issn 0409-7467 ne - · pdf file · 2016-03-29crri scientists to target rural areas...

Volume 66 No. 3 & 4 February 2016website: http://www.csir.res.in

I n T h i s I s s u e

ISSN 0409-7467

Newsletter of the CouNCil of sCieNtifiC & iNdustrial researCh

DR. HARSH VARDHAN, Minister of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences and Vice President CSIR, recently launched “Ksheer Scanner”, a technology platform to detect adulterated milk. The technology has been developed by the CSIR-Central Electronics Engineering Research Institute (CEERI), Pilani.

In The News

Dr. Harsh Vardhan Launches CSIR-CEERI Technology for Detection of Adulteration in Milk

25 In The News• Dr. Harsh Vardhan Launches

CSIR-CEERI Technology for Detection of Adulteration in Milk

• CSIR-NBRI Releases New Variety of Turmeric

• S&T Minister Calls on CSIR-CRRI Scientists to Target Rural Areas

• Ayurvedic Anti-diabetic Drug Launched by CSIR-NBRI and CSIR-CIMAP

Flower Show

48 Announcements

39 Visits

44

47 Appointments

32 MoUs

Workshop/Symposia34

45 Honours & Awards

Training Programmes35Lectures38

Even though India ranks number one across the world for milk production, according to some estimates over 60% of the milk is contaminated due to malpractices in the milk supply chain which includes dilution with unsafe water. The milk is even being adulterated with dangerous contaminants such as urea, salt, detergent, liquid soap, boric

Dr. Harsh Vardhan dedicating “Ksheer Scanner” technology for detection of adulteration and analysis of milk. Also seen in the photograph, to his right,

Dr. Girish Sahni, DG-CSIR and to his left, Dr. R.K. Sinha, Director, CSIR-CEERI

29 R&D Highlights• Novel Route to Synthesize

Doped Graphene Reported by CSIR-CECRI

• Penning Plasma Discharge (PPD) based VUV-Spec-trometer Detector System by CSIR-CEERI

CSIR News

CSIR NewsFEBRUARY 201626

In The News acid, caustic soda, soda and hydrogenperoxide which have hazardous healtheffects.

With even the NITI Aayogidentifying the problem of detectingadulteration in milk as one of the GrandChallenge Areas under the AtalInnovation Mission, the low-cost andportable Ksheer Scanner is beingconsidered a significant initiative. Witha single-button operation, it enablesdetection of contaminants in just 40-45seconds at the per sample cost of lessthan 50 paise. The minimum detectionlevels of major contaminants are: Urea:1 gm/l; salt: 2 gm/l; detergent: 2 gm/l;soap: 1%; and soda: 1 gm/l.

Ksheer Scanner offers automatedscanning of raw milk samples at milkcollection points. It is safe to use andideal for installation at milk collectioncentres of milk societies at village andtehsil levels. The system can also beuseful for on-the-spot milk testing byfood inspectors. The system has beensuccessfully tested at various dairieslocated in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Goa,Gujarat, Punjab and Haryana.

Prof. R.K. Sinha, Director ofthe CSIR-CEERI, Pilani has informedthat the technology has beentransferred to Rajasthan Electronics &Instruments Ltd. (REIL) and AlpineTechnologies, Surat , Gujarat, forcommercialization.

Dr. Harsh Vardhan said that hewould be reaching out to the UnionHealth Minister and the HealthMinisters of all state governments toadopt and deploy this technologyplatform to address the problem of milkadulteration in the country. The FoodSafety and Standards Authority of India(FSSAI) will also be asked to bring inthe required regulatory intervention soas to ensure the delivery of quality milk,he added.

Meanwhile, the Central FoodTechnology Research Institute, Mysore,has also developed a portable instrumentto detect a key micro-nutrient calledbeta carotene in milk. Expected to costRs 5,000, the instrument will allowfarmers to alter the fodder they provideto cattle to increase the beta carotenecontent of milk.

CSIR-NBRI Releases New Variety of Turmeric

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is native to Asiaand India, and considered a boon inAyurveda from ancient times. It has animportant place in the Indian kitchen andis also considered very pious in religiousprogrammes.

India is the largest producer,consumer and exporter of turmeric inthe world accounting for about 80 percent of world turmeric production and60 per cent of world exports. Indianturmeric is considered to be the best inthe world market because of its highcurcumin content.Shri Ram Naik, Hon’ble Governor, Uttar Pradesh

releasing the turmeric variety, Kesari

CSIR News FEBRUARY 2016 27

After ten years of research on differentvarieties of turmeric, the CSIR-NationalBotanical Research Institute, Lucknow hasscreened out a new variety “Kesari”, whichis tolerant to low temperature and frostduring winter. In comparison to otherexisting varieties, it exhibits less problemof yellowing and falling of leaves duringwinter, which extends the life period ofthis variety.

“Kesari” has a growth period ofabout 230 to 240 days, as compared to160 to 180 days of other varieties, whichdirectly reflects on its higher freshrhizome yield of high quality. The freshrhizome yield potential of “Kesari” isaround 30-35 ton per hectare, ascompared to 20-25 ton per hectare ofother existing varieties. The totalcurcuminoid content of “Kesari” isaround 1.16 %, which is also more thanother existing cultivated varieties ofnorth India.

“Kesari” has also shown promise insuccessfully growing in partial sodic soilshaving pH up to 9 and can also becultivated under the shade of trees inorchards. This variety may prove as anincome generation tool to providesupplementary income to the farmers ofnorth India.

