Annual Report 2000 - 2001

International S&T Cooperation

Bilateral Cooperation

Australia

The draft of the new Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation in Science and Technology has been finalized and is ready for conclusion.

Bangladesh

A joint project on food microbiology was approved for implementation by CFTRI, Mysore and Institute of Food Science and Technology, Dhaka. An Indo?Bangladesh Technology Cooperation Seminar in Information Technology and Horticulture & Food Processing was organised in Calcutta in September 2000. Fifteen Bangladesh experts and about 50 Indian scientists and industrial representatives participated in the same. The Second Meeting of the Joint Committee was held in New Delhi in January 2001 when a fresh Protocol of Cooperation for the period 2001?2002 was concluded.

Belarus

A delegation led by the Chairman of the State Committee on Science & Technology Belarus visited Delhi and discussed S&T Cooperation between India and Belarus.

China

Pursuant to the signing of a Programme of Cooperation in Science & Technology under an inter?governmental S&T Agreement in May 1999, specific proposals have been exchanged between the Department of Science & Technology and the Chinese Ministry of Science & Technology for exchange visits of scientists under 3 broad modalities, namely, (i) Project Aimed at Exploratory Exchange Programme (PEEP); (ii) Scientists/Researchers Programme (SRP); and (iii) Joint R&D Projects (JRP). A set of 28 proposals from Indian side and 22 proposals from the Chinese side have been exchanged in the 3 categories. Other modalities include exchange of Secretary level delegations on both the sides.

During the period under review, Secretary (DOD) led a 4 member delegation to China from May 8?14, 2000. This visit culminated in developing a MOU in the field of Ocean Science & Technology, a draft of which is under active consideration with the respective organisations. Similarly, 5 experts representing the Indian R&D institutions had intensive discussions with their counterparts during their visit to China under the PEEP programme. Formulation of joint R&D projects in specific topics of advanced materials and herbal medicines are under preparation. Two scientific teams from Shanghai Institute of Materials Research (SIRM) and Northwest Institute for Nonferrous Materials visited India for discussions on possible development of R&D projects under similar programme.

Cuba

As a follow up of the new Protocol of Cooperation signed in September 1999, one project was initiated and exchange visits of three Indian scientists to Cuba and four Cuban scientists were supported. One joint workshop on biotechnology in healthcare was organised which was attended by 140 scientists, researchers and industry representatives including 6 Cuban scientists. Visit of Dr. Fidel Castro Balart Diaz, eminent Cuban scientist was arranged to S&T Institutions in Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Mumbai.

Egypt

Bilateral workshop on Advanced Materials & their processing was held in Cairo in June 2000. Seven Indian and 50 Egyptian scientists participated in the workshop. It has been agreed that International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy & New Materials, Hyderabad; will provide help in setting up Surface Engineering Workshop at Central Metallurgical Research & Development Institute, Cairo. Proposals for joint collaborative research projects are being screened.

European Commission

DST provided a brief on status of India-EU cooperation in S&T in particular on the proposed India-EC S&T Agreement in the inter-ministerial meetings convened by Ministry of External Affairs preparatory to First India-EU Summit held at Lisbon, Portugal on June 28,2000. The EU-India Summit Joint Declaration provides for rapidly concluding the S&T Agreement that will provide framework for joint research and technological development.

France

The Indo-French Joint Committee on Scientific and Technical Cooperation at its 8th Meeting held in New Delhi on 9th & 10th March 2000 identified Tele-medicine, Cyber University, Natural Disaster Management and setting up of Laser Laboratory as multidisciplinary areas where the possibility of developing Indo-French cooperation needs to be explored.

French delegations on Cyber University, Tele-Medicine, Natural Disaster Management and Laser Laboratory made exploratory visits to India this year. The French delegation for Indo-Cyber University visited India from 15th to 20th May 2000 and held discussions with Secretary, DST on 17th May 2000 and briefed him on the discussions held with the Indian Institutions regarding the setting up of the Indo-French Cyber University Project.

The French delegation in connection with the setting up of a Joint Indo-French Cooperation Progamme in Tele-medicine visited India from September 13-17, 2000 and held discussions with Secretary, TDB, DST on 14th September 2000. They considered the possibility of linking of the Indian medical network with the French medical network.

The French delegation on Natural Disaster Management visited India from September 17-23, 2000 in connection with the setting up of a Joint Indo-French Cooperation Progamme on Natural Disaster Management and called on Secretary, DST on 23rd September 2000. The French Delegation briefed Secretary, DST on the discussions held with the Indian Organisations in the field of Natural Disaster Management and the French Plans for Developing Indo-French Cooperation in the multi-disciplinary area of Natural Disaster Management.

