26th
August, 2016
Chilli-based PAVA shells being considered as replacement for pellet guns
CSIR-IITR
Page: 1
26th August, 2016
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With eye injuries caused by use of pellet guns+ in Jammu & Kashmir turning into a major controversy, an expert panel
of the home ministry+ is exploring whether these can be replaced with newly-developed PAVA shells, a chilli-based nonlethal munition+ which temporarily incapacitates the targets and renders them immobile for several minutes.
Though a final decision is yet to be taken, government sources said a seven-member panel involving officers from home
ministry, BSF, CRPF, J&K Police+ , IIT-Delhi and Ordnance Factory Board is considering their use for control
crowd. The panel is expected to submit its report soon. These shells have been developed by the Indian Institute of
Toxicology Research (IITR), a laboratory in Lucknow under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
The expert panel is learnt to have held a demonstration of PAVA shells at a test field belonging to CISF in the NCR
earlier this week. Home minister Rajnath Singh said on Thursday that an alternative to pellet guns+ would be found in
the coming days.
"In 2010, it was said pellet gun is a non-lethal weapon which can cause least damage but now we feel there should be
some alternate to this," he said. The Army had last week suggested to the committee that it should opt for less lethal
munition while controlling crowds in J&K. Northern Army commander Lt Gen DS Hooda had also said security forces
should use less lethal weapons such as sound cannons, pepper shotguns and chilli grenades. "Alternative non-lethal
weapons are available to disperse crowds during demonstrations. The panel sought our inputs and we have suggested
that sonic weapons, pepper ammo and chilli grenades could be less harmful. The government is looking at these options,"
he had said.
Mysuru | August 24, 2016
Source: bit.ly/2bg201k
26th August, 2016
Page: 3
Officials said PAVA shells were on trial for over a year at the IITR and its development has come at a time when J&K is on
the boil. The name PAVA stands for Pelargonic Acid Vanillyl Amide, also called Nonivamide, and is an organic compound
found characteristically in natural chilli pepper. On the Scoville scale (the degree to measure the power of chilli), PAVA is
categorised as "above peak", meaning it will severely irritate and paralyse humans, but temporarily. It is also used as a food
additive to add pungency, flavouring and spicy effect to food.
The expert committee seems in favour of PAVA shells is learnt to have recommended that the Tear Smoke Unit (TSU) of
BSF in Gwalior should be tasked with bulk production of the shells. The committee found that it was less lethal than pellet
guns and equally effective. Once fired, the shells burst and temporarily stun, immobilise and paralyse the target in a more
effective way than a tear gas shell or pepper sprays. The panel noted that PAVA is "biosafe, better than chilli grenade or tear
smoke shell and can also be used in combination with stun and tear shells" by security forces while tackling unruly protesters.
Other alternatives discussed by the panel include "dye marker grenade with irritant" which not only causes sensory trouble
to the target once fired but also leaves a dye mark on them for easy identification by security personnel, "tear smoke shell
with soft nose" which does not give serious injury when hit directly.
Another option discussed is "stun grenade", made by the TSU of BSF, which leads to temporary stunning of the target and
makes a blinding flash for few minutes.
TNN | August 26, 2016
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Chilli-based-PAVA-shells-being-considered-as-replacement-for-pellet-guns/articleshow/53865345.cms
26th
August, 2016
Page: 4
CSIR-IITR
Navbharat Times | Page 9 | Delhi | August 26, 2016
26th
August, 2016
Chilli-based PAVA shells may replace pellet guns in Jammu and Kashmir
CSIR-IITR
Amidst major concern over the use of pellet guns as a tool to control unruly mobs in Jammu and Kashmir, a report on
Thursday said these can be replaced with newly-developed PAVA shells.
PAVA shells are a chilli-based non-lethal munition, which temporarily incapacitates the targets and renders them
immobile for several minutes.
The option has been suggested by an expert committee constituted by the Union Home Ministry.
However, a final decision in this regard has not been taken as yet. The panel is expected to submit its report soon.
The seven-member panel, involving officers from the Home Ministry, Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve
Police Force (CRPF), Jammu and Kashmir Police, IIT-Delhi and Ordnance Factory Board, early this week held a fullfledged demonstration of the shells at a test field belonging to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) in the
national capital.
