Annual Report 2003 - 2004

Science and Engineering Research Council

Monsoon and Tropical Climate (Montclim)

Research and developmental activities towards better understanding of the complex landocean- atmosphere interactive processes at different spatial and temporal scales were being coordinated under two Atmospheric Science Programmes. Studies related to the physics and dynamics of monsoons, coupled land-ocean-atmospheric system, agrometeorology and indigenous development of technology for Atmospheric Science applications were being supported under MONTCLIM. In order to study the effect of weather and climate in the tropics, efforts were being made to improve parameterization of land-ocean-atmospheric processes in the atmospheric General Circulation Models (GCMs). The notable achievements under the above programme were as follows:

Atmospheric Dynamics and Modelling

The study of mean daily upper air fields of the NCEP reanalysis for the summer monsoon season over the monsoon domain for the period 1958-1999 were completed.

The lower tropospheric flow depicted the strength of the Somali jet and strong crossequatorial flow during the onset period which further intensified in post-onset period. On the other hand, the prominent features of the upper troposphere flow illustrated that the tropical westerly jet migrated towards north and the easterlies developed over the North Indian Ocean during the arrival of summer monsoon over India.

Studies were initiated to explore the significance of physiographic features in the land surface processes and feasibility of their parameterization for use in a GCM, in the perspective of the Indian monsoon. An ensemble of simulation experiments was performed using initial and boundary conditions of different distinct El Niño and La Niña and normal years.

Global Atmosphere and Monsoon Experiment (GAME) data was used as the input to a mesoscale model to simulate monsoon depression. The input data was improved by using radiosonde data obtained from 34 stations of the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The results indicated that the intensification/ weakening of the depression was well redicted
in this experiment.

Simulation of thunderstorm observed over Kolkata was undertaken using a non-hydrostatic mesoscale model. The model was used with two-way interactive nested grids of resolution 16-km and 4-km. For model simulation, six-hourly GAME data was used along with the upper air (RS/RW) data of Ranchi, Patna and Calcutta. Inclusion of upper air data during the model initiation was able to simulate the temporal and spatial structure of the thunderstorm with significant accuracy in time and location.

Ocean –atmosphere coupling

A two-dimensional mixed layer model was used to simulate mixed layer temperature (MLT) during 1992 to 2001 to understand the interannual variability of MLT. This model could simulate the observed dipole events of 1994 and 1997 reasonably well (Figure 2.13). It was found that the cooling observed in the south eastern equatorial Indian Ocean during the dipole years were mainly due to reduced heat flux in the form of the latent heat flux. Also, the western warming during the dipole years was mainly caused by the wind and latent heat flux anomalies.

Two 1-D mixed layer models were used to successfully simulate the Sea Surface Temperature (SST) and mixed layer depth at two locations in the Arabian Sea.

Figure 2.13: Comparison of simulated Indian Ocean Dipole with the observations

An adjoint technique was used to estimate the seasonal net surface heat flux over the Indian Ocean. Ocean General Circulation Model (OGCM) and its adjoint were used for variational assimilation. The net heat flux obtained after the assimilation was quite similar to the mean seasonal pattern of the surface heat flux distribution, although there were some differences between its numerical values.

Atmospheric Chemistry

The estimation of the methane flux from different agroclimatic zones of Assam was completed. Among three rice growing ecosystems of Assam, the Kharif rice, i.e. Sali rice, ecosystem emits maximum methane, followed by boro and ahu rice ecosystems. Rice varieties grown in the upper Brahmaputra valley zone showed highest average methane flux value compared to central and lower Brahmaputra valley zone. It had been observed that the traditional local cultivars with profuse vegetative growth emitted higher methane compared to high yielding varieties. Continuously flooded situation during monsoon season promoted methane emission and it increased with increase in soil organic matter content of the field.

Field observational campaigns for monitoring of aerosols and gases were undertaken in four different environments. At all the locations, during winter of 2002/03, one observed bimodal distribution with one peak in fine size range and the other in coarse size range. The chemical composition of fog water samples collected at Delhi during the two winters of 2002 and 2003 showed that the fog was alkaline in nature. Further measurements of the physicochemical parameters and aerosols in these environments were in progress.