A French working group for the setting up of the Indo-French Resource Laser Laboratory held discussions with Secretary, DST at Indo-French Centre for Promotion of Advanced Research, New Delhi on 14th December 2000. The French Group was led by Ms Michele LEDUC, Director of Research, Kastler Brossel Laboratory.

Germany

DST has a Programme to support Visits of Indian Scientists and Technologists Abroad for making use of major research facilities. Two scientists from Institute of Physics, Bhubaneswar made use of Synchrotron Radiation Facility at Hamburg, Germany to carry X?ray reflectometry and X?ray standing wave measurements on Pt/C and WW/B4C periodic synthetic multilayer materials (SMM).

DST?DAAD project based personnel exchange programme has expanded from 16 to 36 projects. Implementation of these projects is done through 175 exchange visits. In one of the projects among the first batch of 16 projects, a high pressure liquid extractor for plant materials has been developed and patenting possibilities are being looked into. 20 joint projects are supported under the DST/BMBF programme through 25 exchange visits. New projects related to half metallic oxides for ferromagnetic applications, advanced plastics, bio?degradable polysaccharides for environmental applications have been initiated, some of them with industry collaboration. Indo?German interaction in the field of Nano?Materials has been initiated. Negotiations were held with the German side for initiation of two new schemes of cooperation viz. with German Research Society (DFG) for project based cooperation, and with the Committee for the meetings of the Nobel Laureates for participation of young Indian students and researchers in the meetings that take place annually. These new schemes are expected to take off in the next financial year.

Hungary

Following the 4th meeting of the Indo?Hungarian Joint S&T Committee, 14 joint research projects are being implemented in the areas of Earth Sciences, Medicine, Chemistry, Biology, Superconductivity and Food Technology. About 30 scientists exchanged visits from both sides.

Indonesia

Actions are underway for signing of a Programme of Cooperation in Science & Technology during the first meeting of the Joint S&T Committee scheduled to take place in New Delhi during the first quarter of 2001. The Joint S&T Committee has been constituted with Secretary, DST as Co?Chairman from the Indian side and Secretary to the Ministry of State Research & Technology as Co?Chairman from the Indonesian side. A Programme of Cooperation is expected to be concluded during the visit of a senior level delegation from the Government of Indonesia during the first quarter of 2001.

Israel

The work under the 22 on?going joint research projects was continued. Six more joint research projects in Human Genome were approved for implementation which would be supported by DST. The Principal Investigators from Israel as well as India for some of the joint projects visited the laboratories of their collaborators during the year.

An Indo?Israel status seminar on Human Genome Research was organised in India in the last week of December 2000.

Italy

About 25 visits of Indian and Italian scientists have been sponsored for joint work under on-going Indo-Italian research projects in the fields of materials science, energy and environment, medical & agricultural biotechnology. In addition, visit of 8 Indian scientists were sponsored under an Indo-Italian Program on "NMR studies on Biological Systems" between Prof. Girjesh Govil, Head National NMR Facility, TIFR Mumbai and Prof. Ivano Bettini, Centre for Magnetic Resonance (CERM), University of Florence Florence. This is one of the new initiative (agreed at Joint Meeting at Rome on Nov.24,1999 under the aegis of Indo-Italian POC in S&T) that became operational during this year. This program is aimed at understanding structure-function relationship of biomolecules using advanced NMR instrumentation and methodologies.

Collaboration with Sincrotrone Trieste in the field of physics and technology of accelerated particles within the framework of current Indo-Italian POC in S&T encompassed sponsoring: 7 Indian scientists and engineers for 19 manmonths to Sincrotrone Trieste's Elettra Accelerator Complex for advanced training ; 8 Indian scientists to perform three research experiments awarded 58 shifts on Elettra beamlines; 4 member Indian delegation for participation in the Indo-Italian joint meeting held at Trieste, Italy during Nov. 30-Dec. 1, 2000 followed by the 8th International Elettra user meeting during December 4-5, 2000. A document on "Utilization of Italian Advanced Research Facility, Elettra: An Indian Experience" emerged from the DST sponsored National Review Meeting of India's collaboration with Sincrotrone Trieste that at Indore on July 30-31,2000. This exercise defined the position to be taken by the visiting Indian team at the forthcoming Indo-Italian Meeting-cum-8th International Elettra User Meeting at Trieste in Nov.30-Dec.5,2000.

