Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) EXAM -31/03/2016

GK QUESTIONS OF RRB EXAM 31TH MARCH 2016 
IMO Full Form? International maritime organisation
First home minister? Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
National highway greenery plan? To Plant trees along 6,000 km of highways.
Computer Security Day – 30 Nov
Who is Gandhiji’s Political Guru? Gopala Krishna Gokhale
New Scheme for Farmers? Crop Insurance Scheme
Kudankulam situated in? Tamil Nadu
First women CM? Sucheta Kriplani
Chandrayan -1 launched on which year? 2008
Bankers of Banks? RBI
Asian Games Held in India ? 1951
National unity day? 31st Oct
Indian coins made up of (Repeated) – Ferritic Steel
NASA Headquarter ? Washington DC
Who hits 6 sixes in an over in world cup T20? Yuvraj Singh
Highest Tea Producing State of India? Assam
Who Won Gold Medal in tennis in 2012 Olympics? Andy Murray
Kuchipudi Belongs to which state? Andhra Pradesh
World heritage site by UNSECO in 1985? Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary
Who plays a key role in Nalanda university? Chancellor
Water droplets cause rainbow due to ? Dispersion of Light
NFC is based on ? RFID
 Larynx is? voice box
2014 common wealth games badminton winner at glasgow ? Parupalli Kashyap
Who appoints governor? President
Partition of Bengal in 1905 is done by? Viceroy of India,Lord Curzon
Webpages are written in? HTML
Captcha is used for? Security
Young crocodile called ? Hatchlings
2018 fifa world cup venue? Moscow, Russia
Nustar – x ray is use to detect? Black Holes
Most spread forest in india? Tropical dry deciduous
Dialysis is treatment for Kidney
Evaporation of liquid to absorb heat is a principle used in? Reverse Osmosis

Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) EXAM -30/03/2016

GK QUESTION OF RRB EXAM 30TH MARCH 2016 SHIFT
1. Good governance day
2. Operation meghdoot
3. Winner of open competition for rupee symbol
4. Person recommended english education in india
5. India’s 3rd generation anti-tank missile
6. Rajiv gandhi khel ratna 2015
7. Constitution day
8. Summer capital of J&K
9. Quit india movement started in which year?
10. Young india founder
11. UNO Headquater
12. Least distance of distinct vision
13. Rich source of vitamin D
14. Gas mixed in LPG to identify the smell
15.HOCKEY LEAGUE -PUNJAB WARRIORS
16-COINS ARE MADE FROM---MINTS-HYDERBAD
17 2019 WORLD CUP VENUE-ENGLAND AND WALES
18 STUDY OF CANCER-ONCOLOGY
19 THAR DESERT -RAJASTHAN
20. IFSC CODE FULL FORM-INDIAN FINANCIAL SYSTEM CODE

Railway Recruitment Board (RRB)-29/03/2016

            GK Questions

       Last Mughal emperor- Bahadur Shah Zafar,

• Environment day- 5 June 
• Quit India movement- On 8 August 1942
• Thailand currency- Thai baht
• smallest bone in human body- stapes
• subhash chandra bhose father’s name- Janakinath Bose
• chief justice of India- Justice HL Dattu
• Who called semant Gandhi– Khan Abdul Gaffar khan
• National song written by (not national anthem)- Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay,
• Unesco headquarter– Paris
• Interpol headquarter- Lyon, France
• Where paper invented? – Chennai
• Tee associated with which sports- Golf
• Where do u find Kunchikal water falls?- Karnataka
• Gases behind greenhouse effect?
• Which game was recently removed from Olympic -?
• Jimmy wales- wikipidea
• Organ that can grow and regenerate-liver
• Edward jenner for father of immunolgy

International Solar Alliance (ISA)

International Solar Alliance (ISA ) is conceived as a coalition of solar resource rich countrieslying fully or partially between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn to address their special energy needs and will provide a platform to collaborate on addressing the identified gaps through a common, agreed approach.ISA has been envisioned as a specialized platform and will contribute towards the common goal of increasing utilization and promotion of solar energy and solar applications in its member countries. 
The Paris declaration on International Solar Alliance states that the countries share the collective ambition to undertake innovative and concerted efforts for reducing the cost of finance and cost of technology for immediate deployment of competitive solar generation, financial instruments to mobilise more than 1000 Billion US Dollars of investments needed by 2030 for the massive deployment of affordable solar energy and to pave the way for future solar generation, storage and good technologies for countries’ individual needs.

ISA Focus Area

To achieve the objectives, ISA will have five key focus areas:-

a. Promote solar technologies and investment in the solar sector to enhance income generation for the poor and global environment: Encourage member countries to promote investment in solar technologies/applications in areas of lighting, heating, cooling, distillation, desalination, disinfection, sterilization, pasteurization, pumping, storage, refrigeration, telecommunication, irrigation, drinking water supply, energy efficiency, etc. to promote income and welfare of the poor and make global environment more climate friendly;

b. Formulate projects and programmes to promote solar applications: Together and with partnership of member countries and with cooperation from international organizations, UN member countries, multilaterals, bi-laterals, corporates, non-profits, institutions of member and non-member countries of ISA, formulate projects and programmes to ensure solar light for energy deprived households by the year 2022;

c. Develop innovative Financial Mechanisms to reduce cost of capital: Partnering to develop innovative financial mechanism to access low cost, long tenure financial resources from bilateral, multilateral agencies and other sources;

d. Build a common Knowledge e-Portal: Build a knowledge platform, including a 24x7 e-portal for sharing of policy development experiences and best practices in member countries; and

e. Facilitate capacity building for promotion and absorption of solar technologies and R&D among member countries: Promote partnerships among R&D centres of member countries for application oriented research & development and delivering technologies to people as well as capacity building through training & educational programmes and exchange of officials/ entrepreneurs/sector experts/ students/interns/ apprentices, user groups etc.

