1. IIT Madras researchers develop pocket-friendly device to detect adulteration in milk
Tags: Science and Technology
Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) Researchers have developed a three-dimensional (3D) paper-based portable device that can detect adulteration in milk within 30 seconds.
An overview of the news
This new technology can be used at home and only one milliliter of liquid sample is required to test for adulteration.
The device can detect various commonly used adulterant agents such as detergent, soap, hydrogen peroxide, urea, starch, salt, and sodium-hydrogen-carbonate.
The traditional methods to test the purity of milk which are expensive and time consuming, this new technology is cost effective.
This new technology can also be used to test other liquids such as water, fresh juices and milkshakes.
Only one milliliter sample of any liquid will be sufficient to test for adulteration.
About Device
The 3D paper-based microfluidic device has a top and bottom cover, and a middle layer with a sandwich structure.
It helps in transporting dense liquids at a uniform speed.
A reagent is applied to its paper and left to dry.
After drying the paper is applied to the device and both the covers are sealed with double sided tape.
Whatman filter paper grade 4 is used in this design, allowing for greater liquid flow and reagent storage.
2. ICAR discovers new fish species in Cuddalore, names it after Tamil Nadu
Tags: Science and Technology
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) scientists have discovered a moray eel fish of the genus Gymnothorax off the Cuddalore coast.
An overview of the news
Scientists have named it after the "Tamil Nadu brown moray eel" of Tamil Nadu whose common name is "Gymnothorax tamilnaduensis".
Researchers from ICAR - National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR) conducted an exploration along the coastal waters at Parangipettai and Mudasalodai fish landing centers in Cuddalore district.
The team found a new species of fish after extensive morphological analysis, skeletal radiography and testing by advanced molecular markers.
The scientists concluded that the species found was a moray eel, a typical species of the genus Gymnothorax.
With this, new found fish species of Gymnothorax the number has increased to 29, hitherto Indian waters had 28 species of Gymnothorax.
This new species is found in the Bay of Bengal, south-east coast of India.
The holotype of this new species is registered at the National Fish Museum and Repository, ICAR-NBFGR, Lucknow.
The name of the fish species is registered in the Zoobank, the online registration system for the international commission on Zoolgical Nomenclature (ICZN).
About Indian Council of Agricultural Research
It is an autonomous body formerly known as the Imperial Council of Agricultural Research.
Headquarters - New Delhi
Established - 1929
The Union Minister of Agriculture serves as its president. Presently its president is Narendra Singh Tomar.
ICAR is the largest network of agricultural research and education institutes in the world.
3. ISRO launches heaviest rocket LMV-3
Tags: Science and Technology National News
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on 26 March successfully launched India’s largest Launch Vehicle Mark-III (LVM3) rocket/OneWeb India-2 Mission with 36 satellites onboard from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
An overview of the news
The LVM-III will deploy 36 satellites of the UK-based Network Access Associated Ltd (OneWeb) to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
The OneWeb Group Company has inked a contract with ISRO's commercial arm NewSpace India Ltd to launch 72 satellites into LEO.
The first satellite deployment collaboration between the two organisations took place in October 2022 with ISRO launching 36 satellites of OneWeb.
In the second mission on 26 March, the remaining 36 satellites, each weighing approximately 5805 kg, were placed into a circular low Earth orbit of 450 km by the LVM3 M3 launch vehicle.
LVM3 had five consecutive successful missions including the Chandrayaan 2 mission.
About OneWeb
OneWeb is a global communication network powered from space, enabling connectivity for governments and businesses.
Bharti Enterprises is a major investor in OneWeb group.
After the SSLV-D2/EOS07 mission in February, the OneWeb India-2 Mission is ISRO’s second successful launch this year.
Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
It was established on 15 August 1969.
It is the national space agency of India. It launches its space rocket from Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
Headquarter: Bengaluru
Chairman: S Somnath
4. NASA-ISRO to jointly build NISAR Earth Science Satellite
Tags: Science and Technology
In a significant event in the field of Earth Sciences, NASA and ISRO have come together to build a satellite named NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar).
Mission Objectives of the Satellite
Design, Develop and launch a Dual Frequency (L and S band) Radar Imaging Satellite.
