NISCAIR Biennial Report 2008-2010

3 Science Popularization

Under its Science Popularization Programme, NISCAIR has also brought out a large number of popular science books, which remain much in demand. The institute also publishes the Councils R&D newsletters, viz. CSIR News and CSIR Samachar, which serve as purveyor of news regarding activities and accomplishments of CSIR. opularization of science, inculcation of scientific temper and dissemination of scientific information to the masses is an important mandate of NISCAIR. The rapid pace of progress today makes it imperative for governments round the world to equip their citizens with information in a manner that helps them comprehend the scientific developments around them. NISCAIR has taken it upon itself to fulfil this paramount responsibility of taking science to the people through its three well-known science magazines: Science Reporter (English monthly), Vigyan Pragati (Hindi monthly) and Science-KiDuniya (Urdu quarterly), which are circulated throughout urban and rural India. Attempts are made to make these magazines as interactive and informative as possible to inculcate and build up interest of the students as well as the general public in science. The magazines also nurture young science writers by mentoring them in the nuances of science writing, perticularly in popular science.

Science Reporter
Launched in 1964, Science Reporter entered into its 47 th year of publication in 2010. This is one of the oldest English language popular science monthlies published in India, and enjoys wide readership throughout the country. During 2008-2010, it continued with its objective of providing to its readers topical coverage of issues in various fields such as information technology, wildlife, environment, space, nuclear technology, health and biotechnology as well as light reading material such as humour, amazing scientific facts, profiles of scientists, science projects, inventions, discoveries and much more.

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Special issues of Science Reporter published during 2008-2010

2008 2009 1. Agriculture (June 2008): Containing articles on prospects for a second Green Revolution; potato plant that has become the food of the worlds poor; arresting soil erosion; bio-diesel from algae, etc. 2. Drugs & Diseases (August 2008): Containing articles on travails of modern medicine, depression in children, dark side of pharmaceuticals and cosmetic products, living with diabetes, etc. 3. Wildlife (November 2008): Containing articles on fishes as pets and as business, endangered crocodiles, frogs struggling for survival, deadly cobra, seahorses in peril, etc. 4. International Polar Year (February 2009): Celebrating the International Polar Year 2008-2009, containing an interview with Mr.Kapil Sibal, the then Honble Minister of S&T and Earth Sciences, and a special feature by Dr. Shailesh Nayak, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences detailing Indias contributions to the field of polar research. 2009 2010 1. Environment (June 2009): Containing articles on indoor plants to combat indoor pollution, pollution-free fuels, saving energy at home, certifying forests, etc. 2. Astronomy (July 2009): On the occasion of the International Year of Astronomy, containing articles on the longest total solar eclipse of the 21st century, shooting the eclipse, Galileo, journey into the cosmos, interview with Director, Vigyan Prasar, etc. 3. Health (August 2009): Containing articles on cervical cancer, healing injuri,es, controlling intestinal infections, emerging vaccines, medicinal tomato, etc. 4. Science Centers & Science Museums (February 2010): Containing articles on the changing role of science centers and science museums, report on a visit to the Pushpa Gujral Science City, Kapurthala, and interviews with Director-General, National Council of Science Museums and Director-General, Pushpa Gujral Science City.

Concerted efforts are made to give a contemporary look to the magazine by covering topical issues of major significance and also by inviting special articles from experts. Some of the important topics covered during the period 20082010 are water on moon, climate change, combating indoor pollution, taking information technology to the villages, unraveling of the first Indian human genome, Indian S&T heritage, etc.

interest in scientific issues among the younger readers. Some interactive columns and new columns introduced during 2008-2010 are as follows: 1. Puzzle Corner, attracts mass appeal judging by hundreds of entries received every month in response to the prize puzzle. The winners of the prize puzzle are finalized after a draw of lots from among the correct entries received every month. 2. Point Counterpoint, featuring a debate on specific issues of concern every month, has been attracting wide participation. Some of the issues dealt during the year included: Benefits of nuclear deal with US; Should India cut down on its carbon emissions; Do we still need to popularize science 62 years after independence; Should India put money into moon exploration or utilize it for other social purposes; Food security and genetically modified food crops, etc.

