IIT-AIIMS Jodhpur Develop AI Tool to Revolutionize Childhood Malnutrition Screening

• The IIT-AIIMS Jodhpur team have developed DomainAdapt, an AI-powered framework to detect childhood malnutrition using photos. Coupled with the AnthroVision dataset, it provides fast, scalable & accurate assessment of stunting, wasting & underweight in children.

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) Jodhpur have leveraged the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to better identify malnutrition in children.

The new method, published in the open-access journal MICCAI, addresses one of the most pressing global health challenges, the accurate and scalable assessment of childhood malnutrition.

The study introduced DomainAdapt, a novel multitasking learning framework that dynamically adjusts task weights using domain knowledge and mutual information.

This allows the system to more accurately predict key anthropometric measures such as height, weight and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), while simultaneously classifying malnutrition-related conditions such as stunting, wasting and underweight.

While these measures are also assessed using the traditional screening methods, they pose challenges in terms of the subjectivity of the worker, the time-consuming process of measuring each aspect one by one, and the lack of scalability.

“By simply capturing photos of a child, our framework can estimate nutritional status without the need for complex and time-consuming anthropometric measurements.” explained Misaal Khan, a doctoral student in medical technology at IIT-AIIMS, who led the study.

Misaal Khan

“This makes malnutrition screening faster, more accessible and highly scalable, especially in resource-limited settings.” Khan added.

Further, a cornerstone of the research is AnthroVision, a first-of-its-kind dataset containing 16,938 multi-pose images from 2,141 children collected across both clinical (AIIMS Jodhpur) and community (government schools in Rajasthan) settings.

The dataset captures diverse backgrounds, clothing and lighting conditions, making it a robust resource for advancing automated child health assessment.

Through rigorous experimentation, DomainAdapt demonstrated significant improvements over existing multitask learning methods, offering a reliable AI-driven solution to accelerate malnutrition detection worldwide.

“This research represents a vital step toward equitable healthcare access.” said Khan.

“By blending AI and domain expertise, we can empower healthcare workers and public health systems with tools that are cost-effective, accurate, and scalable.” she added.

AIIMS Jammu and 4baseCare Launches Centre for Advanced Genomics & Precision Medicine

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Jammu has officially initiated laboratory operations with the illumina NextSeq 2000 sequencing machine, at its newly established Centre for Advanced Genomics & Precision Medicine — marking a transformative step toward making affordable, precision-driven cancer care accessible to patients across India.

Inaugurating the state-of-the-art facility were key dignitaries, including Prof. (Dr) Shakti Kumar Gupta, Executive Director and CEO of AIIMS Jammu; Lt Gen Dr Sunil Kant, Dean Research and Medical Superintendent; Prof. Dr Meeta Gupta, Dean (Academics); Prof. Dr Shabab L Angurana, Associate Dean (Research); Mr. Shailender Slathia, Registrar; Dr. Poonam Sharma, Head, Department of Pathology; and Dr. Sudharshan, Vice President – Global Operations at 4baseCare.

Prof (Dr) Shakti Kumar Gupta, Executive Director and CEO, AIIMS Jammu, stated, “For every patient we treat, we are treating a mother, a father, a sister, or a brother. This partnership is our promise to every family who walks through our doors that we will do everything in our power to bring them the care they deserve.”

The Centre, developed in collaboration with 4baseCare, is equipped with advanced Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology, offering comprehensive genomic profiling for cancer patients. This powerful capability enables clinicians to design highly personalized, targeted treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique molecular profile.

“By integrating cutting-edge genomic data with AI-powered diagnostics, the Centre is poised to significantly improve early disease detection, refine therapy choices, and minimize ineffective treatments — ultimately enhancing both patient outcomes and quality of life,” said Dr. Sudharshan Elangovan , Vice President – Global Operations at 4baseCare.

Traditionally, access to such advanced genomic testing has been prohibitively expensive for many patients. However, with this initiative, high-quality NGS-based tests will now be made available at affordable costs, paving the way for greater inclusivity in precision oncology across India.

