ISSN 0409-7467 CSIR News Newsletter of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research

Volume 66 No. 13 & 14 website: http://www.csir.res.in July 2016

In This Issue In The News

In The News CMERI-developed “Solar Tree” 145 • CMERI-developed “Solar Tree” Can Light Can Light Five Houses Five Houses • Technology Developed at CSIR-CIMFR Makes THE CSIR-Central Mechanical Pit Water Potable • CSIR-CFTRI Boosts Engineering Research Institute Returns of Banana (CSIR-CMERI) in Durgapur has Growers come up with a ‘Solar Power Tree’ • CSIR-NPL Implement- ing the Indian Standard that can be squeezed on rooftops Time and highways. The ‘tree’ design that takes up only four square feet of 149 R&D Highlights space enables production of three • CSIR-NAL Develops kilowatts (kW) of power – enough New Magnetic Sensor for Antilock Braking to power about five households. It System (ABS) resembles a tree with branches at • Bacillus subtilis and different tiers thus saving space. other Marine Bacteria as Potential Producers As per a rough estimate, five of Anticholinesterase acres of land is required to generate Compounds one MW of power. And one conventional solar photovoltaic 154 MoUs system of five kW requires 400 square feet of area. But the ‘tree’ 155 Lecture design that CSIR-CMERI scientists have come up with meets the 157 Training Programmes challenge of generating more solar power in less land space. 158 Laboratory Events The “Solar Tree” was inaugurated up the 30 photovoltaic panels and the recently by Union Science and system costs around Rs. 3 lakh with 163 Visits Technology Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan battery back-up. It has been decided during his maiden visit to the CMERI. to install one ‘Solar Power Tree’ at the Honours & Awards 166 The branches of the solar tree hold Ministry of Science and Technology. 167 Appointments In The News Technology Developed at CSIR-CIMFR Makes Pit Water Potable The CSIR-Central Institute of Fuel and different places to solve the drinking Mining Research (CSIR-CIMFR), water crisis. Dhanbad has developed technology that CSIR-CIMFR recently announced can make mining water potable. Pit water, another success in its “Coal dust abundant near mining sites, is not fit for collecting and briquetting system”. The drinking. The new technology treats this system uses a vehicle that moves around water and makes it potable, which can the mining area, sucks the coal dust and then be supplied to the villages near the turns it into briquette which can be later mining area. used for domestic and industrial The system has been successfully purposes. The system, which minimizes installed at Baliahar in Putki and handed wastage of coal dust and also brings over to Bharat Coking Coal Limited down pollution level, has already been (BCCL). Within the next two years, 25 sold to Tata Iron and Steel Company such projects would be completed at (TISCO).

CSIR-CFTRI Boosts Returns of Banana Growers

CSIR-Central Food Technological farmers’ cooperatives with support from Research Institute (CSIR-CFTRI), government and other agencies, transfer Mysuru is setting its sights on giving a of technology free-of-cost to such agri- boost to the banana processing industry. enterprises, and training and creating a With a range of technologies network amongst them for ensuring developed at the CSIR-CFTRI for proper returns to growers. making banana-based products such as At a workshop held at the CFTRI banana nectar, ready-to-serve (RTS) campus recently, Prof. Ram Rajasekharan, beverages, banana bar and so on, the Director, CSIR-CFTRI, unveiled a model Institute hopes to mitigate hardships of referred to as FRIG (Farmers, farmers in Karnataka, who were forced Government, R&D and Industry) for to sell plantains for a meagre Rs 2 per kg helping farmers. Prof. Rajasekharan also in December 2015. announced that the institute would be The institute has even planned to releasing a new plant variety which had establish a semi-processing unit through the potential to protect banana crop from spoilage. The plant can be grown as an intercrop along with other plantations. The workshop also included demonstration of value-added products from banana apart from some quantity of RTS beverage made from pulp, which was then made available through the CFTRI canteen for sale to staff and students of the institute. The workshop also involved interactions Prof. Ram Rajasekharan, Director, with farmers of Chamarajanagar CSIR-CFTRI, meeting banana farmers district.

CSIR News 146 JULY 2016 CSIR-NPL — Implementing the Indian Standard Time

CSIR-National Physical Laboratory electricity distribution networks have (NPL), the National Metrology Institute made it essential to use precise time of India, has the mandate to maintain synchronization. the Indian Standard Time (IST) as per Network synchronization requirement the act of Parliament (Govt. of India also applies to high-speed communication Gazette No. 589). With most up-to-date which facilitates voice over internet technologies being used, the National protocol (VOIP) calling and video Time, IST, is maintained by an ensemble conferencing. Another example is of of five Cesium atomic clocks, one satellite-based navigation system where hydrogen maser connected to the global the spatial resolution is decided by precise navigation satellite system for inter- synchronization of the clocks embedded comparison with the Universal in the end user’s device with clocks in the Coordinated Time (UTC). satellites. The accuracy of satellite IST needs to be disseminated to one navigation systems depends critically on and all in the country. It is imminent for the proper synchronization of onboard everyone to synchronize the time to a clocks e.g. a difference of just ten common standard in order to reduce nanoseconds can lead to a positioning confusion and legal troubles. On a error of 3 m. national level, time synchronization is So, it is important to have time essential for all kinds of financial synchronization to a common reference transactions, stock handling, digital for the nation which is IST. CSIR-NPL archiving, time stamping, international is disseminating IST to the various users trade, national security and so on. in the country. The dissemination Synchronization of all the computers techniques currently available with and telecommunication networks is CSIR-NPL are depicted in Fig. 1. essential for preventing cyber-crimes. All Internet time service is readily available banking facilities also rely on precise time to the users having computer with synchronization. The smart grids for internet connectivity. The settings

Fig. 1. Techniques to disseminate Indian Standard Time (IST)

CSIR News JULY 2016 147 required for IST synchronization are service is already operational and In The News described in Fig. 2. In order to access Fonoclock service is currently being this service, users need to query at CSIR- developed. For availing these services, NPL’s domain from their computer at users need to have a receiver attached to the address “time.nplindia.org” and their a telephone line. The receiver will call the computers will get synchronized to IST transmitter hosted at CSIR-NPL and with ±100 ms uncertainty. connected to dedicated phone line. On Users can also get synchronization call set-up, the time data will be to IST via telephone line and there are transferred to the receiver via the two services in this category. Teleclock telephone line. On setting up the call for

Fig. 2. Steps to follow in a Windows-based computer system to synchronize the computer time to IST. User needs to change the date and time settings as shown.

