Global Economic Trends & Indian Economy

Global Economic trends & impact on India

20 Jan 2015 (AIR Money Talk)

Participants: B B Battacharya, Noted Economist and Mathani Busnur Mutt, Economic Journalist

Transcription:

Last week – Two Report on Global Economy – IMF & World Bank Report – both downgraded the Global trend - is the world Economy in the Bleak?

Stagnation in many part of the world – Europe is recovering what they last in last 7-8 years – Countries expect India & China all emerging countries like Brazil, Russia are in a bit of difficulties  –smaller economies are doing well;

June Projection – 3. 4% (WB Projection), in October 3.8% (IMF Projection) – but the new report downgraded it;

Long run global economic growth rate for last 25 years before 2003-04 was 3.3-3.4%, later it swing up to 4.5% (because of Emerging economies) – China remain in first position even after sliding down a little bit;

WB revised India’s projection of last report upward whereas IMF revised only US Economy; why they don’t want change in India’s growth?

Slow down factors –until EU recover from the debt & fiscal prolificacy – takes time, Japanese exhausted their growth potential - exhausted all investment potential; 50% saving for past 50 years, don’t leave any investment opportunity;

Both IMF & WB estimated, India’s Growth to be 6.3 & 6.4% in 2015. Is it dependent on US recovery?

No… India Export to Japan, China, Europe… Exports become significant component of India’s Growth Engine; other things like if Indian Economy recover – consumption pattern – domestic revival – depends on supply side constraints; from 5.4% to 6% is not a big change, we aim to 6 to 7% - it has potential unexplored;

Contraction of Russia’s GDP by 3%, as predicted by IMF – what will be the implication in Geopolitics stability?

Oil price down – countries view it optimistic – deprive the alternative investment – Russia fall in this term; Lesson to be learnt is over dependency on Oil reserve is not fair; They have not revived their Industries to that extent as a global competitor, to fight with China,  Germany’s Technology, or service sector… Still taking time to moving from Communist production; other emerging economy Brazil, Turkey, Mexico are also in transition.. so stagnating;

Will the oil price downfall, compensate the global slowdown?

It is one part of the global slowdown – Russia & OPEC countries; Bigger benefited from the consumer side – Europe, India… low cost on oil, diesel – could boost Automobile sector, transportation sector; It reduce the subsidy burden of the Govt. of countries like India; Biggest -stumbling block of the production & pricing system – Transportation cost will be reduced;

In Net term, India Benefit whereas Russia Loss – in the Net term production improve, but Global Slowdown reduce the demand – will the Net-Net let to gain or loss?

Oil price stabilize at $40-$50 at Brent crude – Shale gas has minimum cost of say $60; Oil price may stabilize around $60;

Structural Reform India need to capitalize the moment of opportunity?

Making supply condition much easier –Production bottle neck starts from – land, road, mine, forest & water- supply side constraint; demand will have backlash if Agriculture & other sectors of the economy are not going; last year Top 1% income drive the remaining 99%; classical Keynesian fall out of consumption; somehow it need to be balanced; in the nature of competency & efficiency the top grows faster;

Olivier Blanchard of IMF @ Hong kong – Reviving grow through Fiscal stimulus must be careful about not losing Fiscal Credibility; whereas in India, we are debating on slightly relaxed Fiscal deficit – they will apply 4.1% – Medium review of the Govt., they may think in terms of public finance to stimulate Economy; How you see the warning of Blanchard?

If the fiscal deficit goes to the productive public investment, then backlash will not occur; Question is not the size of fiscal deficit, it about the productivity of the fiscal deficit; Quantum of revenue expenditure considered being the leakages – in terms of ill targeted subsidies; if the increase in the fiscal deficit – utilized for the productive public investment – then within a year, it may fetch multiplier effect;

Rather than seeing the quantum (Size) of fiscal deficit, it is quality must be seen;

Revenue side often wasted – if the huge amount directed in to the production stream- E.g. More investment in Cold storage rather than food subsidy which consume more than Rs.2 Lakh Crore;

Core industrial growth of 6-7% would uplift the GDP growth of India from 5 to 7% – Industries sector would boost overall production - Global factor is not a matter much now, though Export is a factor;

In India- Globalization – large market – linkage with global economies – not like in the case of Singapore;
Self-reliance in the Industries not only corporate but also MSME;

GIST:

