Reporter | August 2021 THE JOURNEY OF BUILDING DEFENCE TECHNOLOGICAL CAPABILITY

Dr G. Satheesh Reddy Secretary, Department of Defence Research & Development and Chairman, DRDO

ROGRESS in science and Today, DRDO has grown into a Materials, Life Sciences, Advanced technology is the very foundation leader in the domain of strategic systems Computing, Warfare Simulation and Pof enhancing the comprehensive and other defence technologies. Starting Training. national power of the country and from the design of simple equipment to strengthening national security in every the development of the most advanced Missiles, Armament and domain. The technological backbone of systems DRDO has continued its Ammunition any armed force of a nation is indigenous quest for indigenous defence systems Starting from the mid-eighties of the defence research and development. development. From the first grant of previous century, the technology In India, the Defence Research and Rs 15 Lakh in 1950 and a yearly budget demonstration of ballistic missiles Development Organisation (DRDO) allocation of Rs 3.17 Crore in 1961-62, has culminated into India’s missile has played a pivotal role in developing DRDO now has a budget allocation of deterrence programme consisting of defence systems encompassing about Rs 20,000 Crore for the fiscal Prithvi and Agni series of ballistic advanced technologies and providing year 2021-22. In spite of the denials missiles meeting different ranges and critical fighting capabilities to the and embargos from various control requirements. India is the seventh armed forces. regimes, DRDO has been persistently country in the world to have long-range The genesis of DRDO can be moving in the direction of defence ballistic missiles. linked to the creation of the Directorate technology growth. India is also the fifth country of Technical Development (DTD) In the process of developing in the world to have developed an in 1945 – post World War II. Two contemporary and advanced systems indigenous ballistic missile defence years later, India became independent for defence, DRDO has acquired programme. Ballistic Missile Defence leading to the appointment of the a large number of inherent diverse systems to intercept targets in exo- Scientific Advisor to the Prime technical capabilities. These include and endo-atmospheres are designed Minister. Establishment of the Defence design, development and integration and developed by DRDO. Mission Science Organisation (DSO) happened of highly complex systems using Shakti, the anti-satellite technology is a in 1948 and under this first laboratory cutting-edge technologies. DRDO milestone towards building the Nation’s was created in 1950. In 1958, the has across various domains of strength to defend its space assets. India Defence Research and Development defence applications – Aeronautics, is the fourth nation in the world to have Organisation (DRDO) was formed by Combat Vehicles, Naval Systems, demonstrated this capability based on merging DSO and DTD, with Scientific Missiles, Armaments, Electronics, indigenous technology. Adviser to Raksha Mantri as its Head. Engineering Systems, Instrumentation, The development of Air-to-Air, DRDO had 10 laboratories at that time. Information Systems, Special Surface-to-Air, Anti-Tank Missiles,

August 2021 | Science Reporter | 57 ‘‘DRDO has delivered multiple bridging systems to the Indian Army which are deployed at strategic locations.’’

variant of BrahMos became operational on Su-30MKI fighters of Indian Air Force. Akash Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) is deployed with the Indian Air Force and Indian Army to defend the air space of the country. quick reaction SAM has been developed for mobile air defence applications, which will enter into production shortly. DRDO in partnership with Israeli Aerospace Industries has developed medium range surface to air missile with a longer kill Agni ASAT Interceptor range for the tri-services application. Smart Bombs, Guided Rockets, Air Akash-NG SAM is being designed helicopter-launched short range naval launched Missiles and Anti-Radiation and developed for providing air anti-ship missile and aircraft launched missiles for different segments of defence cover against fighter aircrafts, medium range anti ship missile. Only defence operations has not only helicopters, UAVs, sub-sonic cruise USA, Russia and China have the enhanced our defence capability but missiles and low radar signatures capability to launch anti-ship missiles. given a big boost to our international targets. Long Range Surface-to-Air The long range anti-ship missile image and also saved a large share of Missile is being taken up by DRDO is a land launched medium-range anti- foreign exchange. to increase the air defence against air ship missile, which will be able to ‘Astra’, the first indigenous threats emanating from longer ranges. target naval surface targets. Extended beyond visual range air-to-air missile DRDO has also developed the range anti-submarine rocket is a ship- has enabled India to join the select smart anti-airfield weapon, which is a launched rocket being developed by group of nations that possess a weapon state-of-the-art deep-penetration and DRDO for anti-submarine warfare. of this capability and performance. high explosive glide bomb designed Long Range long range land attack After integration with Su-30MKI to target runways of an airfield from cruise missile is being developed with aircraft, it is planned to be integrated on stand-off distance with great precision. launching capability from ship and land the indigenous Tejas, upgraded Mirage New generation anti-radiation platforms against land targets. 2000 and MiG-29 fighter aircrafts. missile called Rudram series, air-to- Third generation fire and forget Astra Mk-2 with two-pulse ground, long-range, precision, stand- anti-tank missile Nag and Helina propulsion is being developed to off supersonic weapons are being helicopter launched anti-tank missile further enhance the kill zone of Astra developed for varying ranges for are equipped with an infra red imaging Mk-1 missile. Astra Mk-2 will achieve launching from the aircrafts of IAF. seeker with ‘Lock-on Before Launch’ a longer kill range, one of the highest Multiple missiles for Navy are capability. Man-Portable Anti-Tank amongst all air-to-air beyond visual being developed. These include Guided Missile (MPATGM) is in range missiles available across the advanced stage of development. In world thus far. To further increase addition, the laser guided anti tank the ‘kill range’ to nearly double of the missile for MBT is in final stages of Mk-2 and ensure the wider ‘no escape development. zone’, DRDO has successfully tested Stand-off Anti-Tank (SANT) and validated the solid fuel ducted Missile is a helicopter launched anti- ramjet propulsion technology. tank missile equipped with an active BrahMos is the fastest supersonic radar seeker with ‘Lock-on Before cruise missile of its kind in the Launch’ capability. world that can be launched from the India has been building many ground, aircraft and ship. The latest systems for the Indian Army. The Main development is that an air-launched Battle Tank (MBT) Arjun has been Astra

58 | Science Reporter | August 2021 “India is the 7th country in the world to have long-range ballistic missiles; 5th in the world to have developed an indigenous ballistic missile defence programme and 4th nation in the world to have demonstrated anti-satellite technology.” Abhyas tracking & localisation, and artillery developed by DRDO for the Army fire correction. A sophisticated image keeping in view Indian conditions. processing system is used for analysing The tank has been in service with the the images transmitted from the UAV. Indian Army since 2004 and Arjun Rustom-I is an all composite, 800 MK-1(A) is being inducted with many kg class remotely piloted aircraft system improvements over Arjun MK-1. Brahmos having capabilities of Intelligence, The New Generation Main Battle Surveillance, Reconnaissance, Target Tank (NG-MBT) is envisaged as the which has the capability to launch a Acquisition/Tracking and Image futuristic MBT of the Indian Army. salvo of rockets. DRDO has developed Exploitation. Rustom-I is the first It will be a medium tank powered by the extended range Pinaka-ER with Indian remotely piloted system to 1500 HP engine and armed with a improved propulsion and new warhead have conventional take-off and landing 125 mm smoothbore gun. Allelectric configurations. capability. It has autonomous flight turret drive, explosive reactive armour ATAGS 155 mm gun has been mode and Get-to-Home features. and active protection system are being developed with the longest firing Rustom-II is a platform developed for the new generation of range in the world. 155 mm shells being developed for long duration tanks. also have been developed for ATAGS surveillance and reconnaissance, target DRDO has delivered multiple indigenously so that there will not identification, target tracking and bridging systems to the Indian Army be any deficiency. The gun can fire battlefield damage assessment. It can which are deployed at strategic existing ammunition being used by carry a variety of various electro-optical locations. Recently, Mountain Foot erstwhile Bofors and other guns. and intelligence payloads. This will Over Bridge has been developed and An advanced version of the hand provide continuous wide area coverage will be shortly delivered for active use grenade, Multi-Mode Hand Grenade, and yet be able to identify small targets. in the field by production agency. with several security features has been Another multi-mission UAV is being Pinaka free flight rocket system developed and is being produced in developed to carry out Intelligence, has been the workhorse artillery large numbers by Ordnance Factory Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) weapon for the Indian Army for many and private industry. DRDO has also roles. years. Pinaka rockets are launched designed 5.56x30 mm Joint Venture Abhyas being developed is from a multi-barrel rocket launcher Protective Carbine (JVPC) which expendable, low cost, high speed has features like high reliability, low unmanned aerial target fitted with recoil, retractable butt, ergonomic sensors and is GPS enabled. It will design, single hand firing capability, have onboard actuators, a flight control and multiple Picatinny rails. computer and a miss distance indicator. In addition, supersonic aerial targetis Unmanned Aerial Vehicles also under development. (UAVs) DRDO developed UAV Lakshya has Fighter Aircrafts been proven and is being successfully Developing fighter aircrafts is an utilised by the Services. It is a cost- extremely complex process involving effective re-usable subsonic aerial cutting-edge technologies in numerous target system powered by a gas turbine fields. First Technology Demonstrator engine and launched either from land or of Tejas, flew its maiden flight on ship. 4 January 2001. Since then, Tejas Nishant is a multi-mission UAV with prototypes and limited series production day/night capability used for battlefield aircraft flew over 4,400 development Akash-NG surveillance and reconnaissance, target flight test sorties culminating in

August 2021 | Science Reporter | 59 ‘‘DRDO has started the design and development of the next- gen fighter aircraft design of LCA Tejas Mk-2, the 4.5+ generation multi-role fighter aircraft.’’

centric warfare operations and data fusion based enhanced situational awarenessfor the pilot.