LIST OF PROSPECTIVE MEMBER COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES FOR ISA-121 INDIA IS MEMBER COUNTRY

Railway Recruitment Board (RRB)-28/03/2016

1) Rowlatt act year – 1919
2) TB day – 24th March
3) Who gave the slogan “do or die” – Mahatma Gandhi
4) When did Indian constitution came into amendment?
5) What is the name of horse of Maharana Pratap Singh – Chetak
6) Karnam Malleswari related to which game? Weightlifting
7) In which places dead bodies are not burried options (tajmahal, charminar, other2 options i didn’t remember)
8) Hacker is : _____
9) Odd one out (external hard disk, CD, keyboard, digital camera)
10) First international cricket match was played between? USA and Canada
11) Golden Temple of Dambulla is present in? Sri Lanka
12) Cyprus capital? Nicosia
13) Sorrow of Bengal is? Damodar River
14) How many moons does mars have? –2 (Phobos and Deimos).
15) Establishment of the panchayati Raj System was recommended by? Balwant Rai Mehta Committee Report 1957.
16) When did Swami Vivekanand delivered his speech in ‘World Religion Conference’ in Chicago city?- 1893
17) What is Viticulture? -Production of grapes.
18) The words ‘Satyameva jayate’ inscribed below the base plate of the emblem of India are taken from? – Mundak Upanishad
19) By which Constitutional Amendment the voting age was reduced from 21 years to 18 years? -61st Amendment.
20) Under Article 356 of the Constitution of India, President’s rule was imposed for the first time in?- PEPSU (Patiala and East Punjab States Union (PEPSU) was a state of India between 1948 and 1956.) 21) The Political parties got the constitutional recognition for the first time in the year?– 1985
22) The Khurda Road division,Odisha of the East Coast Railway (ECoR) has set a target to install bio-toilets in 2,000 train coaches during 2016-17 as part of?-Swachh Bharat Mission.
23) Who discovered penicillin? – Alexander Fleming.
24) Which of following chemicals is called as saltpeter?– Potassium Nitrate.
25) Which boxer is known as ‘Real Deal’?– Evander Holyfield.
26) Which number of Lok Sabha was formed during 2014 election?– 16th.
OTHER QUESTIONS
1. Mrinalini Sarabai is related with -Dance
2. Konark Temple made by– King Narasimhadeva I
3. Smallest Continent– Australia.
4. Marsh Gas is– Methane
5. Name of 1st satellite on Moon– Sputnik 1.
6. Aruna Asif Ali is related with which famous incident– Quit India Movement

ALERT-GROUP-II EXAM POSTPONED

GROUP-II EXAM POSTPONED 
MAJOR DECISIONS-
POLICE CONSTABLE EXAM- 24/04/2016
The Preliminary Written Test (PWT) for PC recruitment is postponed and is now scheduled to be conducted on 24-04-2016 from 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm. The revised hall tickets may be downloaded from 17-04-2016 to 22-04-2016.
SI-EXAM -17/04/2016 
NO ENGLISH WEIGHTAGE

GROUP-II

1)NO.OF POSTS GOING TO INCREASE
2)EXCISE SI AGE RELAXATION LIKELY
 GROUP-II EXAM LIKELY- JULY(TENTATIVE)

