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

Volume 68 No. 01 & 02 website: http://www.csir.res.in January 2018

In The News

Report: 17th Indian Science Communication Congress-2017 Science Coverage in Mass Media is Proportionate to Science Awareness

CHAIRING the inaugural session of the 17th indicator to the scientific inclusion of the society, he Indian Science Communication Congress (ISSC- said. 2017), noted particle physicist turned science The 17th Indian Science Communication communicator and UNESCO Kalinga Prize Winner Congress was held on 21-22 December 2017 at for Science Popularization Dr. Narender K. Sehgal New . CSIR-National Institute of Science said that coverage of science in Indian media is dismal Communication And Information Resources and has been declining over the years; though, science (CSIR-NISCAIR) and the Indian Institute of Mass coverage in mass media is generally proportionate Communication (IIMC) were the lead organisers to science awareness and can be considered as an of the well-attended two-day event. Scholarly

Dignitaries on the dais, from left: Prof. K.G. Suresh, Director-General, Indian Institute of Mass Communication; Prof. R.K. Bhandari, Former Director CSIR-CBRI; Dr. R.S. Sangwan, Director, Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR); Dr. Narender K. Sehgal, UNESCO Kalinga Prize Winner for Science Popularization, Mr. Kamal Kishore, Member, National Disaster Management Authority and Prof. Manoj Kumar Patairiya, Director, CSIR-National InstituteCSIR of NewsScience JANUARY 2018 Communication And Information Resources (CSIR-NISCAIR) 1 societies and bodies involved in science and IIMC in organising the 17th edition In The News communication including the Indian of the Indian Science Communication Science Writers’ Association (ISWA), Congress. Society for Information Science (SIS), Some 200 delegates including Indian Science Communication Society science communicators, scientists, (ISCOS) and Vigyan Bharati (VIBHA) researchers, science fiction writers, also partnered with CSIR-NISCAIR science enthusiasts, science journalists and students participated in the Congress which had the theme “Communicating India’s Scientific Wisdom: Changing Paradigms”. Prof. K.G. Suresh, Director- General, Indian Institute of Mass Communication delivered the keynote address. He said that to reach the masses, scientists have to be communicators as well. Welcoming the gathering Prof. Manoj Kumar Patairiya, Director, CSIR-NISCAIR said that the Indian Science Communication Congress has over the years emerged as a platform for brainstorming and engaging in discussions on various facets of science communication with pan India presence of the delegates. Dr. R.S. Sangwan, Prof. K.G. Suresh, Director-General, Indian Institute of Director, Academy of Scientific and Mass Communication, delivering his opening remarks Innovative Research (AcSIR) who was the Chief Guest said that science communication should evoke a lot more scientific interest among the masses. Mr. Kamal Kishore, Member, National Disaster Management Authority who was the Guest of Honour said that the science of disaster should be communicated to the common man so that losses owing to disasters can be reduced. A popular science book Disasters: Short Stories, Essays & Anecdote” authored by Dr. R.K. Bhandari and published by the National Book Trust India was released at the inaugural function. Spread across 10 parallel scientific sessions including a poster session, nearly 100 presentations and talks were given by the experts and delegates on the Prof. Manoj Kumar Patairiya, Director, CSIR-National Institute of various facets of science communication Science Communication And Information Resources (CSIR-NISCAIR) addressing the gathering focusing on India’s scientific wisdom.

CSIR News 2 JANUARY 2018 Panel discussion on Emerging Worldview on India’s Scientific Wisdom

The panel discussion was chaired by Dr. Narender K. Sehgal. During the course of the discussion, Prof. M. Sai Baba of the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru said that while coverage of science in traditional media is lower, there is an increased coverage of science in the social media. However, he added that Dr. Dinesh Kumar, Former Director, Institute of S&T Communication, University of Lucknow and Mr. V.P. Singh, President, Indian Science Communication Society with the prevalence of fake news on social media, one needs to be diligent V.P. Singh, President, Indian Science when following science news on the Communication Society shared his view social media. that the rich scientific wisdom in Indian Dr. Dinesh Kumar, Former Director, villages needs to be communicated Institute of S&T Communication, widely. Mr. Nimish Kapoor of Vigyan University of Lucknow said that Prasar stated that we language should not be a barrier to need to brand our ancient science communication and that science science and popularise communication in vernacular languages it better. He was also of should be promoted. Dr. G.P. Pandey the view that there is a of Assam Central University also need to translate ancient emphasized that scientific research Indian scientific works being carried out in India should find in foreign languages. more visibility in regional language mass Dr. Daljeet Sachdeva media. Dr. U.P. Pandey of Dainik Tribune of IGNOU highlighted called upon the science communicators the important role that to focus on regional languages. Mr. community radio can play in popularising Mr Nimish Kapoor from Vigyan Prasar addressing the gathering Indian science. That there is an urgent need to bridge the gap between journalists and scientists was articulated by Dr. Surabi Dahiya of Indian Institute of Mass Communication. The panel gave impetus to communication for shaping the emerging worldview on our ancient scientific wisdom and indigenous scientific Dr. Surabi Dahiya of Indian Institute of knowledge. Mass Communication

