CUPB Newsletter Vol

CUPB Newsletter Vol. 5 (No. 1) November 1, 2016 – February 28, 2017

ਪੰਜਾਬ kyNdrI XUnIvristI, ਬਠ ੰਡਾ

डाﴂ iatkc dsUnzh; fo”ofo|ky;, बठ Central University of Punjab, Bathinda

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Editorial

Central University of Punjab not only excels in its academic pursuits but also creates a number of opportunities and exposure for its students to excel in different fields. This quarterly issue of the Newsletter will give the readers an inside look to the various activities and events that have been taken up at the University, starting from the celebration of the ‘Constitution Day’, to creating awareness on ‘AIDS Day’, to instilling patriotism into students on ‘Republic Day’, accompanied by the Annual Sports and Athletic Meet, and lastly to the celebration of the 7th Foundation Day of the University that has stolen the limelight. There were many competitions and programmes held on the occasion of the Foundation Day Celebration which invited and applauded student’s creativity as witnessed in various competitions organized here on the campus like, in ‘Best-Out of Waste’, Rangoli Competition, Song and Dance Competitions, etc. ‘Food Carnival’ was organised where food stalls representing various states were set up reflecting the core theme of ‘Unity in Diversity’. The events foregrounded a variety of skills of students in photography, creative art making, dance, singing and many other talents which the University has always aimed to nurture and foster for the all-round development of the students. Recognizing the excellence, and over-all contributions to the progress of the University, various awards were distributed among teachers and students on the concluding day of the Foundation Day.

Our academic wall is painted with variety of publications with high impact factors by teachers and students, thus taking another step towards making this University one of the leading educational institutions in the country. Encompassing such an excellent team of dedicated faculties and staffs with the commitment of the students, Central University of Punjab witnesses an upward rise towards establishing its high position among all the newly-established Central Universities. At Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, we are proud of all that has been accomplished, but we are even more excited about what is yet to come. Finally, from the entire CUPB family, we wish all the readers a happy reading.

Events Organised/Seminars/Workshops/Conferences Conducted

CUPB observed Constitution Day CUPB observed the Constitution Day on November 25, 2016. The event was organized by Centre for Law and was initiated by Dr. Tarun Arora. Dr. Rajinder Kumar Sen addressed the audience on the topic “Concept of Duty” followed by a panel discussion by students from various centres on “Perspective of Concept of Duty in Modern Times”. Dr. Bawa Singh deliberated about the “Introducti-on of Fundamental Duties”. Dr. Puneet Pathak thanked the audience and requested all to stand for the national anthem.

Students during the panel discussion

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Observance of World AIDS Day

The NSS cell along with Vardaan-Health Awareness & Blood Donation Club of CUPB organized an awareness programme on World AIDS Day on December 01, 2016. Poster making, painting and slogan writing competitions were organized to spread awareness of it among the students. Mr Narinder Kumar Bassi, social activist, a renowned community AIDS educator and recipient of the UN AIDS Civil Society award graced the occasion by his presence. Mr Bassi shared the history of the disease since its inception and discussed the measures to root it out. He added that students and the peer educators would play a vital role in Students participating in poster making competition spreading awareness about AIDS. The event was concluded with a prize distribution ceremony through which students were given prizes.

Celebration of National Youth Day 2017

Swami Vivekananda’s birthday on January 12, is celebrated as National Youth Day every year to encourage and inspire the youths of the India. The NSS Unit of Central University of Punjab, Bathinda organized a debate competition on “Demonetisation: A Move to Change the Fate of the Youth” on January 12, 2017. Students shared their views and experiences about the digitalization and demonetization. They showed great enthusiasm in participating in the competitions, 15 students participated in the debate. Prof. P. Ramarao, Dean Academic Affairs, applauded the organizers for organizing the event and discussed the demonetisation related issues. Student expressing her view on Demonetisation

Unique Lohri Celebration by Vardaan Club of CUPB

The volunteers of Vardaan Club of CUPB celebrated their Lohri in a very unique way. The unique celebration went on from January 11-13, 2017. They marked the festival by doing following activities: Visit to Old Age home in Bathinda, Visit to Deaf and Dumb School Mahant Gurbanta Das School for Deaf & Dumb, Bathinda. They distributed warm clothes and shoes to the deaf and dumb students, which were contributed by the students of CUPB. Later, the event was concluded by burning the bonfire in the city campus. Honourable Vice-Chancellor, all the faculty members and non-teaching staff came to feel the warmth of the bonfire.

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Celebration of Republic Day in CUPB

A function was organized to celebrate the 68th Republic Day at the university on January 26, 2017. Prof. R. K. Kohli, Vice-Chancellor, hoisted the National Flag and inspected the guard of honour. In his address, Honorable Vice- Chancellor song singing, short oratories graced the event. The event was concluded with vote of thanks by Registrar Dr. Jagdeep Singh and invited to join for high tea. said that quality education as well as the top ranking of the university was attained through team work of students, faculty and non-teaching staff. On this occasion students of CUPB recited the national anthem. Many other student performances like patriotic song singing, short oratories graced the event. The event was concluded with vote of thanks by Registrar Dr. Jagdeep Singh and invited to join for high tea. Honorable Vice-Chancellor hoistng the tricolor

Organization of Gatka Camp in CUPB city campus

CUPB organized a Gatka Camp (A Punjabi martial art form) at its campus from January 20 to February 20, 2017. It was organized for both men and women. A number of interested students who became part of the camp were further interested to participate in State, National and All India Inter-University level championship. Our ten students participated in the all India Inter-University Championship held at Guru Kashi University, Talwandi Sabo on February 12-13, 2017, in which ten students from CUPB participated.