DST is hosting a 8-member Italian Scientific Delegation from Trento on an exploratory mission to India during Jan.13-19,2001 in the field of information technology & robotics (including maths and computer science) and microelectronics (including sensors and Microsystems).

Japan

The Sixth meeting of the India Japan Science Council held in December 2000 in Osaka, Japan reviewed the activities undertaken in the India Japan Cooperative Science Programme. In addition to 5 ongoing joint projects and a new project, three joint workshops and one Asian Academy Seminar were organised and more than twenty short?term research visits were supported. 5 postdoctoral and 4 doctoral fellowships for conducting research in Japanese universities were administered and visits of fourteen RONPAKU (Doctoral) fellows to Japan and their Japanese supervisers to India were facilitated.

As a follow up of the decision of the sixth meeting of the bilateral India?Japan Joint Committee held in September 1999 in Tokyo and subsequent exchange of letters, 10 new projects were processed. Visit of five Indian scientists to Japan for participation in a Joint Workshop on Ceramics was supported. Six Indian scientists visited advanced facilities at Spring?8 and KEK and conducted scientific experiments. Eight Long?term and eight short?term fellowships offered by Science & Technology Agency (STA) of Japan were administered.

Malaysia

Negotiations are under way to conclude a Programme of Cooperation in S&T for exploratory exchange visits of scientists on both the sides, organisation of Joint Workshops/Seminars, implementation of Joint R&D projects in areas of common interest , etc. A Joint S&T Committee is being constituted with representatives drawn from both the sides covering specific topics relating to Advanced Materials, Biotechnology, Medical Sciences, Ocean Science & Technology and Technology Transfer. Secretary, DST visited Malaysia during August 2000 to have specific discussions at the Malaysian Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment. It is expected that a senior level delegation representing the Malaysian Ministry of Science, Technology & Environment will be visiting New Delhi in the first quarter of 2001 for the first meeting of Joint Committee as well as conclusion of POC in S&T for 2001?2003.

Mexico

To facilitate Science and Technology Cooperation between India and Mexico, a Programme of Cooperation (POC) was signed on August 2, 2000 at New Delhi under the existing Science and Technology Agreement signed on July 23, 1975. The POC is for the period 2000?03. Under the POC, the two sides will jointly support research projects, workshops, exploratory visits and participation in conferences/symposia etc.

Two ongoing Indo?Mexican joint research projects were continued. Two Indian scientists visited Mexico and one Mexican scientist visited India under the ongoing projects. One joint research project is under consideration.

Myanmar

A Joint India-Myanmar Working Group for Scientific & Technological Cooperation has been established in pursuance of the Indo-Myanmar Agreement on Cooperation in the fields of Science & Technology signed on 24th June 1999. The Indian side of the Joint Working Group is led by Secretary, DST with representation from DST, DBT, CSIR and Information Technology.

An Indian S&T delegation led by Secretary, DST visited Myanmar from April 4-9, 2000 for participation in the First Meeting of the Indo-Myanmar Joint Working Group on Scientific & Technological Cooperation held at Yangon, Myanmar on April 5-6, 2000. A Programme of Cooperation in Science & Technology between Government of India and the Government of Myanmar for the period 2000-2002 was signed on 5th April 2000, during this meeting.

The India-Myanmar Joint Working Group for Scientific and Technological Cooperation agreed to initiate the new programme through exploratory and exchange visits, organisation of the thematic workshops, training of Myanmar scientists and technical personnel in Myanmar by visiting Indian experts and also in Indian organisations, and post-doctoral fellowships in Indian Institutions in the fields of basic and fundamental sciences. To begin with, the collaboration will take place in the areas of Scientific & Medical Instrumentation, Aquaculture & Biotechnology, Metrology, Standards and Quality Certification and Non-Conventional Sources of Energy.

In view of the recommendations made in the 1st Meeting of the Indo-Myanmar Joint Working Group held on April 4-5, 2000, a delegation led by Secretary, DBT visited Myanmar from September 4-8, 2000. A Biotechnology Workshop was held in Yangon from September 5-7, 2000. A work plan for cooperation in Biotechnology was recommended for implementation for a period of two years w.e.f. September 2000 within the framework of POC in S&T.

A proposal for setting up of India-Myanmar Scientific and Technical Friendship Library in Yangon was also developed.

Namibia

A Namibian delegation visited DST on November 22, 2000 and held discussions regarding developing S&T Cooperation between India and Namibia.

