TILL 15th August

DRDO

developed

poly-herbal

medicine

to

treat

Leucoderma

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed a polyherbal medicine by the trade name of Lukoskin for the treatment of
Leucoderma. It was announced by Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar in
a written reply to Rajya Sabha. The medicine was developed by Haldwani
(Uttarakhand) based scientists of Defence Bio-Energy Research (DIBER), which
is a laboratory of DRDO under the aegis of the Union Defence Ministry.
Lukoskin is an ointment which has seven ingredients of plants having
properties such as anti-blister, skin photo sensitizer, anti-irritation, wound
healing, anti-septic and copper supplementing properties. DRDO has
transferred technology of the herbal product to private firm AIMIL
Pharmaceutical Private Limited for commercial production and marketing. This
private firm will introduce it in market.

About Leucoderma:
Leukoderma (also known as vitiligo) is a cutaneous acquired condition causing
a rare skin disease which results white patches on skin. This condition is
caused due to loss of pigmentation of the skin that may occur after any
number of inflammatory skin conditions such as burns, postdermabrasion,
intralesional steroid injections etc. It is neither a infectious nor contagious
disease
but
largely
a
cosmetic
problem.
NASA

inks

US

$490

million

contract

with

Russia

for

ISS

travel

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has extended a contract

worth US $490 million with Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) to
carry US astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS). This contract was
extended after lack of Congressional funding. Under the new contract
Roscosmos will to take astronauts to the orbiting outpost in the space till 2019.
NASA has been dependent on Roscosmos for access to ISS after it had ended

its space shuttle program in July 2012. It was left no other option it lacked
funding for development of private vessels by US companies like Boeing and
Space-X
over
the
last
five
years.

Asias biggest telescope MAST inaugurated at Udaipur Solar Observatory in

Rajasthan
Multi-Application Solar Telescope (MAST), Asias biggest telescope was
inaugurated at the Udaipur Solar Observatory in Rajasthan. It was
inaugurated by Professor U.R Rao, Chairman of Physical Research Laboratory,
inaugurated. Facts about of MAST The telescope was installed under the
project undertaken by Union Ministry of Science and Technology and was
funded by Department of Space (DoS). The project will be monitored by
Ahmedabad based Physical Research Laboratory.

Features: MAST has a lens of 50 cm in diameter. These lenses were developed

on the basis of optical and mechanical system of Belgium. The rear part of MAS
has been developed by the observatory while its front part was developed by
the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). MAST has been designed in
2004 and its optical elements were added to it in 2008. In 2013, it was
installed at the Udaipur Solar Observatory.

Applications: It will provide 3 Dimensional (3D) images of solar activities such

as solar blast and solar flares. It will also in vital studies about other planetary
movements even in the day time.

Site Specifications: Udaipur Solar Observatory was chosen as project site due
to pleasant temperature around it as it is surrounded by water. Besides, the
site provides ambient spot for observatory as it has more than 250 days of
continuous sunshine, allowing observing the sun properly during day time.
India foils UK Companys bid to patent its traditional knowledge for treating
hair
loss

India has foiled UK based company Pangaea Laboratories Limiteds bid to

patent use of pine bark, turmeric and tea for treating hair loss. India was able
to protect its traditional knowledge after Traditional Knowledge Digital Library
(TKDL), a unit of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) had filed
pre-grant opposition against UK based company along with prior-art evidences
using these 3 natural ingredients. In February 2011, Pangaea Laboratories
Limited had filed patent application at European Patent office (EPO) on a
medicinal composition for treating hair loss which mainly contained pine bark,
turmeric and green tea. It should be noted in Indian systems of medicine like
Ayurveda and Unani, it has been proved that above three natural ingredients
are being used as a treatment for hair loss, since ancient times. Till date TKDL
under the aegis of CSIR has achieved success in protecting Indias traditional
knowledge in about 200 such cases without any cost. Earlier, TKDL also had
foiled an attempt of Colgate-Palmolive Company to patent a mouthwash
formula containing herb extract from Nutmeg- Jayaphal which is traditionally
used
in
India
as
medicine
to
cure
oral
diseases.

New frog species named Indirana Salelkari discovered in Goa

Wildlife researchers have discovered new frog species in Netravali forest
sanctuary of Goa.
The discovered species has been christened as Indirana Salelkari after
Netravali Range Forest Officer Prakash Salelkar for his contribution to
conservation of wildlife.

Sri Lanka inks MoU with Google to launch Project Google Loon
As per the MoU, Google will place 13 high-altitude balloons over the island
nation to provide affordable high-speed 3G (3rd Generation) internet services to
the entire country. It is also expected that this project will provide free Wi-Fi
connectivity across Sri Lanka.

Successful implementation of this project will make Sri Lanka the first country
in the world to have Internet access covering the whole country with the
government support.
Google Loon project: It is Googles ambitious research and development
project with the mission of providing Internet access to rural and remote areas.
Under this project, Google will install high altitude floating telecom tower
balloons in the sky which will provide full broadband internet coverage.
These balloons have transceivers which can connect to cell phone networks
filling gaps in their networks especially in remote areas such as mountains and
deserts.