Further solidifying its role as a national referral hub, the Centre will accept samples from patients and healthcare providers across the country, ensuring that cutting-edge molecular diagnostics are accessible, regardless of geographical barriers.

For more details, visit, https://4basecare.com/

L&T Construction Secures Order from AIIMS–Madurai Under the PMSSY Division of MoHFW

The Buildings & Factories (B&F) vertical of Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has secured an order from the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Madurai, Tamil Nadu under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare(MOHFW), Government of India, in this month.

According to the company’s classification of projects, the value of the order is between 1,000 to 2,500 crore INR.

To recall, earlier this year MoHFW had also awarded the project of constructing a new AIIMS at Rewari (Haryana) on a Design, Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) basis.

The scope AIIMS–Madurai work includes construction of a 720-bed hospital, a 150-bed Infectious Diseases Block, a 30 bed AYUSH Block, a 150-seat medical college, a nursing college, a 750-seater auditorium, hostel, and residential facilities. The project is to be executed in 33 months. The total built up area is 2.1 mn Sq. ft.

The scope of work involves civil structure, finishes, MEP services and external development, including landscaping.

Earlier in January this year, the Railway Strategic Business Group of L&T Construction secured contract of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) Project, popularly referred to as the Bullet Train Project.

L&T Construction Wins Order From HITES to Construct New AIIMS at Rewari (Haryana)

The Buildings & Factories (B&F) Business of Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Construction has secured an order from HITES (A Mini Ratna PSU) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) .

The company's Health, Residential & Commercial spaces Strategic Business Group (HRC SBG) has secured an order to construct a new AIIMS at Rewari (Haryana) on a Design, Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) basis in Q3 FY’24. The facilities will include a 720-bed Teaching Hospital, a 30-bed AYUSH Hospital, an 100 students’ annual intake Medical College, Nursing College, 500-seat Auditorium, Hostel & Residential facilities to be executed within stringent timelines. The total built up area is 1.5 Mn Sq. ft.

According to the company’s classification of projects, the value of the order is between 1,000 to 2,500 crore INR.

The scope of work involves Civil structure, Finishes & allied MEP services including built in Furniture, Supply, Installation, Testing & commissioning of Medical Gas Piping, Modular OT, Pneumatic Tube System, Nurse Call System, Central Sterile Supply Department & external development works including landscaping.

Larsen & Toubro is a USD 23 billion Indian multinational engaged in EPC Projects, Hi-Tech Manufacturing and Services. It operates in over 50 countries worldwide. A strong, customer–focused approach and the constant quest for top-class quality have enabled L&T to attain and sustain leadership in its major lines of business for eight decades.

HLL Infra Tech Services Limited, known as ‘HITES’ is a 100% subsidiary of HLL Lifecare Limited( A Mini Ratna PSU) under MoHFW, GOI. HITES is specifically positioned towards absorbing the requirements of Medium to Large Public Hospitals primarily within the country as well as small forays overseas.

AIIMS-Delhi To Collab with IITs/IIMs and Introduce Startup Policy for Medical Students

In a what can be seen as big overhaul of 70-odd year old public medical research university and hospital, All India Institute Of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi is introducing startup policy for medical students in collaboration with country's premier technical & management —IITs & IIMs — institutes, as well as corporates.

Citing AIIMS officials, A Times of India report said that collaborations are being planned with institutions like Indian Institutes of Technology, Indian Institutes of Management, and Indian School of Business (ISB) for making intersectional learning more accessible and with corporations like McKinsey, Boston Consulting Group, and Bain to provide students with exposure to the world of management.

The ‘Start-Up policy’ for students is also intended to be drafted,” reads a statement reported by ANI.

The upcoming startup policy will help the the institute's students gain knowledge in other sectors, like management and finance, which is essential if one decides to start their chamber or centre. It has been introduced to promote entrepreneurship among medical students. "This will help them in their career growth,” said the AIIMS faculty member, adding that if they plan to open nursing homes in future, they would not have to struggle with general issues needed to start the venture.

The initiative would help the medical students gain knowledge outside the routine medical education, patient care and research.

