Monday, January 7, 2019

Call for Participation: India M2M + IOT Forum 2019 | 14-15 January | IHC, New Delhi

This Call for Participation is open for the TRCSS volunteers and CSSP  students. For the complementary registration, send your confirmation to  pravin.kushwaha@gmail.com by 10th January 2019.  

---------- Forwarded message ---------
Greetings from the 6th edition of India m2m + iot Forum!
We are delighted to announce the 6th edition of 'India m2m + iot Forum' scheduled for Monday, 14 January 2019 and Tuesday, 15 January 2019, at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, India, jointly organized by the Department of Management Studies, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (DMS, IIT Delhi), FI Media (Future Internet and Electronic Media) of the Delegation of European Union to India and India m2m + iot Forum. 

The objective of India m2m + iot Forum is to focus on the application of emerging disruptive technologies such as machine-to-machine (m2m) and internet of things (iot) from the larger umbrella of information communications technology (ICT) in the Smart Cities and Smart Villages space, and how these disruptive technologies can assist and help in raising the living standards of the citizens by simplifying the decision making processes eventually leading to Smart Governance and solving challenges and problems in the areas such as in Smart Management of Command and Control Centres, Disaster Management, Energy Management, Infrastructure, Safety Security, Transportation Systems, Sanitation and Waste and Water Management.
 
The forum will host;
1.       An Inaugural Session on:
a.        'THE 100 SMART CITIES of INDIA – From THE CITY INHERITED TO THE CITY DRIVEN BY TECHNOLOGY'
b.       'THE SMART VILLAGES of INDIA – From THE VILLAGE INHERITED TO THE VILLAGE DRIVEN BY TECHNOLOGY'
2.       Plenary Session on:
a.        'Changing Paradigm of the SMART CITIES OF THE WORLD vis-a-vis the SMART CITIES OF INDIA'
b.       'Changing Paradigm of the SMART VILLAGES OF THE WORLD vis-a-vis the SMART VILLAGES OF INDIA'
3.       Focused Sessions on:
a.        Optimising SMART CITIES and SMART VILLAGES with DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGIES
>> m2m + iot + 5G + AI + Cloud-Edge-Fog-Mist Computing + GIS + GPS + Telematics and more…
b.       CITIES and VILLAGES of the FUTURE with SMART CITY INNOVATORS – showcase by the startups@india m2m + iot forum
 
The prime representatives for the sessions will be from the Government of India Leadership, the Delegation of the European Union to India, Senior Executives from National and International companies and organizations providing smart cities and smart villages solutions, Innovative Startup's united in their common aim of discussing the latest in smart cities and smart villages technologies, developments, efficient resource management and innovations, and Academia who will together bring forth key technology trends that can play a significant role in developing a Smarter India.

In view of your interest in the subject matter, we invite you to participate in the forum as our esteemed delegate. To confirm your participation, please RSVP to;

Shilpi Batra
Director
India m2m + iot Forum
Mobile: +91 9599074767, +91 9818105643
E-mail: shilpi.b[@]originbizserv.com



India m2m + iot Forum 2019 | http://m2m2iotforum.com 

Sunday, January 6, 2019

TRCSS Policy Brief "Gurgaon-Manesar Urban Complex Challenges of Water Governance" | by P. N. Desai

Gurgaon-Manesar Urban Complex Challenges of Water Governance. 
by Pranav N. Desai, TRCSS Policy Brief 01/2018, New Delhi: TRCSS, JNU, December 2018, ISBN: 9788193685716.

Introduction: The Gurgaon-Manesar urban complex forms a part of one of the world's top fifteen global megacities and witnessing greater strains of urbanisation. Despite planned structure, this region lacks a proper mechanism for adequate water supply, power, and sewage handling mechanisms. Groundwater is the primary source of water supply while the water guzzling construction sector is the major consumer. The unsustainable development towards extensive consumption of water has led to some disturbing consequences with insufficient rainfall, wells drying up and flooding at the same time during the monsoon. Some of the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals that focus are "Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all" and "Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable". It is being questioned whether the other sustainable development goals could be achieved without successfully addressing the preceding two goals.

PhD Positions with Full Scholarships in Data Science @ Dalian University of Technology, China

PhD Positions with Full Scholarships in Data Science @  Dalian University of Technology, China
 

Deadline for application: 1 Feb 2019.

 

The Alpha Lab (http://TheAlphaLab.org) at Dalian University of Technology, China conducts interdisciplinary, application-driven academic research in data science, big data, network science, and computational social science. The Lab currently has 50+ PhD and Master students, and has supervised over 10 international PhD students.

 

We are opening 2 PhD student positions in research areas like data science, big data, network science, computational social science, data analytics, big scholarly data, social network analysis, machine learning, etc. All positions will be coupled to full Chinese Government Scholarships. Basic living allowance will be 3,500 RMB/month, plus Comprehensive Medical Insurance and Benefit. The scholarships are exempt from registration fee, tuition, and fee for basic learning materials. Accommodation on campus will be provided for free. The University will offer excellent working conditions.

 

Supervisor: Professor Feng XIA (http://fengxia.net/)

Working location: Dalian University of Technology @ Dalian, China

Starting date: September 2019

PhD duration: 4 years

 

Qualifications

1. Applicants shall have a master's degree in related discipline.

2. A good command of the English language (in speaking and in writing) is required.

3. Research experience in related areas is a plus.

 

Application procedure

Before submitting the full application (to the University), each potential applicant should first send an initial application via email to Dr. Feng Xia (f.xia@ieee.org). The application should include a detailed CV (including email addresses of two referees, detailed contact information, etc), and at least two best scientific documents/publications written by yourself (in English). The deadline for applications is 1 Feb 2019. A few candidates will be shortlisted for full application. Interested applicants are highly encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible. We will not accept applications once the positions are fulfilled.