South Korea declares end of MERS outbreak

Facts about Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)

MERS belongs to the family of coronaviruses which includes large family

of viruses such as common cold and Severe acute respiratory syndrome
(SARS).
It was discovered in 2012 and was mostly centred in Saudi Arabia.

Source: MERS is a betacoronavirus derived from bats. Camels have

shown to have antibodies to MERS, but the exact source of infection in camels
has not been identified.

Transmission: It can be transmitted from infected person to others after

close contact via a respiratory route.
It spreads in droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Symptoms: fever, breathing problems, pneumonia and kidney failure.

Treatment: Till date there is no vaccine available to prevent it. However,
intensive medical care can help patient to breath.

28 July: World Hepatitis Day

World Hepatitis Day is being observed every year on July 28 around the globe.

Focus of the day: To spread awareness about viral hepatitis, that causes acute
and chronic disease and kills around 1.4 million people every year. It also seeks
to encourage diagnosis, prevention and treatment of Hepatitis.
2015 Theme- Prevent Hepatitis: Its up to You.
About World Hepatitis Day

It is being observed since 2010 and is one of the 8 official global public
health campaigns marked by the World Health Organization (WHO).
WHO in May 2010 had passed resolution for observance of this day on
viral hepatitis which provides official endorsement. Prior to this, World
Hepatitis Alliance (WHA) had launched campaign in concern of chronic viral
hepatitis in 2008.
28 July was chosen to mark the birthday of Professor Baruch Blumberg.
He had discovered hepatitis B virus and was awarded with the Nobel Prize in
Physiology or Medicine (1976) for this discovery.
What is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis name has derived from Greek word Hepar meaning liver and itis
meaning inflammation. Thus, it is a medical condition in which there occurs
inflammation of liver cells and its complications vary with the type of infection.
What are different types of Hepatitis?
There are 5 types of hepatitis viz. A, B, C, D and E. Each type is caused by a
different hepatitis virus.
What causes Hepatitis?
It is mostly caused by a group of viruses called hepatitis viruses and also be
caused by intoxicants like drugs, alcohol, chemicals and other infections and
autoimmune diseases.

China launches two new Navigational Satellites into space

China launched two new navigational satellites into space as part of its
domestic navigation system BeiDou (meaning Compass).

The 18th and 19th satellites (of total constellation of 35 satellites) were
successfully launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in
southwestern Sichuan province.
About BeiDou Satellite Navigation System

BeiDou is 2nd generation of the Chinese navigational system seen as

rival to the USs Global Positioning System (GPS).
Comprises constellation of total 35 satellites in two separate satellite
constellations viz. limited test system (operational since 2000) and a full-scale
global navigation system which is currently under construction.
Became operational in China in December 2011, with the constellation of
10 satellites. In December 2012, it began offering services to customers in the
Asia-Pacific region and on its completion in 2020, it will provide services to
global customers.
Applications: Currently it used for civilian services in field of navigation,
messaging, transportation and weather forecasting sectors. It also has military
applications.

China successfully tests 5th generation Long March carrier rocket

China has successfully tested the power system of Long March-5, a fifth
generation of carrier rocket belonging to Chinas Long March family of rockets.
This announcement was after Long March-5 rocket carrier, entered a runoff
phase.
Facts about Long March- 5th Generation

Long March-5 has the carrying capacity twice of the payload compared to
other present carriers of China.
It has payload capacity of 14 tonnes to geostationary transfer orbit and
25 tonnes to low Earth orbits.
It will serve the final chapter in building Chinas manned space stations
and 3 step current program of orbiting, landing and returning lunar.
Long March-5 is scheduled for flight in 2016 and its capacity will be equivalent
to that of mainstream carrier rockets presently used around the world.

About Long March rocket family

It should be noted that since 1970s, the Long March rocket family of China has
completed more than 200 missions. Chinas first satellite, Dong Fang Hong (the
East is Red)-1 was successfully put into Earth orbit by Long March-1 on 24
April 1970 (after one failed attempt in November 1969).

India earns $100 million by launching 45 foreign satellites: Government

India has earned about US 100 million dollars by launching 45 commercial
foreign satellites from 19 countries.
The revenue was earned by Antrix, the commercial arm of the Indian Space
Research Organisation (ISRO).
This information was given by Union Science and Technology Minister Jitendra
Singh in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
It was also announced this revenue from the commercial space missions will
further grow with launch of 28 foreign satellites between 2015 and 2017. In
this regard Antrix has signed agreements with six countries viz. Algeria,
Canada, Germany, Indonesia, Singapore and US.
Apart from this, the minister also informed that ISRO has launched 72
indigenous satellites from Satish Dhawan space centre, Sriharikota in Andhra
Pradesh using indigenous launch vehicles viz. Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle
(PSLV). In addition, ISRO also has successfully launched four micro and nano
satellites built by students of Indian universities. In future six indigenous
satellites are also to be launched by Mach 2016.

July 23: National Broadcasting Day

Every year July 23 is observed as National Broadcasting day. On this day in
1927, Indian Broadcasting Company (IBC) began organized radio
broadcasting from Bombay station.

