19-Oct-2022: New materials developed can help move towards stable LEDs emitting bright light
Plasma treatment of some inorganic nano-materials has shown the way towards bright, stable and affordable light-emitting diodes (LEDs) which can be sources of lighting for the future.
Cost-efficient and bright light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are commonly desired for general light sources, but attaining desired stability and brightness have been challenges for scientists who are looking for new materials that are stable and produce bright emissions and can be commercially viable
Scientists at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), an autonomous research institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), found that simple plasma treatment of inorganic material of cesium lead halide nanocrystals can lead to an enhanced stabilization many folds showing the promise of bright and stable LEDs.
The team of researchers led by Dr. Pralay K. Santra found a mechanism of plasma treatment induced stability enhancement in inorganic perovskite nano-crystals that could boost their emission. Plasma treatment induces the cross-linking of the organic molecules, oleylamine, present on the surface of the nanocrystals. This creates a stronger network of ligands, providing better encapsulation and higher PL intensity. They have also presented a novel anticounterfeiting application that uses the method of plasma treatment to fabricate covert double-layer security tags. The findings from the present work were recently published in the journal ‘ACS Applied Nano Materials.'
The team has also filed the provisional Indian patent for their discovery and actively looking for partners to commercialize the technique.
18-Aug-2020: Bengaluru scientists fabricate invisible shield for electromagnetic interference
H G Wells’ ‘Invisible Man’ tweaked optical properties of the body to become invisible. Scientists have now achieved a similar feat by designing a metal mesh structure instead of continuous film on desired transparent substrates to make it a transparent shield for electromagnetic interference (EMI). The invisible shield can be used in various military stealth applications and can cover electromagnetic wave emitter or absorber devices without compromising their aesthetics.
Scientists from Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India have fabricated these transparent and flexible EMI shields made of metal meshes using the crack templating method via spray coating which is pioneered in their laboratory.
The CeNS team has developed a copper metal mesh on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) sheet as its substrate, which exhibited a visible transmittance (T), a parameter of visible transparency of about 85% and sheet resistance (Rs) ~ 0.83 ohm per square. These transparent and flexible EMI shields made of metal mesh coatings on desired transparent substrate they have developed through their research published in the journal ‘Bulletin of Materials Science’ showed remarkably high values for total EMI shielding (SET), with the average value being ~ 41 dB over a wide spectral range of the Ku band (12 to 18 GHz).
Instead of continuous film of metal (Cu) coating on any transparent substrate (glass, PET) where transparency can be compromised. In this method, the CeNS team has deposited metal mesh networks on the substrate, which covers only 7% area of substate, unlike 100% coverage of continuous film. This makes metal mesh transparent compare to continuous metal film. Metal mesh provides better electromagnetic shielding compare to same thickness of continuous metal film where transparency can be compromised.
This metal mesh can be created on any desired substrates such as acrylic, polycarbonate, glass, etc. without compromising the conductivity of the electrodes.
Dr. Ashutosh K Singh, Scientist at CeNS and working on this project, said, “this invention has the potential to satisfy the huge demand for highly effective transparent and flexible EMI shields, which can cover electromagnetic wave emitter/absorber devices without compromising their aesthetics.”
These transparent EMI shields have been exhibited in various prestigious Expos and conferences such as Bangalore INDIA NANO-2018 & 2020, ICONSAT-2018 & 2020, SPIE-2019, etc. for dissemination and marketing purpose. The shields are available for onsite testing and validation purposes.
The team lead by Prof. G U Kulkarni, along with his co-workers from CeNS and industrial partner Hind High Vacuum (HHV) Pvt. Ltd. have set-up a semi-automated production plant funded by DST-Nanomission in CeNS-Arkavathi campus for production of transparent conducting glasses which shows the potential for transparent EMI shields as well.
16-Apr-2020: CeNS develops portable sensor to ease heavy metal detection in water
Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) has developed a compact solid-state sensor to detect the heavy metal ions in water. It is a portable device which can help onsite detection in remote areas.