Nigeria

In order to develop S&T Cooperation between India and Nigeria, a draft S&T Agreement has been sent to the Government of Nigeria for their comments. Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Science & Technology, Nigeria, visited DST on 17.11.2000 and held discussions regarding S&T Cooperation between India and Nigeria. During the discussions it was mentioned that Nigeria was keen to develop S&T Cooperation within India.

Poland

Following the 4th meeting of the Indo?Polish Joint S&T Committee, 16 joint research projects in the areas of Chemistry, Modeling, Instrumentation, Opto?electronics, Meteorology and Biotechnology are being implemented. About 25 exchange visits of scientists took place.

Republic of Korea

Efforts are on way to finalise a Programme of Cooperation in Science & Technology between India and the Republic of Korea. A draft POC in S&T has been conveyed to the ROK side for their consideration. A 12 member scientific team from ROK visited India during August 28? September 1, 2000 to have discussions with their counterparts in scientific/research institutions located in Delhi, Hyderabad and Bangalore. The scientific team comprised experts in various trades ranging from Science Policy and Management, Space Science, Advanced Materials, Biotechnology, Electronics and Computer Science. Actions are under way to finalise a detailed Programme of Cooperation taking note of the impressions of the ROK team during their visit to India.

Russia

An agreement on Integrated Long Term Programme (ILTP) of cooperation in Science & Technology was concluded by the Hob'ble Minister for Science and Technology, Human Resources Development and Ocean Development and the Russian Deputy Prime Minister. The agreement provides for continuation of cooperation under ILTP for a further period of 10 years. An Indo?Russian Advanced Computing Research Centre was inaugurated at Moscow by the Hon'ble Minister for Science & Technology, Human Resources Development & Ocean Development, Government of India in July 2000 to mark the 13th anniversary of the ILTP. A document "13 Years of ILTP" was also released. Following the ninth session of the ILTP Joint Council, 132 joint projects are being implemented. Over 200 exchange visits of scientists were organized for implementation of identified project activities as well as for exploratory purposes. MOU for setting?up of Joint Venture for Production of Silicon Wafers in India, Agreement for setting?up of Indo?Russian Biotechnology Centre in India and a separate S&T arrangement with Kurchatov Institute, Moscow were concluded. ILTP fellowships were offered to Russian scientists for working in India. Technology Route, a magazine to disseminate information about Russian technologies ready for commercialization and technology transfer to Indian industries, was published on bi?monthly basis.

Singapore

A Programme of Cooperation in S&T is under discussion with Singapore. A two member team from the National Science & Technology Board (NSTB) of Singapore called on Secretary, DST on August 26, 2000 to discuss possibility of concluding the POC and also develop linkages between Singapore Synchrotron Radiation Facility with Indian counterpart agencies as well as initiating a fellowship programme enabling the researchers on both the sides to pursue advanced research in each other's countries.

Sri Lanka

The ongoing cooperation activities in various subjects were continued during the year. Five Sri Lankan scientists were trained in CFTRI, Mysore in various fields of Food Science & Technology during the year.

Sudan

H.E. Mr. Abdalmahmood Abdalhaleem Mohammad, Ambassador of the Republic of Sudan visited DST on 1st September 2000 and held discussions on S&T Cooperation, i.e., sharing of experiences through scientific conferences and workshops and encouragement of the exchange of invitations to participate in the scientific gatherings. A draft agreement between India and Sudan on Cooperation in Science & Technology has been sent to the Sudanese Ambassador in India for seeking the comments of the Sudan Government.

Syria

A high level Syrian delegation, which included the Minister of Education and Industry and Minister of State for Planning and Technology of Syria, called on the Hon'ble Minister of State, S&T, Government of India on July 24, 2000.

A MOU between the Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India and the Ministry of Planning, Government of Syrian Arab Republic was concluded on 27th July 2000 in New Delhi. The signatories to this MOU were the Minister of State for Planning from the Syrian side and the Hon'ble Minister of State, S&T from the Indian side.

A three-member Indian delegation led by the Hon'ble Minister of State, S&T visited Syria from November 12-16, 2000 at the invitation of the Syrian Minister of State for Planning. A new Programme of Cooperation in Science & Technology between the Government of India and the Government of Syrian Arab Republic for the period 2000-2002 was signed by Hon'ble MOS (S&T), Government of India with the Syrian MOS for Planning on 15.11.2000.

Tunisia

During the first meeting of the Indo?Tunisian Joint Commission held at Tunis, issues related to S&T cooperation between India and Tunisia were discussed and a new Programme of Cooperation was concluded.

