OREANDA-NEWS. Following are the important events marked by the M/o Science & Technology during 2014:  

Portal of Science and Engineering Research Board for Online Submission of R&D Proposals  Launched 

Shri S. Jaipal Reddy, the then Union Minister of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences launched a unique portal by Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), an establishment on 31st January 2014 under the Department of Science and Technology for online submission of R&D proposals. This portal offers transparency in the processes, enhances the efficiency and speed of service delivery. The portal was developed by CDAC, Noida using efficient Open Source technologies and the system can be accessible through devices like desktops, tablets and smart-phones and it is compatible with all operating systems like windows, linux, android, IOS etc. It is also very secure in terms of the data security and integrity. The system enables online submission of proposals by the Project Investigators, evaluation of proposals by the peer reviewers and technical committee, financial sanction, monitoring and its overall management. The system also supports real-time tracking of proposals online as well as through automated alerts and notifications.

DBT Funded Indo-Dutch Project “A Population Based Prospective Cohort Study to Unravel the Causes of Stroke and Cognitive Decline: A Cross-Cultural Perspective Launched at AIIMS

Shri S. Jaipal Reddy, the then Union Minister of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences and Minister of Health Welfare and Sports, Govt. of the Netherlands Ms. Edlth Schippers on January 30 2014 launched a unique project to be conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi and supported by the Department of Bio Technology, Government of India and its institute at Manesar (Haryana), the National Brain Research Centre here in New Delhi.

It was specified during the launch that this is a unique project to develop a model and test strategies to prevent stroke and dementia as well as heart attacks; and hopefully inspire and support other similar projects in India. The Indo-Dutch collaboration capitalizes on the experience of Dutch Scientists who have been running similar projects in their country (Rotterdam study). Netherlands partners also stand to learn from unique cultural characteristics of India, from exchange visits of scientists and research workers and from the new generalizeable knowledge that emerges from this study. 

Dr. Manmohan Singh Inaugurated 101th Indian Science Congress at   Jammu 

Dr. Manmohan Singh, the then Prime Minister inaugurated 101th Indian Science Congress on 3rd February 2014 in Jammu. Speaking on the ocaasion he said India needs to leverage the ability of modern science to deliver value to society and our basic research must be directed to make new discoveries with innovative efforts to develop affordable solutions suited to Indian condition. He also emphasized that our science should be a driving force propelling India as a resurgent civilization which holds out both hope and opportunity for our young citizens. 

APJ Abdul Kalam inaugurated Children Science Congress 04 February 2014

Former President of India APJ Abdul Kalam inaugurated the Children Science Congress of 101st Session at Indian Science Congress in Jammu on 4th February 2014. The theme of the Children Science Congress was “Innovations in Science and Technology for Inclusive Development”.

CSIR Developed Clot Specific Streptokinase Entered into Phase-2 Human Clinical Trials 

The Clot Specific Streptokinase (CSSK), a novel patented thrombolytic biopharmaceutical therapeutic protein drug licensed from the CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology (CSIR-IMTECH), Chandigarh, a constituent institute of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), received permission from the Drugs Controller General of India (DGCI) to conduct Phase-2 human clinical trial to test the efficacy of CSSK in the patients of heart attack, a condition known as Acute Myocardial Infarction. M/s Symmetrix Biotech Pvt. Ltd. has been carrying out the clinical development of CSSK, also known as SMRX-11. 

This was announced by Dr. T. Ramasami, the then Secretary, DST and DSIR and Director General of CSIR here in New Delhi on 13th February 2014. Dr. Ramasami   congratulated both Nostrum Pharmaceuticals and IMTECH. He said, “This has been an exemplary and diligent pursuit of translational science from lab to the very threshold of clinic. Upon successful development, CSSK would be the first patented biopharmaceutical drug developed in India and I therefore congratulate Dr. Girish Sahni and his team at ICSIR-MTECH as well as  Dr. Mulye of Nostrum for being partner withCSIR/ IMTECH in this endeavour ”.

