M A I N   N E W S

Prof Rao first recipient of India Science Award
Tribune News Service

Hyderabad, January 3
The first-ever India Science Award was conferred today on Prof C.N.R. Rao by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh here at the inaugural function of the Indian Science Congress. Professor Rao has received a gold medal, a citation and Rs 25 lakh cash prize under the award for 2004.

The India Science Award was instituted in 2003 by the then Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee during the India Science Congress held in January 2003. The award was envisaged as being the highest and most prestigious national recognition for outstanding contribution to science.

Born in Bangalore on June 30, 1934, Chintamani Nagesa Ramachandra Rao, one of the world’s foremost solid state and materials chemists, is no stranger to awards.

Currently, Linus Pauling Research Professor and honorary president of the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research in Bangalore, Professor Rao was awarded Dan David Prize in 2005 by the Dan David Foundation, Tel Aviv University. The citation states that “Rao is the world’s foremost solid state and materials chemist.”

Some of his other important achievements include the Hughes Medal by the Royal Society in 2000, the title Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur (Knight of the Legion of Honour) by France, the highest civilian award given by the French Government.

The former director of the Indian Institute of Science, who described the honour as “truly overwhelming” has made sustained contributions to the development of the field over five decades. His work on transition metal oxides has led to the basic understanding of novel phenomenon and the relationship between materials properties and the structural chemistry of these materials. 

SC confirms sale of Harshad Mehta’s commercial property

New Delhi, January 3
The Supreme Court today confirmed the sale of commercial property of the Harshad Mehta Group to recover the money for the 1992 securities scam.

The family members of Harshad Mehta had appealed against the order of the special court. — PTI