Agrometeorology

The creation of Agromet databank facility was completed. The same had been taken over by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) for regular maintenance. ICAR would also update it. Field experiments at Palampur were completed to calibrate CERESRice and CERES-Wheat models. The model simulation studies were done with weather, soil and management as inputs and one obtained different crop development/growth stages and yield components. The models were validated using the observed data from the field experiments. The results indicated that the crop development stages were well simulated and grain yields were satisfactory.

Technology Development

The indigenously developed Wind Profiler - Radio Acoustic Sounding System for continuous atmospheric monitoring, was made operational. The data archival system was put in place and quality check of the past data was completed. The initial results were very encouraging.

Indian Climate Research Programme (ICRP)

Studies related to temporal and spatial variability of climate, past climate, climate changeand relationships between climate and agriculture were being coordinated under ICRP. Special emphasis was being laid on evolving and implementing multi-agency, multi-disciplinary coordinated field experimental campaigns to investigate the land-ocean-atmosphere interactions and their role in monsoon variability. The observational campaigns of the Bay of Bengal Monsoon Experiment (BOBMEX) and the Arabian Sea Monsoon Experiment (ARMEX) were successfully completed under ICRP. The salient achievements under the programme were as follows:

Empirical Prediction of the Indian Summer Monsoon

A conceptual basis for extended range prediction of active and weak phases of the Indian Summer Monsoon was established. A fundamental difference between transitions from active to break and from break to active conditions of Indian Summer Monsoon was discovered. It was shown that the transition from break to active condition was intrinsically much more chaotic than that from an active to break transition. An estimate of potential predictability of the active and break conditions was made and it was shown that monsoon breaks were much more predictable than active conditions. A multiple regression model for predicting the intraseasonal component of rainfall was developed.

Role of Snow in the Prediction of Seasonal Mean Monsoon Rainfall

Modelling studies were carried out to evaluate the relationship of Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall (IMR) and Circulation with Eurasian and Tibetan Snow Depths using T80 spectral GCM and a Regional Climate Model (RegCM3), respectively. The initial atmospheric data was of National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF) analysed fields. Daily snow depth data had been used as the surface boundary condition for the Eurasian region. Model simulations demonstrated that high (low) Eurasian snow depth in Spring was followed by deficient (excess) IMR. Model simulations also showed weak (strong) seasonal mean lower level monsoon westerlies and upper level easterlies in response to high (low) April snow over Eurasia.

North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and ENSO

The analysis of the tendency of ESI (Effective Strength Index, which meant the joint effect of NAO and ENSO) for the recent 30 years (1961-1990) showed an inverse association of ESI from January-April with IMR and some of its homogeneous regions. A Regional Pressure Index (RPI) over Indian region for 101 years (1899-1999) on monthly scale had been constructed and its relationship with the IMR had been studied. The study revealed that RPI in the month of May and January would be a new precursor for the long-range forecasting of IMR on smaller spatial scale.

Arabian Sea Monsoon Experiment

The second phase of the Arabian Sea Monsoon Experiment (ARMEX) was successfully completed. The main aim of this large-scale land-ocean-atmosphere field experiment was to obtain more insight into the intricacies of formation and development of the off-shore vortex and the warm pool over the Arabian Sea.

Climate-Chemistry Interactions

A two-dimensional interactive chemical model of the lower and middle atmosphere was developed to study the atmospheric chemistry-climate interactions. The radiative forcing due to the growth of greenhouse gases due to human activities for the past three decades had been simulated and found to be -2K /decade (cooling) in the height range of 15-50 km over the Indian tropical region.

Climate and Agriculture

The establishment of an ‘Agrometeorological Data Bank’ for collecting, compiling and archiving various types of agrometeorological data was completed and a ‘Website’ to access the data was also developed. The project would be continued by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. Coordinated field experimental data, available with the India Meteorological Department, Pune, was being analysed to develop crop-weather relationship models. Studies on micro-regional (district as unit) rainfall variability and its influence on crop production in the eastern UP and Bihar plains were initiated. A workshop on Animal-Climate relationships was also organised. Himalayan Glaciology

The Himalayan Glaciology programme is aimed at understanding the behaviour of glaciers in general and their interaction with climate and hydrological systems in the region. It also aims to train manpower and create research and development facilities in this vital area of societal relevance.