1.  Global Economic Trends & Impact on India

Two Report on Global Economy – IMF & World Bank Report (Dec 2014) – downgraded Global Economic Trend – stagnation in many part of the world – Europe recovering about 7-8 years – Countries except India & China – all emerging countries like Brazil, Russia in difficulties – Japan exhausted their growth potential; Slow down fact until EU recover from the debt & fiscal prolificacy; Lesson from the contracting Russian GDP is over dependency on Oil reserve is not sustainable; Oil price downfall benefit Europe & India by reducing Transportation cost, Subsidy burden of Govt. whereas it affected heavily Russia & OPEC; Structural Reforms, India need to capitalize the moment of Opportunity – making supply condition much easier, production bottlenecks starting from Road, Land, Mine, Forest & water; Olivier Blanchard of IMF – countries reviving growth through Fiscal stimulus must be careful about losing Fiscal Credibility; India relaxing its Fiscal Deficit norms – it focus on production public investment – rather than looking into quantum of  fiscal deficit, quality of the fiscal deficit should be concerned – which could fetch multiplier effect within a month time E.g. Money can be invested in cold storage rather than food subsidy which consume more than Rs. 2 Lakh Crore;  Quantum of Revenue expenditure considered being the leakages – ill targeted subsidies; Core Industrial growth of 6-7% would uplift the GPD from 5% to 7%;

India’s CAD and Global Economic Trend

20 Jan 2015 (AIR Money Talk)

Participants: P Guha Takurtha, Noted Economist and Sanjay Thapur, Journalist

Current economic growth path & various macroeconomic corrections – we are to have Surplus CAD in 10 years; how do you see it?

There was time when CAD going 4% of GDP- govt. impose curbs/restricted on the Gold Import; primary reason why CAD show Surplus – it has sharp hold on the low global crude price; India import roughly 80% of the domestic need - single biggest item on the import bill;  

Are we saving on Dollar?

Primary reasons why inflation comes down in the country – the price of the oil import reduce by 50%; there are different set problems in the international sphere – recession in Europe, Russia and Japan; this would not be the good news for India’s Export;

It would affect the Rupee value against the dollar?

Absolutely…. External Currency value of rupee is becoming weaker against USD; and also Euro, Rubble value viz-a-viz USD weakening almost 40%; Import costly and exports cheaper – as recession prevailing in Western countries – the opportunity is not advantageous; 

It is not only oil, what about the other commodities? Whether they further strengthen USD – weakening Rupee – bringing India to precarious condition?

Price of other commodities is also falling down - Including prices of Food, metals;

Forex Reserve record high – Indian Stock market is buoyant (brings more FII) – this gives a type of cushion at the situation;

ECB gives Stimulus packages – as Europe in Recession – push the problem little more?

Left govt. to take charge in Greece – it oppose the austerity measure of the previous govt.; it can be seen in France, Spain, Netherlands – rise of populist group – left & right – political impact of the recession; adequate political & Economic Integration is required;

Eurozone/Europe is not monolithic or homogenous conglomeration of countries – relatively powerful countries like Germany & France in favour of austerity measures packed by the IMF whereas   also rising countries resent austerity measures with in the Europe- Ireland, Italy, Spain & Portugal are oppose to it; After Ukraine & imposition of sanction also after certain section in the Europe which is exporting to Russia;

Stronger Rupee has both good sign and bad sign. In 2016 as many analysts say, Rupee is going to further depreciate. How to tackle this in upcoming budget? How will this affect ‘Make in India’ Campaign?

If Rupee vis-à-vis USD becomes weaker ie. Rupee Depreciation – then Export become cheaper and Import become expensive; if Economic market is not there, it cannot be advantageous; Look East Policy – rate of growth of china coming down- China is one of the India’s Biggest trading partner;

To promote domestic investment – making India destination for the Investment; Ordinance to improve FDI in Insurance will not automatically brings in Investment. It need a business friendly Infrastructure; making the products competitive within and outside India;

In the context of CAD, one big export part is Software Export, H1B Visa issues with US – will it be eased out?

Issue linked with political situation & election of US; 

Rajya Sabha TV – Science Monitor (18 Oct 2014)

Weekly update on all the happening in Science & Technology, in and around the nation;

Headlines/Highlights

1. MOM geared up to capture Comet

MOM orbiting the red planet 25 days – spacecraft send pictures which further our knowledge about Mars – ready to capture the comet siding spring; Distance between the Mars & Comet will be 82K miles, MOM will be 400 Kms from the surface of the Mars and 140,000 Kms form the Comet; Spectacular cosmic event – comet will leave behind debris & dust particles – hazardous to the sensitive electronic parts of the MOM - The orbit of MOM was altered to save it from the impact – Orbit was shortened to 72,200 km from about 78,000km; Now MOM will move behind the Red planet – will be protected in the shadow of the red planet;