Ukraine

The new Programme of Cooperation for the period 2000?2003 was concluded during the visit of Secretary, DST to Kyiv in June 2000. Following this, 23 joint project proposals have been received. An Indian medical delegation also visited Institute of Monocrystal, Kharkov to examine the feasibility of bloodless surgery using sapphire laser.

U.K.

Second Meeting of the India?UK Joint S&T Committee was held in New Delhi on April 19?20, 2000. The meeting was Co?Chaired by Secretary, DST from the Indian side and Chief Executive of the Higher Education Funding Council from the British side. The Joint Committee reviewed the progress made in the 26 ongoing joint research projects in specific areas of (i) Agro?Food Science and Biotechnology; (ii) Advanced Manufacturing Systems & Advanced Materials; and (iii) Telecommunication, including Information Technology. The recommendations of the India?UK Joint Seminar on Technology Management which took place in Hyderabad during March 4?5, 2000 were also considered. It was agreed that a Joint Task Force would look into various recommendations and provide the necessary plan of action to the Joint S&T Committee.

Around 30 exchange visits were supported during the period under review. Additional 13 proposals were finalised for support under UK?India Science & Technology Research Fund for the period 2001?2003. The finalisation of the proposals was based on the Peer Review carried out by both the Indian and the British experts. The implementation of these proposals started w.e.f. January 2001.

USA

An Indo?US Science and Technology Forum Agreement was signed by the Government of India and the Government of United States of America on March 21, 2000 at New Delhi. As an outcome of this agreement, an Indo?US Science and Technology Forum has been established as an autonomous society registered in India under Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860. The Department of Science and Technology is the administrative department for the Forum. The Forum has been established with the following objectives:

• To facilitate and promote the interaction, in India and the United States, of government, academia, and industry in science, technology.
  
• To focus on issues of common concern and activities of mutual benefit while exploring trends in science and technology.
  
• To promote research and development, the transfer of technology, the creation of a comprehensive electronic reference source for Indo?US science and technology cooperation, and the electronic exchange and dissemination of information on Indo?US science and technology cooperation.

United States of America has transferred Rs.31.98 crores to Indo?US S&T Forum as an endowment in July 2000. Annual interest earning on this endowment is to support the forum activities. In addition, the Government of India is to make a matching contribution equal to the interest earning on the endowment each year. The Governing Body of the Forum has 7 members each from India and USA. The members nominated by their respective governments have three years tenure. The Governing Body is expected to meet shortly to chalk out detailed plan of action for the Forum for next few years.

In conjunction with President Clinton's visit to India in March 2000, the first India?US High Level Roundtable was held at Hyderabad on March 24, 2000. Several eminent scientists, including Professor Neal Lane (Science Adviser to US Presient), Prof. Rita Colwell (Director, US National Science Foundation), Prof. MGK Menon, Prof. CNR Rao, Prof. UR Rao and Secretaries of Scientific Departments of Government of India participated in the Roundtable meeting. In this meeting, the past S&T cooperation efforts were reviewed and future opportunities were discussed. The second India?US High Level Roundtable on S&T was held on September 15, 2000 at Washington D.C. during Prime Minister Vajpayee's visit to USA. This Roundtable focussed discussions on collaboration opportunities in Genomics, Agricultural Biotechnology, Nanoscale Science and Engineering and Computer and Mathematical Modeling.

DST, as a part of its S&T cooperation programme with the National Science Foundation of USA, continued to support joint research projects and joint workshops. 9 joint research projects initiated last year were continued and 7 new projects have been initiated up to November 2000. Two joint workshops in the areas of "Problems in Elastic Vibrations, Smart Structures and their Solution Technologies" and "Spectral and Inverse Spectral Problems for Schrodinger Operators" have been held at the University of Roorkee and University of Goa respectively. 11 US scientists participated in each of these two workshops.

Vietnam

Work under two Indo?Vietnam Joint Projects was initiated during the year and exchange visits by the Principal Investigators from India and Vietnam for both the projects were undertaken. A Joint workshop on S&T Policy and Management was organised at NISTADS, New Delhi in April 2000 when 5 Vietnamese professionals and 15 Indian experts participated. A 3 member expert team from India visited Vietnam in June 2000 in connection with the joint project on development and transfer of technologies for ehtnic minorities and mountainous areas of Vietnam. A detailed survey was carried out by the experts, based on which a project proposal is being finalised. A joint project on cultivation of neem has been finalised for implementation by NBRI, Lucknow and Institute of Tropical Biology, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

BIMST-EC

The First BIMST-EC Experts' Meeting on Technology Cooperation was held in New Delhi on December 18-19, 2000. Experts from the BIMST-EC countries, namely, Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand, attended the Meeting. Hon'ble Minister of State for Science and Technology inaugurated the Meeting. Nepal attended the inaugural function in its capacity as an observer in BIMST-EC.

