A Monthly Bulletin of Defence Research nEWSLETTER and Development Organisation ISSN: 0971-4391 www.drdo.gov.in APRIL 2021 | volume 41 | issue 4 prime minister handed over mbt mk-1a to indian army

Innovation >> p5 Hrd activities >> p16 infra development >> p19 Events>> p9 www.drdo.gov.in OctViosberits 2020 >> p201 DRDO Newsletter

April 2021 Volume 41 | Issue 4 Contents ISSN: 0971-4391

Cover story 4 PM Hands Over Arjun Main Battle Tank MK-1A to the Army

Innovation 5

DRDO conducts Flight Test of Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet VL-SRSAM Missile System launched Successfully Successful User Trials of Anti-Tank Guided Missile Systems ‘Helina’ and ‘Dhruvastra’ User Evaluation Trials of Land-Based Prototype for Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) System for Indian Submarines DRDO Launches Aazadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav to Commemorate 75 Years of India’s Independence

2 APRIL 2021 www.drdo.gov.in DRDO newsletter

Events 9

Hrd activities 16 infra development 19 visits 20

41st Year of Publication

Editor-in-Chief: Dr Alka Suri Website: https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/pub/ Associate Editor-in-Chief: B Nityanand newsletter/ Managing Editor: Manoj Kumar

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Local Correspondents Ahmadnagar: Col Atul Apte, Shri. RA Shaikh, Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE); Ambernath: Dr Susan Titus, Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL); Chandipur: Shri PN Panda, (ITR); Shri Ratnakar S. Mohapatra, Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE); Bengaluru: Shri Satpal Singh Tomar, Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE); Smt MR Bhuvaneswari, Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS); Smt Faheema AGJ, Centre for Artificial Intelligence & Robotics (CAIR); Ms Tripty Rani Bose, Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification (CEMILAC); Smt Josephine Nirmala M, Defence Avionics Research Establishment (DARE); Smt Anuya Venkatesh, Defence Bioengineering & Electromedical Laboratory (DEBEL); Shri Venkatesh Prabhu, Electronics & Radar Development Establishment (LRDE); Dr Vishal Kesari, Microwave Tube Research & Development Centre (MTRDC); Chandigarh: Dr HS Gusain, Snow & Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE); Dr Prince Sharma, Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL); Chennai: Smt S Jayasudha, Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE); Dehradun: Shri Abhai Mishra, Defence Electronics Applications Laboratory (DEAL); Shri JP Singh, Instruments Research & Development Establishment (IRDE); Delhi: Shri Ashutosh Bhatnagar, Centre for Personnel Talent Management (CEPTAM); Dr Dipti Prasad, Defence Institute of Physiology & Allied Sciences (DIPAS); Dr Nidhi Maheshwari, Defence Institute of Psychological Research (DIPR); Shri Navin Soni, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS); Shri Anurag Pathak, Institute for Systems Studies & Analyses (ISSA); Dr Indu Gupta, Laser Science & Technology Centre (LASTEC); Ms Noopur Shrotriya, Scientific Analysis Group (SAG); Dr Rupesh Kumar Chaubey, Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL); Gwalior: Dr Manorama Vimal, Defence R & D Establishment (DRDE); Haldwani: Dr Atul Grover, Defence Institute of Bio-Energy Research (DIBER); Hyderabad: Shri Hemant Kumar, Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL); Shri Pramod K Jha, Centre for Advanced Systems (CAS); Dr JK Rai, Advanced Numerical Research & Analysis Group (ANURAG); Ms Bidisha Lahiri, Centre for High Energy Systems & Sciences (CHESS); Shri ARC Murthy, Defence Electronics Research Laboratory (DLRL); Dr Manoj Kumar Jain, Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL); Dr K Nageswara Rao, Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL); Shri Lalith Shankar, Research Centre Imarat (RCI); Jagdalpur: Dr Gaurav Agnihotri, SF Complex (SFC); Jodhpur: Shri Ravindra Kumar, (DL); Kanpur: Shri AK Singh, Defence Materials & Stores Research & Development Establishment (DMSRDE); Kochi: Smt Letha MM, Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL); Leh: Dr Dorjey Angchok, Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR); Mussoorie: Dr Gopa B Choudhury, Institute of Technology Management (ITM); Mysuru: Dr M Palmurugan, Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL); Pune: Dr (Mrs) JA Kanetkar, Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE); Dr Vijay Pattar, Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT); Shri AM Devale, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL); Shri SS Arole, Research & Development Establishment (Engrs) [R&DE (E)]; Tezpur: Dr Jayshree Das, Defence Research Laboratory (DRL)

