Annual Report 2004-2005

S & T Manpower Development & Promotion

Department of Science and Technology has been supporting a number of programmes for S&T Manpower Development & Promotion. SERC has promoted many of the continuing projects and programmes like the SERC Schools, Contact Programmes, Kishore Vaigyanik Prothsahan Yojana (KVPY), DST-JNC Summer Student Fellowships, and Integrated Science Olympiad Programme. The Council also encouraged programmes supporting Young Scientists to take up challenging R&D activities as a career and to Women Scientists & Technologists to encourage women to take research in frontier areas of S&T. The new initiatives announced by SERC during this year are as follows:

• "Continuous Nurture Scheme" for Young Scientists with proven Track Record;
  
• New Scheme titled "Ramanna Fellowship"for performing scientists with proven track record;
• New Scheme titled "Ramanna Professorship"for distinguished scientists having track record of significant achievements; and
• Post-Doctoral Fellowships in Nano-science and Technology. The programme anchored by Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Banglaore has been initiated with 7 fellowships in this year.

The focused programmes supported by the Department in this area and the achievements in these programmes are highlighted below: SERC School

During the year, several SERC Schools were organized. Some of these are listed below:

• Summer School on Astronomy and Astrophysics;
• SERC School on Special Functions, Functions of Matrix Arguments: Recent Advances and Recent Applications in Astrophysics and Statistics;
• Summer SERC School on Atmospheric Constraints on GPS Performance at Osmania University, Hyderabad;
• SERC School on Strongly Correlated Physics at Harish Chandra Mehta Research Institute, Allahabad;
• Preparatory School in Theoretical High Energy Physics at I.M.Sc., Chennai;
• Main School in Theoretical High Energy Physics at IIT, Kanpur;
• Second SERC School on Experimental High Energy Physics at Punjab University, Chandigarh;
• SERC School on Quantum Information and Quantum Optics at Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad;
• SERC School in Nuclear Physics at IIT, Mumbai;
• SERC School in Non-Linear Dynamics at Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad;
• Third SERC School on Chronobiology at Gulbarga University, Gulbarga;
• SERC School on Methods in Materials Characterisation at IGCAR, Kalpakkam;
• Second Advanced School on Nano-science and Technology at S.N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, Kolkata. The focal theme of the school being “Science of Size Reduction, different routes of preparation, and characterization of Nano-materials and applications”;
• Third Winter School on Sedimentary Facies and Basin Analysis; and
• Advanced School on “Tropical Cyclones” at Andhra University, Visakhapatnam during November-December 2004.

Realizing the importance of development of Scientific Manpower for taking up research in challenging areas of S&T, the Department in its 10th plan has decided to focus upon the schemes that facilitate encouraging, supporting and nurturing Science students and Young Scientists in a coordinated manner. The Science and Engineering Research Council (SERC), in order to provide quick research support to young scientists below the age of 35 years, has introduced a new fast track mechanism since 2000-2001.

During the current year, 200 new projects were sanctioned in various disciplines. Several interesting and significant results were reported from ongoing projects. A novel methodology has been developed to prepare polyhydroxylakyl and C-glycosylfuran derivatives from free sugars catalyzed by cerium (III) chloride in aqueous solution. New extra large pore disordered microporous titanium silicate has been synthesized using bola-amphiphile surfactant 1,12 –diaminododecane. In a project on theoretical chemistry, interaction energy of the molecules using local HSAB principle has been calculated using Density functional and Hartree-Fock methods and these values are in good agreement with the experimental results. A new route has been developed for synthesis of homoallylic amines using iodine as catalyst. Two patents were filed by CIMAP, Lucknow and two patents have been filed from a project in the area of Catalysis. Two more patents were likely to be filed.

A multiple resistance to antibiotics was displayed by the bacterial isolate from three different sampling stations in Yamuna river water that was an important achievenment in yet another project. Among the 17 antibiotics/drugs tested for sensitivity 12 different resistance patterns were revealed. The number of antibiotics/drugs against which resistance was observed ranged from 1-14. As difference in percentage of bacterial resistance to various antibiotics may reflect the history of antibiotics applications, there is possibility of using bacterial resistance as an indicator of antibiotic application. The incidence of resistance as conferred by a E. coli isolates against ampicillin, amoxillin cloxacillin, erythromycin, rifampicin, doxicyllin and some other antibiotics might reflect the wide spread chemotherapeutic use of these drugs by human and other animals in the vicinity of test sampling stations. The multi drug resistance which is generally carried by plasmids, may be infectious and transmissible to such an extent that it can even cross the boundaries of species and genera. Therefore, the study suggests that the bathers and other people who consume untreated water are at high risk of intestinal disorders. Better Opportunities for Young Scientists in Chosen Areas Of Science and Technology (BOYSCAST)

