DEPARTMENT OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION
SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
SURVEY OF INDIA All 26 maps for the Hindi edition of the National Atlas of India were printed in the Map Publication Directorate.
The Western circle carried out original surveys and triangulation for subsequent surveys in Rajasthan, the Punjab and Bombay.
The Northern Circle carried out triangulation for subsequent surveys and original and revision surveys in Madhya Pradesh, the Punjab, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir and Nepal; cantonment surveys in Uttar Pradesh, and the Punjab; traversing, rectangulation and sub- rectangulation in Rajasthan; sub-rectangulation-cum-levelling in Jammu and Kashmir in Ravi land Pratap Canal Projects; and surveys for I.C.A.O. approach and landing charts of Srinagar, Jammu,, Agra and Lalitpur aerodromes.
The Southern Circle carried out forest surveys, plan, height control and original air-cum-ground survey, and plan control for ground survey in Bombay State; plan and height control and original air-cum-ground survey in Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and Madhya Pradesh under Ramapadasagar Dam Project; in Andhra Pradesh and Orissa under Sileru Project; in Bombay under Mula Project; in Kerala under Iddiki Project; in Bombay under Mahi Canal Project; under Hathmati Project, under Meshwa Project, under Nagarjunasagar Project, under Girna Project and under Purna Project in Bombay; in Madhya Pradesh under Kaliasota Project, and cantonment surveys in Southern India.
The Eastern Circle carried out I.C.A.O. chart survey of Bagh- dogra, Kumbhigram, Chaukulia and Kalaikunda Aerodromes; original and revision surveys and plan and height control in Assam, West Bengal, Bhutan, NEFA and Nepal; Andaman and Nicobar Islands surveys; Indo-East Pakistan Boundary surveys in Patharia Hills sector; Bhimkund and Rangali Project surveys in Orissa; Kopili Flood Scheme; Barak Flood Control area; and Chera-Shella Ropeway Survey in Assam and cantonment surveys in Eastern India.
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The Geodetic and Research Branch carried out magnetic work, secondary levelling, Indo-West Pakistan boundary demarcation and revision surveys. Tidal observations were carried out as follows:-
31-day tidal observations and local levelling at six ports in Madras and Kerala; Secondary levelling in Madras and Bombay; Tidal stream observations in Gulfs of Kutch and Cambay; Tide gauge installation; Latitude and longitude observations; and Earth tide observations in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Punjab and Bombay and gravity observations in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh in connection with the I.G.Y. work.
The Air Survey and Training Directorate carried out flood control surveys in Ganga and Brahamaputra basins; survey of Wular Lake and Jhelum basin; surveys for Ken Reservoir Project in Madhya Pradesh; surveys of Trombay area for the Atomic Energy Establishment; survey of Rajasthan Lead-Zinc and surveys of Delhi area for the Town Planning Organisation.
The training of two trainees from North Borneo in draftsmanship, map printing and computing, and two trainees from Burma in Lithographic Retouching and Photo Lettering, and six trainees from Nepal in Surveyor's course was completed.
The total gross budget estimate for 1957-58 amounts to Rs. 1,64,85,000 (including Rs. 2,94,000 on account of charges in England).
Programme for 1958-59: The Northern Circle will carry out original and revision surveys in the Punjab, Nepal and Jammu and Kashmir; cantonment surveys in North India; I.C.A.O. charts surveys in Northern India; and traversing, rectangulation and mapping in Rajasthan Canal Project.
The Western Circle will carry out original and revision surveys in Rajasthan, the Punjab and Bombay.
The Southern Circle will carry out cantonment surveys in Southern India; forest surveys in Bombay State; and project surveys in Bombay, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Orissa.
The Eastern Circle will carry out I.C.A.O. charts surveys; cantonment surveys; Indo-East Pakistan boundary surveys; original and revision surveys; surveys in Andaman and Nicobar Islands; and project surveys.
The Geodetic and Research Branch will carry out high precision and secondary levelling; magnetic observations; tidal work; I.G.Y.
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work; Indo-West Pakistan boundary demarcation and departmental surveys.
The Air Survey and Training Directorate will carry out surveys in Nepal; Rajasthan (Lead-Zinc Zone), large scale survey of Trombay area for the Atomic Energy Commission; surveys for the Town Planning Organisation of the Ministry of Health and double tertiary and tertiary levelling and marking of spot heights on mosaics for flood control investigations required by the Central Water and Power Commission.
NATIONAL ATLAS ORGANISATION The National Atlas Organisation was set up to compile the National Atlas of India in Hindi and English and in other regional languages of India.