Fonoclock service, the transmitter will calculate the loop time delay automatically and transfer the delay compensated time (IST) along with day and date to the receiver. The receiver module will display the corrected time after synchroni- zation. The teleclock service provides time synchronization with ± 1 second uncertainty while Fonoclock is a new and upgraded technology (using communication delay compensation) which provides time synchronization with ± 10 ms uncertainty. A prototype of Fonoclock is shown Fig. 3. Fonoclock prototype in operation in Fig. 3.

CSIR News 148 JULY 2016 R&D Highlights CSIR-NAL Develops New Magnetic Sensor for Antilock Braking System

Digital technology has rejuvenated the therefore, the greatest challenge is to era of magnetic sensors by introducing make magnetic sensors with reliable new sensors in the market such as Hall- signal conditioning interface as per the Effect sensors, Magnetoresistive (AMR, automotive standard with affordable GMR, TMR) sensors and many more. price. The magnetic sensors offer the contactless CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories and consequently wear-free measurement (NAL) Bangaluru, has developed a series of physical quantities such as angle of of Giant Magnetoresistance (GMR) based rotation, angular speed, linear position, magnetic field sensing chips for rotary linear speed, current, etc. and linear position sensing applications. According to a global market survey, in The sensor has the following features : the year 2016, it is predicted that 7143 The sensor is now integrated with million units of magnetic sensors will be CMOS-based automotive grade required for various sectors, for which programmable ZSC31150 (ZMDI, the market revenue is around $2.0 billion. Germany) signal conditioning chip. The The Indian automotive sensors market is product was tested for speed segmented on the basis of types of measurements with commercially sensors (Temperature, Pressure, Speed, available different types of ABS toner Level/Position, MEMS, Magnetic, wheel used in the automobile sector. The Oxygen and Inertia) and the overall maximum air gap was achieved in the market is expected to grow to $1.51 range of 3-4 mm which is significantly billion by 2018 at a CAGR of 11.64% larger than existing Hall sensor. over the period 2015-2020. CSIR-NAL has already sent sensor To capture such huge automotive boards to TVS Motor Company limited, market, there is a requirement for Hosur, Tamilnadu for performance indigenous development of magnetic testing as ABS toner wheel and Gear sensors with higher sensitivity, low transmission speed sensors. Successful hysteresis and high thermal stability. As testing of these sensors could lead to the volume requirement is very large, more than half a million requirement per

Parameters Min Typ. Max Unit

Single Bridge Resistance 6 6.3 6.8 k Input Voltage 1 12 30 V Linear Range ± 5 ± 100 Gauss Saturation of GMR Sensor Elements - 150 + 150 Gauss Single Resistor Sensitivity 0.08 %/ Gauss Temperature Coefficient of Resistance 0.003 / oC Temperature Dependence of GMR - 0.03 %/ oC Storage Temperature Range - 70 + 150 oC Operating Temperature Range - 40 + 125 oC Nonlinearity 2 % (FS) Hysteresis 9 % (FS)

CSIR News JULY 2016 149 R&D Highlights year as indicated by M/s TVS motor applications if the cost of the final companies. They are also looking for its product is within the range of the existing potential in other two wheeler one.

Fig. 1. (a) Plastic packaged (3 mm x 3 mm) magnetic field sensor chip, (b) ABS toner wheel sensor board made with NAL MRA 1427 and CMOS ASIC IC (ZSC31150), (c) Both analog (top) and digital (bottom) output characteristics of the board with an air gap of 3.6 mm between the toner wheel and the sensor and (d) CAD model of board housing assembly for testing and validation at industrial sites.

Bacillus subtilis and other Marine Bacteria as Potential Producers of Anti-cholinesterase Compounds

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors underestimated because recent research or anti-cholinesterases reduce the activity has shown that these inhibitors protect of enzyme acetylcholinesterase that the brain cells against free radical injury degrades the neurotransmitter and â-amyloid toxicity in Alzheimer’s acetylcholine in the brain. These disease (AD). Despite the quest for new inhibitors play a significant pharma- treatments to stop, slow or prevent AD, cological role in neurodegenerative researchers around the world are disorders like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, exploring new sources of AChE dementia, etc. inhibitors, due to major concerns about Four out of five FDA approved the bioavailability and side-effects issues, drugs (such as tacrine, galanthamine, associated with the existing, mostly donepezil, and rivastigmine) for synthetic drugs for AD. Alzheimer’s treatment are AChE The majority of AChE inhibitors inhibitors, which act by counterbalancing (AChEI) are derived from plants; the acetylcholine deficiency and provide however they are also isolated from symptomatic relief, thus improving the extracts of some algae, fungi, acetylcholine level in the brain and cyanobacteria, marine phytoplankton and slowing down the neurofibrillary marine sessile organisms like sponges and degeneration. There is no cure yet for this soft corals. There are few serendipitous disease. discoveries of microorganisms producing However, the importance of such inhibitors; however, microbes were acetylcholinesterase inhibitors cannot be never systematically screened for this