IMPORTANT FACTS OF TELANGANA DISTRICTS

                                                      Basic Features of Adilabad
 It is the second largest district in the state with an area of 16,105 sq.km, next to Mahbubnagar district
 The district has a population of 27.41 lakh which accounts for 7.8 percent of the population of the state, the second lowest next to Nizamabad with 7.2 percent
 The density of population is the lowest at 170 per sq.km
 The population is growing at 1 percent per annum
 Children (0 – 13 years) constitute 26 percent of the total population and there has been a decline in the growth rate of this age group
 The younger age group (16-24 years) constitutes 18 percent of total population and is growing at 2.02 percent per annum
 42.5 percent of the population are in the working age group (25-59) which is growing at 1.61 percent
 Older persons (60 plus) constitute 8.7 percent of the population and the growth rate of this age group is 3.5 percent per annum
 27.7 percent of the population lives in urban areas
 53 percent of the urban population in the district lived in slums
 The district has the second highest proportion of both SC and ST population at 17.8 and 18.1 percent respectively (2011)
 The sex ratio is 1001
 The sex ratio among SCs is 1012 and 1003 among STs
 The child sex ratio is 934 among all social groups, 935 among SCs and 956 among STs
 The district ranks 1st in child sex ratio among STs
 The child sex ratio among SCs is lower than the state average, and is the second lowest in the state (lowest sex ratio- 932 in Hyderabad )
 It stands in the middle position in child sex ratio of all caste groups
 Adilabad district is predominantly an agricultural economy
 Agriculture provides the livelihood for more than 60 percent of workers
 It receives average annual rainfall of 1126 mm which is higher than the state average of 904 mm.  But the rainfall is highly variable, and was below normal in 19 out of 32 years (1980 to 2011)
 The net area sown constitutes 38.3 per cent of geographical area, lower than the state average of 48.8 percent during TE 2013-14
 The gross irrigation ratio was 17.6 percent, lower than the state average of 48.8 percent
 The cropping intensity was 110
 Groundwater is the major source of irrigation
 Marginal and small holdings constitute 74 percent of total holdings, lower than the state average of 82 percent
 It has the second highest percentage of area under forest cover (42.8 percent) (Khammam is in the first position with 47.4 percent of forest area)
 It is the largest cotton cultivating district in Telangana with 54 percent of gross cropped area under cotton
 Rice, soybean and redgram are the other important crops
 Cereamic pipes, cement and mud bricks, paper, plywood, cotton yarn, cotton thread, automobile parts, mangalore tiles, rice, oil, dal milling are the important manufacturing activities
 Nirmal paintings and toys are a special feature of the district
 Beedi making is another important activity
 Adilabad is one of the districts with a high level of out migration
 According to the 2001 Census, 5.67 percent of the male population migrate from the district
                                                       Basic Features of Karimnagar
 Karimnagar has an area of 11,800 sq. km and a population of 37.76 lakh
 One-fourth of the population live in urban areas
 The density of population is 319 per sq.km
 The population grew at the rate of 0.79 percent per annum between 2001 and 2011
 Younger age population (16-24) is growing at 1.17 percent per annum and the older population (60 +) is growing at 3.26 percent per annum
 Population in the working age (25-59) is growing at the rate of 1.54 percent per annum
 The district has the highest proportion of SCs who constitute 18.8 percent of the total population
 The proportion of ST in the population is only 2.8 percent
 The adult sex ratio was 1008
 The adult sex ratios of the SCs and STs were relatively high at 1014 and 995 respectively
 The child sex ratio was 935
 Agriculture was the main occupation for 60 percent of its workers
 It receives an average annual rainfall of 970 mm which is higher than the state average of 904 mm.  But there is a lot uncertainty in the rainfall which was below normal in 18 out of 32 years (1980 to 2011)
 Around 48 percent of area is under cultivation
 It has the highest proportion of area under irrigation in the state; 73 percent of its gross area is under irrigation
 More than 75 percent of the irrigated area depends on ground water
 The cropping intensity is 147, second highest, next to Nizamabad with 167
 Marginal and small holdings constitute 87 percent of total holdings, higher than the state average of 82 percent
 It is the second largest rice cultivating district in Telangana
 Rice and maize are grown on around 52 percent of the Gross Cropped Area
 Cotton is grown on one-third of the Gross Cropped Area  One fifth of the area is under forest
 The most important commodities produced in the district are coal, bakery products, cement, beedis, cement bricks, rice, cotton, chilli powder, turmeric powder, maize powder and fancy items
 As per the 2001 Census, 5.71% of males in the district had migrated in search of work; among them 11.42% had migrated to other states and 26.11% to other districts within the state
                                                          Basic Features of Khammam
 Khammam district is the third largest district in the state with an area of 160.29 sq.km
 It has a population of 27.97 lakh which constitutes 7.9 percent of the population of the state
 It has a very low density of population at about 174.5 per sq.km, next only to Adilabad with 170.3 per sq.km
 The population grew at the rate of 0.82 percent per annum between 2001 and 2011
 The younger age group (16-24) accounted for 18 percent of the total population and was growing at the rate of 1.22 percent per annum
 Around 45 percent of the population were of working age (25-59) and the age group had a growth rate of 1.89 percent per annum
 Older persons (60 plus) constituted 9.8 percent of the total population and with a growth rate of 3.59 percent per annum
 Around 23 percent of population lived in urban areas
 42.3 percent of the urban population were living in slums
 The scheduled caste population constituted 16.5 percent of the total population
 It has the largest percentage of tribal population in the state at 27 percent
 Koyas and Lambadas are the prominent tribal groups in the district
 It has the second highest sex ratio in the state at 1011, next to Nizamabad with 1017
 The sex ratio among SCs is 1013 and is 1022 among STs the highest in the state
 It ranks 1st in child sex ratio for all caste groups, for SCs and STs
 The child sex ratio for all social groups is 958 girls for 1000 boys, for SCs 992 and for STs 961
 It is one of the 250 most backward districts in the country (out of 640)
 It is one of the coal mining districts of India
 Agriculture provides livelihood for nearly 67 percent of the workforce
 It receives an average an annual rainfall of 1124 mm which is higher than the state average of 907 mm
 The annual rainfall was below normal in 15 out of 32 years (1980 to 2011)
 The net area sown accounted for one-third of the geographical area, the lowest in the state
 The gross irrigation ratio was 46.1 percent which was slightly lower than the state average
 It has the highest extent of area under canal irrigation in the state; 25.3 percent of the net irrigated area is under canals
 The dependency on groundwater irrigation is the lowest in the district with 43.4 percent
 The cropping intensity is 115
 Marginal and small holdings constitute 80 percent of total holdings, which was lower than state average of 82 percent
 Rice and maize are the important food grains which are grown on 46 percent of the Gross Cropped Area (GCA)
 One-third of GCA is under cotton
 The district has the highest percentage of area under fruits in Telangana state
 Chillies is another important commercial crop cultivated in the district
 The yield of all these crops is higher than the state average
 It has the second highest percentage of area under forest with 47.3 percent
 The manufacturing sector is growing at 13.9 percent
 Granite, coal, power generation, ferro alloys, iron, steel, cane furniture, paper board making, textiles, rice and cotton are the important manufactures in various towns in the district
 As per the 2001 Census, 7.49% of men had migrated outside the district
 Among them 1.36% migrated to other states and 25.56% migrated to other districts within the state  The top two destinations for out-of-state migration were Dantewada in Chhattisgarh and Surat in Gujarat
REMAINING DISTRICTS SHORTLY

THE LAND ACQUISITION ACT, 1894

THE LAND ACQUISITION ACT, 1894 

PART I 

PRELIMINARY SECTIONS: 

1. Short title, extent and commencement. 

2. (Repealed) 

3. Definitions. 

PART II

 ACQUISITION 

Preliminary investigation 

4. Publication of preliminary notification and powers of officers there upon. 

5. Payment for damage. Objections 

5A. Hearing of objections. Declaration of intended acquisition 

6. Declaration that land is required for a public purpose. 

7.After declaration, Collector to take order for acquisition. 

8.Land to be marked out, measured and planned. 

9.Notice to persons interested. 

10.Power to require and enforce the making of Statements as to names and interests. Enquiry into measurements, value and claims, and award by the Collector. 

11.Enquiry and award by Collector. 

11A. Period within which an award shall be made. 

12.Award of Collector when to be final. 

13. Adjournment of enquiry. 

13A. Correction of clerical errors, etc. 

14. Power to summon and enforce attendance of witnesses and production of documents. 

15. Matters to be considered and neglected. 

15A. Power to call for records, etc. Taking possession 

16.Power to take possession. 

17.Special powers in cases of urgency. 

PART III 

Reference to court and procedure thereon. 

SECTIONS. 

18. Reference to Court. 

19. Collector’s statement to the Court. 

20. Service of notice 

21. Restriction on scope of proceedings. 

22. Proceedings to be in open Court. 

23. Matters to be considered in determining compensation. 

24. Matters to be neglected in determining compensation. 

25. Amount of compensation awarded by Court not to be lower than the amount awarded by the Collector. 26. Form of awards. 

27. Costs. 

28. Collector may be directed 

28A. Re-determination of the amount of compensation on the basis of the award of the Court. 