Preparation of National Atlas: The Hindi edition of the National Atlas was brought out during the first week of October, 1957. The Atlas depicts for the first time through maps the socioeconomic picture of the country' as influenced by environmental factors. It contains 96 maps (including insets) in 26 sheets with explanatory notes both in Hindi and in English.
Copies of the Atlas have been printed and arrangements are being made for its copies to be made available to the public at the follow- ing prices: -
Price to be charged
Description from educational
institutions,libraries
and Public
(i) Atlas printed on imported paper. Rs. 125.00 per copy
(ii) Atlas printed on indigenous paper Rs. 100.00 per copy
(iii) Maps printed on imported paper Rs. 5.00 per sheet
(iv) Maps printed on indigenous paper Rs. 3.50 per sheet
(v) Exlanatory notes,-
(a) Printed in Hindi Rs. 0.50 per set.
(b) Printed in English Rs. 1.00 per set.
The maps included in the Hindi edition will also be made avail- able in the form of wall atlas.
Budget estimates for 1957-58 total Rs. 5,00,000.
Professor Hans Ahlmann, President of the International Geogra- phical Union, and Dr. W. W. William Olsson, Chairman of the I.G.U. Commission on World Population Mapping, visited the Calcutta office of the National Atlas Organisation, expressed satisfaction over
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the progress made and held discussions with the Director regarding population mapping and various cartographic techniques.
Future programme: Data etc., for the main edition of the Atlas in English is being collected. As the completion of the Atlas will take considerable time, maps to be included in this edition will be made available in sets as and when they are ready.
BOTANICAL SURVEY OF INDIA The Botanical Survey has now under it the following organisations: -
1. The Office of the Chief Botanist, Calcutta.
2. The Central National Herbarium at Indian Botanic Garden, Calcutta.
3. The Industrial Section at the Indian Museum, Calcutta.
4. The Central Botanical Laboratory, Allahabad.
5. Four Regional Circles based on phyto-geographical affinities namely the Eastern, Western, Northern and Southern Circles with their headquarters at Shillong, Poona, Dehra Dun and Coimbatore respectively each under a Regional Botanist.
The headquarters establishment under the Chief Botanist at Calcutta, coordinates the activities of the various Regional Circles and attached offices for implementing the policy laid down by Gov- ernment to render help, advice and guidance in the field of botanical explorations and investigations.
The National Herbarium will house the type specimens and a fully representative collection of the plants comprising of the flora of India and also of other countries. This Institution will also aid in floristic work, taxonomy, systematics, nomenclature and training in Modern Herbarium and Taxonomical methods through diploma and refresher courses.
The Industrial Section maintains a Botanical Museum on modern lines in Calcutta, with full representative collection of authentic plant specimens of Economic Survey and investigations on plant resources, supply of economic information, visual education and Museum services and training in Museum methods.
The Central Botanical Laboratory undertakes intensive investi- gations on Cyto-taxonomical (indicative of Plant Geography and distribution of the Indian, flora in particular), Genetical, Physio- logical Ecological and related subjects and also includes Radioisotope studies on Plants.
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Regional Circles explore and accurately map the flora and vegeta- tion of the respective regions, collect specimens and data in respect of ecological groups and economic plants at regular intervals during different seasons of the year to bring them up-to-date and revise the flora of the country.
The Botanical Survey of India will collaborate with universities and research centres in the country by encouraging research students in universities to take up studies of problems relating to flora of India.
Progress of Work: Systematic surveys of the floras of the country in under-explored and unexplored areas have been undertaken by the Regional Botanists in different circles of the Botanical Survey of India.
Reprinting of Cooke's Flora of Bombay and Gamble's Flora of Madras was completed.
The Central Botanical Laboratory was shifted from Lucknow to Allahabad in December, 1957.
The activities of the different organisations under the Botanical Survey of India are given below in brief.
Industrial Section: About 150 new exhibits were acquired and exhibited. The work on the collection and supply of genuine materials and authentic information to various correspondents was continued. Botanical collection tour to Kashmir was undertaken and many valuable specimens were collected for the new Botanical Gallery and the Industrial Section.
The Curator went to Sundarbans and collected many interesting specimens including algae amongst which were some new finds.
Central National Herbarium: The Sibpur Herbarium was transferred from the control of the West Bengal Government to the Botanical Survey of India in April, 1957.
1929 plant specimens were, indentified. One hundred and seventy sheets were sent on loan to. different herbaria for research work; 150 sheets were received on an exchange basis; 355 sheets were acquisitioned.
Central Botanical Laboratory: A compilation of the flora of Lucknow and Nilgiri Hills was nearing completion.
Chromosome numbers of over 150 plants were determined from the following regions:
1. Lucknow and environs; (2) Nandi Hills, Nilgiris, (South India); (3) Mussoorie in North Uttar Pradesh; and (4) Salsette Island near Bombay.