The Meeting adopted an 'Agreed Statement' on Cooperation in the Technology Sector, and agreed upon an Action Plan for Cooperation in this Sector for the period 2001 - 2005. The Meeting resolved to develop science and technology (S&T) Cooperation within the BIMST-EC countries which is synergistic and has the active participation of the private sector. It was felt that there should be an increased exchange of scientific and technological resources, including expertise and know-how among the member countries for sustainable economic development of the BIMST-EC region, with emphasis on the use of environment friendly technologies. The member countries recognized the need to enhance the technological capabilities of the BIMST-EC region through regional projects, and by strengthening the technology transfer capabilities in the BIMST-EC region in order to develop interaction between R&D and industry for commercial benefit through quality production. The Meeting recognized the need to facilitate the growth of technology-intensive ventures and encourage innovation for the development of new and appropriate technologies, as well as the importance of making concerted efforts to overcome the 'Digital Divide' within the BIMST-EC region.

The member countries agreed to the creation of databases to facilitate the sharing of information on various subjects, such as indigenous technologies, S&T expertise, training facilities etc. The Meeting further agreed to promote research and development in science and technology. It was decided to identify nodal points in the BIMST - EC countries for promoting cooperation in science and technology. The Experts' Meeting on Cooperation in the Technology Sector will be held on an annual basis before the annual BIMST-EC Ministerial Meeting.

Stepan

This Department, as the Science & Technology Policy Asian Network STEPAN National Focal Point , was involved in Sponsoring a 2 -member Indian delegation to STEPAN Workshop on "Human Resource Development towards Knowledge-based Economy" - cum - STEPAN Board Meeting at Seoul during June 12-15, 2000. The STEPAN Board Meeting agreed to transfer the STEPAN Regional Centre from Republic of Korea (S&T Policy Institute, Seoul) to India (Department of Science & Technology, New Delhi) for a period of 3 years beginning January 1, 2002 and ratified implementation of 2 proposals made by India under the aegis of STEPAN,namely, " Pilot Study on International Mobility of S&T Professionals relevant to Asia : Demands, Trends, Impact, Response" to be undertaken by COSTED Chennai, and "Exchange of S&T personnel for Advanced Research Continuing Education, and Contracts in Knowledge-based Industries among STEPAN member states" to be executed by AICTE, New Delhi.

Unesco

DST followed up on the 5 Resolutions in science sector that were adopted at the 30th UNESCO's General Conference (Paris, Nov.1999). These resolutions formed part of follow-up of India's participation in UNESCO/ICSU Sponsored 'World Conference on Science" Budapest, June 26-July 1,1999. During this year UNESCO confirmed award of seed money for following programs:

• " Pilot Study on International Mobility of S&T Professionals: Demands, Trends, Impact & Response" to be executed by Committee on Science & Technology for Developing Countries (COSTED), Chennai. This study involves participation of 6 Asian countries,namely, China, India, Malaysia, Philippines, Republic of Korea and Sri Lanka. (US$10,000);
  
• Preparatory work on internet enabled science education and teaching to Ministry of Information Technology (US $ 8000); a study tour is envisaged aimed at strengthening Centre for Excellence on technologies related to distance learning in IT at National Center for Software Computing (NCST), Mumbai
  
• Preparatory work on science literacy and culture to Vigyan Prasar (US$10,000); a Regional Meeting of Asia-Pacific countries is contemplated for a critical review of the Concept Paper on Minimum Science for Everyone Package.
  
• Government of India (DST and MHRD, Department of Secondary & Higher Education) and STEPAN Regional Secretariat, Seoul agreed to co-sponsor the Pilot Study on International Mobility of S&T professionals. Further, DST sponsored an exploratory mission of Prof. Robyn Iredale from Australia to India during September 3-9,2000 and a Regional Workshop at COSTED on Oct.30-31,2001 for finalizing questionnaires for pilot study.
  