Some of the new projects sanctioned this year were:

- SAR data analysis for snow packs characteristics and glacier movement studies on Gangotri glacier.
- Palaeo-glaciation studies of upper Alaknanda catchment (upstream to Mana) with special reference to pro-glacial geomorphology of Satopnath and Bhagirath Kharak glaciers.
- Palaeo-environmental reconstruction and glacial chronology in Himachal and Garhwal Himalayas.

A brief account of the significant results obtained in ongoing and completed projects is given below:

Gangotri Glacier

Gangotri glacier is one of the largest glaciers in the Himalayas. The glacier, spread over an area of 260 sq.km, is of great significance for maintaining the water balance in North India. Considering the significance of Gangotri glacier, and with a view to understand the glaciological processes, a multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional programme on the Gangotri glacier was initiated by DST. Some highlights of the significant results obtained under this programme are as follows:

• Analysis of hydrometeorological data for the summer season (May to October, 2003) had been completed. The conceptual hydrological model developed for the Gangotri Glacier was used to simulate daily stream flow from Gangotri Glacier for 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003. Results showed a good efficiency of the model.
• Multiproxy data viz., pollen, carbon isotope and magnetic susceptibility from sub-surface sediments from three profiles close to snout of Gangotri Glacier had been analysed which provided information on climatic changes during the entire postglacial period around the Gangotri glacier.
• Indian remote sensing satellite (IRS-1A/1B/1C & 1D) data relating to the entire Bhagirathi river watershed upstream of Devprayag on 1:250,000 scale, and for the Gangotri glacier area in particular on 1:50,000 scale, for the years 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002 and pertaining to the peak accumulation and ablation period of each years had been visually interpreted for snow cover assessment and mapping. Integration of satellite derived information with collateral data had enabled monitoring the fluctuations in the position of snout of the Gangotri glacier during the last decade and this, in turn, had enabled monitoring the rate of retreat of the snout in recent times.
• Studies in glacial and glacio-fluvial geomorphology in Gangotri glacier between Gaumukh and Gangotri, Garhwal Himalayas: The lineaments study reflected four major trends, viz. NNW-SSE, to N-S, NE-SW and E-W. They appeared to have a close relationship with the deformational history of the area. The presence of triangular facets, L- shaped spurs, abundance of active landslide zones, compressed meanders, epigenetic gorges and derangement of drainage etc. witnessed neotectonism in this area
• Microbial Biodiversity and Environmental Quality Studies at Gangotri Glacier: Samples were collected during winter (February), summer (June) and monsoon (September) seasons. The annual variations in pH, alkalinity, hardness, nitrate, fluoride, sulfate and total dissolved solid of the water collected from various study sites were recorded.

Dokriani Bamak Glacier

The Dokriani Bamak is a well-developed medium sized glacier of the Bhagirathi basin. The glacier is 5km long and flows in the Northwest direction terminating at an elevation of 3800 m.

The studies on Dokriani Bamak in the Bhagirthi River catchment have focused on atmospheric deposition on the Dokriani Bamak Glacier, glacier mass balance, glacier runoff and its effects on the river hydrology regime, sediment transfer from glacierised and nonglacierised regions and hydrometeorology on Din Gad catchment.

Analysis of the acquired data for the period 1997 to 2002 had shown that the glacier had receded by about 91m with an average of 18.2 m/yr.

Studies on snow pack characteristics through microwave remote sensing techniques

The major objectives of this study were: i) Multi temporal SAR data interpretation to delineate distinct zones and facies of snow and ice, and ii) SAR data analysis to decipher surface characteristics of snow. The analysis of SAR images was carried out to map the different facies of Beaskund glacier and discern the snow pack characteristics such as wetness, density, thickness and grain size. Fusion of SAR data and optical data was performed using the Bayesian formulation. SAR data had been synthesised using multiplicative auto-regressive random field to generate a new image that followed multivariate normal distribution.

Some of the new initiatives taken under the Himalayan Glaciology Programme were as follows:

• Establishment of Regional Centre for Monitoring Glacial Environment and Climate Change (RC-MGECC) in Himachal Pradesh.
  