Global Agri Industry Leader UPL and AIIMS Co-host National Symposium on “Clinical Toxicology”

To create awareness on occupational health situations in Agriculture

Over 1200 doctors trained in AIIMS hospitals and PHCs across Hyderabad, Nagpur and Rajkot

Poisoning is a significant global public health hazard. The incidence of poisoning in India is among the highest in the world. It is estimated that more than 50,000 people die every year from toxic exposure. Poisoning happens due to several reasons including snakebites, occupational hazards at workplaces such as agriculture. According to a recent study, India accounts for almost 80% of global snakebite deaths. In such situations, it is critical that local PHCs and Doctors are equipped and trained to deal with such toxic emergencies.

UPL, one of the Global Agriculture industry leaders, in association with AIIMS, Hyderabad, Nagpur, and Rajkot along with local Associations of Physicians had organized symposiums to train doctors on Toxicology emergency management. The symposiums, themed ‘Occupational Health- Agriculture’, aimed at spreading awareness among medical healthcare professionals about occupational health-related hazards in agriculture. It further intended to directly communicate the message to the medical fraternity, especially doctors from primary healthcare centers and district medical hospitals, about the right protocol of diagnosis and treatment whenever required. Over 1200 doctors have been trained so far through these symposiums.

Recently, the symposium was held in association with PDU Medical College, Rajkot and the Association of Physicians of India, with the theme of ‘Occupational Health- Agriculture’.

Speaking at the occasion, Dr. H C Kyada, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, PDU Medical College, Rajkot said, "Doctors at Primary level need to differentiate snake bites and other exposures including pesticides for adoption of the required treatment protocol. Most common poisonous cases are cobra bites, snake bite, ecstasy, dhatura, bhang etc. overdose. Different exposures need to be identified for adopting specific treatment protocols. A collaborative effort, in association with a prestigious institution like AIIMS, along with a trained workforce of doctors and health professionals, will certainly go a long way to bring best practices to the medical fraternity, especially working in rural areas."

Sagar Kaushik, President, Global Corporate and Industry Affairs, UPL said, “The crop protection industry has introduced environment-friendly crop protection products, including biologicals for pest control and plant health. Also, the expansion of Adarsh Farm Services (AFS) with mechanized machines by UPL has substantially reduced spraying exposure, for spraying workers and farmers, to almost zero levels in the last five to six years. UPL will organize such symposiums nationwide to bring awareness for safe use of agrochemicals with support from its state medical fraternity”

Dr. Tejas Prajapati, Clinical Medical Toxicologist, LG Hospital Ahmedabad said, “The lack of awareness on best practices and exposure to pesticide sprays if undeterred, will continue to threaten crop productivity, farmers’ safety/health, environment protection and even export markets for some niche crops. Toxicology is still neglected part in Medical curriculum and many doctors don’t have much idea on how they can treat patients of Toxic emergency exposure and using antidotes with right doses at the right time.”

The symposium addressed key issues and approaches to toxicology emergency at PHC and tertiary care hospitals, Pesticides and their medical management, Preventive aspects of toxic emergencies, Initiative from UPL for safe and preventive approach to pesticide use specially with their Adarsh Farm Services with 3000 mechanized Spraying Machines for the farmers, Pesticide regulations in India, Medico legal aspects of toxic emergencies and more.

Shri Arun Mahesh Babu M.S., IAS Collector and District Magistrate, Rajkot and The Child and welfare cabinet minister, Rajkot were present along with the experts faculties includes Medical Toxicologist, Critical Care Specialist, Physicians, Pesticide Regulators, Medicolegal Expert, Management Expert and more, during Rajkot seminar and they also extended their support and appreciate efforts to make agriculture and health to come on single platform to understand occupational health in Agriculture.