• DST provided views to MHRD, Department of Secondary & Higher Education (National Commission for Cooperation with UNESCO) on UNESCO Draft Medium Term Strategy (2002-2007) and UNESCO Draft Program & Budget (2002-2003) preparatory to participation of India in DG's Consultative Meeting of National Commissions of Asia and the Pacific (July 10-12,2000 Tashkent) and 12th Statutory Regional Conference of National Commissions for UNESCO in Asia & Pacific (July 13-15,2000 Tashkent)

DST-ICTP Fellowship Program:

• Seven Indian scientists were awarded DST-ICTP Fellowships within the framework of DST-ICTP Agreement for Enhanced Cooperation in S&T for attending following ICTP Training Programs:
  
• School on Automorphic forms of GL(n),July 31-August 18, 2000 (1 scientist)
  
• Fifth workshop on 3 - Dimensional modeling of seismic waves generation, propagation and their inversion, Sept.25- Oct.6, 2000(4 scientists);
  
• Workshop on Physics of mesosphere- stratosphere inter- actions with special emphasis on MST Radar techniques, Nov.13-24, 2000 (2 scientists).
  
• DST provided international air travel costs while ICTP took care of the local hospitality expenses.

Berlin

The year 2000?2001 witnessed an upsurge of Indo?German relations in Science & Technology. The new Science Counsellor of India took over his position in Berlin (the new capital of Germany) on 17th January 2000, which was immediately followed by the Third Meeting of Indo?German Joint Committee on Science & Technology during January 24?25, 2000 in Berlin. The joint committee, which reviewed the ongoing programmes, also laid down policy guidelines for intensifying the Indo?German Cooperation.

The Indo?German Cooperation received a great boost when Prof. M.M. Joshi, Hon'ble Minister (HRD and S&T) visited Germany during June 19?23, 2000 at the invitation of German Federal Minister for Education & Research. This was the visit after a gap of 12 years since the last visit undertaken in 1988 by the then MOS (S&T) Mr. K.R. Narayanan.

The highlights of the activities undertaken during the year are:?

• 3rd Meeting of the Indo?German joint Committee on Science & Technology took place in Berlin during January 24?25 2000 under the chairmanship of Prof. V.S. Ramamurthy, Secretary, DST and Prof. Uwe Thomas, State Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education & Research. The Committee recommended intensifying cooperation through exchange of students, exchange of scientists, joint symposia/workshops and research projects involving industrial partners.
• At the invitation of German Federal Minister for Education & Research, Prof. Dr. M.M. Joshi, Minister (HRD and S&T) paid a visit to Germany during June 19?23, 2000 which provided a great impetus to the ongoing Indo?German relationship on Science & Technology. In addition to bilateral meetings and visiting major research Centres in Berlin (BESSY II, DLR), Julich (Forschungszentrum, Julich), the Hon'ble Minister also delivered a lecture at the University of Bonn on "Role of Science & Technology for Non?Exploitative Peace Loving Society".
• During the year, 130 joint projects involving major German Research Institutes and Universities continued with seven of them with industrial participation. As a part of joint projects visits of more than 250 scientists were exchanged.

New Initiatives

• Detailed discussions with DFG (German Research Society) resulted in an agreement in principle for launching a new project based programme between DGF and DST, which is expected to be signed sometimes in 2001 during the scheduled visit of President, DFG to India. The DFG/DST programme would be instrumental in substantial increase in joint research projects between India and Germany.
• Germany hosts a meeting of Nobel Prize Winners every year at a place called Lindau. The next meeting is scheduled in June 2001 at Lindau, where the Nobel Laureates in Physics will come together. An arrangement is being worked out with the Lindau Committee for participation of 20 bright young Indian students (age group 20 to 30) at the meeting.

Moscow

About 76 Indian scientists visited Russia and 86 Russian scientists visited India during the year under various scientific cooperation programmes. Out of these, visits of 55 Indian and 51 Russian scientists, respectively, were under the Integrated Long?Term Programme (ILTP). The meeting of the Indo?Ukrainian Joint Council was held in Kyiv during May 22-30, 2000.

H.E. Prof. M.M. Joshi, the hon'ble Minister for Science & Technology, HRD & OD of India, inaugurated the Joint Indo?Russian Centre for Advanced Computing Research and installation of PARAM? 10,000 supercomputer at the Institute for Computer Aided Design (ICAD), Moscow on 3rd July, 2000.

The Fifth Meeting of the Indo?Russian Working Group on Science & Technology was held at New Delhi on January 12, 2000. The meeting was co?chaired by Prof. V.S. Ramamurthy, Secretary, DST and Prof. V.A. Knyazhev, Deputy Minister of Science & Technology from the Indian and the Russian sides, respectively.

The first meeting of the Joint Committee for Indo?Russian Centre for Advanced Computing Research was held at the Institute for Computer aided Design (ICAD), Moscow on 30th June and Ist July, 2000.

