Annual Report 2005-2006

Overview

In the Ministry of Science & Technology, Department of Science & Technology came into being on 3rd May, 1971. Ever since its inception, consistent efforts have been made to initiate policy instruments so as to keep pace with the changing global science and technology scene. The various programmes and activities are aiming at encouraging and promoting science and technology development in the country. Some of the new initiatives this year include launch of Nano Science and Technology Mission (NSTM), support to creation of National Facilities in the area of Drug Research. Aluminum Research and School Science programmes. New International S&T cooperation agreements were signed with Canada, Colombia, Iceland, Ireland, Republic of Korea, Sweden and USA. A new thrust was given to conservation of helium resources and monitoring of gaseous emanations from earth like helium (3He/4He) and radon for detection of geo-chemical changes as precursor to earthquakes. Special programme was launched this year to celebrate the year 2005 as centenary of discovery of Special Theory of Relativity by Einstein.

2. The highlights during the year include major support to basic and applied research through Science & Engineering Research Council (SERC). The SERC has sanctioned 253 new projects under the Life Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Physical Sciences, Engineering Sciences, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at a total cost of Rs. 4621.20 lakhs. In addition, to give recognition to scientists, new research fellowships have been introduced this year as follows,

Ramanna Fellowship - continuous support to outstanding Indian scientists with no age bar
Ramanujan Fellowships - to attract outstanding scientists and engineers from all over the world to take up scientific research in our country
J.C Bose Fellowships - to recognize and support active, performing Indian scientists & engineers

3. The Nano Science and Technology Mission (NSTM) has been launched to give the desired thrust to research and technology development. Five new Units on Nano Science have been sanctioned in the current financial year making a total of eleven such Units across the country. In the area wise research support, under Chemical Sciences projects in Organic, Inorganic, Physical and Green Chemistry projects were supported. New initiatives in Bioinorganic chemistry were the highlight of the year. Under Physical Sciences projects in Condensed Matter Physics, Plasma and High Energy Physics, Nuclear Physics, Astronomy & Astrophysics, Laser optics and Atomic & Molecular Physics were supported. Special initiative was taken to evolve programmes involving an integrated approach to multi-wavelength astronomy. In the area of Life Sciences projects in Animal Sciences, Health Sciences, Plant Sciences & Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Biology and Microbiology have been supported. New studies to unravel the mysteries of biological rhythms, behavioural ecology of primates, to strengthen the knowledge, generate baseline data and drug delivery systems and to develop therapy for reversal of harmful effects of environmental toxic chemicals on the respiratory systems have been supported. In Plant Sciences, projects on characterization of Cynobacterial Phycobiliproteins, impact of industrial pollution on microbial diversity in region around Narmada estuary of Gujrat, conservation strategies and pharmacological evaluation of Utleria salicifolia an endangered ethonomedicinal plant of Western Ghats and incorporation of fungal disease resistance in Indian mustard were supported.

4. Under Engineering Sciences, new projects in Chemical Engineering, Electrical, Electronics and Computer Engineering, Material, Mining & Mineral Engineering, Mechanical, Civil Engineering and Robotics were supported. Detailed archeometallurgical studies on ancient mining and smelting practices in northern India at BHU Varanasi and Testing Facility for General Purpose Rolling Element Bearings developed at CMERI, Durgapur are some of the new initiatives. A methodology for optimal bidding strategy using Actor Critic Learning (ACL) algorithm under Reinforcement Learning (RL) domain has been developed. Under Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, projects were supported as Pilot Research Projects on Tectonic Geomorphology, Sedimentation History, Landform Evolution and its relation to Tectonics & Climatic Variation and Tsunami Related R&D Projects. In Atmospheric Sciences efforts were made to generate All India Network of ST Radar Facilities (AINSTRAF) for setting up 11 ST Radar Facilities in different parts of the country. Deep Continental Studies, Himayayan Glaciology, Monsoon, Tropical Climate & Agrometeorology and Indian Climate Research Programme are other areas of support. Under the Seismicity Program during the year 40 projects have been evolved and supported for monitoring of seismicity, crustal deformation studies, seismotectonic studies, geotechnical studies and vulnerability analysis in selected regions.

5. Under International Science & Technology Cooperation, emphasis was given on establishing/ setting up of Joint centers of excellence, Networking Research Program between Indian and International reputed research institutions, conclusion of arrangements for international incremental support for scientific research projects, enabling technology transfer and conclusion of Agreements with other countries including IPR. A team of 24 young researchers in tri-disciplinary areas (Physics, Chemistry & Physiology and Medicine) in the age group of 20-35 years was selected through open call and deputed to meet and interact with Nobel Laureates & Students in Lindau Germany. New Intergovernmental S&T cooperation agreements were signed with Canada, Colombia, Iceland, Ireland, Republic of Korea, Sweden and USA. More than 60 joint research projects supported by the joint centres for promotion of R&D are being implemented at present. Under Indo-US S&T Forum, first Roundtable on Indo-US public-private R&D cooperation was held and a pilot project in the application of remote sensing towards enhancing agricultural productivity has been seeded. The Center for Science and Technology of the Non-Aligned and Other Developing Countries organized six workshops/discussion meets on topics of mutual interests.

