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The Prof. Brahm Prakash Memorial Lecture-2025 will be delivered by:

Dr. S.V.S. Narayana Murty, Chairman and Managing Director of Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI), Hyderabad on:

Current achievements and challenges for Indian metallurgists towards Atmanirbharta in strategic materials

Dr. S.V.S. Narayana Murty is an internationally renowned scientist who has pioneered the indigenization and supply of materials for earth storable, cryogenic, semi-cryogenic stages as well as for satellite propulsion systems for the Indian space program. He has recently taken over as the Chairman and Managing Director of MIDHANI, Hyderabad, where his expertise in materials development and processing, material testing, characterization, failure analysis and additive manufacturing is used to manufacture special materials for India's strategic sectors. Dr. Murty is also Vice-President and Chairman: Metal Science Division, Indian Institute of Metals.

Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI) is India's leading manufacturer of special steels, superalloys, soft magnetic alloys, and is presently the only manufacturer of titanium alloys in India. With 49 years of glorious past, MIDHANI has emerged as the supplier for materials to all Indian strategic sectors, such as Energy, Space and Aeronautical applications.

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Quiz Tips

General schedules for Metal Camp and BPMMQ are available here

Second announcement for BPMMQ-2025 may be downloaded here

Preparing for BPMMQ-2025

The Prof. Brahm Prakash Memorial Materials Quiz is a broad-based quiz about materials and how they influence our world. Since the quiz is for school students, a large part of the quiz is related to materials-related topics that students may encounter in their curriculum, in the news, and through a general curiosity about materials.

Find some sample questions for each round here!

BPMMQ-2025 will consist of 3 phases:

Preliminary round : 6 rounds of oral questions.
These rounds test your knowledge about the basics of materials. What are the some common types of materials around us? Why do these materials differ from each other? Is it because they are made up of different elements? Is it because of how the atoms and molecules are connected? How did we discover or develop these materials? How has our technology evolved and what are we making for the future? Be familiar with your curriculum and brush up on your general knowledge to ace this round!
Semi-final round : 8 rounds of audio-visual questions
You've already shown a firm grasp of the fundamentals. Now, the semi-final round will test your curiosity and interest to learn more beyond what you're taught. Have you wondered about why materials in different places differ from each other? How are materials affected by their environments? How and why do metals differ from each other? Do their properties have something to do with their position on the periodic table? How can these properties be used to develop modern and advanced technology? Indulge your curiosity, stay updated with the news and read widely to do well in this round!
Grand finale : 10 rounds of audio-visual questions
You've made it this far! Now be prepared to be tested in different ways. Your own creativity and lateral thinking will hold you in good stead here. Do you have the ability to connect different bits of information and arrive at the answer? Are you aware of how some pioneering discoveries were made? Are you curious to find out what materials and technologies are being researched and developed at major institutes today? What role do you see materials playing in the nation and the world today? Are materials related to any current events, commemorations or celebrations? Most of all, can you use this information to come up with the correct answers, under time pressure, and facing off against the very best? Creativity, presence of mind and wide interests can help you win the prestigious BPMMQ title!
Check the video below for a glimpse of the Grand Finale!

A cross-section of questions from preliminary rounds

Q 1) Many Magneto Resonance Imaging (MRI) instruments used in hospitals use superconducting magnets. Which superconducting material is widely used for MRI magnets?

Q 2) Name the piezoelectric crystal, other than quartz, used in conventional gas lighter. This material is of low cost, exhibits high sensitivity and has perovskite structure.

Q 3) What is the catalyst used in Contact process for the manufacture of sulphuric acid?

Q 4) Name this bright yellow chemical produced by some plants. It is the principal component of turmeric, a member of the ginger family. This component is sold as an herbal supplement, cosmetics ingredient, food flavoring, and food coloring agent.

Q 5) In December 2016, an Indian research group demonstrated superconductivity in this element, challenging the applicability of the Bardeen-Cooper-Shrieffer (BCS) theory of superconductors. Name the element.

Q 6) The head of a ‘safety’ matchstick contains an oxidizing agent mixed with sulphur and glass powder. Name the oxidizing agent?

Q 7) The age of a given rock can be established by calculating the ratio of Uranium to Metal ratio in the sample. Name the metal used for dating.

Answers

A 1) NbTi

A 2) Lead zirconate titanate (PZT)

A 3) Vanadium pentoxide, or platinised asbestos

A 4) Curcumin

A 5) Bismuth

A 6) Potassium chlorate

A 7) Lead