About UPL

UPL Ltd. (NSE: UPL & BSE: 512070, LSE: UPLL) is a global provider of sustainable agriculture products and solutions, with annual revenue exceeding $6bn. We are a purpose-led company. Through OpenAg®, UPL is focused on accelerating progress for the food system. We are building a network that is reimagining sustainability, redefining the way an entire industry thinks and works – open to fresh ideas, innovation, and new answers as we strive towards our mission to make every single food product more sustainable. As one of the largest agriculture solutions companies worldwide, our robust portfolio consists of biologicals and traditional crop protection solutions with more than 14,000 registrations. We are present in more than 130 countries, represented by more than 10,000 colleagues globally. For more information about our integrated portfolio of solutions across the food value chain including seeds, post-harvest, as well as physical and digital services, please visit upl-ltd.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Haryana-based Varsity, IIT Delhi, AIIMS & Chennai Mills Together Develop Kit to Fight Coronavirus

Haryana-based World University of Design on Monday said it along with IIT Delhi, AIIMS and a few textile mills in Chennai have developed indigenous personal protection equipment kits for healthcare workers in the fight against coronavirus infection.

The prototypes of PPE kits are currently undergoing the second round of testing in a Chennai hospital and are expected to go into production within this week, World University of Design Vice-Chancellor Sanjay Gupta said in a statement.

IIT Delhi, AIIMS, World University of Design and Chennai-based textile mills have jointly developed the kit, he said.

"The design and production of these kits is open source, therefore any small or medium scale factory interested can take the design from us and start manufacturing them.

"The key feature of this design is the ease of doffing, where the garment can be taken off by the person without touching the infected outer surface. The prototypes for these kits have been created following the required protocol," Gupta said.

The World University of Design is a private university in Haryana.

According to the health ministry update on Monday, the death toll due to the coronavirus has reached 559 and the number of cases has risen to 17,656 across the country.

Some of the Indian firms have started manufacturing PPE kits in small quantities.

Gupta said that a team of researchers from WUD has designed the PPE sets keeping in mind the ease of donning and doffing the PPE without help.

"These sets are designed to make them fit Indian body shapes and sizes. They help avoid loose, hanging parts which may come in contact with infected surfaces and get contaminated.

"There are no unnecessary openings which may aid the contagion to pass through the PPE, thereby infecting the person in question. Even micro-openings created while stitching the garment, which may provide a pathway for the virus to enter, are sealed off along with the seams," the statement said.

Loyal Textile Mills will start production once the suit sealing machine reaches the factory.

A PPE kit includes goggles, face-shield, mask, gloves, coverall/gowns (with or without aprons), headcover and shoe cover. PTI PRS RAM

IIT & AIIMS Alumni Invent Airlens Minus Corona to Battle Novel COVID-19

Amidst the panic across the world over the rapid spreading of pandemic Covid 19 disease, PerSapien comes up with a device, Airlens Minus Corona (-Corona) to counter the robust spreading of Coronavirus.



As corona has infected about 2.3 lakhs people worldwide while claiming over 9,357 lives, humanity is racing against time for their lives. At this point in a needful hour, PerSapien, an organization that strongly believes that good health is the birthright of each (Per) human being (Sapien), came up with a new technology to save the humans.

According to the technology, the device will fight the coronavirus with corona discharge. It has been devised into a “Robo Sapien” (a human-like) machine that operates on the mechanism of charged/ionized water droplets which is ionized using the corona discharge. The ionized water in return oxidizes the viral protein reducing it to a non-harmful molecule.



This about a duo an IIT Kharagpur & AIIMSian alumnus Debayan Saha & Shashi Ranjan respectively who develop a device "Airlens Minus Corona" that will travel on streets to sterilize the city. It will go to hospitals, bus stops, railway stations, shopping malls and other public places to sterilize the surfaces which may cause the spread of the coronavirus.

A new approach or technology is required for "Saving Sapiens" and therefore both came up with a solution naming this technology as Airlens Minus Corona (-Corona) as it clears up the Coronavirus using the electrical energy of Corona - Fighting Corona With Corona.

The device is a concept of Robo Sapien that will also inspire humanity to come together in this fight against coronavirus. Kindly share your thoughts on the above discovery and let me know if you'd be interested to connect with Founder for more information.

How Does it Work?