www.drdo.gov.in APRIL 2021 3 Cover story

PM HANDS OVER arjun main battle tank MK-1A to the army he Prime Minister, Shri schools, let us make vehicles that Bharat’s Ekta Darshan. The focus Narendra Modi handed over can move and fly, let us make on making India Aatmanirbhar TMain Battle Tank Arjun MK- ships that can shake the world”. in the defence sector will keep 1A to the Indian Army, at Chennai Tamil Nadu is already leading moving with full speed. on 14 February 2021. PM also laid automobile manufacturing hub of The Prime Minister also paid the foundation stones for several India and now is evolving as the homage to the Pulwama attack key projects. tank manufacturing hub of India, martyrs on the anniversary of the Speaking about the he added. attack today and said, “We pay industrialisation, the Prime On MBT Arjun Mark 1A, the homage to all the martyrs we lost Minister said, India has Prime Minister said, I am proud in that attack. We are proud of our undertaken a massive effort to to handover the indigenously security forces. Their bravery will become self-reliant in the defence designed and manufactured MBT continue to inspire generations.” sector inspired by what Mahakavi Arjun Mark 1A to the Army. It Arjun MK 1A has been developed Subramaniya Bharathi, who also uses indigenous ammunition. by India’s premier defence R&D writing in the oldest language A tank made in Tamil Nadu will organisation DRDO. The tank in the world Tamil said, “Let us be used in our northern borders carries 14 major improvements make weapons, let us make paper, to keep the nation safe. This recommended by the Army. let us make factories, let us make showcases India’s united spirit–

4 APRIL 2021 www.drdo.gov.in Innovation DRDO newsletter

DRDO conducts flight test of Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet technology RDO successfully carried out a flight Ddemonstration based on Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) technology from Integrated Test Range (ITR) Chandipur off-the-coast of Odisha on 5 March 2021. All the sub-systems, including the booster motor and nozzle-less motor, performed as expected. During the test, many new technologies were proven, including Solid Fuel-based Ducted Ramjet technology. Successful demonstration of the technology has provided DRDO with a technological The performance of the missile Energy Materials Research advantage, which will enable was monitored using the data Laboratory (HEMRL). it to develop long range air-to- captured by Electro-Optical, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath air missiles. At present, such radar and telemetry instruments Singh congratulated the scientists technology is available only with deployed by ITR and confirmed of DRDO, Indian Air Force and a handful of countries. During successful demonstration of the the Industry on the successful the test, air launch scenario mission objectives. The launch flight test of SFDR. was simulated using a booster was monitored by senior scientists Secretary Department of motor. Subsequently, the nozzle- of various DRDO labs, including Defence R&D and Chairman less booster accelerated it to the Defence Research & Development DRDO Dr G Satheesh Reddy also required Mach number for Ramjet Laboratory (DRDL), Research congratulated the team involved operation. Centre Imarat (RCI) and High in the successful flight test. VL-SRSAM Missile System launched Successfully RDO conducted two for Indian Navy, VL-SRSAM is occasions, the missiles intercepted successful launches of meant for neutralizing various the simulated targets with DVertical Launch Short aerial threats at close ranges pinpoint accuracy. The missiles Range Surface to Air Missile (VL- including sea-skimming targets. were tested for minimum and SRSAM) on 22 February 2021 The current launches were carried maximum range. VL-SRSAM with from a static vertical launcher from out for demonstration of vertical Weapon Control System (WCS) ITR, Chandipur. Indigenously launch capability as part of its were deployed during the trials. designed and developed by DRDO maiden launch campaign. On both The launches were monitored

www.drdo.gov.in APRIL 2021 5 Innovation by senior scientists from various the system onboard Indian Naval DRDO labs, viz., DRDL, RCI, ships. Once deployed, the VL- Hyderabad and R&D Engineers, SRSAM system will prove to be Pune, involved in the design and a force multiplier for the Indian development of the system. Navy. During the test launches, flight Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath path and vehicle performance Singh congratulated DRDO on the parameters were monitored using successful trials. Dr G Satheesh flight data, captured by various Reddy, Secretary DDR&D & Range instruments such as Radar, Chairman DRDO congratulated EOTS and Telemetry systems deployed by ITR, Chandipur. the teams involved in successful The present trials proved flight test of VL-SRSAM Missile the effectiveness of the weapon System. system. Few more trials will be conducted before deployment of Successful user trials of Anti-Tank Guided Missile Systems ‘Helina’ and ‘Dhruvastra’ oint user trials of Helina (Army as well as top attack mode. The Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Version) and Dhruvastra (Air system has all-weather day and Singh congratulated DRDO, JForce Version) Anti-Tank night capability and can defeat the Army and Air Force for Guided Missile (ATGM) Systems battle tanks with conventional the achievements. Secretary were carried out from Advanced armour as well as with explosive Department of Defence R&D and Light Helicopter (ALH) platform reactive armour. It is one of the Chairman DRDO Dr G Satheesh in desert ranges on 19 February most-advanced anti-tank weapons Reddy appreciated the efforts of 2021. in the world. The missile systems teams involved in the successful Five missions were carried out are ready for induction. trials. for evaluating missiles’ capabilities in minimum and maximum range. The missiles were fired in hover and max forward flight against realistic static and moving targets. Trails were carried out with warheads against derelict tanks and against a moving target from a forward flying helicopter. The Helina and Dhruvastra are third generation, Lock-on- Before-Launch (LOBL) fire and forget ATGM that can engage targets both in direct hit mode