CSIR News JANUARY 2018 3 Mass Media & Science Drawing on several initiatives taken In The News Communication by the CSIR-Central Building Research Institute’s youth centric programmes, Dr. Rajiv Sharma, Secretary, Science and Dr. A.K. Agarwal of CBRI, Roorkee Engineering Research Board chaired a underscored the need for building session and shared his concern that it has scientific temperament in young minds. become difficult to differentiate between Prof. H.P.S. Kalra, Professor, Punjabi real and fake news. Dr. P. Iyamperumal, University, Patiala shared science related Executive Director of Tamil Nadu aspects mentioned in the Punjabi Science and Technology Centre detailed language scripture, Sri Guru Granth the science communication efforts of Sahib. the Centre that included organizing A study about the role of social science exhibitions that had virtual media in creating awareness about exhibits, creating innovation hubs, reproductive health among Indian providing trainings in the area of women found that though most of the robotics and special programmes for women in the study were using social differently-abled children. media, a majority were not receiving Speaking on the role of media in reproductive health related information communicating S&T to the masses, Dr. M. through social media. A. Ansari, Professor (Communications), Challenges in science communication G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and in India, motivating school children Technology said that media should set to study science, communicating S&T the agenda for public discourse, thereby policy issues, science communication shaping opinion for and against scientific through radio including internet radio issues that concern the masses. The talk were also topics of discussion that gave by Dr. Ajitabh focused on the role of emphasis on increasing the effectiveness social media in science communication of science communication through and how social media can be a game various ways and means. changer in communicating India’ Mr. V.P. Singh, President, Indian scientific knowledge. Science Communication Society in his

Prof. Manoj Kumar Patairiya, Director, CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication And Information Resources (CSIR-NISCAIR) with participants

CSIR News 4 JANUARY 2018 lecture said that there is a great demand the farmers need to be made digitally for science communicators in the literate and that more science content country. He said that the many courses is required in regional languages. The on science communication should strive role of community radio in agriculture to not only train but should also assist in communication was highlighted in this placing such trained people in suitable session. jobs related to science communication Ms. Anupa Lahkar, Assistant and science journalism. Professor from Gauhati University reported that while the reach of Public Health Communication television continues to be limited, the radio has better reach and interactive Promoting and enhancing awareness two-way communication programming about public health was the focus of is a must in today’s scenario. Use most presentations of a session on of ICT for agriculture information health communication. The role of sharing by the government through its Anna University in community radio many programmes was chronicled and as a medium of social responsibility discussed. The increasing use of social by broadcasting information regarding media for agriculture communication women health was highlighted. An assessment of national dailies on reportage of health news showed that some newspapers focussed on visual depiction and some others on news story format. Another study showed that while the coverage of health news and reports in mass media is growing, there is scope for further increasing the coverage of health news. Health awareness among Baiga tribal community in Madhya Pradesh was also discussed. Dr. Arvind Dubey, Paediatrician and Science Writer Dr. Anubhuti Yadav of IIMC and Dr. M. A. Ansari, Professor of delved on how to write a popular science Communication of GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology health article.

Facets of Agriculture Communication

The media does not adequately cover agriculture, noted Mr. Pallava Bagla, Science Editor, NDTV who was a lead speaker of the session on agriculture communication. Through a few recorded videos of agriculture related news stories, Mr. Bagla highlighted the role that the audio-visual media can play in reporting important news. Dr. Anubhuti Yadav of IIMC said that Mr. Pallava Bagla, Science Editor, NDTV

CSIR News JANUARY 2018 5 and many potential uses of social media parks, observatories, R&D institutions In The News was presented by Dr. M. A. Ansari, and universities can be potential science Professor of Communication of G.B. tourism sites. Based on a study on the Pant University of Agriculture and coverage of climate change in major Technology. Social media platforms English dailies of India, Ms. Nisa Askari can be used to enable farmers and of Aligarh Muslim University reported agribusinesses to meet and network that the political takes on climate change with other farmers, agribusinesses and issues were predominantly covered in consumers domestically and globally. the dailies followed by reportage on An AgriChat model along the lines used disaster and risk, awareness and climate in other developed countries can be change developmental issues. introduced in India too. Vigyan Prasar recently made Agriculture extension services have 13-episode video programmes on been pivotal in transferring new skills the science and technology behind and knowledge to farmers and have been Indian architectural sites. Mr. Navneet carried out by public funded institutions. Kumar Gupta of Vigyan Prasar briefly A G.B. Pant Agricultural University gave a narrative about some of them study reported that agriculture extension such as evolution and advantages of is evolving into advisory services with constructing buildings with bricks, fulfilling client oriented and demand ancient water conservation and water led needs and involvement of NGOs, harvesting technologies and so on. farmer organizations and private sector for helping farmers. Round table on India’s Scientific Wisdom: Trends in Environment and Communication Strategies Risk Communication A round table discussion on ‘India’s That science tourism can be an effective Scientific Wisdom: Communication communication tool for promoting Strategies’ had many experts including scientific heritage was put forward by Prof. K.G. Suresh, Prof. Manoj Kumar Dr. Lalit Kumar Sharma of Vigyan Setu Patairiya, Prof. Krishan Lal, Dr. C.M. Foundation. Many archaeological sites, Nautiyal and many other noted science science museums, science cities, science communicators brainstorming on