Shri Ram Naik, Hon’ble Governor,Uttar Pradesh in the company of Dr. C.S.Nautiyal, Director, CSIR-NBRI, releasedthis promising variety of turmeric on 7th

February 2016 during the Annual Roseand Gladiolus Show, held at the CentralLawns of CSIR-NBRI, Lucknow in thepresence of the citizens of Lucknow. Onthe occasion, he congratulated theDirector and the team of people led byDr. S.K. Tewari for the new turmericvariety. He also hoped that the varietywould be a boon for farmers of NorthIndia.

Kesari, promising variety of turmeric for North India


In The News

On a visit to the Central Road ResearchInstitute (CSIR-CRRI), New Delhi, theUnion Minister for Science, Technologyand Earth Sciences, Dr. Harsh Vardhancalled upon scientists and researchers toreach their researches to rural areas.

Dr. Harsh Vardhan enquired abouttechnologies being developed in variouslaboratories which included PavementEngineering Area, Flexible Pavement,Rigid Pavements, Geo TechnicalEngineering, Bridge Engineering andTraffic Engineering and TransportationPlanning Area.

Interacting with the scientists andstaff of the Institute, the Minister askedthem to examine ways to quickly transferthe semi-automatic pothole repairmachine and the associated technologydeveloped in the Institute to all thepanchayats of the country.

The Minister said that with about 18km of roads being constructed every day

S&T Minister Calls on CSIR-CRRIScientists to Target Rural Areas

Ayurvedic Anti-diabetic Drug Launched byCSIR-NBRI and CSIR-CIMAP

drugs. Scientists of NBRI and CIMAPjoined hands to develop this effective,safe and patient-fr iendly solut iontowards management of type 2 diabetesmellitus after in-depth studies of over500 renowned ancient herbs. Thescientists finally identified the six bestherbs listed in Ayurvedic ancient textsnamely Daruharidra (Berberis aristata),Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), Vijaysar(Pterocar pus marsupium), Gudmar(Gymnema sylvestre), Majeeth (Rubiacordifoila) and Methika (Trigonella foenum-graecum).

Two of CSIR’s Lucknow-basedlaboratories recently released thecountry’s first anti-diabetic Ayurvedicdrug BGR-34. The drug designed fortype 2 diabetes mellitus, which has beenscientifically validated for its efficacyand safety, was developed jointly by theCSIR-National Botanical ResearchInstitute (NBRI) and the CSIR-CentralInstitute of Medicinal and AromaticPlants (CIMAP.)

BGR-34 costs Rs 5 per tablet andworks by controlling blood sugar andlimiting the harmful effects of other

now, research institutions should identifyany gaps and transfer the requiredtechnologies to the land. The Ministerurged the scientists and technologists topromote their research outputs in termsof use of innovative technologies inroad construct ion, measures forachieving savings in deplet ingaggregates through the use of wastematerials in road construction andmeasures for enhancing road safety onIndian roads.

During the visit the Minister showedkeen interest in the activities of CSIR-CRRI particularly the new technologies/specialized services developed by theInstitute such as Soil Nailing Techniquefor quicker and safer construction ofsubways/underpass; Patch Fill-PotholeRepair solution for bituminous roads,and Vehicle Mounted Automaticcontrolled Mobile Bridge InspectionDevice (MBIU).


Senior scientists of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research,the National Botanical Research Institute and the Central Institute of Medicinal and

Aromatic Plants launch the anti-diabetic drug, BGR-34

A collaborative effort between Indianresearchers from the CSIR-CentralElectrochemical Research Institute (Dr.Subbiah Alwarappan and Dr. ShailajaKrishnamoorthy) and TCIS-TIFR (Dr.T.N. Narayanan), Hyderabad has reporteda mult iple-element incorporatedgraphene system (nitrogen and fluorineco-doped graphene) as an effectiveelectrocatalyst for oxygen reductionreaction (ORR).

A novel two-step wet chemical routeto synthesize nitrogen and fluorineco-doped graphene in bulk was reportedby the authors. Results evidenced that theelectrocatalytic activity of nitrogen andfluorine co-doped graphene was superior

R&D Highlights

Novel Route to Synthesize Doped GrapheneReported by CSIR-CECRI

than the electrocatalytic activity ofgraphene doped with nitrogen, graphenedoped with fluorine and the benchmarkedcatalyst Pt-C.

In order to further understand theexact synergistic role of the dopants, theresearchers performed density functionaltheory calculations. The densityfunctional theory calculations also helpedto determine the role of electron spindensity on the catalytic efficiency ofdoped graphene systems employed in thework.

The present study is the need of thehour and offers a suitable strategy toselect efficient electrocatalysts andthereby a new and efficient energy

Pre-clinical studies have revealed thatthe drug causes significant reduction inhigh blood sugar level in diabetes-induced experimental subjects, and alsoimproved LFT, KFT and lipid profile

significantly.Aimil Pharmaceuticals (I) Ltd has

been transferred the rights and technicalknow-how to produce and market the newdrug.


R&D Highlights

(A) Cyclic Voltammetry of NFG in 0.1 M KOH (B) Linear Sweep Voltammetry of various catalysts in0.1 M KOH @ 1600 RPM (C) Linear Sweep Voltammetry of NFG at different RPM (D) K-L Plot for NFG

(E) Linear Sweep Voltammetry Pt/C at different rpm (F) K-L plot for Pt/C (Scan rate 10 mV/s).

technology by the ‘mix and match’ ofmetal-free hetero atoms. The proposedelectrocatalyst in this work is very cost-effective than the expensive and scarcePt catalysts, says Dr. Subbiah Alwarappanone of the researchers.

Reference:T.V. Vineesh et al, Synergistic effect of dopantson the spin density of catalytic active centers ofN-doped fluorinated graphene for oxygenreduction reaction. Applied Materials Today (2015)1, 74-79.