To mark the occasion, All India Radio (AIR) had organized a symposium on the
subject Creation of New India and Broadcasting Medium in New Delhi.
Radio Broadcasting in India
In India, radio broadcasting began during the British rule in 1923 under the
imitative of the Radio Club of Bombay.
Later in 1927, IBC which was a private entity was granted permission by
British Government to operate two radio stations in Mumbai (then Bombay)
and Kolkata (then Calcutta). Since then it has gained immense popularity and
had changed the socio-economic life of people.
In 1930, British Government took over radio broadcasting and started the
Indian State Broadcasting Service (ISBS). Later it was changed to All India
Radio (AIR) in 1936 and Akashwani in 1957.
Present Scenario: Currently, AIR is one of the largest public broadcasting
organisations in the world. It is largest in terms of the spectrum of socioeconomic, the number of languages of broadcasts and cultural diversity it
serves.
AIR service now comprises around 414 stations located across the country
with reach to the 99.19 per cent of the total population and 92 per cent of the
countrys area in 23 languages and 146 dialects.

ISRO successfully test-fires GSLV-Mark III rocket engine

ISRO has successfully test-fired Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle
(GSLV) Mark III projects high-thrust cryogenic rocket engine.
It is Indias first indigenously designed and developed high-thrust
cryogenic rocket engine capable of generating a nominal thrust of 19
tonnes.
Test: It was conducted at ISROs Propulsion Complex at Mahendragiri in
Tamil Nadu for 800 seconds time frame which produces 25 per cent more

thrust than the burn duration of the engine during flight. The test meet all its
parameters.
About high-thrust cryogenic rocket engine
The engine operates on Gas Generator Cycle. It uses extremely low temperature
propellants such as Liquid Hydrogen at -2530 C and Liquid Oxygen at -1930 C.
Integration and assembly of the engine and its testing were carried out in ISRO
Propulsion Complex (IPRC), a unit of ISRO.
Applications
This high-thrust cryogenic rocket engine will used to power Cryogenic stage
(C25) i.e. the upper stage of the next generation GSLV Mk-III rockets. The
rockets are aimed at carrying four-tonne payloads, including future manned
missions.
This successful test will help ISRO to master this complex, high-performance
cryogenic propulsion technology which will further help in building selfreliance for the Indian space programme

Two new plant species discovered in Western Ghats

Two new plant species were discovered in Edmalayalar, PooyamkuttyAdamalayar and Neriamangalam forest regions of Western Ghats in Ernakulam
district of Kerala.
The discovered species have been christened as Vellithumpa and Eriocaulon
manoharanii.
They were discovered by a team of researchers led by Professor C.N. Sunil
during investigations conducted as part of a UGC-sponsored project on the
flowering plants.

IIT Bombay, Nehru Science Centre launch Internet for All Mobile Science
Exhibition

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Bombay and Nehru Science Centre have

launched a pilot project Internet for All in its Mobile Science Exhibition Bus
in Mumbai.
It was launched under the aegis of the Union Governments flagship Digital
India campaign.
The Mobile Science Exhibition Bus was launched with theme Internet for All
which aimed at creating awareness about the power of internet. It is
basically science exhibitions on wheels in which 20 theme based exhibition
models which are mounted on specially designed Buses.
The fully equipped exhibition bus will travel to rural areas and provide hands
on internet experience to all the students in rural schools. The aim of this
initiative is to take Science to the door steps of rural school children and to
enthuse students to take up careers in Science and Technology.
Under this initiative, students will be provided few Aakash tablets during
interaction session with volunteers to showcase the power of internet and its
uses for the society.

CERNs LHC discovers new class of particles called Pentaquarks

Scientists at CERNs Large Hadron Collider (LHC) have discovered a new class
of exotic subatomic particles called the Pentaquarks.
The discovery was made by the scientists after watching the decaying of a
subatomic type particle known as the Lambda B baryon.
Facts about Pentaquark

Pentaquark was first predicted to exist in the 1960s and its name was
coined by Israeli theoretical physicist Harry J. Lipkin.
It is a particle consisting of five quarks (any of a group of subatomic
particles carrying a fractional electric charge) bounded together.
These qauarks are elementary particles that exist in six variations
known as flavors having unusual names of up, down, top, bottom, strange
and charm.

These elementary particles bind together in different combinations to

form a range of composite particles. Most commonly known combinations
are neutrons and protons, consisting of three quarks each.

Applications: This discovery will allow physicists to understand

the quantum chromodynamics (i.e. study of strong fundamental force
describing the interactions between quarks and gluons which make up proton,
neutron and pion).
In addition, it might help to shed light on the physics of neutron stars.

Note: In 1964, US physicist Murray Gell-Mann had revolutionised the

understanding of the structure of matter. He had proposed that a category of
particles known as baryons, which includes protons and neutrons and three
fractionally charged objects called quarks. For this work Gell-Mann was
awarded Nobel Prize in physics in 1969.

Volcanic eruptions slow down Global Warming: Study

As per recently published study in the journal Nature Communications,
Volcanic eruptions by injecting particulates into the atmosphere may have
slowed down global warming.
The study was based upon research of a team of international researchers
including Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) scientists.