Special Issues
To provide an added focus on certain topics of national concern, special issues of the magazine were brought out from time to time as shown in the above table.

Interactive Columns
Science Reporter lays great stress on some special columns to enhance its appeal and attract more readers. This is also a good way of stimulating

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3. CSIR in the Service of the Nation: The column throws light on the scientific and social contributions of CSIR laboratories. 4. Whats New: This column features new gadgets, inventions, innovations, software, etc. 5. Strange Plants: Featuring some of the strangest plants that continue to fascinate one and all. 6. In the Picture: The column tells a story with a scientific theme through pictures. 7. Amazing Adaptations: Dealing with unique adaptations that animals have evolved to survive harsh habitats. 8. Unmet Health Needs: Dealing with diseases that continue to play havoc, especially with reference to India. 9. Floral Records: Dealing with some unique flower species.

Vigyan Pragati
This widely circulated monthly popular science magazine in Hindi was launched in 1952, and entered the 59 th year of its publication in 2010. Vigyan Pragati endeavours to familiarise its readers with important current events/ issues in the field of science in an easy-to-understand manner. The keen interest of the readers is well evident by their feedback through the incessant inflow of letters. Articles from experts were published on several topical issues to apprise readers of the latest developments. Some of the important topics covered during the period 2008-2010 are sunspots, global warming, Large Hadron Collider, organic farming, 40 years of ISRO, water on moon, wildlife conservation, etc.

Science Fiction and Science Cartoon Competitions

To increase participation from the readers and also to inculcate the habit of thinking scientifically, Science Reporter announced Science Fiction and Science Cartoon competitions. These competitions have attracted widespread participation from readers with winning entries being published in the magazine.

Special Issues
Some special issues of the magazine were published on thematic topics as given below:

Special issues of Vigyan Pragati published during 2008-2010

2008 2009 1. World Health Day (April 2008) 2. World Environment Day (June 2008) 3. Wild Life Conservation Day (October 2008) 4. Childrens Day (November 2008) 5. Important Events (December 2008) 6. Plant Kingdom (January 2009) 7. National Science Day (February 2009) 8. Children Science Congress (March 2009) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 2009 2010 World Health Day (April 2009) International Year of Astronomy (May 2009) World Environment Day (June 2009) DNA Fingerprinting (July 2009) ISRO (August 2009) World Food Day (October 2009) Childrens Day (November 2009). Great Personalities (December 2009) Climate Change (January 2010) National Science Day (February 2010) Agriculture (March 2010)

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New Columns
The following new columns were introduced: 1. Sawal Jawab (Sawal Jab Jab Jawab Tab Tab): In this column around 25 interesting scientific questions are covered. 2. Vaigyanik Attahaas: This column covers interesting scientific jokes. 3. Mahavibhuti: This column covers exciting stories/biographies of eminent scientists of the world. 4. Ek Report: In this column brief reports of scientific events including conference/ symposia/workshop, etc. are covered. 5. Kitna Sach Kitna Jhooth: In this column different facets of issues are discussed. 6. Bhavishya Mein: This column is based on future developments. 7. Hamara Paryavaran: In this column environmental issues are taken up. 8. Aushdhiya Padap: In this column medicinal plants are covered in detail with emphasis on their medicinal properties.

warming aur mahauliyati nizam main tabdeelion ke khilaf mahaj; Swine flue: alamgir khatra; Zahreele sampon ki hairat angez khasusiat; Mausami tabdeelion ke junglat par asar; Ganga ki kemiyaii tareequey se safai; Ped paudhe gubar ke aluda zarrat ka sikar karte hain, etc.