 

For further information regarding these positions, please contact Dr. Feng Xia (f.xia@ieee.org).

 

--

Feng XIA, PhD, Professor

ACM/IEEE/CCF Senior Member, AAAS Member

Director, The Alpha Lab (http://TheAlphaLab.org)

Deputy Dean (Research), School of Software

Dalian University of Technology

Development Zone, Dalian 116620, China

Email: f.xia@ieee.org; f.xia@acm.org

URL: http://FengXia.NET

16th STIP Forum Panel Discussion "Science Movements in India" | 10 January, IHC New Delhi

Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP) Forum Lecture Series

We request your gracious presence at the Sixteenth STIP Forum Lecture Series Panel Discussion on

"Science Movements in India" 

Date: 10 January 2019 (Thursday), Time: 7:00pm

Venue: Casuarina Hall, India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi (Entry from Gate No. 3)

About STIP Forum: The Science Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP) Forum has been set up with the objective of promoting debate on various aspects of Science, Technology and Innovation Policy. The Forum would go beyond the disciplinary boundaries by taking into account the intersectionality of S&T and I. It aims to also bridge the gap between the science and society for dissemination of scientific achievements as well as for generalising debate of societal aspirations and promoting responsible research and innovations. The monthly lecture series of public lectures has been launched to sensitize the public discourse on science, technology and innovation policy. Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), The Energy & Resources Institute (TERI), Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research (CEFIPRA), Vigyan Prasar and India Habitat Centre (IHC) are the collaborating institutions. 

All Are Welcome. RSVPdgoffice@ris.org.in

Thursday, January 3, 2019

TERI-DST Training Programme on 'Promoting Sustainability Through Science' | 25 February to 01 March 2019

TERI-DST Training Programme on 'Promoting Sustainability Through Science'
25 February to 01 March 2019 
Venue: TERI RETREAT, TERI Gram, Gual Pahari, Gurgaon, Haryana, India
              
The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) with the support of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), would be conducting four training programmes under the scheme of "National Programme for training of Scientists and Technologists working in Government Sector" in 2018-2019.
The broad objectives of the training programmes are:
  • To enable scientists and technologists to understand the emerging policies, practices and implementation mechanisms in the field of Sustainable development, energy, sustainable habitats and climate change,
  • Create awareness about new policies, practices and business models that enable application of science and technology with the view to achieve sustainability,
  • To enhance the knowledge and skills of participants and provide them multi-disciplinary perspective and a solutions based approach.
Course Details: The programme would focus on supporting scientists and technologists in enabling large scale dissemination of technologies and practices that promote sustainable development in the following sectors - Renewable energy and energy efficiency, Climate Change, Sustainable Agriculture and Water.

Course Structure: The approach would be to assess how sustainable implementation models can be created in each sector which enables upscaling so that national transformation occurs. For example, in the Renewable energy and Energy efficiency areas, we would focus on R&D, technology development, policy interventions, business models and capacity building that have enabled large scale transformations in Photovoltaic and LED applications. Similarly in the water and agriculture sectors role of superior planting materials, organic agriculture(Biofertilisers & biopesticides) and increasing resource efficiency in agriculture would illustrate the challenges of large scale transformation based on science and technological inputs that promote sustainable development.

Pedagogical Approach:
  • Intensive one day Sectoral analysis - Renewable Energy, Climate Change and Sustainable Agriculture
  • Case studies from practitioners and policymakers for each sector
  • Field visits to TERI Gram
Who can Apply: Scientists / technologists holding scientific posts / working in Scientific Ministries / Departments of Govt. of India and State Government, Autonomous Institutions / Public Sector Undertakings of Central / State Governments, Research and Development Institutions / Research Laboratories of Central / State Governments, Central / State Universities, State Science & Technology Councils.

How to Apply: Kindly download the Application Form and send the filled application form Ms Swati Ganeshan at swati.ganeshan@teri.res.in.

Selection: Selected candidates will be informed by mail well before the starting of the course.

TERI-DST Training Programme on 'Development & Research for Sustainable Urbanization & Habitat'

TERI-DST training programme on 'Development & Research for Sustainable Urbanization & Habitat'

21 January to 01 February 2019 
Venue:
TERI RETREAT, Gual Pahari, Gurgaon, Haryana, India


The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) with the support of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), would be conducting four training programmes under the scheme of "National Programme for training of Scientists and Technologists working in Government Sector" in 2018-2019.

The broad objectives of the training programmes are:

  • To enable scientists and technologists to understand the emerging policies, practices and implementation mechanisms in the field of Sustainable development, energy, sustainable habitats and climate change,
  • Create awareness about new policies, practices and business models that enable application of science and technology with the view to achieve sustainability,
  • To enhance the knowledge and skills of participants and provide them multi-disciplinary perspective and a solutions based approach.

Course Details: The two weeks programme has been designed in a way that it will cover topics at city and at building level. The various themes of the programme will cover sustainability aspects pertaining to energy, water and waste management. Special attention has been given in various sessions to cover technical advancement achieved. Other than sustainability session at city and building level, few sessions on sustainable mobility have been included. Apart from technical session, few sessions on government policies related to energy, renewables, urbanization and mobility etc. have also been included.