Prof. Manoj Kumar Patairiya, Director, CSIR-National Institute of Dr. C.M. Nautiyal Science Communication and Information Resources (CSIR-NISCAIR) welcoming Dr. Krishan Lal, former President, INSA

CSIR News 6 JANUARY 2018 various communication strategies for the study by Dr. Manoj Mishra and spreading India’s scientific wisdom. his team under the guidance of Prof. Prof. V.K. Malhotra, Member-Secretary, Raja Ram Yadav, Vice Chancellor of Indian Council of Social Science VBS Purvanchal University on how Research was the chief guest. Mr. science communication has played an Declan Kirrane, Managing Director, important role in lowering the instances ISC Intelligence in Science who joined of casualties caused by snake-bites in the panel discussion over Skype from the region. Brussels, Belgium said that there is Prof. V.K. Malhotra, Member a unique need to communicating Secretary, Indian Council of Social science with policymakers as well as Science Research was the Chief international collaborations. Guest at the valedictory session who emphasized on value and respect for Highlights interdisciplinarity while dealing with subjects like science communication. Science based entertainment or Co-Chair of IAP for Science and Scientainment was a unique highlight Former President INSA Prof. Krishan of ISCC-2017. The programme that Lal highlighted the significance of included magic and puppet shows in academies in promoting science the evening on both the days saw the communication and said the institutions delegates and the general audience like NISCAIR and IIMC are well placed enjoying and understanding many to play major role in professional scientific concepts. enrichment with global competitiveness Summing-up the event during its in science communication. conclusion, Prof. Manoj Kumar Patairiya, The 17th ISCC-2017 concluded Director, CSIR-NISCAIR highlighted with expectation and promise by one various recommendations that emerged and all that everyone would contribute during the deliberations such as towards promoting scientific awareness promoting science communication and inculcating scientific temper among research and academics including masses. training and cross cultural studies. He said that many interesting papers were Contributed by Dr. G. Mahesh, read at the Science Communication Swasti Malik, Tanuja and Shubhada Kapil Congress, notable among them being CSIR-NISCAIR, New Delhi

CSIR News JANUARY 2018 7 In The News CSIR-NAL Airboat Ready to Take on Weeds in Bengaluru Lakes

away the floating waste. The boat has a hydraulic system-based scoop and saw-toothed, sliding weed-cutters at the front. The CSIR-NAL designed airboat can generate up to 40 hp and push 100 kg of weed. CSIR-NAL scientists plan to go in for a more powerful and sturdy engine – perhaps an engine that can generate up to 150 hp and could be used to clear lakes that are heavily infested with weeds. Airboats have huge propellers above the water and the AN airboat developed at the Bengaluru- power is generated from air instead of based CSIR-National Aerospace water to prevent the engine from getting Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) is now set to jammed. The powerful propellers push clear out weeds from the Ulsoor Lake in forward the floating weeds and plants to Bengaluru. The first-of-its-kind airboat one corner of the lake from where they has successfully undergone trials for can be bundled up to be lifted out of over two months. the lake. Apart from regular Ulsoor Lake has been in the news Apart from regular de-weeding of de-weeding of lakes, recently for severe degradation. Field lakes, the CSIR-NAL designed airboat trials of the airboat with automotive could also be used during flood disasters, the CSIR-NAL engine and flat-bottom hull have mass transport in marshy-lands, and for designed airboat successfully demonstrated that the tourism. At a cost of about Rs. 20 lakh, could also be used airboat met all the parameters and the indigenous airboat is still much less during flood disasters, could successfully cut weed and scoop expensive than the imported ones. mass transport in marshy-lands, and for tourism.

CSIR News 8 JANUARY 2018 CSIR-IIIM Scientists Cultivate Bananas for the First Time in J&K

Using tissue culture techniques, in August 2016. The fruit setting scientists of the CSIR-Indian Institute commenced in July-August 2017. The of Integrative Medicine (CSIR- plant grew to a height of 6.5 to 7.5 feet IIIM), Jammu have for the first time and gave yield of 20-30 kg per plant successfully cultivated bananas in and 20-25 tonnes/acre, which translates Jammu and Kashmir. to almost Rs. 250-300/banana plant. Samplings of high quality tissue Farmers could get a net return of culture variety Bhim Grand Naine approximately Rs. 2.5 lakh by cultivation (G-9) banana brought from the Agro of this crop on one acre of land. Division of Cadila Pharmaceutical This is for the first time commercial Limited, Ahmedabad, Gujarat were cultivation of banana has been cultivated over two acres land in the successfully accomplished in Jammu Field Experimental Farm Chatha. The and Kashmir making it a profitable cultivation trial consisted of planting agriculture venture for farmers of the of 2000 samplings of banana plants State.