PART IV 

APPORTIONMENT OF COMPENSATION 

29. Particulars of apportionment to be specified. 

30. Dispute as to apportionment. 

PART V 

PAYMENT 

31.Payment of compensation or deposit of same in Court. 

32.Investment of money deposited in respect of lands belonging to persons incompetent to alienate. 33.Investment of money deposited in other cases. 

34.Payment of interest. 

PART VI 

TEMPORARY OCCUPATION OF LAND 

35. Temporary occupation of waste or arable land. Procedure when difference as to compensation exists. 

36.Power to enter and take possession, and compensation on restoration. 37.Difference as to condition of land. 

PART VII 

ACQUISITION OF LAND FOR COMPANIES 

SECTIONS 

38(Repealed) 38A. Industrial concern to be deemed Company for certain purposes. 

39. Previous consent of appropriate Government and execution of agreement necessary. 

40. Previous enquiry. 

41.Agreement with appropriate Government. 

42.Publication of agreement. 

43. Sections 39 to 42 not to apply where Government bound by agreement to provide land for Companies. 

44. How agreement with Railway Company may be proved. 

44A. Restriction on transfer etc. 

44B. Land not to be acquired under this Part except for certain purpose for private companies other than Government companies. 

PART VIII 

MISCELLANEOUS 

45. Service of notices. 

46. Penalty for obstructing acquisition of land. 

47. Magistrate to enforce surrender. 

48. Completion of acquisition not compulsory, but compensation to be awarded when not completed. 49. Acquisition of part of house or building. 

50. Acquisition of land at cost of a local authority or Company. 

51. Exemption from stamp-duty and fees. 

51A. Acceptance of certified copy as evidence. 52. Notice in case of suits for anything done in pursuance of Act. 

53. Code of Civil Procedure to apply to proceedings before Court. 

54.Appeals in proceedings before Court. 

55.Power to make rules.

AGRICULTURE-CONCEPTS & DEFINITIONS

Area under Non-agricultural Uses : 

This includes all land occupied by buildings, roads and railways or under water, e.g. rivers and canals, and other land put to uses other than agriculture.

Barren and Un-culturable Land : This includes all land covered by mountains, deserts, etc. Land which cannot be brought under cultivation except at an exorbitant cost is classified as unculturable whether such land is in isolated blocks or within cultivated holdings.

Permanent Pasture and other Grazing Land: This includes all grazing land whether it is permanent pasture/meadows or not. Village common grazing land is included under this category.

Land under Miscellaneous Tree Crops, etc. : This includes all cultivable land which is not included in ‘Net area sown’ but is put to some agricultural use. Land under casuring trees, thatching grasses, bamboo bushes and other groves for fuel, etc. which are not included under ‘Orchards’ are classified under this category.

Culturable Waste Land: This includes land available for cultivation, whether taken up or not taken up for cultivation once, but not cultivated during the last five years or more in succession including the current year for some reason or the other . Such land may be either fallow or covered with shrubs and jungles which are not put to any use. They may be accessible or inaccessible and may lie in isolated blocks or within cultivated holdings.

Fallow Lands other than Current Fallows : This includes all land which was taken up for cultivation but is temporarily out of cultivation for a period of not less than one year and not more than five years.

Current Fallows: This represents cropped area which is kept fallow during the current year.

Net Area Sown: This represents the total area sown with crops and orchards. Area sown more than once in the same year is counted only once.

Gross Cropped Area: This represents the total area sown once and/or more than once in a particular year, i.e. the area is counted as many times as there are sowings in a year. This total area is also known as total cropped area or total area sown.

Area Sown more than once: This represents the areas on which crops are cultivated more than once during the agricultural year. This is obtained by deducting Net Area Sown from Gross Cropped Area. Irrigated Area: The area is assumed to be irrigated for cultivation through such sources as canals (Govt. & Private), tanks, tube-wells, other wells and other sources. It is divided into two categories:              (i) Net Irrigated Area: It is the area irrigated through any source once in a year for a particular crop.

          (ii) Total Net Un-irrigated Area: It is the area arrived at by deducting the net irrigated area from net sown area.

          (iii) Total/Gross Irrigated Area: It is the total area under crops,irrigated once and/or more than once in a year. It is counted as many times as the number of times the areas are cropped and irrigated in a year.

          (iv) Total/Gross Un-Irrigated Area: It is the area arrived at by deducting the gross irrigated area from the gross sown area.

          (v) Cropping Intensity: It is the ratio of Net Area Sown to the Total Cropped Area.

OTHER TERMS

(i) Agricultural Land/Total Culturable Land /Total Cultivable Area: This consists of net area sown, current fallows, fallow lands other than current fallows, culturable waste land and land under miscellaneous tree crops.

(ii)Total Un-Cultivable Area/Land: It is the area arrived at by deducting the total cultivable area from the total reported area.

(iii) Total Cultivated Area/Land: This consists of net area sown and current fallows.

(iv) Total Un-Cultivated Area/Land: It is the area arrived at by deducting the total cultivated area from the total reported area

Telangana Panchayat Secretary Notification 2016

Telangana Panchayat Secretary Notification 2016-SHORTLY
Organization: Telangana State Public Service Commission 
Total Vacancies: 1778(tentative) 
Name of The Post : Panchayat SECRETARY(Grade - IV) in A.P. Panchayat Raj Subordinate Service.
Qualification: Candidates has to possess degree in relevant discipline from any recognized University/ Board. 
Age Limit: Aspirants age must be in between 18 years and 44 years as on last date of application form. 
Selection Process: written exam(objective type) 
Website : www.tspsc.gov.in

CURRENT AFFAIRS--(S&T)