After conducting the test, the panel gave its nod for use by security forces in crowd control and protest-like situations
in the Kashmir Valley. These shells are to be used in place of pellet guns which has led to wide-scale criticism as their
usage led to cases of severe blindness and injuries to people.
The PAVA shells, as per a blueprint prepared in this regard and accessed by news agency PTI, were under test at the
Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, a Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) laboratory in
Lucknow for over a year.
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26th August, 2016
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Sources privy to the working of the committee said the panel has favoured PAVA shells as an alternative to pellet guns and
has recommended that the Tear Smoke Unit (TSU) of the BSF in Gwalior should be tasked with the bulk production of the
shells “immediately”, with the first lot not of less than 50,000 rounds.
PAVA stands for Pelargonic Acid Vanillyl Amide, also called Nonivamide, and is an organic compound found
characteristically in natural chilli pepper.
On the Scoville scale (the degree to measure the power of chilli), PAVA is categorised as “above peak” meaning it will
severely irritate and paralyse humans, but in a temporary fashion. It is also used as a food additive to add pungency,
flavouring and spicy effect to food.
The committee, the blueprint said, found that PAVA can be categorised in the less-lethal munition category and once fired,
the shells burst to temporarily stun, immobilise and paralyse the target in more effective ways than a tear gas shell or pepper
sprays.
The panel noted, sources said, that PAVA was “biosafe, better than chilli grenade or tear smoke shell and can also be used in
combination with stun and tear shells” by security forces facing unruly protestors in place of pellet guns.
The committee also analysed and is understood to have recommended the supply of few other non-lethal/less-lethal
munition to security forces personnel deployed for crowd control and counter-protests in the Kashmir Valley and other
similar situations elsewhere.
These munitions include “dye marker grenade with irritant” which not only causes sensory trouble to the target once fired
but also leaves a dye mark on them for easy identification by security personnel.
26th August, 2016
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Another alternative to pellet guns include “Tear Smoke Shell with Soft Nose” which does not give serious injury to
protesters when hit directly and its plastic body starts melting immediately on landing with emission of the smoke
making it difficult to pick and throw away.
The committee, sources said, sought to recommend this munition as they were briefed that protesters used to pick and
throw the shells fired by security forces back.
A “stun grenade”, made by the TSU of the BSF, which leads to temporary stunning of the target and makes a blinding
flash for few minutes is another option studied and recommended by the committee, constituted last month.
The TSU was created in 1976 in Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh to equip the country in the production of indigenous riot
control products. As of now, it produces over 75 varieties of munitions including five new ones to be launched soon.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said in Srinagar that the seven-member panel, with officials from various
security forces and munition experts in it, will submit its report son and “within few days, we will give an alternative to
pellet guns.”
“In 2010, it was said pellet gun is a non-lethal weapon which can cause least damage but now we feel that there should be
some alternative to this,” Mr. Singh said.
Some other products made by Ordnance Factory Boards (OFBs) are also under the review of the committee, sources
said, which is expected to finalise its report “this weekend”.
August 26, 2016
Source: zeenews.india.com/news/india/do-you-know-what-is-being-considered-as-replacement-for-pellet-guns-in-kashmir-read-here_1922631.html
26th
August, 2016
Page: 8
NO MORE PELLET GUNS, SO CHILL(I)!
CSIR-IITR
The controversial pellet guns used widely by security forces in Kashmir Valley may soon give way to PAVA shells, a chillifilled ammunition, which is non-lethal but only immobilises the target temporarily.
While Home Minister Rajnath Singh promised in Srinagar on Thursday to introduce an alternative to the pellet guns,
Home Ministry officials in New Delhi said that PAVA shells could be the new weapon to tackle stone pelters.
Conceding that pellet guns did not prove to be “non-lethal”, the Home Minister said an expert committee will submit its
report within three to four days on the use of pellet guns. “We will propose a substitute to pellet guns,” he assured.
Reports from Delhi said that an expert panel held a presentation of the newly-developed shells at a test field here earlier
this week and gave the thumbs up for use by security forces for crowd control and during protests like those being witnessed
in the Valley, in place of the pellet guns which have caused grievous injuries and large-scale blinding.
The PAVA shells, as per the blueprint prepared in this regard, were under trial for over a year at the Indian Institute of
Toxicology Research, a Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) laboratory in Lucknow.
It is understood that the committee has recommended that the Tear Smoke Unit (TSU) of the Border Security Force in
Gwalior should be tasked with bulk production of the shells “immediately”, with the first lot containing not less than 50,000
rounds.