Participants representing CUPB during March past

Organization of 5th Annual Sports and Athletic Meet in CUPB

Central University of Punjab, Bathinda marked its assertion on the significance of sports in student life by the inauguration of two-day long 5th Annual Sports and Athletic Meet 2016-17 on February 17, 2017.The event was graced by the former Hockey Captain, Sardar Rajpal Singh as chief guest. The celebrations began at 9.00 AM with a march past by the students of the university. Thereafter, students and faculty members took an oath which filled the hearts of everyone with the spirit of sportsmanship and unity. Prof. R. K. Kohli, Honorable Vice-Chancellor extended a warm welcome to the gathering. He emphasized that Best male athlete Fameel P.K.

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organizing sports meet is essential for instilling a sense of discipline and belongingness among students. He said that sports are the vital part of every student’s life and should be given as much importance as academics because they help students to learn values of life.

Various track and field events were organised with the contestants exhibiting their sporting competence which was accompanied by the immense support of the gathering in the form of overwhelming round of applause which further lifted the spirit of the game. Various track events were organised in which Arti, Best female athlete Arti Yadav Komal and Suman bagged the first, second and third positions respectively in girls 50 m race. In the boys 100 m race Abhishek, Wasim and Mir Yusuf took the first, second and third places respectively. Apart from this, various other activities like 50 m race of female faculty staff and 80 m race of male faculty, shot put, and several fun games were organised. Avneet Kaur Sidhu, an Arjuna awardee shooter was the chief guest on the concluding day of the event. She felicitated the winners with medals and trophies.

CUPB gears up for 7th Foundation Week Celebrations

CUPB conducted a series of events to mark the celebrations of the 7th Foundation day which fell on February 28, 2017. The celebrations witnessed a series of different educational as well as creative and cultural events. These celebrations started with the two day long Annual Athletic and Sports Meet on 17-18 February, which had huge participation of the university students.

This event was followed by another series of events in which students got a chance to exhibit their creativity and talent in a very unique way through “Rangoli making” competition and “Best-Out-of-Waste” Mohiniattam dance form performed by students of Kerala in competition. Students participated in both the Unity in Diversity program competitions with great zest and zeal. A total of 16 teams participated in the Rangoli making competition and 11 teams participated “Best-out- of-Waste” competition. In continuation to this event, a special lecture on “Living Wisely” by Dr. Samuda Chetri, Director, Gross National Happiness Centre, Bhutan, was organized in the university premises. In his address Dr. Chetri emphasised on the importance of living life wisely which brings out the real happiness in life.

Being a Central institution, the university is a home to a large number of students from different states and having different mother Students performing a Mime on the concluding day of tongues. Marking this diversity in languages, the Foundational celebration next event was celebration of “Mother Tongue

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Day” in which university students hailing from different parts of the country participated with great fervor. Students exhibited their love for their mother tongues through different songs, poems and folk songs etc. in Punjabi, Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Oriya, Malayalam, and Kashmiri etc.

The co-ordinators of these events Dr. Sanjeev Thakur, Dr. Tarun Arora, Dr. Monisha Dhiman, Dr. Rajinder Kumar, Dr. Jublee and Er. Meenakshi Mittal did a commendable work. The series of events further continued and marked with other events such as Unity- in -Diversity, Photography Competition, Food Carnival, Singing Completion, Dance Completion etc. The week-long Foundation Day was concluded on February 28, 2017 in the presence of the Padma Bhushan awardee Prof Sardara Singh Johl, who is also the Chancellor of the CUPB, was the chief guest.