The BOYSCAST programme provides opportunities to young Indian scientists/technologists below the age of 35 years who hold regular positions in recognized S&T institutes in India to visit reputed institutions abroad, interact with scientists/technologists there, get exposure to latest research techniques and participate and contribute to the latest developments in specially chosen areas of Science & Technology. During the year, fellowships of duration 3 to 12 months have been awarded to 38 scientists/technologists under the programme for conducting research/undergoing specialized training in overseas research laboratories/institutes in the broad areas including: Atmospheric & Earth sciences, Chemical sciences, Engineering sciences, Life sciences, Mathematical sciences and Physical sciences. Some of the important topics under these broad areas are Geotectonic models and experiments, Modelling in earth system sciences, Evolution and dynamics of Indian lithosphere, Organometallic and asymmetric synthesis, Heterogeneous catalysis, Novel/advanced materials, Polymer and surface Chemistry, Laser Spectroscopy and chemical dynamics, Supramolecular chemistry, Computational fluid dynamics, VLSI design and embedded systems, Machine intelligence, Advanced mechanical design, Site directed mutagenesis, Molecular epidemiology, Drug delivery system, Brain mapping, Reproduction technology, Plant genetic resources, Industrial microbiology, Crop biotechnology, Genetic engineering, Design of efficient numerical/qualitative methods for solving differential equations, Fuzzy set theory, Electronic materials and processing, Nanophase materials, Optoelectronics etc. It is envisaged that the expertise gained by these young scientists/technologists during the fellowship period will lead to initiation/strengthening of the national programmes in these areas as well as further generation and spread of expertise at the national institutes. Swarnajayanti Fellowships Scheme

The scheme of Swarnajayanti Fellowships was instituted during 1997-98 to commemorate our country’s 50th year of independence. The scheme is unique in itself because besides giving an attractive fellowship, it allows the scientists and engineers to conduct unfettered research in the frontier areas of science and technology. The candidates chosen are from among the best of those engaged in research in basic sciences & engineering in the country. It attracts scientists between the age group of 30-40 years. The selected candidates are awarded an attractive fellowship, besides a major project grant.

Every year, applications are invited from eligible candidates in prescribed format for which advertisements are released in the National Dailies, and magazines such as Current Science and University News. The candidates can apply in the six broad subject areas, namely, Physical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Life Sciences, Engineering Sciences and Earth & Atmospheric Sciences. Under each subject area, an expert committee is formed which comprises eminent scientists and experts covering a wide spectrum of specialization. Seven fellowships were awarded during 2004-05. Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (Kvpy)

The Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY), being coordinated by IISc, Bangalore on behalf of DST, has established itself 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 again performed very well in the International Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology Olympiads. The medal tally this year was in Mathematics : 4 silver and 2 bronze; in Physics : 1 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze; in Chemistry : 1 gold, 1 silver and 2 bronze; and, in Biology : 3 silver and 1 bronze medals. Assistance For Participation In International Conferences

The objective of the scheme is to provide partial travel assistance to the Indian Scientists working in the Educational/Academic Institutions and National R&D Laboratories to enable them to participate in the International Conferences/Workshops/Training Programmes etc. This provides an opportunity to the Indian Scientists to intereact with their foreign counterparts and helps them to update their knowledge and also present their research findings at an International level for a better peer reviewing.

During the year, 1500 cnadidates were supported. Out of this, 665 young scientists were supported towards travel grants to participate in International Conferences/Workshops/Training Programmes etc. Some of the young outstanding scientists were given 100% travel grants. Some of the important Conferences were IEEE Tencon Conference, World Congress on Clinical Nutrition, World Rice Research Conference, Conference on Human Genetics, Congress on Plasma Physics, International Crop Science Congress etc. DST Schools on Matematical Modelling in Earth System Sciences

The main aim of this programme is to develop manpower in mathematical modeling and computer simulation for better understanding of processes and phenomena in Earth System Sciences (Earth, Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences), which can fill up the present and future needs of our country, through organizing various types of inter-disciplinary and multi-institutional training activities in different parts of the country.

The thrust will be maintained/implemented through organizing various types of Summer/Winter School(s), Short Term Training Programmes, International Workshops/Group Discussions (3-10 days), Contact Programmes, Advanced Lecture Circuit, Hands on Training, Field Based Studies/ Campaign, Talent Search, etc. Details are available on website: www.dst.gov.in . The following programmes were organized under this activity:

• Advanced Training School on “Applications of GIS, GPS and Remote Sensing in Urban Infrastructure Planning and Management” by Jaya Engineering College, CTH Road, Thiruninravur, Chennai at Thiruninravur, Chennai;
• “Short Term Training on Mathematical Modeling of Groundwater Flow and Mass Transport through Theory, Class & Hands – on Training” at School of Environmental Sciences, JNU, New Delhi;
  
• A Training Programme on “Role of Mathematical Modeling in Groundwater Resources Management” at National Geophysical Research Institute, Hyderbad; and
  
• A Training Programme on “Hydrology and Ground Water Modeling” at University of Rajastha, Jaipur.