Swine flu under Epidemic Disease Act
Punjab Government has notified swine flu (H1N1) under the Epidemic Disease Act to prevent the spread of disease in the state. 
Swine flu (swine influenza): It is a respiratory disease caused by viruses (influenza viruses) that infect the respiratory tract of pigs. H1N1 (Hemagglutinin Type 1 and Neuraminidase Type 1) is the subtype of influenza A virus that was the most common cause of human influenza (flu). 
Its common symptoms are nasal secretions, a barking cough, decreased appetite and listless behaviour
Haryana New Secretariat Building gets first Earthquake Warning System in country
Haryana’s New Secretariat Building in Chandigarh has become first building in the country to have an early Earthquake Warning and Security system (onsite). 
The system was installed by New Delhi based Terra Techcom Private Limited and Secretary Electronics GmbH, Germany. 
The system can provide crucial seconds for evacuation in event of an earthquake and is already being used in 26 countries around the world. It works on the principle of detection of primary and secondary seismic waves of an earthquake.
The primary waves are fastest kind of seismic wave and are the initial vertical movements beneath the earth that do not cause any damage. 
They are soon followed by secondary waves that travel beneath the earth horizontally and have the potential to cause damage. They are generally known to us as an earthquake. 
The system detects intensity of the primary waves and gives out warning alarm only when the intensity of the secondary waves is high enough to potentially cause damage

India’s Achievements in Science and Technology-III

II. Agriculture and Industrial: 

(i)Rice variety Samba Mahsuri: With the support of Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Scientists at Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) and Directorate of Rice Research (DRR) have jointly developed bacterial blight resistant Rice variety “Samba Mahsuri’ through Marker Assisted Selection and Backcross Breeding. The variety has so far spread to an area of 90,000 ha in the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

(ii) Decoding the Wheat Genome: A strong partnership in Decoding the Wheat Genome has been built. 15 countries joined hands to complete this huge task of decoding 17,000 million bases. Indian Scientists participated in Decoding Chromosome 2A.

(iii) Maize hybrid (Vivek 9) with High Quality Protein and Increased Provitamin A was developed and released.

(iv) High zinc rice has been developed for the first time which has 22-24 ppm zinc and named as CGZR-1 and after all India trials would be available to farmers in another two years.

(v) 12 popular rice varieties to be grown in the rain fed agri-eco systems have been developed by incorporating major quantitative trait loci (QTL) or genes for flood, drought and salt tolerance. 

(vi) Bread wheat and durum wheat genotypes with high yield and high micronutrient concentration in optimum soil zinc have been developed.

(vii) First indigenous technology developed for commercial production of Ethanol from lignocellulosic waste: DBT-ICT Centre for Energy Biosciences established at Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai has developed Cellulosic ethanol technology.  Based on this indigenous technology a demo/pilot plant designed by an Industry, India Glycol Limited with financial support from DBT-BIRAC with a capacity of 10 tonnes lignocellulosic biomass per day to produce 3000 L ethanol/day on a continuous basis.  It is expected that the commercial plants based on the technology will be built in 2016, which is not far behind the technologies being implemented in the USA.

(viii) Under a Mission programme on microbial prospecting: ‘Drugs from Microbes’ Involving nine institutes and an industrial partner in a public-private partnership model, 2.50 lakhs microbes were screened for four activities i.e. anti cancer, anti diabetic, anti inflammation and anti infective activities. A total of 16123 three stars hits were obtained- Anti-infective- 5286; anti cancer-518; anti inflammation-3643; anti diabetic-6676. One New Chemical Entity with anticancer and anti-inflammatory activity and 12 probable new use of compound were identified. Efforts are being made to explore the strategies for moving some of the active molecules obtained in the current program from discovery to Pre- Investigational New Drug (IND) studies, thereby creating a path of development of molecules. The Country’s largest Microbial Culture Collection Centre was set up at NCCS, Pune will 2,00,000 culture.

India’s Achievements in Science and Technology-II

I.  Healthcare

(1) India is today a leading Vaccine Manufacturing Hub:

The Vaccine Grand Challenge Programme is under implementation to encourage novel and innovative vaccine related discoveries, accelerated development of candidate vaccines for which earlier leads are available, research of basic & applied nature to improvise current understanding of vaccine science and to strengthen the scientific basis for future vaccine design. R&D projects supported through VGCP are focusing on Development of candidate vaccines &  Development of vaccine related technologies. Some major initiatives are:

(i) Rotavirus vaccine launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister : The first indigenously developed and manufactured Rotavirus vaccine 'Rotavac.' from an Indian strain 116E was launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister on 9^th March, 2015.The indigenously developed vaccine will boost efforts to combat infant mortality due to diarrhoea. ROTAVAC developed in collaboration with Bharat Biotech under the Public-Private Partnership mode is efficacious in preventing severe rotavirus diarrhoea in low-resource settings in India. ROTAVAC significantly reduced severe rotavirus diarrhoea by more than half - 56 percent during the first year of life, with protection continuing into the second year of life. Moreover, the vaccine also showed impact against severe diarrhoea of any cause. The developed Rotavirus Vaccine at $1 per dose has been cleared for market license. Potential to prevent >500K childhood diarrheal deaths. The NTAGI of M/o Health & FW has approved introduction of  the vaccine in EPI in a pilot mode.

(ii) Malaria Vaccine: To promote the development of vaccines against P. falciparum and P. vivax malaria, Department has provided continued support to MVDP (Malaria Vaccine Development programme)- A consortium of DBT, ICGEB, Malaria Vaccine Initiative (MVI), PATH, EMVI and WHO-TDR. Currently MVDP is involved with developmental of malaria vaccine JAIVAC1 & JAIVAC 2 at ICGEB.

(iii) Dengue Vaccine: Department is supporting the group at International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) for developing a safe, efficacious and inexpensive tetravalent dengue vaccine. The recombinant EDIII-based sub-unit dengue vaccine candidate is being developed in the form of VLPs using the yeast P. pastoris as an expression host.

 (2)       DBT has significantly augmented the infrastructure for diagnosis & treatment of human genetic disorders in India

Impact

- 21 Genetic Diagnosis cum Counseling Units established

o   >5 lakh affected families and >1 lakh tribal families benefited

- DNA typing of 25 autosomal markers in 53 ethnic groups (tribal, caste and religious communities) completed

o   Revealed evidence of human migration from India to SE Asia.

(3)        A major flagship programme on International Cancer Genome (ICG) specific to Oral Cancer is under implementation.