Course Structure: The programme has been structured to cover sessions broadly in three modules -

  • The first modules will focus broadly at city level and will cover themes on urbanization with bent on government policies and missions.
  • The second module is specific to limited sector and will convers themes on energy management, water and solid waste management, Advanced/low cooling energy technologies, building retrofit, Green building rating systems and theme specific building policies.
  • The third module is covering various sessions under the umbrella of sustainable mobility/transport. Each modules includes key site visit for better understanding of the participants.

*This training programme is designed with a special focus on energy management in built environment

Course Dates with Duration in Weeks: From 21st January 2019 to 1st February 2019 (2 weeks)


Who can Apply: Scientists / technologists holding scientific posts / working in Scientific Ministries / Departments of Govt. of India and State Government, Autonomous Institutions / Public Sector Undertakings of Central / State Governments, Research and Development Institutions / Research Laboratories of Central / State Governments, Central / State Universities, State Science & Technology Councils.


How to Apply: Kindly download the Application Form and send the filled application form to Ms Sonia Rani at Sonia.rani@teri.res.in with a copy to Ms Swati Ganeshan at swati.ganeshan@teri.res.in.


Wednesday, January 2, 2019

CfPs: National Seminar "Integrating Agricultural Workers into Sustainable Development Goals" | IIPA, New Delhi

Two Day National Seminar on "Integrating Agricultural Workers into Sustainable Development Goals"
(March 14-15, 2019)
Indian Institute of Public Administration, New Delhi

Concept Note
Agricultural workers in India constitute a huge workforce. Policies have been directed at providing wages and work for them. However, as socio-economic changes gained faster pace, environmental and agricultural contexts undergoing rapid transformation, this workforce is crying for attention.
Despite neo-liberal policies aiming to reduce this workforce and rural-urban migration, agricultural work continues to be the mainstay for lakhs of families, who are mostly dalits. Government policies are fixated on wages, and there is no adequate discussion of this important workforce. Even the focus on agricultural wages is limited to field labour. Statistics on agricultural workers is also not expansive and has not gone beyond the conventional parameters of information. For example, it is difficult to know as to how many agricultural workers have become tractor drivers and have taken up activities that go beyond field labour. Skill as a factor in wages is also ignored. Skill building is completely absent in policies and development plans related to agricultural workers. Disaggregated data across the range of agricultural operation has huge gaps and challenges.
With India signing the international commitment to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), agricultural workers, a significant number in Indian population data need attention. Indian national commitment to SDGs has to include this workforce, if India has to progress towards SDGs. Crisis in agronomy and rural India is intertwined with the lives of agricultural workers. For this reason, space for agricultural workers needs to be created in Indian SDG-linked transformation plans.
Against this backdrop, Dr. Ambedkar Chair in Social Justice, Indian Institute of Public Administration is organizing a two day National Seminar on 'Integrating Agricultural Workers into Sustainable Development Goals' on March 14-15, 2019. The National Seminar will provide a platform for discussing various issues pertaining to agricultural workers, beyond wages, including equity, equality, participation, rights and justice, in the context of a scenario which is trying to conserve ecology, protect environment and build sustainability into socio-economic transformations. The outcome of the seminar is expected to provide fresh scholarly discussion and policy insights which may feed into NITI Aayog and other governmental institutional activities related to SDGs. The National Seminar is open to academicians, scholars, researchers, decision makers, NGOs, Civil Society, organizations working on agricultural workers, etc. 

The key sub-themes of the National Seminar may include but not limited to:
1. Neo-liberal policies and their impact on agricultural workers
2. Agricultural workers and their transformative role in agriculture
3. Future policy vision for agricultural workers
4. Risks and opportunities for agricultural workers in rural agronomy
5. Integrating agricultural workers into SDGs

Important Dates
Last date for submission of abstracts : February 05, 2019
Last date for intimation of selected abstracts : February 15, 2019
Last date for submission of full paper : February 28, 2019
Seminar Date : March 14-15, 2019

Registration and Logistics: There is no Registration Fee for the Seminar. However, it is mandatory for all the paper presenters and participants to register online by sending an email (dr.ambedkarchairiipa@gmail.com) before February 05, 2019 positively. Accommodation for outstation paper presenters will be provided. Please note that the Seminar will not extend any travel assistance. However, a limited financial travel support (3 tier AC train fare) may be extended to few participants based on merit of the full paper. 

Abstract Submission Guidelines: An abstract not exceeding 300 words to be sent in Microsoft Word, Times New Roman, 12 Font with 1.5 line spacing to dr.ambedkarchairiipa@gmail.com by due date (February 05, 2019). The abstract must contain:
1. Title of the paper: Times New Roman, 14 Font, Bold.
2. Sub-theme: Must indicate the sub-theme of the concept note under which the paper falls.
3. Author Details: Name with title (Prof./ Dr./ Mr./ Ms.), Designation, Affiliation (Institution), Full correspondence Address, Email ID and Mobile Number.
4. Abstract: Must contain rationale, objective, data & methods, expected findings, central argument.
Abstract will be peer-reviewed by a screening committee of acclaimed academicians and practitioners. Their decision will be final and binding. 

Publication: Best selected papers will be published in an edited book by a reputed publisher. Therefore, the effort should be to submit quality papers to be included in the publication. 