The power lies in electrifying water droplets to kill coronavirus. The duo invents a new way to kill coronavirus using charged/ionized water droplets. Water droplets can be ionized using Corona Discharge. Such ionized water droplets can help in the oxidation of viral proteins into non-harmful molecules. Oxidation is one of the most potent antimicrobial tools. This technique can potentially sterilize the entire city.

Benefits

There are several ways by which Viruses can be inactivated - Alcohols (such as ethanol or IPA) is one of them and alcohol-based hand sanitizer are useful for individuals or for sanitizing surfaces at a smaller scale but insufficient in such an emergency to use them for sanitizing cities.

Earlier, the duo inventors have also invented devices like PM Minus 2.5 to help curb vehicular pollution and Airlens which is a car air sanitizer. I hope this story is news material for you.

Dr. Sashi Ranjan, Co-Founder of PerSapien Innovations said, “Diving deeper into the scientific research I did at NUS, Singapore, I realized that oxidation is one of the most potent antimicrobial tools which can sterilize the entire city. Our technology uses an optimal combination of electric energy and water atomization techniques to induce a charge on water droplets while creating the most potent oxidative entities, Hydroxyl radicals that can oxidize and kill the coronavirus."

The “Robo-Sapien” machine will travel on the streets especially targeting the public gathering places like hospitals, bus stops, railway stations, shopping malls, etc. to sterilize the city from the spreading of the virus.

Speaking on the occasion, Debayan Saha, Co-Founder of PerSapien said, “Alcohols (like ethanol or IPA) are known to inactivate viruses by denaturing their protein coat. But the alcohol-based hand sanitizer is useful for individuals or for sanitizing surfaces at a smaller scale (home, offices, etc.) in the fight against Coronavirus. However, this is insufficient in such an emergency as it is impractical to use alcohol for sanitizing cities."

Thus, to combat the virus at a global scale/ national level, the entire city needs to be sanitized for which Airlens Minus Corona (-Corona) has been created.

 

Power of DNA - Delhi Police and AIIMS Join the First Ever Awareness Drive

~ #DNAFightsRape – Save the Evidence
~ Common person, a ‘first line responder’ in criminal investigation!

A pathbreaking initiative combining forces with the Delhi Police and AIIMS to deter the incidence of rape was announced on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The awareness drive has been launched to highlight the role of common people and the application of DNA forensics in expediting India’s criminal justice system in sexual offense and rape cases.

At the Launch of the drive Nishtha Satyam, Deputy Country Representative, UN Women India, said, “DNA is your unique identity that is present in every part of your body. In your nails, blood, skin, sweat and even in your spit. It’s impossible that in a rape case a rapist does not leave his DNA behind. We need to save the evidence and demand for DNA testing. We must generate awareness about this topic, because DNA is the biggest weapon against this brutal crime.”

One of the biggest challenges a rape survivor faces, is in proving the offense while relying on ocular evidence in court, when in reality, most often there are no eyewitnesses in such a case. The campaign brings to the fore the cruciality of collecting and preserving offender DNA, i.e. bodily fluids or skin or nails or hair from the scene of the crime and from the survivor, as it is the most conclusive evidence that can lead to a conviction. Thereby eliminating the reliance on ocular evidence. But DNA evidence must not be washed off, it must be saved.

[caption id="attachment_138425" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Panellists at the launch of the citizen awareness drive on the role DNA can play in deterring sexual assault and rape - (Left to Right) - Swati Sharma, RJ 93.5 Red FM, Nishtha Satyam, Deputy Country Representative, UN Women India, Pinky Anand, Additional Solicitor General, Govt. Of India, Suman Nalwa, DCP, Delhi Police, Vivek Sood, Sr. Advocate, Keshav Kumar, Director, ACB, Govt. Of Gujarat, Tim Schellberg, Founder & President, Gordon Thomas Honeywell[/caption]

Dr. Pinky Anand, Additional Solicitor General India, added to this, “Considering the importance of DNA evidence that is conclusive, the Government too, has introduced the DNA bill. The matter still lies with the standing committee for discussion. We are also looking to make a national offender database with the help of which a serial rapist can be identified and brought to justice quickly. Over the last two years, owing to the increased awareness levels on this subject, DNA crime testing has doubled. We must take care of two things, preserve the evidence in a rape case. And second, demand for DNA testing. And if we can do this, we will be able to make this city, this country, a safe place for our women and children.”