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The potentialities of mangroves as a source of tannins were examined.
The classification of the flora of India according to Hutchinson was started and a chromosome catalogue of the flora of India was being compiled from published materials.
The cyto-geographical study of Dioscoreas was continued.
Eastern Circle: Botanical exploration of the Kameng Frontier Division up to Towang and beyond to Tibetan border in NEFA and the unexplored Rehna Reserve Forests in the Keonjhar District of Orissa. were successfully completed. Collection tours in the different districts of Assam were undertaken. A short collection tour to Jowai area in the Khasi-Jaintia Hills of Assam, was also undertaken.
More than 18,110 specimens excluding many living and preserved materials belonging to 3,826 species were collected. Most of the specimens were identified.
Northern Circle: Exploration of the flora of the Punjab Himalayas in the neighbourhood of the Dalhousie and Chamba, the Garhwal Himalayas in the Badrinath and Bhyundhar Valleys and the Kumaon Division in the Pindari and Kafni Glaciers was undertaken. Collections were also made from the Siwalik range and the forests in and around Dehra Dun. Nearly 2,400 specimens
A preliminary report on the Garhwal tour was prepared.
Southern Circle: Exploration work was being carried on in Courtallam, Singampatti, Alagar Hills, Hulical Droog Reserve and Pakkasuramalai in Madras State.
10,710 specimens consiting of 1,783 species were collected.
Western Circle: A complete bibliography was prepared on the Mangrove and coastal vegetation.
Kanara areas were explored and over 400 plants collected. Over 250 specimens were identified and 500 species were catalogued. Nine papers on the vegetation of Western Circle were communicated to Indian Science Congress Association.
Collection tours to the following areas were made:-
Mysore State: Bijapur and Badami; Kerala State; Khandesh; Bombay State; Cutch and Saurashtra; Desert and Arvallis; Central India; and Coastal vegetation of Western India.
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1,227 specimens were collected and a paper on Mangrove vegetation of Western India was prepared for the Mangrove Symposium organised by the Inspector General of Forests.
Transfer of the Herbarium of the Economic Botanist, Bombay, to the Western Circle was completed.
Budget estimate for the Botanical Survey of India for 1957-58 is Rs. 10,67,000.
Future Programme: Reorganisation of the Botanical Survey of India Library and Ledger Section will be continued.
The Survey will undertake exploration work in the unexplored and underexplored areas on an intensive scale in different regional circles.
It will also undertake reprinting of floras and other publications including Records of the Botanical Survey of India.
Modernisation of the Botanical Museum on up to date lines will be undertaken.
ZOOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA General: The activities during the period were confined mainly to the normal work. Preliminary work in connection with some of the long-term items (such as extensive faunistic surveys, etc.) of the development programme was, however, integrated with or supplemented to the normal activities. A brief account of the work done during the period in respect of each of the functions is given below.
Faunistic Surveys: The following areas were surveyed for the collection and study of general fauna of the particular regions or in connection with particular items of study pursued in the different sections :-
(i) Rajasthan Desert (including the Sambhar Lake):-Central (Jaipur, Nagaur, and Ajmer Districts), Western (Pali and Jodhpur Districts), and Northern (Bikaner and Churi Districts).
(ii) South India.-Pondicherry, Madukkarai and Karaikal (Pondicherry State), Cuddalore and Porto Novo (South Arcot District, Madras) and Tranquebar (Tanjore District, Madras).
(iii) Assam.-Garo Hills, Cherapunji, Shillong, Gauhati Sibsagar District (Kaziranga Sanctuary) and Goalpara District.
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(iv) Uttar Pradesh.-Bahraich Forest Division, Varanasi and Lucknow.
(v) Madhya Pradesh.-Balaghat District.
(vi) West Bengal.-Darjeeling, Sunderbans and Calcutta and its environs.
The surveys in Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and the Darjeeling District in West Bengal were carried out by the officers of the Survey touring with the German Zoological Expedition which has been working in India since September, 1955.
Collections of insects and spiders were made from Barakar (Bihar), Balasore (Orissa) and Raniganj and Midnapore (West Bengal).
Research Work.-Eighteen papers were published (some are under publication) in the departmental and other journals and a few other papers were completed for publication.
Researches on various problems of systematics, ecology and zoogeography were conducted. Work was in progress on Acanthocephalan parasites, Turbellarians from South India, fresh- water sponges in the collections of the Survey, high altitude insects of the Himalayas, beetles of the families Coccinellidae and Chrysomelidae, the revision of the oriental fishes of the genus Garra, bird fauna of Nepal, feeding habits of the birds of Sundarbans, the collections from Rajasthan, Pondicherry and Karaikal, and bibliography of locusts and other allied members of the family Acrididae.