CSIR-CSIO Transfers Technology of Military Aviation Head-up Display Test Platform to BEL

CSIR-Central Scientific Instru- ments Organisation (CSIR-CSIO), Chandigarh has pioneered the design and development of aircraft displays with variants of Head Up Displays (HUD). These display aircraft, flight, navigation, target and weapon information to the aircraft pilot in forward view superimposed on the forward scene viewed by the pilot. CSIR-CSIO has developed Head Up Displays (HUD) such as HUD Mk1, HUD Mk1N, HUD Mk1-NP, HUD H Series for Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Air Force, capable of such a complex technology. Tejas Navy, Naval LCA Prototype and The Institute has also come up with the Intermediate Jet Trainer Aircrafts, an “Aviation Cockpit Display Validation respectively. This achievement has Platform - ACDVP” comprising Bore placed India in the select list of countries Sighting System and Military Head

CSIR News JANUARY 2018 9 In The News

Up Display Test Platform (MAHTP), system health monitoring through which provides optical harmonisation, communication, automated testing, fault complete optical and electrical debugging, repair and maintenance at Development of this functional testing of Head Up Display system level, semi-automated evaluation technology package Variants, Optical Display Units, Gun of optical parameters like parallax will also help in Sights, Bore Sighting Tool for Laser error, binocular disparity, photometric Ranger & Marked Target Seeker, etc. characteristics, field of view, camera, establishing self- for fighter aircrafts (fixed and rotary etc, and calibration. reliance in strategic wing) for pre-flight clearance, post- The Bore Sighting System (BSS), sector and is in line flight analytics, testing and calibration as an opto-mechatronic aircraft ground with GoI’s ‘Make in well as for military ground based optical equipment, which has been certified displays. by the Regional Centre for Military India’ and ‘Innovate in The design can be customised to Airworthiness Chandigarh (a body India’ initiative. any aircraft platform. The technology of DRDO – Centre for Military is strategically relevant to the Indian Air Airworthiness & Certification), is Force, and Aviation Wings of Navy and used to install and harmonise head up Army. displays, optical displays and cockpit The technology for Military displays at the desired position in the Aviation Head Up Display Test Platform aircraft cockpit with reference to the (MAHTP) was recently transferred aircraft axis (Fuselage Reference Line) to Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), ensuring harmonisation within 1mR. Its Ministry of Defence, Panchkula for its indigenisation has saved several crores licensed production. of foreign currency and its modular The comprehensive aviation test configuration provides an option to platform provides visual inspection, customize the design further for any aircraft platform. Its technology is under licensed production at Bharat Electronics Limited, Ministry of Defence, Panchkula. Development of this technology package will also help in establishing self-reliance in strategic sector and is in line with GoI’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Innovate in India’ initiative. Each aircraft squadron would require one set of MAHP and BSS and hence an estimated FOREX saving of about Rs. 50 crores per aircraft type is estimated.

CSIR News 10 JANUARY 2018 MoUs CSIR-CDRI Signs MoU with NIPER for R&D in Pharma

NIPER has signed an MoU with the CSIR-CDRI (Central Drug Research Institute), Lucknow, for research collaboration and development of pharmaceutical sciences. The objectives of the programme are to promote institutional linkages between the CSIR-CDRI and NIPER and provide cooperation through collaborative research programmes in scientific fields of research. Both institutions will jointly identify specific fields of research and faculty/scientist exchange programmes will be mutually conducted for scientific conferences, workshops, symposia, and meetings in the areas of drug discovery.

Visits Apart from training Seven-Member Ethiopian Delegation Visits programmes, CSIR-IIP has CSIR-IIP potential to offer its talent pool as A seven-member delegation, including a Muhiye Endrie visited the institute. consultants for Minister and senior officials, from Ethi- Apart from training programmes, industry-specific opia visited the CSIR-Indian Institute CSIR-IIP has potential to offer its talent problems in Ethiopia of Petroleum on 10 November 2017. pool as consultants for industry-specific The delegation arrived with the aim of problems in Ethiopia and also partner and also partner in signing a twinning programme for train- in projects. projects. ing and mentoring Ethiopian scientists, After a visit to the various laborato- students and industry professionals in ries of the institute, the delegation held the energy and fuels area at the CSIR- discussions with scientific officials of IIP. the institute including the acting director The Ethiopian delegation compris- Dr. A.K. Jain on the ongoing research ing State Minister Alemu Sime from Ad- activity at the CSIR-IIP. The delegation dis Ababa, Ethiopia, General Director visited the hydroprocessing laboratory, of Chemical and Construction Inputs FCC pilot plant, sweetening pilot plant, Industry Development Institute (CCI- advanced crude evaluation laboratory, IDI), Samuel Halala, Deputy-General bio-mass conversion laboratory, nano- Director of CCIIDI Hadushom Tuem, catalysis laboratory, conversion of waste steering committee representative from plastics laboratory and the synthetic and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Sefora Hailu, applied chemistry laboratory. The del- steering committee members at CCIIDI egation expressed interest in bio-mass Tesfaye Birhanu and Tetemke Mehari conversion, waste plastics conversion along with director of the testing and as well as in training programmes being research directorate at Addis Ababa, conducted by the CSIR-IIP.