According to experts, equipping people with better knowledge on preserving DNA evidence can make the path to justice delivery relatively easier for rape survivors. The power of DNA is bound to put the fear of law in the minds of the perpetrator.

Suman Nalwa, DCP, Delhi Police, further highlighted, “Should this untoward incident happen with you, you are bound to be afraid, uncertain and insecure because we never think that we are vulnerable but sometimes bad things do happen. However, don’t feel ashamed. You haven’t committed the crime, the rapist is the criminal, and he’s the one to be put to shame. As a victim, as a first responder, as a concerned citizen, it is our responsibility to know more about DNA evidence and how to safely preserve the evidence to help the investigation so that the rapist is caught and can never ever commit this crime.”

Dr Sudhir K Gupta, Head, Department of Forensic Medicine, AIIMS, New Delhi said, “We are presently working on establishing the first of its kind one-stop sexual assault examination, care, and research centre. There is a dire need for educating and training first-line responders across the country on proper collection & handling of DNA samples while at the same time creating dedicated infrastructure to attend to rape survivors. The lack of proper facilities at hospitals has a direct correlation with the quality of DNA evidence collected from rape survivors. The results for the vaginal swabs and semen samples can be analysed quickly to help catch the culprit but currently, 80-90% of samples do not yield viable results because they are not collected and stored properly.”

The occasion also saw Suman Nalwa, DCP, Delhi Police who is also the Principal, Delhi Police Training School release the cover of a training manual being specially designed for police investigators. “I congratulate Ogilvy for taking on the responsibility of creating an abridged, illustrative forensic DNA field training manual based on the Ministry of Home Affairs guidelines on the use of biological evidence in crime scene investigation. This simplified manual will facilitate ease of reference for our investigators and serve as a ready reckoner for everyone in the force,” she said while unveiling the cover.

As per GTH-GA, Forensic DNA has emerged as the most reliable crime-fighting technology the world over. Many countries are effectively using forensic labs and protocols to collect, test and compare DNA at crime scenes with that of suspects with promising results. Where law machinery world over is increasingly relying on DNA forensics to solve crime, the pace in India has been slow. Lack of scientific methods in investigations and absence of a proper policy framework in the country continue to hamper justice.
About GTH-GA

Gordon Thomas Honeywell Governmental Affairs is a globally recognised public affairs consultancy firm that has expertise with forensic DNA database policy, legislative, and law. For nearly twenty years, consultants at GTH-GA have consulted in over 50 countries and states on legislation and policies to establish or expand criminal offender DNA databases. GTH-GA collaborates closely with governmental officials, crime labs, police and the DNA industry. GTH-GA operates the DNAResource.com website that has been used as the world’s primary source for DNA database policy and legislative information since 2000.

~ BusinessWire India

AIIMS-New Delhi, IISc Bangalore and others Bag India Research Excellence Awards announced by Clarivate Analytics

Clarivate Analytics, a global leader in trusted insights and analytics for research and innovation, has announced the seventh edition of the India Research Excellence – Citation Awards.  Since 2004, Clarivate Analytics has presented these awards to identify and recognize the most influential researchers and institutions for their outstanding and pioneering research contribution to the country.

This year’s awards were announced at an evening event at the Hotel Sheraton, New Delhi.  Distinguished speakers included Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Dr. Bhushan Patwardhan, Vice-Chairman, University Grants Commission, and Dr. Anand Desai, Research Policy and Assessment Advisor, Institute for Scientific Information. The awards ceremony celebrated eight individual researchers and eleven institutions for their exemplary research contributions.

The awards were based on indepth analysis conducted on data from the Web of Science citation index and InCites – a research performance and benchmarking tool. Highly cited research publications that imply high impact research published during the period 2012-2018 were an important criterion, among others, for the analysis.   An expert panel at the Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) took the metrics and qualitative review into consideration to decide on the recipient for each category.