Three special schemes of researches on locusts, termites and high altitude insects, sponsored by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and the Council of Scien- tific and Industrial Research respectively, functioned under the Director and the Deputy Director.
An aid to the identification of the common commercial fishes of India and Pakistan and a Handbook for the identification of the common commercial lizards exported from India were in the course of preparation. The preparation of a National Zoogeographical Atlas of India (included in the expansion programme) was taken in hand.
Publications.-One part of the Memoirs of the Indian Museum (Vol, 14, No. 2) containing a paper entitled "Fish paintings of the third millennium B.C. from Nal (Baluchistan) and their zoogeographical significance" (by the late Dr. S. L. Hora), was published. Two numbers of the Quarterly Bulletin (cyclostyled copies) on the current activities of the Zoological Survey of India were issued.
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Four parts each of Vols. 53, 54 and 55 of the Records of the Indian Museum, one part (No. 3 of Vol. 14 of the Memoirs of the Indian Museum, and a Ten-Year Report on the Zoological Survey of India for the period 1941-42 to 1950-51, were in the press. Fifteen papers by the departmental staff and outside workers were edited for publication in the Records of the Indian Museum and Memoirs of the Indian Museum.
The editing of two Fauna of India volumes on Rodentia (Mammalia) by Sir John Ellerman (London) and one on Muscidae (Insecta) by Dr. F. Van Emden (London) was in progress.
Standard National Zoological Collections-2726 specimens, in- cluding 153 type-specimens and 209 species and subspecies, new to the Survey Collections, were added in the different sections, partly as a result of the systematic studies carried out by the staff of the Survey and partly through donations and exchanges.
Identification and Advisory Service.-417 institutions and indivi- duals, both Indian and foreign were served with the supply of iden- tification of zoological specimens and information on various aspects of animal life, etc.
Training of Research Students.-Two Research Scholars under the Government of India Senior Research Training Scheme, one Research Fellow of the National Institute of Sciences of India, and four regular (honorary) students were given laboratory facilities and guidance on various problems of systematics, etc. Six research assis- tants working under the locust, termite and high altitude insects research schemes also received training in the respective researches.
Training in Taxidermy.-Eight students received training in the work of preparing animals for museum and study purposes in the short course of Taxidermy Training run by the Survey in its Taxidermy Section.
Among the distinguished visitors to Zoological Galleries of the Indian Museum during the period were:-
Dr. Hose Maza, President of the Tenth General Assembly of the United Nations.
The Emperor of Ethiopia.
The Government of India's Buddha Jayanti Invitees, including the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama.
The Deputy Premier of Sudan.
The Prime Minister of Poland and other dignitaries.
The Chinese Cultural Delegates.
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The Indian Science Congress Delegates.
The Budget estimates of expenditure for 1957-58 totalled Rs. 10,24,000.
Programme of Work during 1958-59 The following items of work will be undertaken during 1958-59:-
Faunistic Surveys.--Extensive surveys of (i) the Western Desert Region, (ii) the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, (iii) the Pondicherry area, and (iv) the Sundarbans in Lower Bengal.
Survey of the fauna of N.E. Assam by the first regional station to be set up for the Eastern Region at Shillong.
Research Work: Research on the following groups:-
Protozoa, Annelida and Arachnida.
Animal Population studies.
Marine Zoological work.
Preparation of a series of maps, etc., for National Zoogeographical Atlas.
Departmental Publications: Setting up of a Publication Section.
Speeding up of the publication of the Records of the Indian Museum and other departmental publications.
CENTRAL BOARD OF GEOPHYSICS The Central Board of Geophysics continued to function as a coordinating body in Geophysics and as the National Committee in India for the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics and also to arrange for the training of personnel in Geophysics. The main features of the work of the Board are given below:-
(i) Under the 1957-58 practical training stipends scheme of the Department of Education, eight candidates were selected for training in Exploration Geophysics and Oceanography. (Of these six candidates are to undergo training in exploration Geophysics and the remaining two are to receive training in Oceanography.)
(ii) The membership of the Board has been reconstituted for three years with effect from 1-3- 57. The re-appointment
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of the existing sub-committees have been kept in abeyance, pending the recommendations of the special Committee constituted on 15-4-57 to examine the question of redefining the functions of the Board and effecting any constitutional changes that may be found necessary.
(iii) The Special Committee for bore-core legislation on 28-157 recommended an amended draft legislation for the collection of data and preservation of bore-cores of all bore holes or wells sunk in India. The draft is under the final scrutiny of the Board before recommendation to Government for enactment.