Seminar Coordinator: Prof. C. Sheela Reddy, Chair Professor, Dr. Ambedkar Chair in Social Justice, Indian Institute of Public Administration, I.P. Estate, Ring Road, New Delhi, dr.ambedkarchairiipa@gmail.com



Saturday, December 29, 2018

PhD travel grants for Herrenhausen Conference “New Role of the State for the Emergence and Diffusion of Innovation” | 20-22 Feb | Hannover, Germany

Herrenhausen Conference "The New Role of the State for the Emergence and Diffusion of Innovation"
February 20-22, 2019
Herrenhausen Palace, Hanover, Germany

Major Challenges ahead: How can governments and state-related actors stimulate innovation and spread its benefits? Experts from various disciplines, fields and countries will discuss the new role of the state at a Herrenhausen Conference on February 20-22, 2019. Travel Grants Available!
The role of the state and of state governments in knowledge societies for the stimulation, regulation and diffusion of innovation has been debated in politics and various social sciences for years, especially in times of economic crisis. Current discussions include the question whether and how state-related actors and agencies can mobilize innovations and drive their diffusion to properly address Grand Societal Challenges and Sustainable Development Goals worldwide: climate and environmental threats, natural resource scarcities, increasing levels of inequality and exclusion and the challenges of the digitalization and robotization of our lives, to name a few.
On this background, the search for a governance scheme most effective in pushing respective innovation and diffusion activities cannot escape the old debate on state versus market or on centralized versus decentralized planning or on autocratic versus democratic decision making. In this context, we also need to reflect on what we mean by state and statehood in the 21st Century as well as new state dimensions such as new publicness, like in the sharing economy. These crucial debates deserve a broader, transdisciplinary platform to account for the various disciplinary viewpoints on the questions at hand.
Therefore, Uwe Cantner (Friedrich Schiller University, Jena), Dirk Fornahl (University of Bremen) and Stefan Kuhlmann (University of Twente) asked researchers worldwide to join the Herrenhausen Conference and present their perspectives to the debate.

Questions of the conference include:
  • Has state-driven innovation (policy) positive impacts on welfare and growth?
  • What is the role of the state and statehood for innovation vis-à-vis economic and social actors?
  • How can governments and innovation policy address societal transitions and grand societal changes?
  • How to overcome innovation system lock-in? Is there a role for creative corporatism beyond incumbent stakeholders and new tech giants?
  • How can innovation policy be made more inclusive and help to bridge social divides? How to address persistent global inequality?
  • Innovation policy for economic and extra-economic Returns: How to master the balance?

The targeted audience includes but is not limited to researchers ranging from economics to regional, political and social sciences as well as policy makers or representatives from economic development agencies or other administrations.
The New Role of the State for the Emergence and Diffusion of Innovation is part of the Herrenhausen Conference Series initiated by the Volkswagen Foundation.

Travel Grants Available: The Volkswagen Foundation offers 30 Travel Grants for PhD students or early Post docs researching on the topics addressed by the conference. The grants include travel expenses to and from Hanover, visa fees (if applicable), as well as accommodation in Hanover during the conference. Successful applicants will get the chance to present their research in poster sessions. The posters will be displayed during the entire conference. The best 10 papers and research ideas will be presented to the audience in lightning talks. Furthermore, the best research paper can win a prize of 1,000 Euro. Application deadline is January 13, 2019. 

Thursday, December 27, 2018

Launching of Parliament Digital Library (PDL), India

Parliament Digital Library (PDL) provides various parliamentary documents. As of now the portal has 387,957 pdf files.

About PDL: Parliament Digital Library provides information about various parliamentary documents of Lok Sabha, the House of People. The debates of Lok Sabha, from the First Lok Sabha to the Sixteenth Lok Sabha are placed in this portal. The Reports of several Parliamentary Committees, Presidential Addresses to Parliament, Budget Speeches, and several publications of the Lok Sabha Secretariat are also part of its collections. The treasured and historic legislative debates, tracing the growth and development of modern parliamentary institutions in India, from 1858 to 1952, thereby covering the period of 95 years, is being uploaded periodically. The portal provides the users a single window information retrieval technology with filtered and federated search from multiple searchable resources.

ADB-FAO MOOC on Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI)

Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) using CSPro Android and SurveySolutions 
28 January to 8 March 2019
Offered by ADB and FAO Statistics

About: In this digital age, using pen and paper to conduct surveys is outdated. This free online 6-week course on CAPI trains how to make conducting surveys, data collection more interactive and informative using tablets and mobile phones. 

Register till 11 January 2019 for a free online course on Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI): http://capi.adbx.online/



  

Wednesday, December 26, 2018

New Article "Innovation in Indian Handloom Weaving" | by Mamidipudi & Bijker

Innovation in Indian Handloom Weaving
by Annapurna Mamidipudi, and Wiebe E. Bijker
Technology and Culture, 59(3), 2018, 509-545. DOI: 10.1353/tech.2018.0058

Abstract: Handloom weaving is the second most important livelihood in rural India after farming. Improving handloom technologies and practices thus will directly affect the lives of millions of Indians, and this is similar for many other communities in the global South and East. By analyzing handloom weaving as a socio-technology, we will show how weaving communities are constantly innovating their technologies, designs, markets, and social organization—often without calling it innovation. This demonstration of innovation in handloom contradicts the received image of handloom as a pre-modern and traditional craft that is unsustainable in current societies and that one should strive to eliminate: by mechanization and/or by putting it into a museum.