CSIR News 150 JULY 2016 activity. prevalence of acetylcholinesterase In the recent past, marinoquinoline inhibitors in marine bacteria was A (a new alkaloid possessing conceived and the first account of AChE pyrroloquinoline skeleton) was isolated inhibition activity among the microbial from a marine gliding bacterium, associates of the marine invertebrates Rapidithrix thailandica (phylum and sediments was published in Microbial Bacteroidetes). The AChE inhibitory Cell Factories in February 2014. According activity of marinoquinoline A was to Altmetric – which scores research discovered after the compound was articles based on the activity around a found to be structurally related to piece of scholarly content, measured in tacrine, an AChE inhibitor. terms of online attention like tweets and Marinoquinoline A was also reported downloads, etc. – this article stands on from another novel marine Bacteroidetes 78th percentile among billions of all member, Ohtaekwangia kribbensis; hence other articles published across all this organism may, as well, inhibit AChE. journals at the same time. It also has a In view of the potential of very high score (93rd percentile) marine bacteria as promising resources compared to outputs of the same age of these important compounds, we and source. It ranks in the top 25% of initiated a basic search for a function, all research outputs scored by Altmetric i.e. acetylcholinesterase inhibition, (http://www.altmetric.com/details/ among the diverse microbial associates 2134639). of sponges, sediment and soft corals. The Marine bacteria isolated from marine sources are favoured for screening different samples of marine sponges, soft AChE inhibitors since they present corals and sediments were screened using enormous possibilities of discovering a high throughput microplate based assay novel chemical molecules with better for inhibition of electric eel enzyme, properties, considering the huge diversity acetylcholinesterase. The presence of of marine microorganisms. acetylcholinesterase inhibitors was Considering this fact, a study on the reported in 15.8% of the 887 marine

Table 1: AChE inhibition activity in marine isolates

Sl. Isolation source No. of isolates No. of active Percentage of No. of no. screened isolates active isolates isolates (%) showing >10% AChE inhibition activity

1. Acanthella cavernosa 39 9 23 0 2. Dragmacidon agariciforme 110 17 15 4 3. Fasciospongia cavernosa 8 2 25 1 4. Leiodermatium pfeifferae 72 7 10 0 5. Rhabdastrella globostellata 127 18 14 2 6. Siphonodictyon coralliphagum 31 13 42 12 7. Xestospongia testudinaria 36 5 14 4 8. Sarcotragus fasciculatus 77 0 0 0 9. Soft coral 66 16 24 2 10. Sediment 321 53 17 26 Total 887 140 51

CSIR News JULY 2016 151 bacteria which is quite significant isolates. Earlier, a number of new R&D Highlights (Table 1). meroterpenoid and spirosesquiterpene Majority of the active isolates were aldehyde compounds like corallidictyals bacterial associates of soft corals and liphagal; siphonodictyal sulfate and followed by sediment isolates, while akadisulfates, have been isolated from most of the potent inhibitors belonged the extracts of the sponge Siphonodictyon to the bacterial associates of marine coralliphagum (= Aka coralliphaga), which sponges (Fig. 1). Figure 2 shows a showed protein kinase C inhibition, comparative picture of AChEI activity PI3K inhibitory activity and radical among the various sponge isolates. scavenging activity, respectively. A close examination of Table 1 shows Some siphonodictyals and that the maximum number of active corallidictyals have also been reported to isolates belonged to the sponge exhibit antimicrobial activity. The other Siphonodictyon coralliphagum, which have sponges from which compounds with shown consistently higher percentages of antimicrobial activity have been isolated inhibition as compared to all other are Fasciospongia cavernosa and Acanthella cavernosa. A careful study of several compounds isolated from the sponges Source of AChEI positive isolates shows that they are mostly derivatives of alkaloids and terpenes, which are known

17% to exhibit AChEI activity based on the previous literature. 24% However, anti-cholinesterase activity of the compounds of the above mentioned sponges or their microbial 14% associates is not reported so far, which may be due to limited research being carried out in this area. Recently, a web resource Dragon exploration system on Soft corals Sponges Sediment marine sponge compounds interactions (DESMSCI) was developed for Fig. 1: Distribution of AChEI positive isolates knowledge generation on marine sponge among soft corals, sponges and sediment compound interactions including a useful “hypothesis generation” feature. Using this web resource, the authors could AChE inhibition activity among sponge isolates generate and theoretically validate a hypothesis, by linking terms from 42% 42% Siphonodictyon coralliphagum different dictionaries. According to this 40% Fasciospongia cavernosa hypothesis, there is a possibility of 35% 30% 25% Acanthella cavernosa finding a novel mode of action for a 23% 25% Dragemacidon agariciforme sponge compound, variolin (an alkaloid) 20% 15% 14% 14% Rhabdastrella globostella 15% 10% for AD therapy. Thus, it is apparent that 10% Xestospongia testudinaria

Percentage Percentage inhibition sponge compounds, like alkaloids, may 0% 5% Leiodermatium pfeifferae not just inhibit AChE to provide 0% Marine sponges Sarcotragus fasciculatus symptomatic relief in AD, but may even have a disease modifying effect which needs to be studied in depth. Fig. 2: Comparison of AChE inhibition activity among sponge isolates Maximum AChE inhibition (54%)

CSIR News 152 JULY 2016 was exhibited by a bacterial strain produce same chemical compounds M18SP4P(ii), isolated from the marine (many strains one compound). sponge, Fasciospongia cavernosa. Based on Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors in phenotypic characterization, 16S rDNA bacteria have not received adequate sequencing and phylogenetic analysis (Fig. attention of the researchers. From the 4), the strain was identified as Bacillus results of our study, we conclude that subtilis – revealing yet another activity in acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are quite a strain of a robust microorganism, prevalent in marine bacteria, particularly amenable to manipulation and the bacterial associates of marine biotechnological scale-up for the invertebrates. Bacillus subtilis – a well production process. Recently, it was studied and exploited species – suggested that Bacillus subtilis can be presented acetylcholinesterase inhibition engineered into next-generation super- activity, though it remains to be secreting cell factory using a combined investigated whether the compound systems and synthetic approach. responsible for this activity is new or TLC bioautography of the methanol extract of this culture revealed the presence of two major components bearing this activity, when compared to the positive control, galanthamine (Fig. 3). Thus, the detection of acetylcholinesterase inhibition in a strain of Bacillus subtilis is certainly a significant finding. In our taxonomic investigation of some marine bacteria, we found several different genera of bacteria producing AChE inhibitors, like Psychrobacter, Microbacterium, Stenotrophomonas, Planococcus, Nocardia, Streptomyces sp., Leucobacter, Bacillus sp., Virgibacillus and Brevibacterium sp., apart from the Bacillus subtilis strain. Involvement of diverse groups of microorganisms in AChE inhibitor production increases the chances of finding structurally unique metabolites. With such data, and the previous studies on beta- glucosidase inhibitors (Pandey et al., 2013), one can also infer that the contrary of the OSMAC (one Fig. 3: Evolutionary relationship of this strain strain many compounds) theory is also M18SP4Q(ii), with the 16S rRNA gene se- quences of its closely related strains is shown true – many different bacterial lineages in the neighbour joining phylogenetic tree

CSIR News JULY 2016 153 known. Several more potential AChE MoUs/Lectures inhibitors present among marine bacteria are waiting to be discovered to provide easily manipulable natural sources for the mass production of these therapeutic compounds.