Radars and Surveillance Systems The contribution of DRDO in improving the air defence ground environmental system of the Nation is immense. Many radars have been LCA- Tejas designed and developed by DRDO, its initial operational clearance in to reach the level of manufacturing which are network ready. December 2013 and final operational to meet the stringent quality Weapon locating radar called clearance in February 2019. Tejas assurance requirements specified for Swathi to identify the location of hostile development timelines achieved by aviation equipment. This is a major artillery, mortars and rocket launchers, India are comparable with those of contribution towards self-reliance in based on the projectile trajectory has many other contemporary aircraft the manufacturing of the product and been developed exclusively for army designed elsewhere in the world. its life-cycle support. LCA project has applications. This radar has got export Tejas Mk-1 is an all-weather made India ‘AtmaNirbhar’ in most orders also. Battle field surveillance multi-role fighter capable of carrying contemporary technologies related to radar has been developed for frontline close combat and beyond visual range fighter aircrafts. units of the Indian Army and hundreds air-to-air missiles coupled with multi- DRDO has started the design and of these radars are already being used mode air-interception radar for the air development of the next-gen fighter in the field. Low level tracking radar defence role. It is capable of delivering aircraft LCA Tejas Mk-2, the 4.5+ for applications in mountains has been all types of conventional bombs and generation multi-role fighter aircraft. developed and is being used by the Laser Guided Bombs in the ground Tejas Mk-2 will incorporate more Indian Army. attack role. Tejas Mk-1 is the smallest weapon stations capable of carrying Through wall imaging radar, a and lightest in its class of contemporary higher weapon load compared to Mk-1 sensor used for detection and location supersonic combat fighter aircrafts. and retractable air-to-air refuelling of static and moving targets, especially The aircraft is equipped with advanced probe. human beings behind walls, is under avionics systems and sensors for an Advanced Medium Combat development. foliage penetration radar excellent flying experience. Aircraft (AMCA) is India’s Fifth is under development for detection of Technologies for deck- Generation Stealth Fighter Aircraft personnel and vehicles hiding behind based landing and take-off have (FGFA) and is being developed camouflaged tree and forest cover for been successfully developed and indigenously by DRDO. Only USA, low-intensity conflict. Many of the demonstrated as part of the LCA- Russia and China have so far developed DRDO developed radars are integrated Navy programme. Two prototypes of FGFA. AMCA will include every to provide a composite air situation the Naval version of the LCA, Navy advanced stealth technology. The picture to display and control every Trainer and Navy Fighter, successfully aircraft will be equipped with state-of- airborne platform over the entire Indian undertook maiden arrested landing the-art indigenous radar, inbuilt feature airspace including the island territories. and ski-jump take-off onboard INS for passive detection of aircraft and The lower range ‘Aslesha’ low Vikramaditya in January 2020. Both internally mounted electronic warfare level light weight radar can be carried the aircrafts conducted a total of 18 suite. AMCA will be a twin-engine by two people. It can also be carried ski-jump take-offs and 18 arrested fighter primarily designed for stealth under slung below a helicopter. These landing onboard INS Vikramaditya to enable it to penetrate deep inside radars are deployed to plug gaps in the in five days. DRDO has nurtured enemy territory and attack heavily air defence surveillance especially in and hand held the Indian industry defended targets with the help of net mountainous and remote areas.

60 | Science Reporter | August 2021 AEW&C (Netra) Anti-Drone System ‘Arudhra’ medium powered and optical sensor’s actions with disability periscope, radar and communication ‘Ashwini’ low level tracking radars are glare in case of non-compliance to antennae are also being developed. in final stages of testing and will be used orders. It also dazzles and distracts DRDO is developing a universal for providing air defence surveillance aircraft/UAVs. vertical launcher capable of launching in three dimensions at different ranges. all the indigenous missiles onboard These will be configured specifically Electronic Warfare Systems Indian Naval Ships. for use in mountain regions to ensure Electronic Warfare (EW) plays a crucial Sonars developed by DRDO are maximum coverage. role in modern day air combat. Several in use in various ships and submarines Active electronically scanned elements of EW self-protection suite of the Indian Navy. The Sonar suites array based indigenously developed developed by DRDO are installed on are being productionised by M/s BEL. ‘Uttam’ radar for fighter aircraft has IAF fighter and transport aircraft and Sonar domes and sonobuoys developed been flight tested on the LCA aircraft. helicopters. These are radar warning by DRDO are also being used by the The performance of the radar is receivers, countermeasures dispensing Indian Navy. very promising. Uttam radar will be system, missile approach warning equipped in Tejas and AMCA fighters. system, jammers etc. DRDO has Underwater Weapons and Two indigenously developed developed software defined radios in 5 Countermeasure Systems ‘Netra’ Airborne Early Warning form-factors to provide wireless secure DRDO has developed multi-purpose & Control (AEW&C) aircrafts are communication capability to both torpedoes along with Torpedo fire operating with IAF. ‘Netra’ AEW&C mobile and fixed forces as required by control systems for the Indian Navy. aircraft are equipped with indigenously the Indian Navy. Advanced light weight torpedo is an developed mission systems for air anti-submarine, electrically propelled, situation picture of the battlefield. Naval Systems and Applications self-homing torpedo which can be DRDO developed ground based DRDO has worked on the development launched from ship and rotary-wing mobile electronic systems having of materials for the construction of aircraft. Varunastra is ship launched, electronic surveillance measures and naval platforms. High strength steels heavy weight, electrically-propelled, communication surveillance measures for the construction of submarine hulls anti-submarine torpedo capable of have been deployed. have been developed. Henceforth, all targeting quiet submarines, both in Tripod mounted compact Anti- Indian submarines will be made with deep and shallow waters in an intense Drone system integrated with jammer, Indian steel. Besides, for shipbuilding countermeasure environment. electro-optical tracking system, and DRDO has developed steel plates that Electrical heavy weight torpedo, radar was successfully demonstrated are about one fourth to one eighth the a new generation torpedo that can during August 2020. Detection, cost of imported plates. be launched from both ships and jamming, and destruction of Drones Some other technologies submarines for anti-submarine warfare, were successfully demonstrated. The developed by DRDO include titanium is under development. Jalastra, a system was deployed for security sponge produced indigenously from the during Republic Day celebrations 2021. sands of Kerala; rubber tiles to reduce “An Anti-Drone system The laser dazzler developed by transmitted noise for submarines; epoxy integrated with jammer, DRDO is used as a non-lethal method putty for fixing the tiles; air independent electro-optical tracking for warning and stopping suspicious propulsion system that enhances the system and radar was deployed for security during vehicles/boats/aircraft/UAVs from submerged endurance of the submarine. the 2021 Republic Day approaching secured areas during both DRDO is in advanced stage of celebrations.” day and night. It is capable of dazzle development of submarine periscope. and thereby suppresses the person’s/ Submarine hoistable masts for

August 2021 | Science Reporter | 61 medium weight torpedo capable of and fire. Advanced oxidation process “While close hand-holding of being launched from naval platforms, is technology is developed for the DRDO with Indian industry also under development. treatment of toxic and hazardous partners has helped spawn For launching light weight effluents. Stabilisation/solidification a robust defence industry torpedoes from onboard Indian technology is developed for the in the country, DRDO is also ships with anti-submarine warfare disposal of toxic heavy metals and other promoting innovation in role, DRDO has developed triple concentrated toxic/hazardous organic startups and students through tube launchers, which are being wastes. DRDO has also developed its various schemes.” productionised by the private industry precipitative, adsorptive and electro- and are deployed on many Indian Navy chemical techniques for the treatment Ships. of heavy metals and polyurea based Mareech advanced torpedo polymeric coatings for blast mitigation. defence system is a torpedo detection DRDO is also equipped with and countermeasure system capable many advanced test facilities for the of detecting, confusing, diverting and development of defence technologies. decoying incoming torpedoes. DRDO Hypersonic wind tunnel test facility, has also demonstrated missile assisted shore-based test facility, manoeuvring release of light weight anti-submarine basin, EMI/EMC setups, shock and torpedo system for underwater warfare vibration setups for various parameters, operations far beyond torpedo range. aeronautical test range and many other facilities are also being used by Other Systems Indian industry for making the defence Advanced support systems have been systems. developed by DRDO to enhance survivability, sustainability, mobility, Glorious History & Bright performance and habitability of soldiers Future in extreme & toxic environments, During the journey of 63 years after its high altitudes, deserts, underwater, inception, DRDO has been continuously aerospace, closed micro-environments developing defence systems for the of ships, aircrafts and areas of low Nation, often in collaboration with intensity conflicts. Some examples various R&D laboratories. are life support systems (i.e., Oxygen While a brief glimpse of some of Support System, Protective clothing the systems has been provided here, & equipment) and communication there are many other systems that have Systems. been developed and deployed in the Heavy drop parachutes, Combat service of the nation. Free Fall systems and a number of other DRDO is working on upcoming personnel parachutes are being used by technologies like Quantum, Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle the Parachute Regiment and Special Hypersonics, advanced materials for Forces for combat/special missions at defence applications, network enabled laboratories are working on a well about 30,000 ft. Pilot parachutes for defence systems and AI for defence. laid out plan for the next generation Mig-21, Mig-27, MiG-29, Su-30 MKI, and Artificial Intelligence for Defence. of missiles, aircrafts, tanks, sensors, Jaguar and Mirage-2000 have also been Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator underwater systems and armaments. indigenised. Vehicle (HSDTV) has been successfully While close hand-holding of State-of-the-art food technologies tested last year, making India the DRDO with Indian industry partners including post-harvest technology; fourth country in the world to have has helped spawn a robust defence ready-to-eat food products; packaging demonstrated this technology. DRDO industry in the country, DRDO is systems and processing technologies promoting innovation in startups and for fresh and processed food for Armed students through its various schemes. Forces have been developed. Glacier DRDO of the 21st century is taking up caps, face masks, jackets, glacier challenging assignments with an eye on gaiters, gloves, ponchos for protection the future defence preparedness of the of head from cold in Glacier region are country. being used by Indian Army. Technologies have been developed related to protection against explosives Hypersonic Wind Tunnel

62 | Science Reporter | August 2021 INDIAN AGRICULTURE JOURNEY FROM BEGGING BOWL TO SUSTAINABLE FOOD SECURITY

Dr Trilochan Mohapatra Dr P.K. Rout Secretary, Department of Agricultural Principal Scientist Research and Education (DARE) Office of Secretary (DARE) and Director-General, Indian Council of DG (ICAR) Agricultural Research (ICAR)