Monday, December 24, 2018

NIAS-DST Training Programme "Science and Technology: Global Developments and Perspectives"

NIAS-DST Training Programme "Science and Technology: Global Developments and Perspectives"
Dates: Monday, January 21, 2019 to Friday, February 1, 2019
Venue: NIAS, Bengaluru, India

The National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) has been organizing highly successful training programmes with support from the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, for a select group of senior and mid-career scientist-administrators and technologists from various scientific and industrial organizations in the country. In the same endeavour, NIAS proposes a two-week NIAS-DST training programme on Science & Technology: Global Developments and Perspectives from January 21 to February 1, 2019 at the NIAS campus in Bengaluru.
Consistent with the mission of NIAS, this training programme emphasizes the development of leadership qualities through the integration of multidisciplinary knowledge. The participants will have interactive sessions and discussions with distinguished speakers drawn from different organizations and occupations. NIAS courses, conducted with the NIAS tradition of excellence with relevance have always attracted tremendous response in the context of institutional capacity building and participants also benefit from networking opportunities with experts and distinguished speakers during the two-week training programme. The lectures in the two-week training programme will be by eminent scientists, technologists, academic scholars, and professionals from the public and private sectors.
We take great pleasure in inviting you to nominate not more than three senior scientists from your organization who have 15 years of experience and above. In the case of women scientists, this condition may be relaxed. No participation fee is involved for attending this fully residential programme. Your organization will have to bear the cost of travel to Bangalore and back. We would greatly appreciate receiving your nominations by Friday, 4 January 2019 in the enclosed (nomination and biodata) formats. Participation in this course is limited to 25 based on a review and selection process as per the guidelines given by DST. Both Nomination and Bio-data forms duly signed should be sent to niasdst.gdp[@]gmail.com.

Sunday, December 23, 2018

New Paper "Human Values in Disposing the Dead: An Inquiry into Cremation Technology" | by VN Prajapati & S Bhaduri

Human Values in Disposing the Dead: An Inquiry into Cremation Technology
by Vishwambhar Nath Prajapati, and Saradindu Bhaduri  
Journal of Human Values, 2018, https://doi.org/10.1177/0971685818806416

Abstract: Technologies and human values both have important bearing on human life and conditions. Unfortunately, the dialogue between them has remained inadequate, at best. While the discourse on human values recognizes various kinds and layers of values, including values that are universally relevant across societies and cultures, research on the interface between values and technology has predominantly focused on technology's interactions with society-specific values. This article is an attempt to broaden the scope of this research by specifically taking the case of cremation technologies. Numerous societal, religious and universal values interplay with each other in matters related to death and the dead. Unlike other technologies, an individual can 'use' cremation technology only once, that too with limited control over his/her choice. Our empirical research finds that a complex interaction of multiple layers of values shapes the form and trajectory of cremation technology. Tracking the debate on the adoption of cremation technology in Europe and India, we find important differences in this interaction across societies.

Keywords: Universal human values, ritual, cremation technology, cross-cultural, Europe, India


P.S.: For any comment/ suggestion on the paper or a copy of a full-text paper, please write to vishujnu2013@gmail.com

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Principles for a Contract for the Web | Sign & Spread the Words

Principles for a Contract for the Web

The web was designed to bring people together and make knowledge freely available. Everyone has a role to play to ensure the web serves humanity. By committing to the following principles, governments, companies and citizens around the world can help protect the open web as a public good and a basic right for everyone.

Governments will

Ensure everyone can connect to the internet
So that anyone, no matter who they are or where they live, can participate actively online.

Keep all of the internet available, all of the time
So that no one is denied their right to full internet access.

Respect people's fundamental right to privacy
So everyone can use the internet freely, safely and without fear.

Companies will

Make the internet affordable and accessible to everyone
So that no one is excluded from using and shaping the web.

Respect consumers' privacy and personal data
So people are in control of their lives online.

Develop technologies that support the best in humanity and challenge the worst
So the web really is a public good that puts people first.

Citizens will

Be creators and collaborators on the web
So the web has rich and relevant content for everyone.

Build strong communities that respect civil discourse and human dignity
So that everyone feels safe and welcome online.

Fight for the web
So the web remains open and a global public resource for people everywhere, now and in the future.

We commit to uphold these principles and to engage in a deliberative process to build a full "Contract for the Web", which will set out the roles and responsibilities of governments, companies and citizens. The challenges facing the web today are daunting and affect us in all our lives, not just when we are online. But if we work together and each of us takes responsibility for our actions, we can protect a web that truly is for everyone.

Monday, December 17, 2018

JNU IERB organizes Workshop on “Ethics in Research” | 20 December

JNU Institutional Ethics Review Board (IERB) Workshop On "Ethics in Research"

Date: December 20, 2018

Venue: JNU Convention Center, Committee Room

Session 1 (10:00-11:30 am): Combined Sessions: "Ethics in Research" Debating Ethics in Disciplinary Research
Session 2 (11:45 am-1:15 pm): New ICMR Guidelines & Social Science Challenges
Session 3 (1:45-3:15 pm): How to Be Ethical in Writing, Publishing and Research Interactive Session
  • Padmbhushan Prof. S.K. Sarin, ILBS
  • Prof. V.K. Malhotra, ICSSR
  • Dr. KP Gangulee, ICMR
  • Dr. Suman Sharma, Principal LSR
Session 4 (3:30-4:30 pm): Ethical Issues in Excessive Data Driven, Big Data Based Research
  • Prof. TV Vijay Kumar, AI & Big Data
  • Mr. Sanjeev Kumar, Director CIS

Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Tomorrow's 8th Panel Discussion on 'Cyber Security' | at IIC, 13 December


d9ba582c-b550-469c-b78b-266b3bf96ef2.jpg
Dec
13
NITI Aayog, India International Centre and Centre for Policy Research are pleased to invite you to the eighth panel discussion on Cyber Security

Chair:

  • V Latha Reddy, former Deputy National Security Advisor, Government of India

Speakers:
  • Dr Gulshan Rai, National Cyber Security Coordinator, Government of India
  • Ajay Prakash Sawhney, Secretary (Electronics & Information Technology), Government of India
  • Tobby Simon, Founder President, Synergia Foundation

Thursday, 13 December 2018, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.