Heavy metal ions such as lead, mercury and cadmium pose severe potential threats to living beings as they can easily be accumulated in the body and cannot be detoxified by any chemical or biological processes. The health hazards associated with heavy metal ions in water demands the development of efficient and portable sensors for rapid onsite detection of these ions. There is an urge to develop visual sensors, which can effectively detect heavy metal ions rapidly (within seconds) under ambient conditions.
A team of researchers led by Dr. Pralay K. Santra at Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences have developed a compact solid-state sensor to detect the heavy metal ions, e.g., lead ions (Pb2+) down to 0.4 parts per billion (ppb) for efficient onsite detection. The sensor film was prepared by forming a composite between manganese doped zinc sulfide quantum dots and reduced graphene oxide on a glass substrate. These particular quantum dots are water-soluble and have high photoluminescence (~ 30 %) quantum yield, making them suitable for luminescence-based sensing. These quantum dots can be excited with handheld UV light of 254 nm, thus making it a portable device even to remote areas. If a drop of water containing heavy metal ions such as mercury, lead, cadmium, etc. are added to the composite film, the emission of the film quenches within seconds.
This study demonstrates the easy detection of heavy metal ions in water; however, the team is developing strategies to improve the selectivity of the detection.
7-Oct-2022: All India Institute of Ayurveda signs MoU with National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Japan
The All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), the apex institute of Ayurveda in India under the Ministry of AYUSH, and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Japan have signed an MoU for academic establishment. AIST is a reputed and one of the largest public research organizations in Japan, focusing on technologies and on “bridging” the gap between innovative technological seeds and commercialisation.
The MoU was signed by Prof. Tanuja Nesari, Director, AIIA and Dr. Tamura Tomohiro, Director General, Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, who was present online. The event was graced by Renu Wadhwa, Prime Senior Researcher, Head AIST-India DAILAB, Dept of Life Science and Biotechnology, whose efforts have been instrumental in making this collaboration a reality. Other dignitaries who were present virtually at the occasion were Dr. Manoj Nesari, Advisor, Ministry of Ayush; Dr. Chiba, Director, AIST, Japan; Dr Ohmiya Yoshihiro, Principal Senior Researcher, AIST; Dr Sunil Kaul, Invited Senior Researcher, Dept. of Life Science & Biotechnology AIST; Mrs. Sheila Tirky, Representative of MoA.
With the signing of this MoU, AIIA aims to promote Institute’s research activities both at a national and international stage. The MoU will enable both countries to promote research collaboration and building capacities in the field of the Indian Ayurvedic system of traditional medicines. All these activities will be executed in support of the Ministry of Ayush.
The scope of activities that is intended by the participants includes research activities in the field of Ayurveda including studies in design and execution with the purpose of developing evidence-based guidelines for integrating Ayurvedic principles and practices with conventional medicine, evolving safety standards and protocols for the use of Ayurveda in Japan in conformity with medical guidelines, exchanging scientists, researchers and staff as determined by the collaborators on a project-to-project basis, students’ participation in collaborative activities to achieve excellence in Ayurveda towards achieving scientific advances, tools and techniques.
AIIA already has MoUs with the European Academy of Ayurveda, Bernstein, Germany; Western Sydney University, Australia; Graz Medical University, Austria; College of Medical, UK; London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, UK an Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
26-Oct-2021: Ayush Minister to Inaugurate Incubation Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at All India Institute of Ayurveda
Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of Ayush and Ports, Shipping and Waterways will inaugurate the Incubation Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (AIIA- iCAINE) at All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), on 29th Oct 2021 at a program organized in Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.
Dr. Munjpara Mahendrabhai Kalubhai, MoS for Ayush and Women & Child Development will also grace the program being organized as a part of the celebrations of 6th Ayurveda Day on the theme ‘Ayurveda for Poshan’.
A national seminar on "Start-ups in Ayush Sector- Scope and Opportunities (AYUR-UDYAMAH)” is also being organized on 30th October as a part of the program.