IVILISATION, as it Agricultural development is an agricultural production also continued is known today, could integral part of overall economic to grow like past years. Agriculture has “Cnot have evolved, nor growth and was the main source of sustained its growth momentum despite can it survive, without an adequate national income and occupation at the a slowdown in the economy – the sector food supply” – this quote by Norman time of Independence. It contributed grew by 4% during the year 2019-20. Borlaug underlines the importance of about 50 per cent to India’s national India has 159.7 million hectares of agriculture for mankind. income and around 72 per cent of total arable land (second largest after the US) The Indian situation amply testifies working population was engaged in and experiences all the 15 prominent to this eminent quote. We have made agriculture at that time. Although the climates existing across continents and significant strides to attain and sustain contribution of agriculture to national has 46 out of 60 soil types that are there food self-sufficiency. Today, Indian GDP is decreasing over the years, it in the world. agriculture is rapidly transforming is important that the growth of other with the technological infusion, policy sectors and overall economy depends “The growth of other sectors reforms, fast-changing food habits on the performance of agriculture to a and overall economy depends and growing trade opportunities. considerable extent. Because of these on the performance of Agricultural growth is critical for reasons agriculture continues to be the agriculture to a considerable extent. Because of these sustainable and inclusive economic dominant sector in the Indian Economy. reasons agriculture continues growth. At the present juncture, when to be the dominant sector in Indian Agriculture and rural the entire economy shrank due to the the Indian Economy.” life have undergone tremendous COVID-19 pandemic, the agricultural transformation since independence. sector registered growth and

August 2021 | Science Reporter | 63 The post-Independence journey Izatnagar, Bareilly. The Imperial “India has 159.7 million of Indian Agriculture has been quite Agricultural Research Institute was hectares of arable land impressive despite several limiting established at Pusa, a village in the (second largest after the US) factors such as uncertainties of weather, Darbhanga district of Bihar in 1905 and experiences all the 15 declining soil health, increasing with donations from Henry Phipps prominent climates existing atmospheric temperature and emergence of the USA. There was a disastrous across continents and has 46 of more virulent pests and pathogens. earthquake in 1936 and the institute out of 60 soil-types that are Our food-grain production has crossed was shifted to New Delhi, and today it there in the world.” the 300 million-ton mark during is known as the Pusa Institute (Indian 2020-21. Technological advancements Agricultural Research Institute). ICAR in agriculture have been influential in was established in the year 1929. driving changes in the farm sector. ICAR is responsible for planning, and frontier areas to offer solutions Although the amount of land and labour coordinating and promoting agricultural to problems relating to agriculture. used in farming declined, the total farm research, technology development, The research is carried out through a output increased more than 5 times knowledge dissemination and education chain of 102 ICAR institutes, 71 All between 1950-51 and 2020. Similarly, in the country. It also coordinates policy India Coordinated Research Projects, 3 the yield (kg/ha) has increased about development in agricultural research, Central Agricultural Universities, and four times during the same period. education and extension and manages 67 State Agricultural Universities. agricultural education to enable ICAR has focussed on different Agricultural Research System quality human resource development. aspects of Agricultural Research such India has one of the largest and well- Its institutes cover a broad range of as food security and supply; food, coordinated public agricultural research categories: crops, horticulture, natural nutrition and human health promotion systems in the world. The Indian resources, agricultural engineering, and next-generation food system; Council of Agricultural Research veterinary and animal science, and climate and energy needs; sustainable (ICAR) is an autonomous organisation fisheries. ICAR also supports a network use of natural resources; food safety; under the Department of Agricultural of 723 entities known as Krishi Vigyan small business innovation and product Research and Education (DARE), Kendras (KVKs) and responsible for development; agricultural education Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers frontline extension for technology and workforce development and Welfare, Government of India. ICAR application, adoption, knowledge working towards rural prosperity. was established on 16 July 1929 as a management and capacity development registered society under the Societies for Agri-based Rural Development. Agricultural Revolutions in Registration Act, 1860. This 90-year-old organisation India The historical development of has played a major role in promoting ICAR has played a pioneering role in agricultural research goes back to excellence in higher education in ushering the Green Revolution and the year 1869, when the Imperial agriculture and coordinating education subsequent developments in agriculture Bacteriological Laboratory was in all State Agricultural Universities in India through its research and established in Pune, which was (SAUs) and Central Agricultural technology development, thus making a subsequently shifted to Mukteshwar Universities (CAUs). ICAR is directly visible impact on national food security. (Uttar Pradesh) and now is part of the involved in undertaking fundamental as The introduction, development and Indian Veterinary Research Institute, well as applied research in traditional widespread adoption of semi-dwarf,

The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Pusa, New Delhi

64 | Science Reporter | August 2021 ship-to-mouth in the 1960s to the state productivity enhancement, and of Right to Food today. management of natural resources. Genetic enhancement is a major option Enhancing Productivity to bridge the demand and supply gap At the time of independence, the under normal situations as well as challenge was to provide adequate food under stressful environments. Research to our growing population. Today, has contributed towards the genetic the challenge is to provide safer and alteration of crops, improving soil nutritious food to promote better productivity and controlling weeds and health. The world is undergoing several pests. transformative changes such as growing Our research programme focussed population, changing lifestyles, on cereals, oilseeds, pulses, fibre expanding urbanisation and accelerated crops, forage crops, sugar crops, and Green revolution postal stamp climate vagaries that are throwing new horticultural crops. The new varieties challenges for the national agricultural not only give higher yield but also photo-insensitive, input-responsive research system. tolerate various biotic and abiotic and high yielding varieties of wheat In the Indian context, the key issues stresses due to environmental factors. and rice in the late 1960s brought an affecting agricultural productivity The enhancement of productivity, unprecedented transformation in the include decreasing sizes of agricultural as well as nutrient content, has also national agricultural economy and food land holdings, continued dependence assumed significance in more recent security, under the leadership of ICAR. on the monsoon, inadequate access years. In just four years, 1966 to 1970, to irrigation, imbalanced use of soil In this direction, ICAR has India’s wheat production doubled, nutrients resulting in loss of fertility released 5999 varieties for cereals, from 11 million tons to over 21 million of soil, uneven access to modern oilseeds, pulses, fibre crops, forage tons. This was termed the “Green technology in parts of the country, lack crops, sugar crops and other crops. Revolution” by William Gaud of the of access to formal agricultural credit, This list includes 55 varieties developed USAID in 1968, and the same year, the limited procurement of food grains by through marker-assisted selection to government of India commemorated it government agencies, and failure to fulfil various requirements of farmers. by issuing a postal stamp. About 80% provide remunerative prices to farmers. Short-duration varieties of paddy such of the production gains were attributed as PR 121 and PR 126 need 15-25% to yield enhancements, underpinning Crop Production lesser irrigation than long-duration the driving role of technology. This ICAR played a significant role in varieties like PUSA 44 and thus reduce transformed the nation from a state of technology development enabling water footprint.

Honourable Prime Minister of India dedicating 17 biofortified varieties to the nation

August 2021 | Science Reporter | 65 “A major contribution of ICAR is the eradication of Rinderpest disease from the country. Rinderpest was declared eradicated in 2011, making it the first animal disease to be eliminated in the history of humankind. For centuries, Rinderpest caused the death of millions of cattle, buffalo, yak and wild animals, leading to famine and starvation.”

enhanced yield and stress tolerance was developed by editing four different genes. Reference genomes sequence of wheat, pigeon pea and jute has been developed. Development of 50K SNP Chip for rice has been developed to be used for marker-assisted breeding of rice. ICAR works on various horticultural crops such as fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices, plantation crops, and medicinal and aromatic plants. A total of 1,596 high-yielding varieties and hybrids of horticultural crops (fruits, vegetables, ornamental plants, plantation and spices, medicinal Soil health cards have been prepared and and aromatic plants and mushrooms) distributed to farmers by ICAR have been developed. As a result, the productivity of horticultural crops like banana, grapes, potato, onion, cassava, During the past five-six years, 71 precision farming, regional crop cardamom, ginger, turmeric has biofortified varieties in different crops plans, climate-resilient and water- increased significantly. were developed to provide nutritious economising technologies to enhance Quality standard for export food and address the problem of productivity and income security to purpose has been developed for apple, malnutrition in our country. These farmers. Stress tolerance traits such as mango, grape, banana, orange, guava, crops are naturally biofortified with disease resistance, drought tolerance litchi, papaya, pineapple, sapota, onion, vitamins, minerals and amino acids and and submergence tolerance were potato, tomato, pea, and cauliflower. have reduced level of anti-nutritional transferred to high yielding crops By using biotechnological tools, factors. Honourable Prime Minister of resilient to adverse climatic variations. transgenics in brinjal and tomato have India dedicated 17 biofortified varieties About 1020 climate-resilient varieties been developed. Improved techniques to the nation in October 2020. These that withstand various biotic and abiotic for the production of disease-free varieties have been brought under stresses in different climatic and soil quality planting material have been the seed chain to make biofortified types have been developed during the developed for citrus, banana, guava, foodgrains available to the public period 2015-2021. potato, cassava and sweet potato. distribution system. It is estimated ICAR has focused research on Agri- Micro-propagation techniques have that the biofortified crop varieties are Genomics and genome editing. Genome been standardised for various fruits, grown in more than 4 million ha in the editing is a precision mutagenesis spices and other vegetative propagated country. tool for genetic improvement of plants and widely utilised for rapid and ICAR has emphasised on crops. Transgene-free genome-edited mass multiplication of various species. developing good agricultural practices, mega rice cultivar MUT1010 with Organic farming, coastal agriculture