2. ISRO successfully launches IRNSS Satellite (IRNSS 1C using PSLV-C26)

3^rd Series in the series IRNSS- from Satish Dhawan Space Centre – Indian Regional Satellite Navigation System – aims to provide navigational & security services – Satellite Initially put in to sub-synchronous Geo orbit and then lifted to the Geosynchronous Orbit; Spacecraft weighs more than 1400 kg – IRNSS 1C – third in the series of 7 satellite constellation of IRNSS; Space & Ground Segment and User Receiver system are developed in India; Unlike GPS, it could be fully in the control of GoI; Purpose: Marine & Terrestrial Navigation, Disaster Management, Vehicle tracking, flight Management; Dual purpose: firstly Standard positioning for civilian use and  restricted service for military purpose; IRNSS is similar to US’s GPS, Russia’s Glosnass, Europe’s Galileo, China’s Biedo, Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System; The Entire IRNSS Constellation to be completed by 2015;

3. Student builds an innovative Bio-Converter @ 4^th DST INSPIRE

Unique feature of Bio Converter – Hermetia Sanitizer Bio Converter – Novel type of compost Unit developed by 10^th class Zuleika Juliet Antao – for Bio degradable wastes; based on breeding of Black Soldier flies (Hermetia Illucens) – Unit is affordable & environment friendly; Remarkable speed of decomposition & absence of rotting smells;

4. Plants absorbs more carbon than predicted by the climate model

Research by Oak Ridge National Labs, US; The amount of Co2 absorbed by plants underestimated and the Growth rate of Carbon in the atmosphere overestimated; used the Mesophyll Diffusion Process – Analyzed how Co2 spreads slowly inside leaves; Research helps to understand the future impacts of Global warming;

5. DRDO – 2^nd International Conference in Feb 2015 – Theme “ IT Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow” following the success of last year’s Role of Science & Technology in the progress of the world;
6. Cyclone Hudhud (IN FOCUS)

Timely & Accurate prediction by the IMD have helped in the evacuation of the large population which in turn saved thousands of life; why these cyclones are so devastating;

Atmosphere is made of unique combination of elements with unique property – makes it hospitable & habitable planet;

Cyclones are very strong thunderstorms – Minimum wind speed of cyclones is 74 mph – Wind carries the moisture & is in closed circular motion - Cyclones are a combined action of ocean water & air;

Formation: during summer – due to heat- warm moist air over the ocean rises up from near the surface – because warm air is lighter than cold air – as it move upward – it creates a low air pressure below (cold air form High pressure area pushed to fill the gap) – sooner the air gets heated and rises too – the cycle continues – as the storm-system rotates faster – very low pressure area called eye forms in the centre – creating the eye turbulent;

Cyclones rotates in the same direction as the earth – Speed of a cyclone is measured in a unit called Knots

Different names across the world: Cyclone if originates in Indian ocean, Hurrican if orginated in Atlantic, Typoon in pacific;

How Cyclones are name? Hudhud, Phailin, Nilofar, Nilam…? (UPSC Mains 2013) Actually WMO (World meteorological Organisation) maintains a list of names for the Cyclones – practice of naming started in Atlantic region few hundred years ago – they were name after the Catholic Saints; Formula for Indian Ocean Region generated in 2004- under the scheme 8 countries (Ind, Bang, Pak, Sri, Myan, Maldive, Oman, Thai) comes under the Indian Ocean Region – contributed list of 64 names (8 names from each country); Recent cyclone Hudhud, named by Oman- India is constantly hit by Tropical cyclones - 7 coastal states in India are most affected in cyclones;

Alphabetically arranged list of name;

India contributed: Agni, Akash, Bijli, Leher, Megh

Pakistan contributed: Nilam, Nilofar, Titli

Srilanka contributed: Mahasen

Thailand contributed: Phailin

Oman contributed: Hudhud

Familiar cyclones hit India – Onil 2004, Nisha & Khaimuk 2008, Jal 2010, Nilam 2012, Helen, Lehar, Phailin 2013, Hudhud 2014;

Indian coastline densely populated - life of the people here largely affected by these cyclones – large scale life & property loss;

IMD constantly improving itself, it has high level skills, expertise & tools; Timely & accurate prediction – helps in major way of managing natural disaster;

IPCC and MOEFCC have warned about the likelihood of increase in cyclone in Eastern coast - Coastal cities with climate resistant infrastructure is need of the hour; TERI done a study on Infrastructure for Disaster Management;