The event will witness representatives from Ayurveda Sector across the country, and about 400 AYUSH institutes and MoU partners working in collaboration with AIIA.
To promote entrepreneurship leveraging the academic knowledge, All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), has set up an Incubation and Innovation Centre in its campus to nucleate a cluster of new age ventures. AIIA has been recognized as Host Institute (HI) under Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India which would provide opportunities to the innovators in developing and nurturing their ideas.
The incubation centre will be set up under the mandate of Ministry of Ayush given to AIIA to nucleate a cluster of new age ventures and to promote entrepreneurship leveraging the academic knowledge. “Startups are new types of wealth creators in our country”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in his Independence Day speech on 15 August, 2021, underscoring the need of the government to relentlessly work towards making India’s Startups and the Startup Ecosystem, the best in the world. Government of India is implementing Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National AYUSH Mission (NAM) through States/UTs for development and promotion of AYUSH system of medicine.
In addition to above, AIIA has developed an immunity boosting 'Bal Raksha Kit' for children up to the age of 16 years which will be launched in the event. It is proposed to distribute 10,000 free Bal Raksha kits to children on the occasion of Ayurveda Day. Recently All India Institute of Ayurveda has also established a well-equipped Blood Bank with relevant licence from the concerned authority of Government of India which will be inaugurated on the day of the event.
AYURVEDA FOOD EXPO will be a major attraction of the event to exhibit strength of Ayurveda in Food Sector through showcasing various Innovative recipes like Ready-to-eat healthy foods and others. It will serve as the ideal platform to bring together various stake holders of Ayurveda under one roof.
On 30th Oct 2021, during National seminar at AIIA campus, Eminent Speakers from Ministry of Ayush, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), IIT, NCISM, NIFTEM, Food Technologists, Entrepreneurs will be sharing their expertise. An Ayurveda Food Expo will also be organized during the event to exhibit strength of Ayurveda in Food Sector.
The event will also include Launch of Qualification Packs for AYUSH Sub Sector Skill Council under Health Sector Skill Council (HSCC). AIIA is acting as a nodal organization under the directions of Ministry of AYUSH in the execution of skill development programs in AYUSH sector since 2018 and the Ministry has designated AIIA as the centre of excellence in skill development under HSSC.
7-Sep-2021: MoU Signed between All India institute of Ayurveda and Western Sydney University, Australia to appoint an Academic Chair in Ayurveda
All India Institute of Ayurveda under Ministry of Ayush, signed a MoU in coordination with NICM Western Sydney University Australia, in virtual mode, to appoint an Academic Chair in Ayurveda. The MoU was signed by Professor Tanuja Nesari, Director, All India Institute of Ayurveda, Ministry of Ayush and Vice-Chancellor and President, Western Sydney University, Australia, Professor Barney Glover in presence of Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary Ayush and Mr. Dan Tehan MP, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment and Foreign Affairs of Australia.
The new Academic Chair will undertake academic and collaborative research activities in Ayurveda, including herbal medicine and yoga, as well as design academic standards and short-term/medium-term courses and educational guidelines. This Chair will also conduct workshops/seminars/conferences on Ayurveda, advocate the safe and effective use of Ayurveda Systems in Australia, identify in academic and research programs on Ayurveda their strengths and gaps, provide tutorials to students, including the promotion of research activities and innovations in Ayurveda in India, provide academic leadership demonstrating and fostering excellence in teaching research and policy development related to Ayurveda, within the robust Australian regulatory frame work, to develop strategies to promote the translation and integration of well evidence based Ayurveda medicines into conventional healthcare.
Professor Linda Taylor Pro Vice Chancellor, WSU Australia and Professor Barney Glover Vice Chancellor and President, WSU Australia, gave the welcome address and highlighted that this initiative would largely benefit both the countries and will encourage research innovation and collaboration and will also help in developing social and economical development as well as improve the health status of people. The opening Ministerial remarks given by the Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, emphasized on necessity of the Chair MoU and assured cooperation and support of Ministry of Ayush.
