PURIFYING WATER: ON DRAFT NOTIFICATION ON RO SYSTEMS
The Environment Ministry’s draft notification to regulate the use of membrane-based water purification systems primarily concerns the manufacturers of reverse osmosis (RO) water filters but effectively bars domestic users from installing RO systems The association of water filter manufacturers challenged this order and the litigation led to this pan-India notification, where the intent is to conserve water […]
NO ROOM FOR PANIC
Why in news? The Emergency Committee convened by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on January 30 has declared the novel coronavirus outbreak in China as a ‘public health emergency of international concern’, a development that comes after its meeting for the second time in just a week More about the virus? The virus, that has been infecting […]
1ST CASE OF COVID INFLAMMATORY SYNDROME IN TN
Why in news? An eight-year-old boy from Chennai has become India’s first case of acute illness because of hyper-inflammatory syndrome associated with the coronavirus disease. This syndrome describes inflammation in the entire body, including vital organs, which leads to multiorgan failure and shock. There have also been reports of similar cases from the U.S. and […]
NATIONAL MIGRANT INFORMATION SYSTEM (NMIS)
Why in news? In order to capture the information regarding movement of migrants and facilitate the smooth movement of stranded persons across States, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has developed an online Dashboard – National Migrant Information System (NMIS). Details The online portal NMIS would maintain a central repository on migrant workers and help in […]
SCIENTISTS DEVELOP BIODEGRADABLE METAL IMPLANTS
Why in news? The Scientists at the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI) and Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute of Medical Sciences have jointly developed new generation Iron-Manganese based alloys for biodegradable metal implants for use in humans. Details Biodegradable materials (Fe, Mg, Zn, and polymer) can participate in the healing […]
SUBMERGED MANGROVE FORESTS ARE SCIENTIFIC WONDERS
Mangrove Forests: Presence and Significance Mangrove forests comprise the interface between wetlands and sea grass meadows along a vast expanse of tropical shorelines all over the world. They also occur along bays, estuaries or mouths of rivers by these shores. Mangroves are present worldwide on various shorelines between approximately 25°N and 25°S latitude. Mangrove forests […]
LIGHTWEIGHT CARBON FOAM THAT CAN REPLACE LEAD BATTERIES
Why in news? CSIR-Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute, Bhopal is developing porous carbon materials which have the potential to replace lead grid in lead-acid batteries. Details: There are some serious concerns regarding Li-ion batteries, such as safety risk, limited resource supply, high cost, and lack of recycling infrastructure. This necessitates the development of an […]
COBAS 6800 TESTING MACHINE
Why in news? The Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare visited the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and dedicated the COBAS 6800 testing machine to the nation. This is the first such testing machine that has been procured by the Government for testing of COVID-19 cases and is installed at the National Centre […]
ARI DEVELOP NOVEL PROCESS FOR SYNTHESIS OF QUANTUM DOTS
Why in news? Researchers at the Agharkar Research Institute (ARI) have developed a new process for the synthesis of quantum efficient and biocompatible quantum dots (QDs). These Quantum Dots are used in capturing images of cellular organelles and processes within visible wavelength ranges across the electromagnetic spectrum. Current Technology, and how Quantum Dots are better: […]
BIPAP NON-INVASIVE VENTILATOR “SWASTHVAYU”
Why in news? CSIR – National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) has developed a Non-Invasive BiPAP Ventilator called “SwasthVayu” in a record time of 36 days to treat COVID-19 patients. Details BiPAP Non-Invasive ventilator “SwasthVayu” comes with HEPA filter (Highly Efficient Particulate Air Filter) and provision to connect Oxygen concentrator or Enrichment unit externally along with other […]