Arvind Pachhapur, South Asia Head Clarivate Analytics, said: “We are grateful for this opportunity to recognize research excellence in India.  The country and the world at large benefits from impactful research that advances the frontiers of knowledge.  These awards celebrate the research excellence demonstrated by many outstanding researchers and institutions as captured in Web of Science.”

The individual award recipients are:

 

• Dr. Gautam R. Desiraju, Lifetime Achievement 

• Dr. Sujit Ghosh, Young Researcher

• Dr. Vinod Kumar Gupta, Research Excellence in Natural Sciences

• Dr. Anuradha Chowdhary, Research Excellence in Medical and Health Sciences

• Dr. Dinesh Mohan, Research Excellence in Engineering and Technology

• Dr. Narpinder Singh and Dr. Amritpal Kaur, Research Excellence in Agricultural Sciences

 

• Dr. Vikram Patel, Research Excellence in Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Sciences

The institutional award recipients are:

• 
  
  
  
  • Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Institutions Established over 15 Years
  
  
  • National Institute of Science Education and Research, Institutions Established within 15 Years
  
  
  
  

 

• Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Research Excellence in Natural Sciences

 

• 
  
  
  
  • All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, Research Excellence in Medical and Health Sciences
  
  
  • Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Research Excellence in Engineering and Technology
  
  
  
  

 

• Guru Nanak Dev University, Research Excellence in Agricultural Sciences

 

• Indian School of Business, Research Excellence in Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Sciences


• Aligarh Muslim University, Central University


• Bharathiar University, State University


• Vellore Institute of Technology, Deemed or Private University


• Christian Medical College Vellore, College – Professional Degree


• Loyola College, College – General Degree

About Web of Science Group 

Web of Science Group organizes the world’s research information to enable academia, corporations, publishers and governments accelerate the pace of research.  It is powered by the Web of Science – the world’s largest publisher-neutral citation index and research intelligence platform. Its many well-known brands also include Converis, EndNote, Kopernio, Publons, ScholarOne and the Institute for Scientific Information (ISI).   The ‘university’ of Web of Science Group, ISI maintains the knowledge corpus upon which the index and related information and analytical content and services are built; it disseminates that knowledge externally through events, conferences and publications and it carries out research to sustain, extend and improve the knowledge base. The Web of Science Group is a Clarivate Analytics company.

About Clarivate Analytics 

Clarivate Analytics plc (NYSE:CCC; CCC.WS) is a global leader in providing trusted insights and analytics to accelerate the pace of innovation. We have built some of the most trusted brands across the innovation lifecycle, including Web of Science™, Cortellis™, Derwent™, CompuMark™, MarkMonitor™ and Techstreet™. Today, Clarivate Analytics™ is on a bold entrepreneurial mission to help customers reduce the time from new ideas to life-changing innovations. For more information, please visit clarivate.com.

DNA Testing Facilities Across India as AIIMS-Delhi Calls for Implementation of One-Stop Sexual Assault Examination Centres

In a symposium on the ‘Role of Forensic DNA Technology in Expediting Justice and Fighting Crime, held at India International Centre today, an expert panel led by the forensic department of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, called for country-wide implementation of one-stop sexual assault examination, care, and research centres enabled with state-of-the-art DNA collection and testing facilities.

In a symposium on the ‘Role of Forensic DNA Technology in Expediting Justice and Fighting Crime, held at India International Centre today, an expert panel led by the forensic department of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, called for country-wide implementation of one-stop sexual assault examination, care, and research centres enabled with state-of-the-art DNA collection and testing facilities.