References: 1. Pandey et al. A marine sponge associated strain of Bacillus subtilis and other marine bacteria can produce anticholinesterase compounds. Microbial Cell Factories 2014, 13: 24; doi:10.1186/1475-2859- 13-24. 2. Pandey et al. Diversity of marine bacteria producing beta-glucosidase inhibitors. Microbial Cell Factories 2013, 12:35. doi:10.1186/1475-2859-12-35. Sony Pandey 1, Chityal Ganesh Kumar2 and colleagues from CSIR-IMMT Fig. 4: TLC bioautography of IMM46 extract and CSIR-IICT showing two compounds (1 & 2) containing the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, and (C) - control (0.1 M Galanthamine)

MoUs CSIR-CLRI Signs MoU for Resurgence of Leather Industry

The CSIR-Central Leather Research President of the Erode Tannery Institute (CLRI), Chennai recently Owners’ Association Mr Mohamed signed a Memorandum of Under- Hyder could see the breakthrough standing with the Erode Tannery technology being employed for Owners’ Association for technology- safeguarding water bodies from pollution infusion to contain pollution in the caused by toxic effluent containing leather industry sector. chromium and sulphates. The new waterless chrome tanning This would also lead to enormous technology has already been trial tested saving of water since 50 litres of water in a few industries in Erode district and is utilised to treat one kilogram of animal once product validation is made by skin and hide. The new technology using overseas buyers, all the 30 leather units a conventional drum-tanning method in the district will implement the involves utilising the patented additives technology, the association has assured. instead of lime and water, thereby The MoU signed by CSIR-CLRI resulting in the saving of water and Director Dr. B. Chandrasekaran and reduction in solid waste.

CSIR News 154 JULY 2016 Lecture CSIR-IICB Organizes 2nd B.K. Bachhawat Memorial Lecture and Symposium on Chemical Biology Research

Sitting on dais, from left, Dr. G. S. Kumar, Prof. S. Roy, Prof. S. Chattopadhyay. Prof. S. Pillai Dr. C. Mandal and Dr. N. Ali

CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical CSIR-IICB, who in his welcome address Biology (CSIR-IICB), is described the influence of Prof. planning to celebrate its 80th Anniversary Bachhawat in not only improving CSIR- with various scientific programmes IICB and setting up several other throughout the year. As a part of this scientific Institutes across India but also celebration, the Institute organized the promoting science as a whole in different Second Lecture of the “B.K. Bachhawat parts of the country. Memorial Lecture” series, followed by Prof. , President, a symposium on Chemical Biology Chemical Biology Society, in his Research on 3 June 2016. introductory speech, informed that the The event was organized by the B.K. term “Chemical Biology” itself was first Bachhawat Memorial Lecture coined by Prof. Bachhawat. He also Organization Committee and Chemical reiterated the role of Prof. Bachhawat Biology Society, India at the J.C. Ray in glorifying India’s scientific endeavours Auditorium of CSIR-IICB. All the at global platforms. As an ex-Director scientists and scholars gathered to of CSIR-IICB, Prof. Roy explained how commemorate the contribution of Late the Institute conceived the plan of Prof. Bimal Kumar Bachhawat, a organizing this Lecture and how stalwart scientist and former Director of Chemical Biology Society helped to CSIR-IICB, towards development and materialize the project. excellence of this Institute. The Prof. Nahid Ali and Prof. Chitra programme was aimed to encourage and Mandal of CSIR-IICB, being ex-scholar nurture new scientific ideas in the minds and close associates of Prof. Bachhawat of research scholars from both Biology shared their fond memories of him and and Chemistry disciplines. portrayed his generosity and humbleness The symposium was inaugurated by as a human being. Prof. Shiv Pillai, orator Prof. Samit Chattopadhyay, Director, of the Memorial Lecture and also an ex-

CSIR News JULY 2016 155 student of Prof. Bachhawat, gave a and cancer are becoming relatively easy Lectures/Training short remembrance explaining how Prof. to explain today in molecular terms. He Programmes Bachhawat kindled research interest in then shifted his focus to “complex him. Dr. G.S. Kumar proposed the vote diseases” and stressed on the importance of thanks. of epigenetic alterations as the causal Prof. Shiv Pillai, Professor, factor of this group of diseases. Prof. Medicines, Health Sciences and Pillai suggested Next Gen sequencing Technology, Harvard Medical School, based tools to be the answer to the USA, in his 2nd B.K. Bachhawat enigma of molecular basis of disease Memorial Lecture oration on “Epigenetic pathogenesis. Regulation in Lymphocyte Biology and Human Prof. A. Ajayaghosh, Director, CSIR- Disease” enlightened on how study of NIIST, was the first orator of the diseases today has become one of the symposium on Chemical Biology frontier areas in biology. He talked about Research. He spoke on Fluorescent different diseases and explained why Molecular Probes for Sensing and Imaging of Mendelian disorders, infectious diseases Bio-analytes. Prof. Ajayaghosh lucidly explained his work on fluorescent molecules important from the perspective of biological imaging and security purposes. He reported a few fluorophores based on bipyridyl systems as sensors for the detection of Zn2+ and cyanide ions. Prof. Joyoti Basu, Senior Professor, Chemistry, Bose Institute talked about Meeting the Challenges of Controlling Tuberculosis: Understanding Host-pathogen Crosstalk. She addressed the issue of immune responses in macrophages infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Prof. Basu, through her experimental results, suggested miRNA-regulating Dr. A. Ajayaghosh delivering his lecture adjunctive therapy to be a promising alternative for treatment of tuberculosis. She also talked about her lab’s approach of targeting the bacterium by inactivating the genes required for its survival under stress. The last speaker, Dr. Sandip Paul, Ramanujan Fellow, CSIR-IICB, spoke on Adaptive Evolution in Bacterial Genomes. His lecture explored microbial evolution through whole genome sequence analysis. Dr. Paul also explained the need for cross-annotation in publicly available bacterial genomes to accurately interpret Prof. S. Pillai receiving memento from the contribution of accessory genes in Prof. S. Chattopadhyay, Director, CSIR-IICB bacterial evolution.