Continuation of the Mission on Nano Science and Technology in the 12th Plan Period 

The Union Cabinet on 20 February 2014   gave its approval for continuation of the Mission on Nano Science and Technology (Nano Mission) in its Phase-II in the 12th Plan Period at a total cost of Rs. 650 crores. 

Nano Technology is a knowledge-intensive and "enabling technology" which is expected to influence a wide range of products and processes with far-reaching implications for the national economy and development. 

The Mission`s programmes will target all scientists, institutions and industry in the country.  It will also strengthen activities in nano science and technology by promoting basic research, human resource development, research infrastructure development, international collaborations, orchestration of national dialogues and nano applications and technology development.

Approval for the National Mission for Sustaining Himalayan Ecosystem launched under the National Action Plan on Climate Change

The Union Cabinet on 28th February 2014 approved the Mission document on the National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE). This Mission was launched under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) with a budget outlay of Rs. 550 crore during the XII Five Year Plan period.

The primary objective of the Mission is to develop in a time bound manner a sustainable national capacity to continuously assess the health status of the Himalayan Ecosystem and enable policy bodies in their policy-formulation functions as also to assist States in the Indian Himalayan Region with implementation of actions selected for sustainable development. 

DR. K. Vijay Raghwan, Secretary DBT felicitated on his selction as Foreign Associate to the USNAS 

Shri S. Jaipal Reddy, the then  Union Science & Technology & Earth Sciences Minister on 9th May 2014 felicitated Dr. K. Vijay Raghawan, Secretary, Department of Bio-Technology (DBT), Govt. of India on his election as a Foreign Associate of the United States National Academy of Sciences(USNAS) here in New Delhi today.

Dr. K. Vijay Raghawan, Secretary, Department of Bio-Technology (DBT), Govt. of India was elected a Foreign Associate of the United States National Academy of Sciences(USNAS) on 4th of this month. He is one of the 21 new foreign associates elected in 2014. He is also a distinguished professor at NBCS. With this Dr. Vijayraghavan has joined a select group of Indians that includes the former National Centre for Biological Sciences (NBCS) Director, Obaid Siddiqui, National Research Professor and Now Bharat Ratna Award recipient Prof. C.N.R.Rao, evolutionary Biologists Raghavendra Gadakar and Madhav Gadgil alongwith aerospace engineer Roddam Narasimha. 

CSIR-IHBT Licensed Unique, Thermo-Stable SOD Enzyme to Create Global Niche 

CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur, signed a MoU on 11th May 2014 with its industrial partner, Phyto Biotech, Kolkata, to formalize Transfer of Technology for production of unique autoclavable Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD) enzyme, used in cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical industries for end applications, like developing anti-ageing creams, extending shelf life of fruits and vegetables and during cryo-surgery and preservation of organelles, respectively. The licensing has brought together the CSIR and the industry to enable commercial production of desired standard SOD so as to create a global niche for the country.

The enzyme was discovered by CSIR-IHBT during a survey at an altitude of over 10, 000 ftin the Western Himalayan region from Potentilaastrosanguniaplant growing under snow cover.  Persistent hard work over the years has resulted in the isolation of the SOD gene. Thereafter, a protocol was developed for cloning of the gene in E.coli. The enzyme thus produced, retained the same unique feature as that of the native plant. Applying the knowledge of bioinformatics, the enzyme has been further engineered by mutation of a single amino acid to increase its consistency and thermo-stability.

CSIR & IMD Joined Hands to Facilitate Aircraft Landing at all Civilian Airports of the Country Even in Very Low Visibility Conditions  

A milestone was achieved in the field of aviation safety when CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL), Bangalore and India Meteorological Department (IMD) signed a partnership agreement for joint production of Drishti system; a sophisticated instrument for assessment of Runway visual range, which is a critical parameter for safe landing and takeoff of aircraft in poor visibility. This is a fine example of collaboration between two government sector entities leading to indigenisation of a technology which so far was the exclusive domain of few developed countries. The indigenous  production of this high-end instrument will not only result in substantial saving of foreign exchange but will also make the country self-reliant in the field of front-end technology. 