66 | Science Reporter | August 2021 and Island ecosystem have been addressed to enhance productivity and manage carbon emissions in the region. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) was adopted as a major thrust area of crop protection. IPM aims at minimal use of hazardous chemical pesticides by using alternate pest control methods and techniques. Bacillus and neem- based pesticides are being granted regular registration status under the Insecticides Act, 1968. IPM modules have been used for pest management Happy Seeder (Source: Wikipedia) in Basmati rice (Export quality), cotton, vegetables, fruits, pulses and oilseed. Implementation of ICT based basic and strategic research in cutting- dairy industry is growing steadily at pest monitoring is being carried out in edge technologies in animal genetics 6.4%, well above the global annual pulses. and breeding, nutrition, physiology and growth rate of 2.2%. The per capita ICAR has revolutionised quality reproduction, animal health and animal availability of milk in the country seed production and strengthened the products technology. increased to 394 gm/day in 2018-19, system to address farmers’ needs. The focussed research areas in which is much higher than the world Seed hubs for pulses (more than 150), animal science include germplasm average of 294 gm/day. oilseed (more than 35) and millet were conservation and improvement, Genetic improvement of livestock established in SAUs, ICAR Institutes livestock nutrition, preventive health species is being carried out to and KVKs for accelerated production care, vaccine production and handling increase production performance with within a specific time frame. emerging diseases, and milk and respect to milk yield, body growth Land use maps and soil survey meat product development. The and reproductive performance. The maps have been prepared for effective livestock population of India has been conservation of animal and avian land utilisation for sustainable use of characterised in their natural home genetic resources is the priority of natural resources. Soil resource maps tracts to identify and register 197 breeds ICAR and several breeds of cattle, of the country (1:1 million scale), and get them notified in The Gazette of goat, sheep, camel and poultry have states (1:250,000 scale) and 55 districts India. This includes 50 breeds of cattle, been conserved in their original habitat (1:50,000 scale); soil degradation map 17 breeds of buffaloes, 34 breeds of as well as in the form of embryo, semen of the country (1:4.4 million scale) goats, 44 breeds of sheep, 9 breeds of and DNA. Production of cloned buffalo and state soil erosion maps (1:250,000 camel, 7 breeds of horses, 19 breeds of calves has been carried out from dead scale) have been prepared and are being chicken and 3 breeds of dog. progeny-tested buffalo bull (from used by various agencies. Vaccines and diagnostics have seminal plasma-derived somatic cell) been developed for the effective control and Wild buffalo through inter-species Animal Husbandry of livestock diseases. Vaccines/vaccine cloning. Animal husbandry is an integral part candidates developed include H5N2 of our agricultural system and animal DIVA marker vaccine against Avian Fisheries genetic resources are our traditional Influenza virus, Sheep pox vaccine Blue Revolution has enhanced fish strength. ICAR focuses on several (Srinagar strain), VLP based IBD production and has made India the species like cattle, buffaloes, goat, vaccine for poultry, Classical Swine second largest fish producing country in sheep, camel, pig, horse, donkey, yak, Fever live attenuated vaccine, Equine the world. To diversify fish production mithun, poultry, and duck. It carries out Influenza vaccine for respiratory at commercial scale, breeding and viral infections, brucella vaccine seed production technology of several and Thermo-tolerant type ‘O’ FMD food fishes and ornamental fishes “Poultry is one of the fastest- Vaccine candidate. has been developed. A genetically growing segments of the improved uniform rohu called Jayanti agricultural sector in India Milk Revolution Rohu with 17% higher growth with around 8% growth rate During the 1950s and 1960s, India was realisation per generation was per annum. India is one of the a milk deficit nation and was importing developed through systematic selective world’s largest producers of milk/milk powder. Operation flood was breeding. eggs and broiler meat.” launched to expand dairy cooperatives Species diversification of and infrastructure development. The freshwater aquaculture for over a dozen

August 2021 | Science Reporter | 67 “ICAR has played a major role in promoting excellence in higher education in agriculture and coordinating education in all state agricultural universities and central agricultural universities”

have also been developed keeping in mind their specific requirements. Energy management and utilisation of conventional and non-conventional energy sources in agricultural production and processing activities are some of the focussed areas of current research. ICAR has developed 210 technologies/implements/ machines and about 23197 prototypes of farm machines. A mechanised solution was also provided for rice crop residue burning leading to reduction in fire events from 127774 in 2016 to 61332 (about 52%) during 2019 through in-situ residue management using a machine called Happy Seeder. ICAR vigorously pursued the deployment of digital platforms in agriculture and the application of ICT for farmer’s empowerment. More than 180 mobile apps have been developed on different aspects of farm and ICAR is deploying digital platforms in farmer-related services. KVKs are also agriculture for farmer’s empowerment providing mobile agro-advisories and other services to farmers. KVKs have even been linked with common service important fish species such as carps and mechanisation in the country to save centres to provide demand-driven freshwater prawns has been successful time and labour, reduce drudgery, cut information and services to farmers. including packages of practices of their down production cost, reduce post- breeding and seed production. Marine harvest losses and boost crop output Education and Innovation cage-culture has been used for farming and farm income. Agricultural education is being high-value fish species and technical Precision machinery has been promoted by ICAR by establishing new support has been provided to install developed for efficient agricultural central agricultural universities. The cages along the Indian coasts. Similarly, operations in irrigated, rain-fed and hill accreditation of SAUs is being carried several value-added fish products, agriculture, horticulture, livestock and out to enhance the quality of education products of aquaculture importance and fisheries production. The machineries and standards in SAUs. National nutraceuticals from seaweeds have been are fuel-efficient and designed to meet Higher Agricultural Education Project developed. our social and environmental conditions (NHAEP) is being implemented to (small land holdings, difficult terrain provide training to students and faculty Mechanisation and Digitisation and different farming systems). members in cutting edge technologies of Agriculture Since women are the main and emerging areas of science. Farm implements and machines workforce of agriculture, machines ICAR has also established were developed for improving farm like maize-sheller, okra-picker, etc. the Netaji Subhash International

68 | Science Reporter | August 2021 “The Prime Minister has Consequently, export earnings from people have, at all times, physical and envisioned making India a Basmati varieties increased nearly economic access to sufficient, safe and USD 5-trillion economy by six-fold, from Rs. 5,573 crores nutritious food that meets the dietary 2024-25. The agriculture in 2006-07 to Rs.32,806 crore in needs and food preferences for a sector is aiming to contribute 2018-19 (at 2018 prices). The annual healthy and active life. According to at least USD 1 trillion and to export earnings from PB-1121 are FAO estimates in The State of Food provide a momentum to our estimated at Rs.19,939 crore (i.e. Security and Nutrition in the World, economic development.” US$ 2926.7 million) during Triennium 2020 report, 189.2 million people are Ending (TE) 2018-19. undernourished in India. HD 2967 is a semi-dwarf wheat Mainstreaming of biofortified variety developed by ICAR-IARI. crops and consumption of more fruits It was first released for the North- and vegetables would be desirable for Fellowship for overseas doctoral Western Plains Zone (NWPZ) during better nutrition outcomes. Economy degree programme. IARI-Jharkhand the year 2011 and later extended and Ecology should move together. The and IARI-Assam have been established for cultivation in the North Eastern major priorities for India are to adopt a in Jharkhand and Assam, respectively. Plains Zone (NEPZ) in 2014-15. This comprehensive strategy for enhancing Rajendra Agricultural University, variety gives an average grain yield of public expenditure on agricultural Samastipur, Bihar was upgraded to 5.04 t/ha in NWPZ and 4.54 t/ha in research and education, processing, Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural NEPZ. The total economic surplus market infrastructure and market University for enhancing education generated from HD 2967 is estimated at intelligence. The digital revolution quality in Eastern India. Rs. 62,405 crore (at 2018 prices) during has opened new windows for Indian ICAR has also been engaged the past eight years (2011-2018). The farmers. Technologies like precision in the development of efficient and total economic surplus generated from agriculture, e-extension, drone-led effective technology transfer systems this variety was estimated at Rs.12,889 operations, smart warehousing and for shortening the time lag between crore for TE 2018-19 (at 2018 prices). transport optimisation, real-time yield technology generation and adoption. India is the largest producer of estimation and price information, The motto of the Council, “Agri Search pomegranate in the world with nearly credit and insurance management with a Human Touch” speaks volumes 86% of area under Bhagwa variety and e-marketing have proven their of the importance that the Council (2.05 lakh ha). The annual economic applicability in making agriculture attaches to transfer of technology benefit for the year 2017-18 is Rs 9,617 predictable and profitable. to the major stakeholder — the crores at 2018 prices. Bhagwa variety ICAR is also gearing up research to farming community. Similarly, ICAR holds a major share in the pomegranate limit carbon emission in agriculture to established 50 Agribusiness Incubators exports from India. On the export fulfil our global commitment. The multi- (ABI) since 2016 and supported 1476 front, pomegranate export earnings dimensionality of doubling farmers’ start-ups/entrepreneurs/incubatees increased from Rs 21 crore from income necessitates transforming during 2014-20. 10,315 MT in 2003-04 to Rs 688.47 agriculture from a production- crore (98.98 million US$) from 6.78 centric to a holistic agri-food system. ICAR Technologies – Making lakh MT. The direct total economic Research reorientation now demands Impact surplus/benefits since the adoption greater thrust on innovation to bridge Basmati rice is a highly valued of dogridge rootstock for raising knowledge and technology gaps to agricultural commodity in the grape crops was 15,212 crores during address supply chain management in international market for its cooking and 1996-97 to 2017-18 (at 2018 prices). agriculture. eating quality. About 90% of Basmati The economic surplus for the year 2017- The Prime Minister has envisioned rice trade in overseas market is shared 18 was Rs.1,721.6 crore. Exports of making India a USD 5-trillion economy by India. fresh grapes earned a foreign exchange by 2024-25. The agriculture sector USA Basmati 1121 semi-dwarf of US$ 334.91 million (Rs.2,335 crore) is aiming to contribute at least USD variety was developed by ICAR-IARI while the value of export of raisins was 1 trillion and to provide momentum in 2003. It has an advantage over the US$ 26.217 million during 2018. to our economic development. The traditional basmati varieties which were Nearly 90% of these exports are based slogan of Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai tall, prone to lodging, photoperiod on the fruits obtained from grapes Vigyan encourages agricultural science sensitive and low-yielding. This variety raised on dogridge rootstock. and technology to remain globally has extra-long slender grains (cooked competitive as well as achieving the length up to 22 mm), pleasant aroma Future Perspective goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat. and requires less cooking time. It gives The Food and Agriculture Organisation an average yield of 4.0 t/ha over 2.5 (FAO) of the United Nations defines t/ha of traditional basmati varieties. food security as a situation where all

August 2021 | Science Reporter | 69 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY Building a strong Biotechnology Research and Translation Ecosystem

Dr Renu Swarup Dr A. Vamsi Krishna Secretary Scientist-E Department of Biotechnology (DBT) DBT