Foundation Day Celebrations The week-long Foundation Day was concluded on February 28, 2017 in the presence of the Padma Bhushan awardee Prof Sardara Singh Johl, who is also the Chancellor of the University, was the chief guest. Prof R.K. Kohli, Vice-Chancellor, CUPB, welcomed the chief guest. While addressing the audience, Honourable Vice-Chancellor called the CUPB a mini India where students, faculties and non- teaching staff belong to different parts of the country and bring unity in diversity in the campus. He also mentioned that CUPB continues to be on the top among the newly established Central universities in academics. He appreciated the efforts of teachers and students. While presenting the annual progress report of the CUPB, Dean, Academic Affairs, Prof P. Ramarao discussed the achievements of the students and faculty of the university in detail. He presented the progress of the construction of the main campus building of the university at Ghudda village. Professor Ramarao shared that M.Com. and MA in Mass Communication courses would be added to the academic programmes in the coming session. The Chief Guest Honorable Chancellor Prof. Sardara Singh Johl Pdma Bhushan Awardee shared his experiences of life with the audience as part of the Foundation Day Lecture. While remembering his teacher Sufi Mohammad Deen, he stated how his teacher inspired him to work hard. He also shared his different experiences in various countries where he visited. It had been a very motivating and inspiring lecture. As an annual tradition CUPB appreciates the efforts of teachers, non-teaching staff and students in form of various awards. This year, Navaratan Kaur was adjudged the best PhD student while Amanpreet Kaur the best girl student and Komal Mansotra best postgraduate student. The Best Teaching Award was shared by four faculty members, Dr. Sunil Mittal, Dr. Rajendra Singh Dhayal, Dr Yogalakshmi KN and Dr Kamlesh Yadav. A number of non-teaching employees were also honoured on the occasion. Ajay Kumar, Ravinder Singh and Balraj Singh were awarded the registrar’s award for the best non- teaching employee for their efforts in the administrative and technical field. Dr Jyoti Prakash, Dr Rajendra Singh Dhayal, Dr Vikas Jaitak, Dr Raj Kumar, Dr Vinod Kumar, Dr Sunil Mittal and Dr Sandeep Singh were honoured with research awards. Dr. Monisha Dhiman, Dr. Puneet Pathak, Dr. Kiran K Singh and Dr. Amandeep Singh Brar were awarded with merit certificates for their efforts in various sections in the university.

Glimpse of award distribution ceremony on the concluding day of Foundational Day Celebration

Navrattan Kaur: Chancellor's Award for Best Student of Amanpreet Kaur: Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Best Girl year Student

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Foundation Day Celebrations

Komal Mansotra: Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Best Dr. Kamlesh Yadav being felicitated with Best Teacher Postgraduate Student Award

Dr. Sunil Mittal being felicitated with Best Teacher Award Dr. Yogalakshami KN being felicitated with Best Teacher Award

Dr. Rajendra Singh Dayal being felicitated with Best Dr. Kiran Singh receiving Merit Certificate Teacher Award

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Foundation Day Celebrations

Dr. Monisha Dhiman receiving Merit Certificate Dr. Puneet Pathak receiving Merit Certificate

Dr. Amandeep Brar being awarded with Merit Certificate Dr Jyoti Prakash Receiving Research Award

Dr. Raj Kumar Receiving Research Award Dr. Sandeep Singh Receiving Research Award

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Foundation Day Celebrations

Dr. Sunil Mittal Receiving Research Award Dr. Vikas Jaitak Receiving Research Award

Dr . Vinod Kumar Receiving Research Award Mr. Ajay Kumar receiving Registrar’s award

Mr. Ravinder Singh receiving Registrar's award Mr. Balraj Singh receiving Registrar's award

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Lectures/Invited Talks/Presentations

1. Centre for Classical and Modern languages organized a guest lecture on "Guru Nanak Dev's Contribution to Indian Society" by Dr. Navsangeet Singh on November 24, 2016.

2. Centre for Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine organized a lecture on "Organ Donation Don’t Wait Pledge Now" by Dr. Satish Thapar, Consultant Psychiatrist from MAX Superspeciality Hospital on November 24, 2016.

3. Central University of Punjab, Bathinda organized a presentation on “Digital Mode of Economy” by the representatives of HDFC Bank on December 14, 2016.

4. Central University of Punjab organized a special Prof Satish Kapoor during the lecture lecture on “National Youth Day” by Prof. Satish Kapoor on January 12, 2017.

5. Centre for Plant Sciences organized an invited talk on “Engineering Flavonoid Biosynthesis: An Academic and Industrial Perspective” by Dr. Sudesh Kumar, (Scientist-F) Center for Innovation and Applied Bioprocessing, Mohali, Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India on January 13, 2017.

6. Centre for Economic Studies organized a special lecture on the topic “Globalization, Demonetization and Its Impact on Indian Economy” by Dr. (Mrs.). Paramjit Nanda, Professor & Head, Punjab School of Economics, Guru Nanak Dev University, on January 18, 2017.

7. Center for Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine organized an invited talk on “Human Genetics” by Professor Sher Ali, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Milia Islamia, New Delhi on February 10, 2017.

8. Centre for Education and Student Counselling Cell organized a lecture on “Living Wisely” by Samdu Chetri, Director Gross National Happiness Centre, Bhutan on February 21, 2017.

9. Centre for Languages and Comparative Literature organised a lecture on “Culture and Prof. Ravi Kumar reckoning for the ideas on Culture and Literature” by Prof. Ravi Kumar, Department of Literature Hindi, Punjabi University, Patiala on January 8, 2017.

Seminars/Workshops

1. Central University of Punjab, Bathinda and Indian Institute of Crop Processing Technology (IICPT), Thanjavur jointly organized a National Seminar on “Recent Trends in Food Processing” by Prof. Gumail Singh, Honorable Vice Chancellor, Akal University, Talwandi Sabo on December 09, 2016.

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2. Centre for Law organized a Two Day Legal Awareness Programme about Women Related Laws funded by National Commission for Women (NCW), New Delhi on December 23-24, 2016.

3. Centre for Computer Science and Technology organised a national conference on “Computer Engineering Problem Optimizations (CEPO-2016)” on December 27, 2012.