Key facts from study

During the last 10 years volcanic aerosols have acted as a natural
umbrella to slow down global warming from release of anthropogenic
greenhouse gases (GHGs).
The global concentration of GHGs in the atmosphere has continuously
increased over the past decade but due to volcanic aerosols the mean global
surface temperature has not increased indicating negative climate forcing
effect.
In the years 2008-2011, volcanic aerosol particles have reflected the
incoming solar radiation twice in the lowest part of the stratosphere than
previously thought.
However, the frequent volcanic eruptions and the subsequent cooling
effect is only temporary phenomenon. Thus, the temperature rise will speed up
again.

The study had used the data from the tropopause region located up to 35
km altitude in the atmosphere.
Tropopause: It is region of transition layer between the wet weather layer with
clouds (troposphere) at lower level and the dry and cloud-free layer
(stratosphere) above it.
In the Tropapause temperature is constant whereas in troposphere it decreases
with increase in altitude and in stratosphere it increases with altitude.

Union Government launches GAGAN, aviation navigation system

Union Government has launched GPS-Aided Geo Augmented Navigation
(GAGAN) system, for aviation navigation. It was launched by Union Civil
Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju in New Delhi.
Facts about GAGAN system

Jointly developed by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and

Airports Authority of India (AAI).

It will provide augmentation service for GPS over the India, Bay of
Bengal, South-east Asia and Middle East along with expansion up to
Africa.
The system with the help of reference and uplink station will provide
corrections to the GPS signal in order to improve air traffic management.
It is 10 times more precise compared to GPS and radio navigation aids
used for precision landing.

Presently, GAGAN Payload is already operational through GSAT-8 and

GSAT-10 satellites. The 3rd payload will be carried onboard GSAT-15 satellite
to be launched October 2015.

Benefits: It will make airline operations more efficient by increasing fuel

savings, direct routes, ease of search and rescue operations, reduced workload
of flight crew and Air Traffic Controllers and cost savings due to withdrawal of
ground aids.
With this launch, India became the fourth nation in the world to have interoperable Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS) after US, Europe and
Japan. It should be noted that GAGAN is the first SBAS system in the world to
serve the equatorial region.

Four Indian scientists receive William Harvey Award 2015

Four Indian scientists from the Aligarh based Jawaharlal Nehru Medical
College (JNMC) under Aligarh Muslim University have jointly awarded the
prestigious William Harvey Award 2015.
They were selected for this award in the field of Hematology for their work in
the rare Hemoglobin C (Hb C) disease.
Recipients of Award are

Saeedul Hasan Arif

Kafeel Akhtar.
Shagufta Qadri.
Suhailur Rahman.
Hemoglobin C disease
This disease is widely prevalent in West African and Mediterranean countries
and not common in the Indian sub-continent. Those afflicted from this disease
suffer nutritional anaemia and do not respond to the treatment.
About William Harvey Award
The award is named for scientist William Harvey (1578- 1657). It is given by the
American Society of Hypertension.
Mr. Harvey has pioneered in development of first accurate account of how the
heart and circulatory system operated.

ISRO successfully launches PSLV-C28 carrying 5 UK satellites

ISROs Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) C-28 on 10 July 2015 successfully
put five satellites of United Kingdom into designated orbits.
They were successfully put designated into orbit after its lift off from first
launch pad of Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikotta, Andhra Pradesh.
For this mission, ISRO had used high-end XL version of PSLV as it was
its biggest and heaviest commercial launch with overall lift-off mass of all 5
satellites was 1,440 kg .

Five satellites are:

Constellation of 3 identical DMC3 Satellites: Three satellites

comprised of DMC3-1, DMC3-2 and DMC3-3, all weighing around 447-kg.
They are designed for simultaneous high temporal and high spatial resolution
optical Earth observation.
Application: Surveying the resources on earth, urban infrastructure
management and monitoring of disasters.

CBNT-1: It is an optical Earth Observation technology demonstration

micro satellite, weighing around 91 kg. .

De-OrbitSail: It is an experimental nano satellite. It will be used for the

demonstration of large thin membrane sail and drag deorbiting using this sail.
All of the five satellites belonged to UKs Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL).
They were launched as part commercial launch arrangement between SSTL
and ANTRIX, the commercial arm of ISRO.
PSLV C-28 XL

For this mission four-stage PSLV-C28 was used as launch vehicle, which
is high-end XL version of PSLV.

It comprised of new designs consisting of circular launcher adaptor

i.e. L-adaptor and a triangular deck called Multiple Satellite AdapterVersion 2 (MSA-V2).
It was specially designed by ISRO to overcome the tough task of
mounting the three DMC3 satellites in launch vehicle as each was having
height of about 3m.

It was PSLVs overall 30th flight and 29th consecutive successful launch and
9th flight of PSLV in XL configuration.

Uttarakhand gets Indias first earthquake early warning system

Uttarakhand became first Indian state to install a system to detect earthquakes
and disseminate warnings.
The first system has been installed in its capital Dehradun which will issue
warnings 1-40 seconds before earthquakes of magnitude 5 or more occur.

The system is designed and manufactured by Italian firm, Space Dynamics

which already has installed it in Japan, Italy and US.

Features of earthquake early warning

The system is incorporated with sensors which are capable to detect P
(Primary) and S (Secondary) waves generated during an earthquake.
It is capable to detect the harmless P wave, which travels faster than the
S wave for advance warning.
The system has the earliest detection among those currently in use
worldwide.
The second system will be established at Pithoragarh in the Kumaon region of
Uttarakhand.
According to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Uttarakhand falls
under seismic zone V i.e. High-Risk Seismic Zone. Apart from it, Jammu and
Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Rann of Kutch (Gujarat), Northern Bihar and
Andaman & Nicobar Islands also fall under this seismic zone.