This Ayurveda Academic Chair will be based at Western Sydney University’s NICM Health Research Institute, located on the West mead campus, with tenure for a period of three years. The appointment of the chair is jointly funded by the Ministry of Ayush and Western Sydney University and anticipated to commence early in 2022.
17-Oct-2017: The first ever All India Institute of Ayurveda dedicated to the Nation by the Prime Minister on Ayurveda Day at New Delhi
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today dedicated the All India Institute of Ayurveda, in New Delhi, to the Nation. The first ever All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) is set up along the lines of AIIMS. As an apex institute under the Ministry of AYUSH, the AIIA will bring synergy between the traditional wisdom of Ayurveda and modern diagnostic tools and technology. Minister of State for AYUSH (Independent Charge) Shri Shripad Naik was also present on this occasion.
Speaking on this occasion, the Prime Minister congratulated the gathering on the celebration of Dhanvantri Jayanti as Ayurveda Divas. He complimented the Ministry of AYUSH for the establishment of the All India Institute of Ayurveda.
The Prime Minister asserted that nations cannot progress unless they value and cherish their history and heritage. Those nations who leave their heritage behind, are destined to lose their identity, he added. The Prime Minister said that when India was not independent, its knowledge, and its traditions such as Yoga and Ayurveda were belittled. The Prime Minister said that the Government is working towards establishing an Ayurveda hospital in every district of the country. He said that more than 65 AYUSH hospitals have been developed in the last three years.
In his welcome address, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik announced that the Government, with the active participation of the private sector will endeavour for a three-fold increase in Ayurveda facilities in next five years. The Minister said, “India will celebrate her 75th Independence Day in 2022, on this occasion we are endeavouring for a three-fold increase in Ayurveda facilities in next five years.”
Shri Naik further added that massive investment is needed to achieve this target. So, the government is also encouraging the private sector to invest in the field of Ayurveda. He appealed to practitioners, students and followers of Ayurveda, to take benefit of programs like Skill India, Digital India, Swastha Bharat-Swaccha Bharat and Start-up India, to fulfill the dream of ‘Ayushman Bharat’.
The minister informed the gathering about the steps taken by his ministry to promote Ayurveda and other alternative systems of medicine. He said that in the past two years people’s interest and faith in Ayurveda has increased manifolds. The number of Ayurveda hospitals is increasing even in the private sector. The Ministry has published an ‘Ayurveda standard guideline’ to standardize medicines and treatments in this ancient therapy system. The Pharmacopeia Commission of Indian medicine is working for the standardization of medicines.
Shri Naik said that to popularize the Indian systems of medicine the world over, the Ministry has opened Ayush Information Cells in 29 countries. Ayurveda chairs have also been established in a number of countries. The Ministry has signed an MOU with the National Health Organization of USA for development of Ayurveda and Yoga.
On this occasion, The Prime Minister released the “Ayurvedic Standard Treatment Guidelines”. These guidelines were developed by the Ministry of AYUSH. The Prime Minister also gave away the Yoga Award to the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute, Pune, which was announced earlier this year on the occasion of International Day of Yoga.
The All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) has been set up with a total campus area of 10.015 acres with a budget of Rs.157 Crore. It has an NABH Accredited Hospital and an Academic Block. Out Patient Services are being provided in the hospital block of the AIIA and medicines are given free of cost. Currently clinical specialties running in the hospital block are Neurological & Degenerative Disease Care Unit, Rheumatology & Musculoskeletal Care Unit, Diabetes & Metabolic/Allergic Disorders Care Unit, Yoga, Panchakarma Clinic, Kriya Kalpa, Diabetic Retinopathy Clinic, Kshara Evum Anushastra Karma and Infertility Clinic. It also has pathology, biochemistry, microbiology and radiology laboratories/diagnosis facilities. The indoor patient department has provision for 200 beds.