4. Central University of Punjab, Bathinda organized a workshop on “Official Language Training Workshop” on December 29, 2016.

5. Centre for Economic Studies organized an ICSSR sponsored National Seminar on “Brexit and India: Analysing the Implications” on March 17-18, 2017.

6. Centre for Geography and Geology organised a workshop cum training on “Techniques of Geological, Geomorphological mapping and sampling process for Geoscience research” on February 13- 17, 2017.

Guests unveil a souvenir ICSSR sponsored National Dr. Milan Kumar during the national workshop Seminar

Academic Achievements of the Faculty and Students

A. Publications

1. Dr. A.K. Mantha and Bibekananda Sarkar from Centre for Animal Sciences and Dr. Mahesh Kulharia from Centre for Bioinformatics published an article “Understanding human thiol dioxygenase enzymes: structure to function and biology to pathology” in International Journal of Experimental Pathology; 2017. 2. Dr. A.K. Mantha, Iqbal Gill, Sukchain Kaur and Navrattan Kaur from Centre for Animal Sciences and Dr. Monisha Dhiman from Centre for Biochemistry and Microbial Sciences published an article “Phytochemical Ginkgolide B attenuates Aβ(1-42)- induced oxidative damage and altered cellular responses in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells” in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease; February 20, 2017. 3. Dr. A.K. Mantha, Navrattan Kaur, Bibekananda Sarkar, Iqbal Gill and Sukhchain Kaur from Centre for Animal Sciences published a book chapter “Indian Herbs and their Therapeutic potential against Alzheimer’s Disease and other Neurological Disorders” by Willey Black Publication, 79-112; 2017. 4. Dr. Nishtha Kaushiki, Ghulam Mohiuddin, Hilal Ramzan and Manpreet Kaur from Centre for South and Central Asian Studies published a paper titled "Contextualizing Chinese Strategic Foresight in International Relations: Examining One Belt One Road Policy" in a book titled “Handbook of International Relations: Issues of Human Rights and Foreign Policy”, edited by Dr. Swati Chakraborty, ABS Books Publications, 2017. 5. Dr. Nishtha Kaushiki and Hilal Ramzan from Centre for South and Central Asian Studies published a paper titled "The China Factor in Indo-Japan Strategic Relations" in a book titled “Indian Ocean and

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Maritime Security: Competition, Cooperation and Threat”, edited by Bimal N. Patel, Aruna Kumar Malik and William Nunes, Routledge, 2017. 6. Dr. Nishtha Kaushiki and K. Akhilesh Kumar from Centre for South and Central Asian Studies published a paper titled "India’s Surgical Strike and Coercive Diplomacy: An Assessment" in World Focus (Issue: 11, 2016). 7. Dr. Nishtha Kaushiki and N. Mohiudin from Centre for South and Central Asian Studies published a paper titled "Sino-India Maritime Conundrum: Contextualization of Twenty-First Century Maritime Silk Route" in World Focus (Vol. 41 Issue: 3, 2017). 8. Dr. Ramanpreet Kaur from Centre for Languages and Comparative Literature published a paper titled “Mere Sayian De AdhaarTe Bhai Vir Singh De KaavAnubhav Di Anubhuti” in a book titled “Bhai Vir Singh Sahit: VartmaanParsangikta”, edited by Dr Harchand Singh Bedi, Bhai Vir Singh Research Centre, Amritsar, 2017. 9. Dr. Ramanpreet Kaur from Centre for Languages and Comparative Literature published a paper titled "Gurbani De Viakhya-Shastar Di Parkirti" in Goshti (Vol. 3, 2016). 10. Dr. Ramanpreet Kaur from Centre for Languages and Comparative Literature published a paper titled "Punjabi BhasaVigiyanakAdhyan-Rujhaan Ate PaathVigiyanakAdhyanVidhi" in Goshti (Vol. 3, 2016). 11. Dr. S. Mittal, H. Kaur and Nandini Gautam from Centre for Environmental Sciences and Dr. A.K. Mantha from Centre for Animal Sciences published a review “Biosensors for breast cancer diagnosis: A review of bioreceptors, biotransducers and signal amplification strategies” in Biosensors and Bioelectronics (Vol. 88, 2017) 12. Dr. Yogalakshmi K. N., Anamika Das and Jatinder Singh from Centre for Environmental Science and Technology published a paper titled "Laccase immobilized magnetic iron nanoparticles: Fabrication and its performance evaluation in chlorpyrifos degradation" in Journal of International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation (Vol. 117, 2017). 13. Dr. A.S. Bali, Dr. D. R. Batish, Dr. H. P. Singh, Dr. S. Kaur and Prof. R. K. Kohli published a paper titled “Phytotoxicity and weed management potential of leaf extracts of Callistemon viminalis against some weeds of rice” in ActaPhysiolPlantarum (Vol. 21, Issue: 131, December, 2016). 14. Dr. G. P. S. Sidhu, Dr. H. P. Singh, Dr. D. R. Batish and Prof. R. K. Kohli published a paper titled “Tolerance and hyper accumulation of cadmium by a wild, unpalatable herb Coronopusdidymus (L) Sm. (Brassicaceae)” in Ecotoxicology & Environmental Safety (Vol. 135, January 2017).