(4) India Bio-design makes new advances

Technologies developed:  - 5

o   Ostomy Management device;

o   Emergency medical alert device;

o   A breathable  and customized cast for immobilization of the fractured limb;

o   Fluid extraction device;

o   Posture support device

Technologies Transferred: - 2

o   Technology for Fetomaternal Parameter Monitoring System transferred to M/s. Brun Health Private Limited, Telangana, startup Company formed by Fellows 2013 Batch.

o   Technology for ‘A Portable Hand Sanitization device’ transferred to M/s. Observe Design Private Limited, New Delhi.

o   Fecal Incontinence device technology received USFDA 510 approval for their device.

Patents, Trademark, Industrial Design Filing:

o   6 Indian patents and 6 PCT applications filed;  6 trademark applications filed; and    One design registration filed for the Accufeed Invention.

o   Patents have been granted  in 4 countries namely Singapore, Japan, USA and Europe for the device for collecting fecal discharge in incontinent patients

New initiatives:

o   i-Fellowship program initiated with Australia as a new international partner

o   BMJ Innovations launched.

(5) Major New Effort on Pre-Term Birth

Multi-institutional National Programme on pre-term birth launched

Pre-term Birth Program is the first inter-institutional program on maternal infant health and spontaneous pre-term birth sciences in India funded by the Department under Grand Challenge Program at a total cost of the project is Rs. 48.85 crore for a period of 5 years. It envisages a multidisciplinary research effort to predict & diagnose Preterm Birth (PTB) by enhancing the knowledge of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. It is expected that the clinically relevant research outputs from the study will aid characterization of biological, clinical and epidemiological risk factors to achieve appropriate risk stratification of mothers who may deliver before term. These in turn would provide a basis for discovery of novel therapeutic agents & determine appropriate timing for their clinical application. Together, it would strengthen the commitment of the Department of Biotechnology to health equity, contributing significantly to reduction in infant and maternal mortality

SOURCE-PIB,HINDU

India’s Achievements in Science and Technology-I

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

1. India International Science Festival  (IISF) 2015

IISF (2015) was organised in IIT, Delhi during 4^th Dec. to 8^th Dec. 2015 with the objective of exposing the fruits of Science & Technology to the masses; building strategy to instill scientific temper among the masses; showcasing Indian contributions in the field of S&T over the years; providing platform to young scientists for exchange of knowledge and ideas; and supporting flagship programmes like Make in India, Digital India, Start-ups, Smart Villages, Smart Cities, etc. Approximately 10,000 delegates from all over the country participated in the following components of the festival – young scientists’ conference, techno-industrial expo, science film festival, national level exhibition and project competition showcasing innovative models under INSPIRE programme of Department of Science & Technology, industry academia conclave, largest practical science laboratory demo and interactive workshops and informative sessions.

Largest Practical Science Session with 2000 students, on 7^th Dec. 2015, working in small teams to complete experiments as part of the lesson that focused on catalysts has found the entry in the Guinness Book of World Records.

2. National Supercomputing Mission

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the launch of the National Supercomputing Mission on 25^th March 2015. This is a visionary program to enable India to leapfrog to the league of world class computing power nations. The Mission would be implemented and steered jointly by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DeitY) at an estimated cost of Rs.4500 crore over a period of seven years.

The Mission envisages empowering our national academic and R&D institutions spread over the country by installing a vast supercomputing grid comprising of more than 70 high-performance computing facilities. These supercomputers will also be networked on the National Supercomputing grid over the National Knowledge Network (NKN). The NKN is another programme of the government which connects academic institutions and R&D labs over a high speed network. Academic and R&D institutions as well as key user departments/ministries would participate by using these facilities and develop applications of national relevance. The Mission also includes development of highly professional High Performance Computing (HPC) aware human resource for meeting challenges of development of these applications.

3. DST-MHRD Collaboration in Impacting Research Innovation and Technology (IMPRINT) Project: Department of Science & Technology (DST) is working with Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) to evolve a mechanism for joint implementation of IMPRINT projects which was launched on 5^th Nov. 2015 by the Hon'ble President of India.  Preliminary meetings with MHRD have already taken place and detailed modalities  are being  worked out with MHRD.  IMPRINT projects will address major societal and developmental needs such as healthcare, information and communication technology, energy, sustainable habitat, nano technology, water resources and river systems, advanced materials, security and defence, and environment and climate.

4. DST-Ministry of Railways (MoR)  Joint R&D Initiative : Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Ministry of Railways (MoR) are shaping a joint R&D initiative to address research problems of immediate and direct relevance to MoR by taking up suitable projects within time span of 3-5  years with well defined deliverables. Collaboration between MoR and DST are in the area of fuel efficiency and emission control technologies, alternate fuels, fuel conservation in diesel traction etc. and to derive synergy based on mutual strengths. As an outcome of these efforts, scope of programme support has been finalized  in the meeting of 8^th September, 2015

5. Science and  Technology of Yoga and Meditation (SATYAM)

DST has launched a new programme “Science and Technology of Yoga and Meditation (SATYAM)” in 2015-16 to rejuvenate research in yoga and meditation. Given the ever increasing prevalence of physical and mental health problems, the holistic approach of Yoga and Meditation is believed to have the potential to find beneficial treatment that is relatively safer and more cost-effective. Cutting-edge research under SATYAM will seek to identify related issues and challenges and address these to enhance human well-being. Another objective of SATYAM is to also harness knowledge obtained in academic institutions and other related agencies for finding S&T-led solutions that would enable us to cope with stress and strain associated with fast changing social, economic, environmental and professional circumstances. The programme will encourage research in two major thematic areas: (1) investigations on the effect of Yoga and Meditation on physical and mental health, and (2) investigations on the effect of Yoga & Meditation on the body, brain, and mind in terms of basic processes.

6. Scheme for funding Industry-relevant R&D

The Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) recognizes the need to facilitate increased Public Private Partnerships in its funding mechanism, and has recently approved a scheme that provides an opportunity for collaborative research between academic institutions and industry. This scheme aims to bridge the gap between public funded research and industrial R&D. The new scheme seeks to target solution driven research to address industry specific problems. Project will be jointly designed and implemented by the academic partner and industry, and the cost will be shared between SERB and Industry with industry share not less than 50 % of the total budget. All industries (including Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) & industrial R&D Centres) are welcome to participate in this scheme.

