Indian Space Research Organisation Chairperson and Secretary, Department of Space, Dr K Kasturirangan, has been conferred the Murli M Chuani Award for Excellence in Applied Physics.

Kasturirangan, the first recipient of the award, was selected for his multi-faceted contributions to the Indian space programme over the last 30 years which saw the country attain world class stature, a release from the Bhahba Atomic Research Centre said today. The award, which carries a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh, a citation and a gold medal, was instituted recently by the Indian Physics Association (IPA) to be given biennially. The award presentation function will be held on September 28 in Mumbai with Dr H N Sethna, former chairperson, Atomic Energy Commission, as chief guest.

`Educate youth on Parliament'

Formal qualifications might not be expected of legislators but the need of the hour is to ensure that to-be politicians are oriented towards parliamentary procedures,S A T Rizvi, Secretary, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, said today.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of an orientation course for coordinators from various universities and colleges (participating in the Third National Youth Parliament Competitions, 1999-2000) at the University of Mumbai's Kalina campus, Rizvi noted that these sessions helped students understand parliamentary practices.

The Youth Parliament scheme was started in 1966. The orientation course is part of the scheme, which was extended to universities and colleges in 1997-98. Eighty-five participants representing 75 universities/colleges from various parts of the country will be participating in the three-day orientation course. The participants will be coordinating Youth Parliament activities in their own institutions.

New CEO for Zee Telefilms

Former deputy director general of Doordarshan, R K Singh, has been appointed as chief executive officer, Zee Telefilms. As deputy director general of Doordarshan in 1993, Singh wasthe architect behind Doordarshan's Metro and satellite channels. A Zee Telefilms release said Singh is due to take up his new assignment later this month.

Gemmology conference

The forum of Indian Gemmologists for Scientific Studies is hosting the first International Gemmological Seminar in India on September 25 at the Taj Mahal Hotel which will be attended by top Gemmologists from 27 different countries and over 500 participants from the gem & jewellery industry.

Also, the 27th International Gemmological Conference '99 (IGC '99) will begin in Goa from September 26 till October 2. Some 100 delegates from over 27 countries will be participate.

For further information contact the Forum of Indian Gemmologists for Scientific Studies, 29 Gurukul Chambers, 187-189 Mumbadevi Road, Bombay-400 002. Call: 3420039.

Chinese photo exhibition

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the People's Republic of China, China's consulate-general in Mumbai and the India-China Chamber of Commerce &Industry have jointly organised a photo display at the World Trade Centre, on October 4, enumerating the achievements of the country over the last 50 years.