Multipurpose Hall, Kamla Devi Complex, India International Centre

 
Metamorphoses Website
 

Sign up for the event at this link. This is necessary given seating requirements.

Digital technologies are now an indispensable component of virtually all activities of a modern economy. They significantly increase economic efficiency but are also vulnerable to cyber attacks. Critical infrastructure, such as smart power guides, air traffic control and sensitive data stored in computer systems can be compromised or even disabled through a variety of cyber attacks. Cyber security, therefore, has become an urgent and compelling concern. This session will assess the nature and scale of the challenges to cyber security, the tools that are available to us to deal with these challenges and what the future trends might be in this domain. The panelists, who are all domain experts, will, in particular, evaluate the state of cyber security in India.

Chair: V Latha Reddy, former Deputy National Security Advisor, Government of India
Opening Remarks by Ambassador Shyam Saran, Life Trustee, IIC


Speakers:
Dr Gulshan Rai, National Cyber Security Coordinator, Government of India
Ajay Prakash Sawhney, Secretary (Electronics & Information Technology), Government of India
Tobby Simon, Founder President, Synergia Foundation

The talk will be livestreamed on the IIC website; streamed through Facebook-live on the Metamorphoses Facebook page; and video recordings will be available on YouTube, as well as disseminated through social media channels hosted on the Metamorphoses website. The promotional video for Metamorphoses can be accessed here.

Questions will be taken on a special number through SMS, provided at the venue, and selected ones will be answered given time constraints.

V Latha Reddy is the former Deputy National Security Adviser of India. In addition to assisting National Security Adviser Shiv Shankar Menon, Ms. Reddy was responsible for cybersecurity and other critical internal and external security issues.

Reddy served in the Indian Foreign Service from 1975-2011. During her diplomatic career she served in Lisbon, Washington D.C., Kathmandu, Brasilia, Durban, Vienna and Bangkok. She served as Ambassador of India to Portugal (2004-2006) and to Thailand (2007-2009). She was Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs in Delhi (2010-2011) with overall charge of India's bilateral and regional relations with Asia. She was then appointed as India's Deputy National Security Advisor in the Prime Minister's Office from 2011-2013.

Reddy has extensive experience in foreign policy, and in bilateral, regional and multilateral negotiations. In addition, she has expertise on security and strategic issues and has worked on strategic technology policies, particularly on cyber issues relating to cyber security policy, international cyber cooperation and Internet governance.

Reddy is currently involved with several organisations and think tanks, both globally and in India and holds the following positions among others:
  • Commissioner, Global Commission on Internet Governance (GCIG)
  • Distinguished Fellow, East West Institute, New York
  • Member, International Advisory Board, Kaspersky Labs, Moscow
  • Member, India-Pakistan Water Dialogue, South Asia Centre, Atlantic Council, Washington D.C.
  • Director, Deccan Heritage Foundation, London
  • Director, Board of Janalakshmi Financial Services, Bangalore
  • Member, Bangalore Political Action Committee (B-PAC)
  • Trustee, Bangalore Little Theatre (BLT) Foundation, Bangalore
  • Distinguished Fellow, Observer Research Foundation, Delhi
Reddy's other interests include travel, literature and the performing arts. She speaks English, Portuguese, French and several Indian languages including Hindi, Telugu, Tamil and Kannada.

Dr Gulshan Rai is the National Cyber Security Coordinator for the Government of India. He has over 25 years of experience in different areas of Information Technology which include Cyber Security, e-Governance, Legal Framework and the Information Technology Act for e-commerce, and several related fields. Previously, he was the Director General, CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team) and Group Coordinator of E-Security and Cyber Law Division in the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. Prior to this he was Executive Director, ERNET India for over 7 years and he was instrumental in setting up of the first large scale education and research network in close collaboration with the leading educational and research institutions in the country.

Dr Rai has been working since 1998 in the area of evolving legal framework to address issues arising out of cyberspace. His sustained efforts in the area has resulted in second Technology Legislation in the History of India i.e. Information Technology Act and recent amendments in the Act.

Dr Rai is particularly focused on developing security capabilities in the country through increased security education programs. He has initiated several programs in this area with industry and educational institutions. He has enhanced the security of government infrastructure through an effective security framework that prescribes standards, and audits by a panel of independent auditors.

Dr Rai holds a doctoral degree and M.Tech., and has published several papers, and reports on e-commerce, cyber security, cyber laws, education and networking and has presented the same in several national and international conferences.

Ajay Prakash Sawhney is the Secretary to the Government of India - Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. His work on National Policy on electronics was a starting stone for Electronics reforms in this sector. He has been vocal about right usage of social media channels in India. He is a 1984 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Andhra Pradesh cadre.

Tobby Simon is a Founder and President of Synergia, a strategic think tank that works with corporate executive boards and government to provide insights and solutions on challenges that affect both businesses and society.