Explore newer applications areas using L & S Band microwave data, especially in surface deformation studies, terrestrial biomass structure, and natural resource mapping.
monitoring and studies related to dynamics of ice-sheets, glaciers, forests, oil slick etc.
About NISAR satellite
It is jointly developed by NASA and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) under a partnership agreement signed in 2014.
It is a 2,800 kg satellite that includes L-band and S-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) instruments, making it a dual frequency imaging radar satellite.
NASA provided L-band radar, GPS, a high-capacity solid-state recorder, and a payload data subsystem to store the data.
ISRO has provided the S-band radar, Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) launch system and the spacecraft.
It will map the entire globe in 12 days.
5. Asia's largest 4-meter telescope inaugurated in Uttarakhand
Tags: Science and Technology National News
Asia's largest 4-meter International Liquid Mirror Telescope was launched in Devasthal in Uttarakhand on 21 March.
An overview of the news
The telescope was officially inaugurated by Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh.
It has been established at the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) located in Nainital, Uttarakhand.
The observatory will explore the deep sky, collecting an assortment of objects ranging from asteroids to supernovae and space debris.
About the International Liquid Mirror Telescope
It consists of a 4-metre-diameter rotating mirror made of a thin layer of liquid mercury to collect light.
It mainly consists of three components.
The first bowl contains a reflective liquid metal (mercury).
The second air pressure driven motor on which the liquid mirror rests.
Third is a system to run the motor. The surface of liquid mirror binoculars naturally takes on a parabolic shape as it rotates, which is ideal for focusing light.
A thin transparent film of micellar liquid protects the mercury from wind abrasion, which can create ripples on the surface of the mercury.
The reflected light passes through a sophisticated multi lens optical corrector which produces clear images over a wide field of view.
Why was the telescope made?
It is designed to survey the night sky and detect variable and transient objects such as supernovae, space debris and gravitational lenses.
Through its data, the telescope can analyze objects in the sky using machine learning and artificial intelligence.
6. ISRO to launch OneWeb India-2 mission from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota
Tags: Science and Technology National News
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch OneWeb India-2 mission from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on March 26.
An overview of the news
Under a commercial agreement with NewSpace India Ltd, will launch 72 satellites of UK-based Network Access Associates Ltd and place them in low Earth orbit.
NewSpace is the commercial wing of ISRO.
The first set of 36 satellites was launched on 23 October 2022 by an LVM3 M2 launch vehicle.
In the second mission on March 26, the remaining 36 satellites, each weighing approximately 5805 kg, will be placed in a 450 km circular low earth orbit by the LVM3 M3 launch vehicle.
LVM3 had five consecutive successful missions including the Chandrayaan 2 mission.
Satellites provide space-based broadband internet services to all corners of the globe.
After launch, Access Associates Ltd will have more than 600 satellites in space offering internet from space services to various countries.
Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
It was established on 15 August 1969.
It is the national space agencyof India. It launches its space rocket from Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
Headquarter: Bengaluru
Chairman: S Somnath
7. Flu cases rising in India, Two suspected H3N2 deaths
Tags: Science and Technology National News
The Union Health Ministry has confirmed one death each in Haryana and Karnataka due to H3N2 subtype of flu virus in March.
An overview of the news
Figures from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program show that at least nine people died of the flu in January.
What is the H3N2 virus?
Influenza virus, which causes the infectious disease called flu, is of four different types – A, B, C and D.
Influenza A is classified into different subtypes and one of them is H3N2.
Influenza A is an RNA virus. It is classified into subtypes based on the type of two proteins found on its surface.
Influenza D virus is found in cattle and pigs.
According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), H3N2 caused the flu pandemic of 1968, which caused the death of about one million people worldwide and about 100,000 in the US alone.
Symptoms of H3N2
Symptoms are similar to that of any other flu.
Cough, fever, body ache and headache, sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, and extreme fatigue are common symptoms.
In some cases, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are also seen.
Transmission
H3N2 influenza is highly contagious and can spread from person to person when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes.
It can also spread by touching a surface contaminated with the virus and then touching someone's mouth or nose.
People at higher risk of complications from the flu include pregnant women, young children, the elderly, and people with underlying medical conditions.
Treatment
Getting proper rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and using pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever are all parts of H3N2 influenza treatment.