6 APRIL 2021 www.drdo.gov.in Innovation DRDO newsletter

User Evaluation Trials of LAND BASED Prototype for Air Independent Propulsion System for Indian Submarines aval Materials Research lox system for supply of gaseous Mode trials of LBP prototype plant Laboratory (NMRL), oxygen. The PAFC modules for AIP from 14 January 2021 to 28 Na naval and material consume hydrogen and oxygen January 2021 and from 6 March science cluster lab of DRDO, has to produce electrical power, heat 2021 to 8 March 2021, respectively been working on phosphoric acid and water. The Fuel cell-based in the presence of Trial Acceptance fuel cell based Air Independent AIP system is primarily a silent Team having members from IN, Propulsion (AIP) technology for power generation unit attached NMRL and DRDO HQ (DQRS) submarine application under in a section of a Diesel electric under User Evaluation Trial. prestigious AIP program. Fuel submarine to provide underwater The successful trials have paved cell based AIP system is based submerged endurance. AIP unit the path for induction of DRDO on NMRL developed fuel cell, works in tandem with the existing developed AIP plug in Kalvari, IN hydrogen generation system, high battery bank of the submarine submarine, during its refit timing. efficient power converter and and operates underwater as a related accessories technologies. supplement to the submarine In the fuel cell AIP technology, battery power. Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell (PAFC) NMRL has achieved a major is the primary unit that generates milestone of successful User electrical power onboardthe evaluation trials of Land-based vehicle. An indigenous hydrogen Prototype (LBP) system for AIP for generator system, first of its fitments of Indigenous developed kind in the world for submarine AIP plugs in IN submarine. NMRL application, supplies hydrogen project team has successfully to fuel cell system and rugged completed the Endurance and Max

www.drdo.gov.in APRIL 2021 7 innovation

DRDO launches Aazadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav to commemorate 75 years of India’s independence Activities focusing on nation building and achieving self-reliance to be organised in next 75 weeks ecretary Department of will be in the direction of realizing incubation centres for technology Defence R&D & Chairman that vision. DRDO will celebrate development. Technology SDRDO Dr G Satheesh the Mahotsav throughout the proposals from various industries Reddy launched ‘Aazadi Ka Amrut 75 weeks by conducting various will be processed under the Mahotsav’ at DRDO Bhawan on activities in the direction of nation Technology Development Fund 12 March 2021. Directors General, building, achieving self-reliance, (TDF) scheme in larger numbers. DRDO scientists and other officers Number of Licensing Agreements encouraging scientific innovations, attended the event virtually for Transfer of Technologies developing human resources and from all major centres including (LAToTs) will be increased to Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, host of other related topics. greater than 100. ToT to local Tezpur and Visakhapatnam. Chairman DRDO called upon industry for potable water in Aazadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav has DRDO fraternity to put special NE Regions, Interactions/visits been organised to commemorate efforts to further support the by DRDO scientists to various 75 years of India’s independence industry and academia. DRDO will industries, filing of patents and and will be celebrated for 75 work along with them to achieve reaching out to foreign countries weeks starting from March 12, the goals of Mahotsav in various to promote export of DRDO 2021 with various themes. Efforts ways. products have also been planned of DRDO will primarily focus on DRDO plans to enhance in a bigger way over the entire the theme ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’ handholding of startups through duration of the Mahotsav. and the announcements made