7. Scheme for funding High Risk-High Reward Research

Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) has approved a new and significant initiative to support proposals that are conceptually new and risky, and if successful, expected to have a paradigm-shifting influence on the S&T landscape. Outcome could be new and significant theoretical or experimental advances, formulation of new hypotheses, or breakthrough science which will lead to new technologies. Proposals that address scientific issues leading to “incremental” knowledge will not be supported.

8. Early Career Research Award

A new scheme viz.  Early Career Research Award (ECRA) has been launched to provide quick research support to the researchers who are in their early career for pursuing exciting and innovative research in frontier areas of science and engineering. The Award carries a research grant up to Rs. 50 lakhs for a period of three years. More than 600 young scientists have responded in November 2015 for the Award.

9. National Post-doctoral Fellowship (N-PDF) scheme

In order to attract and retain young scientists and discourage brain drain in academic/R&D institutions, a National Postdoctoral Fellowship (N-PDF) scheme has been launched. It aims to identify motivated young researchers and provide them support for doing research in frontier areas of science and engineering. The Fellow will work under a Mentor, and it is expected that the training will provide him/her a platform to develop as an independent researcher. The Fellow will be provided a fellowship of Rs. 55,000/ pm for a period of 2 years with a research grant of Rs. 2.0 lakh per annum.

10. Technical Research Centres - Five Technical Research Centres (TRCs) in the existing autonomous institutions of the Department of Science & Technology are being set up.  A detailed road-map has been prepared by the Department for setting-up of these centres. TRCs are expected to further enhance translational research being carried out by these autonomous institutions. Final financial approval of TRCs is expected by end of December 2015.

11. Technology Applications by Institute of Nano Science & Technology (INST), Mohali

(A)     Waste Water Treatment:  Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, an autonomous institution of DST, is working towards the development of low cost filter for waste water treatment. They have developed low cost novel nano-adsorbent for removal of toxic metal ions as well as organic pollutant. For this, the water purification trials for removal of lanthanides, transition metal ions, arsenic and organic dyes at laboratory level have been done. The initial trial have been done on purification of real domestic waste. The following are proposed future plans :

(a) Setting up the metal adsorbent pads at the bottom of the boats :

INST is fabricating trapping pads for metal ions and organic pollutant removal. This will be a portable pad which can be fixed to the wall of boats and hence clean river. 

(b) Domestic waste treatment:

In this area INST is planning to make small cartridge (low cost) which can be put at the exhaust of the sink or washing machine and then exhausted clean water will be recharged by clean water.  This is kept in river cleaning concept because the most of the river waste is from waste generated from the people of the country. And if we can address these waste at the source level then we can definitely protect our river to get contaminated form human generated waste.

(c) Industrial waste treatment:

Since the adsorbent made by INST’s scientist are very efficient in trapping high concentration of metal ions, the  idea is to put a cartridge at the exhaust of the industry and trap the waste product and for different industries, specific cartridge will be made.

(d) Plans for urban and rural areas:

 For urban cities, it is planned to do the real time detection and removal of water impurities and its implementation in real life. It is also planned to make low cost water testing strips for rural people and small portable ca cartridge for instant water purification.

(B) Development of Clinical Biomarkers: Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, an autonomous institution of DST is developing cost effective biosensing platforms for clinical biomarkers like Cardiac serum markers (Myoglobin, Troponin I, BNP, FABP etc.) and Prostate cancer markers along with environmental pollutants such as food/water pathogens (E. coli and other enteric pathogens) and new generation pesticides. INST’s aim is to design and develop its own optical/fluorescence/electrochemical based sensors using nanotechnology approach to minimize the size of the sensor as it can be suitably used for rapid and field applications. INST is attempting to increase the specificity of our biosensor by generating our own bio-receptors (antibodies/aptamers) and immobilizing them onto nanostructured platforms in order to have enhanced sensitivity (upto sub picomolar range). The developed sensors will be highly versatile and can be used for other target analyses depending upon the kind of bio-receptor used on the sensor surface.

12. Revamping and Reorientation of Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) Scheme

The INSPIRE Award component which is meant for school children from class 6^th  to 10th is being reoriented  to align it with the national agenda of the Government and observations made by the Hon'ble Prime Minister. The programme is being modified to encourage children to visualise/analyse needs of the nation; develop critical thinking about national issues and problems pertaining to everyday life, as well as, create awareness and inspire them to devise innovative ideas to address them. Follow-up mechanism to further fine tune the best creative ideas/concepts is being put in place.

The second component of the INSPIRE scheme deals with  organizing Science Camps for science students of Class 11th based on their performance at the Class 10th Board examination. Through the Science Camps, these students are provided an opportunity and exposure for interaction with scientists and academicians including Nobel Laureates. Now, “Innovative Idea Writing" has been introduced on themes specific like Water, Energy, Security etc. in keeping with the current initiatives of the Government like Make in India, Swachch Bharat etc. In each Camp, the ideas are being screened for finding the 3 best innovative ideas.

13. New Initiatives in Water and Clean Energy

(a) Recognizing that Water is of fundamental importance for human development,  the, Water Advanced Research and Innovation (WARI) Fellowship Program- a dynamic and transformative program has been launched on 21 September 2015 to foster long term Indo-American  Science and Technology partnerships. A programme for natural water treatment and waste water treatment has also been initiated with French collaboration.

(b) In the area of clean energy following new initiatives have been taken :

-       A new research track on energy storage and smart grids have been agreed for Indo-US collaboration during Energy Dialogue co- Chaired by Hon’ble Minister of Power and US Secretary of Energy on 21^st September 2015. A new programme on Clean Coal Research is also on the anvil.

-       Considering the importance of capacity building in energy efficiency for built environments, a fellowship programme for Indian researchers have been launched to expose them to world class research facilities in US.

-       An Indo–UK Virtual Centre for Clean Energy has been initiated to explore integrated solution for remote and rural locations using distributed solar energy generation,  storage and off grid/ grid interaction following an India-UK discussion meeting on 10-11 June 2015.