CSIR News 156 JULY 2016 Training Programmes Training Programme held at Regional Centre for Extension and Development (CSIR-CLRI), Kolkata for Leather Goods Sector

A skill development training programme for the Leather Goods sector in the eastern part of India was conducted at the Regional Centre for Extension & Development (RCED), Kolkata of CLRI. A total of 150 boys and girls belonging to the SC community underwent this programme. It was a part of the ‘Skill India Mission’ of the Honourable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. National Scheduled Caste Finance & Development Corporation (NSFDC), a Govt. of India organization, supported this programme. The duration of the training programme was 35 days. In order to train 150 candidates utilizing the limited capacity available with RCED, Kolkata, the programme was held in four batches during the period from 8th December 2015 to 3rd May 2016. The training was conducted for developing skill in two operations: a) Cutting and clicking, and Shri Chinmay Das from West SC & ST Development and Finance Corporation, b) Assembling and stitching as these are Govt. of in an interactive session the two main operations where skilled with the trainees. Shri Das provided information manpower is in great demand. While boys on various schemes of financial assistance available for the trainees. were preferably selected for cutting and clicking, the girls, who have an inherent enable the trainees to utilize their newly sense of beauty and aesthetics, were acquired skill more intelligently and chosen for skill development in stitching enhance the employability potential of and assembling jobs. the trainees considerably. Since the background of the selected It is hoped that this programme will trainees was diverse, along with the support the leather goods industry in practical lessons, 8–10 lectures covering this part of the country in building its general properties of leather as a material capacity further. RCED, Kolkata (under and its selection, grading, storage, care the direction of CSIR-CLRI) has and maintenance were arranged for each elaborate plans to organize such skill batch of trainees to supplement their development programmes in the financial skill. This additional arrangement will year 2016-17 too.

CSIR News JULY 2016 157 Laboratory Events Laboratory Events CSIR-CECRI Celebrates National Technology

Dr. Madhavan Nair delivering the National Technology Day Lecture

According to Padma Vibhushan Dr. G. Chairman of ISRO recalled his Madhavan Nair, the formula for success organizations’ long association with is to avoid finger pointing. He told a CECRI and pointed out the gathering at the CSIR-Central technological inputs received from Electrochemical Research Institute CECRI in silver–zinc batteries for early (CSIR-CECRI), Karaikudi that a leader space missions, electrolytic ammonium should accept responsibility for failure perchlorate production (the basis for the and applaud his colleagues for success. 1000 tonne per year plant at Alwaye), This would strengthen team work and solutions to corrosion of aluminium ensure success of mission-mode alloys, electroforming of cryogenic projects. engine thrust chamber, and gold plating Taking an example from ISRO, he of key components. said that when the SLV-3 mission of Dr. Madhavan Nair said that the 1979 failed, Prof. Satish Dhawan, the Indus Valley, one of the earliest human then Chairman of ISRO, met Prime habitats, was an example of community Minister Indira Gandhi and took the full living and that evidence for the use of responsibility for the failure. However, metallic objects of copper, tin, bronze when the mission succeeded in 1980, he and iron even during 1500 B.C. was sent Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the Project available. In fact, up to 600 A.D., India Director of the satellite launch vehicle held a lead position in areas such as program, to the Prime Minister to hog metallurgy, medicine, mathematics, all the limelight. astronomy and astrological computation. Delivering the 18th National India’s rich heritage plunged into Technology Day lecture on Science and darkness with repeated invasions. Except Technology Challenges for National for a few scientific highlights such as Development at the Institute, the former those of Raman and Ramanujan, India

CSIR News 158 JULY 2016 had nothing to showcase until limitation and lack of connectivity. India independence. India is rebuilding its is expected to be the third largest institutions and capabilities: today the economy by 2020. Yet a large swathe of country boasts of several IISERs and its population lives below the poverty line. IITs, in addition to achievements such The biggest obstacle is physical as the green revolution (ushered in by connectivity to its 600,000 villages. It is M.S. Swaminathan in the 1960s), the here that digital connectivity comes in, Pokhran nuclear test of 1998 merging age-old wisdom with modern (establishing India’s mastery over the knowledge. It is also time for a second atom) and space program (launched in food revolution, which must aim for a 1962). 50% increase in agricultural production India, in fact, plunged late into space, in the next 20 years. It is also necessary said Dr. Nair. The country today has very to adopt eco-friendly processes. A powerful rockets. ISRO is among the healthy debate on GM foods, backed by most sought after agencies in the world experiments, is called for. for satellite images for its 1-metre It is imperative that we harvest resolution pictures. Apart from remote water, he said. We experience an average sensing, India’s space programme has of 1 m rainfall. Methods must be put in diversified into satellite communication, place to recharge the soil and to weather forecasting and disaster economically recycle water. Healthcare management. is another area that begs attention. It is Space technology is today part and said that that the average medical parcel of our life thanks to its penetration expenses in the state of Kerala is Rs into agricultural yield forecast, drought 35,000 per person. This is not affordable and flood management, direct-to-home medical care. Ayurveda could offer television broadcast, and educational cheaper solutions. satellite. The success story is highlighted Knowledge transfer is an area of by the Chandrayaan, which went as close concern, where attention needs to be as 100 km to the Moon’s surface and paid on the appropriateness of the sent high-resolution stereoscopic images content for locals. As for renewable back to Earth. We have established the power, India is blessed with sunlight for presence of water on the Moon. Today, India can boast of planting its flag on the Moon’s surface. India has mastered the cheapest space missions as evidenced by its Mangalyaan programme, said Dr. Nair. He also said that India’s 60-year-old space programme has come from hard work and dedication. Every failure was a lesson. In such mission-mode projects, every support activity must be planned with a long vision. This is the kind of mission mode that Prime Minister Modi wants to adopt for poverty alleviation. It has emerged that India has a surplus of power. However, the problem lies in poor transmission, capacity Dr. Madhavan Nair signing the visitors’diary