8 APRIL 2021 www.drdo.gov.in events DRDO newsletter

DRDO celebrates national science day ational Science Day (NSD) is celebrated every Nyear on 28 February to commemorate discovery of the ‘Raman Effect’, which led to Indian scientist Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman winning the Noble Prize in Physics in 1930. On this day in 1928, Dr Raman discovered a phenomenon of scattering of photons, which was later known as ‘Raman Effect’ after his name. The objective of NSD is to promote active involvement of students and teachers in science related activity, encourage students to ask questions and to get doubts cleared in different driven world, and our two major papers were received from various areas of science and promote goals should be designing and DRDO labs/establishments, out their effective participation and manufacturing indigenously.” He of which three were adjudged enable students to know about the further said that in this new era best. DRDO Science Day orations latest developments in the field of of partnership between DRDO science and technology. The theme and industry, we should have the were delivered by scientists of of NSD 2021 was “Future of STI: capability to buy local and make three DRDO laboratories namely, Impacts on Education, Skills, and local. Advanced Systems Laboratory Work”. Chairman DRDO in his address (ASL), Hyderabad, Aeronautical DRDO HQ celebrated NSD congratulated the scientific Development Establishment 2021 on 1 March 2021. To mark community for its ongoing quest (ADE), Bengaluru and Defence the occasion, a special function to achieve excellence and self- was organised by Defence Science reliance. He emphasised the Research and Development Forum. Principal Scientific need to concentrate on science Establishment (DRDE), Gwalior. Advisor to Government of India, in laboratories and academic Dignitaries released DRDO Prof. K Vijay Raghavan was the institutes to come out with Science Spectrum, a compilation Chief Guest on the occasion. The state-of-the-art technologies. of scientific papers presented by function was presided over by He highlighted the requirement DRDO scientists at their respective Secretary DDR&D and Chairman for a focus group in each DRDO laboratories to commemorate DRDO Dr G Satheesh Reddy. laboratory to work on future In his keynote address, Prof. technologies. Dr Reddy further NSD. The publication was Raghavan said that there is a said that it is very important brought out by Defence Scientific significant amount of work being for any nation to work on the Information and Documentation done by DRDO that epitomizes fundamental side of science for Centre (DESIDOC). quality science. He appreciated the which the universities need to The following DRDO labs also speed and quality of innovations be made stronger so that the celebrated NSD at their respective by DRDO during the pandemic. nation can come out with quality places. He stated: “We are a design products. Forty-seven research

www.drdo.gov.in APRIL 2021 9 events

ASL, Hyderabad Management of Large Scale of antibiotic residue detection Complex, System of Systems method such as microbiological, Shri M Venkanna, Sc ‘F’, and Efficient Implementation chemical & physical assays, Technology Director, CLSMC, of Aerospace Standard Quality immunoassay, whole-cell bio- ASL, Hyderabad delivered NSD Management System.” sensor and aptasensors. Dr Anil Oration on the topic “Combo Dutt Semwal, Director, DFRL, Gas Generator Development for DESIDOC, Delhi presented National Science Medal Underwater Launched Missiles” and Citation to Dr Anand T. at DRDO Bhavan, Delhi. The DESIDOC, Delhi celebrated combo gas generator functions NSD on 1 March 2021. Shri DIBER, Haldwani as gas generator in canister and Sudhanshu Bhushan, Sc ‘E’ delivered a talk on “Academic Dr DK Singh, Director, as a booster outside the canister. Uttarakhand Biotechnology He explained about the design Publications by DRDO Technical Cluster: The last 50 years”. Council (UBC), Haldi, Uttarakhand of combo gas generator, grain was the Chief Guest during the design, combo gas generator event. Dr Singh spoke about the static tests and results, combo activities being undertaken by gas generator for bigger systems, UBC and sought partnership single gas generator for long range with DIBER in the ensuing missiles. Prof. K Vijaya Raghavan, years. Dr Madhu Bala, Director, presented Silicon Medal and DIBER complemented Dr Singh Dr G Satheesh Reddy presented for upbringing biotechnology certificate to Shri Venkanna. activities at UBC and assured that DIBER will continue to collaborate with UBC within the periphery of DFRL, Mysuru defence research. Dr Atul Grover, Sc ‘E’ was presented with the NSD Dr Anand T , Sc ‘F’, Head, medal. Laboratory Awards were Nutrition, Biochemistry & also presented to the meritorious Toxicology Division delivered scientists and staff. the National Science Day oration on “Development and Validation of Detection System for Antibiotic Residue in Food Samples.” In his oration, he highlighted about problem of antibiotic resistance in human CABS, Bengaluru beings and different methods Ms Amrita Kashyap, Sc ‘D’ delivered a talk on “PLM— An Efficient tool for Project DIPR, delhi Dr Nidhi Maheshwari, Sc ‘E’ delivered NSD Oration on ‘Manokavach App: Innovative Psycho-educational Solution for Combating Stress During Covid-19’. An offline application in Hindi was developed for