[caption id="attachment_132034" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Left to Right: Sidharth Pandey, Dr. Sahajpal, Dr. Sudhir Gupta, Mr. Tim Schellberg, Dr. Deepa Verma, Dr. Harish Pathak, Ms. Arneeta Vasudeva at the live debate on Role of Forensic DNA Technology in Expediting Justice and Fighting Crime[/caption]

Dr Sudhir K Gupta, Head, Department of Forensic Medicine, AIIMS, New Delhi said, “The lack of proper facilities at hospitals has a direct correlation with the quality of DNA evidence collected. The results for the vaginal swabs and semen samples can be analysed quickly to help catch the culprit but currently 80-90% samples do not yield viable results either because they are not collected and sealed properly, or because they are stored at an unsuitable temperature. There is a dire need for educating and training first-line responders on proper collection & handling of DNA samples while at the same time creating dedicated infrastructure to attend to rape survivors.”

Even though 40,000 cases of rape have been reported in India every year, post-trauma care that survivors get at authorised hospitals remains poor. Presently, government hospitals just provide a room in the existing gynaecological emergency with no dedicated forensic staff and even send them off to the regular OPD (out-patient department) which can take days.

Dr Deepa Verma, Director, Delhi FSL said, “Creation of one-stop sexual assault examination and care centres is a step in the right direction. In any case pertaining to sexual assault or rape at known or unknown sites, forensic evidence needs to be preserved at all costs and handled with care. We have noticed a steady rise in demand for DNA testing and are increasing our capacity to assist investigators. We are planning to constitute specialised trained crime scene examination teams to ensure quick retrieval of forensic evidence while ensuring proper collection and preservation.”

Along with AIIMS, other premier medical institutions like KEM Hospital, Mumbai, have also recently taken steps towards setting up dedicated units for examination, testing, and post-trauma care for rape survivors with facilities for physical check-up, treatment of injuries, forensic tests, DNA profiling, and psychiatric counselling—all under one roof. Once operational, the AIIMS centre is expected to take on the role of a nodal agency for setting up similar units in other parts of the country.

Dr Harish Pathak, Head of Forensics, KEM Hospital, Mumbai said, “We get over 200 cases of sexual abuse every year but lacked a dedicated space for counselling, medical examination and stay for survivors. Hence, we have constructed a dedicated one-stop centre with special counselling suite where department of forensic medicine along with experts from gynaecology and psychiatry collectively gather history, counsel, conduct medicolegal examination, and collect evidences to prepare combined reports for investigation agencies. We always lay special emphasis on collection of relevant biological samples for DNA analysis wherever and whenever scientifically appropriate as to ensure all precautions and measures are taken for maintaining and documenting chain of custody and sanctity is evidence in such cases.”

Tim Schellberg, Founder & President, Gordon Thomas Honeywell—GA noted, “India is adequately aware of the power of DNA. In the 2012 Nirbhaya gangrape trial, the prosecution built an airtight case based on the DNA of the accused found at the crime scene. In such cases, samples should be collected, tested and compared to known suspects immediately. Without an aggressive DNA program, violent criminals and sexual predators will continue to escape punishment; conviction rates will remain low; and justice will elude victims.”

As per recent estimates, the number of DNA profiles developed from crime scene evidence has doubled over a year from 10,000 cases tested in 2017 to nearly 20,000 this year1. Despite an uptick in the number of profiles being tested, the volume remains low considering that nearly more than 4 cases of rape are registered every hour1. Official statistics show a dramatic increase in the number of crimes against women, which have increased more than 80% over 10 years, with only one in 4 rape cases resulting in conviction.

Forensic DNA has emerged as the most reliable crime-fighting technology the world over. Many countries are effectively using forensic labs and protocols to collect, test and compare DNA at crime scenes with that of suspects with promising results. Where law machinery world over is increasingly relying on DNA forensics to solve crime, the pace in India has been slow. Lack of scientific methods in investigations and absence of a proper policy framework in the country continue to hamper justice.

1 GTH-GA Estimates

Gordon Thomas Honeywell Governmental Affairs is globally recognised public affairs consultancy firm that has expertise with forensic DNA database policy, legislative, and law. For nearly twenty years, consultants at GTH-GA have consulted in over 50 countries and states on legislation and policies to establish or expand criminal offender DNA databases. GTH-GA collaborates closely with governmental officials, crime labs, police and the DNA industry. GTH-GA operates the DNAResource.com website that has been used as the world’s primary source for DNA database policy and legislative information since 2000.