The name PAVA comes from Pelargonic Acid Vanillylamide, also called Nonivamide, and is an organic compound found
characteristically in natural chilli pepper.
26th August, 2016
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On the Scoville scale (a measurement of the pungency of chilli peppers), PAVA is categorised as “above peak” meaning it will
severely irritate and paralyse humans temporarily. It is also used as a food additive to add pungency, flavouring and spice to
food.
The committee said PAVA can be categorised in the less-lethal munition category. Once fired, the shells burst and
temporarily stun, immobilise and paralyse the target (protesters) in a more effective way than a tear gas shell or pepper
sprays.
The panel noted that PAVA is “bio-safe, better than chilli grenade or tear smoke shell and can also be used in combination
with stun and tear shells” by security forces while tackling unruly protesters.
Apart from promising to replace the pellet guns, the Home Minister reiterated his call for dialogue under the ambit of
Kashmiriyat, Insaniyat and Jamhooriyat, and asked the State Government to prepare to receive an all-party delegation from
Delhi.
Addressing a joint Press conference with Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti at her official residence on the concluding day of
his two-day visit to the State, Singh said the Central Government was concerned about the future of Kashmiri children.
“India will have no future if Kashmir does not have a future,” he said, adding, “The youth in Kashmir should have pens, books
and computers in their hands, not stones.”
He said that his second visit in a month’s time is indicative of the concern the Government has for Kashmir. He said he met
around 20 delegations comprising around 300 people and discussed the prevailing situation.
The Home Minister said his Ministry would soon set-up a nodal agency that would look into complaints of the Kashmiri
youth.
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“I want to inform you that the Ministry of Home Affairs will appoint a nodal officer for Kashmiri youth across the
country. They can call the officer on the number which will be announced soon,” he said, recalling his recent speech in
Lucknow where he appealed to the youth in the rest of the country to treat Kashmiri students as their own brothers and
sisters in educational institutions and workplaces.
Singh refused to discuss the deployment of the Border Security Force as an admission of the fact that the CRPF has
committed atrocities. He said it was not proper to discuss the issue. “The security forces have been deployed in the past.
Same has happened this time also,” he said.
On whether the Government intended to hold talks with the separatist Hurriyat Conference, Singh said, “We want to
hold talks with everyone within the ambit of humanity.”
Earlier, Singh met Pahari community leaders, a six-member delegation of the Sikh community and a three-member
delegation of Panthers Party.
In his meeting with Mehbooba Mufti, the two leaders held detailed discussions on security situation and reviewed
development projects. The Union Home Minister also held a meeting with the Governor NN Vohra and State Cabinet
Ministers led by Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Kumar Singh.
August 26, 2016
Source: www.dailypioneer.com/todays-newspaper/no-more-pellet-guns-so-chilli.html
26th
August, 2016
Chilli-filled 'PAVA shells' likely to replace pellet guns
CSIR-IITR
An expert panel constituted by the Home Ministry to find an alternative to pellet guns for crowd control following
uproar against its use in Kashmir has zeroed in on 'PAVA shells', a chilli-based ammunition, which is less lethal and
immobilises the target temporarily.
The committee held a demonstration of the newly developed shells at a test field here earlier this week and gave the
thumbs up for use by security forces for crowd control and during protests like those being witnessed in the Kashmir
Valley in place of the pellet guns which have caused grievous injuries and large-scale blinding.
The 'PAVA shells', as per the blueprint prepared in this regard and accessed by PTI, were under trial for over a year at
the Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, a Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) laboratory in
Lucknow, and its full development has come at a time when Kashmir is on the boil.
Sources close to the committee said it has favoured 'PAVA shells' as an alternative to pellet guns and has recommended
that the Tear Smoke Unit (TSU) of the BSF in Gwalior should be tasked with bulk production of the shells
"immediately", with the first lot not of less than 50,000 rounds.
The name 'PAVA' stands for Pelargonic Acid Vanillyl Amide, also called Nonivamide, and is a organic compound found
characteristically in natural chilli pepper.
On the Scoville scale (the degree to measure the power of chilli), PAVA is categorised as "above peak" meaning it will
severely irritate and paralyse humans, but temporarily. It is also used as a food additive to add pungency, flavouring
and spicy effect to food.