CSIR News JULY 2016 159 nine months a year. Scientists must pitch adopting ISRO’s success formula was a Laboratory Events in to increase the efficiency of solar cells way forward. Pointing out that low-cost from its present 20%. Localized energy space mission was the most visible face storage can solve a number of problems of ISRO today, he urged CECRI related to grid transmission. It is safe to scientists to work towards turning low- assume that the space programme has hanging fruits such as sensors and zinc- yielded one-and-a-half times the bromine battery into commerce. investment in terms of services. Earlier, Prof. V.S. Raja of IIT Bombay Dr. Vijayamohanan Pillai, Director, summarized recent achievements of in his presidential remarks said that CECRI. Dr. S. Syed Azim, Chief CSIR was at a crossroads and that Scientist, proposed the vote of thanks.

National Technology Day Celebration, CSIR-CGCRI

CSIR-Central Glass & Ceramics Technology Day Lecture on “Technology Research Institute (CSIR- Developments at Fibre Optics and CGCRI), Kolkata celebrated Photonic Division”. the National Technology Day Shri Sitendu Mandal, Senior Principal on May 31, 2016. Shri Kamal Scientist & Head, SGPS, Glass Division Dasgupta, Chief Scientist and talked about “Technology Development Head, Fibre Optics and of Specialty Glasses for Strategic Sector”. Photonics Division, CSIR- Dr. Vamshi Krishna Balla, Senior CGCRI delivered the National Principal Scientist and Head, Bio- Ceramics and Coating Division spoke on “Recent Technologies Developed at Bio- Shri Kamal Dasgupta delivering Ceramics and Coating Division”. Dr. the National Technology Day Lecture Arup Ghosh, Chief Scientist and Head, Refractories and Traditional Ceramics Division dwelt on “Recent Technologies Developed at Refractories and Traditional Ceramics Division”. Shri Swachchha Majumdar, Principal Scientist, Ceramic Membrane Division talked about “Recent Technologies Developed at Ceramic Membrane Division”. Finally, awards were distributed by the Director for Best

A view of the celebrations Technologies and Best Developmental Projects followed by Staff Awards.

CSIR News 160 JULY 2016 World Environment Day Celebrated at CSIR-IMMT

The World Environment Day was Member of Odisha Electricity celebrated at the CSIR-Institute of Regulatory Commission (OERC) Er. Minerals and Materials Technology A.K. Das who was the guest of honour, (CSIR-IMMT), Bhubaneswar jointly with expressed his concerns about the Institute of Quality and Environment deteriorating environmental conditions in Management Systems (IQEMS) on 5 and the current scenario and how it was going 6 June 2016. To mark the occasion, several to affect the future generations. events were organised on June 5 by young scientists in the institute’s premises. Children enthusiastically participated in drawing and green-art competition and each of them carried home a plant sapling, provided by the Forest Department through IQEMS. Young research scholars also gave ideas on how to make the CSIR-IMMT campus environment friendly. On 6th June, the programme began with plantation of saplings in the CSIR-IMMT premises by the Director Awards were presented to winners of Prof. B.K. Mishra and Chief Guest drawing, green-art and concept note Mr. Siddhanta Das, PCCF (Wild Life) competition in which children from the along with other prominent personalities campus and young research scholars as like Prof. S.C. Naik, NIT Rourkela, Shri well as summer trainees participated. A.K. Das, Member Tech OERC and Shri This was followed by an interesting S.K. Mishra, Scientist-in-charge CSIR- panel discussion between eminent IMMT. scientists, industrialists and senior officers Inaugurating the programme, from the Government. The discussion Principal Chief Conservator of Forests was coordinated by Mr Dillip Satpathy, (Wildlife) Siddhanta Das expressed Bureau Chief, Business Standards. Er. A. concern about the rapid degradation of K. Das (Member Tech, OERC), Er. UPS the environment due to rampant Yadav (Director, Bureau of Indian industrialisation resulting in global Standards), Mr. Subrat R. Prusty warming and appealed to everyone to (Director, MGM Agritech), Dr. Sunamani take necessary measures to protect the Kerketa (Director MoEF Eastern Region) environment for sustainable were the main panellists along with Shri development. He also talked about the S.K. Mishra (Chief Scientist CSIR- role of forests in the overall carbon IMMT). The discussions revolved around budget. the role of each individual in sustainable NIT Rourkela Retired Professor S.C. practices in a range of activities from Naik delivered the keynote address and agriculture to industry. This was the most spoke at length about the current thought provoking part of the program. environmental issues and the role of A major initiative was taken to plant young individuals in initiating sustainable almost 1000 plant saplings inside the processes. CSIR-IMMT campus.

CSIR News JULY 2016 161 Laboratory Events CSIR-NPL Celebrates World Metrology Day

Dignitaries on the dais (From left): Dr. S.S.K. Titus, Dr. D. K. Aswal (Director, CSIR-NPL), Dr. (Chief Guest), Dr. Girish Sahni (Guest of Honour), Dr. A. Sen Gupta (President MSI) and Dr. V. N. Ojha

Metrology, the science of measurement, In his inaugural address, Director is crucial for the development of NPL, Dr. D.K. Aswal spoke about the industries and technology. The World strides made by NPL in various sectors Metrology Day, observed each year on and the initiatives taken towards the May 20, celebrates the signing of the realization of mission mode projects. Metre Convention on this day in 1875 by Director General, Dr. Girish Sahni representatives of seventeen nations. emphasized about the importance of This day was commemorated at research contributing towards providing CSIR-NPL on 20th May 2016, sponsored scientific and technical solutions to the jointly by CSIR-NPL and Metrology problems faced by the general population Society of India (MSI). The function was while making strides in scientific research presided over by the Director General, also. CSIR, Dr. Girish Sahni and the Chief Guest for the occasion was Dr. Anil Kakodkar, Padma Vibhushan, INAE Satish Dhawan Chair of Engineering, former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and BARC. The theme for this year’s Metrology Day was “Measurements in a Dynamic World”. The topic was chosen to align with the rapid pace of changes in measurement science, and indeed of the world around us. Dr. V. N. Ojha gave the welcome address and briefly highlighted the importance of this day for worldwide uniformity of measurements and for global collaboration in its industrial, commercial and societal applications. Dr. A. Sen Gupta, President MSI addressed the audience about the history and Dr. Anil Kakodkar (Chief Guest) delivering achievements of the MSI. ‘Keynote Address’