Microsoft to develop digital villages, cyber-security centre in Maharashtra

Software giant Microsoft has agreed to develop digital villages and a smart
MIDC (industrial colony) in Maharashtra under states flagship Make In
Maharashtra initiative.
It was announced by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis after he met Microsoft
CEO Satya Nadella during his visit to companys office in Seattle, US. The
location of the smart MIDC is yet to be decided.
Microsoft will also set up cyber-security centre in Maharashtras IT hub Pune
and also agreed to adopt a tribal village in Melghat district in order to provide
tertiary health services.
Both sides also discussed application of cloud services to MSMEs and
technological solutions for implementing Right to Service Act. Microsoft will
also help state government develop Safe Maharashtra mobile application to
provide security to vulnerable people by tracking them.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also met Boeing CEO Raymond Conner and
discussed expansion of MRO operations at its plant in the industrial facility of
Multi-modal International Cargo Hub and Airport (MIHAN) in Nagpur.

Nationwide Mobile Number Portability becomes operational

Nationwide mobile number portability (MNP) has become operational from 3
July 2015.
It became operational after major private mobile operators like Vodafone,
RCom, Airtel, Uninor and Idea Cellular along with state-run BSNL and MTNL
issued statements to launch MNP.
The operationalisation of nationwide MNP will allow customers to keep their
existing mobile phone numbers while shifting between States and circles by
changing operators. Prior to this, customers were only able to change their
operator by retaining the same number only in the same state or telecom circle.
Thus this move lays the first foundation stone for the Union governments
ambitious One nation, One number plan.
Background
In November 2014, Department of Telecommunications (DoT) had approved the
national MNP recommendations of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India
(TRAI).
TRAI had set the deadline to rollout full MNP on May 2, 2015. However it was
extended on the request Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) by two
months till July.
Fact: MNP within a circle or state was first launched in Haryana in November
2010 and later was expanded to other circles. At present India is divided into
22 telecom service areas or circles.

About G.D. Birla Award

Established: 1991 by the K. K. Birla Foundation in the honour of

philanthropist Ghanshyam Das Birla.

The award is given Indian scientist below the age of 50, living and
working in India for his outstanding scientific research, mostly during the past
5 years.

Cash Prize: It carries a cash prize of 50 lakh rupees and a citation.

Epigenetics: It is field of science that deals with study of changes that
influence gene function.

First potential treatment for deadly MERS virus identified by scientists

For the first time scientists have identified two promising drug candidates for
the treatment of deadly Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) virus.
REGN3051 and REGN3048 are the two antibodies (drug candidates) which
have shown ability to neutralise the MERS virus. This research was done in
collaboration with New York based biopharmaceutical company Regeneron.

Cyborg
A cyborg (short for "cybernetic organism") is a theoretical or fictional being
with both organic and biomechatronicparts. The term was coined in 1960
by Manfred Clynes and Nathan S. Kline.[1] D. S. Halacy's Cyborg: Evolution of
the Superman in 1965 featured an introduction which spoke of a "new frontier"
that was "not merely space, but more profoundly the relationship between
'inner space' to 'outer space' a bridge...between mind and matter
Bionics is the application of biological methods and systems found in nature to
the study and design of engineering systems and modern technology.
About 4G LTE

4G LTE is wireless communications standard developed by the 3rd

Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).
It is one of several competing 4G standards along with WiMax (IEEE
802.16) and Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB).

It is designed to provide up to 10x speeds of 3G networks for mobile

devices such as tablets, smartphones, netbooks and wireless hotspots etc.
It can provide internet speed of at least 100 Mbit per second (Mbps) to 1
GBit per second (Gbps).
4G technologies are designed to provide IP (Internet Protocol)-based voice,
data and multimedia streaming at high speed.

C.N.R. Rao conferred with Japans highest civilian award Order of the Rising
Sun, Gold and Silver Star
About C.N.R. Rao (Chintamani Nagesa Ramachandra Rao)

N.R Rao is eminent scientist and worlds foremost solid state and
materials chemists. He has worked mainly in solid-state and structural
chemistry.

He was first Indian scientist to reach the h-index of 100.

He has authored of around 1600 research papers. He also has authored
and edited 45 books.
Note: h-index also called the Hirsch index or Hirsch number is a tool that
measures the productivity and impact of the published work of a scientist or
scholar.
ISROs GAGAN to provide navigational support to Indian Railways
ISRO has announced to provide navigational support to Indian Railways
through GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) system.
The navigational support along with space technology-based tools will be
provided to Indian Railways for unmanned level crossings safety.
By using GAGAN software system, a train will get to know the location of any
unmanned level crossing by a warning signal. Once this warning signal is
given, the trains hooter will automatically start when it comes near an
unmanned crossing.
About GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN)

GAGAN was jointly developed by the ISRO and Airports Authority of

India (AAI) for the advancement of air navigation.