7. History of Science
1. Indian Origin American Scientist S. Chandrashekar – Born Oct, 1910 – biggest contribution to science is Chandrashekar Limit – as the maximum mass of the White Dwarf star – according to this the stars that reach the mass 1.4 times the mass of the sun, become black hole;
2. British Physicist – Born in Oct, 1891 – Nobel prize in physics in 1935 for discovering neutron;
3. Swedish Scientist – Alfred Bernhard Nobel – Born in Oct, 1833 – instituted highest award for science- invented Dynamite & gelignite;
4. American Bio Chemist – Charles Glen King – Born in Oct, 1896 – independently discovered ascorbic acid or Vitamin C – which is vital for  the treatment of Scurvy;
5. Indian Geologist – Darashaw Nosherwan Wadia – Born in Oct, 1883 – First Indian Scientist to be employed by the GSI – Dehradun based Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology renamed in his honour;
8. S & T activities (Science Express)
1. Cities for All – XI Metropolis World Congress – Hyderabad – Oct 2014 – keynote address by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam – Stress up on the needs of Carbon free cities – Urban areas should be the place of peaceful living – carbon neutral & fossil free urbanization;
2. Non Alcoholic party level of disease – cause of more carbohydrate foods - no visible symptomes Recent Study by Dr. Dinesh Jyothi and Dr. Mohammed Rela;
3. NASA activated Earth sensing observatory ISS RapidScat – measure ocean wind from space;
4. Deadly Ebola passes quickly to US & Europe;

Watch it here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0EAAoUc7h4&index=15&list=PLVOgwA_DiGzpd3_Iz7J-81Vh4QqU-ZGA9

Rajya Sabha TV – Science Monitor (24 Jan 2015)

Weekly update on all the happening in Science & Technology, in and around the nation;

Headlines

1. Fourth Satellite of the IRNSS to be launched in March

Fourth in the seven satellite constellation of Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System – India’s Indigenous system being developed by ISRO; to be launched by PSLV-C27 rocket – scientists developing cryogenic propulsion systems;

2. Tiger population of the country increased by 30% - Status of Tiger in India Report 2014

Tiger population increased from 1706 (in 2010) to 2226 (in 2014) – Karnataka has the highest number of tigers, followed by Uttarkhand; MoEFCC – initiative to conserve tiger along with forest management & community participation – declaration on Jan 2015; India has 70% of the world’s Tiger population; number estimated under 3^rd round of country level tiger assessment – finest technologies like double sampling using camera traps;

3. IIT Madras develop an eco-friendly low cost  building system

By Research team of IITM - Using pre-fabricated panel- made from the waste of fertilizer industries (gypsum & glass fibre) – efficient & sustainable buildings; Building based on Glass Fibre Reinforced Gypsum Technology (GFRGT) - Building cost is as low as Rs.1250 per square foot – Technology allows for building up to 8 stories - Technology may help in affordable housing projects;  

4. Death due to Non Communicable Disease in India is High : Report by WHO

60% of the total mortality in India during 2014 was due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) – 4 main NCDs – probability of death among 30 & 70 years age group high in India – Heart, Cancer, Diabetes & Respiratory disease; WHO recommend ban on all forms of Tobacco product, Alcohol advertisements, Reducing use of salt content, Replacing Trans Fat with Poly unsaturated fat, promoting & protecting breast feeding, early detection & treatment of High BP, preventing cervical cancer through periodical screening;

5. ESA spacecraft Beagle-2 found on Mars

After 11 years, being considered to be lost by the researchers - UK lead ESA’s Beagle2 – found in the mars by NASA’s Mars Reconisance orbiter; ‘Beagle’ named after HMS  Beagle in which Charles Darwin travelled; Technology Miniature eyes used in the  Beagle 2 is technological marvel – it is to be used in future projects like EXOMARS 2018 Rover;

6. Migratory Birds (IN FOCUS)

Months of December & January - India sub-continent host for Variety of exotic bird species – Moderate climate & rich biodiversity play catalyst;

These birds flock around water bodies – these are migratory birds travel thousands of mile to escape & to survive the harsh winter at native breeding grounds – they undergo elaborate preparation in order to migrate – they stock energy by consuming more food before migration- 40% of the bird living in Europe & Asia are migratory in nature; it is complex biological & ecological phenomenon; these birds are genetically designed to migrate – bigger flight muscle – extra power with natural steroids;   

Migration is too risky and prove Survival of the fittest – threat of human attack, competition for food & resources, shore oil leaks, structures like transmission towers, long distance travelling; some birds fly in the altitude of 50 m where the density of the air is much lesser than at the sea level – they glide using the wind & wave pressure for dynamic soring;

More than 2000 years ago, Aristotle probably first explained the Bird Migration; He noted cranes travel form steppes of Scythia to the marshes of the head water of Nile;