Doctors may also recommend antiviral drugs like oseltamivir and zanamivir if a patient has severe symptoms.
8. The developed drug gets DCGI approval
Tags: Science and Technology National News
Recently, DGCI developed an important drug, developed by DRDO technology that has been approved for radiological and nuclear emergencies.
An Overview of the News
The drug is called 'Prussian Blue' insoluble formulation and has been developed under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme.
It has got approval from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI).
The drug has been developed by the industry based on technology from the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS), Delhi, a laboratory of the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO).
This drug will be available under the trade names Pru-DecorpTM and PruDecorp-MG.
The formulation is used for the purification of Cesium and Thallium and its Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API).
It is one of the important medicines listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) for radiological and nuclear emergencies.
About Drug Controller General of India (DCGI):
The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) is the head of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) in India.
DCGI is also the Central Licensing Authority for Medical Devices under the Medical Devices Rules 2017.
CDSCO is the Central Drug Regulatory Authority in India, overseen by the Drugs Controller General of India.
CDSCO works under the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, which is part of the Government of India.
The headquarters of CDSCO is located in New Delhi, and it also has six regional offices across the country.
CDSCO's mandate is to ensure the safety, efficacy and quality of medical products manufactured, imported and distributed in India by promoting transparency, accountability and uniformity in its services.
About Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO)
The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is an agency of the Government of India responsible for the research, development, and manufacture of advanced technology systems in the fields of defense, aerospace, and security.
It was established in 1958 with the aim of designing and developing indigenous defense technologies to strengthen India's defense capabilities.
It operates under the Ministry of Defense and consists of more than 50 laboratories, centers, and establishments spread across the country.
Its primary mission is to provide technological solutions for the country's defense and security requirements, which includes developing new technologies, systems, and platforms for the Indian Armed Forces.
9. DRDO successfully flight tests indigenous power take off shaft on LCA Tejas in Bengaluru
Tags: Defence Science and Technology
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A successful flight-test of power take off (PTO) shaft was conducted by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas in Bengaluru on 14 March.
An overview of the news
First successful flight test of PTO shaft on LCA Tejas Limited Series Production (LSP)-3 aircraft.
The PTO shaft has been indigenously designed and developed by the Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE), Chennai of the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO).
The PTO is an important device that transmits power from the aircraft engine to the gearbox.
With this successful test, DRDO has achieved a major technological achievement with the realization of complex high-speed rotor technology that only a few countries have achieved.
Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme
It was started by the center in 1984.
It replaced the Mig 21 fighter planes.
It was Designed by Aeronautical Development Agency under the Department of Defence Research and Development.
It was Manufactured by State-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
It features as the lightest, smallest and tailless multi-role supersonic fighter aircraft in its class.
About Light Combat Aircraft Tejas
It is a single-engine multirole light combat aircraft.
It was designed and developed by India’s HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited).
It replaced the ageing Mig 21 fighter planes.
It is the lightest and smallest multi-role supersonic fighter aircraft in its class.
It is designed to be air-to-air, air-to-surface, precision guided and weapon-carrying.
Variants of Tejas
LCA Tejas Navy MK2
LCA Tejas Mk-1A
LCA Navy
10. ISRO drops 12-year-old satellite Megha Tropiques into Pacific Ocean
Tags: Science and Technology National News
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) recently successfully carried out a controlled descent of its 12-year-old low earth orbit satellite Megha Tropiques-1 (MT-1) into the Pacific Ocean.
An overview of the news
ISRO has informed that it is planning to bring this satellite back to Earth.
Dropping this satellite on the earth was a very challenging task for ISRO, which ISRO successfully carried out.
ISRO has been steadily reducing the distance of the satellite from Earth since August, 2022.
For this, he was spending about 120 kg of fuel present in the satellite.
The booster of the satellite was turned on twice before reaching the earth.
This process is called de-boost. The satellite started burning rapidly as soon as it entered the Earth's atmosphere and was completely destroyed by the time it reached the sea.
About Megha Tropiques Satellite
This satellite was launched in October 2011 by ISRO in collaboration with the French space agency CNES.
The satellite was designed to provide weather information for three years, but it served for more than 10 years.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
It was established on 15 August 1969.
It is the national space agency of India. It launches its space rocket from Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
Headquarters: Bengaluru
Chairman: S Somnath