• Ground work was done for establishment of a National Centre for Field Operation and Research – Himalayan Glaciology (NCFOR-HG).
• Preliminary discussions were held to explore initiation of studies on surging of glaciers in two sectors, namely; the Karakoram sector (Kumdan) and the Pin Valley.
• Initiation of a proposal for preparation of Atlas of Indian Himalayan Glaciers.
• Work was in progress for publication of a bibliography of Himalayan Glaciers.
• Initiatives were taken to forge international co-operation, particularly in light of the recommendations of the International Workshop of Central Asian Regions on Glaciology.

International Centre For S&T Capacity Building In Climate Change For Developing Countries

Recognizing the need to integrate and build S&T capabilities and to create systems for effectively using S&T inputs in decision-making, DST has prepared a proposal for establishing an “International Centre for S&T Capacity Building in Climate Change for Developing Countries of Tropical Asia”.

Seismicity Programme

The Seismicity Programme aims at understanding the earthquake processes and mechanisms related to the Indian Lithosphere, their recurrence interval and their manifestation on the surface for developing techniques for hazard mitigation. During the last few years, efforts have been intensified to take up seismological, geological and geophysical studies in selected regions for generating a comprehensive database of scientific significance. A number of new initiatives have been taken towards establishing and modernizing the observational networks, site response studies, geotechnical investigations, active fault mapping, crustal geodynamics, precursory studies, offshore studies etc. With the increased interest of the scientific community in the programme, new technologies are being used for carrying out integrated studies.

As the Himalayan region forms a part of the most active seismic belts of the world, following two major projects were initiated in North Eastern region in order to understand the deep crustal structure and regional tectonics:

Lithospheric Structure and Seismogenesis in Sikkim Himalayas

The studies were expected to delineate the fine crustal and upper mantle velocity structures of the Sikkim Himalayan region. The studies would also help in delineating the thickness of the sediment cover and the depth to the basement. With the help of refraction/wide angle reflection data, it would be possible to find out the sub-basement velocity structure.

Geophysical Studies over Seismically Active Regions of North Eastern India

The above studies are aimed at i) determination of the lateral and depth variation of the electric resistivity over the Darranga-Shilong-Dauki and Garampani-Silchar-Imphal Transects; ii) mapping of the deep crustal structure beneath the Shillong plateau and other tectonic features in the deep crust; iii) delineation of the electrical signatures of the Arakan Yoma Suture at deeper levels; and iv) formulation of the regional tectonic and crustal evolutionary model using the results of the present project as well as other available geological information.

It was also planned to take up Magneto-Telluric survey covering the Sikkim region to correlate the results obtained using other geophysical tools.

Mission Mode Project on Seismology

Under the Mission Mode Project on Seismology approved in the 10th Plan, following activities were identified and supported:

• Setting-up of multi-parametric geophysical observatories at selected locations.
  
• Upgradation of national strong motion instrumentation network.
  
• Seismotectonics model of the Uttaranchal Himalayas and Gujarat.
  
• School earthquake monitoring laboratory programme for NE India, Uttaranchal and Sikkim Himalayas.
  
• Estimation of strong ground motion in the NCR of Delhi, Guwahati and Ahmedabad.
  
• Creation of specialized manpower in Computational Seismology.
  
• Production of instructional/ self learning materials.
  

Offshore Studies

The Task Force set up by DST to formulate a comprehensive proposal for initiating geophysical/seismological studies in Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal completed its report.

The Task Force had identified three major projects as detailed below:

1. Imaging crustal architecture, tectonics and evolution of the continental margin along select corridors forming extension of Udipi-Kavalai continental transect;
2. Estimation of deep crustal features and the extent of Deccan Flood Basalts along the Western continental margins of India; and
3. Mapping the source region of active barren Island Volcano subduction zone in the NE Indian Ocean.

Action had been initiated to implement the above projects through relevant institutions.

Bilateral Collaboration

In order to develop and strengthen the bilateral programme in the area of Seismology with Russia, several major projects of mutual interest were identified. Among these were:

establishment of multiparametric observatory; development of algorithms and expert systems for recognition of events and real time determination of source parameters; application of artificial intelligence and advanced mathematical methods for acquisition and analysis of seismological and geophysical data; physics of earthquake process and comprehensive analyses of multiparameter observatories for precursory research; seismic characterization of lithosphere and asthenosphere; and GIS based framework for earthquake hazard quantification. Achievements under on-going and completed Projects

• Under the project on “Microzonation Studies of Few Urban Areas”, the work of Jabalpur microzonation was completed and a detailed report was now ready. Based on the integration of different thematic layers, three structural blocks in Jabalpur area had been identified. These were further sub-divided based on lithological attributes, morphology, and soil characteristics into 19 sub-units of uniform seismic rigidity and anticipated uniform ground response; this first-level microzonation map had formed the base for further studies. This first-cut map had been further updated by integrating geotechnical parameters of liquefaction, site-response pattern, namely, predominant frequency and ground amplification; to a second-level hazard map (Figure 2. 14).