The agreement which was signed on 22nd May 2014 by Dr Shyam Chetty, Director, CSIR-NAL and Dr LS Rathore, Director General of Meteorology, IMD; encompasses a wide range of research & development activities for further development of various meteorological sensors. The agreement paves the way for operational deployment of Drishti system at different airports where IMD provides aeronautical meteorological services. A mega project for installing nearly 70 such systems at various Airports of the country is being jointly undertaken by the two organisations.

Dr. Jitendra Singh Took Over as New Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology 

Dr. Jitendra Singh took over as new Minister of State(Independent Charge) for Ministry of Science & Technology as well as the Ministry of Earth Sciences on 28th May 2014. Speaking on the occasion here in New Delhi at the C.S.I.R headquarters, Anusandhan Bhawan he said the Government will work out a policy initiative for the inclusive growth of youngsters in the field of science. 

Young Indian Researchers/ Students Participation in the Meeting of Nobel Laureates & Students in Medicine & Physiology at Lindau, Germany 

Dr Jitendra Singh, the then Minister of State (IC) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences on 27th June 2014 flagged off, in New Delhi, the 14th batch of Indian students/ young researchers for participation in the 64th Meeting of the Nobel Laureates & Students scheduled to be held at Lindau, Germany during June 30- July 5, 2014. Dr Singh, while congratulating the group of young scientists for their selection for the meeting, urged them to make best use of this opportunity to meet the best brains in the field of Medicine and appropriately apply the ideas in their own research.

CSIR Developed State-of-the-Art Marksmanship Training System Approved for Induction into the Indian Army 

A state-of-the-art target training system, DHVANI (Detection and Hit Visualization using Acoustic N-wave Identification) developed by CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL), Bengaluru, for perfecting marksmanship skills by accurately determining the location of bullet impact and providing real-time feedback, has been validated and approved for induction into the Indian Army. After rigorous field trials at Army ranges in Bengaluru, Secunderabad, and Infantry School Mhow, DHVANI was formally handed over to the Indian Army in Secunderabad on 03 July 2014. 

Genetic Blueprint of Bread Wheat Genome Unveiled- Last Step Before Full Genome Sequence 18 July 2014

The International Wheat Genome Sequencing Consortium (IWGSC) to which India is a partner published today in the international journal Science a draft sequence of the bread wheat genome. Ten years back wheat was considered as toughest crop to decode because of the genome being 17000 million bases and each chromosome is represented three times with very high similarity to each other. Technological advances made in recent years and development of specialized wheat lines   in 1950s made it possible to isolate individual chromosomes of wheat for sequencing. The chromosome-based draft sequence provides new insight into the structure, organization, and evolution of the large, complex genome of the world’s most widely grown cereal crop. Country’s three leading institutes, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, National Research Centre on Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi, and South Campus Delhi University, New Delhi, with financial support from Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, were entrusted with the responsibility of decoding one chromosome, designated as 2A, which is about 900 million bases in size and is about one third the size of the human genome or 2.5 times the size of rice genome.

The genetic blueprint is an invaluable resource to plant science researchers and breeders. For the first time, they have at their disposal a set of tools enabling them to rapidly locate specific genes on individual wheat chromosomes throughout the genome, said Dr Vijay Raghavan, Secretary, DBT on 18th July 2014

'Expo-2014' Science Exhibition Says Science and Technology Developments Requires a Wider Exposure Inaugurated

Expo-2014", a three day Mega Science Exhibition was inaugurated at Pragati Maidan New Delhi on 26th  July 2014  by Dr Jitendra Singh, the then Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, MoS in Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Space & Atomic Energy. 

18 Children Scientists felicitated for their Accomplishment at the International Science & Engineering Fair-Los Angeles, USA 

Dr. Jitendra Singh the then Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, D/o Atomic Energy and S/o Space felicitated   18 children scientists for their accomplishment at the International Science & Engineering Fair-Los Angeles, USA in New Delhi on 31st July 2014. He applauded the innovations of the students and said there is a need to drive innovations at schools level. The Minister were informed that these students have been given an opportunity to interact with Scientists, Professors and other Eminent Guest and showcase their respective projects.  The following members of Team India won the awards at ISEF 2014.