Some Migratory birds coming to India in winter season: Siberian crane, Greater Flamingo, Black wing stilt;

Some Migratory birds coming to India in summer season: Asian koel, black crown night herone, Eurasian golden oriole, comb duck, cuckoos;

7. History of Science Segment
1. Anglo-Irish Chemist Robert Boyle – Born in Jan 1627 – Known for Boyle’s Law – Describe the relationship between absolute pressure and volume of gas if the temperature is kept constant in a closed system;
2. American Physicist of German origin Polykarp Kusch – Born in Jan 1911 -  awarded Nobel prize in physics in 1955 – for the determination of magnetic moment of the electron is greater than its theoretical value;
3. Indian Scientist Raja Ramanna – Born in Jan 1925 – known for his leadership in directing the Indian Nuclear Programme – India’s First Nuclear Device was tested under his supervision in Pokhran 1974 – held important positions like Secy, Dept of Atomic Energy and DG of DRDO;
4. Cannadian Chemical Engineer – Lewis Urry – Born in Jan 1927 – invented the alkaline Battery & Lithium Battery – For this he used Manganese oxide and Zinc powder in an alkaline medium - the batteries worked 40 times longer than the zinc carbon battery;
5. South African Virologist Max Theiler – Born in Jan 1899 – developed a powerful vaccine against yellow fever – was awarded Nobel Prize in Physiology / Medicine in 1951;
6. American Chemist – William Richards – Born in Jan 1868 – Methods for determining the Atomic weight of many chemical element – helped in the research on Isotopes Awarded with the Nobel prize in Chemistry in 1914;
8. Science Express – S & T Activities
1. Indian fast growing largest user of Mobiles in the world – Report on Mobile Internet – Internet & Mobile Association of India (IMAI) and IMRB international;
2. NASA and NOAA (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Admin.) Research – 2014 as Earth’s Hottest year on record – sore in temperature due to expulsion of GHG by burning fossil fuels;
3. Symposium on Transforming Mountain Forestry – by Dehradun based Mountain research Institute and ICIMOD (Kathmandu) International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development – developing conducive boundry politically and institutionally to protect the forest ecosystem in the Hindukush Himalayan Region; Addressing the inaugural, Minister invited more Trans boundary cooperation;
4. Harsh Cold Wave – Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park, Bihar – steps to create warmth to protect animals;
5. World Economic Forum 2015 – Dr. David Nabarro, (US) invited - $1 Bn initiative to fight deadly disease Ebola in the African continent;

Watch it here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sveUMPTgXes&index=1&list=PLVOgwA_DiGzpd3_Iz7J-81Vh4QqU-ZGA9

Rajya Sabha TV – Science Monitor (11 Oct 2014)

Weekly update on all the happening in Science & Technology, in and around the nation;

Headlines

1. Nobel Prize 2014 Declared (Special Report)

102^nd Nobel Prize for Medicine/Physiology (6^th Oct 2014) - Jointly to John O’Keete (US), May-Britt Moser & Edvard Moser (Norwegian couples); for Discovering the brain’s positioning system;

Nobel Prize for Physics – Japanese scientist – Isamu Akasaki, Hiroshi Amano, Shuji Nakamura (US) – for energy efficient Blue light emitting diode (Blue LED)

Nobel Prize for Chemistry – Eric Betzig, Stefan W. Hell, W.E. Moemer – for Super resolved single fluorophore microscopy;

2. DST-INSPIRE – 4^th National Level Exhibition – Objective: Creative pursuit of Science, Building critical Human Resource pool to strengthen & expand S&T system and R&D base;

Over 900 students & young researchers participated;

Gold Medal – Zuleika Juliet Antao – Composting Unit- Hermetia Sanitizing Bio-Converter – using organism Black Soldier Fly (BSF)

Silver Medal – T Jayani Jahnavi – Vacuum cleaner Coach – to attach in the rear end of the passanger trains – for efficient & effective cleaning of the Railway tracks;

Many other projects for Public good

Deaf & Dumb voice analysis – unique project – developed by Suresh kumar, 7^th Std – from Tamil Nadu;

3. India’s first Indigenous Confocal Microscope – through PPP

Powerful optical imaging technique - To study 3 dimension features of the samples at the microscopic level; Developed under CSIR – NMITLI (New Millennium Indian Technology Leadership Initiative); developed in PPP mode – collaboration with VINVISH Technologies Pvt. Ltd & CSIR’s Central Glass & Ceramic Research Labs; CGCRI developed Photonic Crystal fibre Technology whereas VINVISH Technologies contributed towards Product design & development; the device uses Special Super Continuum Light Source; largely used in Biomedical imaging & analysis – other research areas especially concerning spectroscopic behaviour  material, Nano Material, Biological Specimen;