B. Delivering Lectures/ Organizing or Participating in Training Programmes/ Seminars/ Conferences

1. Dr. A.K. Mantha from Centre for Animal Sciences delivered an invited lecture on “Biology of Amyloid beta-induced oxidative stress in Alzheimer’s disease: an association of mammalian thiol dioxygenase, ADO with the human AP-endonuclease 1 (APE-1) towards neuroprotection” on 6th Annual Conference of Society for Mitochondrial Research and Medicine-India and International Conference on Mitochondria in Health and Disease, at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India; February 10 -11, 2017. 2. Dr. A. L. Sharma from Centre for Physical Sciences presented two papers on “Effect of MWCNT in Terms of Electrochemical Performance of Prepared Novel Cathode Materials” and “A Comparative Study of Effect of Different Nano filler on Electrochemical Properties of Blend Composites Polymer Electrolytes” in 15th Asian Conference on Solid State Ionics, at Indian Institute of Technology, Patna, India; November 27-30, 2016. 3. Dr. Amit Kashyap from Centre for Law presented a paper on “Problems Relating to NRI Sham Marriages- Do’s and Don’ts” in a UGC sponsored National Seminar on Women Sensitization for Promoting Solutions- A Strategy for inclusive Growth organized by Department of Commerce, SSD Girl’s College, Bathinda; March 4, 2017. 4. Dr. Amit Kashyap from Centre for Law presented two papers on “The potential impact of Brexit on Competition Law in India” and “Brexit’s Impact on Competition Policy in India and Proactive Approach towards achieving Economic Justice” in a ICSSR sponsored National Seminar on Brexit and India: Analyzing the Implications organized by Department of Economics, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda; March 17-18, 2017.

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5. Dr. Amit Kashyap from Centre for Law presented a paper on “Women’s Equality and Gender Justice in India: It’s Introspection” in a ICSSR sponsored National Seminar on Crime, Society and the State organized by Rayat College of Law, affiliated to Panjab University, Chandigarh; April 29, 2017. 6. Dr. Amit Kashyap from Centre for Law presented a paper on “Reservation in India: Understanding its Past, Present and Solutions” in a National Seminar on Mainsteaming of Marginals in India: Issues and Challenges organized by UILS, Panjab University, Chandigarh; April 29, 2017. 7. Dr. Amit Kashyap from Centre for Law participated in a National Seminar on Recent Trends in Food Processing organized jointly by Central University of Punjab, Bathinda and Indian Institute of Crop Processing Technology, Thanjavur; December 9, 2016. 8. Dr. Amit Kashyap from Centre for Law participated and was the Co-Convener in a Two-day Legal Awareness Programme on Women Related Laws organized by Centre for Law, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda; December 23-24 , 2016. 9. Dr. Amit Kashyap from Centre for Law participated in a Two-day Legal Awareness Programme on Women Related Laws organized by Centre for Law, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda; August 27-28, 2016. 10. Dr. Dhanya M.S from Centre for Environmental Sciences and Technology presented a paper titled “Polyhydroxyalkanoate Production Potential of Bacteria from Chlorpyrifos Contaminated Soil in Talwandi Sabo Block of Bathinda District, Punjab” in The CleanUp India 2016- International Conference on Contaminated Site Remediation organized by Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, India and CRC Care and University of Newcastle, Australia; December, 2016 11. Dr. K. Milankumar Sharma attended a Workshop cum training program on Techniques of geological, geomorphological mapping and sampling process for geosciences research organized by Centre for Geography and Geology; March, 2017. 12. Dr. Monisha Dhiman from Centre for Biochemistry and Microbial Sciences delivered an invited lecture on “Role of Mitochondria in Doxorubicin induced Cardiotoxicity” in International Conference on Current Trends in Biotechnology organized by Biotechnology Society of India at Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore; December 8-10, 2016. 13. Dr. Monisha Dhiman from Centre for Biochemistry and Microbial Sciences delivered an invited lecture on “Role of Medicinal Plant Extracts on Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity” in 6th International Conference on “Mitochondria in Health and Disease organized by Society for Mitochondrial Research and Medicine-India (SMRM) at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India; February 10-11, 2017. 14. Dr. Naresh Singla and Harmeet Kaur from Centre for Economic Studies presented a paper on “Impact of Liberization and WTO on Agricultural Trade in India” in a UGC sponsored National Seminar on Agricultural and Rural Diversification in Punjab organised by Punjab School of Economics, GNDU, Amritser; February 17-18, 2017. 15. Dr. Preeti Khetarpal from Centre for Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine delivered an invited talk on “Primordial Dwarfism: What we should know” in a CME on growth disorders at PGIMER, Chandigarh; November, 2016. 16. Dr. Sumedha Dutta from Centre for Sociology delivered an invited talk on “Religious Associations as Civil Society: The Case of India” at Institute Fur Asien-und Afrikawissenschaften, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany; 2017. 17. Dr. Sumedha Dutta from Centre for Sociology was interviewed by Lukas Weiselberg for the Austrian Broadcasting Corporation ORF on the relevance of Karl Polanyi’s “The Great Transformation” for understanding the social, economic and political realities of contemporary India at Linz University, Austria; January, 2017 18. Dr. Sumedha Dutta from Centre for Sociology presented a paper on “Religion and Welfare in the Indian Scenario: A Study of Ramakrishna Mission and Salesians of Don Bosco” at the 42nd All India Sociological Conference at Tezpur University, Assam; December 27-30, 2016. 19. Dr. Sumedha Dutta from Centre for Sociology delivered an invited talk on “Beginning with Polanyi: Global Capitalism vs. Civil Society Movements in Neo-liberal India” in the International conference, A Great Transformation: Global Perspectives on Contemporary Capitalisms at Johannes Kepler University, Austria; January 9 -13, 2017. 20. Dr. Vinod Kumar Centre for Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products delivered a lecture on” Plasmon’s (Condensed Matter Physics) and Comparator and Triggering (Electronics)” at Baba Farid College, Bathinda, India; April, 2017.