6. The infrastructure development support gave greater thrust through schemes like Support to Analytical Instruments Facilities (SAIFs), Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure In Universities and Higher Education Institutions as well as support to Seminar/Symposia and Assistance to Professional Bodies. At present thirteen SAIFs are being supported by DST at IIT, Chennai; IIT, Mumbai; Bose Institute, Kolkata; CDRI, Lucknow; Punjab University; Chandigarh; NEHU, Shillong; Nagpur University; Nagpur; IISc., Bangalore; AIIMS, New Delhi, Gauhati University, Guwahati; IIT, Roorkee, CVM, Vallabh Vidyanagar and Sophisticated Test & Instrumentation Centre (STIC), Kochi.

7. In the area of Drugs and Pharmaceuticals, Pharmaceutical Research and Development Support Fund (PRDSF) has been set up. Government however, decided to dissolve the PRDSF Corpus of Rs 150 Crores, created for supporting the activities of DPRF since 24th January, 2006. Instead budgetary Plan allocation has been made to the tune of Rs 150 Crores per annum. A total number of 64 proposals have been considered for financial support during the year. Main highlights are National Facilities on Advanced Proteomic and Protein Research, Regulatory Toxicology Deveopment of GLP and PharmacoKinetic Evaluation of some Novel fixed dose combination drug formulations by LCMS supported during the year. Technology System projects have been supported in niche areas of Water Purification, Alternate Fuels, Information & Communication Technology Systems, Glass Technology, Upgradation Bio-molecular Electronics & Conducting Polymers, Biodegradable/biomedical Polymers, Waste utilization, recycling and Management.

8. Under Technology Development programme the joint technology projects are catalyzed for support with Science & Technology Advisory Committees in various economic Ministries. During the year support has been extended to projects concerning mine waste utilization, clean coal initiatives, mineral benefication and metal forming technologies. Under Helium Conservation Programme efforts were mounted to establish helium monitoring facilities at geothermal spring sites in far flung area of the country including Andaman-Nicobar in a networking mode. In a major initiative to conserve valuable helium resources and to jointly fund R&D with industry, a Pilot project for extraction, enrichment and purification of Helium from Natural Gas in ONGC Oil fields in Tamil Nadu has been proposed with support from ONGC and DAE. National Facility for Semi Solid Forming (NSSF) for aluminum research, the first off its kind in India is now ready to cater to the needs of the Industry for fabrication of auto components and other applications using aluminum & it alloys. A TEFR aimed at establishment of a commercial plant for using chromite overburden in Sukinda Mines for production of Alloyed Pig Iron, based on the studies carried out under a joint technology project with Ministry of Mines was presented to stakeholders. The technology feasibility of Underground Coal. Gasification in Lignite Deposits of Rajasthan has been supported with Ministry of Coal. In depth Study on Clean Coal Technology Initiative has been taken up to address the issues in entire Coal-Energy chain and introducing market based mechanisms by identifying CDM potential of such projects for accelerating the progress in technology development.

9. A National Coordination Committee on OECD Test Guidelines Programme has been constituted and Head, GLP Programme has been nominated as National Coordinator. During the year GLP-compliance Certification has been given to six test facilities/laboratories and seven are in pipeline. Draft legislation on GLP has been prepared. Fund for Technology Development and Application is being administered by TDB. During the year, TDB has signed fifteen agreements with commercial enterprises and educational/incubation centres for implementing projects. A number of interactive meeting with industry associations, R&D organizations, academic institutions and entrepreneurs were organized. Natural Resources Data Management System (NRDMS) provided support to develop methodologies for promoting and use of spatial data management and analysis technologies in local area planning as well as mapping in schools. Projects on Geo-Information & Communication Technologies (Geo-ICT) for crop diversification in Punjab, Hydrology of small watersheds, Landslide Hazard Mitigation, GIS District Database Centers were supported. The four new NRDMS District Centers have been set up in Karnataka during the year.

10. Under Science and Society programmes core support was continued to eleven science based organizations to nurture S&T personnel to take up challenges for evolving innovative S&T based solutions. In addition another organization Himalayan Research Group based in Shimla has also been given core support. Technology Informatics Design Endeavour reported development of a low capacity brick kiln for better quality products; jaggery making pan with better fuel efficiency. Programmes related to Science and Technology Application for the Weaker Sections have been supported on modernization of agriculture through Science and Technology for small and marginal farmers in rural and urban villages, invironmentally sound and economically viable sustainable cotton cultivation practices and developing emitter of different shapes and size for irrigating horticultural crops using potable and even brackish water and employing them in the Fields. Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) scheme support has been given on Dairy cattle improvement through scientific breeding plan and artificial insemination during the project, five cattle breeding centers have been established. New initiatives under National Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB) include Entrepreneurship Development Programme, Technology Based Entrepreneurship Development Programme and faculty development Programme. More than 7000 persons are trained during the year in various skill areas under Skill Development Training through Science and Technology (STST).