The Third meeting of the Indo?Russian Joint Working Committee (JJWC) for the Integrated Long Term Programme of Cooperation in Science and Technology (ILTP) was held in Moscow and Novosibirsk during September 18?23, 2000.

Tokyo

The wing published its monthly edited report "S&T in Japan" including editorials, development news, and statistical displays and contributed articles to the DST publication, "Information Today and Tomorrow".

An MOU was signed between Japan Marine Science and Technology Centre (JAMSTEC) and National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Goa to conduct joint research in oceanographic and atmospheric science for a period of five years.

Dr. Ashok Jain, Former Head of the Science Wing, Embassy of India, Tokyo was conferred with the coveted prize of "Third order of merit with grand cordon of the sacred treasure" by the Government of Japan.

The wing participated in Fifth Asia?Pacific S&T Management seminar held at Fukuoka from February 8 ? 10, 2000 and the project meeting of International Rice Genome Sequencing held at Tsukuba. Discussions were facilitated between DBT and Brain Science Institute, Saitama and also with the Rice Genome Sequencing program of Japan.

The wing facilitated the participation of twelve professors from Japan in the Indo?Japan seminar on Advanced manufacturing systems and Manufacturing of Advanced Composites held at Sikkim from February 21 to 27, 2000.

Participation of Indian scientists was facilitated in the following programmes:

• World Meteorological Organization on climate research programme March 13 to 18, 2000 at Tokyo.
  
• Board of Governors' meting on World Atomic and Nuclear Energy Operators from April 7?9, 2000.
  
• International workshop on "Transition to sustainability in the 21st century held at Tokyo from May 15-18, 2000 wherein 75 countries participated.
  
• Asia Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum held at Tokyo between June 18-23, 2000.
  
• India?Japan Ceramic Seminar held at Nagoya Institute of Technology between July 12-14, 2000 under the aegis of India?Japan collaborative programme.

The wing provided a variety of assistance, encouragement, information to almost one hundred participants from Japan to about eight international or bilateral conferences held in India. These included India?Japan workshop on Microsystems technology held at Delhi between November 23 and 25, International symposium on Advances in Bio?organic Chemistry at TIFR between November 20 and 24, Asian Academy seminar on Manufacturing Science held at Hyderabad between December 3 to 12, Pacific Ocean Remote Sensing Conference held at NIO, Goa from December 5 to 8, International Conference on "Strings 2001" at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai from January 5?10, 2001. Preparations were made for the sixth meeting of the India?Japan Science Council held at Kyoto from December 21.

Washington

Indo?US Science & Technology cooperation scaled new heights and witnessed several prominent milestones last year with the launching of Indo?US Science & Technology Forum; two high level Indo?US Science & Technology Roundtable meetings in India and in USA, concurrent with the visits of President William Jefferson Clinton to India and Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee to USA and a warm welcome by the US officials/legislators/scientific community to the visit of India's Minister for Science & Technology, Human Resource Development and Ocean Development, Hon'ble Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi; an invitation to India's Secretary of Science & Technology, Prof. V.S. Ramamurthy to address the US President's Committee of Advisors on Science & Technology (PCAST); a special lecture by Dr. R.A. Mashelkar, Director General, CSIR and Secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research to Washington based Science Diplomats to mark India's Technology Day.

The Hon'ble Minister for Science & Technology, Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi was accorded a very warm welcome in Washington DC, where he held discussions with the US Secretary of Education Richard W Riley; Director, Office of the Science & Technology Policy and Assistant to the US President on Science and Technology, Dr. Neal Lane; several prominent Senators and Congressmen; the Presidents of the US National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering and the Institute of Medicines; the Presidents of American Professional Societies and a large number of distinguished scientists and Indian American community members

A large number of distinguished scientists and administrators visited USA for discussions relating to ongoing programs and to explore opportunities for enhanced cooperation. Dr. Manju Sharma, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Dr. N.K. Ganguly, Director General, ICMR and several prominent scientists participated in the Joint Working Group meetings of the Indo?US Vaccine Action program. A delegation led by Mr. A.K. Mangotra, Joint Secretary, MNES, held discussions with various US and multilateral agencies for promoting cooperation in non? conventional energy sources. A delegation led by Mr. Amitabh Pande, Joint Secretary, DST, visited USA for discussions with the US Geological Survey. Dr. R.K. Bhandari, Head, International S&T Affairs Directorate, CSIR, held extensive discussions with Indian American scientists regarding the program on Transfer of Knowledge and Technology through Expatriate Nationals (TOKTEN).