India 2018

Scientific and Technological Developments 489
Coordinate Measuring Mechanism (SCMM), a 6 DOF Parallel Kinematic
Mechanism (6D-PKM) based robot and the visualization display to aid the
surgeon during neurosurgery are the major components of the system.
Cryogenics
A cryogenic system consisting of cryogen distribution lines for liquid helium
and liquid nitrogen, sub-atmospheric vacuum jacketed lines for helium, warm
helium lines between the helium buffer tanks and compressors, and a 500 watt
helium liquefier is being set-up for the superconducting electron and heavyion
linacs at VECC. The design of the cryogenic system has been finalized.
Radioisotopes & Radiation Technology
DAE has been playing a significant role in the development and applications of
various radioisotopes in healthcare, industry, agriculture and research. India is
one of the leading countries in the isotope technology today as a result of the
consistent efforts of DAE.
Radioisotopes are produced in the Dhruva Research Reactor at Trombay,
accelerator at Kolkata and the various nuclear power plants of NPCIL during
the report period, a wide variety of radioisotopes for medical, industrial and
research applications were produced and supplied by BARC. The Board of
Radiation and Isotope Technology (BRIT) produced and supplied a wide range
of radioisotope products, and radiation technology equipment for medical and
industrial uses. BRIT's plants for radiation sterilization of medical products
and radiation processing of spices and allied products continued to offer services
to medical and agro-industry. Radiation technology based tools and techniques
benefitted variety of industries and social sector.
Homi Bhabha National Institute
The Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI) accredited as a deemed university
by Ministry of Human Resource and Development (MHRD) completed ten years
of its existence. HBNI continued its academic programmes by offering various
courses with its eight boards of studies namely as chemical sciences, engineering
sciences, health sciences, life sciences, mathematical sciences, physical sciences,
strategic studies and undergraduate studies. Degrees and diplomas including
PhD were awarded to students. HBNI continued to strengthen its linkages with
premier research and academic institutes in the country and abroad.
Training
Selection of trainees under Orientation Course for Engineering Graduates &
Science Post-Graduates (OCES) and DAE Graduate Fellowship Schemes (DGFS)
at BARC were pursued with high standards. At IGCAR the training programmes
for Trainee Scientific Officers (TSOs) and doctoral programmes in the frontier
areas of engineering and basic sciences for the inducted research scholars
continued.