http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/67579 Fri, 09 Oct 2026 20:36:26 GMT 2026-10-09T20:36:26Z http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/68209 Title: Challenges and Solutions to Teaching during Pandemic in India Authors: CHAUDHARY, PRATIBHA; SINGH2, RAJEEV Abstract: With the outbreak of pandemic in India during the Shishir Ritu (March) of 2020, the educators and students’ community faced a challenging task to communicate. The science teachers were affected as experimental learning and hands-on training, which being the backbone of scientific teaching, was completely halted. Educators were deficient in propaedeutic curriculum understanding (PCU) of online teaching-learning module. Educational institutions were quick to adopt the online ways of teaching using the online interactive tools, but science teachers had to take an extra step as they were to demonstrate practical’s in ways that the student can learn as if they themselves are conducting it. These challenges gave teachers new ways to explore and communicate. In this paper, we discuss about the challenges faced by education community and the solutions they devised to solve the challenges. Also, we propose some solutions that governments should consider as part of their policymaking Page(s): 113-122 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/68209 2026-06-01T00:00:00Z http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/68208 Title: Evaluation of visitors' experiences and perceptions of a scientific lab visit: A case study Authors: MAJUMDAR, PRAMILA; KUMARI, ANKITA Abstract: Nowadays, the scientific community is employing a range of traditional and innovative approaches to motivate students towards science, with the ultimate objective of promoting a scientific career and instilling a scientific attitude. Organising exhibitions, quiz competitions, visits to research labs/science museums/planetariums, and taking Mobile Science Vans to schools are some ways to develop students' interest. In line with this, CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (erstwhile CSIR-NISCAIR), a public-funded premier institute of India in the field of science communication (having the mission of disseminating science at scholarly and popular levels) regularly organises visits to the lab, open days, science expos for students, in particular, school students. The institute organised an exhibition-cum-open day titled "Indian Raw Materials & Products Expo" to promote interest in science and science communication, which was visited by more than 650 school students and their teachers from about 17 schools. They were asked to rate their experiences and suggestions through a feedback questionnaire. The students were intrigued by the display of live and preserved plant specimens. Teachers agreed that these visits should be regularly organised to benefit the students. Such visits expose young minds to advances in science, fostering enthusiastic dialogue among students, teachers, researchers, and scientists. Page(s): 123-133 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/68208 2026-06-01T00:00:00Z http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/68207 Title: Scientific Temper: The Invisible Foundation of Disaster Preparedness and Disaster Management Authors: KUMAR ASWAL, DINESH Abstract: Hazards are an inevitable part of nature, technology, and modern society. They may arise from natural processes such as floods, cyclones, landslides, heat waves, and cold waves, or from human activities and technological systems such as fires, industrial accidents, chemical leaks, road crashes, and hospital emergencies. However, hazards do not automatically become disasters. Disasters occur when hazards interact with exposure, vulnerability, unsafe behavior, weak preparedness, and inadequate coping capacity. Recent incidents involving residential fires caused by overloaded electrical systems, boat capsizing despite weather warnings, ICU fires, industrial accidents, urban flooding, landslides, road crashes, heat waves, and cold waves demonstrate that disasters are often amplified by the absence of scientific temper in everyday life. This article explains the scientific distinction between hazards and disasters and argues that scientific temper is the invisible foundation of resilience. It transforms warnings into action, safety norms into culture, and preparedness into collective responsibility. Building a disaster-resilient India therefore requires not only advanced technologies and institutional mechanisms, but also scientifically informed citizens capable of understanding risks, respecting evidence, and acting responsibly. Page(s): 134-149 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/68207 2026-06-01T00:00:00Z http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/68206 Title: Celebrating a Scientific Luminary of India Authors: RAHMAN, MATIUR Abstract: This review explores the book “Raja Ramanna: The Renaissance Man” as a compelling collection of personal reminiscences and technical accounts that illuminate the life, scientific vision, and nation-building contributions of Dr. Raja Ramanna. Drawing on the reviewer's own encounter with Ramanna, it highlights the book's unique blend of human warmth, scientific depth, and institutional history. While the technical language may challenge general readers, it offers valuable insights for science communicators seeking to interpret complex nuclear science. The review also underscores Ramanna's far-reaching influence on India's nuclear programme, defence research, and scientific institutions. Overall, the book emerges as an important resource for understanding the evolution of modern Indian science through the life of one of its foremost architects. “Dr. Raja Ramanna: A Renaissance Man” Editors Dinesh K Srivastava and V S Ramamurthy. Published by World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd.[2026]. https://doi.org/10.1142/14346; ISBN: 978-981-98-1442-8 (hardcover) Page(s): 150-154 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/68206 2026-06-01T00:00:00Z