CSIR News 162 JULY 2016 Dr. Anil Kakodkar delivered a talk NPL and the function concluded with a on “Translation of Science into vote of thanks by Dr. S. S. K. Titus. Technology: The Indian Context” and Following this programme, the gave examples of villages being adopted inauguration of the “National Facility for with efforts made towards targeted Efficiency Measurement of the Organic solutions. Solar Cells at CSIR-NPL” was held. Subsequently, posters were released to commemorate the ‘World Metrology Day’, followed by release of the leaflet to mark the commencement of the second phase of the “CSIR-NPL Outreach for National Development [NPLONE]” program. To mark the success of NPL in the development of low-cost smart toilets using tiles made from plastic waste and fly-ash, another poster and a model of the same were released. This was followed by the releasing of the Bhartiya Nirdeshak Dravya (BND) or Certified Reference Materials (CRM) of ‘Trace elements in high purity Quartz powder’ which has been jointly developed by BARC and NPL. Finally, the Chief Guest and the DG were presented mementos by Director,

Visits Dr. Harsh Vardhan Appreciates Facilities at CSIR-NML

Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Hon’ble Minister demonstrated to him, related to minerals, took note of the glorious history and metals, materials, and devices/products. achievements of the CSIR-National The linkages with Indian industry were Metallurgical Laboratory (CSIR-NML), elaborated. Hon’ble Minister took keen Jamshedpur. On 15 May 2016, he visited interest in smokeless foundry designed different R&D laboratories of CSIR- for artisans. He was happy to see at CSIR- NML and the mineral beneficiation pilot NML the second largest creep testing plant and enquired about the positioning facility in Asia and its working to support of developed technologies and processes Indian energy and defense sectors. vis-à-vis international benchmarks. Hon’ble Minister in his address to Interacting with scientists, the NML staff said, “I am very happy to see Hon’ble Minister motivated them to have the well positioned R&D activities in a unique dream aimed at technology progress. The facilities created over the development and to work hard to achieve years are also praiseworthy. This the same. Various technologies were laboratory has contributed for nation’s

CSIR News JULY 2016 163 socio-economic development. The message of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Visits scientists here should come out of their of India and President of CSIR that routine, should excel in the R&D they CSIR should carry out research pursue, should achieve technological benefitting the poorest of the poor in innovations and deploy the same to the country. He quoted the message of create the desired technological niches former Prime Minister of India Shri Atal for the country.” Bihari Vajpayee Ji: “JAI JAWAN-JAI Appreciating CSIR, Hon’ble KISAN-JAI VIGYAN”. Hon’ble Minister expressed his satisfaction on Minister said that the scientific CSIR achieving the 84th rank amongst community at CSIR should feel proud world’s top 100 research organizations. to serve the society and to solve the day Dr. Harsh Vardhan conveyed the to day problems of the common man.

Pursue R&D with Focus on Affordability & Environment Friendliness, says Dr. Harsh Vardhan at CSIR-CIMFR

the domains of its operation. The Hon’ble Minister discussed with the scientists several intractable and intriguing issues associated with mining and energy sectors causing damage to environment and ecology. He felt that the challenges the mining and mineral resources face today relate to more complex extraction conditions namely deeper placement of the deposits, hazardous conditions, environmental restrictions and several obligations Hon’ble Minister addressing the gathering related to national and international Dr. Harsh Vardhan reviewed CSIR- policies. Technological advancement CIMFR’s R&D activities related to focused on development of Mining & Energy during a recent visit environment friendly clean technologies on 16 May 2016 to the CSIR-Central of mineral extraction and mitigation of Institute of Mining and Fuel Research emissions during combustion of fossil (CSIR-CIMFR), Dhanbad. These sectors fuels is the need of the hour, felt the account for about 4% of the GDP of Hon’ble Minister. the country. He advised the scientists and Dr. Harsh Vardhan said that CSIR- staff of CSIR-CIMFR to respond to the CIMFR is poised to deliver various R&D clarion call of “Make in India” made by solutions pertaining to coal and mineral Hon’ble Prime Minister. The Minister felt technology for enhancing production, that CSIR-CIMFR is uniquely positioned productivity and safety giving due to deliver the desired knowledgebase in cognizance to environmental issues.

CSIR News 164 JULY 2016 CSIR-CIMFR has taken initiatives for Mine Transport Surveillance System societal upliftment as well. These (Khadan-Chowkasi) which is a step include development of mine water towards Sashakt Bharat. The system has reclamation technology, pollution eight modules for different purposes. It management technologies, reclamation is useful for improving safety and of mined out land, watershed productivity of mines. The system has management in rural areas and the been installed at Tirap Mine of North adoption of schools and villages. Eastern Coalfields, Assam. CSIR-CIMFR has developed several The Hon’ble Minister in his address guidelines related to safe blasting to CSIR-CIMFR scientists and staff practices and standards for blast induced called for pursuing those R&D activities vibrations, noise, flyrock, etc. which on priority which would lead to the have been accepted by the mining development of world class technologies community and statutory authorities in with a focus on affordability and India and abroad. environment friendliness. He said young The Hon’ble Minister appreciated scientists should play a key role in India’s CSIR-CIMFR developed technology for march to become a technology power Road Dust Collection and Briquetting and senior scientists should mentor (Dhulkan-Sangrahak) which can be them. CSIR has been playing a key role termed as Swachchha Bharat Ke Taraf Ek in the country for socio-economic Kadam. The technology has been development and the effort in that licensed to M/s TATA Motors Limited. direction should be further leveraged, Also, CSIR-CIMFR has developed a emphasized the Hon’ble Minister.