At present a key issue for VUVspectrometer-detector system is to findout an easy and acceptable calibrationtechnique to meet the long-termrequirement of sensitivity curve forlarger wavelength points in the VUVregion, and prepare it to use in tokamakplasma machines. The calibrationprocess for the visible spectrometer is anormal process. However, in thevacuum ultraviolet (VUV) spectra,where most of the emissions fromimpurities in hot plasma are found, theabsolute intensity calibration is quite atedious task.

Commonly people use “branchingratio method” for the absolute intensitycalibration of a spectrometer in theVUV region. For tokamak operation andidentification of suitable line pairs ofknown branching ratio of twotransitions, which originate from thesame upper level (one in visible and theother in ultraviolet), is important. Thismethod is frequently used in UV rangebut for VUV it is difficult as suitable linepairs are rarely available.

A laboratory-based large volumepenning plasma discharge (LVPPD)source was developed in three-anodeconfigurations at the CSIR-CEERI,Pilani. The source has simultaneousdiagnostics facility using Langmuir probeand optical emission spectroscopy(OES). The three-anode configurations,namely single ring, double ring andrectangular configurations were studiedand compared for optimum use of thegeometry for efficient light emissions andrecording.

The double ring penning plasmadischarge configuration was optimisedas an efficient emission source, whichwas able to produce strong visible (400

Penning Plasma Discharge (PPD) based VUV-Spectrometer Detector System by CSIR-CEERI

nm - 750 nm) and VUV (20 nm-150 nm)lights simultaneously. The approachwith double anode ring was a uniquearrangement and was a conciliationbetween optical confinement and anodetransparency for effective spectroscopicand Langmuir probe measurementsinside the large volume penning plasmasource. The plasma was produced usinghelium gas and admixture of three noblegases including helium, neon and argon.

The optimized source was capableof producing eight identified spectrallines for pure helium in the VUV rangefrom 20 nm to 60 nm and total 24 spectral

LVPPD source for VUV spectrometerdetector system calibration

LVPPD source delivered to IPR


R&D Highlights/MoUslines covering the wavelength range from20 - 106 nm for the admixture of gases.The absolute intensity curve in the VUVrange for helium gas was achieved usinga novel numerical method based oncollisional-radiative model, atomic dataand analysis structure (ADAS) database,singular value decomposition techniqueand chi-square minimisation thatultimately leads to a number ofcalibration factors for the observed VUVspectral lines.

In fact, the proposed methodologyprovides an opportunity to infer a largenumber of plasma parameterssimultaneously for the first time from theabsolute measurements of the visiblespectra. The electron density, electrontemperature, ground-state atomdensity, ground-state ion density andthe triplet metastable state (2 3S)

density were the simultaneouslyestimated parameters.

The derived plasma parameterswere then used to obtain the absoluteintensities of the lines observed in theVUV region, which were comparedwith observed VUV spectrometer-detector system to obtain calibrationfactors. It was demonstrated that usingthis source, a VUV-spectrometer-detector system can be calibrated from23 nm to 106 nm.

The developed source can be usedfor worldwide fusion plasma machinesand laboratory plasma systems forVUV-spectrometer-detector-systemcalibration. It is a low-cost laboratorysource. The developed source wasdelivered to the Institute for PlasmaResearch (IPR), Gandhiangar undernational fusion programme.

CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal andAromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP), Lucknow andAPJ Abdul Kalam Technical University, UP haveentered into an MoU to share the facilities andexpertise available in each other’s institution.

The MoU was signed by AKTU vice-chancellor Prof. Vinay Kumar Pathak anddirector CSIR-CIMAP Prof. Anil KumarTripathi. The MoU will enable AKTU students,researchers and faculty to take short-term trainingat CSIR-CIMAP in their areas of specialization.The research students/scientists working at

CSIR-CIMAP would also be able to register for PhD programme at AKTU. And,PhD students working in AKTU would be able to carry out a part of their work atCSIR-CIMAP.

Under the MoU, AKTU and CIMAP would be able to apply for collaborativeprojects jointly to national and international funding agencies. The scientists/facultymembers of AKTU and CSIR-CIMAP would be included as resource persons forinvited lectures/workshop on specialized topics in different academic/ scientificprogrammes.

MoUs

CSIR-CIMAP and APJ Abdul KalamTechnical University Sign MoU


The Central Scientific InstrumentsOrganisation (CSIO), Chandigarh andthe Terminal Ballistics ResearchLaboratory (TBRL) have signed amemorandum of understanding for jointresearch in ballistics, explosives and otherhigh-technology areas associated withatomic energy and biotechnology.

Instrumentation and systems forballistics research, blast measurement,structural health monitoring, motiondetection and measurement, explosiveand bio-agent detection, detonicsstudies, off-route mines and explosivematerials are among areas identified forjoint work.

CSIR-National Institute forInterdisciplinary Science andTechnology (NIIST), Trivandraumentered into a project agreement withM/s Bipha Pharmaceuticals,Pallipurathukavu Jn., Kottayam, Keralaon 21st December 2015 for executing theproject involving “Phyto ChemicalAnalysis and Biological Activity ofSelected Herbs and Formulations”.

The duration of the project will befor a period of six months. During thetenure of the project, CSIR-NIIST willevaluate certain raw materials andformulations developed at Bipha, for itsphytochemical characterisation in termsof TPC, TFC, Terpenoids andAlkaloids. The anti-diabetic and anti-cancer activity of these assays will alsobe studied during the course of theproject.

CSIR-NIIST Enters into Project Agreementwith M/s Bipha Pharmaceuticals

CSIR-CSIO and TBRL Ink Pact onStrategic Research

Director, CSIO, Prof. R.K. Sinha (left) andTBRL Director Dr. Manjit Singh exchanging

the MoU in Chandigarh

The project is expected to open upnew opportunities for collaborativeresearch in the areas of Neutraceuticalsand Functional Food Developmentthrough private partnerships.