NDIA was one of the first countries laid on technology-oriented research to resistant microbes. A National AMR- to establish an independent improve the lives of millions. specific Pathogen priority list for India IDepartment of Biotechnology to prioritise R&D work in AMR was under the Ministry of Science and Atal Jai Anusandhan Biotech developed in collaboration with WHO, Technology in 1986. This was a UNaTI (Undertaking Nationally Country Office, New Delhi. major step in promoting bioscience relevant Technology Innovation) research, translational education Ind-CEPI Mission is an India-centric and entrepreneurship. The National Mission collaborative mission aligned to the Biotechnology Development Board was Atal Jai Anusandhan Biotech UNaTI global initiatives of CEPI (Coalition of established in 1982 followed by the (Undertaking Nationally relevant Epidemic Preparedness Innovations) launching of post-graduate programme Technology Innovation) Mission being implemented at BIRAC. Under in 6 universities in 1985, establishing was launched in February 2019 with this mission, an eCourse Series the National Institute of Immunology a major focus on improved agric “Strengthening Clinical Trial Research (DBT-NII) as well as the Biotechnology ulture, affordable healthcare, clean Capacity in Neighbouring Countries” Information System Network and many energy and cutting-edge frontier benefitted more than 750 participants mission programmes on Agriculture science. A brief on the UNaTI mission from neighbouring countries like and Medical Biotechnology. The is enumerated below: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, focus has been on the generation of Maldives, Mauritius, Nepal and skilled workforce, biotech products, GARBH-ini a unique pregnancy cohort Srilanka. processes and technologies to enhance comprising more than 8000 women was efficiency, productivity, safety and established to study Pre Term Birth UNATI Mission Clean Technologies cost-effectiveness of agriculture, food (PTB). for Swachh Bharat: DBT has and nutritional security; affordable developed various technology health and wellness; environmental AMR Mission will assure readiness platforms designed to convert different safety; clean energy and biofuel; and for diagnostics, therapeutics and solid, liquid and gaseous wastes into bio-manufacturing. Emphasis has been preventive measures against drug- renewable fuels, energy and useful

70 | Science Reporter | August 2021 products such as food, feed, polymers Building a strong Biotech gap with the western world. The PG and chemicals. Ten promising clean Foundation programme is now operative in 70 technologies were identified for Universities. 240 UG colleges accorded demonstration at different sites across Setting up Institutions and COE’s Star college status benefitting 131867 India, in collaboration with local The early emphasis was also on the students and setting up 39559 faculties. stakeholders such as municipalities. strengthening of scientific infrastructure DBT-JRF programme provided The identified technologies include in the country. The institutions which attractive fellowships to students bio-methanation, constructed wetland, had a strong culture of bioscience across the country to pursue doctoral bio-toilets, chemical & membrane-free research such as IISC-Bangalore, studies. On the other hand, the water purification, etc. TIFR-Mumbai, CCMB-Hyderabad, DBT-RA programme provided an MKU-Madurai, etc. were fortified with excellent platform to PhD holders Fortified Wheat Nutritional the latest scientific infrastructure. To to do advanced research towards Improvement: Anthocyanin rich support research in biotechnology, DBT their development as independent biofortified coloured wheat lines established 16 Autonomous institutions. researchers. Ramalingaswamy were developed by National Agri- DBT has also established PSUs, Bharat fellowship has reversed brain drain by Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI), Immunologicals and Biologicals and attracting 487 fellows so far, out of Mohali. 18 MoUs with companies the Indian Vaccines Corporation which 261 fellows sought regular faculty from 9 states and Non-Disclosure limited (IVCOL) in 1989 and BIRAC positions. BIOCARE programme was Agreements with 9 companies from 4 in 2012. Further, to boost research instrumental in the enhancement of States involved in contract farming and in the University system and in other participation of women in science by making food products were signed. institutions, a Centre of Excellence supporting over 200 young women scheme was initiated in 2007-08 to scientists. cover basic research, translational Skill Vigyan Programme for entry- science and Industrial partnership. A level students (10+2 and Graduates total of 75 COEs were established. in Biotechnology) in partnership These are all theme based centres with State Councils of Science & focussing on translational research. Technology has been implemented in Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Creating a Strong Human Resource Pradesh, Meghalaya, Odisha, Punjab, and Infrastructure Base Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Telangana, DBT gave emphasis to training and and Andhra Pradesh. Our target is to skilling to the next generation of cover all States and UTs by 2022. biotechnologists. PG programme was The Scientific Infrastructure expanded to cover 29 Universities by Access for Harnessing Academia 1995, which helped to create a critical University Research Joint Collaboration mass of biotechnologists to bridge the (SAHAJ) programme has created a

August 2021 | Science Reporter | 71 Discovery, Knowledge Generation & Cutting Edge Research

This programme entails nurturing of basic research to create a knowledge- driven biotech sector across different cutting edge areas along with interdisciplinary research; Continued support to the pan India BTIS- Network and R&D in Theoretical & Computational Biology along with the establishment of a National Biological Data Centre; Development of newer tools for genome editing as well as the application of such tools to address specific unmet needs in a wide range of areas through nano- based interventions and development of protein nanomedicine. DBT-IISc Partnership Programme Phase-II at IISc, Bengaluru, supports biology research and human resource training and has resulted in more than 240 articles, filing of 3 International and 6 National patents and development of 4 technologies. Confocal microscopes, biocore facility, mass spectrometry facility, central animal facility, biosafety level-3, SPR facility, X-ray Crystallography facility and fluorescence-activated cell sorter are a part of this programme support. Biotechnology Information System “National Service Facility/Research Network (BTIsNET) was established Resource/Platform” and facilitated in 1986 to provide information access to resources that could not be resources on genetic data, bibliographic provided by any single researcher's references, and management laboratory or scientific department. information. DBT established a The response to SAHAJ portal has been supercomputing facility for in-silico immense and can be witnessed from the studies in genomics, proteomics and fact that 2.40 lakhs users have accessed drug design at IIT, Delhi. BTIsNET the equipment/services listed under the has now been expanded and structured SAHAJ portal since its inception and into Thematic Verticals to connect Rs 18.32 crores was generated. Bioinformatics databases to a national National Genomics Core with its mission. More than 1280 articles have hub in NIBMG-Kalyani, and centres in been published and 56 patents have been CDFD-Hyderabad, and the University filed. Nearly 9000 manpower have been of Allahabad was established to trained including JRF/SRF and RA. A provide consultancy and services to ‘Supercomputer’ facility established the academia, clinics and the industry at IIT Delhi has also benefitted the using high-throughput sequencers and scientific community. high-density microarrays in human-, Considering the need for proper bacterial- and meta-genomics. data storage, data analysis, data sharing Nine Biotech Parks were for the first time Indian Biological Data established in the States of Uttar Centre (IBDC) was established. This Pradesh, Tamil Nadu (2 parks), is the first of its kind in the country. Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, Assam, The IBDC will enable life science Jammu & Kashmir, Chhattisgarh. researchers to deposit biological data in

72 | Science Reporter | August 2021 a central repository and thus safeguard Some of the examples include bacterial recombinant vaccine, a bioprocess data generated using public resources blight resistant Samba Mahsuri Rice, to enhance the level of essential from loss. high nutrient fortified maize, rice omega 3 fatty acid, and a process A novel protein nanomedicine with high zinc content, bread wheat & was developed to isolate the protein formulation was developed with tunable durum wheat with high yield & micro- protease inhibitor from marine pharmacokinetic and biodistribution nutrient concentration. Samba Mahsuri bacteria Oceanimonas sp. BPMS22. properties achieved through gold improved variety is grown in 90,000 (Au) cluster doping technology. hectares in 4 states and more than Affordable Health Care Nano Pharma and Nano Agriculture 80,000 farmers. A high yielding variety have been released to give a renewed of Chickpea ICCV 93954 has been Providing affordable healthcare for impetus to product development as well developed with 13-20% enhancement all is the goal of the programme. as innovation. of yield as well as 15% increase in The emphasis is on the promotion of protein content. Biomedical research, understanding Biotech Interventions for the causes of human diseases such as Agriculture Sector Animal Biotechnology, Animal non-communicable diseases, emerging Health and Aquaculture: The world’s infections, anti-microbial resistance, Agriculture Biotechnology first IVF buffalo calf (PRATHAM) was genetic disorders, maternal and child programmes support understanding born at NDRI Karnal in 1992. Kits for health, nutrition issues at the genetic of complex biological problems as the detection of pregnancy in buffalo and molecular level, early detection, well as translational research for the were also developed. Embryo transfer preventive measures, development development of improved crop varieties technology (ETT) was standardized in of vaccines, innovative tools and in terms of yield, better adaptability to cattle, buffalo, goat, equine, camel, therapies, healthcare delivery systems abiotic/biotic stresses and improved mithun and yak. ETT has been adopted and development of products for nutritional parameters. Genomic by various organizations including medical applications. selection and Speed Breeding Facility Animal Husbandry Department, Govt. Early research programmes was supported at IRRI, Varanasi, a first of India; NDDB; BAIF for producing resulted in the development of rapid of its kind facility in India to facilitate elite animals. 3 ETT centres and 14 detection HIV diagnostic kit by faster genetic gains through speed regional ET labs in different parts of PGIMER-Chandigarh, NII-Delhi, breeding for generation advancement. the country were established. ETT Cancer Research Institute Mumbai. Crop genetic resources are being demonstration activities at the farmer’s A vaccine for multibacillary leprosy characterised phenotypically and level produced a number of cattle and based on Mycobacterium indicuspranii genotypically for approximately 70000 buffalo calves. Efforts towards vaccine (MIP) was developed by NII. accessions pertaining to rice, wheat, development yielded “Improved Fungisome, a liposomal formulation of pulses and oilseeds for gene discovery. brucella vaccine”. Amphotericin B, is completely designed, National Genotyping and Genomics Translational Research Platform developed and commercialized in India. Facility (NGGF) anchored at DBT- for Veterinary Biologicals (TRPVB) ROTAVAC® was introduced NIPGR, New Delhi was established established in TANUVAS has been a through the EPI programme in 9 States, as a single-window service system for game-changer in Veterinary Medicine. and there was a renewed focus on the advanced genomics technology services TRPVB has commercialised 46 products development of Dengue, TB, Malaria, that could positively influence the through technology transfer to industries Chikungunya and Influenza vaccines. Indian seed industry. and has several products/technologies National Biopharma Mission, the first- Several new crop varieties ready for commercialisation. ever Industry-Academia mission has including Maize (14), Rice (5), Wheat On the aquaculture front, gene supported 11 vaccine candidates for (4), Soybean (1) have been released. encoding major capsid protein of Flu, Cholera, Dengue, Pneumonia, and nodavirus was used to produce the COVID.