-       In order to improve energy security of the country, a roadmap for Methanol Economy as a promising alternate energy source has been initiated in partnership with NITI AAYOG following brainstorming with stakeholders on 11^thSeptember 2015 steered by Dr VK Saraswat, Member, NITI Aayog and Secretary DST.

14. Waste Management Technology Development

With the objective to contribute towards Swachch Bharat, a new programme under the Technology Development Scheme has been initiated to come up with technological solutions for the problems faced by the country in waste management. Areas under this include hospital waste, plastic waste, e-waste, etc. First call for proposals has received an overwhelming response.

15. Advanced Manufacturing

Aligning with the Make in India agenda of the Government, the Department has initiated a programme to promote development of advance manufacturing technologies in the country. The areas include robotics and automation, nano-materials, precision manufacturing, etc. Call for proposals has already been given.

16. Development of Bio-medical Devices

The Department is planning to initiate stakeholder consultation to identify bio-medical devices to be taken up for indigenous development. The programme is being evolved to align with the objective of Swasth Bharat of Government of India.

A Technical Research Centre at Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute of Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram is being established to give a big push to the development and commercialization of biomedical technologies in this institution which has an enviable record in this domain.

17. Scheme for Promoting Innovations, Creativity and Entrepreneurship among ITI Students (SPICE ITI)

As suggested by the Hon'ble Prime Minister during the meeting with Science Secretaries on 29^th July 2015, a separate scheme is being worked out by the National Innovation Foundation, Ahmedabad for promoting innovations, creativity and entrepreneurship among Industrial Training Institute (ITI) students.

18. North Eastern Centre for Ethno Medical Research:

 DST has recently approved establishment of “Ethno Medicinal Research Centre” at FEEDS, Manipur with budgetary support of approx. Rs 6.00 crores. This Centre aims to undertake ethno phyto-chemical research of wild herbs available in the NE region that have unique medicinal and aromatic properties, particularly in our traditional systems.  The Centre will not only give scientific validation of traditional herbs but aims to improve quality of life and economic status of local community through product development and better livelihood.

19. Revamping of Science Express

As suggested by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, the Department has initiated action to strengthen outreach activities along the route of the 8th Phase of the Science Express.  The Department  intends to approach NCSTC-Network (a conglomeration of 83 NGOs), National Council for Science Museum (NCSM), Vigyan Prasar (VP), National Innovation Foundation (NIF), Centre for Environmental Education (CEE), Vikram Sarabhai Community Science Centre (VASCSC), academic and research institutions at 65 destinations of Science Express etc. for providing additional S&T activities to the children visiting Science Express.

The CEE has been advised to exhibit interactive models graphic interfaces and animations to make it more interesting.  In addition to this, several platform activities for children are being planned to make the Science Express experience more meaningful for children.

20. Recent Developments through International S&T Cooperation

(a) A new programme with Russian Science Foundation was concluded by DST for cooperation in Basic Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Biology (Medical and Agriculture), Mathematics) during  8^th Session of  India - Russia Working Group on Science & Technology            in Moscow on September 3, 2015.

(b) A joint declaration of extension of Indo-German Science & Technology Centre was signed on 5^th Oct. 2015 .

(c) A Letter of Intent (LoI) for Indian participation in annual meeting of Nobel Laureates and Students was signed on 5^thOct. 2015.

(d) The Indo-US fellowship programme on Climate Research is being launched this year.

(e) Collaboration with USA on Women in Science has been strengthened with 20 Indo-US Women Fellowship in S&T; training programme on leadership and career development; and Silicon Valley visitation programme for women entrepreneurs.

(f) Under support of US-India Endowment Fund, prototypes of several innovative technologies on affordable healthcare and food security have been developed with a potetial for societal impact and commercial application. Through the five calls, the United States-India Science and Technology Endowment Fund is currently supporting and funding 17 joint U.S.-India entrepreneurial projects in the area of Healthy Individual (affordable biomedical devices, diagnostic/preventive/curative measures, or food and nutrition products to improve health) and Empowering Citizens(information and communication technologies, water, agriculture, financial inclusion, and education etc.) with a grant size of up to Rs. 2.50 crores or approximately $ 400,000. The joint entrepreneurial teams are working together on co-developing innovative product or technologies that are beyond the idea stage with high societal impact and significant potential to commercialize with 2-3 years. In addition to this, 3 project proposals are under the review process of evaluation. In the recent call of Sixth round of July 2015, 19 bi-national teams have been shortlisted by the joint U.S.-India expert panel for Stage II: detailed business plan and presentation at USA . Out of 19 companies, 5 have been shortlisted in November 2015 by the joint panel for further due diligence before award of the grant.

21. Showcasing of Indian Innovators in Silicon Valley during the visit of Hon’ble Prime Minister.

Under the India Innovation Growth Programme jointly supported by DST and Lockheed Martin Corporation, 10 Innovators participated in the Start-up Connect Programme and displayed their innovations.  It would be worthwhile to mention that out of the 34 innovations showcased at Silicon Valley; approximately 50% were supported in one way or the other by DST.  The innovators have attracted a lot of attention from the Venture Capitalists (VCs) in Silicon Valley and many of them have stayed back to explore further deals and investments.

22. UV Imaging Telescope

UV Imaging Telescope developed by Indian Institute of Astrophysics is one of the payloads on ASTROSAT which has been recently launched by ISRO. Telescope has started giving images and calibration is being done by ISRO.   

23. Big Data Initiative

A proposal to initiate a new scheme viz. Big Data Initiative has been prepared and is under consideration of the Department. The scheme is aligned with the Government's Digital India initiative.

24. Policy on Conflict of Interest

In a significant move, the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) has given its nod to go ahead with the much awaited policy on Conflict of Interest for grant applicants (including collaborators), reviewers and  committee members and officers dealing with various programs. The Board felt that issues of conflicts of interest and ethics in scientific research and research management have assumed greater prominence in the new era of knowledge economy. All the stakeholders are required to sign an undertaking to adhere to the policy on conflict of interest. The approved policy aims to bring more transparency and increased accountability in funding mechanisms and provide assurance to the general public that processes followed in award of grants are fair and non-discriminatory.