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26th August, 2016
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The committee, the blueprint said, found that 'PAVA' can be categorised in the less-lethal munition category. Once fired,
the shells burst and temporarily stun, immobilise and paralyse the target (protestors) in a more effective way than a tear
gas shell or pepper sprays.
The panel noted that PAVA is "biosafe, better than chilli grenade or tear smoke shell and can also be used in combination
with stun and tear shells" by security forces while tackling unruly protesters.
The committee also analysed and is understood to have recommended the supply of few other non-lethal/less-lethal
munition to security forces personnel deployed for crowd control in the Kashmir Valley and other similar situations
elsewhere. The recommendations were, however, not yet known.
August 25, 2016
Source: www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/chilli-filled-pava-shells-likely-to-replace-pellet-guns/285369.html
26th
August, 2016
Chilli-filled Pava shells may replace pellet guns in Jammu and Kashmir
CSIR-IITR
These shells are less lethal than the pellet guns and immobilises the target temporarily.
The expert committee constituted by the home ministry to look for alternatives to replace pellet guns is likely to
recommend Pava shells, a chilli-based ammunition.
These shells are less lethal than the pellet guns and immobilises the target temporarily. Since use of pellet guns in the
Kashmir Valley has become a hugely contentious issue, the Centre is keen to look for an early replacement to the
weapon.
Sources said as looking for a suitable replacement for the pellet gun in the international market would take time,
immediately Pava shells could be used. These can be manufactured at the Tear Smoke Unit of the BSF’s Tekanpur
Academy and could be procured much faster.
A special demonstration was conducted for the committee earlier this week and it expressed satisfaction over the
effectiveness of these shells in controlling the agitating mob.
The shells have been under trial for almost a year now at the Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, a Council of
Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) laboratory in Lucknow. Sources said the first lot BSF’s TSU will be asked to
manufacture at least 50,000 shells.
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26th August, 2016
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Pava stands for Pelargonic Acid Vanillyl Amide and is an organic compound found characteristically in natural chilli
pepper. The shell has the capacity to severely irritate and temporarily immobilise paralyse humans. The committee,
sources said, has found Pava to be in the less-lethal ammunition category.
It also found Pava to be “biosafe, better than chilli grenade or tear smoke shell and can also be used in combination with
stun and tear shells” by security forces while tackling unruly protesters.
The committee also analysed and is understood to have recommended the supply of few other non-lethal/less-lethal
munition to security forces personnel deployed for crowd control in the Kashmir Valley and other similar situations
elsewhere. The recommendations were, however, not yet known.
August 26, 2016
Source: www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/260816/chilli-filled-pava-shells-may-replace-pellet-guns-in-jammu-and-kashmir.html
26th
August, 2016
Page: 15
Centre may replace pellet guns with PAVA shells: Here are 5 things you need to know
CSIR-IITR
A PAVA shell temporarily incapacitates the targets and renders them immobile for several minutes
With eye injuries caused by use of pellet guns turning into a raging issue in Jammu and Kashmir, a Home Ministry
panel has suggested replacing pellet guns with “less lethal” PAVA shells, a chilli-based non-lethal munition which
temporarily incapacitates the targets and renders them immobile for several minutes.
A seven-member panel, including officers from home ministry, BSF, CRPF, J&K Police, IIT Delhi and Ordnance
Factory Board was set to look into alternatives to the pellet guns that has caused massive damage to thousands of
protestors in Kashmir that started after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen leader Burhan Wani on July 8.
Here are five things to know about PAVA shells:
1. What are these shells made of ?
PAVA shells contain Pelargonic Acid Vanillyl Amide, an organic compound found in chilli pepper. It derives its name
from the compound, which is also known as Nonivamide. It is considered to be bio-safe, less lethal than pellet guns and
equally effective.
It is also used as a food additive to add pungency, flavouring and spicy effect to food.
26th August, 2016
Page: 16
2. What is the extent of damage caused by PAVA shells?
According to the panel, the compound will cause severe irritation and paralyse the person for a short duration. On the
Scoville scale (the degree to measure the power of chilli), PAVA is categorised as "above peak", having a temporary effect.
Once fired, the shells burst out to temporarily stun, immobilise the target (protestors) in a more effective way than a tear gas
shell or pepper sprays, and can also be used in combination with stun and tear shells.
