IICT, Hyderabad received samples for detection of Chemical Weapons fromOPCW

The Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), Hyderabad, recently received over 50 samples for detection of chemical weapons from the Organisation for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

The samples in the form of soil, water and organic solvents were sent twice a year since 2008 when IICT attained the status of designated laboratory for off-site analysis of weapons.



OPCW had been sending to IICT for analysis only blank samples collected from different parts of the world. Six samples which were coded to hide the identity of the substance and the originating country were sent by courier every six months as part of continuous evaluation of the lab. The report of the institute should be cent per cent accurate to be eligible to get three ‘A’ grades in succession and pass the proficiency test every year.

The institute has already got the proficiency certificate for this year (2013), but it was yet to enter into a technical agreement with OPCW to get authentic on-site samples.It had the technique to identify chemicals at parts per million (PPM) levels. A dedicated centre for analysis of chemical toxins was set up at the institute to attend to OPCW.

The IICT was one of the 21 labs in 17 countries that were designated by OPCW for off-site analysis of chemical weapons.

Apart from IICT, the Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE), Gwalior, under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is also one of the 'designated laboratories' of the OPCW.

A 'designated laboratory' has to participate every year in the OPCW proficiency test and consistently attain the 'A' grade benchmark to retain its status. From 2008, IICT has retained its status though it has been associated with OPCW since 1998.

The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) on 11 October 2013 won the Nobel Peace Prize for the year 2013 for its extensive efforts to eliminate chemical weapons.

About Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT)

Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, (established in 1989) is a national-level research center located in Hyderabad, India under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Government of India.

IICT conducts research in basic and applied chemistry, biochemistry, bioinformatics, chemical engineering and provides science and technology inputs to the industrial and economic development of the country.

FDI inflows into the Service Sector declined by 47.5 Percent

As per the data released by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) on 4 November 2013, Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into the service sector declined by 47.5 percent to 1.19 billion US dollars during the April-August 2013 period. The service sector, which includes banking, insurance, outsourcing, R&D, courier and technology testing, had received FDI (foreign direct investment) worth 2.28 billion US dollars in April-August 2012 period. The services sector contributes over 60 percent to India’s GDP.

In 2012-13, foreign investment in the segment declined to 4.83 billion US dollars from 5.21 billion US dollars in 2011-12.The other sectors where foreign inflows declined during the first five months of this fiscal as compared to the previous year include construction development (township and housing), power and metallurgical industries. On the whole, during the April-August 2013 period, FDI has increased by only 4 per cent to 8.46 billion US dollars, from 8.16 billion US dollars in the same period last fiscal. Foreign investments are considered crucial for India, which needs around 1 trillion US dollars in the next five years to overhaul its infrastructure sector such as ports, airports and highways to boost growth.

India defeated Australia 3-2 in the seven ODI series

India won the series 3-2 against Australia on 2 November 2013 by beating Australia in the seventh match by 57 runs at Bangalore. In the seventh One Day International (ODI) match India scored Score 383/6 in 50 over and Australia scored 326 in 45.1 over.

In the seventh ODI, Rohit Sharma scored 209 in 158 balls and became the third players to score more than 200 runs. Rohit hit 16 sixes, while scoring the 209.

The rest of two scorers are Indian cricketers namely Sachin Tendulkar (who scored 200 runs in 147 balls) and Virender Sehwag (who scored 219 in 140 balls). While chasing, Faulkner of Australia broke the Australian record of fastest century in an ODI in 57 balls. Glenn Maxwell also equaled the Australian record of fastest fifty in 17 balls, while scoring 60 runs in 22 balls.

In the seven ODI series two successive matches were washed out at Ranchi and Cuttak. India was successful to equal the level in series 2-2 at Nagpur, during the sixth match.

Series Report 

• Man of the Match in the seventh match: Rohit Sharma
• Man of the Series: Rohit Sharma