CSIR News JANUARY 2018 11 Visits West Bengal Governor Visits CSIR-CMERI

During his visit the Governor inaugurated the municipal solid waste pilot plant of Governor of West Bengal addressing the gathering the institute, which is a part of the ‘Zero West Bengal Governor Shri Keshari Colony initiative’ and also inaugurated Nath Tripathi visited the CSIR-Central the new CSIR-CMERI guest house. waste CSIR-CMERI Mechanical Engineering Research Professor (Dr.) Harish Hirani, Colony initiative’ and Institute (CSIR-CMERI) campus in Director, CSIR-CMERI, Durgapur also inaugurated the Durgapur on 3 November 2017 on the elaborated about the efforts of the new CSIR-CMERI occasion of the Institute’s year-long institute to address the concerns diamond jubilee celebrations. of the underprivileged citizens by guest house. During his visit the Governor developing solar trees, municipal solid inaugurated the municipal solid waste waste management pilot plant, fluoride pilot plant of the institute, which is a detection kit, optimum utilisation of part of the ‘Zero waste CSIR-CMERI construction debris and others.

Governor of West Bengal inaugurating the municipal solid waste pilot plant of the institute

CSIR News 12 JANUARY 2018 Obituary Former CSIR-CCMB Director Dr. Lalji Singh Passes Away

Widely regarded as the “Father of DNA fingerprinting in India”, Dr. Lalji Singh, passed away in the last month of the year 2017. He died of a massive heart attack at the BHU Trauma Centre on 10th December. The 25th Vice Chancellor of the , the fourth Director of the Hyderabad-based CSIR-Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), and a Padma Shri recipient, Dr. Lalji Singh was a simple human being with great original ideas and a greater commitment to the cause of science. Son of a farmer in Jaunpur, Uttar Prime Minister Shri in Pradesh, Dr. Singh completed his BSc, 1991. He pieced together the body MSc and PhD degrees from BHU – a parts and identified it as the body of university he went back to lead as the the former PM using DNA tests. This Son of a farmer Vice Chancellor. He pioneered the use was followed by many other high- of the DNA Fingerprinting technique profile cases including the Beant Singh in Jaunpur, Uttar in forensic investigation of crime and assassination case, the Naina Sahni Pradesh, Dr. Singh civil disputes. In an effort to convince murder case and the Priyadarshini completed his the government to set up a dedicated Mattoo rape and murder case. Eventually, BSc, MSc and PhD centre for DNA Fingerprinting, he set the Department of set up a DNA testing infrastructure at the up the Centre for DNA Fingerprinting degrees from BHU CSIR-Centre for Cellular & Molecular and Diagnostics (CDFD) in Hyderabad – a university he Biology (CSIR-CCMB), Hyderabad in 1995. Dr. Lalji Singh’s persistence and went back to lead as which he was later to head as Director painstaking efforts had finally paid off. the Vice Chancellor. for 11 years. The DNA Fingerprinting technique has Dr. Lalji Singh volunteered to help found utility in innumerable cases since He pioneered the law enforcement agencies in investigating then. use of the DNA cases using DNA fingerprinting Even as Director of CSIR-CCMB, Fingerprinting techniques. He was a frequent visitor to Dr. Lalji Singh set up the Laboratory technique in forensic courtrooms appearing as witness and for the Conservation of Endangered expert and even educating investigators, Species (LaCONES) for conservation of investigation of crime lawyers and judges. endangered wildlife in India. LaCONES and civil disputes. His first success was a paternity notched up several successes including dispute and his first major assignment development of universal DNA based was the assassination of the former marker for identification of wild animals

CSIR News JANUARY 2018 13 from parts and remains, rehabilitation treatment of genetic disorders especially Conferences/Symposia of smuggled star tortoises, detection those affecting underprivileged, rural of certain parasitic, bacterial and viral people. His aim was to establish a pan- diseases in endangered animals from India network of centers to deliver different zoological parks and wildlife diagnostic services at affordable costs sanctuaries in India using DNA-based to the masses. methods, DNA banking of more than Dr. Lalji Singh also did pioneering 250 species of mammals, birds and research on Indian population genomics reptiles in India, and cryopreservation and showed that the tribes in Andaman of gonads from endangered species and Islands were some of the first human their effective revival for production beings to migrate out of Africa. His of functional gametes. The facility 2009 work reconstructing Indian also produced for the first time in population history even made it to the India ‘Spotty’ a spotted deer fawn and cover of Nature. ‘Blacky’ a black buck calf using artificial The pioneering contributions insemination. of this great scientist and humanist In 2004, he floated the not-for-profit will always be remembered by the Genome Foundation for diagnosis and country.