10 APRIL 2021 www.drdo.gov.in events DRDO newsletter countering stress during the covid NPOL, Kochi organised and Shri Rahul P times. Krishnan, Sc ‘B’ won the first prize. Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory NSTL, Visakhapatnam (NPOL), Kochi celebrated the Dr GA Ramadass, Director, NSD on 1 March 2021. Shri S National Institute of Ocean Vijayan Pillai, OS & Director, Technology (NIOT), Chennai, was NPOL, inaugurated the program the Chief Guest. Dr Samir V Kamat, and addressed the gathering. DS & DG (NS&M), DRDO, Dr OR NSD oration by Shri Ajesh Nandagopan, OS & Director NSTL Kumar M, Sc ‘E’ was on ‘Wobbler were also present. Dr Ramadass based acoustic vector sensor for delivered an invited talk on “Ocean DOA application’. He presented Research—A Civilian Perspective.” the acoustic and engineering He explained the commitment of design and the characterization NSTL and NIOT to work together in the field of naval research and appreciated the success of LRDE, Bengaluru the recovery of the Shri P Radhakrishna, OS & , which was a challenge Director, Electronics & Radar met jointly by NIOT and NSTL. Development Establishment Shri B Suresh Kumar, Sc ‘E’ and (LRDE), inaugurated the Mr K Anjappa, Sc ‘B’ were awarded celebrations and brought out the Silicon medal and Commendation importance of the Day. Shri S Certificate respectively for their Elayaperumal, Sc ‘E’ delivered the of wobbler AVS, a novel sensor work on Design and Development Science Day oration on “Design of designed and developed in NPOL. of FPGA based Shock and Optimum Digital Beam Forming An online science quiz was Vibration Measurement System. Array Architectures for Large Phased Array Radars.” Director LRDE presented Medal and Commendation Certificate to Shri S Elayaperumal.

Dr Samir V Kamat, DS & DG (NS&M), DRDO, Dr OR Nandagopan, OS & Director NSTL, during the national Science Day 2021 celebrations

www.drdo.gov.in APRIL 2021 11 events

NAVY-WIDE WARGAME ON ARNAV SOFTWARE avy-wide wargame was conducted on Naval NWargaming Software, ARNAV, developed by the Institute for Systems Studies and Analyses (ISSA), Delhi. Using the software, three Naval Commands participated in the wargame and Navy HQ continuously monitored the live game. The wargame exercise was conducted 24x7 for two weeks using the Navy WAN. It was the first time that inter-commands exercise has been conducted between geographically dispersed locations on a wargaming software. Scientists/Officers of ARNAV team participated and supported the exercise for the full period at command wargame. Secretary DD ‘F’ and Smt Ramita Sardana, Sc all the participating locations. R&D and Chairman DRDO, Dr ‘D’ were awarded Commendation ISSA’s role was appreciated and G Satheesh Reddy congratulated certificate by Chief of Naval Staff recognised by Indian Navy for ISSA team for their achievements (CNS), Indian Navy for their role the successful execution and at DRDO HQ. in successful completion of the culmination of Navy-wide inter- Shri Arvind Kumar Mahla, Sc Navy Wide exercise. SKILL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME ON OYSTER MUSHROOM PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY

two-day technical Skill A total of 40 mushroom bags were Mushroom Cultivation Technology Development Programme prepared by the participants. calendar. Aon ‘Oyster Mushroom Each participant was provided a Production Technology’ was conducted at 134 Infantry Bn (TA) Eco by DRL, Tezpur during 18-19 February 2021. Shri Vijay Pal and Shri Balram Das trained the troops and a total of 16 army personnel attended the training programme. The participants were given hands-on training and demonstration in the preparation of mushroom bags for cultivation.

12 APRIL 2021 www.drdo.gov.in events DRDO newsletter

RAISING DAY CELEBRATION at itm nstitute of Technology Management (ITM), Mussorie Icelebrated its 60th Lab raising Day on 26 February 2021 as per the guidelines of COVID-19. The event was inaugurated by the Chief Guest Shri P K Sharma, OS & Director, DEAL and Shri Sanjay Tandon, OS & Director, ITM by lighting the lamp. The Chief Guest presented Lab-level Cash Award to the officers and staff for the Year 2020 and applauded the efforts put in by ITM in achieving excellence in the field of training. In his address, Director DEAL also highlighted futuristic technology in the domain of communication system. As part of the celebration, Shri Sanjay Tandon, OS & achieving targets within time various events such as, Director, ITM thanked the Chief schedule. He dwelt upon all photography competition and Guest for gracing the occasion. employees to continue their best sports activities were conducted In his address, Director ITM efforts to achieve excellence in and annual Hindi Patrika “Srijan” highlighted various achievements all its endeavors. The event was was also unveiled during the of ITM and thanked them for concluded with a vote of thanks by occasion. their whole hearted support in Col Avinash Sharma. NPOL PARTICIPATES IN AERO INDIA-2021 aval Physical & at the ‘India Helisphere’, because an avenue for showcasing the Oceanographic Laboratory of its significant utility as a very strength of India in the niche area N(NPOL), participated in compact underwater sensor of sonars. Aero India 2021, India’s premier system that can be installed on Aerospace and Defence Event, platforms like the Advanced Light held from 3 February 2021 to Helicopter (ALH). The actual 5 February 2021 at Air Force LFDS system was also kept on Station, Yelahanka, Bangaluru. display beside the ALH in the NPOL showcased the Low Static Display Area. Frequency Dunking Sonar (LFDS) Delegations from various at the India Pavilion which was countries visited the NPOL display centered on the theme of ‘Rotary and evinced keen interests in the Wing Platforms’. The display of product. The most prominent LFDS, a sonar system, meant for visitors included the hon’ble deployment from rotary wing President of India, the Hon’ble The Hon’ble President of India being briefed about NPOL’s LFDS by Chairman platforms, drew tremendous Raksha Mantri, and the Service DRDO attention from visiting delegations Chiefs. The exhibition provided