4. Novel study to understand the effect of Tibet Plateau in climatic changes – New Meteorological study;

At the wake of Massive flood in Kashmir & Pakistan; New Study launched by China Meteorological Administration & National Natural Science Foundation of China – with budget Outlay of $49 Mn; 32m high towers fitted with sensors to be erected in the Tibetan Plateau – to measure cloud properties, Also to use Temperature & Moisture detector to measure the soil properties and Researchers to use sensor mounted weather balloons & UAV; Data collected would help predicting effect on Climate Change;  Largest & Highest vast elevated Plateau -  Glacier & 3^rd largest stock of Ice (3^rd pole) – covers Ladak, TAR region, Shangai region of China; High Altitude – more insolation – giant heating plateau – affect the atmospheric circulation – intensifies the monsoon – by affecting land ocean temperature differences lead to pressure gradients;

5. DST’s INSPIRE program – 4^th National Exhibition (IN FOCUS)

Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research INSPIRE – National programme implemented by Dept. of Science & Technology; for young researcher (10-32 years) – provides fellowship for doctoral research to students, faculty program for assured career opportunity; INSPIRE held about 1046 Science camps till date;

Objective: to promote scientific & technological education in India; aims to create scientifically qualified Human resource pool; to expand the scientific acumen of the country;

Young children – wealth of the nation – unbound imagination – extraordinary creativity – to bring much needed social changes in the country;

Projects based to solve crucial issues prevalent in society;

Procedure for INSPIRE AWARD (10-15 years): Merit based selection – HM of school – details to District Education Authority – then to DST through State Authority;

INSPIRE Internship (Age 16-17 years), INSPIRE Scholarship (Age 17-22 years), INSPIRE Fellowship (Age 22-27), and INSPIRE Faculty Program (Age 27-32);

6. History of Science
1. Italian Scientist Ascanio Sobrero – born in 1812 – invented the highly explosive compound Nitroglycerin – unstable chemical – in an experiment on a reaction between Nitric acid & glycerin – realizing destructive power of the chemical, he warned the others;
2. Indian Scientist Dr. APJ Abdul kalam – born in 1931 – 11^th president of India – Missile Man of India – Missile Technology & Launch vehicle Technology – Critical Role both Technological & Political in the Atomic test of 1998 Pokran II;
3. India’s First Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) – Tamil Nadu- commissioned in 1985 with 40 MW power – IGCAR Campus – uses Carbide of Uranium & Plutonium as fuel & Liquid Sodium as coolant;
7. Science & Technology Activities across the country – Science Express
1. Research Study – Ohio State University – World’s First Solar Battery – Rechargeable Solar Battery – Affordable Renewable Resources of Energy;
2. IISc Report – evidence of Tsunami hit 1000 years back – Indian East Coast;
3. Martin Pearl – Professor of Stanford University – discovered Tau Lepton particle – Sub Atomic Particle – by Colliding of Electron & positron in Accelerator;
4. Indian Origin Scientist Prof. Kailash – to receive National Medal of Science – Highest prestigious US Award for contribution in S & T- Doctorate in Electrical Engineering from University of Massachusetts in 1961;
5. Total Eclipse of moon – Oct 8, 2014 – Beginning of Umbra phase visible at Argentina, Brazil, North Atlantic Ocean, Greenland; End of Umbra phase visible at Indian Ocean , Western part of China, Kazakhstan & Russia;

Watch it here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EF1pC2d0lWA&index=16&list=PLVOgwA_DiGzpd3_Iz7J-81Vh4QqU-ZGA9

PM address to Indian Science Conference

03 Jan 2015 (AIR News Analysis)

Dialogue on PM address to Indian Science Conference

Participants: Prof. M P Srivatsav, Delhi University, and Dinesh C Sharma, Science writer.

Transcription:

102^nd Session of Indian Science Conference – Inauguration ceremony – PM Modi – point related to Sci-Tech Development – usually the forum used by the PM to make new announce & connect with the Sci-Community and to chart out future course of action; Several issues highlighted by PM – Role of S&T in the nation building – Nehru placed Sci-Tech at the heart of National Development – indicates the continuity of the idea with the new govt. – without departure from the overall goal;

Focus more on development of S&T for rural area – Health care; Jawarlal Nehru – laid the foundation for Scientific Temper in every individual – it is more rigorous with the new Modi govt. – aspire to reach the benefit of S&T to the common man; Science should not only be done out of Curiosity but also with Compassion – the thing which comes out should touch the heart of the society;

History of Space Technology – Moon Mission, Mission to Mars – Satellite, Communication, Weather forecast;

Effect taking place in the Hudhud Prediction, prevented huge material & human loss; Research initiative in Biotech and Nanotech; collaboration between institutions, National Institutes, Universities and young Minds;

How Ease of Doing Business is important in the Economic, similarly Ease of Doing Research in S&T – cutting all red Tapism – flexibility in funding decision.