Workshops/Symposia

A week-long symposium held in eightdifferent research institutes in India wasorganized as part of a Government ofIndia and the European MolecularBiology Organisat ion (EMBO)partnership to induct India as a memberstate of the EMBC and EMBO.

CSIR-Indian Institute of ChemicalBiology (IICB), Kolkata was one of thevenues of this programme. Dr. SuvendraBhattacharyya was the convenor of thesevent in CSIR-IICB. Dr. Gerlind Wallonand Dr. Luis Valente represented EMBOin this event.

As part of the agreement, Indianscientists will be able to participate in thesame EMBO programmes as researchersfrom all other member states. The launchof this partnership was accompanied bya series of events across India. At eachevent, scientists from Europe and Indiaas well as EMBO representatives talkedabout science and the opportunitiesafforded by the partnership.

Workshops/Symposia

CSIR-IICB Organizes India-EMBOPartnership Symposium

A half-day symposium, on 5 th

February, was organized as part of thisseries in CSIR-IICB. In the inauguralsession, Dr. Syamal Roy, Dr. DipyamanGanguly and Dr. Suvendra Bhattacharyyaintroduced the past and present researchgoing on in the host institute.

Prof. Jan Löwe from MRCLaboratory of Molecular Biology,Cambridge, United Kingdom; Prof.Dominique Soldati-Favre fromDepartment of Microbiology andMolecular Medicine, Faculty ofMedicine, University of Geneva,Switzerland and Prof. Sophie Martinfrom Dept. of FundamentalMicrobiology, Biophore, University ofLausanne Switzerland were the speakersin the scientific session of thissymposium which was followed by aninteractive session where PhD studentsand scholars of CSIR-IICB had a chanceto interact with the speakers to discussthe possibilities and prospects availablewith EMBO programme.

Glimpses of the programme


A one-day Training-cum-Workshop on‘Patent and Project Management’ wasorganized at CSIR-AMPRI, Bhopal on27th October 2015. The workshop wasorganized jointly by CSIR-AMPRI,Bhopal, Indian Institute of Metals,Bhopal Chapter and Indian ScienceCongress Association.

The programme was attended byaround 40 participants from variousacademic institutes, governmentorganizations and industries like IITIndore, SATI Vidisha, MANIT Bhopal,Barkatullah University Bhopal, CPCBBhopal, MPCST Bhopal, Daulat RamEngineering Services Pvt. Ltd., LNCTBhopal, BPCL Bhopal, HEG LimitedMandideep, ISM Dhanbad and CSIR-AMPRI, Bhopal.

The training and course wasinaugurated by Dr. S. Das, Director,CSIR-AMPRI. He welcomed all theparticipants and highlighted theimportance of patent and projectmanagement pertaining to R&Dactivities.

The first session was conducted byDr. Navin Chand and Dr. O.P. Modi(Chief Scientists CSIR-AMPRI) and thesecond session was conducted by Dr.Rupa Dasgupta and Dr. S.A.R. Hashmi(Sr. Principal Scientists CSIR-AMPRI).

Dr. R. R. Hirwani, Head URDIP inhis speech emphasized the need forpatinformatics in research. He focusedon various patent tools that are used tounderstand the present global scenario,harnessing the need of the industry andbenefits out of well-carved research. He

Training Programmes

One Day Training-cum-Workshop on‘Patent and Project Management’ Organised atCSIR-AMPRI

also specified the patent prosecutions indetail.

After Dr. Hirwani’s valuablearticulation on the subject, Shri P. D.

Dr. S. Das welcoming Dr. Hirwani

Dr. S. Das, Director, CSIR-AMPRIdistributing certificates to participants


Participants with Dr. S. Das, Director, CSIR AMPRI, Bhopal

Ekbote (Chief Scientist, CSIR-AMPRI)delivered the Keynote Lecture on R&Dmanagement through generations. Hehighlighted the improvement of thelinkages between the production sectorand R&D institutions. He alsomentioned the key factors for accessingnew technologies through stories ofCSIR-AMPRI.

Dr. Ghayur Alam of NLIU Bhopalelucidated the importance andessentialities of patents. He talked brieflyabout the various rules and lawspertaining to patents. Continuing thesession Dr. N.K. Chaubey, MPCSTBhopal provided information onIntellectual Property Rights and said thatIntellectual Property Rights are statutoryrights which once granted allow thecreator(s) or owner(s) of the intellectualproperty to exclude others fromexploiting the same commercially for agiven period of time.

Mr. Yogesh Dhoble (PrincipalScientist IPU, CSIR, Hqrs New Delhi)in his address gave an exposure to the

cost of IP filing in India and abroad. Hesuggested several strategies by which thecost of IP can be managed. He alsoconducted special interactive sessionswith all AMPRI scientists the next dayto resolve their queries in understandingthe IP aspects related to their researcharea.

After his valuable presentation, Dr.Manish Mishra (IIFM Bhopal) delivereda lecture on “Project Management inResearch and Development: A Case ofUrban Solid Waste Management” andemphasized the importance of modernapplications that include implementinga new IT system, research anddevelopment for pharmaceuticals, themanagement of strategic organizationalchange, new product, ser vice andsoftware development.

While Dr. Mohd. Akram Khan,Principal Scientist, CSIR-AMPRI,Bhopal conducted the programme, Dr.J.P. Chaurasia, organizing secretary of theprogramme concluded the workshop byproposing a vote of thanks.

Training Programmes


Pheromone application technology iswell suited in providing eco-friendly &environmentally safe agro-practices. It isthe only practice control for internalfeeders like borers and miners.

