Author: Science India Bureau
YOUNG SCIENTIST : Dr PRASHANT KUMAR Dr Prashant Kumar, a distinguished Scientist-SF at the Space Applications Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad, of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has become a pivotal figure in advancing atmospheric science and weather forecasting in India. His research contributions in space applications and Earth system sciences have earned him the prestigious Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award, which was given to him on 22 August 2024 by President of India, Droupadi Murmu. In the category of space science, Kumar shared the award with Dr Digendranath Swain of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre of ISRO. Kumar’s expertise lies in…
IN FOCUS: SATYENDRA NATH BOSE NATIONAL CENTRE FOR BASIC SCIENCES Established on the 13 June 1986, the Satyendra Nath Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences (SNBNCBS) stepped into its 39th year in 2024. Professor Satyendra Nath Bose (1893-1974) was one of the foremost quantum physicists in the world. He is immortalised by his discovery of Bose Statistics in 1924. Subsequently, coinages like Bose-Einstein Condensation and Higgs boson highlight his contributions that remain relevant even to contemporary physics. Half of the fundamental particles of the universe—bosons—are named after him. In order to pay tribute to the memory of this great son…
In a significant breakthrough in the field of astronomy, India unveiled its groundbreaking Gamma-ray telescope—MACE (Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment) at Hanle in Ladakh on 9 October. The importance of MACE lies in the fact that it’s the world’s tallest, measuring 4270 meters above sea level. It is India’s largest and the world’s highest gamma-ray telescope, which will provide a new window into distant stars and galaxies in the universe. It is also the world’s second-largest, ground-based gamma-ray telescope with a 21-metre-diameter dish. The largest telescope of the same class is the 28-metre-diameter telescope, which is part of the High Energy…
Nikhil Lemos, a 16-year-old from Vadodara, has made waves in the world of healthcare innovation with his development of a mini-robot called Meditel, designed to help people take their medications on time. Meditel isn’t just any reminder device; it’s equipped with a comprehensive system that includes an alarm for timely reminders, a reusable water bottle for added convenience, and a thoughtfully designed pill organiser that can accommodate a variety of medication schedules. Lemos’ innovation has proven to be life-changing for those who struggle with remembering their medication, particularly elderly individuals, which was his primary inspiration. Lemos’ journey into healthcare robotics…
Image Courtesy: PIB Marking a significant milestone in the Northeast region’s journey towards becoming a hub for scientific and technological innovation, the 10th edition of the prestigious India International Science Festival (IISF) 2024 will be held for the first time in Guwahati. The festival will be held at IIT Guwahati campus from 30 November to 3 December. In a recent curtain raiser function at National Media Centre in New Delhi, the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh said that the hosting of IISF in Guwahati is a testimony to the government’s commitment to…
NOBEL PRIZE IN SCIENCES, 2024 The 2024 Nobel Prize winners have been announced, honouring groundbreaking contributions in the fields of Chemistry, Physics, and Physiology or Medicine. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has unveiled the name of this year’s laureates, recognising their innovative work that pushes the boundaries of science and enhances our understanding of the complex biological and physical systems that govern our world. NOBEL PRIZE IN CHEMISTRYThe 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry has been awarded in two parts: one-half to David Baker for his significant contributions to computational protein design, and the other half jointly to Demis Hassabis…
Image Courtesy: SN Bose Institute PARAM Rudra Supercomputer India’s advancements in supercomputing have reached new heights with the development of the PARAM Rudra series, under the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM). Spearheaded by the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) and the Department of Science and Technology (DST), PARAM Rudra is poised to revolutionise research across diverse fields, ranging from advanced materials and high-energy physics to earth sciences and cosmology. Three PARAM Rudra supercomputers have been installed in Pune, Delhi, and Kolkata, and each of these is configured to work on different research capabilities. The PARAM Rudra, with its 838 TFLOPS…
YOUNG SCIENTIST: DR ASHUTOSH PANDEY Dr Ashutosh Pandey is a distinguished geologist whose research has significantly advanced our understanding of the Earth’s mantle and its evolution. An Assistant Professor at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) in Thiruvananthapuram, Dr Pandey’s work focuses on the mineralogy and geochemistry of mantle samples and mantle-derived magmatic rocks. His research explores large-scale geodynamic processes, such as tectonic plate reorganisation, mantle melting and differentiation, and crust-mantle interactions. These processes are crucial for understanding the Earth’s biogeochemical cycles and the formation of critical mineral resources. Dr Ashutosh Pandey received the award from the…
The inaugural Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar, a bouquet of awards that constitute India’s highest awards in the field of science, technology and technology-led innovations, were awarded to scientists by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, on August 22 in New Delhi. The ceremony was held at Ganatantra Mandapam of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, where the President conferred the topmost science award of India, the first-ever Vigyan Ratna Puraskar, along with 13 Vigyan Shri Puraskar, 18 Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prizes and one Vigyan Team Puraskar. Images Courtesy: Press Information Bureau This bouquet of science awards was reconstituted last year from all the…
YOUNG SCIENTIST: RAJ CHOURASIA Raj Chourasia, a Class 10 student at SR Public Senior Secondary School in Kota, Rajasthan, is deeply committed to addressing social issues through sustainable development initiatives. Chourasia has developed two remarkable innovations: An AI-powered shoe to assist the visually impaired and prevent child kidnapping, and an online fuel delivery service aimed at improving access to fuel in rural areas. The first project, named ‘The AI Shoe,’ is an invention designed to tackle the distressing issue of child kidnapping.Furthermore, this innovative project serves as a valuable aid for the visually challenged, offering them enhancedawareness of their immediate…