(iv) The Board submitted to the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics national reports on progress of work and developments in Hydrology, Oceanography, Seismology, Geodesy and Geomagnetism and Aeronomy. Thirteen papers were presented along with the above national reports to the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics meetings and symposia at Toronto in September, 1957.
The scheme for the collection and analysis of sea water samples at the Central Marine Fisheries Research Station, Mandapam, was continued.
Government have approved the two schemes viz., establishment of the Geophysical Research Wing and the Oceanographic Research Wing under the Second Five-Year Plan. Steps are being taken for the recruitment of staff and for the procurement of equipment.
Steps are being taken to obtain the services of one expert in exploration geophysics for a period of two years for the Geophysical Research Wing under the Point Four Programme. It is also proposed to obtain the services of an expert for the Oceanographic Research Wing under the Colombo Plan.
The Budget estimates of the Board for the year 1957-58 amount to Rs. 4,35,600.
The Board will intensify its efforts of coordination in geophysics for the promotion and development of research and studies in the field.
The work at the Geophysical Research Wing and the Oceanographic Research Wing will be speeded up.
The Board has initiated action for the introduction of Hindi. One Hindi Translator and Hindi English typist was appointed.
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The Board issues a quarterly 'Geophysical Digest' for dissemina- tion of information relating to geophysical work. The proceedings of the 'symposium on ground Water' was to be ready for circulation by January, 1958.
SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES, RESEARCH INSTITUTES AND RESEARCH IN
UNIVERSITIES The development of various research institutes, laboratories and scientific societies was continued by the provision of technical assistance, grants-in-aid and supply of literature and information.
Research institutes made steady progress, while scientific societies continued to disseminate scientific knowledge.
INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC UNIONS India continues to be a member of the International Council of Scientific Unions and the following International Scientific Unions:-
International Union of Geography;
International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics;
International Union of Astronomy;
International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry;
International Union of Pure and Applied Physics;
International Union of Biological Sciences;
International Union of Crystallography;
International Union of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics;
International Union of History of Sciences;
International Scientific Radio Union;
International Mathematical Union;
International Commission of Table of Constants; and
International Federation of Documentation.
India also joined the International Bureau of Weights and Measures in January, 1957.
Dr. K. S. Krishnan. Director, National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi, is one of the Vice-Presidents of the International Council of Scientific Unions.
The International Astronomical Union have been informed that the following Indian members may continue to serve as "General members" of the Union from this country:-
Dr. Akbar Ali; Dr. A. C. Banerjee; Dr. Vainu Bappu; Dr. P. L. Bhatnagar; Dr. A. K. Das; Dr. D. S. Kothari; Shri N. C. Lahiri; and Prof. S. K. Mitra.
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Dr. H. L. Uppal Director, Punjab Research Institute, Amritsar, hag been nominated as India's representative on the Committee charged with the question of the Instruments in Hydrology of the International Association of Hydrology, Gentbrugge.
SCIENTIFIC DELEGATIONS For reasons of economy, Indian delegations to International Scientific Conferences were limited during the year to the following:
XIth General Assembly of the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics held at Toronto from 2nd to 13th September, 1957; Dr. K. R. Ramanathan, Director, Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad, and Dr. M. V. N. Murthy, Geologist, Geological Survey of India, Calcutta, attended the Assembly.
XIIth General Assembly of the International Scientific Radio Union held at Boulder in Colorado, U.S.A., from 22nd August to 5th September, 1957; Dr. K. R. Ramanathan, Director, Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad, attended the Assembly. No expenditure was involved to Government.
The third congress of the Pan lndian Ocean Science Association held at Tananarive (Madagescar) from 24th October to 4th November, 1957; Dr. P. K. Ghosh, Superintending Geologist and Head of the Raw Materials Division, Department of Atomic Energy and Dr. M. B. Mirza, Head of Zoology Department, Muslim University, Aligarh, attended the congress.
Celebrations connected with the 40th Anniversary of the October Revolution of the U.S.S.R.; Prof. M. S. Thacker, Secretary, Department of Scientific Research and Technical Education, was deputed to participate in the celebration held at Moscow from 1-11-57 to 10-11-57.
The Second' World Metallurgical Congress held at Chicago from 2nd November to 8th November, 1957; Dr. B. R. Nijhawan, Director, National Metallurgical Laboratory, Jamshedpur, attended the Congress.
The 119th Annual Session of the British Association for the Advancement of Science held at Dublin from 4th September, to 11th September, 1957; Prof. M. S. Thacker, President, Indian Science Congress Association, attended the meeting. The expenditure on the return air passage of Prof. Thacker from Indian to Dublin and back was met by the Indian Science Congress Association out of a grant paid by the Government of India to the Association for this purpose.