The Ministry of AYUSH has requested All State Governments, State AYUSH Directorates, all Ayurveda colleges/ teaching institutions, AYUSH/Health Universities, Associations of Ayurveda Practitioners, Ayurveda Drug Industries and all supporters/ well-wishers and stakeholders of Ayurveda in India and abroad, to observe Ayurveda Day on 17th October, 2017 year and undertake various activities such as organizing public lectures / seminars / exhibitions / radio talks etc., as a part of the Ayurveda Day celebrations.
The first Ayurveda Day was celebrated last year.
30-Sep-2022: IARI organised Kisan Sampark Yatra to obtain farmers’ feedback of newly released IARI Basmati Varieties
The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) organised the ‘Kisan Sampark Yatra’ during September 27-29 in the rice growing region of Haryana and Punjab to obtain farmers’ feedback on the three newly released IARI Basmati varieties. The IARI had distributed 1 kg per acre seeds of the newly developed disease resistant Basmati rice to farmers during the Krishi Vigya Mela held at Pusa, New Delhi earlier this year for cultivation. Briefing the media today, Dr. AK Singh, Director, IARI said farmers were advised not to sell the produce of these seeds in the market, instead provide it to other farmers so that the new varieties could multiply and be grown in larger volumes.
Basmati rice is an export commodity with annual forex earning of Rs. 25,053 crores during 2021-22. Pusa Basmati rice varieties namely, Pusa Basmati 1121, Pusa Basmati 1509 and Pusa Basmati 6 occupy more than 90% of the area under Basmati rice cultivation in GI area of Basmati rice in India and account for more than 90% of the Basmati rice exports from India. Bacterial blight and blast are the most devastating diseases in Basmati rice which cause significant yield losses as well as affect the Basmati grain and cooking quality. Conventionally, these diseases are managed by use of chemicals like streptocyclin and tricyclazole. However, there has been concerns raised by the importing nations especially from the European Union of use of some chemicals in Basmati rice, and in some cases rejection of Basmati rice consignments from the importers. During recent years, European Union has reduced the MRL (residue limit) of tricyclazole (one of the most commonly used fungicide in managing neck blast disease) to 0.01ppm. Therefore, there was an urgent need to address this issue in order to maintain the leading position in the international trade of Basmati rice.
On the directions of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar tasked the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to address the concerns. IARI, New Delhi, a premier institute under the ICAR, pioneered the research to incorporate resistance to the two diseases through incorporation of genes governing resistance to bacterial blight and blast diseases in the genetic background of the three major varieties, Pusa Basmati 1121, Pusa Basmati 1509 and Pusa Basmati 6 through molecular marker assisted breeding. Through concerted research, ICAR-IARI developed improved version of these three Basmati rice varieties with inbuilt resistance to Bacterial blight and blast diseases with the aid of molecular marker assisted breeding resulting in development and release of Pusa Basmati 1847, Pusa Basmati 1885 and Pusa Basmati 1886 in 2021. The three improved Basmati rice varieties with resistance to both Bacterial blight and blast diseases, would pave the way for sustaining India’s leadership in Basmati rice exports across the world, said Dr. AK Singh.
A brief description of each of these varieties are presented below:
Pusa Basmati 1847 - an improved Bacterial blight and blast resistant version of popular Basmati rice variety, Pusa Basmati 1509: Pusa Basmati 1847 is an improvement of popular Basmati rice variety, Pusa Basmati 1509 with inbuilt resistance to bacterial blight and blast disease developed through molecular marker assisted breeding. This variety possesses two genes each for bacterial blight resistance namely, xa13 and Xa21; and blast resistance namely, Pi54 and Pi2. It is an early maturing and semi-dwarf Basmati rice variety with average yield of 5.7 t/ ha. This variety was released for commercial cultivation in 2021. Pusa Basmati 1847 is highly resistant to blast disease (susceptibility index of 2.5) as compared to Pusa Basmati 1509, which is highly susceptible (susceptibility index of 7.0). It also exhibits highly resistant reaction against bacterial blight disease (susceptibility index of 3.0) as compared to Pusa Basmati 1509, which is highly susceptible (susceptibility index of 7.0).