Simon is the founder and president of Synergia Tobby has over thirty years of multi-disciplinary expertise in health care, pandemics, cyber security, aerospace, energy, supply chain risk management and strategic consulting. He has been an advisor to a number of international organisations including Medicines Sans Frontier (Nobel Prize 2000), The World Health Organisation, AEDES – The European union and The World Congress on Information and Communication Technology.

Simon was the President, Asian Operations of CSP, a Euro multibillion French Pharmaceuticals conglomerate from 1996 - 2002. Prior to that he was the Vice President, Global Operations of the LYKA Group (1991-1996), one of the largest Pharmaceutical groups in the country.

Simon was a recipient of the National Merit for Exports from the Government of India in 1992. He has developed a new drug for Malaria for the Ministries of Health in Francophone Africa and successfully co invested & served on the board of Wintac Ltd., an Indian pharmaceutical company. He was responsible for global operations and helped the company secure both the US FDA & EU approval for ophthalmic and parenteral facility. Over the last three decades he has helped some of the largest global companies in telecommunication, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, energy, retail, cyber security, agro-commodities and critical infrastructure establish their business in India.

Simon was chosen as one of the 20 commissioners to the Global Commission on Internet Governance headed by the former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt. He is one of the first Indian members to the Trilateral Commission, a policy-oriented forum that brings together leaders in their individual capacity from the worlds of business, government, academia, press and media, as well as civil society. He served for a number of years on the advisory board of the Centre of New American Security, the international Council of the Belfer Centre for Science & International Affairs at the John F Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and the Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago.

His report on the Deep and the Dark web, co-authored with Hon Sec Michael Chertoff, the former US Home Land Security Commissioner was awarded as the 12th best policy brief to governments by a think tank in 2016. He was instrumental in creating several research collaborations with the Indian Institute of Management, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, National Law School, Bangalore, National Chemical Lab, Pune, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard Business School, Kennedy School of Government, University of Chicago, Cambridge University, The China European International Business School and the Weizman institute, Telavi.

Metamorphoses is a modest effort to try and bridge the gap between digital technologies, which are transforming our lives, and our understanding of their multiple dimensions. It will unfold in a series of nine interactions covering different aspects of the digital revolution.

This series will examine the impacts of digital technologies on the human psyche and on societies – exploring ways in which some of the negative elements may be mitigated. There will be a peep into the future – of what machine learning and artificial intelligence may bring to human experience – and the moral and ethical dilemma associated with these. It will also delve into issues relating to data privacy and cyber security as well as the emerging legal regime to regulate this critical domain.

 
 
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Centre for Policy Research · Dharma Marg, Chanakyapuri · New Delhi 110021 · India

TERI Workshop on Research Data Management Tools and Techniques | 17-18 January at IHC New Delhi

"Because Good Research Needs Good Data"

TERI is organising a workshop on "Research Data Management Tools and Techniques" from 17-18 January 2019 at TERI, IHC, New Delhi. This workshop is designed on the basis of current need of the research scholars and research support staff and other professionals who are involved in providing research services to his/her respective organisation.

Some of the select objectives of this would be to:

  • Equip researchers and research support staff and other stake holders with the knowledge and skills they need to manage data more effectively
  • Produce an effective data management plan
  • Enhance skills of researchers and other stakeholders in managing and visualizing data with the help of freely available tools

The workshop programme has been developed in guidance with eminent subject experts to promote continuous improvement of core competency skills of the participants. The pedagogy of this workshop will include tutorial-type presentations, demonstrations, hands-on sessions with case studies/best practices, and will cover following topics:

  • Introduction and Planning to Research Data Management
  • Data Management: Using Metadata to Find, Interpret & Share Your Data
  • Intellectual Property right in Data Management
  • Case based discussions
  • Innovation in research support services
  • Hands-on Training: R, Tableu and Advanced Excel

Last date for registration: 31 December 2018


Contact Details

Ms Reeta Sharma
Workshop Coordinator
Knowledge Resource Centre (KRC)
TERI, Darbari Seth Block,
IHC Complex, Lodhi Road,
New Delhi – 110003
Tel: 91-11-2468 2100, 2111 or 41504900, Extn. 2756
Email: reetas@teri.res.in

Registration & Further Details

Saturday, December 8, 2018

15 STIP Forum Lecture "Towards More Sustainable Cities" by Prof. Helen Lochhead | 12 December, IHC New Delhi

Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP) Forum Lecture Series

We request your gracious presence at the Fifteenth STIP Forum Lecture on

Towards More Sustainable Cities 

by Prof. Helen Lochhead 
[Dean, Faculty of Built Environment, University of New South Wales, Sydney]

Date: 12 December 2018 (Wednesday), Time: 7:00pm
Venue: Casuarina Hall, India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi (Entry from Gate No. 3)