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INDIAN SCIENCE CONGRESS ASSOCIATION The 45th Session of the Indian Science Congress was held at Madras from 6th to 12th January, 1958. Scientists, research workers, and students from all parts of the country and a number of eminent foreign scientists and representatives of International Organisations like the Unesco and WHO attended the session. Among the eminent foreign scientists who attended were:-
Sir Ian Clunies Ross (Australia); Dr. D. A. Allan (British Association for the Advancement of Science); Prof. Ignat Emanuilov Igov (Bulgaria); Prof. Chou Tun Ching and Mr. Shen Chia Jui (China); Prof. Konrad Hruban and Dr. Otto Jirovoc (Czechoslovakia); Madame Y. Khouvine (France); Prof. G. Hertz and Prof. K. Mothes (German Democratic Republic); Prof. Richard Kuhn (West Germany); Dr. R. N. Mukherjee, (F.A.O.); Dr. K. Kimura (Japan); Prof. J. Litwiniszy (Poland); Dr. Currie (Unesco); Dr. W. Fox and Mr. A Amramy (W.H.O.); Dr. Leslie J. Harris and Sir Harold Hartley (U.K.); Prof. Fredrick D. Rossini (U.S.A.); Academician I. P. Bardin; Prof. S. P. Tolstov; Academician M. M. Aliev; Prof. V. P. Peshkov; Prof. S. M. Nikolsky; and Prof. V. A. Baum (U.S.S.R.).
NATIONAL RESEARCH PROFESSOR OF PHYSICS Prof. C. V. Raman, F. R. S., N. L., National Research Professor of Physics, continued his work at the Raman Research Institute, Bangalore. As a result, Scientific Memoirs were published on the following subjects:-
1. Quantum theory and crystal physics.
2. The specific heats of some metallic elements:
Part I. The analysis of the experimental data.
Part II. Approximate theoretical evaluation.
Part III. The characteristic frequencies.
Part IV. The residual spectrum.
3. The optical rotatory dispersion of quartz.
4. Optical properties and unit parameters of nickel nitrate hexa-hydrate.
5. The specific heats of crystals and the fallacy of the theories of Debye and Born.
6. Generalized theory of interference and its applications:
Part III. Interference figures in transparent crystals.
Part IV. Interference figures in absorbing biaxial crystals.
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7. The theory of the anharmonic oscillator.
8. The Raman spectrum of calcite and its interpretation.
Dr. C. V. Raman has been informed that he has been awarded the International Lenin Peace Prize.
RESEARCH SCHOLARSHIPS The scheme for training of research scholars instituted in 1950 in pursuance of the recommendation of the Scientific Man-Power Com- mittee has been continued. Scholarships were allocated to the following institutions: -
The Indian Academy of Science, Bangolore; The Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Calcutta; Bose Institute, Calcutta, and Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, Lucknow.
A number of scholars, who have been trained, have been absorbed in various universities and research institutions.
BURMAH SHELL AND ASSAM OIL COMPANIES' SCHOLARSHIPS.-The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, who administer the scheme for the award of scholarships to Indian students in Commonwealth countries offered by the Burmah Shell and the Assam Oil Companies selected 10 scholars for training in the 'U.K. for 1957.
AHMEDABAD TEXTILE INDUSTRY'S RESEARCH ASSOCIATION.-THE objects of the Association are to carry on research and scientific work in connection with the textile and allied industries, such as (a) to investigate the manufacture and improvement of materials used in textile industry, (b) to investigate the utilisation of products of industry, (c) to improve various machinery and appliances, (d) to secure greater efficiency, conduct research, work time and motion studies and standardisation of methods of work, (e) to establish further laboratories and workshops, (f) to circulate books and periodicals, and (g) to encourage discovery and to investigate the nature and merits of inventions and processes and designs.
The association is managed by a Council consisting of seven elected members in addition to the Director and the Secretary of the Association, who are ex-officio members, three scientific and techni- cal members co-opted as members and three members nominated by the Government of India. The Council have the sole control in the management of the Association and its affairs. The Ahmedabad
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Textile Industry's Research Association is financed by the Textile Industry and the Government of India. The Government of India grants 50 per cent of the expenditure with a ceiling of Rs. 5 lakhs in the case of recurring expenditure and exercises control over the Association through the Cotton Textiles Fund Committee Secretariat.
Studies of human factors in organisation structure and management practices in textile mills and in methods of organisation and control, were carried out. In January, 1957, the Third Management Conference was organised.
Resin finishing of cotton textiles, suitable choice of catalysts, tear strength of fabrics on resin treatment and in bleaching of cotton textiles, were carried out in the Chemistry Section.