Figure 2.14: Seismic Hazard Map – 2nd level Microzonation

• National GPS Programme envisages establishment of permanent or semi-permanent GPS stations and specific studies in a consortium mode to understand the earthquake processes with the ultimate aim to provide S&T inputs for reducing the impact of earthquake hazard. A number of initiatives were taken to establish the rate of movement of the tectonic plates relative to each other, to study the strain rates in different tectonic domains of the country, to constrain strain partitioning in discrete tectonic domains/blocks and identify the area of higher strain build-up/ release. More than 25 permanent GPS Stations were already operational and steps were being taken to establish more permanent stations in the NW and NE parts of Himalayas.
• Under the project, “The Earthquake of September 14, 2002 in the Northern Region of Andaman Island”, a study had been made to evaluate the effects of the Andaman
  Earthquake of September 14, 2002.
• Through the project on “Paleo-seismological Reconstruction Studies in the Meizoseismal Area of the 1934 Bihar-Nepal Earthquake”, a state-of-the-art radiocarbon dating facility, with a Low Level Liquid Scintillation Counter and associated high vacuum glass system, had been established at NGRI, Hyderabad for paleo-seismological investigations. Samples collected from various parts of Bihar were analyzed in the laboratory for paleoseismological investigations. Figure 2 .15 & Figure 2.16 depict typical field observations.

Figure 2.15: Photo of a 4.5 deep geologic cross section at Benibad village about 40 km from Muzzafarpur on Muzzafarpur- Darbhanga highway , depicts 2.8m high and 4.5 cm wide sand dyke oriented in N15 E direction.

Figure 2.16: Photo of a brick making field at Sewaria (East Champaran District) 14 km east of Motihari on Motihari-Dhaka road, depicts a few meter long sand dyke (15-20 cm thick) at shallow depths.

• The main objective of a study on “The Physics of Liquefaction of Sand: A Particulate Mechanics Approach using Discrete Element Modelling”, was to examine/evaluate the behaviour of the granular assembly under cyclic conditions for the results of numerical simulations using Discrete Element Modelling Method (DEM). Some of the interesting conclusions from this investigation were: under the general compression loading numerical simulation results indicated a non-linear specific volume-mean p relationship; loose assemblies under cyclic loading conditions liquefied at much smaller deviator stress levels than the deviator stress they carried under monotonic loading conditions, at smaller amplitudes of cyclic deviator strain.
• During the recent years, efforts have been made to boost indigenous development of seismic instruments. In this direction, a 24-bit Seismic Data Acquisition System was designed and developed at CSIO, Chandigarh (Figure 2.17).

Figure 2.17: 24-Bit Seismic Data Acquisition System with Dial-up Facility for                     Data ransfer Designed and Developed at CSIO, Chandigarh

• Under a study on “Earthquake Prediction in NW Himalayas using Geochemical Precursors” an attempt had been made to correlate the Radon anomalies with macroseismic events in the area during the time-window, September 2000 to August 2001.
• Under the study on “Seismic Hazard Assessment of the Kumaun Himalayas using Seismological, Palaeo-seismological and Neotectonic Methods”, palaeo-seismological investigations at the sites of important earthquakes, namely, the 1950 Assam earthquake, 1897 Shillong earthquake, 1991 Uttarkashi earthquake and the 1999 Chamoli earthquake had been carried out. Also, an attempt had been made to study pre-historic earthquakes.

Intensification of Research in High Priority Areas (Irhpa)

IRHPA is complementary to the SERC programme, which aims at setting-up units/ core groups around eminent scientists and major National Research Facilities to nucleate research activities in various areas. The scheme has contributed to augment general R&D capabilities at academic institutions and national laboratories in the areas of Crystal Structure, Robotics, Laser Spectroscopy, Structural Biology, Surface Science & Technology, Computational Fluid Dynamics, Technical Acoustics, Geocentrifuge for Engineering Applications, Nonlinear Dynamics, Condensed Matter Theory, Low Temperature Physics, etc.