August 2021 | Science Reporter | 73 GARBH-ini (interdisciplinary for Snakebite were launched. global clean energy, innovation was Group for Advanced Research in BirtH Pan India Genome project to announced in Paris on November 30th, outcomes — a DBT India Initiative) catalogue genetic variation in the 2015. First Clean Energy International has established a unique pregnancy Indian population and establishment Incubator has been set up under Mission cohort comprising over 8000 women of NIDAN kendras for management of Innovation. to study Pre Term Birth (PTB) in 6800 inherited diseases was launched, 34000 pregnant women, of 12.5% PTBs in pregnant women and 16000 newborn Sustainable Bioresources the enrolled cohort, 9.5% of PTBs babies from 7 aspirational districts were attributed to exposure to indoor air screened. Bioresources and Secondary Agriculture pollution; 7.4% attributed to maternal for biomass biotransformation, underweight. Indigenous technology Environment, Clean Energy bioresource systems analysis and for Fortified Rice Premix consisting of – Key leads, Technologies, technologies associated with conversion Iron, Vitamin B12 and Folic acid for Products production of value-added products and addressal of anemia was developed. processes from natural resources are Finding solutions to pre-term birth, Emphasis is being given to the being supported. development of technologies for bed to development of cost-effective biofuel Two tissue culture pilot plant bed transfer of patients, ICU simulator, technologies and technologies/ facilities were established at TERI therapeutic chair for cerebral palsy processes for waste management and New Delhi and NCL Pune with the patients, setting up of Kalam Institute of environmental improvement. focus on several important plant species Health Technology (KIHT) to facilitate Oil Zapper technology that can such as Teak, Eucalyptus, Cardamom, focused research on critical components degrade petroleum oil and sludge was Vanilla, Apple, black pepper etc. By pertaining to medical devices were also developed, used in the oil fields of the year 2000, the capacity of both carried out. Kuwait for the clean-up of around 2.5 the facilities was scaled up to produce Sohum for early detection of hearing sq. km area. Based on this technology, more than 2 million plants. In 1999, impairment in children; NeoBreath, OTBL, a joint venture of ONGC and a National Bioresource Development a foot-operated Resuscitation Device TERI was set up which has a current Board (NDBD) was established as helping Neonatal care; Sishunetra, a value of Rs 100 crores. per Cabinet Approval with a mandate first of its kind and a low-cost wide-field 10 ton/day biomass demonstration for conservation and sustainable of eye screening device for premature and facility based on the novel DBT-ICT bioresources. term infants; device to manage faecal Lignocellulosic Ethanol Technology In the National Centre for incontinence useful in ICUs etc. were was established. 2G ethanol technology Microbial Resource (NCMR) more some of the devices developed. has been successfully demonstrated than 1.8 lakhs microorganisms have Non-synonymous somatic at 5T/day using rice straw & cotton been deposited and it is the largest mutations in genes of arachidonic straw. A new technology to remediate culture collection in the world and rd acid metabolism (AAM) pathway pollution from wastewater of sugar lifted India to 3 place among countries act as natural inhibitors and increase or distillery industry and use it for among collection of microbes. Indian the post-treatment survival of oral enhanced production of algal biofuel Bioresource Information Network cancer patients. Kits for diagnosis of was developed. (IBIN) established to provide relevant TB, dengue and Chikungunya were Mission Innovation (MI), a information on bio-resources of the developed, and AMR mission and global initiative of 22 countries and country has information available on Mission for Next-Generation Treatment the European Union to accelerate 28,734 plant species; 1,303 birds;

74 | Science Reporter | August 2021 222 amphibians; 175 lizards; 127 mammals; 203 snakes; 39 turtles; 672 fish; 1,075 mollusc; 72 prawns; 2043 butterflies; 471 lichens; 4350 marine animals; 19,926 microbes; 4,634 pests; 23 lab animals; 7 domestic animals; 232 parasites; 295 predators and 5 silkworms. Furthermore, through collaboration with the Department of Space 84% of the Country’s forest cover has been characterized. National Certification System for Tissue Culture Raised Plants (NCS-TCP) has certified 513.3 Million and 1,71,100 ha were covered in terms of gross certified volume. with high-end infrastructure providing 330 fellowships spread across 121 Technology agreement was signed access to instrumentation, technical, institutions in 43 cities in the last seven between DBT-ICGEB and industry IP, legal and business mentorship years. partner – M/s Sun Pharmaceuticals for biotech startups. BIRAC has to take forward the research lead helped innovators to create a pool of Societal Programmes and developed (most bioactive extract from intellectual wealth (297+ IPs filed) Biotech-KISAN: a medicinal plant) towards development and has supported the launch of 150 Societal programmes have created of an anti-dengue drug both in AYUSH products and technologies in the market. platform for self-employment and phytopharmaceutical mode. BIRAC’s Incubation Centre BioNEST Network provides the critical nurturing generation among the target population ground for the Biotech Startups across by diffusion of proven and field-tested Building a strong Innovation technologies through demonstration, the country. The number of startups is based and start-up Ecosystem training and extension activities. expected to grow to 10,000 by 2024. Biotechnology Industry Research Biotech-KISAN has linked the farmers with the latest scientific innovations to Assistant Council (BIRAC) has International Partnerships supported technology-driven 1000+ enhance agricultural production and Entrepreneurs, Startups and SMEs 16 bilateral/multilateral cooperation’s increasing farmers income. through various operational models are currently active. Biomedical DBT has set up 15 Bioresource of cooperation. A network of 60 Bio- Research Career Programme (BRCP), centers so far and the 5 new Rural incubators have been built, creating an and Wellcome Trust (WT)/DBT Bioresource Complexes would benefit incubation space of 6,40,349 + sq. ft. India Alliance has recommended 4000 individuals from the SC/ST community, rural unemployed youth and women folk from the Aspirational Districts of Yadgir, Akola & Washim, Virudhnagar, Vizianagram and Kadapa. Biofortified antioxidant rich coloured wheat cultivation under organic and agronomic supplementation (Fe, Zn, Protein) implemented in the Aspirational District of Moga and Ferozepur, Punjab has helped farmers to garner Rs 2000 to Rs 4000 higher income per acre after the sale of their produce. Extramural support would benefit around 20,000 individuals (8518 from Aspirational Districts) from rural areas, Aspirational districts, womenfolk, youth, SC/ST and socially backward communities.

Biotech-KISAN has created a platform in each of the 15 agro-climatic zones of the country to connect farmers and scientists to promote BIRAC Impact

August 2021 | Science Reporter | 75 agriculture innovation and take the new interventions to the farmers and Support has been provided under farms, increasing farm income and PM-CARES funds to NCCS, Pune and covers 105 Aspirational Districts in the NIAB Hyderabad to reduce the burden country. 65 interventions for the benefit on Central Drugs Laboratory, Kasauli, of the farming community have been for batch testing and quality control of introduced and over 75000 farmers vaccines. The facility at NCCS, Pune have been benefitted so far. has been notified as Central Drugs Newly Built DBT-NCCS Central Drugs Laboratory for testing and lot release NER Programmes Laboratory for COVID-19 Vaccine Testing of COVID-19 vaccines. On the other hand, the facility at NIAB, Hyderabad DBT has given special emphasis “Mission COVID Suraksha is likely to receive necessary notification to NER to prop up the research — The Indian COIVD-19 Vaccine shortly. infrastructure and the R&D landscape development Mission” is supporting To respond to the need of the across the region. 10% of the years 5 vaccine candidates and 19 clinical hour, a rapid response regulatory budget is spent on R&D activities trial sites along with ramping up framework has been put in placeto in NER. Sophisticated biotech of Covaxin production. COVID-19 support researchers and industries infrastructural facilities were created testing is being supplemented through involved in research on COVID-19. at NRC on Mithun at Jharnapani, 21 cities/regional clusters, more than Biosafety Regulations for COVID-19, Medziphema (Nagaland) and NRC on 52.01 lakh samples tested as on date in close coordination with CDSCO, Yak at Dirang (Arunachal Pradesh). across the hubs. The first infectious for facilitating expedited approvals/ More than 670 twinning projects disease mobile laboratory (I-Lab) was clearances and a Rapid Response have been implemented, advanced developed and deployed for COVID Regulatory Framework for COVID 19 research infrastructure created, testing in inaccessible areas. More than Vaccine development has been issued. Seeds of pengba (2 million spawn) 21935 samples were tested in I-lab. Pan-India 1000 SARS-CoV-2 RNA and pabda (20 thousand fingerlings) For indigenous manufacture of genome sequencing consortium was were provided to farmers in Tripura, reagents, components for biomedical initiated by DBT-AIs which completed technology developed for the breeding research and to promote import the initial goal of sequencing of 1000 of 3 commercially viable fish species substitution and exports, National SARS-CoV-2 genomes. The Indian in NER, 2700 farmers and 48 small Biomedical Resource Indigenization SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Consortium scale entrepreneurs have been trained Consortium (NBRIC) a ‘Make in India’ (INSACOG) has been launched to in mushroom cultivation in Bodoland initiative has been launched. ascertain the status of new variants District of Assam, 15 biofertilizer Manufacturing facility set up at of SARS-CoV-2. This consortium formulations and 10 biopesticides Andhra Med Tech Zone (AMTZ) has consists of 28 labs across the country. were generated and transferred to five so far manufactured 575 lakh tests of INSACOG labs have received around companies/firms for commercialization, RT-PCR( >10 Lakh diagnostic kits/ 20000 samples from across India for 3 promising drought-tolerant lines in day), 3.5 lakh Covid-ELISA tests, sequencing and more than 10,000 Ranjit background (rice) along with 6 11 lakh Viral Transport Media kits, sequences have been analysed to detect QTLs for drought tolerance have been 3000 IR thermometers, 2000 Pulse Variants of Concern (VoCs) such as identified etc. oximeters and 6000 ventilators.50 B.1.1.7, B.1.351, P.1, and Variant BioNEST incubators spread across the of Interest such as B.1.617 and other Translational and Bio country have responded to the Covid emerging Variants of Interest (VoIs). Manufacturing Hub – Case situation and collectively this network DBT-BIRAC supported anti-viral Study COVID has nurtured 100+ Startup solutions for drug – Virafin (pegylated interferon Covid. alpha-2b) – developed by ZydusCadila, The Department of Biotechnology To enable the seamless supply of has recently been accorded restricted (DBT) initiated an integrated response samples for COVID-19 research and emergency use approval, for treatment to overcome the unprecedented innovation 4 Biorepositories have been of moderate COVID-19. COVID-19 pandemic encompassing the established at DBT AIs, viz., THSTI, The Department has unveiled the development of indigenous vaccines, Faridabad (for clinical samples), RCB, National Biotechnology Development novel point-of-care diagnostics and Faridabad (viral repository), ILS, Strategy (NDBS) through stakeholder therapeutic formulations, establishment Bhubaneshwar and inStem, Bengaluru, consultations. Steps are being taken of research resources and offering (for oro/nasopharyngeal swabs, sputum, to achieve the target of 150 Billion services. DBT-BIRAC Research blood, urine and stool samples). $ Indian Biotechnology economy by Consortium was launched and over 100 DBT facility at ILBS New Delhi also 2025. projects are being supported. More than functioning as a Biorepository. Over 50 startups have developed innovative 5000 COVID-19 samples have been products for COVID-19. stored in THSTI biobank.