Molecular orientiation and viscoelastic properties in cellulosic fibres, blending short-stapled cotton with viscose fibres, carding for higher production, colloidal silica as spinning aid and indices of cotton quality, were worked out in the Physics Section.
A survey of cleaning achieved and Lint Loss in blow room and carding and the measurement of openness of cotton were part of Operational Projects.
Recurring expenditure for 1957-58 is Rs. 12.93 lakhs and non- recurring is Rs. 8-82 lakhs.
Three publications of ATIRA Research News, four other publica- tions and two issues of ATIRA Newsletter, were brought out.
Dr. Helmut Wakeham served the ATIRA under Technical Cooperation Mission (USA), first as Director and since 1st July, 1957, as Technical Adviser to the Director.
One Junior Scientific Officer of the ATIRA proceeded to the U.K. for advance training for a period of twelve months in textile testing and quality control.
Two research Studentships of Rs. 200 p.m. one in Physics and the other in Chemistry were granted to two fellows, who have registered for the Ph.D. Degree of the Gujarat University.
SOUTH INDIA TEXTILE RESEARCH ASSOCIATION.-The South India Textile Research Association was constituted in 1951 to undertake cooperative research on behalf of the textile industry in South India.
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The aim is to attain increased production and improved quality at lower costs, and to achieve this. research on machinery and processing would be undertaken.
The administration is vested in a Governing Council of eighteen members representing the Government of India, State Government, eminent scientists as well as representatives of textile industry. Control is exercised by the Government of India, through the Cotton Textiles Fund Committee.
Construction of buildings for the Laboratory and the Administra- tive Block is proceeding rapidly and the buildings were ready by the end of March, 1958.
Almost all the testing instruments have been delivered now and installed. Machinery for Pilot Plant have started arriving and all the principal items of equipment would be installed by March, 1958.
Projects under Statistical Quality Control and Industrial psycho- logy were investigated. Studies of problems in Textile Technology have also been taken up from June, 1957.
Important studies completed were:-
Comparative study of the number of Doffing Boys in the Fly Frame Section employed at present and those to be engaged according to different methods; Labour Productivity in Cotton Spinning; A study of the methods of classification on recording and consolidation of waste spinning; Control of Flat Speed in Cards, A study for increasing Doff weight in Ring Spinning; Labour Productivity--A comparison with 1956 survey; and A study of absenteeism in textile mills.
Publication of the SITRA Research Reports and SITRA Abstracts were started.
Revised estimate for capital expenditure for 1957-58 is Rs. 9,53,605 and budget estimate for 1958-59 is Rs. 6,10,000.
BOMBAY TEXTILE RESEARCH ASSOCIATION.--The Mill-owners' Association, Bombay, promoted the Bombay Textile Research Association in 1954 with the object of establishing the Bombay Textile Research Institute for conducting fundamental and applied research in textile technology and engineering. The Research Association has been registered under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860 and has at present 34 mill companies as its, ordinary members, who have contributed nearly Rs. 30 lakhs towards the capital expenditure involved in the establishment of the Research Institute and
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will also contribute towards the recurring expenditure. The Cotton Textiles Fund Committee under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, will meet 50 per cent of the capital expenditure, subject to a ceiling of Rs. 50 lakhs, as well as recurring expenditure of the proposed Institute.
The Research Association is administered by a Governing Council comprising eight millowners, who are members of the Association; three nominees of the Government of India, including the Textile Commissioner and representatives of the Department of Scientific Research and Technical Education and of the Ministry of Finance; the Joint Director of the Bombay Textile Research Institute, and Directors of the Ahmedabad Textile Industry's Research Association and the South India Textile Research Association and three scientists as co-opted members.
The Cotton Textiles Fund Committee is kept informed about the, progress made, through quarterly progress reports, annual reports, and minutes of the meetings of the Governing Council.
The Association has acquired a 23-acre plot of land in the suburb of Ghatkopar on the main Bombay-Agra Road. The foundation stone of the laboratories was laid on the 1st April, 1957, by Honourable Shri Y. B. Chavan, Chief Minister, Government of Bombay. The plans for the various buildings have been approved by the Bombay Municipal Corporation.
The Council has acquired on lease a building in Sion-Matunga Estate with approximate floor area of 8,000 sq. ft. to accommodate the offices, Physical Testing and micro-spinning laboratories, Library and to expand the miscellaneous activities, such as, technical liaison, standards engineering, statistical quality control and training within industry.
The Governing Council has, with the approval of the Government of India, invited Dr. A. J. Turner, ex-Director of Research, Linen Industries Research Association, Belfast, to come to India for two months (January-March, 1958) to advise the Research Association on the scheme for the Research Institute.
Budget estimate for 1957-58 for recurring expenditure is Rs. 1,62,317.68.
