RUHDAAR: A LOW-COST MECHANICAL VENTILATOR
Why in news? A team of engineering students from IIT Bombay and other institutes have come up with a low-cost ventilator using locally available materials. 3-D printing and laser-cutting technologies also were instrumental in the success of the prototype. Why are Ventilators important right now? Among those getting infected by COVID-19, around 80% will experience […]
UV DISINFECTION TROLLEY
Why in news? Scientists have developed a UVC based disinfection trolley to fight against COVID-19 by rapid cleaning of hospital environment. How does UV help and how is it better? UV light in the range of wavelengths between 200 and 300 nm is capable of inactivating microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses, thus disinfecting both […]
INST SCIENTISTS FIND NANOMATERIALS WITH ENHANCED BIOCIDAL ACTIVITY
Why in news? Scientists at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India have found a low-cost metal-free nanomaterial for visible light microbial disinfection which can be an alternative to silver and other metal-based materials. Details and advantages Apart from being biocompatible […]
IIT DELHI DEVELOPS PROBE-FREE COVID-19 DETECTION ASSAY
Why in news? Team of scientists from IIT Delhi developed the COVID 19 probe – free Real-time PCR Diagnostic Kit. Details This is the first probe-free assay for COVID-19 approved by ICMR and it will be useful for specific and affordable high throughput testing. The assay has been validated at ICMR with a sensitivity and […]
SUPER-LUMINOUS SUPERNOVAE
Why in news? Researchers at the Arayabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) found that SN 2010kd, a super-luminous supernova stands out with the amount of mass as well as Nickel ejected during explosion, which is much more than seen in case of normal core-collapse supernovae. Background Supernovae are a kind of energetic explosions where […]
ANTIMICROBIAL NANOPARTICLES ON PPES, MASKS
Why in news? As part of Nano Mission programme, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has approved support for upscaling an antiviral nano-coatings for use as appropriate material for producing anti-COVID-19 Triple Layer Medical masks and N-95 respirator in large quantities. Silver is known to have strong antimicrobial activity against bacteria, viruses, fungus, and […]
REVIEW OF DARE/ICAR, TECHNOLOGY ADVANCEMENT VIA ICAR-KVK
Why in news? The Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, took a review meeting of the Department of Agricultural Research & Education (DARE) and Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) on 23rd April. He emphasised on enhancing the reach of technologies amongst farmers and reach out to maximum number of farmers through the network of […]
ANTHURIUM, A FLOWER WITH HIGH MARKET VALUE
Why in news? Vasini Bai, A woman innovator from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, has developed ten varieties of Anthurium, a flower with high market value, by cross-pollination. About Anthurium Anthurium (Anthurium spp.) is a vast group of beautiful blooming plants available in a wide range of colors. The plants of the varieties are having high demands due […]
NEW MODEL TO PREDICT IONOSPHERIC ELECTRON DENSITY
Why in news? The Indian Institute of Geomagnetism researchers have developed a model that will predict electronic density of ionosphere which is important for Communication and Navigation needs. Details about the new model The new Artificial Neural Networks based global Ionospheric Model has been developed using long-term ionospheric observations to predict the ionospheric electron density […]
SURPLUS RICE AVAILABLE WITH FCI ALLOWED TO BE CONVERTED TO ETHANOL
Why in news? It was approved in a meeting of NBCC on 20th April that the surplus rice available with Food Corporation of India (FCI) may be converted to ethanol for utilization in making alcohol-based hand-sanitizers and in blending for Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme. Is this allowed? National Policy on Biofuels, 2018 under Para […]