Research and Development


Bhabha Atomic Research Centre at Trombay

Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), the premier research centre of Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), has been working closely with NPC in its rapid indigenisation tasks; carries out research in areas of reactor engineering, reactor physics, nuclear chemistry, water chemistry, computer technology etc. The research reactors at Trombay, especially the indigenously built Dhruva have given the necessary infrastructural base for advances in nuclear sciences and technology.

The other important multi-disciplinary R&D Centre, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research is dedicated to fast reactor technology and associated fuel cycle, material sciences, fuel reprocessing and sodium technology. The Centre is also engaged in basic research relating to material science, radiochemistry, and applied research in the sphere of non-destructive technology, advanced instrumentation and materials.

Indigenous Technology

Progressive indigenisation has been achieved from Rajasthan Atomic Power Station to Kakrapar Atomic Power Station and also a high level of indigenisation exists in the related nuclear fuel cycle. DAE has also comprehensive capability to design, construct, operate and maintain related fuel cycle facilities, and many such facilities are operational all over the country.

Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL), a public sector undertaking unit of DAE, process minerals to products which are not only of value to the Department, but also useful to other users in the country and outside. Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC), Hyderabad fabricates fuel and structural components for all operating power reactors, thorium blankets and structural components for FBTR. In the recent past, NFC developed special alloys for use in the space programme for the country - a major milestone in import substitution. NFC along with IRE has succeeded in producing pure zirconia crystal popularly known as American diamonds. Heavy Water Board designs, builds, operate its own heavy water plants, which not only meet the country's requirements but also have given us export capability.

Ocean Development

India's coastline sprawls over a distance more than 7,500 km long, and its territory includes 1,256 islands. Its exclusive economic zone covers about an area of 20-lakh sq. km and the continental shelf stretches up to 350 nautical miles from the coast. The domain for the development of oceanic resources and preservation of the marine environment extends from the coastal land and islands to the Indian Ocean. The Government of India has established the Department of Ocean Development in 1981, to promote and coordinate the many endeavours required to accomplish the task, as well as to develop the emerging frontier of Antarctic research and deep seabed mining

Antarctic Research Programme

Antarctica provides great scope for the conduct of scientific research for the betterment of all mankind. It is an impressive, pristine laboratory, of global importance, which has enabled scientists and researchers to detect and monitor global environment phenomena such as the depletion of the atmospheric zone, global warning and sea level changes. Antarctic meteorological research has supplied data vital to forecasting in the southern hemisphere. Glaciological research provides important data about the heat exchange budget and Antarctica's influence on the weather. Geological and geophysical research in the continent provides great insights into global geological history and the formation of continents.

The initiation, promotion and the coordination of the Indian Antarctic Research, which began with the launching of the first expedition during 1981, continues to cover a wide range of scientific activities. These activities have become a regular feature since 1981-82, with such expeditions being sent every year. The scientific programmes are a vital part of these long-term programmes: a) ice ocean atmosphere system in Antarctica and global environment; b) Antarctic lithosphere and Gondwanaland reconstruction, frame-work for delineating plate tectonic processes and assessment of mineral resources hydrocarbons; c) Antarctic ecosystems and environmental physiology; d) solar terrestrial processes; e) innovative technologies for support system; f) environmental impact assessment; and g) generation and structuring of databases (geological topographic, thematic mapping and ecosystems changes, environmental parameters and health care.)

The annual expeditions to the continent since 1981 have provided a much-needed fillip to front ranking endeavours in basic and environmental sciences and have won for India well deserved recognition amongst the Antarctic Treaty Nations. India has a consultative status in the Antarctic Treaty System and is member of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research and also party to the convention for the conservation of Antarctic marine living resources.

Deep Seabed Exploration

India was recognised as a pioneer investor in 1982, as a result of pioneering work done in the area of deep seabed exploration with special emphasis on the location and processing of polymetallic modules. A mine site of 1,50,000 sq. km in the central Indian Ocean was allotted by the Preparatory Commission for the International Seabed Authority in August 1987. India was the first country in the world to achieve pioneer status in August 1987 on the basis of delineation of a prospective area covering 3,00,000 sq.km.

National Institute of Oceanography

The National Institute of Oceanography was established in 1966, under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi.

The principal objective of the Institute is to develop sufficient knowledge related to physical, chemical, biological, geological and engineering aspects of the seas around India through:

• study of physical process in the ocean including the monsoon

• exploration of living resources of the sea

• sea-farming technology

• bio-active substances from marine plants and animals

• development of offshore oilfields

• deep-sea exploration for minerals

• coastal zone and harbour development

• studies for effective control of marine pollution

• ocean modelling

• processing of satellite imagery data

• acoustic topography

National Institute of Ocean Technology

The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) was set up in 1993 under the Department of Ocean Development, as a society registered under registration of Societies Act. The Institute functions in coordination with Indian Institute of Technology, Madras with a view to develop and promote technology related to ocean development. The principal objectives of the Institute are: i) to apply the experience and information acquired through ocean research to develop technology in specific fields like sea-bed mining, ocean energy etc.; ii) to assist the ocean scientists in the development of appropriate ocean engineering and instrumentation systems; iii) to develop necessary technologies for the concept of Coastal Zone Management for comprehensive and sustainable development of the coastal belt and islands of the country and iv) other objectives pertaining to Ocean Technology being coordinated by the DOD.

Electronics

The electronics technology and industry have an incredible power to improve the overall standard of living in the country. Electronics, is also vital to the improvement of productivity in industry. Modern on-line process control instrumentation, data acquisition systems, appropriate automation of the production processes and computerised design can considerably reduce down-time, help optimum utilisation of existing facilities and improve industrial efficiency.

Department of Electronics (DOE) has helped bring the benefits of electronics to all walks of life and is responsible for making the Indian Electronics Industry a global player. It plays a promotional role in the development and use of electronics for socio-economic purposes. Application of electronics in fields like agriculture, health and service sectors has been paid special attention. A multi-pronged approach has been adopted for result-oriented research and development with extra emphasis on microelectronics, telematics, high performance computing and software development.

The Department of Electronics supports and funds technology development through its councils set up in several spheres, such as, the Technology Development Council (TDC) for areas like components, computer communication and instrumentation, etc., the National Radar Council (NRC) for radars, navigational aids, sonars, underwater electronics systems, laser and infra-red based detection/ranging systems etc. These councils also provide inter-ministerial forum for all-round development including generation of production capabilities in their respective fields.

'Param', the parallel super computer developed indigenously by C-DAC

Time bound projects in particular areas are implemented through separate scientific societies like Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) which has conceived, designed and delivered parallel super computer with peak computing power of 1 G Flops. Their second project is aimed at a super computer of 100 G Flops speed. The Centre for Materials for Electronics Technology (C-MET) has been established to provide technology for several electronic materials.

The Standardisation, Testing and Quality Certification (STQC) Programme provides standardisation, testing, calibration and certification support to Indian electronics industries meeting national/international norms through its network of 21 labs throughout the country. STQC has also established dedicated training institutes like Centre for Electronic Test Engineering under Society for Electronic Test Engineering and Indian Institute of Quality Management. STQC has MoUs with leading safety testing and certification organizations like UL USA and VDE Germany. The test reports/certificates issued by STQC are recognized by these organizations, as by the member countries of IECEE, which can facilitate Indian industries to compete in the global market.

Biotechnology