www.drdo.gov.in APRIL 2021 13 events

International Women’s Day Celebrations DARE, Bengaluru Defence Avionics Research Establishment (DARE), Bengaluru celebrated International Women’s Day (IWD) on 17 March 2021. Dr K Maheswara Reddy, Director, DARE presided over the function & addressed the gathering about the theme “Choose to Challenge’’ and on Women’s empowerment. There was a powerpoint presentation on various achievements of DARE women employees. Various Sports activities were organized for Women employees. Prizes were distributed to winners of various events. DIPR, Delhi IWD was celebrated at remembered and celebrated the stage presence and eloquence. Defence Institute of Psychological women achievers of India. Dr She urged all the females to Research (DIPR) on 8 March Kaushik, the Guest of Honor, endow each other with support 2021. The occasion was graced enthralled the audience with her and encouragement to rise above. by Dr Chandrika Kaushik, OS & Director, DISB, DRDO Bhawan. The event included words of wisdom pronounced by the Chief Guest, Director and Senior Scientists of DIPR. The gathering was welcomed by opening remarks of Dr K Ramachandran, Director, DIPR. He appreciated women and their strength in dealing with any kind of challenges. In addition, he spoke about the prevailing mindsets that restrict women in achieving their goals and how overcoming these mindsets can be liberating for everyone. In congruence with the UNO theme “Leading Women during Covid Times” and the International Women’s Day theme “Choose to Challenge”, the scientists

14 APRIL 2021 www.drdo.gov.in events DRDO newsletter

NSTL, Visakhapatnam The IWD Celebrations at P. Padma Savitri; Smt Lalithamai Dr C. Surya Lakshmi in her Naval Science & Technological Nandagopan, President Mahila address opined gender biasing Laboratory (NSTL), Kalyan Manch (MKM); and Ms. will be eradicated by cooperation Visakhapatnam were celebrated G. Palakshi, Sc ‘F’ & Chairperson of men and women only. Smt in a befitting manner on 8 March (IWD-2021). Savitri appealed to all parents to 2021 with the active participation Chairperson of IWD-2021 encourage girls to grow in all fields of women employees of NSTL. celebrations Ms. G Palakshi and to do all types of jobs. On this Chief Guest at the programme welcomed the participants. She occasion, Bal Puraskar Awardees was Dr Surya Lakshmi Chellapilla, Kum. L. Ameya (Pradhan Mantri exemplified the powerful role ADRM (operations), DRM Office, Rashtriya Bal Shakti Puraskar) of women in Puranas. Also, she Visakhapatnam and the Guest and Kum. K.Sahithi (Uttam Jeevan gave brief details of the classical of Honour was Smt P. Padma Raksha Padak) were felicitated. Savitri, Scientific Officer-G, dancer Dr. K Shobha Naidu. Dr Kum. C.Vaishnavi, a student of Officer-in-Charge, Environmental Nandagopan explained DRDO’s Ramanath Secondary School was Survey Laboratory (ESL), Bhabha initiatives towards women selected as the best performing girl Atomic Research Centre (BARC), empowerment. He told that student, she was also felicitated. Visakhapatnam. The Celebrations women employees in DRDO, Smt. Lalithamai Nandagopan, were formally inaugurated by Dr are being given due respect and distributed prizes to the winners O.R. Nandagopan, OS & Director dignity and are playing a vital role women employees as well as NSTL; Dr C. Surya Lakshmi; Smt in making policies. spouses of male employees.