In his keynote lecture on the topic “Joy of Doing Useful Conferences/Symposia Inorganic Chemistry”, Symposium on Modern Trends in Dr. T. Ramasami said bridging gaps in Inorganic Chemistry inaugurated at perspective remains CSIR-NCL the current challenge of sorts in doing The seventeenth biennial symposium on sharing the memories of the first MTIC useful chemistry. ‘Modern Trends in Inorganic Chemistry’ symposium in 1985, Prof. Animesh said (MTIC–XVII) jointly organized by that MTIC has remained like a young CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory man giving credits to the happenings in (CSIR-NCL), Pune and the Indian the forum. He informed that Chemical Institute of Science Education and Science is about 300 years old but Research (IISER), Pune in association chemical technology is a few thousand with Savitribai Phule Pune University years old. He talked about different (SPPU), Pune was inaugurated on 11 technologies in different eras and its December 2017 at CSIR-NCL. development. The opening lecture was delivered Prof. Chakravorty explained what by Prof. A. Chakravorty, Tata Chemicals the job of chemists is. The chemists Distinguished Emeritus Professor and have to come up with new ideas; make, the keynote lecture was given by Dr. T. break, measure and eventually use them Ramasamy, former DST Secretary, GoI. for a better life. He touched upon topics In his opening lecture “An Old such as Redox, Voltammetry, X-ray Man’s Album of Inorganic Chemistry”, diffraction, Oxo transfer and Twin

CSIR News 14 JANUARY 2018 isomerisation, Imine to amide oxidation there is a significant increase in Gross in wet media and different crucial tools Expenditure on R&D in India that is in the laboratories. He said, “The lack attracting talent to science, rejuvenating of ready access to XRD facilities to research in the university sector, chemists remained a hindrance to the stepping up international cooperation in progress of inorganic chemistry for science and improving the gender parity long.” Concluding his presentation he in science. He said MTIC as a part of said, “Inorganic Chemistry will keep the larger global effort could explore scaling for the wonderful things and new research for replacing “Dual Use” dreams that lie ahead and beyond. The Chemicals by viable alternatives without scaling is itself a big prize.” weaponry (dis) use. Researchers tend In his keynote lecture on the to seek users for their new findings. topic “Joy of Doing Useful Inorganic In other words solutions are seeking a Chemistry”, Dr. T. Ramasami said problem to solve. bridging gaps in perspective remains Earlier, Dr. Amitava Das, Director, Dr. D. Srinivas, Chair, the current challenge of sorts in CSIR-CSMCRI, Bhavnagar gave the Catalysis and Inorganic doing useful chemistry. He shared welcome remarks. Dr. D. Srinivas, Chair, Chemistry Division in some anecdotal stories in the meet. Catalysis and Inorganic Chemistry He discussed the greening of the Division in the opening remarks said that the opening remarks industries focusing on the industrial Inorganic Chemistry has moved from said that Inorganic applications of Inorganic Chemistry. molecular level micro understanding Chemistry has moved The method for demand driven design to macro level material understanding from molecular level and development of useful products in our country. He said, “This modern by crossing the intellectual barriers trends symposium is an important micro understanding in the leather industry was discussed. forum to present and discuss the latest to macro level material He talked about the applications of and most exciting aspects of Inorganic understanding in our Inorganic Chemistry in building musical Chemistry.” He presented the crucial country. instruments like Mridangam and how contributions made by CSIR-NCL from science is contributing to music as well. Inorganic Chemistry point of view. Dr. Ramasami informed about Prof. Shyam Rai, IISER, Pune and the recent trends in basic research Prof. Avinash Kumbhar, Dept. of in inorganic chemistry from the Chemistry, SPPU also gave the opening perspective of a planner. He said that remarks.

Prof. Animesh Chakravorty delivering the opening lecture Dr. T. Ramasamy giving the keynote lecture

CSIR News JANUARY 2018 15 Training Programmes/Workshops Training Programmes/ Workshops Four-day Training Programme on ETIS 2017 begins at NML