Use of pheromones in IntegratedPest Management (IPM) maximises cropproduction with minimum input costs.At present PAT is still under infancystage in India and requires intensivepopularization to gain the confidence ofthe farming community.

CSIR-Indian Institute of ChemicalTechnology (IICT), Hyderabad with itsstrong background in synthetic organicchemistry and state-of-the-art facilitieshas developed synthetic methodologiesfor the pheromone components ofeconomically important crop pests.

In this endeavour, withencouragement from the farmingcommunity at Shivareddy guda villageof Pochampally Mandal, NalgondaDistrict, Telangana, CSIR-IICTconducted a field trial demonstration for

Field Trials of Pheromone ApplicationTechnology (PAT) Conducted by CSIR-IICT

the usability of PAT application in 150acres of rice crop. Yellow stem borer ofrice, Scirpophaga incertulas is a majorobnoxious pest causing yield loss upto40%.

The Shivareddy guda farmingcommunity has assured all the supportfor such an eco-friendly and greenagricultural practice for the managementof the rice pest. CSIR-IICT hopes tosuccessfully lay the foundations in amuch bigger way for the welfare of theentire rice farming community in India.

Those who participated in the fieldtrials on 1 February 2016 at PochampallyMandal, Nalgonda District, Telanganainclude Shri Venkat Reddy, Sarpanch;farmers of Shivareddy Guda Village; Dr.B.V. Subba Reddy, HoD,Semiochemicals Division; Dr. K.N.Jyothi, Sr. Principal Scientist, ShriSurender Reddy, and Shri Pratap Reddyof the Semiochemicals Division, CSIR-IICT, and Shri Linga Swamy, ResearchScholar, OBC Division, CSIR-IICT.

Dr. B.V. Subba Reddy, Chief Scientist, Semiochemicals Division, CSIR-IICT, training anddemonstrating the Pheromone Application Technology in Rice Fields at Sivareddy Guda,

Pochampally, Nalgonda District to the farming community


Lectures

Day Lecture titled “Bridging Chemistrywith Nanoelectronics – A Roadmap forFuture Smart Electronic Systems”.

Prof. Ramgopal Rao initiated his talksaying, “Sensors are going to be the bigthing in the coming days. Everybody istalking about the Trillion Sensors Vision”The problems are open ended and thereis huge scope for doing things differentlyand better in this field. It is predicted thatthere will be one trillion sensors in thenext decade that will cover all the lifeactivities. Prof. Rao gave an example ofa Consumer Electronic Show that tookplace at Las Vegas where a SmartRefrigerator that places orders on its ownand a Shoe with changing colors and

LecturesProf. V. Ramgopal Rao Delivers theCSIR-NCL Foundation Day Lecture

many such current innovations weredisplayed.

Prof. Rao discussed both Top-Downand Bottom-Up methods used inMicroelectronics and Nanoelectronics.He explained the Top-Downmethodology used in industries wherethe devices are made out of otherdevices by patterning the smallest levelpossible using the concept ofLithography. He also discussed therevolution that has taken place in thefield of electronics bringing the size ofchips to 17 nanometers.

Prof. Rao illustrated severalproblems that could be resolved byapplying the two crucial methods invarious technologies. He talked aboutthe CMOS, a complementarysemiconductor technology used inlaptops, computers and other electricappliances. He discussed how chemistscan use the Bottom-Up approaches topattern the things. A controlledmonolayered formation is needed fordefect-free production. He said, “CMOSindustry doesn’t like the wet processes.”

Prof. Rao mentioned about the goalsfor the Bottom-Up kind of approachesand the formation of SAM’s on a varietyof surfaces where the central atom canbe changed. He also discussed processintegration and its characterization withthe protocols. He talked about differenttechnologies used for the synthesis oforganic transistors and covalent organicframeworks. The helpful techniques forsensing applications for Soil Moisture,Nitrites, Phosphates and Potash (NPK)levels were explained. Detection of soilmoisture can make the farmers more alertto overcoming the critical situations ofdrought.

CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory(CSIR-NCL), Pune celebrated its 66th

Foundation Day on 7 January 2016 withProf. Ramgopal Rao, P. K. Kelkar ChairProfessor, Department of ElectricalEngineering, IIT Powai, Mumbaidelivering the CSIR-NCL Foundation

Prof. Ramgopal Rao delivering the talk


Earlier, Dr. Vijayamohanan Pillai,Director, CSIR-NCL said that theFoundation Day of any organization hasvery crucial importance in the path ofits journey. He motivated the staffsaying, “This is the moment when wehave to introspect ourselves tounderstand the objectives, dreams andresponsibilities in order to contribute forthe future.”

On the occasion, the NCL ResearchFoundation (RF) awards were alsodistributed to the staff from the Lab atthe hands of Prof. Rao. NCL RFScientist of the Year Award was givento Dr. H. V. Thulasiram for hismultidisciplinary research contributionstowards natural products. Dr. RahulBanerjee won the NCL RF Scientist ofthe Year Award for his insightfulresearch in structural chemistry. NCLRF Technology of the Year Award wasgiven to Dr. Ulhas K. Kharul and Mr.V. V. Borkar for development andlicensing of high flux hollow fibre Dr. Vijayamohanan Pillai felicitating Prof. Rao

membrane technology for waterdisinfection. Other awards such as NCLRF Award for “New Initiative taken byR&D Support System”, NCL RFDirector’s Commendation Award andNCL RF Individual Merit Award werealso presented to deser ving staffmembers.

Honorable Minister for Science &Technology and Earth Sciences, andVice President CSIR, Dr. Harsh Vardhanvisited the Central Glass and CeramicResearch Institute (CSIR-CGCRI),Kolkata on 8 February 2016.