www.drdo.gov.in APRIL 2021 15 HRD ACTIVITIES

COURSE ON BALLISTICS INSTRUMENTATION course on “Ballistics Instrumentation” was Aorganized at Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE), Chandipur during 15 February 2021-19 February 2021 by both mode- online (SAMMUKH) for external participants and faculties, and class room for internal participants and faculties. Thirty-seven participants from various DRDO labs attended the programme. Various topics like Introduction to Ballistic Instrumentation, Components in Radar System and Chandipur and PXE, Chandipur. Internal, External and Terminal Filter Techniques and SCHDA Dr P K Das Gupta, Sc ‘G’, Offg. Ballistic Measurements, Radar Systems, etc. were covered Director, PXE inaugurated the CEP and Sensor Signal Processor, by expert faculties from IIT, and distributed the certificates to Application of BOS Technique Bhubaneswar; NIT, Rourkela; ITR, the participants on the valedictory Test and Evaluation, Micro function. SKILL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME ON BANANA FIBRE PRODUCTION efence Research Laboratory (DRL), Tezpur organised Da workshop on “Use of Innovative Technology for Value addition in Local Resources” on 13 February 2021 at Tippi Village, Arunachal Pradesh. The purpose of the workshop was to impart skill development on banana fiber generation to Tippi Villagers located in West Kameng District of Arunachal Pradesh which would enable them to generate income and enhance livelihood. Dr Village and officials of Bhalukpong Sanjai K Dwivedi, Director, DRL, Demonstration and training on Block shri S Dususow, Junior highlighted the importance of skill banana fiber generation, Oyster Engineer, Shri S Singh, AFA and development of farmers and use of Mushroom cultivation and Shri T Khunjuju, Bazaar Secretary innovative technologies for value Vermicomposting were given to delivered talks and lauded DRL’s addition in local resources and to about 60 number of farmers of efforts. Daya Lama, Sc ‘E’ and Dr generate income. Shri Lakhuman Tippi Village. B Das, TO ‘B’ conducted the event. Sekang, Chairperson of Tippi

16 APRIL 2021 www.drdo.gov.in HRD ACTIVITIES DRDO newsletter

HINDI WORKSHOP at PXE roof & Experimental Establishment (PXE), PChandipur, organized 81st Hindi Workshop for technician group from 17 February 2021 to 19 February 2021. The workshop was inaugurated by Dr H S Panda, Sc ‘F’, Additional Director & Vice Chairman Rajbhasha by lighting the lamp. In his inaugural address, Dr Panda urged the participants to attend the workshop seriously as this would help them in doing the official work in Hindi with ease. Twenty technicians participated in the workshop. The working methodology on Hindi, the faculties. In the technical session, function, the Additional Director Official Language Rule and Rule information was given in Hindi distributed certificates to the about LTC & TA/DA in Hindi too about uses of radar and sensor in participants and appreciated all for were discussed in detail by the proof and trial. In the valedictory making the workshop successful. DIBER-ITBP Interactions in Uttarakhand efence Institute of Bio- Energy Research (DIBER, DDRDO) is a multi- location lab with headquarter at Haldwani, Uttarakhand and Field Stations at Pithoragarh and Auli in Uttarakhand. HQ Haldwani and Field Station Auli are surrounded by the ITBP units. Regular interactions with ITBP are held with regards to extension of DIBER developed technologies particularly of interest to ITBP. On the occasion of NSD interaction meets are organized with the local ITBP units. Recently, Commanding Officer ITBP was apprised of the technologies developed by DIBER, in recent years particularly in the field of bio-energy for remote and hilly terrains. The technological ITBP. Mementos were exchanged Director DIBER on this occasion. breakthroughs were appreciated by between CO, ITBP, Auli and

www.drdo.gov.in APRIL 2021 17 PERSONNEL NEWS

Awards Prestigious Award for Strategic Contribution -2018.

IEEE Outstanding Woman Engineer Award Smt Rameetha K, Sc ‘G’, Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), Kochi received the award for “Outstanding Woman Engineer” for the year 2020 from IEEE Kerala Section. This award is conferred upon women engineering professionals who have made significant contributions in the domain of technology. The annual awards are instituted by IEEE, to promote Shri Sangam Sinha, Director VRDE Ahmednagar, former GM (MSC) excellence and to recognize and team have been awarded with prestigious award for strategic outstanding professionals and Contribution -2018. institutions in the domain of “Reduced Sensitivity Energetic technology and business. HIGHER Cyclic Nitramines: QUALIFICATIONS A Comprehensive DRDO Young Scientist Award Study on ACQUIRED Polymorphism, Ms Anjali Kumari, Sc ‘C’ of Defence Crystal Growth Metallurgical DMRL, Hyderabad and Co- Research Laboratory crystallization” by Shri Vajinder Singh Arora, Sc ‘D’ (DMRL), Hyderabad Defence Institute of Advanced of Defence Metallurgical Research received the DRDO Technology (DIAT). Young Scientist Laboratory (DMRL) has been Award for the year awarded PhD for NSTL, 2019. the thesis titled “Microstructure, Visakhapatnam Phase Stability and Smt B. Mamatha DRDO Best Performance High temperature Award is awarded the Deformation Degree of Doctor Shri M Chandra Shekar, TO ‘C’ of Behaviour in of Philosophy Defence Metallurgical Research Y-TiAl based (Ti- in Computer Laboratory (DMRL), Hyderabad 45Al-8Nb-xCr-0.2B) Alloys” by Science & Systems received the DRDO IIT, Hyderabad. Engineering Best Performance by Andhra University, Award for the year HEMRL, Pune Visakhapatnam for the thesis 2019. Shri Mrinal Ghosh, Sc ‘E’ of submitted by her entitled “Inverse High Energy Materials Research Synthetic Aperture Radar Laboratory (HEMRL) has been Images for Ship Detection and awarded PhD for the thesis entitled Classification”.