It is an indigenous navigational guide system developed on the lines of

GPS system of the US.
Presently, GAGAN signal is broadcasted through two Geostationary Earth
Orbit (GEO) satellites-GSAT8 and GSAT10.
The system was launched in 2011 as a payload with GSAT-8. With this
launch India had joined the club elite nations comprising of US, Europe and
Japan who have the same level of space-based augmentation for navigational
purpose.

Worlds First Electric Passenger aircraft BX1E manufactured in China

The worlds first electric passenger aircraft named BX1E was manufactured in
China.
The aircraft was designed by Shenyang Aerospace University and Liaoning
General Aviation Academy located in the northeastern Liaoning Province of
China.

Features of BX1E Electric Passenger aircraft

BX1E aircraft has a 14.5-meter wingspan and a maximum payload of
230 kgs.
It can fly at an altitude of 3,000 meters.
The aircraft can charge within two hours.
Fully charged aircraft can have flight time of 45 minutes to 1 hour with a
maximum speed of 160 km per hour.
The first two BX1E aircrafts were delivered to Liaoning Ruixiang General
Aviation Co. Ltd. These aircrafts will be used in tourism, pilot training,
meteorology and rescue operations.

Moon engulfed in permanent, lopsided dust cloud: Study

Recently published study in the journal Nature has revealed that Moon is
engulfed in a permanent but lopsided dust cloud made up of tiny dust grains.
The study team was led by Professor Mihaly Horanyi of University of Colorado
Boulder physics.

Key fact
The dust cloud was discovered by using data from NASAs Lunar
Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE).

Composition: The cloud is primarily made up of tiny dust grains kicked

up from the Moons surface. These tiny dust grains were result of the impact of
high-speed, interplanetary dust particles.

Formation: Such a single dust particle from a comet striking the Moons
surface lofts thousands of smaller dust particles into moons airless
environment. This resulted in formation of lunar cloud which is maintained by
regular impacts from such particles.
With annual events like the Geminids meteor shower, the density of dust
cloud increases.
It should be noted that the dust on the Moon which is dark and sticky
was created over several billion years ago. It was outcome of interplanetary
dust particles incessantly pounded the rocky lunar surface.

Practical Applications of this Study: Knowledge of the dusty

environments in space especially knowing where the dust is and where it is
headed in the solar system may help to mitigate hazards for future human
exploration missions including dust particles damaging spacecraft or harming
astronauts.

BSNL to set up 40,000 wi-fi hot spots India

State owned telecommunications giant Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL)
has announced to set up 40,000 Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) hot spots across the
country.
This project will come in lines with new digital architecture which is part of
Union Governments flagship Digital India Programme. The 40,000 wi-fi hot
spots project will be entailed with an investment of about 6,000 crore rupees.
The project is likely to be completed by 2018.
It was announced by Union Minister of Communications & IT Ravi Shankar
Prasad after launching the Wi-Fi facility at Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh.
BSNL has installed the Wi-Fi facility at the premises of Taj Mahal as part of the
Union Governments plan to provide free internet services at major tourist
places across country.
BSNL has introduced this Wi-fi facility with support of Quadgen, a Bengalurubased company. The service will freely available to everyone including tourist

for half-an-hour. After half-an-hour the Wi-fi services will cost 30 rupees an
hour.

Researchers create Worlds thinnest bulb from graphene

Researchers have created the worlds thinnest light bulb using graphene as
filament.
It was created by team of scientist led by Young Duck Kim comprising members
from Columbia University School of Engineering, Seoul National University and
Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science.
Features of Bulb

The bulb uses graphene, a perfectly crystalline form of carbon as a

filament.
The filament is attached to metal electrodes and suspended the strips
above the substrate.
After current is passed through filament it heats up to over 2,500 C and
produces exceptionally bright light.
Applications: The new type of thinnest bulb can be used as broadband light
emitter. It can also be integrated into chips which will pave the way towards the
realisation of atomically flexible, thin and transparent displays. It will also help
to boost graphene-based on-chip high speed optical communications.

Union Government launches augmented reality application Sakaar

Union Government has launched Augmented Reality technologybased mobile
application named Sakaar to highlight the achievements of the Department
of Space.
It was launched by Minister of State (MoS) in the Department of Atomic Energy
Dr. Jitendra Singh in New Delhi.
Sakaar application and its multimedia content for Android devices is developed
by Development and Educational Communication Unit (DECU) of ISRO.
The application consists of 3 Dimensional (3D) models of Mars Orbiter Mission
(MOM), RISAT, indigenous rockets such as PSLV, GSLV Mk-III etc. It also has
videos of INSAT 3D-predicting cyclones, MOM launch and orbit insertion

videos, 360 degree animated view of MOM, GSLV D5/Cryo and Anaglyph of
Mars surface.
What is Augmented Reality technology?
Augmented Reality (AR) technology is computer-generated 3D models,
animations, videos that augments (or supplements) the live direct view of
a physical, real-world environment.
With the help of devices camera the real time augmentation and information is
overlaying takes place which enhances users current perception.
Essentially AR requires three basic elements for its functioning. They are AR
application, AR Markers and Android OS enabled mobile with back camera.