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C. Awards:

1. Dr. Monisha Dhiman from Centre for Biochemistry and Microbial Sciences was awarded Prof A. R. Rao Memorial Young Scientist Award from Society for Mitochondrial Research and Medicine-India (SMRM) at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India; February, 2017.

D. Research Grants/ Projects

2. Dr. Thamil Mani Sivanandam from Centre for Animal Sciences received Research Seed money funded by Central University Of Punjab for the project entitled "A study on the role of fisetin, a plant flavonoid in the alternative splicing of Alzheimer’s disease related to genes in cell culture model” costing Rs. 3 Lakhs. 3. Dr. Vinod Kumar from Centre for Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products received DST Extramural research grant for a project entitled "Targeting Cancer Stem Cells through One Drug Multi-Target Approach (microtubule inhibition, vascular disruption and anti-angiogenesis” costing Rs. 30 Lakhs.

Student’s Corner

E. Publications

1. A. Arya and Dr. A. L. Sharma from Centre for Physical Sciences published a paper titled "Polymer Electrolytes for lithium ion batteries: a critical study" in Ionics (Vol. 23, 2017). 2. Deepasher Saraf, Dr. Ashok Kumar, Dilip Kanhere and Anjali Kashirsagar from Centre for Physical Sciences published a paper titled "Size Dependent Tunnel Diode Effects in Gold Tipped CdSeNanodumbbells" in Journal of Chemical Physics (Vol. 146, 2017). 3. Kuni Bihari Gupta, S. Chaurasia, M.J. Sankar, R. Agarwal, S. Kumar and V.K. Paulfrom Centre for Biochemistry and Microbial Sciences published an article titled “Characterization and antimicrobial resistance of sepsis pathogens in neonates born in tertiary care centres in Delhi, India: a cohort study” in Lancet Global Health,(Vol. 4 Issue: 10, 2016). 4. Manpreet Kaur and Dr. Naresh Singla from Centre for Economic Studies published a paper titled "An Economic Analysis of Kinnow Cultivation and Marketing in Fazilka District of Punjab" in Indian Journal of Economics and Development (Vol. 12, Issue: 4, 2016). 5. Manpreet Kaur and Dr. Nishtha Kaushiki from Centre for South and Central Asian Studies published a paper titled “Gender issues in Education: A Social-Realistic Perspective” in a book titled “Educational Policy Reforms-National Perspectives”, edited by K.M. Baharul Islam and MohdAnasRaushan, Bloomsbury Publishers, 2017. 6. Parvez Ahmad Thoker, and HilalRamzanfrom Centre for South and Central Asian Studiespublished a paper titled “Exploring Pakistan in the Modi Doctrine: Dilemma of Trust and Mistrust” in Journal of FPRC Journal, (Vol. 28 Issue: 4, 2017). 7. Pooja Jamdagni, Dr. Ashok Kumar, Anil Thakur, Munish Sharma and P.K. Ahluwalia from Centre for Physical Sciences published a paper titled "Electronic Properties and STM Images of Vacancy Clusters and Chains in Functionalized Silicene and Germanene " in Physica E:Low- Dimentional Systems and Nanostructures (Vol. 85, 2017). 8. Pooja Jamdagni, Jagdish Kumar, Arun Kumar, Dr. Ashok Kumar and Dr. P.K. Ahluwalia from Centre for Physical Sciences published a paper titled "Electronic, Mechanical and Dielectric Properties of Two-Dimensional Atomic Layers of Noble Metals" in Journal of Electronic Materials (Vol. 46, 2017). 9. Pradeep Bhatia, Ram Swaroop and Dr. Ashok Kumar from Centre for Physical Sciences published a paper titled "Tunable Electronic and Dielectric Properties of β-Phosphorene Nanofklakes for Optoelectronic Applications " in RSC Advances (Vol. 6, 2016). 10. Ram Swaroop, P.K. Ahluwalia, K. Tankeshwar and Dr. Ashok Kumar from Centre for Physical Sciences published a paper titled "Ultra-Narrow Blue phosphorene Nanoribbons for Tunable Optoelectronics" in RSC Advances (Vol. 7, 2017).