Director, CSIR-CGCRI welcomedthe Minister and informed him about theresearch activities of the Institute. Dr.Harsh Vardhan also visited Bio Ceramic& Coating Division, Fiber Optics &Photonics Division and Glass Divisionand enquired about the services renderedand the different activities.

While addressing the scientificcommunity in the Institute’s MeghnadSaha Auditorium, Dr. Harsh Vardhan

Visits

Dr. Harsh Vardhan Visits CSIR-CGCRI

Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Minister of Science andTechnology and Earth Sciences, addressing

the staff members at CSIR-CGCRI


Visitsexpressed desire that the technologiesand products being developed atthe Institute must be at par withglobal standards so that India is onceagain established as the Viswa Guru on

the global map. He requested seniorscientists to consult the junior scientistsin their endeavour so that newinnovations can be made a reality throughresearch.

Glimpses of the Minister’s visit


Shri Y.S. Chowdary, Honorable Ministerof State in the Ministry of Science &Technology and Earth Sciences,Government of India, visited CSIR-NEIST during 25-26 January, 2016.

An exhibition of CSIR-NEISTtechnologies was organized on 25 January2016. The Hon’ble Minister accompaniedby Shri Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, Hon’bleMember of Parliament, Jorhatconstituency and Director, CSIR-NEIST,visited the exhibition stalls and interactedwith the beneficiaries and entrepreneursof CSIR-NEIST technologies. Heshowed keen interest and satisfaction inthe dissemination of small-scaletechnologies like Mushroom cultivation& Banana fibre extraction and alsomedium-scale technologies like TP-16Biofertilizer. The Hon’ble Minister alsoshowed keenness on the impact of theCommon Facility Centre set up by CSIR-NEIST (supported by DST, Govt. ofIndia) in Mariani (Assam) for the localweavers to boost their skills and productswith appropriate S&T intervention.

Shri Y.S. Chowdary, Minister of State,Ministry of Science & Technology andEarth Sciences, Visits CSIR-NEIST

Thereafter, a formal interactiveprogram was held at the Dr. J N BaruahAuditorium. Dr. D. Ramaiah, Director,CSIR-NEIST delivered the welcomeaddress and gave an overview of theInstitute and its activities.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Y.S.Chowdary, emphasized on a lab-to-landapproach while mentioning theimportance of commercialization andmarketing aspects of technologies andproducts developed by the Institute. Heurged all the scientists and everyone ingeneral to contribute in addressing theproblems of the country and worktowards its growth & development. Heappreciated the work carried out by theInstitute during the last more than fivedecades and encouraged the staff toidentify the gaps still present and takeimmediate remedial steps.

Shri Kamakhya P. Tasa, Hon’bleMember of Parliament, in his addressspoke about the potentiality of the regionin terms of its rich biodiversity andnatural resources and urged the scientists

Left: Hon’ble Minister, Sh. Y S Chowdary, addressing the gathering in the interactive programwith beneficiaries & entrepreneurs. Right: Sh. Kamakhya P Tasa, Hon’ble Member of

Parliament, Jorhat delivering his address in the program


Visitsand stakeholders to further explore andreach out to more people.

Later, during the open interaction, theHon’ble Minister addressed the queriesand issues raised by the beneficiaries andentrepreneurs such as fund for morecluster-wise projects for societaldevelopment, facilities for solar powersystems for rural entrepreneurs, etc. Heextended an open invitation to them tocome to New Delhi and propose suchprojects for funding by the Governmentunder suitable schemes/programmes.

It is also worthwhile to mention herethat on the occasion, Mr Mustafa Ahmed,a class 8th student of Cinnamara HigherSecondary School, Jorhat was felicitatedby the Hon’ble Minister in appreciationof his work on ‘Scientific Seed StorageDevice’ for which he was honoured asthe only child scientist from Assam atthe National Children’s Science Congressheld in December 2015.

The interactive programme wasfollowed by a Press Meet held in theDirector’s Conference Room with theHon’ble Minister and Hon’ble Memberof Parliament.

On the second day, the 67th RepublicDay of our country was celebrated withmuch zeal and enthusiasm at CSIR-NEIST. The Hon’ble Minister graced theoccasion as Chief Guest. He inspectedthe Guard of Honour and unfurled theNational Flag followed by the NationalAnthem sung by CSIR-NEIST familymembers.

Addressing the gathering, theHon’ble Minister, Shri Y.S. Chowdary,extended his greetings to all and spokeabout the importance of the day. Heurged everyone to review theirresponsibilities as citizens of the countryand to follow the constitution in the rightspirit with utmost respect and patronagefor the country.

Hon’ble Minister, Shri Y. S. Chowdary, visiting the exhibition stalls along withShri Kamakhya P. Tasa, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Jorhat, Dr. D. Ramaiah,

Director, CSIR-NEIST and other guests & officials.


To mark the celebration, a shortcultural programme was held at theDr J N Baruah Auditorium wherestudents from Kendriya Vidyalaya,NEIST enthralled the audience withvarious song and dance performances.Shri Kamakhya P. Tasa, Hon’bleMember of Parliament, also graced theprogramme.

The Hon’ble Minister in his addressextended his gratitude to the Institute andthe school for organizing variousprogrammes to commemorate his visit.“I see a huge potential in the region andin the young people to progress and excelin various spheres of life,” he said. Hefurther mentioned that the Institute incollaboration with the Ministry may fundexposure trips for the students and youngresearchers to visit other Institutes andorganisations in the country to broadentheir horizon.

The program concluded with a voteof thanks proposed by Dr. N.C. Barua,Chief Scientist, CSIR-NEIST.