System of peer review – it should be genuine – plagiarism should be prevented – quality of R&D – Quality assurance system with in University level as well National level;

China excel in the Key leader of advance technology, India should expand Knowledge in Technology – essential for emerging manufacturing hub; How India can make?

Science, Technology & Innovation – all the three things goes together; Industries put effort on CSR –Social responsibility should come in to picture – instead of celebrating CSR – finish off the things which are not useful to the society - directly make use in solving the research problem; A revolution is expected with the Nano Technology – useful to the mankind – Air quality, water, food, type of pro bacteria, - Nano biotechnology, Nano Technology and Nano Science should be integrated; 

He didn’t promise for the extra funding?

Mentor part of the university is lacking, funding is not the real issue; Mental part – thinking – mind – idea; Operation can be much easier if Red Tapism is removed; 2% mandatory for the companies to invest in R&D; Industry funding;

CSR funds being used in Education, health care… so part of the fund can be directed to the Research institutes; that apart the industries should have joint projects with the Research Institute and University – Trilateral collaboration is very essential;

Gist of PM address at 102^nd ISC 2015

1. Scientific temper of individual (as inculcated by Jawaharlal Nehru) – for the benefit of the society – benefit of S&T should reach the common man.

2. Scientific research not out of curiosity but with compassion – should touch the heart of the society;

3. Timely prediction (e.g. Hudhud) prevents men & material losses – collaboration between Institutions, Universities is essential.

4. Ease of doing Research in S&T on the lines of Ease of doing business – to get rid of Red- Tapism and unnecessary project delays – system of peer review and quality assurance system;

5. China excel as Key leader in advanced technologies – India need to expand its knowledge in Technology for being an emerging manufacturing hub.

6. 2%Mandatory for the companies to spend on R &D, apart from that, a Part of CSR – Social Responsibility should be directed to the research institutions.

Also read,

Indian Science Myth or Theory? Real test of Scientific Temper

http://www.jammag.com/indian-science-myths-or-theories/ 

Rajya Sabha TV – Science Monitor (04 Oct 2014)

Weekly update on all the happening in Science & Technology, in and around the nation;

Headlines

1. ISRO’s Mangalyaan sends images of Martian surface

After entering Martian orbit- Mangalyaan sent the first image of Mars on 25^th September 2014 – pictures were taken from an altitude of 74,500 Kms from the surface of the Mars – images of Regional dust strome in Northern Hemisphere of Mars – Mars Color Camera MCC (Tri-Colour gives information surface, features & composition) – Scan its Atmosphere for Methane, an indicator of life; Methane Sensor, Mars Colour Camera and Thermal IR spectrometer – to map the surface for mineral wealth of the planet; First Inter-planetary with the budget outlay of $74Mn – Based on Indigenous technology with lowest Budget compared to other space agency;

2. NASA-ISRO collaboration

India & US agreed to collaborate in the future Mars Exploration; NASA Admin Charles and ISRO Chair Radhakrishnan – signed an Agreement @ Toronta sidelines of International Astronautical Conference; after the success of Mangalyan & Maven; Research include Ecosystem & natural Hazards; NASA-ISRO Mars Working Group will be established & will meet annually– Agreement defines role of the agencies in NISAR (Nasa Isro Synthetic Aperture Radar) – Radar Imagery of Earth in unprecedented detail;

3. NASA’s Curiosity rover drills first hole into Mount Sharp

Rock samples have been collected – to understand the Chemical composition & Environment of the Planet; NASA’s JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory) received the data & images of the process; Mount Sharp is a layered mountain in Mars;

NASA’s mars rover CURIOSITY – cars sized Robotic rover – launched on Nov 2011 – landed on Aeolis Palus in Gale Crater of mars on Aug 2012 – completed a Martian year i.e. 687 Earth Day on 24 June 2014;