A major project was funded at IACS, Kolkata for creating a national, as well as an institutional, High Resolution Powder X-ray Diffractometer Facility. Most places in the country, especially in the eastern sector, had a service type XRD performing routine identification work. The present equipment would enable scientists to carry out materials characterization at a micro-level, leading to development of new materials of fundamental and technological interests.

The concerted DST programme to establish Low Temperature and High Magnetic Field Facilities moved forward with the funding of two such facilities this year at IISc, Bangalore and at the University of Hyderabad.

Another project to augment the facilities for carrying out Materials Engineering and Characterization Studies with Swift Heavy Ions was sanctioned at the Nuclear Science Centre, New Delhi. The project was aimed at some focused studies in different materials, which required setting-up on-line and in-situ characterization tools to undertake ion-beam based research in various types of materials.

The Centre for Condensed Matter Theory at IISc, Bangalore was strengthened with a Core Group Support to carry out research on questions of basic significance in broad fields such as strongly interacting or correlated electron systems, high temperature superconductivity, complex fluids and strongly non-equilibrium systems. It was planned to start semester long set of courses for Ph.D. students from Indian Institutions – a kind of national advanced graduate school in condensed matter. In addition, the Centre would hold regular discussion and theme meetings, as well as winter/summer schools in areas of topical interest. It would welcome short-term and long-term visitors and provide them with an intellectually stimulating environment.

A femtosecond laser facility was sanctioned at IACS, Kolkata. It would have a 5W diode pumped, frequency doubled Nd:YAG laser system with auto correlator, upconversion set up and other necessary optics. A picosecond laser would also be made available as part of the facility. This facility would be used to study ultrafast dynamics in supramolecular and biological assemblies and nanomaterials and was expected to be used by a large number of researchers in the eastern and north-eastern regions.

Another femtosecond laser facility had been sanctioned to the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. This facility would be used to study ultrafast dynamics in systems of interest to physicists, chemists, biologists and material scientists. This facility would comprise of a laser
source of very short pulses in the femtosecond range, with a relatively high energy of about 1 mJ and covering a large range of wavelengths.

Some other new programmes sanctioned during the year were: National Facility for Protein Sequencing at Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay; Technology Upgradation for Double Junction a -Si Solar Modules setup at IACS, Kolkata; and National Facility for Geochronology and Isotope Geosciences at Pondicherry University.

Linkages with the FIST programme were established during this period. These linkages would be further strengthened by complementary support. In addition, linkages would also be established with the SAIF initiative to avoid duplication. Some of the areas where further support was planned were: Magnetoencephalography, Structural Chemistry Centre, Large Gamma Ray Detector Facility, Support for Biomaterials Research, Low Temperature-High Magnetic Field Facilities, Catalysis Centre etc.

Many on-going facilities were monitored in this period. The Facility for Research in Technical Acoustics at IISc, Bangalore was being extensively used by the users, particularly to take up industrial consultancies. The facility had made excellent progress. The DSC facility at IISc., Bangalore was also monitored. This facility had also been very efficiently used and maintained. Large number of papers in leading international journals had appeared because of the measurements carried out using the CCD Single Crystal XRD Facility at IISc. The Cern-India Collaborative Projects

DST (along with DAE) continued its funding of the two collaborative projects at CERN, Geneva to participate in two major experiments at the up-coming Large Hadron Collider. These projects were monitored by a high-level Committee comprising of both Secretary, DAE and DST. Significant progress was reported in both the projects.

In the first project, viz. the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) Experiment in which TIFR, Mumbai; BARC, Mumbai; Panjab University, Chandigarh; and Delhi University were participating, the Hadron Outer Detector Module fabrication was completed within the specified time. The Indian groups were also effectively contributing towards software development and development of Grid Computing.

In the second, ALICE Experiment (A Large Ion Collider Experiment) also, where Indian groups from VECC, Kolkata; SINP, Kolkata; Institute of Physics, Bhubaneswar; Panjab University, Chandigarh; Rajasthan University, Jaipur; Jammu University; Aligarh Muslim University; and IIT, Bombay were participating, significant progress was reported. A smaller Photon Multiplicity Detector was fabricated and installed at the Brookhaven National Laboratory, USA as a run-up to the bigger detector to be fabricated for the ALICE Experiment. As in the CMS case, the Indian groups were also contributing extensively towards software development, physics simulation and development of Grid Computing.