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11. Sanitha V.P. and Dr. Naresh Singla from Centre for Economic Studies published a paper titled "Structural Transformations in Kerela’s Economy: Is there any role of Agricultural Sector?" in Journal of Regional Development and Planning (Vol. 5, Issue: 2, 2016).

F. Papers presented in Seminars/ Conferences/ Workshops

1. Anamika Das from Centre for Environmental Sciences and Technology presented a paper titled “1- Hydroxybenzotriazole Mediated Chlorpyrifos Degradation Using Laccase Immobilized Magnetic Iron Nanoparticles” in National Conference on Nanomaterials and Nanobiotechnology organized by University of Madras, Chennai; February 10-11, 2017. 2. Bibekanand Sarkar from Centre for Animal Sciences presented a poster on “An In-silico Study on Structural and Functional Aspects of Human Thiol Dioxygenase: Cysteamine Dioxygenase, ADO” in 6th Annual Conference of Society for Mitochondrial Research and Medicine-India and International conference on Mitochondria in Health and Disease by Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi; February, 2017. 3. Gini Rani from Centre for Environmental Sciences and Technology presented a paper titled “Improved current generation in Microbial Electrolysis Cell using iron oxide nanoparticles deposited carbon cloth and graphite sheet electrodes” in National conference on Nanomaterials and Nanobiotechnology organized by University of Madras, Chennai; February, 2017. 4. Gupta KB from Centre for Biochemistry and Microbial Sciences presented a paper titled “Pollen Induced Inflammation and Role of Mitochondria in Human Lung Carcinoma A549 Cells” in 6th International Conference on “Mitochondria in Health and Disease organized by Society for Mitochondrial Research and Medicine-India (SMRM) at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India; February 10-11, 2017. 5. Gupta KB from Centre for Biochemistry and Microbial Sciences presented a paper titled ”Inflammation: compost of Celiac Disease” in XL. All India Cell Biology Conference and International Symposium on Functional Genomics and Epigenomist Jiwaji University, Gwalior, India; November 16- 19, 2017. 6. Gupta KB from Centre for Biochemistry and Microbial Sciences participated in The Welcome Trust/DBT India alliance sponsored workshop in Science Communication and Career Workshop organized by XL All India Cell Biology Conference at Jiwaji University, Gwalior; November, 2016. 7. Gupta KB from Centre for Biochemistry and Microbial Sciences participated in a Government of India sponsored GIAN course in “Post-transcriptional Control of Gene Expression in Eukaryotes” organized by Department of Biotechnology at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amrister; February 20-25, 2017. 8. Gupta KB from Centre for Biochemistry and Microbial Sciences attended a National Seminar entitled “Recent trends in Food processing” jointly organized by Indian Institute of Crop Processing Technology (IICPT) and Central University of Punjab, Bathinda; December 9, 2016. 9. Iqbal Kaur from Centre for Animal Sciences presented a poster at 2nd IBRO/APRC Chandigarh Neuroscience School, organized by DST Inspire Program Centre, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh; December 14-22, 2016. 10. Iqbal Kaur from Centre for Animal Sciences presented a poster at XL All India Cell Biology Conference and International Symposium on “Functional Genomics and Epigenomics at Jiwaji University. Gwalior; November 17-19, 2016. 11. Iqbal Kaur from Centre for Animal Sciences participated in Science Communication and Career Workshop at XL All India Cell Biology Conference, Jiwaji University, Gwalior; November 16, 2016. 12. Jaskiran Kaur from Centre for Environmental Sciences and Technology presented a paper titled “Counteracting Membrane Biofouling through Pseudomonas nitroreducens Encapsulated in Sodium Alginate- Magnetic Iron Nanoparticle Composites” in International Conference on Water from pollution to purification organized by Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerela; December, 2016. 13. Jatinder Singh from Centre for Environmental Sciences and Technology presented a paper titled “Immobilization of Ligninolytic Enzymes on Chitosan Coated Magnetic Iron Nanoparticles” in National conference on Nanomaterials and Nanobiotechnology organized by University of Madras, Chennai; February, 2017. 14. Naseer Ahmad from Centre for Environmental Sciences and Technology presented a paper titled “A Mini-Review on Land Conversion Dynamics with Special Reference to Quantification of Land