Pusa Basmati 1885 - an improved Bacterial blight and blast resistant version of popular Basmati rice variety, Pusa Basmati 1121: Pusa Basmati 1885 is an improved version of Pusa Basmati 1121 with inbuilt resistance to bacterial blight and blast diseases. This variety has been developed through molecular marker assisted breeding incorporation of two genes each for bacterial blight resistance namely, xa13 and Xa21; and blast resistance genes Pi2 and Pi54. It has semi-tall plant stature with extra-long slender grains and cooking quality similar to Pusa Basmati 1121. It is a medium duration Basmati rice variety with seed-to-seed maturity of 135 days with an average yield of 4.68 t/ha. Pusa Basmati 1885 is highly resistant to blast disease with a susceptibility index of 2.3 as compared to Pusa Basmati 1121, which is highly susceptible (susceptibility index of 7.3). It also exhibits highly resistant reaction against bacterial blight disease (susceptibility index of 3.3) as compared to Pusa Basmati 1121 which is highly susceptible.
Pusa Basmati 1886 - an improved Bacterial blight and blast resistant version of popular Basmati rice variety, Pusa Basmati 6: Pusa Basmati 1886 is an improved version of popular Basmati rice variety, Pusa Basmati 6, possessing two genes for bacterial blight resistance xa13 and Xa21; and two genes for blast resistance, Pi54 and Pi2, developed through molecular marker assisted breeding. It has a seed-to-seed maturity of 145 days and average yield of 4.49 t/ ha. Pusa Basmati 1886 is highly resistant to blast disease (susceptibility index of 2.5) as compared with Pusa Basmati 6, which is highly susceptible (susceptibility index of 8.5). Further, it also exhibits very high resistance against bacterial blight (susceptibility index of 3.3) as compared to highly susceptible reaction exhibited by Pusa Basmati 6 (susceptibility index of 7.3).
10-Aug-2021: IARI has licensed the technology to 12 companies for mass multiplication and marketing of the Pusa Decomposer
Multiple efforts have been made to demonstrate the new low cost capsule i.e. Pusa Decomposer Technology developed by ICAR - Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi for crop residue management across the country as given below:
- During 2020, Pusa Decomposer was provided for 5730 ha area to the Govt. of Uttar Pradesh (3700 ha), Punjab (200 ha), Delhi (800 ha), West Bengal (510 ha), Telangana (100 ha); Confederation of Indian Industry (100 ha) and NGO and Farmers (320 ha).
- Its capsule kits were provided to the farmers of 25 states covering >10,000 ha area during 2020-21.
- In-situ application of Pusa decomposer on paddy residue was demonstrated at farmers’ fields in several villages of Punjab [Mirpur (Mukherian), Balim (Gurdaspur), Kohali (Amritsar), Salina (Moga), Kattianwali (Fazilka)] and Haryana [Badwasini (Sonipat) and Anwal (Rohtak)]. A slogan of “jalana nahi, galana hai” was publicized among the farmers.
- A field visit was organized in association with the Delhi Govt officials for the scientists of PAU, Ludhiana and HAU, Hisar along with progressive farmers of Haryana, UP and Punjab to assess the decomposition of paddy straw using “Pusa decomposer” at Delhi farmers’ fields.
- Besides, regular interactive sessions with farmers through online meetings, Webinars, WhatsApp have been conducted to make them aware of this technology and to wean them away from burning.
- A weekly You Tube channel of IARI named Pusa Samachar also regularly ran the programme on “Pusa Decomposer Technology” for the benefit of farmers.
IARI has licensed this technology to 12 companies for mass multiplication and marketing of the Pusa Decomposer. In addition, ICAR – IARI, New Delhi has produced about 20000 packets of Pusa decomposer at its own facility for use by the farmers.