76 | Science Reporter | August 2021 REFORMS AND ACTION POINTS TO STRENGTHEN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM IN INDIA

Dr Ashok A. Sonkusare Shri Seepana Mohit Rao Shri Neeraj Sinha Dy. Adviser (S&T), NITI Aayog Young Professional, NITI Aayog Senior Adviser (S&T), NITI Aayog

NDIA of the 21st century is an industry; weak innovation ecosystem The delivery of R&D outputs and emerging country with an aspiration to convert ideas into useful acceptable linkages with the user community are Iof faster, sustainable and inclusive products and processes; poor coupling essential. End-to-End solutions, based growth. As Science and Technology between technology and trade; low base on technologies, call for strong internal (S&T) emerges globally as one of of full-time equivalent scientists per linkages amongst the Indian science the major drivers of socio-economic million populations, etc. sector as well as with relevant socio- development, it has to play a major role The following reforms are needed economic ministries of both the central in achieving the desired goals. to strengthen our science, technology and the state governments. The country offers a unique and innovation ecosystem. opportunity in the form of the large Action Points demographic dividend and a huge Reforms in S&T for Societal • A suitable oversight and monitoring talent pool for national development Development mechanism may be formed to through its excellence, relevance and Science & Technology/Research & oversee the implementing sector- performance. In the fast-growing Indian Development must be geared up for specific R&D mission programmes/ economy, there is an increasing demand solving national problems by providing projects. for scientific inputs for problems in a clean and potable water, enhancing • Six sector-specific Task Forces on variety of socio-economic, industrial food productivity and nutritional R&D mission on water, agriculture, and strategic sectors. It is high time that values, providing affordable healthcare health, energy, climate change India, as a fast-growing nation, converts solutions, energy security, tackling and National security may be those challenges into opportunities. climate change and National security constituted. To achieve this, several S&T through S&T interventions. Such interventions are required. Some of measures are necessary, particularly Reforms in S&T/R&D for the emerging challenges being faced by because the mere development of Global Impact the S&T sector include low investment technologies and technology solutions India ranks at the 6th position in scientific in R&D; inadequate linkages amongst are not adequate to solve major national publications and 10th in patents, which the academia, the researchers and the problems. includes only resident applications.

August 2021 | Science Reporter | 77 Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, for identifying sectoral S&T interventions. • User Ministries to contribute 1% of their budget to a non-lapsable fund operated by an Inter-Ministerial body for merit-based R&D funding of socially relevant technologies. • Identify major areas of S&T interventions for addressing national priorities during the next The total number of patent applications Reforms in S&T/R&D for 3-5 years. • filed by scientists and inventors in India Breaking Silos, Infusing Team Identify futuristic S&T areas for increased to 61,788 in FY 2018-19 (up Spirit & Competitiveness international competitiveness. • Pursue technology development in to December 2018) from 47,857 in the There is a need to work in the mission th areas identified in the Technology FY 2017-18. India ranks at the 12 mode, as an integrated S&T community, Vision 2035 of the Technology position in the Nature Index in 2020 and fill the translational gaps through Information, Forecasting and (https://www.natureindex.com/annual- definite goals. It has become imperative Assessment Council (TIFAC). tables/2020/country/all), based on to bring in more synergy between the counts of high-quality research outputs Government, the public and the private Reform in S&T/R&D in natural sciences. India improved its institutions also. It is envisaged that for Commercialisation of rank on the Global Innovation Index different departments/laboratories will Technologies Developed in for the second year consecutively. work together on identified projects and st Government Laboratories From being ranked at the 81 position ensure that not only is the technology Some institutions have in-house in 2015, India improved its ranking to developed, but it is also transformed nd th mechanisms for technology transfer. 52 in 2019 and further to 48 in 2020. to reach the targeted segment of the However, there is a need to set up a This shows that Indian R&D has the society. potential to make a global impact. dedicated institution for technology transfer. This will take care of the Action Points sourcing, designing, packaging, • Increase public investment in R&D consultancy, field verification, and encourage the private sector to marketing, backup support and invest in R&D. dissemination of technology, etc. • Double the present strength of the total number of full-time equivalent Action Points of R&D personnel. • Ensure industry partnership right • Focus R&D on emerging disruptive from the conceptualisation stage of technology development projects. technologies like big data, Action Points automation, AI, IoT, Blockchain, • Identify multi-agency S&T missions. • Create a comprehensive National Cyber Security, Micro-Electro- • Sign MoUs between S&T Technology Portal of indigenous Mechanical Systems (MEMS), departments/labs/institutions and technologies available for Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, universities to facilitate collaborative commercialisation. The National Energy Storage, Genetics, 3-D and interdisciplinary R&D. Innovation Foundation has recently printing, etc. launched the National Innovation • Formulate mission-mode • Create mechanism for mobility of Portal, which includes grassroot projects on National Mission on scientists from R&D labs/academic innovations which are ready for Interdisciplinary Cyber-physical institutions to industry and vice commercialisation. This portal can Systems and National Mission versa. be scaled up and its focus may be on Quantum Technologies and • Create a common portal for facilities elevated to include all the national Applications. available in each lab and academic innovations ready for technology • Identify global issues and initiate institutions for sharing them with translation. global collaborative R&D the research community. • Create an empowered Technology leveraging mechanisms like • Revive S&T Advisory Committees Commercialisation Cell/Value Global Innovation and Technology (STACs) in each Ministry and Inter- Addition Centre in each lab, with Alliance, Department of Science Sectoral S&T Advisory Committee an appropriate budget, for: and Technology. (ISSTACs) of the Department of * up-scaling the technologies,

78 | Science Reporter | August 2021 Reforms in S&T/R&D for Encouraging PPP in R&D The competitiveness of the nation is determined by its ability to translate inventions into successful technologies. Such translation can be achieved only Dr Harsh Vardhan, Former Hon’ble Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, by cooperation and collaboration with Health & Family Welfare dedicates an Innovation Portal developed by National innovation Foundation (NIF) - India to the the private sector. There is a need to nation. evolve operating models of Public- * demonstrating industrial-scale (TBIs) and 6 Research Parks have Private Partnership (PPP) in R&D. pilot production, been approved by the National Expert The following are possible reasons * coordinating with investors for Advisory Committee (NEAC). This for the PPP in R&D falling short of incubation of entrepreneurs, is a joint initiative by the Department expectations: * bridging the gap between of Science and Technology and • R&D programmes/projects are industry and development team, the Ministry of Human Resource risky and the percentage of failure * formal technology transfer, Development under the Start-up India is high. * commercialisation and scheme. • Funding agency provides loans marketing and Further, Patent Rules, 2003 and to private partners, but in case * technology consultancy Trade Mark Rules, 2017, have been of failure, honest risk-takers are services. amended to streamline processes and penalised. make them more user-friendly. Start- • Funding agencies are hesitant to Reforms in S&T/R&D for ups Intellectual Property Protection disburse loans to private industry Strengthening Start-up (SIPP) scheme was launched to because of fear of not being able Ecosystem encourage innovation and creativity to recover the fund invested. India has been ranked 20th among in start-ups. Under this scheme, 80% • Present investment in PPP in R&D 100 countries, based on the strength rebate for patent filing fees and 50% is very meagre. of its start-up ecosystem in the year for trademark filing is provided to the • Excessive auditing. 2020 (https://www.startupblink.com/ start-ups. Support for International startups/india). To develop the Start-up Patent Protection in Electronics and Action Points culture, Government grants like Fund Information Technology (SIP-EIT) To attract industrial funds into applied of Funds for Start-ups, India Aspiration offers reimbursement of up to 50% of research areas, following is suggested: Fund, Venture Capital Scheme and expenses incurred in patent filing on the • Contribution by a start-up company Multiplier Grants Scheme are currently actual expenditure, whichever is less. in PPP in R&D, at the demonstration operational. stage, may be exempted from Besides, 13 Atal Incubation Centers Action Points taxation. (AICs) are established by the NITI • Government authorities can • Loan provided to the industry shall Aayog to foster 5,000-6,000 innovative incentivise angel investments by, for carry much lesser rate of interest, Startups. 1500+ start-ups have been instance, abolishing the angel tax or compared to the market rate. incubated in 13 AICs in the first phase, giving other kinds of tax benefits. • An Innovation Development and with close to 10% focusing on women • Government should set-up a seed Translation Board (IDTB) may be empowerment. 5,415 schools have fund and give grants to start-ups as established to administer the fund been selected till March 2019, and a effective initiatives. for PPP in R&D. target of 10,000 schools has been set • More start-ups should be acquired • An umbrella fund, i.e. Innovation for establishing Atal Tinkering Labs by by large, established companies so Development and Translation Fund the end of 2020. 13 Start-up Centres, that it is easier for them to capture (IDTF) may be created under the 16 Technology Business Incubators markets. IDTB.