Philae comet lander wakes up from hibernation on Comet 67P

Philae comet lander has taken on the surface of Comet 67P (ChuryumovGerasimenko) from seven-month hibernation.
It was announced by European Space Agency (ESA) after the comet lander
managed to communicate with Earth for more than a minute.
In November 2014, Philae comet lander had created space history by
becoming first to probe landed on a comet. The historic feat was achieved after
it was dropped on to the surface of Comet 67P by its mother ship Rosetta.
After successfully landing on the comet it had worked for 60 hours and had
conducted experiments and transmitted that data to Earth before going into
hibernation after its solar-powered battery ran flat.
Probe resumed its communication on 14 June 2015 by sending about 300
packages of data to Earth via its mother ship Rosetta which is still orbiting the
comet.
Timeline of Philaes journey

March 2004: ESAs unmanned probe Rosetta was successfully launched

from Kourou, French Guiana.
February 2007: The probe carries out a close flyby of Mars.
September 2008: Probe successfully passes close to an asteroid 2867
located 400 million km from Earth.

July 2010: The probe transmits first pictures from the largest asteroid
ever visited by a satellite Lutetia in between Mars and Jupiter.

August 2014: It swings alongside comet 67P situated in between the

orbits of Mars and Jupiter.

November 2014: Philae lander successfully lands on comet after it is

released from Rosetta.

14 June: World Blood Donor day

World Blood Donor Day is being observed across the world on 14 June to raise
the public awareness about the need for safe blood donation.
The theme of this years campaign is Thank you for saving my life. This years
campaign encourages donors all over the world to donate blood voluntarily and
regularly with the slogan Give freely, give often. Blood donation matters.

Objective
To spread awareness about the need for safe and secure blood supplies.
Provide an opportunity to draw public attention to the importance of
blood donation for saving lives.
World Health Organisation (WHO), a nodal agency of UN for international
public health has called for increased regular blood donations from voluntary,
unpaid donors in order to save millions of lives globally each year.
It should be noted that World Blood Donor Day is one of eight official
global public health campaigns marked by the WHO. The event was
established in 2004. It was established in order to raise awareness of the
need for safe blood and blood products and to thank blood donors for their
voluntary donations.

Juvenile Camels key source of MERS: Study

As per recently published study, camels aged less than four years might be a
major source of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). The study was
published in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases
The research study was undertaken by international team who had looked for
evidence of current or past infection in more than 800 dromedary camels (also
called Arabian camels).
In this study researchers have found out that

More than 90 per cent of camels were infected by MERS virus the age of
two and virus shedding was more common in calves than in adults.
Changes in animal husbandry may reduce the occurrence of human
MERs infections.
Dromedary camels that are living in the Middle East have antibodies that
recognised MERS virus protein which is a strong sign of past infection.
However the spread of MERS virus in humans is still unknown but it
might spread due direct contact with body fluids from infected camels.
Alternatively, it might have spread by drinking unpasteurised camel milk
and possibly by transfer through the contaminated virus present in the saliva
of an infected calf to their mothers.

Cyclonic Storm Ashobaa: First Tropical storm of the season

Cyclonic storm Ashobaa in Arabian Sea is the first tropical storm of the premonsoon season in the Indian seas.
The cyclonic storm was formed after intensified deep depression (low pressure
zone) was developed over east central Arabian Sea about 590 km west
southwest of Mumbai, 470 km southwest of Veraval (Gujarat) and 960 km eastsoutheast of Masirah Island (Oman).
After its formation the cyclonic storm has moved northwestwards. The system
has potential to intensify further. But this cyclonic storm will not hit Indian
states severely as it has further moved north-northwesterly direction towards
Oman. Northwestern coastal states of India such as Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat
and Karnatakawill only face strong winds along with showers.
Naming
The name Ashobaa to this tropical storm was given by Sri Lanka which is
one of eight countries that are naming tropical cyclones in North Indian
Ocean region on rotational basis. The series of naming by countries is
Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and
Thailand.
The last cyclone called Nilofer (2014) was suggested by Pakistan. Next cyclone
formed in future will have name Komen, suggested by Thailand.

Advantages of naming cyclones/ storms:

Provide easy communication between forecasters and the general public
regarding forecasts and warnings.

Since the storms occur in the same basin at the same time, names can
reduce the confusion about what storm is being described.

Worlds first artificial molecular pump developed

Scientists have developed the first man-made molecular pump which is capable
to transport key proteins to cells for its functioning and can be used to power
artificial muscles.
This system on carrier proteins was modeled by J. Fraser Stoddart and
coworkers at Northwestern University. This system basically can pump ions,
electrons, protons or molecules across membranes of cells to produce energy.

How it works?
The new machine mimics the pumping mechanism of life-sustaining
proteins.
These proteins can move small molecules around living cells to
metabolize and store energy from food.
The energy stored in their pump will power artificial muscles and other
molecular machines.
It should be noted that the artificial pump draws power from chemical
reactions and drive molecules step-by step from a low-energy state to a highenergy state, far away from equilibrium.

Pethia striata, a new species of fish discovered in Western Ghats

A new species of fish called Pethia striata was discovered by ecologists in Tunga
River in the Kudremukh National Park, Karnataka.
Maria Elena South, driest place on earth discovered in Atacama Desert, Chile
Researchers have discovered the driest location on Earth in the Atacama
Desert in Chile. The site discovered is called as Maria Elena South (MES).
It was discovered by team of research scientist at the Blue Marble Space
Institute of Science in Seattle, United States.