A Professional Training Programme division, described that the training is on “Experimental Techniques in designed for plant engineers, research Iron and Steel making (ETIS 2017)” scholars and faculty members which will was organized by CSIR-National have theoretical classes in the forenoon Metallurgical Laboratory (CSIR-NML), sessions and hands-on sessions followed Jamshedpur in association with CSIR- by case study and laboratory visits. NML Technology Business Innovation He discussed various experimental Centre (TBiC) during 5-8 December techniques such as Sintering, 2017. Pelletization, Melting, Refining, Dr. I. Chattoraj, Dr. Mita Tarafder, Training Co- Casting etc. in Iron and Steel-making Director, CSIR-NML ordinator of Professional Training processes. He congratulated MER and in his welcome speech Programme (PTP) welcomed the RPBD Division for conducting this participants and appreciated delegates programme. mentioned that the for coming to CSIR-NML to attend Dr. Amitava Mitra, HOD of delegates would utilize this four day professional training Research Planning & Business this opportunity to programme. She briefly mentioned Development (RPBD), deliberated on visit various laboratory about the parent organization Council the importance of the professional of Scientific & Industrial Research training programme which not only facilities so that (CSIR) and the 37 laboratories working offers a platform for knowledge sharing they can develop in five clusters: Physical Science, but also develops interactions between a wider knowledge Chemical Science, Biological Science, R&D laboratory, industry & academia. about the excellent Engineering Science and Information He mentioned that this training is a small Science. The National Metallurgical initiative of CSIR-NML for developing R&D facilities of this Laboratory is under the Engineering collaborative partnership with industries. laboratory. Science cluster working in the domain He also indicated that the programme of metals, materials and metallurgy. is conducted in association with CSIR- Dr. I. Chattoraj, Director, CSIR- NML Technology Business Innovation NML in his welcome speech mentioned Centre (TBiC) for promotion of tech- that the delegates would utilize this nology based entrepreneurship in this area. opportunity to visit various laboratory The Inaugural programme facilities so that they can develop a wider concluded with vote of thanks by knowledge about the excellent R&D Ashok Kamaraj, Technical Training facilities of this laboratory. Through this Co-ordinator of MER division of this training programme, they will also be training programme. He thanked all able to develop contacts with scientists the delegates from organizations such for future R&D collaboration and as Tata Steel Limited, Gerdau Steels consultation. He also mentioned that India Pvt Ltd., Tata Sponge Iron CSIR-NML will always be providing Limited, PSG College of Technology, R&D support for the growth of the Coimbatore and Bangladesh Council Industry. of Scientific and Industrial Research Dr. D. Bandhopadhyay, HOD of (BSCIR) who had come to participate in Metal Extraction and Recycling (MER) the programme.

CSIR News 16 JANUARY 2018 Hands-on Training Course on Spectro- scopic and Chromatographic Techniques at CSIR-CSIO

Participants in the training programme

A four-day “Hands-on Training Course on Spectroscopic and Chromatographic Techniques” was inaugurated at the CSIR-Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIR-CSIO), Chandigarh. The training programme was organised by CSIR-CSIO and majorly sponsored by the Haryana State Council for Science and Technology and Punjab State Council for Science and Technology. The entire course was distributed in two capsules including: • Capsule program I: The training programme in action Spectrometric & Spectroscopic Techniques (Atomic Absorption (liquid/solid) Chromatographic Sep- Spectroscopy, UV-Vis Spectroscopy, aration, HPLC, LCMS, IC & GC) Photoluminescence Spectroscopy, Auger Electron Spectroscopy, Fourier In the inaugural session, Prof. Transform-Infra red Spectroscopy) R.K. Sinha, Director CSIR-CSIO said • Capsule program II: Chroma- that he truly believed that engagement tographic Techniques (Adsorption of faculties of different universities

CSIR News JANUARY 2018 17 attending this training will certainly The main objective of this Honours & Awards make this training programme fruitful workshop is to provide hands-on and productive since CSIR-CSIO training on various spectroscopic has state-of-the-art equipment and and chromatographic characterization facilities on which the candidates will techniques to the selected participants. be given hands-on training. He further The programme included theoretical added that CSIR-CSIO has experience classes along with practical in conducting such programmes as demonstrations in different labs. This similar courses have been conducted for will be helpful in analysis of materials, participants from foreign countries as food, water, pharmaceutical and soil well. sample analysis.

Honours & Awards Prof. R.K. Sinha, Dr. Manoj Kumar Patairiya Receives Director CSIR- CSIO said that he Lifetime Achievement Award for Science truly believed that Communication engagement of faculties of different universities attending this training will certainly make this training programme fruitful and productive since CSIR-CSIO has state-of-the- art equipment and facilities on which the candidates will be given hands-on training. Dr. Manoj Kumar Patairiya, Director, CSIR-NISCAIR being honoured by UP Governor Shri Ram Naik for his Lifetime Achievement in Science Communication at Marvellous Records’ Legends Summit, Lucknow in the presence of UP Women & Child Welfare Minister Ms. Ritu Bahuguna Joshi and UP Law and Justice Minister Shri Brijesh Pathak

Dr. Manoj Kumar Patairiya, Director, Records’ Legends Summit, Lucknow CSIR-National Institute of Science held on 9 December 2017 at the Indira Communication And Information Gandhi Pratishthan, Vibhuti Khand, Resources (CSIR-NISCAIR), New Gomti Nagar, Lucknow. Delhi was recently awarded by Uttar The programme was attended by Pradesh Governor Shri Ram Naik for a large number of people including his Lifetime Achievement in Science Cabinet Ministers in the UP Government Communication at the Marvellous including Minister of Women Welfare,