3. How did these shells come about?
Although the panel tested the maiden shells earlier this week, The Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, a Council of
Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) laboratory in Lucknow has been working on the shells over a year now.
The committee, in favour of PAVA shells has recommended the government to “immediately” ask the Tear Smoke Unit of
the Border Security Force in Gwalior to produce 50,000 PAVA shells as the first lot.
4. If not PAVA shells, what are the other alternatives?
Other alternatives discussed by the panel include “dye marker grenade with irritant” which not only causes sensory trouble
to the target, but leaves a dye mark on them for easy identification by security forces.
Other options discussed are "tear smoke shell with soft nose" which does not leave the target with any serious injury when
hit directly and “stun grenade” which leads temporary stunning of the target, causing a blinding flash for few minutes.
26th August, 2016
Page: 17
5. When will an alternative to pellet guns come into effect?
Although a final decision on the incorporation of PAVA shells is yet to be taken, Home minister Rajnath Singh said on
Thursday that an alternative to pellet guns would be found in the coming days. He said an all-party delegation would
visit the Valley, which has suffered unrest for the past 47 days, soon and find a solution.
August 26, 2016
Source: www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/centre-may-replace-pellet-guns-with-pava-shells-here-are-5-things-you-need-to-know-116082600155_1.html
26th
August, 2016
Chilli-filled 'PAVA shells' seen as alternative to pellet guns
CSIR-IITR
An expert committee constituted by the Union Home Ministry to find alternatives to pellet guns has zeroed in on
potent and newly developed PAVA shells, a chilli-based less-lethal munition, which temporarily incapacitates the target
and renders them immobile for several minutes.
The committee early this week held a full-fledged demonstration of the shells at a test field in the national capital and
gave its nod for use by security forces in crowd control and protest-like situations in the Kashmir Valley. These shells
are to be used in place of pellet guns which has led to wide-scale criticism as their usage led to cases of severe
blindness and injuries to people.
The PAVA shells, as per a blueprint prepared in this regard and accessed by PTI, were under test at the Indian
Institute of Toxicology Research, a Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) laboratory in Lucknow for
over a year.
Sources privy to the working of the committee said the panel has favoured PAVA shells as an alternative to pellet guns
and has recommended that the Tear Smoke Unit (TSU) of the BSF in Gwalior should be tasked with the bulk
production of the shells “immediately”, with the first lot not of less than 50,000 rounds.
PAVA stands for Pelargonic Acid Vanillyl Amide, also called Nonivamide, and is an organic compound found
characteristically in natural chilli pepper.
Page: 18
26th August, 2016
Page: 19
On the Scoville scale (the degree to measure the power of chilli), PAVA is categorised as “above peak” meaning it will
severely irritate and paralyse humans, but in a temporary fashion. It is also used as a food additive to add pungency,
flavouring and spicy effect to food.
The committee, the blueprint said, found that PAVA can be categorised in the less-lethal munition category and once
fired, the shells burst to temporarily stun, immobilise and paralyse the target in more effective ways than a tear gas shell
or pepper sprays.
The panel noted, sources said, that PAVA was “biosafe, better than chilli grenade or tear smoke shell and can also be used
in combination with stun and tear shells” by security forces facing unruly protestors in place of pellet guns.
The committee also analysed and is understood to have recommended the supply of few other non-lethal/less-lethal
munition to security forces personnel deployed for crowd control and counter-protests in the Kashmir Valley and other
similar situations elsewhere
Mysuru | August 25, 2016
Source: www.thehindu.com/news/national/chillifilled-pava-shells-seen-as-alternative-to-pellet-guns/article9031992.ece
26th
August, 2016
Page: 20
CSIR-CRRI
Hindustan | Delhi | Page 2 | August 25, 2016
26th
August, 2016
Page: 21
Solid waste from Ghazipur site to help make national highway
CSIR-CRRI
Solid waste from Ghazipur landfill site in east Delhi would be used
in the construction of the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, a section of
the NH-24, in a move aimed at curbing pollution in the city.
The Standing Committee of the East Delhi Municipal Corporation
(EDMC) on Wednesday approved the proposal that would pave the
way for EDMC's collaboration with the National Highway
Authority of India (NHAI) and the Ministry of Urban
Development on this project.
"70-80 per cent of the waste would be used in construction of Delhi-Meerut Expressway initially. Later, it would be
used for city roads," EDMC Standing Committee Chairman Jitender Chaudhary said.