Later, the Hon’ble Ministerinaugurated an Essential Oil DistillationPlant (300 L/Day) and then had a lookaround the Experimental Farm area. Tomark the visit, Hon’ble Minister andHon’ble Member of Parliament alsoplanted saplings of Mesua ferrea L.(Family: Clusiaceae, Common name: Iron

wood tree) in the Experimental Farm.As a part of Republic Day

celebrations, a Sports Event wasorganized at the CSIR-NEISTplayground. The Hon’ble Minister hoistedthe CSIR-NEIST Staff Club Flag andaddressed the gathering during theinauguration of the Event.

Further, he laid the Foundation Stonefor an Experimental Animal House in theChemical Sciences Block and visitedvarious divisions like Chemical Sciences& Technology Division (CSTD),Geosciences & Technology Division(GSTD), Biological Sciences &Technology Division (BSTD) and HerbalDrug Processing Unit (HDPU) andinteracted with the staff members. He wasapprised about the activities of eachdivision during the visit.

He showed keen interest anddiscussed about the Microzonation studyand Earthquake Risk Assessment forCities undertaken by the GeosciencesDivision and asked them to submitprojects under the Smart Cities Missionprogramme. He lauded the work carriedout by the Institute in bioremediation ofcrude oil contaminated land in Assamand encouraged them to submit moresuch projects for funding from theMinistry to reclaim other contaminatedsites.

Left: Dr. D. Ramaiah, Director, CSIR-NEIST presenting an overview aboutthe Institute and its activities in the interactive program. Right: Audience in the program


CSIR-NBRI has been organizing theAnnual Rose & Gladiolus Show regularlysince the last 50 years for popularizingRose and Gladiolus in the north Indian

Flower Show

Annual Rose & Gladiolus Show at CSIR-NBRI

plains and to educate plant lovers aboutvarious varieties of Roses andGladiolus.

This year’s Rose and Gladiolus Showwas held on February 6th and 7th, 2016at the Central Lawn of the CSIR-NBRI,Lucknow. There were 19 classes,125 sections including 26 runningchallenge cups/shields/trophies forthe exhibitors. Government, Semi-Government Departments, AutonomousBodies, nurserymen, individual growers,gardeners and ladies took part in theShow. This year, the show attracted atotal of 601 entries belonging to56 exhibitors from Lucknow andoutstation.

On this occasion, CSIR-NBRIshowcased its R&D activities in a specialpavilion. The Institute displayed thechoicest collection of Gladiolus, Rosesand Gerbera variet ies. Technicalinformation on commercial cultivationof Gladiolus, Gerbera and Rose was alsoprovided to interested people. Thecitizens also had an opportunity to seeassorted collections of Bougainvillea,Ferns, Medicinal Plants, Cactus andSucculents, RET species, etc. A stall of

The judges examining the entries during theRose and Gladiolus show

Shri Ram Naik,Honourable Governor,Uttar Pradesh along withDr. C.S. Nautiyal, Director,CSIR-NBRI giving awaythe prize

Flower Show


Prize winners along with Shri Ram Naik, Honourable Governor, Uttar Pradesh andDr. C.S. Nautiyal, Director, CSIR-NBRI at the Rose and Gladiolus show.

Environmental Information System(ENVIS) was also setup for creatingawarness among the children and peoplein general.

Shri Ram Naik, Hon’ble Governor,Uttar Pradesh was the Chief Guest at thefunction on 7 February 2016, where healso distributed prizes to the winners.

Honours & Awards

CSIR-NGRI Scientists selected for NationalGeoscience Award - 2014

Dr. Sandeep Gupta received M.Tech. degree in Applied Geophysics in1997 with University Medal from theUniversity of Roorkee, Roorkee andPh.D. degree from Osmania University,Hyderabad. His Ph.D. thesis was adjudgedas the best thesis in Geophysics (2004)by ONGC-AEG. He is currently headingthe Seismic Tomography Group ofCSIR-NGRI. Dr. Gupta has contributedimmensely to the understanding of theseismotectonics and geodynamics of

various tectonic regimes using earthquakeand seismic noise data. He was one ofthe key researchers in India-AustraliaStrategic Research Fund (IASRF) projectfor exploring the gold potential inDharwar Craton. He is a recipient ofBOYSCAST fellowship and RamanResearch Fellowship. He is Fellow ofGeological Society of India, Fellow ofSociety of Earth Scientists, and AssociateFellow of Andhra Pradesh Akademi ofSciences.


Honours & Awards/Appointments

Dr. Surajit Ghosh, Principal Scientist,CSIR-Indian Institute of ChemicalBiology, Kolkata, has been selected asAssociate Editor in the prestigious RoyalSociety of Chemistry Journal RSCAdvances.

After completing his MSc in OrganicChemistry in 2000, Dr. Ghosh moved toSyngene International Pvt. Ltd (BioconGroup) and worked as a Scientist till July2004. Subsequently, he moved to theIndian Institute of Technology, Kanpurin 2004 for his doctoral studies in thearea of Peptide Self-assembly and oncompletion of his PhD thesis work in2008, he joined as postdoctoral fellow atthe European Molecular BiologyLaboratory, Heidelberg, Germany withDr. Thomas Surrey, where he worked onorganization of microtubule andmolecular motor proteins till December2010.

Dr. Ghosh joined CSIR-IICB in 2011in the Department of Organic andMedicinal Chemistry. At CSIR-IICB, hisgroup is working in the interface ofchemistry and biology with a focus ondeveloping small molecule and peptidebased anti-Alzheimer’s and anti-cancertherapeutics. Dr. Ghosh and his grouphave already developed a few peptides

CSIR-IICB Scientist Selected AssociateEditor of Royal Society of Chemistry Journal

which show significant neuroprotectionand currently they are trying to developmore potential molecules in this field. Hisgroup has made some advances indeveloping small molecule and peptidebased anticancer therapeutics and tryingto develop various platforms using surfacemodification techniques for studyingprotein-protein interactions, mechanismof intracellular cargo transport andtargeted drug delivery.