4. Preterm Birth, Pneumonia leading causes of child mortality across the globe

Child Mortality, Neonatal deaths serious concerns worldwide –In India mortality rate is high till the age of 5 years; Team from Institute of International Programme under Dr. Lee Leo - Study report- 6.3 million death in children under the age of five year – India, Nigeria, Pakistan, DR Congo, China account for 50% death in 2013 alone – of this 52.5% account for Neonatal death; Neonatal period indicates the duration of 0 to 27 days after birth; Preterm birth & pneumonia are the two major causes; In India 3.6 million babies are born preterm – over 3 lakh preterm babies die each year; premature birth taking place before, Mother should pregnant at least 37 weeks; the second leading factor – Pneumonia – cause 0.93 million death annually; pneumonia easily affect the infants as their lungs are immature & more prone to infection – measures like immunization, sanitation, water supply, prevent prematurity by quality care pre & post Natal; pneumonia can be cured by early diagnosis; Diarrhea also recognized as a serious cause of child mortality; Breastfeeding for six months very important for child; this can reduce child mortality in long run;

5. Global wildlife population hits a big decline since 1970 to 2010 – WWF Report

52% of world wildlife population vanished in past 40 years; Alarming fact from the (WWF Report) World Wildlife Report “The living planet Report 2014” 39% of terrestrial wildlife, 39% of marine wildlife, 76% of fresh water wildlife vanished globally; The population of marine turtles has reduced by 80% while Elephants in Africa facing threat of extinction; 60% of essential services provided by the nature in the form of Forests & seas are also declining due to over exploitation; It also states the unusual increase in carbon & nitrogen in our atmosphere – let to climate change & degradation of land, river & ocean; High Income countries show 10% increase in Biodiversity whereas Middle income countries show 18% decline, and Low Income countries show 58% decline;  The report study on 3 aspect – firstly, Population of more than 10k water breed species; secondly Human-Ecological Footprints (Measure of consumption of goods, GHG emission), thirdly existing bio-capacity (i.e. Natural resources to produce foods);

6. National level essay writing competition in Hindi on Malaria – by CSIR-OSDD initiative in collaboration with  Vigyan Prasar - campaign to create awareness amongst masses;

Neglected Tropical diseases – TB & Malaria – Major public health problem – awareness & preventive measures;

7. Relevance of Mars Orbiter  Mission MOM for India (IN FOCUS)

First Asian Nation to reach the Mars; First Inter-planetary mission; Entitled India among the space powers like US, Europe, & Russia; MOM attained it in its very maiden attempt; India also has a successful unmanned Chandrayaan mission in 2008;

Societal benefits & development integral part of India Space programme – It is being utilized for Health & Education through Communication Satellite, Indian weather satellite improved the weather forecasts – 270 Technologies developed has been transferred to the Industries for commercial benefits; Like others, Indian scientists also see Mars as a possible future habitat;

With Rs.450 Cr- low cost MOM  establish India as a significant & reliable player in space industry – ISRO expecting to gain lucrative space deals with US & EU; Estimate says the mission cost about Rs.5.77 per Km; It also established the Indian PSLV is much reliable for the global market; (PSLC C25) – (refer NISAR - India US);

8. History of Science
1. Danish Physicist Nells Henrik David Bohr Born in 1885 – Deciphered spectral emission lines of the Hydrogen atom using Quantum mechanics- led to the foundation of Quantum Physics; Bohr Model of Atom (Positive charged nucleus surrounded by negative electron) – theory of Nuclear fission;
2. Indian Physicst G N Ramachandran – Born in 1922 – first to develop the triple helical model of collagen(collective of naturally occurring protein found abundantly in Mammals)
3. German Physicist Max von Laue – Born in 1879 – Nobel Prize  in Physics in 1914 for work on X-ray diffraction in crystals;
4. Indian Mathamatician & Physicist Harish Chandra – Born in 1923 – Fundamental research in Representation Theory – branch of mathematics – studies the abstract algebraic structure by representing the  elements as linear transformation of vector space & study modules over these algebraic structures;
9. S & T activities across India – Science Express Segment
1. World Heart Day 2014 – 29 Sep – Walk for Heart Rally – awareness of Cardio vascular problems – need for disciplined lifestyle; Nov 7 will be National Cancer Awareness – Health Ministry;  
2. India &Russia to collaborate in Scientific education for Economic growth – 5 niche areas has been identified – Biomedical science, Nuclear power, Information Technology, Energy Efficiency and Aerospace; Russia interested to develop India-Russia Joint Scientific Research Centers – to work on Technology Transfer;
3. Dept. of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries, Min. of Agri – to include Bihar in the Foot & mouth Disease control during 2014-15 – under CSS Livestock health & disease control; Cattle &  Buffalo population should be vaccinated against FMD;
4. Europe’s ESA to send first mission to Comet;

Watch it here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrdT0hwhOGA&list=PLVOgwA_DiGzpd3_Iz7J-81Vh4QqU-ZGA9&index=17