About the Speaker: Professor Helen Lochhead is Dean, Faculty of Built Environment, UNSW Sydney. An architect, landscape architect, urban designer and planner, she combines teaching, research, practice and advisory roles and is frequently invited as a judge for design awards and competitions in Australia and internationally. She has held senior roles in Government including Deputy Government Architect, and Executive Director roles at Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority and Sydney Olympic Park Authority. Her career has focused on the inception, planning, design and delivery of complex multidisciplinary projects and public works ranging from a 5-year city improvements program for the City of Sydney leading up to the 2000 Olympics to major urban renewal and waterfront projects in Australian and the United States. She has been instrumental in shaping more major precincts around Sydney Harbour than most, including the transformation of Sydney Olympic Park at Homebush Bay from a sports precinct into a mixed-use community and parklands with environmental credentials that set new benchmarks. More recently she led the development of 30-year plan for the transformation of Sydney Cove, the gateway to Sydney's CBD and was instrumental in setting a new strategic vision for Sydney Harbour. Professor Lochhead maintains many high level appointments in Australia on the Independent Planning Commission, the City of Sydney Planning Panel, the ACT Planning and Land Council, the Heritage Council, Council for Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) and the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) national boards. She is the incoming 2019 National President of the AIA. She has been recognized through numerous project awards including AIA and AILA Urban Design and Sustainability Awards, as well as the AIA Marion Mahony Griffin Prize, the NAWIC Vision Award for leadership in the construction industry and the AIA NSW President's Prize for professional leadership in shaping Sydney. She is also a recipient of numerous international Fellowships including the Fulbright, Churchill and the Harvard Loeb Fellowship.

About STIP Forum: The Science Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP) Forum has been set up with the objective of promoting debate on various aspects of Science, Technology and Innovation Policy. The Forum would go beyond the disciplinary boundaries by taking into account the intersectionality of S&T and I. It aims to also bridge the gap between the science and society for dissemination of scientific achievements as well as for generalising debate of societal aspirations and promoting responsible research and innovations. The monthly lecture series of public lectures has been launched to sensitize the public discourse on science, technology and innovation policy. Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), The Energy & Resources Institute (TERI), Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research (CEFIPRA), Vigyan Prasar and India Habitat Centre (IHC) are the collaborating institutions. 

RSVP: Dr. Manish Anand, Tel: 011-24682100, e-mail: manand@teri.res.in

Friday, December 7, 2018

Call for Papers: 18th Indian Science Communication Congress (ISCC-2018) | 20-21 December, CSIR-NISCAIR, New Delhi

18th Indian Science Communication Congress (ISCC-2018) celebrating 200 Years of Science Journalism in India
Organised by: 
CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources (NISCAIR), New Delhi
20-21 December 2018
Academic Partners: 
Indian Science Writers' Association (ISWA), Indian Science Communication Society (ISCOS); Society for Information Science (SIS).

Concept
The beginnings of science journalism in India can be traced back to the monthly publication Digdarshan, which started from West Bengal in 1818. It was being published in Hindi, Bengali and English Languages. The magazine carried science articles and was circulated to various School Book Societies as it carried educational and scientific material for the benefit of students and teachers. Text books & study materials were generally not available during those days. Today, 200 years later, efforts in the field of science journalism in India have given birth to several science magazines, dedicated columns in newspapers, websites catering to science news and content, including presence of science content in electronic media and social media as well. However, challenges still remain in promoting efforts to take the fruits of science to the masses. On the occasion of the 200 years of science journalism in India, the aim of the 18th Indian Science Communication Congress is to engage in narratives to deliberate on the status, challenges, and efforts in the field of science journalism.
Over the years, science journalism has played an increasingly important role in reaching the scientific work being done among the four walls of the scientific laboratories to the masses. The efforts of science journalists, science writers, science editors and science communicators are aimed at not only empowering the masses with information they can use to improve their standard of living, but also striving to bring about a connect between the scientific community and the masses, in turn also demystifying the complexities of science. The 18th Indian Science Communication Congress will discuss and deliberate on issues and concerns revolving around the field of science journalism and the challenges that need to be overcome.

Sub-Themes
  • Science Journalism in Pre-independence era
  • Science Journalism in Post-independence era
  • Communicating Science in Regional Languages
  • Science Journalism: Writing for General Public
  • Current Scenario/Recent developments in Science Journalism in India
  • Citizen Science Journalism
  • Science Journalism and the Society
  • Theory and practices for effective Science Communication
  • Innovations in Science Communication
ISCC Format: The scientific sessions will have presentations on research papers, review papers, survey analyses, case studies, posters, and invited talks. Deliberations will be in English and Hindi. The prescribed time for paper presentation will be around 10 minutes (8 minutes for presentation + 2 minutes for discussion). PowerPoint presentation facility will be available. 
Who can Participate: Researchers and practitioners of science communication, i.e. scientists, technologists, academicians, writers, journalists, editors, scholars and faculty members, public relations and information officers of scientific organizations, representatives of media, science activists from NGOs, and senior government officials/public representatives, policymakers, and decision-makers can participate.
Special Feature: A display of science communication products, software materials.

Abstract/ Paper/ Poster
  • Submission of Abstract (500 Words) : 14 December 2018
  • Intimation of Acceptance of Abstract : 15 December 2018
  • Submission of Full Paper/Poster/Presentation : 18 December 2018
Registration: There is no registration fee. On the spot registrations are also allowed subject to availability of space and quality of presentation.

Travel/ Accommodation: It is advisable to make your travel and hotel arrangement from your institution as per your entitlement. However, in some special cases, the travel expenses for authors of accepted papers except students could be reimbursed up to III AC Class train fare, while student participants/other registered participants can be reimbursed II Sleeper Class train fare subject to prior confirmation by organizers. Guest house accommodation may be available for participants. 

Addresses for Communication: 
  • ISCC-2018 Secretariat, CSIR-NISCAIR, Dr. K.S. Krishnan Marg, New Delhi – 110012, Email : sonalinagar@niscair.res.in, Phone : 011-25846301 ext. 363
  • Coordinator: Dr. Manoj Kumar Patairiya, Director, CSIR-NISCAIR, New Delhi, Email: director@niscair.res.in