DBT Collaboration in Establishing A “National Cancer Institute” at Jhajjar, Haryana 

Dr Jitendra Singh,  the then Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Minister of State in Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Space and Atomic Energy, today, formally announced the decision to offer collaboration on behalf of Department of Bio-Technology with All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi on 2nd September 2014 for establishing National Cancer Institute at Jhajjar in Haryana. 

MoU Signed between National Cancer Institute, AIIMS, Jhajjar Campus and DBT, GOI  02 Sept 2014

The Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi an Autonomous Institute under Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India through it upcoming National Cancer Institute at Jhajjar signed a Memorandum of Understanding for furtherance of Cancer Research taking into cognizance that cancer disease burden is fast reaching pandemic proportion in India on 2nd September 2014. DBT, GOI funds research using modern tools of biology and AIIMS is a tertiary-care hospital cum research centre.  Both recognize the importance of collaborative & complimentary research so as to bring about an improvement in public awareness on likely causes of cancer, prevention strategies, early-detection and improved therapeutic interventions so as to improve the quality of life and survival rate. Their efforts will specially focus on cancers unique to India such as Gall-bladder, oral and cervical & Naso-pharyngeal cancer, as also with high disease burden.

First Indigenous Rotavirus Vaccine and also an Injectable Polio Vaccine Developed with the DBT and Launched Formallty has been made available to the Union Ministry of Health

Addressing the 11th International Rotavirus Symposium on 3rd September 2014 at Hotel Taj Palace, here in New Delhi Dr Jitendra Singh, the then Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Minister of State in Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Space and Atomic Energy said, it is a matter of pride for the country that the first indigenous Rotavirus Vaccine from an Indian strain 116E and also an injectable polio vaccine developed with the support of Department of Biotechnology under his Ministry have been formally launched and made available to the Union Ministry of Health as well as the health agencies abroad for clinical application.

Rotavirus infection normally affects children with symptoms like fever, vomiting, abdominal pain and profuse watery diarhoea sometimes leading to severe dehydration and death resulting in great agony to parents and therefore, the new vaccine will serve as a major breakthrough in the field of prevention and control of infections particularly in tropical regions like the Indian sub-continent, he added. Similarly, the injectable polio vaccine produced from India will prove to be a cost effective and reliable option for polio prevention, he said. 

India's participation in the Thirty Metre Telescope Project at Mauna Kea, Hawaii, USA

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, on 24th September 2014  gave its approval for India`s participation in the Thirty Metre Telescope (TMT) Project at Mauna Kea, Hawaii, USA at a total cost of Rs. 1299.8 crores from 2014-23.

The TMT will be constructed at a cost of US\$ 1.47 billion (in 2012 Base Year Dollars) by an international consortium consisting of institutions from the USA, Canada, Japan, India and China. From the Indian side, this will be a joint project of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). With its contributions, India will be a 10 percent partner in the project and 70 percent of its contributions will be "in kind". This will translate into 25 to 30 observing nights on the telescope for Indian scientists per year.


This will enable Indian scientists to access a state-of-the-art telescope to answer some of the most fundamental questions in modern science. Indian institutions and industry will acquire or gain access to sophisticated technologies of relevance to the country. India will also become a founding member of an important international scientific project. 

Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award 2014 Announced  

Dr. Paramvir Singh Ahuja, Director General Council for Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) on 26th September 2014 announced the prestigious Shantri Swarup Bhatnagar Awards for the Year 2014. The awards were announced during the CSIR’s 72stFoundation day Celebrations held here in New Delhi.  According to it, Ten  (10) scientists have been selected for Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology for the year 2014. The Award is given To recognize outstanding Indian work in Science and Technology and it consists of a cash prize of Rs. 5 lakh, a citation and a plaque.

4th National Level Exhibition and Project Competitions (NLEPC) Began 

Shri Ajit Kumar Seth, IAS, Cabinet Secretary to Govt. of India formally inaugurated the  4th National Level Exhibition and Project Competitions (NLEPC ) on 6th October 2014 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. He visited the various stalls and saw the Science models brought by the children from different parts of the country and appreciated their amazing innovative.