He is a recipient of BASF and DBTWellcome Trust Travel grant award,BIOCON Tribute award, EMBLPostdoctoral Fellowship, Alexander vonHumboldt Fellowship and RamanujanFellowship.

He has a number of recentpublications in high esteemedinternational journals like ChemicalCommunication, ACS Chemical Neuroscience,Dalton Transactions, Soft Matter, MacromolBiosci., RSC Adv., ChemBioChem etc. andamong them five works have beenhighlighted on the cover of the journals.His contribution at CSIR-IICB in the lastfour and half years has been recognizedby various national and internationalscientific communities and receivedinvitations for delivering talks at variousnational and international conferences.

Dr. Simanchal Padhy received Masters inElectronics and later in Applied Geophysics from IndianSchool of Mines, Dhanbad. At CSIR-NGRI, he ispursuing research work on theoretical seismology tobetter understand Earth’s structure. The results have alarge impact on seismic hazard assessment of Indiaincluding Northeast India and surrounding Himalayanregions and for site characterization and micro-zonationof major cities. Dr. Padhy is a recipient of CSIR YoungScientist Award - 2008 in Earth Sciences, and DAAD(Germany) and JSPS (Japan) Fellowships. He was alsomember of 20th Indian Antarctica Expedition in 2000.


Dr. D.K. Aswal has joined as the Director,CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, NewDelhi, on 15th December 2015.

Dr. D.K. Aswal has served as theSecretary of Atomic Energy EducationSociety, Mumbai and as Head, Thin FilmsDevices Section, Technical PhysicsDivision, Bhabha Atomic ResearchCenter (BARC), Mumbai. He joinedBARC through the training school batchof the year 1986 (i.e. 30th batch) aftercompleting M.Sc. in Physics (Goldmedalist) from Garhwal University in1985. He obtained Ph.D. in Physics fromMumbai University for his work on“Thin films of high temperaturesuperconductors”, and subsequentlycarried out post-doctoral research workat Research Institute of Electronics,Hamamatsu, Japan. His current area ofresearch interests includes physics oforganic films and their applications forsolar cells, conducting polymer films forflexible electronics, thermoelectric powergenerators and gas sensors & electronicnose.

Appointments

Dr. D.K. Aswal Joins as Director, CSIR-NPL

Dr. V. M. Tiwari, a scientist from theNational Geophysical Research Institute(NGRI), Hyderabad, has been appointedas the Director of ESSO-National Centrefor Earth Science Studies (NCESS),Ministry of Earth Sciences, Governmentof India, Thiruvananthapuram.

At CSIR-NGRI, Hyderabad, Dr.Tiwari carried out research on decipheringsubsurface mass distribution and masstransport relevant to a wide range ofscientific and societal applications. Hiswork also focussed on elucidating structureand dynamics of different geological

Dr. Aswal has edited three books,contributed 16 book chapters andpublished over 200 peer reviewed journalpapers. He had visiting Professor/Scientistpositions at several international institutes/universities viz. Institut d’Electronique deMicroelectronique et de Nanotechnologie(France), Sizuoka University (Japan),Commissariat à l’énergie atomique (France),Weizmann Institute of Science (Israel),University of Yamanashi (Japan), Universityof Paris VI (France), Karlsruhe instituteof Technology (Germany), University ofSouth Florida (USA), etc.

Dr. Aswal is recipient of severalnational and international awards/fellowships including DistinguishedFaculty Award of Homi BhabhaNational Institute (HBNI), MaterialsResearch Society of India (MRSI) Medal,Homi Bhabha Science and TechnologyAward, DAE-SRC Outstanding ResearchInvestigator Award, Paraj: Excellence inscience award, JSPS fellowship (Japan),BMBF-fellowship (Germany), andEGIDE-fellowship (France).

settings in Indian lithosphere, variation inwater storage over Indian subcontinentand mapping of sub-basaltic sediments.Besides well cited research papers in leadingjournals; he has also contributedsignificantly to the projects of Oil andMineral Industries. He is a recipient of theONGC-AEG Best Thesis Award; YoungScientist Awards from INSA, CSIR, UPScience &Technology; Krishnan GoldMedal by IGU, National Mineral Awardby the Ministry of Mines, Government ofIndia and Fellowship of NationalAcademy of Sciences, India.

CSIR-NGRI Scientist appointed asDirector of ESSO-NCESS


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Announcements

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) invitesnominations for the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (SSB) Prizes inScience and Technology for the year 2016. The SSB Prizes are tobe given for research contributions made primarily in India duringthe past five years. The age of the nominee for the 2016 SSBPrize should not be more than 45 years as on 31.12.2015.

The SSB Prizes are awarded for notable and outstanding research,applied or fundamental, in the following disciplines: (1) BiologicalSciences, (2) Chemical Sciences, (3) Earth, Atmosphere, Oceanand Planetary Sciences, (4) Engineering Sciences, (5) MathematicalSciences, (6) Medical Sciences, and (7) Physical Sciences. The SSBPrize carries with it a citation, a cash award of Rs.5,00,000/-(Rupees five lakh only) and a plaque for each scientist selected forthe 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 asper the prescribed pro-forma (Original + 2 copies) along withreprints of significant publications of the last 5 year’s period onor before 31 March 2016.

Soft copy (in PDF format) of duly filled proforma and significantpublications of the nominee is also required in a CD/DVD/USBflash drive. The details of the SSB Prize and the prescribed pro-forma for nomination may be obtained from the above addressor may also be downloaded from the website: www.csirhrdg.res.in

Nominations Invited for

Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize forScience and Technology – 2016

issn 0409-7467 ne - · pdf file · 2016-03-29crri scientists to target rural areas...

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