Atal Incubation Centers

August 2021 | Science Reporter | 79 • Funds under PPP should be non- 0.6% to 0.7% of GDP for the past two bioeconomy_rep.pdf). Therefore, the lapsable. decades. India’s R&D expenditure, as Biotech Sector can play an important • Intellectual Property (IP) should be a fraction of the GDP, is nominal as role in pushing the economy on a high exclusively licensed to the industry, compared to countries such as the US growth path for which the following and the Industry concerned will (2.8%), China (2.1%), Israel (4.3%) reforms are required: commercialise the product within a and Korea (4.2%) (http://psa.gov.in/ • Improvement in research facilities specified time scale. sites/default/files/pdf/RD-book-for- and world-class Clinical Trial WEB.pdf). The R&D expenditure Infrastructure. Reforms in S&T/R&D Sector for in India has mainly derived from the • Increase in Government spending Improving S&T Management Central Government, with marginal on R&D and medical infrastructure. System contributions from the states and the • Fund Small and Medium It has to be recognized that scientific private sector. This is one of the biggest Enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups in research flourishes in a more relaxed hurdles for India, which is hampering Biotechnology. ambience when administrative and returns from S&T in India. • Offer tax holidays for R&D-related financial support system is more a income. facilitator than a controller. Autonomy, Action Points • Extend Tax breaks to cover R&D freedom for individual ideas, flexibility • Increase R&D investment to at least expenses of Indian companies to carry forward promising ideas in 2% of GDP. outside India, as well as spending a selective manner, in a framework • Encourage private sector to on the cost of patent filings, clinical driven by peers, liberal funding, a contribute to R&D investment. development, drug discovery, and responsive engagement with academic, licensing. societal and industrial domains and Substantial Increase in Full- • Extend R&D tax credits available sustained collaborative exchange with Time Researchers per Million to biopharmaceutical companies similar high-quality international The UNESCO Institute of Statistics 2019 to contract research organisations research programmes, are key features states that the number of researchers and companies in other sectors of of a conducive ecosystem for research. per million population in India stands biotechnology. Development of technology, in at 156, which is considerably low • Appropriate steps need to be taken addition, needs a more organised and as compared to US (~4200), China to minimise the go-to-market time coordinated effort by different groups (~1200), Canada (4300) (http://uis. for Biotech products by fast-tracking across disciplines with a strategic unesco.org/en/news/rd-data-release). approval mechanism for testing and vision to create conditions favourable The scarcity of researchers in India is validating these bio-products in for translation and growth of a specific a barrier to India’s R&D growth and consultation with the Department of innovation and technology. could prove to be a major challenge, Biotechnology. Action Points considering factors such as high-quality • Appoint more number of Patent • An Apex Body may be constituted research opportunities aboard, limited examiners to reduce patent which could perform the following incentives and dearth of high impact processing time and workload functions: research in India. on existing examiners and also >> critical evaluation of the present establish specialised courts or state of S&T in India, Action Points benches to address Intellectual >> S&T Policy planning, • Provide researchers an Income Tax- Property-related matters. >> assessing future S&T needs, free salary. • Incentivize the return of Indian >> sociological study of the impact • Initiate scholarships and research students and professionals who of S&T, grants for researchers. are working abroad in the field of >> funding R&D in priority, new • Provide career path for researchers. biotechnology. and emerging areash • Get rid of the “bureaucratic” mindset Reforms Required in of unmindful control in a creative Biotechnology Sector R&D environment and ensure Biotechnology is a sunrise industry meaningful public accountability having the potential to provide solutions and facilitating governance system. to a variety of societal challenges. India’s bio-economy valued at $ 62.5 Increase R&D Investment Billion in FY 2019-20 (Indian Bio- India’s R&D investment has shown a economy Report 2020; ABLE) consistent growth trend over the years, and expected to be $128 Billion but as a fraction of the true GDP, the Industry by 2025 (https://birac.nic. public expenditure has been stagnant at in/webcontent/1594624763_india_

80 | Science Reporter | August 2021 • Create a not-for-profit research • Industry, Academia and Government • Build capabilities for real-time data organisation focusing on genomics to work together towards military visualization and data analytics R&D to better understand the applications of synthetic biology within India. biological characteristics and and Genetic Engineering. • Realise the vision of broadband for their variations for development of everyone and provide affordable more accurate healthcare or other Reforms Required in IT Sector high speed Internet to everyone by protection solutions. India’s IT industry contributed around 2025. • Establish an independent office for 7.7 per cent to the country’s GDP and • Scale up the Government drug review process, which can is expected to contribute 10 per cent e-Marketplace. serve as the single-point-of-contact of India’s GDP by 2025. The IT-BPM • Introduce technology-enabled for the process of drug review sector in India stood at US$ 177 billion remote healthcare in public and and guide companies through the in 2019 witnessing a growth of 6.1 per private health centres and hospitals. process, and resolve their problems. cent year-on-year and is estimated that • Build vibrant electronic device • Curtail the number of procedures the size of the industry will grow to manufacturing ecosystems required for starting a business and US$ 350 billion by 2025. encompassing assembly, obtaining construction permits and India has become the digital components, and design for make the process of land acquisition capabilities hub of the world with smartphones, LED and LCD simpler. around 75 per cent of global digital televisions and set-top boxes, LED • Promote mobility of researchers/ talent present in the country (https:// lights, sensors, medical electronic scientists between industry and indiainvestmentgrid.gov.in/sectors/ devices, among other goods. academia. information-technology). Indian IT • Revitalize ‘Make in India’ policy • Develop Indian standards and & ITeS companies have set up over to address the challenges in certifying products, which could 1,000 global delivery centres in about public procurement of indigenous instill faith in indigenous products, 80 countries across the world. The technologies/products in order to by ensuring the effectiveness and computer software and hardware sector strengthen India’s manufacturing quality of the said product. sector. • Promote internships, apprenticeships, and other part- Reforms in S&T Sector for time opportunities for researchers COVID-19 like Situation by universities and research In view of the recent situation where institutions to provide them the rapid transmission of COVID-19 necessary industry exposure. brought about disruption in • Encourage Import substitution by unimaginable ways, India needs to creating local vendor network, brace itself for stressful times ahead and policy drive for indigenous in India attracted cumulative Foreign bring necessary reforms to withstand production of raw materials, Direct Investment (FDI) inflows worth the economic turmoil, which is widely reagents, components for achieving US$ 39.47 billion between April 2000 expected in the coming months. The 100% Made in India value-added and June 2019 and ranks second in existence of S&T capabilities has final products. inflow of FDI. Keeping in view the never been so crucial for a nation. It • Encourage MNCs to bring above, the IT sector has the potential has presented institutions with a great novel biotech products, future to push the economy on high growth opportunity to work together for a technologies to India by differentially path for which the following reforms common cause. incentivizing them over regular FDI are required: Organisations such as the for routine manufacturing. • Concerted R&D efforts towards Defence Research and Development • Upgrade testing labs to bring them new and emerging areas such Organization (DRDO), the Council at par with global standards to shun as Artificial Intelligence (AI), of Scientific and Industrial Research perceptions of low-quality goods. analytics, automation, cloud, (CSIR), Indian Council of Medical • Continue to work on India-centric cybersecurity, mobile, etc. Research and Indian Institute of epidemic preparedness through • Create state-of-the-art cybersecurity Technology have shown remarkable the rapid development of vaccines, and data protection frameworks. swiftness in responding to the critical supporting the development of • Prepare a roadmap to expand and situation, by continuously striving to Indian vaccines in line with upscale the infrastructure related to bring scientific interventions. In the the Coalition for Innovation in cybersecurity as well as multi-cloud same light, the following measures may Epidemic Preparedness (CEPI) computing for widespread adoption be taken in the S&T sector to leverage global initiative. of work-from-home policy. this situation for economic benefits:

August 2021 | Science Reporter | 81 Image credit: DBT

• India has a great economic ventilators, splitters, etc. High- departments are located in almost opportunity to leverage the existing quality standards have to be ensured all regions of India, measures infrastructure to manufacture to enable acceptance from global like mandatory basic training to Personal Protective Equipments markets. The Member (Health) JRF/SRF to be given on handling (PPEs) and export PPEs for and Member (S&T) who have been equipments/procedures to support domestic and global consumption, driving the efforts on promoting health emergencies like Covid-19. which has evolved as a key concern manufacturing of medical devices • A Futuristic Technology Division across different countries in the need to be continued. may be set up under each R&D present time. A dedicated program • Appropriate management Institution to keep a vigil on on manufacturing of PPEs in of medical waste is crucial. probable issues/emergencies that coordination with different line Manufacturing incinerators and might arise in the future and to ministries such as the Ministry of development of alternative waste address the same, in collaboration Textile and Ministry of Health and management disposal systems with various scientific/medical Family Welfare may be initiated. would not only ensure proper departments. • Promoting R&D in Mission mode in disposal of biomedical wastes • Due impetus needs to be given to potential areas such as alternative related to COVID-19 in India, R&D and promotion of technical fabrics/materials/designs for PPEs, it could also reduce the cost of textiles which include protective low-cost test kits, therapeutic drugs, disposal of biomedical waste. clothing, sports gears, medical medical devices etc. Specific public It also presents an opportunity equipment and consumables, sector enterprises could be identified to serve the global demand for etc. Presently most technical to manufacture these products biomedical waste disposal systems. textiles are imported. Indigenous in scale for indigenous adoption • Recently ICMR has approved testing manufacturing of these products contributing to import substitutions. facilities in CSIR laboratories will reduce India’s dependency on • Appropriate mechanisms need to be for COVID-19, to assist testing imports while boosting production developed to fast track prototyping, and containment of the novel in India. testing, validation and clinical coronavirus. As Laboratories/ trials of medical devices such as R&D Institutions under the S&T

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