He said, as part of the tie-up, NHAI would install a unit at the site to segregate and process the garbage that would
be mixed with bitumen for use in the roads.
The decision was taken after a study by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-Central Road Research
Institute (CRRI) in this regard found the proposal positive.
Commissioned in 1984, Ghazipur landfill site is spread over nearly 30 hectares and 2,500 tonne of garbage a day is
dumped there. A total of 130 lakh tonne of garbage is currently dumped at the site and average height of the dump
is 50 m.
26th August, 2016
Page: 22
The Ghazipur site has a waste-to-energy plant that converts 2,000 tonne of garbage to 12 MW of energy, he said.
EDMC had earlier approached the NHAI to make use of waste at Ghazipur landfill site, whereupon the NHAI had
commissioned analytical study through CRRI.
Press Trust of India | New Delhi | August 25, 2016
Source: http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/solid-waste-from-ghazipur-site-to-help-make-national-highway-116082500645_1.html
26th
August, 2016
Page: 23
Quality norms, smart cities to top agenda in India-US talks
CSIR-NPL
The talks will be held in New Delhi for three days starting August 29
India and the U.S. will focus on measures to improve the quality of goods and
services, develop smart cities as well as promote entrepreneurship and
innovation during the forthcoming bilateral Strategic and Commercial Dialogue
(S&CD).
Talks are also likely on ‘ease of doing business’ initiatives in the context of the
Parliament recently passing the Constitution Amendment Bill for Goods and
Services Tax, according to official sources.
Trade, defence
The S&CD is the main bilateral forum to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in areas including trade and defence.
The S&CD will be held in New Delhi during August 29-31. It will be co-chaired by the Indian External Affairs Minister
Sushma Swaraj, Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker
and Secretary of State John Kerry.
This will be the second S&CD and the first such meeting in India. The first S&CD was held in Washington DC in
September 2015.
26th August, 2016
Page: 24
The sources said discussions on ‘standards’ — or norms to improve the quality of goods & services — will focus on
cooperation between India’s National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and America’s National Institute of Standards and
Technologies (NIST) to develop reference materials. They said talks will be held with representatives from NIST as it is a
leader in developing ‘reference materials’ — or precursors to ‘standards’ for ensuring the quality of products and their
traceability.
Bureau of Indian Standards officials will also join the discussions, they said. NPL and BIS are national bodies on ‘standards’
in India. India and the U.S. will also consider a partnership between BIS and NIST for analysis of notifications made at the
World Trade Organisation on food safety, and animal & plant health measures as well as on technical regulations, standards,
and conformity assessment procedures.
India and the U.S. will also assess the progress made by the Confederation of Indian Industry and the American National
Standards Institute in developing an online portal for standards information that can be used by the industry, especially small
and medium firms.
Another area that will receive attention during the S&CD is infrastructure development and the proposal to build smart cities
in India.
India will agree to facilitate visits of American delegations for smart city development, the sources said, adding that an
American private sector consortium is keen on master planning activities to develop Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh as a
smart city. In this regard, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency is providing grants to technical agencies including
architectural firms for master planning.
The sources said India and the U.S. have decided that the bilateral Trade Policy Forum (TPF) will, later on, take up issues
such as the US government’s move to hike visa fee hurting Indian IT firms as well as the delay in negotiations on a bilateral
social security pact (or totalisation agreement).
26th August, 2016
Page: 25
Bilateral disputes
The TPF will also look into issues relating to trade barriers and bilateral disputes at the WTO-level. The delay in talks
on the proposed Bilateral Investment Treaty will be taken up by another forum chaired by Indian Finance Minister Arun
Jaitley and U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew, they said.
Bilateral trade in FY’16 had shrunk 3.4 per cent to $62 billion with India’s exports to the U.S. contracting 5.1 per cent
to $40.3 billion and U.S. exports to India shrinking by 0.17 per cent to $21.7 billion.
ARUN. S| August 25, 2016
Source: www.thehindu.com/business/quality-norms-smart-cities-to-top-agenda-in-indiaus-talks/article9032451.ece
26th
August, 2016
Page: 26
CFTRI launches initiative to inspire kids to take up study of basic science
CSIR-CFTRI
The Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) has launched a new academic programme known as
CSIR Programme for Youth Leadership in Science (CPYLS).