CSIR News
Launched in 1951 and now running into its 60th year of publication, CSIR News, the fortnightly newsletter of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, is intended to serve as a useful link among the various CSIR establishments and to communicate activities/ accomplishments of the Council to other R&D organizations, universities, S&T agencies/ departments, industry and other users, mass media, etc. It also disseminates information regarding CSIR to other countries through Indian missions abroad and foreign missions in India. It publishes news pertaining to R&D accomplishments, technology transfers, marketing, commercialization/ utilization, sponsorships, collaborations, IPR, etc. Also covered are abstracts of high impact factor papers published by CSIR scientists in journals, new facilities, important conferences/seminars/ workshops/training programmes, various MoUs signed, important events such as Foundation Day celebrations, lectures, appointment of Directors, announcements regarding forthcoming events, etc. Contributions of S.S. Bhatnagar Prize-winners are also published. The 30 October 2008 issue was brought out as a special issue on CSIR Foundation Day Celebrations held at NPL, New Delhi. From the January issue of 2010, popular science articles based on the R&D work of CSIR have been started.

Science-ki-Duniya
Science-ki-Duniya, the quarterly popular science magazine in Urdu, is among the most widely read Urdu science magazines in the country. Entering into the 36 th year of publication in 2010, it continued to disseminate information on current scientific topics in an easy-to-understand and attractive manner. Some of the major articles published during the year 2008 2010 include Giza aur dava ka sahi istemal; Zameen ki paidaish ke bare main sciency nazarayat ka artaka; Kheti main genetics ki ahmiat; Dil ki beemarian; Hararat ke zariye aludgi; Registani paudon main chand artqai manazal; Global

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The 15 January 2009 issue of CSIR News covers the prize distribution function for the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prizes for 2007-2008, CSIR Diamond Jubilee Technology Award 2007 and CSIR Award for S&T Innovation for Rural Development for 2007 and 2008 given away by the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. The 15 and 30 November 2009 issue was brought out as a special issue devoted to the CSIR Foundation Day Celebrations.

CSIR Samachar
Launched in 1984, CSIR Samachar is now into its 26th year of publication. It is a monthly news bulletin in Hindi, covering news pertaining to various activities/programmes, in particular R&D activities of CSIR laboratories. It thus serves as a useful link among the various CSIR constituents. It also disseminates information to other S&T departments, universities etc. The May 2008 issue of CSIR Samachar covered a report on Repopulating Damaged Coral Reef Areas of Lakshawdeep and June 2008 issue covered the report on the international meet on Mapping the Scientific Consciousness: National and Global Efforts. The August 2008 issue was on the launch of InDG Portal and report on World Environment Day celebration in CSIR labs. The November 2008 issue covered a report on the launching of Solekshaw. December 2008 was devoted to the CSIR Foundation Day Celebrations. In addition, Hindi Month/Pakhwara/Week/Diwas

celebrations of various CSIR labs/institutes were exclusively covered in the November 2008 issue. The January 2009 issue covered the story on launching of Open Source Drug Discovery and February 2009 issue covered the report on presentation of Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar award 2007 and 2008, CSIR Diamond Jubilee Technology award 2007 and CSIR award for S&T Innovation for Rural Development 2007 and 2008. During 2009-10, the April 2009 issue covered the report on International Polar Year Celebrations at NISCAIR and a story on India partners with EU to prevent Indias Traditional Medicinal Knowledge from Biopiracy. September 2009 issue contained a story on the Maiden Flight of the Indigenous Wankel Engine-powered Unmanned Air Vehicle: A DRDO/CSIR Partnership Accomplishment and October 2009 was on Mobile Teleclock: Adding New Dimensions To Time Dissemination. December 2009 issue was devoted to CSIR Foundation Day Celebrations. In addition, celebrations of Hindi Month/ Pakhwara/Week/Diwas at various CSIR labs/institutes were exclusively covered in the October & November 2009 issues of this newsletter. To make CSIR News and C S I R Samachar more attractive, their getup has been changed from the January 2010 issue. Full text of CSIR News and CSIR Samachar are hosted on the NISCAIR website (www.niscair.res.in) with links in CSIR website (www.csir.res.in).

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