The basic objective of INSPIRE is to communicate to the youth of the country the excitement of creative pursuit of science, attract talent to the study of science at an early age and thus build the required critical human resource pool for strengthening and expanding the science and technology system and R&D base.  The programme was launched on 13th December 2008.  The implementation started during 2009-10. 

INSPIRE Programme covers students in the age group 10-32 years, and has five components: INSPIRE Award (for 10-15 age group),INSPIRE Internship at a science camp with opportunity for interaction with global science leaders   (for 16-17 age group), INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) @ Rs 80000/ per year for continuing education at B.Sc. and M.Sc. levels (for 17-22 age group), INSPIRE Fellowship for doctoral research (for 22-27 age group)  and INSPIRE faculty for assured career opportunity (for 27-32 age group).

Product Developed Under CSIR-New Millennium Indian Technology Leadership Initiative (CSIR-NMITLI): A Unique Public -Private - Partnership (PPP) Programme Launched

Dr Jitendra Singh, the then Union Minister of State (I/c) Science and Technology & Earth Sciences on 7th October 2014  launched a broad spectrum Confocal Microscope developed under CSIR-New Millennium Indian Technology Leadership Initiative (CSIR-NMITLI): A Unique Public -Private - Partnership (PPP) Programme here in New Delhi.

Confocal Microscopes are used to obtain three dimensional features at microscopic level and play vital role in scientific understanding of nano-materials, biological objects etc. At present, these are only available at limited number of science laboratories in India due to their prohibitive cost. As science advances, Scientists want to also understand the spectroscopic behaviour of materials and this can be achieved only using Broad Spectrum Confocal Microscope. The unique nature of super continuum light makes spectral coverage for all forms of confocal microscopy and for fluorescence imaging over wide range of wavelength.

M/s Vinvish Technologies Pvt. Ltd., a Technopark Company at Thiruvananthapuram and CSIR - Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute (CSIR-CGCRI), Kolkata jointly undertook the challenge under the CSIR-New Millennium Indian Technology Leadership Initiative (CSIR-NMITLI) Programme and indigenously designed and developed such a complex Broadband Confocal Microscope. The Super continuum Source uses patented photonic crystal fibre technology developed by CSIR-CGCRI, Kolkata. Only a handful all over the world has this capability and facilities.

CSIR-CGCRI is one of the CSIR’s laboratories and the Fiber Optic Group is the pioneer in design and development of advanced optical fibers like Photonic Crystal Fibers, Specialty doped Fibers etc. This group always link their research programs with private industries to commercialize their R&D efforts. 

‘Jammu Kashmir Arogya Gram Yojana’ Under CSIR Launched

Dr Jitendra Singh, the then Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Space and Atomic Energy, on 18th  October 2014 launched ‘Jammu Kashmir Arogya Gram Yojana’ under which the CSIR (Council for Scientific & Industrial Research), affiliated with the Ministry of Science & Technology, will identify thousand villages in Jammu & Kashmir for the growth of aromatic plants with active participation of local farmers and owners of the land. The Government will initially spend over Rs.25 crores on this scheme in addition to technical support by a team of CSIR scientists.

A Joint Indo-Canadian Science Programme Focusing on Clean Water Technologies Launched, Also MoU Signed Between India & Canada in the Areas of Science and Technology 

Dr Jitendra Singh, the then Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, on 15th October 2014  launched a joint Indo-Canadian science programme focusing on clean water technologies. 

Hike in fellowship amount to Research Scientists announced

Dr. Jitendra Singh the then  Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Space and Atomic Energy, on 21st October 2014 announced over 50% hike in the fellowship amount received by various categories of young Research scientists, here today. This land mark decision, responding to a long standing demand by around one lakh science Research Scholars and Associates working across the country, is taken by the Department of Science & Technology under his Ministry, the Minister added.

Addressing a press conference, Dr. Jitendra Singh informed that the fellowship amount for Research Associate-III had been hiked from Rs.24000 to Rs.40,000, Research Associate-II from Rs.23000 to Rs.38,000, Research Associate-I from Rs.22000 to Rs.36,000, Senior Research Fellow from Rs.18000 to Rs.28,000 and Junior Research Fellow from Rs.16000 to Rs.25000 per month respectively.