Department of Science and Technology under its joint colaborative programmes with participation from other government departments launched a program on Participation of youngsters in Real time/field Observations to Benefit Education (PROBE). The aim is to encourage participation of students in acquiring, generating and using meteorological data to understand day-to-day environment. The program through scientific observations and use of Information Technology Tools aims at making science education interesting and useful.

U-PROBE – Pilot Experiment

Pilot experiment of PROBE in the Uttaranchal State has been named as U-PROBE. Out of 100 schools identified under pilot program from all the thirteen districts of State of Uttaranchal, 45 schools have been equipped with meteorological instruments and field laboratories established. (Figures 7.1 and 7.2). A process of participatory data collection by school children as a means of scientific learning has been introduced. The data thus recorded by students of all the participating schools will be transmitted to six nodal centers established at the Universities, DST and IMD. The program aims at linking students, teachers, scientific community and Non-Governmental Organisations in the state of Uttaranchal. Some of the highlights are:

a) During the year, two more Technical Resource Centers (TRCs) were established at GB Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development (GBPHIED), Almora and Defense Agricultural Research Laboratory (DARL), Pithoragarh.

b) First Master Trainers’ Workshop on U-PROBE program was organized from July 5th to 17th, 2004 at Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi. In this workshop, 33 teachers from GICs in Uttaranchal identified under this program participated.

c) On 29th January, 2004 the Website on U-PROBE was formally inaugurated by Hon’ble MOS (S&T). The U-PROBE Website was designed and developed by National Informatics Center Services Inc. (NICSI), New Delhi. The website was formally launched on 29th January 2004 at Survey of India Complex, Dehradun for the benefit of teachers and participants.

d) The six Technical Resource Centers organized lectures by eminent experts and teachers workshops with the participation of schools students and teachers.

e) DST with the help of NIC held demonstration workshops for the teachers of PROBE schools in Almorah, Nainital and Udhamsingh Nagar Districts on software developed for data generation and transmission.

f) Directorate of Education, Government of Uttaranchal had organized Inter-School competitions/ contests focusing on the activities of U-PROBE program on the occasion of Uttaranchal day on 9th November, 2004 at Dehradun.

g) The meteorological data collected by GIC Rookree; GIC, Kotdwar; GIC, Mussorie; GIC Jwalapur and others is being regularly transmitted by e-mail/ and floppy disks though INTERNET to respective Technical Resource Centers.

PROBE-NCR

The pilot project has been extended to National Capital Region (NCR), Delhi. The Meteorological laboratories have been started in six defense schools in the NCR region. The modalities for implementation were discussed and it was decided to identify Meteorology and Pollution as theme for Delhi schools. The Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan has identified 28 Kendriya Vidyalayas in NCR, Delhi to be covered under this program. The launch of PROBE in schools in West Bengal, and Tamilnadu is being initiated. Scheme for Committed Young Professionals

Action research projects are granted to young scientists (upper age limit of 35 years for men, 40 years for women) with the objective of (a) attempting a field implementation of an idea, or (b) developing new techniques for solving problems which do not have clear solutions at present. Young scientists are encouraged to pursue innovative research ideas, which have direct bearing on social problems in selected voluntary organizations, academic institutions or research laboratories.

During the year, thirteen projects were sanctioned under this scheme. Highlights of some of the projects are given below:

In order to tackle the white root rot disease caused by Dematophora necatrix Hartig (Rosellinia necatrix Prill.) in Himachal Pradesh, a project is being implemented with the main aim of developing a bio-control method for long term management of this disease (Figures 7.3a & 7.3b). Under this project, efforts are being made to identify the antagonistic fungi and suitable soil amendments to develop a farmer-oriented simple application to control the disease.

• In Sunderban region of West Bengal, papaya is an important fruit crop. Under a project, standardization of tissue culture method for micro-propagation is being established by Vivekananda Institute of Biotechnology to increase the productivity of good quality papaya fruits, establishment of papaya tissue culture is being tried.
  
• In a project on an effort to introduce Vasicular Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi for the cultivation of micropropagated banana in Sunderban area, West Bengal; 10 isolates of VAM fungi from several host plants like: marigold, subabul, acacia, leucaena, lime, gladiolus, neem and tephrosia were isolated. A few of them have been identified as– Glomus fasciculatum, Glomus macrocarpum, Gigapora gigantean. Methodology for VAM inoculum production is standardized.
• In another project, a study is carried out on the potentiality of Nypa fruitcans, a monotypic palm from mangroves, as a domesticated plant in brackish water area, Sunderban, West Bengal. Experiment on salinity, effect on leaf harvesting and standardization of procedures of tapping have been conducted. During the year, 5 projects were completed successfully. Some of the achievements are as follows:
• A test kit for testing the food products viz.-measurement of color, acidity, moisture, sugar salt and microbes, in rural areas by the women self help groups (WSGH) engaged in food processing was developed by the Society for Rural Industrialization. A booklet on the Test kit in local vernacular language (Hindi) was prepared.
  
• A centralized distillation unit for Lemongrass and Palmarosa (essential oil rich plants) was installed for production of essential oils for the benefit of marginal farmers.