INDIAN SCIENTIFIC LIAISON OFFICE, LONDON The Indian Scientific Liaison Office,.London, was set up in 1948 and was to be responsible for (1) facilitating the movement of Indian scientists within the Commonwealth and for providing adequate facilities for them and their work; (2) keeping abreast of the-
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latest scientific and technical developments and making this information available to India; (3) facilitating exchange of scientific information and experimental material; and (4) attending scientific and technical conferences in the U.K. and Europe not attended by delegates from India.
The chief function of the office is to procure and disseminate information to Indian scientists and scientific institutions.
The Scientific Liaison officer maintains personal contacts with scientists and scientific institutions in U.K., and procures official and non-official scientific and technical reports and information and brings promptly to the attention of the Ministry any new developments of scientific interest in the U.K., and Commonwealth countries.
He also attends scientific meetings on behalf of Indian institutions when these institutions do not send their own delegation.
The Scientific Liaison Officer also brings to the attention of the Commonwealth countries scientific work done in India. Through these means and through newsletters, technical reports and special reports, scientists in India are kept informed of recent developments in their specialised fields.
During 1957, the Scientific Liaison Officer represented India on Commonwealth Committee on Fuel Research, Commonwealth Aeronautics Advisory Research Committee, Commonwealth Committee on Forestry and Food Investigation and pest Investigation Boards of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, U.K. He represented the High Commission at several of the scientific meetings and functions held in the U.K. He also represented India as a delegate to International Standards Organisation for Technical Committee on "Aromatic Hydrocarbons", Commonwealth Conference on the "Future of Research on Application of Electricity to Increased Food Production" and a meeting of the heads of the "National Documents Exchange Centres" held in Paris. He visited several research organisations in the U.K.
He sat on Committees to interview candidates for posts in India.
The total sanctioned budget for 1957-58 is Rs. 1,04,000.
The weekly science newsletter, covering about 200 items of inter- ests to research workers in science and technology included the following subjects:-
Plastic lenses much in demand; Metals tested in solar heat; Use of Gamma radiation for the destruction of wood boring insects; Evidence of life on Mars; Synthesis of
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penicillin announced by U.S. dentists; Banana fibre used for manufacturing grain bags; The use of errors in science; X-Rays from the sun; Boundary lines between species; Value of hypnotism in therapy and mental study; New method of measuring deep ocean currents; Longevity and sleep; Sun flares up; Checking the drugs; Effect of afforestation on water supplies; Australia making its own rain: British contribution to radio astro- nomy; Insects resistance to insecticides; A new ceramic engineering material-Phyroceram; Widening, applications for permanent magnets; Cooperation among, Geophysicists; Plant de-salts brackish water; Detergents from sugar; Learning how to live longer; Milk from maize oil; Rare element; Problems of skin pigmentation. still to be unravelled; First artificial earth satellite launched in Soviet Union; Department of Scientific and Industrial Research; Drug discovery gains Nobel Prize; Pure manganese-bismuth alloy gives powerful, easy to, fashion magnets, highly resistant to demagnetisation; Disposing of radioactive materials; Sunspot numbers highest ever recorded: and World's most powerful radio telescope.
NATIONAL RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION OF INDIA The main function of the Corporation is to stimulate development of patents and inventions arising out of the researches conducted in research institutions financed out of public funds and, where feasible, in the public interest, of patented inventions made by individuals also.
Development is secured by arranging large-scale trials in coope- ration with industry, financing pilot plant investigations in labora- tories, or licensing out patents and inventions to the industrialists for large-scale production, depending upon the nature of the work and the stage to which laboratory investigations have been pursued.
The Corporation is managed by a Board of Directors nominated by the President of India.
During the year 34 new inventions have' been reported for deve- lopment by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and other institutions, thus bringing the total number of inventions. reported for development to 422.
Four new applications for patents were filed, three from the Ministry of Defence and one from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
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Seven Licence Agreements with firms for the commercial deve- lopment of the following six processes were executed:-
Name of the Process Name of the Firm
Ceramic Capacitors M/s. Radio and Electricals
Manufacturing Co., Bangalore.
Improving the Storage Life of Cashew (1) M/s. Urban Stainslans and
Kernels. Co., Quilon.
(2) M/s. Kerala Produce Expor-
ting Co., Quilon
New Desiccants and Dehumidifiers M/s. Bird & Co., (Private)
Ltd., Calcutta.
Electrolytic Cuprous Oxide M/s.Pigments and Chemical
Industries Ltd., Calcutta.
Calcium Gluconate M/s. Jhones, Wexoes (India)
Regd., New Delhi.
Demineralisation of Graphite M/s. Patna State Graphite
Mining Co., Titilagarh.