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Transformation Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques in Srinagar City of Kashmir” in International Conference of Geo-Informatics organized by Teri University, New Delhi; February, 2017. 15. Ranjit Kumar from Centre for Environmental Sciences and Technology presented a paper titled “Microbial Polyhydroxyalkanoates Production: Advantages and Future Perspectives” in International Conference on Sustainable Natural Resource Management: From Science to Practice organized by Varanasi Chapter of Indian Society of Agricultural Engineers, Department of Farm Engineering, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi; January, 2017. 16. Ritu Kamboj from Centre for Environmental Sciences and Technology presented a paper titled “Effect of different pre-treatments on Potato peel waste for efficient sugar recovery” in National Conference on New Horizons in Technology for Sustainable Energy and Environment organized by YMCA University of Science and Technology, Faridabad; March, 2017. 17. Sandeep Kumar from Centre for Biochemistry and Microbial Sciences participated in GIAN course on “Latest Methods in Structural Biology” in Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India; November 15-25, 2016. 18. Sandeep Kumar from Centre for Biochemistry and Microbial Sciences attended a National Seminar entitled “Recent Trends in Food Processing” jointly organized by Indian Institute of Crop Processing technology (IICPT) and Central University of Punjab, Bathinda; December 9, 2016. 19. Sandeep Kumar from Centre for Biochemistry and Microbial Sciences attended National Symposium cum Workshop on Bioinformatics for Medical Research, PGIMER, Chandigarh; January 20-21, 2017. 20. Sandeep Kumar from Centre for Biochemistry and Microbial Sciences attended a workshop on Biological sample Preparation for TEM/SEM, AIRF, at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India; January 24-25, 2017. 21. Sharanjot Kaur from Centre for Biochemistry and Microbial Sciences presented a poster related to her M. Phil work in International Conference on Current Trends in Biotechnology (ICCB 2016) held in Vellore; December 8-10, 2016. 22. Shishir Upadhyay from Centre for Animal Sciences presented a poster on “Modulatory Effect of Medicinal Plant Extract on Mitochondria Function in Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity” in 6th Annual Conference of Society for Mitochondrial Research and Medicine-India and International conference on Mitochondria in Health and Disease by Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi; February, 2017. 23. Sukhchain Kaur from Centre for Biochemistry and Microbial Sciences attended XL All Indian Cell Biology Conference and International Symposium on “Functional Genomics and Epigenomics” held at Jiwaji University, Gwalior; November 16-19, 2016. 24. Vijay Jaswal from Centre for Environmental Sciences and Technology presented a paper titled “Rice Husk Derived Nanosilicon Embedded Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Membrane for Removal of Fluoride” in National Conference on Nanomaterials and Nanobiotechnology organized by University of Madras, Chennai; February, 2017.

G. Awards/ Achievements 1. Anamika Das from Centre for Environmental Sciences and Technology received Best Oral Presentation Award at National Conference on Nanomaterials and Nanobiotechnologyorganized by University of Madras, Chennai; February 7- 8, 2017. 2. Katari Akhilesh Kumar from Centre for South and Central Asian Studies worked as an intern at the Bureau of Parliamentary Studies and Training, Lok Sabha Secretariat, Parliament of India; December 1, 2016 to February 28, 2017. 3. Katari Akhilesh Kumar from Centre for Environmental Sciences and Technology is currently working as Research Assistant at Speaker’s Research Initiative, Lok Sabha Secretariat, Parliament of India; March, 2017. 4. Navrattan Kaur from Centre for Animal Sciences won the Best Poster Prize for presenting a poster entitled “Emphasizing the neuro-modulatory role of Ginkgolide B against Aβ(25-35)- induced oxidative stress in SH-SY5Y cells” at the “International Conference on Mitochondria in Health and Disease” at JNU, New Delhi; February 10-11, 2017. 5. Navrattan Kaur from Centre for Animal Sciences stood First in the Essay-Writing Competition on the topic “Brain Drain as a Crisis in Indian Higher Education” held on “National Education Day” by Department of Education, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda; November 11, 2016. 6. Ram Niranjan Sharma from Centre for Geography and Geology was awarded 1st rank for being the Best Visaka volunteer; February 28, 2017.

CUPB Newsletter

Nobel Laureates

Nobel Prize in Physics 2016

The Nobel Prize in Physics 2016 was awarded with one half to David J. Thouless (born September 21, 1934, British condensed-matter physicist) of University of Washington, Seattle, and the other half to F. Duncan M. Haldane (Born September 14, 1951 British physicist) of Princeton University and J. Michael David J. Thouless Duncan M. Haldane Michael Kosterlitz Kosterlitz (born June 22, 1943, British born Anglo-American physicist) a Harrison E. Farnsworth Professor of Physics at Brown "for theoretical discoveries of topological phase transitions and topological phases of matter". In 1972, J. Michael Kosterlitz and David J. Thouless identified a completely new type of phase transition in two-dimensional systems where topological defects play a crucial role. Their theory applied to certain kinds of magnets and has also been very important for understanding the quantum theory of one-dimensional systems at very low temperatures. In the early 1980s David J. Thouless and F. Duncan M. Haldane developed theoretical methods to describe phases of matter that cannot be identified by their pattern of symmetry breaking. In 1983 Duncan Haldane derived a theory for spin chains that incorporated effects of topology in a crucial way. Based on this he predicted that chains with integer and half-integer spins should be qualitatively different, and this totally unexpected effect was later confirmed by experiments.

Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine 2016

The 2016 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to Yoshinori Ohsumi, (born February 9, 1945), a cell biologist at the Tokyo Institute of Technology for his discoveries of “mechanisms for autophagy”. Autophagy is the process by which cells capture large dysfunctional proteins, aging organelles, and invading pathogens in vesicles and then send them to the lysosome for degradation. Ohsumi's discoveries led to a new paradigm in the understanding of how the cell recycles its content. His discoveries further delineated the fundamental importance of autophagy in many physiological processes. Yoshinori Ohsumi Source: https://www.nobelprize.org

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