Glimpse of the visit

CSIR News JULY 2016 165 Honours & Awards Honours & Awards Two CSIR-CDRI Scientists Receive ‘Innovative Young Biotechnologist Award’ (IYBA)-2015

The ‘Innovative Young Biotechnologist during the course of the project in Award’ (IYBA) was instituted by the addition to grants-in-aid of Rs. 50.00/- Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of Lakhs for a project. The duration of the India in the year 2005, as an attractive, project is normally for a period of three career-oriented scheme to identify and years. In case of research of outstanding nurture outstanding young scientists with merit, based on a review of the project innovative ideas and desire to pursue by a committee of experts and their research in frontier areas of recommendations, the duration of the Biotechnology. project may be extended by two more The award consists of financial years to a maximum period of five years. support for a project and Cash Award/ For the year 2015, two scientists of Fellowship for the awardees. Awardees the CSIR-Central Drug Research having a regular employment receive cash Institute, Lucknow have received the award of Rs. 1.00/- Lakh every year ‘Innovative Young Biotechnologist Award’.

Dr. Rajender Singh Dr. Rajender Singh is presently working male infertility, and Development of as Senior Scientist, Endocrinology male contraceptives. Earlier, he received Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research various awards including Young Scientist Institute, Lucknow. He has received this Award from the Indian Society of award for “Study on Protein Human Genetics (ISHG), and India Mechanism”. His current research areas Young Scientist Award from the Indian of interest are Identification of genetic National Science Academy (INSA), markers for male infertility, Treatment of India.

Dr. Niti Kumar Dr. Niti Kumar is presently working as falciparum model. Scientist, Parasitology Division, CSIR- Earlier, she received various awards Central Drug Research Institute, and fellowships including the INSA Lucknow. She has received this award for Medal for Young Scientist (2010) by study on “Protein Folding and Indian National Science Academy, Degradation”. Her current research areas Ramalingaswami Fellowship (2013-2018), of interest are investigating the extra- EMBO Post-Doctoral Fellowship (2010- ribosomal functions of ribosomal 2012), Alexander von Humboldt Fellow proteins during stress and infection and (2010), Max Planck Post-doctoral understanding the role of Heat Shock fellowship at Max Planck Institute of Proteins during stress using Plasmodium Biochemistry (2009).

CSIR News 166 JULY 2016 Appointments Prof. Satish Chandra Joins as Director, CSIR-CRRI

Prof. Satish Chandra, Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Roorkee has taken over the charge as Director, CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CRRI). Dr. Chandra did his Post Graduation in Transportation Engineering and Doctorate from the University of Roorkee in the year 1985 and 1994, respectively. He joined the University of Roorkee (presently IIT Roorkee) as Lecturer in 1985 and became Professor in May 2006. He has more than 30 years of responsible for preparing the Indian experience in the field of Civil Highway Capacity Manual, a major Engineering and has contributed research project sponsored by the significantly in teaching, research and Planning Commission through CSIR, consultancy in the areas of Highway New Delhi. Capacity and Bituminous material Dr. Satish Chandra has completed characterization. He has published 45 several research projects, guided research papers in international journals, 16 Ph.D. theses and about 100 M.Tech 90 papers in national journals and 73 dissertations. He was invited by IIT papers in conference proceedings. Many Bhubaneswar as adjunct faculty in of his research papers are refereed May 2014 for guiding their M.Tech and widely in India and abroad. Ph.D. students. He has also trained more Dr. Chandra developed the original than 800 field engineers through various concept of Dynamic Passenger Car Unit training courses on rural road for converting heterogeneous traffic construction and completed several stream into a homogeneous stream of consultancy assignments to help the user passenger cars, while retaining the organizations in solving their field impact of individual vehicle type in the problems. flow analysis. The concept has been well He has authored three books on received by researchers in India and Engineering Graphics, Air Trans- abroad and has been used in several portation Planning and Design and studies relating to highway capacity in Railway Engineering. India and other developing countries like Dr. Chandra has been recipient of Egypt, Vietnam, Cambodia, China and INSA visiting fellowship in 1994 and Thailand. He has delivered several several outstanding research paper invited lectures/keynote speeches on awards by the Institution of Engineers this concept of Dynamic PCU in various and the Indian Road Congress. He was institutes and conferences. conferred with outstanding teacher He is also a key member of the team award by IIT Roorkee in the year 2006

CSIR News JULY 2016 167 Appointments and then in 2014. He has been a member the Technical Evaluation Committee for of the Traffic Engineering Committee of World Bank aided projects in the state the Indian Road Congress for a long time of Uttar Pradesh. He is a member of the and contributed immensely in the Research Council of National development of different codes and Transportation Planning & Research specifications. He was also a member of Centre (NATPAC), Thiruvananthapuram.

Dr. Rakesh Kumar Mishra Takes Over as CSIR-CCMB Director

Louise University, USA and the University of Geneva, Switzerland for post-doctoral experience. At CCMB, Dr. Rakesh Mishra was Head of the Genome Organisation and Nuclear Architecture lab. The primary research focus of the lab is to understand the role of genome organization and nuclear architecture in epigenetic mechanisms and hence the gene expression during development. The lab uses fruitfly (Drosophila melanogaster) and zebrafish (Danio rerio) as model organisms Dr. Rakesh Kumar Mishra, a noted expert of choice. It employs genetics, molecular in the study of function of genes, and cell biology combined with high- has been appointed as the new Director throughput genomics, proteomics and of the CSIR-Centre for Cellular bioinformatic approaches to answer the and Molecular Biology (CCMB), intriguing and exciting questions in this Hyderabad. field of biology. After completing his M.Sc. Dr. Mishra is a Fellow of the Indian (Chemistry) in 1981 and Ph.D. (Organic Academy of Sciences, National Academy Chemistry) in 1986 from the University of Sciences, India, Indian National of Allahabad, Dr. Mishra joined CSIR- Science Academy and Andhra Pradesh CCMB in 2001 as a senior scientist after Academy of Sciences. He has more than stints at the IISc, Bangalore, the 95 articles in national and international University of Bordeaux, France, Saint journals.

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