The programme was launched by Mangalore University Vice-Chancellor Professor K Byrappa.
Aimed at high school and college students in Mysuru district, the programme’s mandate is to inspire students to take
up basic science education and research. Teachers can also benefit from the programme as they can know about the
latest research.
As part of programme, the CSIR-CFTRI team is expected to conduct various sessions at its laboratories and pilot
plants, giving a chance to students to visit its facilities to learn first-hand.
Apart from CPYLS initiative, CSIR-CFTRI has also signed a MoU with University of Horticulture Sciences (UHS),
Bagalkot, to conduct workshops on food processing for students from UHS, participate in knowledge exchange and
provide academic support for UHS.
August 25, 2016
Source: m.bfirst.in/news/2016_08_25/12265
26th
August, 2016
Page: 27
Bay of Bengal main focus of Indian Ocean Expedition-2
CSIR-NIO
Arabian Sea will be another area of interest, says NIO Director
Naqvi
The Bay of Bengal will become a beehive of activity for research on
ocean biogeochemistry and ecosystem during the International
Indian Ocean Expedition-2 during 2017-22, CSIR-National Institute
of Oceanography (NIO) Director S.W.A. Naqvi said on Wednesday.
Director of National Institute of Oceanography
(CSIR)S.W.A. Naqvi lending an ear to former Rector
of Andhra University P. Rajendra Prasad at a
felicitation meeting in Visakhapatnam on
Wednesday. —Photo: C.V. Subrahmanyam
“Data obtained from the scientific studies will be useful for
sustainable development, well-being of human kind and throw more
light on changing behaviour of tidal waves, currents and oceanic
ecosystem,” he told The Hindu during his brief visit to the city from
NIO headquarters at Dona Paula (Goa) to attend a felicitation on the
eve of his retirement.
Dr. Naqvi, a distinguished scientist who served in oceanographic research for over four decades, said the Bay of
Bengal was unique in its composition and characteristics and it would offer an exciting experience to scientists to
carry out various trials for documentation of data. The Arabian Sea will also be another area of interest.
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Research complex
Expressing his anguish over undue delay in completing work on a world-class research lab complex at Yendada, he said it
was a big disappointment that their long-awaited dream to shift to own building had not been fulfilled yet.
NIO Visakhapatnam Regional Centre, which was started in 1976 on the strength and importance of Andhra University, is
still functioning in rented buildings.
He said that despite certain problems, they would commence work in one of the two bits – larger one in a couple of months.
“Hopefully, the construction of the building with water cycling, underground cabling, drainage and solar power will be
completed in two to three years to carry out advanced research on tidal waves, genesis of cyclones, rip current and various
characteristics of tidal waves and currents,” he said.
Felicitated
Earlier, he was accorded a warm felicitation by the academic fraternity where his contribution to development of the NIO
centre here as a premier one was recalled.
NIO-Visakhapatnam Principal Scientist V.S.N. Murthy said Dr. Naqvi was always helpful and thanked him for deploying NIO
Research Vessel Sindhu Sadhana for its maiden research in the Andamans.
Former Andhra University Rector P. Rajendra Prasad, retired professor Vithal Sarma, former NIO scientist K.S.R. Murthy
and others were present.
SANTOSH PATNAIK | August 25, 2016
Source: www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/bay-of-bengal-main-focus-of-indian-ocean-expedition2/article9028280.ece
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August, 2016
Bay of Bengal to be the focus of oceanographic research
CSIR-NIO
The International Indian Ocean Expedition (IIOE) would be launched next year and Bay of Bengal would be the main
focus of oceanographic research now. Fed by various rivers and due to anthropogenic activities including release of
industrial effluents and pollutants like fertilisers, the Bay of Bengal has become a zone which absorbs carbon dioxide
or CO2 sink.
Speaking to TOI, director of National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) SWA Naqvi said, "The Bay of Bengal area is
vulnerable and global warming, ocean surface warming, ocean acidification and de-oxygenation are main issues with
the area. With oxygen going down the waters only in traces, there are chances of the waters becoming anaerobic
where a whole new ecology may emerge," stated Naqvi.
Naqvi was in the city to attend a felicitation function that was organised for him on Wednesday at AU Platinum
Jubilee Guest House. Scientist Naqvi, who is officially retiring this month-end after 42 years of service, was felicitated
by NIO and by professors of Andhra University.