11. The International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP) declared the year 2005 as the International Year of Physics in recognition of Einstein's monumental contributions to physics in the year 1905, in which he published important papers on special theory of relativity. The NCSTC under DST planned a variety of programmes during the year for appreciating Physics in everyday life. The activities were at four levels viz,. (a) science communicators/resource persons, (b) senior school students, (c) college students, and (d) general public. The Vigyan Prasar also held a number of activities publications, films, radio and TV programmes, CD-ROM and slide shows to mark the centenary year celebrations. Five Master Resource Persons Training Programmes at Shimla, Guwahati, Mumbai, Bangalore and Bhubneshwar were organized in June and July, 2005. Vigyan Mail and other science communication activities continued with new vigour. The need for high quality S&T manpower for development of expertise in basic and applied research is well recognized. Specific S&T Programme for Empowerment of Women have been initiated with a view to promote development and adaptation of appropriate technology, transfer of proven technologies and demonstration of live technology models to benefit women. Under Women Scientists Scheme opportunities to women scientists to work as bench-level scientists including those who have had to suffer breaks in their career were introduced.

12. The NSTMIS has collated data and from two national surveys conducted on S&T Resources Studies, Information System and Database Activities have indicated that national investment on R&D activities attained a level of Rs. 18000.16 crores in 2002-03 (0.80% of Gross National Product). The major share of R&D expenditure was met from Central Government sources (62%). State Governments share was (8.5%), Higher Education (4.2%), Public Sector Industries (5.0%) and the remaining was met from the Private Sector Industries. Nearly 2.96 lakhs personnel were employed in the R&D establishments. The Department has been supporting a number of programmes for S&T Manpower Training under various schemes. In Manpower development more than twenty training programmes/workshop were organized in emerging areas of science and technology at different institutions. The schemes on PROBE (Participation of youth in Real-time/field Observations to Benefit Education) has been launched as school programme in senior secondary schools. Under U-PROBE being implemented in 100 schools of Uttranchal, Masters' Training and Curriculum Development Workshops were organized for school teachers from Uttranchal State. A beginning was made in NCRPROBE in National Capital Region of Delhi in Defense schools. Other initiatives include DST school on Mathematical Modeling in Earth System Sciences, School Programme on Seismology, Fast Track Scheme for Young Scientists, Sawarn Jayanti Fellowship, Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY), Science Olympiads and Scheme for Committed Young Professionals.

13. Eighteen autonomous institutions under the Department of Science & Technology have been supported to undertake research and development initiatives in the areas of their specialized responsibilities. Some of these institutions have been into existence before the independence. The scientific research and facilitator institutions supported by DST are: Agharkar Research Institute, Pune; Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences, Nainital; Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotay, Lucknow; Bose Institute, Kolkata; Center for Liquid Crystal Research, Bangalore; Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Kolkata; Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore; Indian Institute of Geomagnetism, Mumbai; Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune; International Advanced Research Center for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials, Hyderabad; Jawaharlal Nehru Center for Advanced Scientifc Research, Bangalore; Raman Research Institute, Bangalore; S.N. Bose National Center for Basic Sciences, Kolkata; Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology, Thiruvananthapuram; Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehra Dun; National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), New Delhi and Vigyan Prasar (VP), New Delhi. TIFAC provided a new thrust to Umbrella Scheme on Technology Vision 2020 Projects in Mission Mode and National Mission on Bamboo Applications.

14. The Department provide scientific services in the area of Meteorology, Mapping and Survey through national organizations viz., India Meteorological Department, National Atlas & Thematic Mapping Organization, National Center for Medium Range Weather Forecasting and Survey of India. This year Union Cabinet cleared the New National Map Policy wherein it has been decided to introduce Open Series maps. Survey of India has also re-organized state level Geo-spatial Data Centres (GDCs) to meet the demands of the users in various sections of the society. Support to national scientific academies and professional bodies, such as Indian Academy of Sciences, Bangalore; Indian National Academy of Engineering, New Delhi; Indian National Science Academy, New Delhi; Indian Science Congress Association, Kolkata and National Academy of Sciences, Allahabad has been provided for promotional activities.
15. Administration and Finance Units continued to provide support facilities for the Sub-Ordinate Departments and Autonomous Bodies as well as to introduce new training programmes, promotion of official language, advice on financial matters and budgetary allocations, modernization of library facilities and other welfare schemes.