Opportunities For Young Scientists

Fast Track Scheme for Young Scientists

The Science and Engineering Research Council (SERC), in order to provide quick research support to young scientists below the age of 35 years, introduced a new fast track mechanism during 2000-2001. Funding under this programme is limited to a sum up to Rs.10 lakhs, which includes allocations for recurring costs (fellowship, consumables, travel, contingencies) and non-recurring costs for equipment (less than Rs. 5.00 Lakhs). Scientists, if not holding regular positions, can draw a fellowship of Rs.15,000/- per month. The maximum duration of the project can be three years.

During the current year, 200 new projects were sanctioned. Linkages were established with the earlier scheme called “Opportunities for Young Scientists (OYS)”.

Several interesting and significant results were reported from ongoing projects. Under an ongoing project entitled “Eco-effective and eco-friendly process for preparation of commercially important Zeolite of type BEA”, 4 patents had been filed by NCL, Pune and 4 more patents were likely to be filed. A novel process had been developed for preparation of zeolite Beta using flyash as a combined source of silica and alumina in a synthesis reaction mixture. Flyash was being used as a substitute for conventional raw materials, such as silica sol and aluminate, either partially or fully in a reaction mixture which included a structure directing agent to achieve a highly crystalline, microporous aluminosilicate molecular sieve with BEA type structure. The use of flyash resulted in cost effective preparation of zeolite Beta with concomitant resolution of the flyash disposal problem by way of recovery of high value added product.

One interaction-cum-monitoring workshop in Chemical Sciences was organized in the month of September 2003. During the workshop, the work done on projects entitled “Study with redox enzymes: double immobilization on gold nano-particles and functional models”, “ Eco-effective and eco-friendly process for preparation of commercially important Zeolite of type BEA” and “Femto-second molecular dynamics on strongly coupled potential energy surfaces” were highly appreciated and rated excellent.

Swarnajayanti Fellowships

The Swarnajayanti Fellowship programme was launched with the objective to encourage young scientists to undertake basic research in frontier areas of science and technology and achieve standards of excellence, which were comparable to the best in the world. The fellowships are open to Indian young scientists, in the age group of 30-40 years, with a proven track record. The selected candidates are awarded an attractive fellowship, besides a major project grant. A research project is granted for a maximum period of five years. The support under the project covers grants for equipment, manpower, contingencies, consumables, travel (including international travel) and administrative and infrastructural support.

During 2002-03, eight young scientists/engineers were selected for the award of Swarnajayanti Fellowships. They were:

Better Opportunities for Young Scientists in Chosen Areas of Science and Technology (BOYSCAST)

This programme caters to Young Scientists (below the age of 35 years) for pursing research and training in a reputed overseas institution in the frontline areas of Science and Technology for which adequate and proper facilities and expertise are not available within the country. The fellowship, offered for duration of 3 to 12 months (depending on the choice of the candidate), includes an attractive amount of scholarship, return travel costs to and within the host country, contingencies etc. The selected scientists are encouraged to visit other premier institutions and to also participate in international conferences in their area of expertise within the host country during the period of residency. During the year, 32 well-qualified and promising young scientists were selected for this fellowship. In addition, 7 more applicants, selected and waitlisted during the previous year were also awarded the fellowship.

Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY)

Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY), being coordinated by IISc, Bangalore on behalf of DST, gained increased popularity as the most attractive scholarship and training scheme for young students in the country. About 90 students were selected for award of this fellowship this year.

For the students continuing in the Scheme, summer training programmes were organized in a number of institutions across the country. Based on their scholastic performance in their respective courses of study and their performance in the summer training programme, the fellowship was renewed.

Science Olympiad Programmes

The Indian teams continued to show good performance in International Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology Olympiads. The medal tally this year was as follows: in Mathematics : 4 silver, 1 bronze and 1 Honourable Mention; in Physics : 2 gold, 1 Bronze and 2 Honourable Mention; in Chemistry : 2 gold, 2 Silver; and, in Biology : 1 Gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze.