In his welcome address, principal scientist and director of NIO Visakhapatnam VSN Murthy pointed out that NIO
witnessed various research-related achievements during the tenure of Naqvi, one of the highlights being
commissioning of the ocean research vessel RV Sindhu Sadhana in 2014, which was meant to carry out oceanographic
research in the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal area. "The foundation stone for the construction of NIO's shorebased lab project between Sagarnagar and Rushikonda was also laid in January 2015. Besides, significant industryoriented work for KG Basin was undertaken and NIO was strengthened with funds and manpower. A vision document
for conducting research in the next two decades would also be drawn up by all regional centres."
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Stating that Naqvi's contribution had been visible in the national and international level, chief guest of the event P Rajendra
Prasad, Sir Arthur Cotton Geospatial Chair Professor complimented Naqvi for commencing the genre of bio-geo-chemistry
and synergising physical chemistry with bio-geo ocean chemistry. Retired AU professor NS Sarma also mentioned about the
contributions of Naqvi to oceanographic research and bringing chemistry to the top of marine science.
While addressing the gathering, Naqvi said it's a big disappointment that still NIO Vizag doesn't have its building despite
being the oldest centre in oceanographic research. "I hope the building gets completed in the next two years.“
Later, speaking to TOI about the delay in starting the lab, Naqvi said two plots between Sagarnagar and Rushikonda stretch
were supposed to be developed for NIO's lab. But a private education institute had encroached upon its approach road and
there was no access point to the smaller plot of 0.75 acres. The bigger plot (3.25 acres) took some time for CRZ clearance.
"Fresh water supply and disposal of waste also posed problems. All these legal issues, land and CRZ clearance took some
time though the foundation stone was laid in 2015. But overcoming the problems, we hope to start the work within the next
three months," he said.
TNN | August 25, 2016
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/visakhapatnam/Bay-of-Bengal-to-be-the-focus-of-oceanographic-research/articleshow/53852638.cms
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Chicalim bay’s marine biodiversity at risk: Experts
CSIR-NIO
The Times of India | August 26, 2016
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August, 2016
Career opportunities abound in science streams: CECRI Director
CSIR-CECRI
Vijayamohanan K. Pillai, Director of Central Electrochemical Research Institute, Karaikudi, addressing the
inaugural session of INSPIRE science camp at Yadava College in Madurai on Tuesday. Photo: R. Ashok
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He highlights the potential for research in nanotechnology
Career opportunities in various science streams will be huge in the future due to the necessity to find innovative solutions to
meet the enormous challenges the world is facing in meeting its energy needs, according to Vijayamohanan K. Pillai,
Director of Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CECRI) in Karaikudi.
Inaugurating a five-day Department of Science and Technology (DST)-sponsored Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired
Research (INSPIRE) science camp for school students at Yadava College here on Tuesday, Mr. Pillai, in particular,
highlighted the potential for research in nanotechnology.
Making a presentation to the students on career opportunities in science, Mr. Pillai said that impact of developments in
nanotechnology in the coming years would be equivalent to the impact of industrial revolution over the past two centuries
but with all the changes compressed into just a few years.
Stressing the need for breakthroughs in areas like nanotechnology, Mr. Pillai said that the challenges in fulfilling the energy
needs and securing a sustainable future were so immense that even considerable improvement in engineering and technology
through existing approaches could not meet.
“The need is scientific breakthroughs in new materials and chemical processes from which new energy technologies with
performance levels far beyond what is presently possible can emerge,” he said. On career prospects for aspiring scientists, Mr.
Pillai said that though the job was challenging, the excitement the career could provide was incomparable. S. Dhanasekaran,
Principal (in-charge) of Yadava College, delivered the presidential address while N. Yasothkumar, coordinator of the camp,
welcomed the guests.
Madurai | August 24, 2016
Source: www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/career-opportunities-abound-in-science-streams-cecri-director/article9022678.ece?textsize=large&test=1
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CSIR-NML
Dainik Bhaskar | Jamshedpur | August 25, 2016
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CSIR-NML
Prabhat Khabar | August 25, 2016
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CSIR-NML
Chamakta Aina| Jamshedpur | August 25, 2016
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CSIR-NML
The Avenue Mail | Jamshedpur | August 25, 2016
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CSIR-CDRI
Dainik Jagran | Lucknow | Page 28 | August 25, 2016