18 APRIL 2021 www.drdo.gov.in INFRA DEVELOPMENT DRDO newsletter

INAUGURATION OF DRDO SKILL DEVELOPMENT CENTRE FOR FIRE SAFETY TRAINING on’ble Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurated HDRDO Skill Development Centre for Fire Safety Training at Pilkhuwa in Uttar Pradesh through virtual mode on 22 February 2021. The facility is aimed at developing trained human resource, fire safety technology and products to save precious human lives and valued assets. The first of its kind in India, the SDC has been created by adopting state-of-the- art technology and setting up of simulation systems for validation of fire at realistic scale in order to meet the challenges and enhance their knowledge and fire- Secretary DD R&D and Chairman the skills of Defence Fire Service fighting skills and prepare them DRDO Dr G Satheesh Reddy, Personnel and combatants from for handling fire threats in the Director General (Human the Armed Forces. Spread in 24 emerging high–tech environment. Resources) Shri K S Varaprasad, acres area at Pilkhuwa, the DRDO Training of fire personnel in Director General (System Analysis facility would be utilized for such high standard facilities will & Modelling) and (Resource imparting fire prevention and fire- result in high levels of fire safety & Management) Ms Nabanita fighting training to the Fire Service awareness and implementation Radhakrishnan, Director CFEES personnel of , of safety provisions in defence DRDO, Ordnance Factories, Coast establishment thus leading Shri Rajiv Narang and other Guard and defence undertakings. to minimization of losses and dignitaries of MoD were also The facility would strengthen property due to fire accidents. present on the occasion.

PATENT

A Patent tilted “Aqueous Wound Healing Composition” with patent no 346864 for prehospital and hospital wound care has been granted to Division of CBRN Defence, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS), Delhi. Dr Himanshu Ojha, Ms Deepti Sharma, Dr Navneet Sharma, Dr Raman Chawla, Dr Mallika and Dr Mitra Basu have been named as the inventors. A Patent “A High Temperature Stable High Emissivity Ceramic Coating and Method Thereof” (Patent No. 358322) has been granted to Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), Hyderabad for which Dr Subir Kumar Roy, Shri S Rangaswamy Reddy and Dr V V Bhanu Prasad have been named as the inventors.

www.drdo.gov.in APRIL 2021 19 visits

DFRL, Mysuru Maj Gen Mukesh Chadha, VSM, ADGST, Directorate of Supply and Transport, IHQ of MOD (Army) visited Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL), Mysuru on 10 February 2021. Dr Anil Dutt Semwal, Director, DFRL, welcomed the guest and briefed him about R&D Achievements of DFRL. Dr. R. Kumar, Sc ‘F’, Associate Director (Admin) made a detailed presentation on DFRL R&D activities, i.e., Ration Development, indigenisation of food processing equipment, instant & convenience food products, Gaganyan mission, food packaging technologies, training of troops, etc. Maj Gen Mukesh Chadha appreciated the R&D activities of DFRL to meet the food Maj Gen Mukesh Chadha, VSM, ADGST, Directorate of Supply and Transport, IHQ of MOD (Army ) visited at DFRL logistic requirements of the Armed Forces. After interaction, Chief Guest visited Exhibitions facility, R&D facility of DFRL and shown keen interest in DFRL products and technologies. DPAR&M, Delhi A team of National Archives of India (NAI) officials, Dr Manash Ranjan Mishra, Archivist and Dr Thingnam Sanjeev, Archivist visited few labs of DRDO, viz; Dr Alka Suri, Director DESIDOC with NAI team DIPR, DIPAS, CFEES, DESIDOC, CVRDE, MTRDC, CEMILAC and DFRL along with O&M team Smt Asha Tripathi, Sc ‘G’ and Shri Jagat Singh, STA ‘B’ from DRDO HQ during January-February 2021. NAI officers visited the labs as part of their spot study. Directorate of Parliamentary Affairs, Rajbhasha and O&M (DPARO&M) is entrusted with the task of implementation of various O&M functions in DRDO, viz; Records Management, Manualisation, File Management and implementation of Central Secretariat Manual of Office NAI and O&M team at CVRDE along with Director CVRDE Procedures (CSMOP).

20 APRIL 2021 Published by DESIDOC, Metcalfe House, Delhi.