Utilization Of Scientific Expertise Of Retired Scientists (Users)

USERS scheme aims to utilize the expertise and the scientific potential of a large number of eminent scientists of the country who remain active and deeply motivated to participate in S&T activities even after their retirement. The main activity under this programme is preparation of books/monographs and state-of-the-art reports.

During the year, 20 new projects were sanctioned. DST’s support in the past also resulted in following publications this year:

• “Some Aspects of Electron Transfer Reactions Involving Organic Molecules” by Dr. B. Sethuram.
• “Geophysical Exploration for Coal- The Indian Scenario” by Dr. P.R. Pant and Dr. B.V.S. Murthy.
• “Elements of Laser Ranging Techniques” by Dr. Narain Mansharamani.
• “Quaternary Geology: Focus on Gujarat” by Dr. UB Mathur.

National Science and Technology Management Information System (NSTMIS)

The scientific and technological activities play a vital role in the economic, social and physical development of a country. Scientific and technological research needs huge investments and calls for judicious utilization of scarce resources. The growth of science and technology, its performance and impact on society and economy are indicators to assess the effectiveness of planning and policy formulation. For this purpose, it is necessary to build science and technology information on a continuous basis. The National Science and Technology Management Information System (NSTMIS) has been entrusted with the task of collection, collation, analysis and dissemination of vital S&T information at national level.

With a view to build reasonable database on and carry out analyses on S&T investment, S&T manpower availability/deployment/gap and S&T indicators, a number of studies were sponsored during the year.

S&T Resources Studies

The national survey for bringing out the report entitled ‘Research and Development Statistics 2002-2003’ was completed and data were being compiled. This report would provide information on, and analysis of, financial and human resources deployed by research institutions/laboratories of major scientific agencies, central ministries/departments, State Government institutions/ departments, research stations and in-house R&D units of public and private sector industries.

The sectoral report on ‘Research & Development in Industry’, based on the above mentioned survey, would provide detailed information on the financial and human resources devoted to industrial R&D activities.

The pocket version of Data Book 2002 was completed. This year, a new section on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Indicators had been added.

A quick national survey was also launched for collection of information on R&D expenditure upto 2002-03. A short, one-page, questionnaire was designed and sent to about 3000 S&T establishments in the country.

Information System and Database Activities

The NSTMIS continued its efforts to compile information on extramural R&D projects funded by different central agencies. Besides maintaining a computerised database on extramural R&D projects from 1985-86 onwards, the NSTMIS continued to publish, annually, a directory of extramural R&D projects funded during every financial year.

The directory for the year 2000-01, eleventh in the series, contained information on 2009 new R&D projects approved by 19 central government departments/agencies. The total approved cost of these projects was Rs.286.71 crores. Projects in Engineering & Technology (24%), Medical Sciences (24%) and Chemical Sciences (12%) together accounted for 60% of the total R&D support. 55% of the total support was given to the academic sector. The National Laboratories under government received 28% of the total financial support. Among the funding agencies, the extramural R&D support by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) was the highest; being Rs.83.82 crores and it was followed by DBT (Rs.33.22 crores).

The next annual survey for updating the above database, and to produce directory for the year 2001-2002, had been launched. Also, based on the above mentioned database, the DST had been bringing out reports giving quick analyses of the extramural research support provided by the central government agencies. Two reports on the funding pattern of sponsored research by scientific agencies, for the periods 1985-90 and 1990-95, had already been brought out. Work on the third report, for the period 1995-2000, was initiated last year. The projects completed during the year were: Development of Website of Assistive Devices for Persons with Disabilities; In-house S&T in the Power Sector and Utilization of their Results; Priority Setting in Medical Research in India-A bibliometric study; A Study of R&D Incentives in India: Structural Changes and Impact; Large scale sample survey on estimation of R&D activities in small scale industries; Mapping of Biotechnology Skills and Research Infrastructure; and Study on R&D Status of Selected International Organisations operating in India.

International Collaboration

The NSTMIS had actively participated and contributed towards the development and revision of standards, concepts and definitions used for collection of Science Statistics and development of Science & Technology Indicators in UNESCO and OECD meetings. It also provided information on Indian Science & Technology Indicators to UNESCO for their publication entitled “UNESCO Statistical Yearbook”.