CSIR News 18 JANUARY 2018 Family Welfare, Maternity, and Child development projects in collaboration Welfare and Tourism, Dr. Rita Bahuguna with R&D institutions, universities and Joshi and Law Minister Shri Brajesh other government, non-government Pathak. and international institutions. He has The Marvellous Records Book of India is conducted training programmes, created published by the Aviral Foundation every academic courses, established Centres year, in which outstanding performers for Science Communication and Science from different regions across India and Archives, organised conferences, in different fields are profiled. and started special programmes on Dr. Manoj Kumar Patairiya joined Technology Communication, Risk as Director of the CSIR-National Communication, Spirit of Innovation, Institute of Science Communication International Cooperation, etc. And Information Resources (CSIR- Dr. Patairiya’s innovative efforts NISCAIR), New Delhi in 2016. In his towards science communication, earlier assignment, Dr. Patairiya was motivational research, innovation, the Additional Director General, Prasar management, governance, and Bharati (Doordarshan/All India Radio), policy development have made where he was responsible for setting significant impact leading to growth Dr. Patairiya’s up the Kisan TV Channel to realize and development of the science and the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister technology ecosystem. He has authored innovative efforts of India Shri Narendra Modi. He also books on biotechnology, environment, towards science served as the Channel Head of DD and science communication, and co- communication, Kisan Channel. edited the widely acclaimed books motivational A well accomplished scientist and – Sharing Science and Science Meets science communicator, Dr. Patairiya Communication – and has a large number research, innovation, has served as Adviser/Scientist ‘G’ of high standard research and popular management, in the Department of Science & science publications to his credit. governance, and Technology, Govt. of India. Dr. Dr. Patairiya has been a Member policy development Patairiya is decorated with prestigious of the Scientific Committee of the national and international awards International Network on Public have made significant including Global Science Popularization Communication of Science & impact leading Award by Centre for Global Studies, Technology (PCST), Australia, Founder to growth and Houston, USA; Indira Gandhi National Editor of the Indian Journal of Science development of Award by Ministry of Home Affairs; Communication, and Former President of Dr. Atmaram Award by Ministry the Indian Science Writers’ Association. the science and of Human Resource Development; He was a Visiting Professor of technology ecosystem. Bhartendu Harischandra National Global Communication in S&T at the Award by Ministry of Information Chungnam National University of & Broadcasting; Chaudhary Charan the Republic of Korea and serves on Singh National Award by Ministry of Editorial Boards of different research Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, and journals in India and abroad. Recently Dr. B.C. Deb Award by Indian Science he has been elected as the Vice Chair of Congress, etc. the International Inter-Academy Group Dr. Patairiya has two Indian Patents on Science Communication which to his credit besides developing several is a recognition of India’s leadership gadgets, prototypes and educational position in science communication at aids. He has conceptualized and the global level. undertaken a number of research and

CSIR News JANUARY 2018 19 Advertisement Advertisement

Nominations are invited for Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize forfor Science and Technology 2018

The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) invites nominations for the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (SSB) Prizes in Science and Technology for the year 2018. The SSB Prizes are to be given for research contributions made primarily in India during the past five years. The age of the nominee for the SSB Prize 2018 should not be more than 45 years as on 31 December 2017. The SSB Prizes are awarded for notable and outstanding research, applied or fundamental, in the following disciplines: (1) Biological Sciences, (2) Chemical Sciences, (3) Earth, Atmosphere, Ocean and Planetary Sciences, (4) Engineering Sciences, (5) Mathematical Sciences, (6) Medical Sciences and (7) Physical Sciences. The SSB Prize carries with it a citation, cash award and a plaque for each scientist selected for the award. Nominations addressed to Scientist Incharge - SSB YSA Unit, Human Resource Development Group, CSIR Complex, Library Avenue, Pusa, New Delhi 110 012 should be sent as per the prescribed proforma (original + 2 copies) along with reprints of significant publications of the last 5 year’s period on or before 31 March 2018. Softcopy (in PDF format) of duly filled proforma and significant publications of the nominee are also required in a USB/Pen drive. The details of the SSB Prize and the prescribed proforma for nomination may be obtained from the above address or may also be downloaded from the website: http://csirhrdg.res.in

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Dr. Manoj Kumar Patairiya on behalf of CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication And Information Resources Dr. K.S. Krishnan Marg, New Delhi -110 012 and printed at NISCAIR Press Dr. K.S. Krishnan Marg, New Delhi -110 012 Editor : Hasan Jawaid Khan; Assistant Editor : Sonali Nagar Design: Neeru Sharma & Sarla Dutta; Production: Pankaj Gupta Phone: 25848702; Fax: 25847062; E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected] Website: http://www.niscair.res.in Please direct all Subscription-related queries to: CSIR News Sales & Distribution Officer, NISCAIR; E-mail: [email protected]; Phone: 25843359 20 JANUARY 2018 Annual Subscription: Rs 500; Single Copy: Rs 50.00 RN 4512/57