This discovered site is dry as Mars and has a mean atmospheric relative
humidity (RH) of 17.3 percent and a soil RH of a constant 14 percent at a depth
of one meter.

Worlds first fully warm-blooded fish named Opah discovered

Worlds first fully warm-blooded fish named Opah or moonfish was discovered
recently. It was discovered by scientists at the US National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Opah or moonfish has ability to circulate heated blood throughout its body
which makes it first fish known to be fully warm-blood.
Quick facts
Warm-blooded animals: They generate their own heat and maintain a body
temperature independent of the environment. They are also known
as endotherms. It should be noted most of mammals and birds are warmblooded animals.
Cold-blooded animals: Their body temperature depends on the temperature of
their surroundings. Thus they are hot when their environment is hot and cold
when their environment is cold. They are also known as ectotherms. Most of
amphibians, reptiles, invertebrates and most fish are cold-blooded animals.

SBI launches sbiINTOUCH, NFC-enabled Contactless Debit and Credit Cards

Indias largest lender, State Bank of India (SBI) has launched contact-less
credit and debit cards sbiINTOUCH.
sbiINTOUCH is based upon latest near-field technology (NFC) that enables
customer to transact using the card by just tapping or waving it against the
reader of the point-of-sale machine
Cards incorporated with NFC technology are secure and hassle-free. SBI is also
proving a fraud liability cover of 1 lakh rupees on these cards.

With this, SBI has joined league of private lenders like ICICI Bank and HDFC
Bank. It should be noted that ICICI bank was first to introduce contact-less
credit and debit cards in India.

RBI rules on contact-less credit and debit cards

Presently, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) allows banks to enable
transactions in case of contactless cards up to Rs. 2,000 without the requiring
a separate PIN authentication.
But incase of amounts higher, banks should provide customers with an
option of contact payment and pin authentication requirement.

May 11: National Technology Day

Every year, `National Technology Day is observed across India on May 11.
This day glorifies the importance of science in day-to-day life and motivates
students to adopt science as a career option.
National Technology Day is being commemorated to celebrate the anniversary
of first of the five tests of Operation Shakti (Pokhran-II) nuclear test which
was held on 11 May 1998 in Pokhran, Rajasthan.
Apart from Pokhran nuclear test, on this day first indigenous aircraft Hansa-3
was test flown at Bangalore and India also conducted successful test firing of
the Trishul missile on the same day.
Considering all these achievements 11 May was chosen to be commemorated
as National Technology Day.
To commemorate this day, Technology Development Board (TDB) has instituted
a National Award. This award is conferred on to various individuals and
industries for their successful achievement in commercialization of Indigenous
Technology.

NASAs 10-Engine Electric Plane named GL-10 Completes Flight Test

NASA successfully tested a 10-Engine Electric Plane named Greased Lightning10 (GL-10) that that can take off and land like a helicopter and fly efficiently
like an aircraft.
During several test flights, remotely piloted GL-10 prototype successfully
transitioned from hover to wing-borne flight.

Key features of NASAs Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10)

GL-10 is remotely piloted plane similar as Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
(UAV).
It is designed and developed in such a way that it can take off like a
helicopter and fly like an airplane.
It is a battery-powered 10-engine and has a 3.05 meters wingspan. 8
electric motors are mounted on the wings. 2 electric motors are mounted on
the tail.
It weighs a maximum of 28.1 kilogrammes at take-off.
Due to its versatile vertical takeoff and landing ability produces less
noise.
Applications: Can be used as UAV for small package delivery or vertical
take-off and landing, long endurance surveillance for agriculture, mapping and
other applications.
Its modified scaled up version can be used as four person size personal
air vehicle.

Microsoft launches Edu-Cloud with aim to Make Learning Fun

Information technology giant, Microsoft has launched a cloud computing-based
offering Edu-Cloud with an aim to Make Learning Fun.
It seeks to enhance digital learning and teaching in schools and higher
education institutions in India through virtual learning platforms.
Edu-Cloud by with the help of cloud computing technology will create, deliver
and manage educational content from any device, anywhere, anytime in order
to make learning easy and fun.
It is expected, Edu-Cloud will benefit around 1 million teachers and 6 million
students in over 1,500 institutes across India in next 18 months.

Initially the company will tie-up with the Hyderabad based Chaitanya group of
educational institutions which will adopt Edu-Cloud for its teachers and
students in its 80 schools.
Teachers and students of these schools will use Microsofts Windows-powered
tablets in order to access rich, interactive and relevant content from cloud to
make learning and teaching more engaging and productive.

India home to 48 species of bumblebees

Recently released book Indian Bumblebees has revealed that India is home to
48 of the 250 known species of bumblebees.
The book is written by entomologist M.S. Saini and co-authors Rifat H. Raina
and Harpeet Singh Ghator.
These 48 known species of bumblebees native to India and are the only
pollinators of vegetation in high-altitude regions.

Key facts about Indian Bumblebees

Bumblebees are social insects and live in colonies and the size of it
depends on the species. They are similar to the honeybees.
Mostly characterised by yellow, black and reddish body hair and are often
striped.

Generally found on altitudes of 2,000-15,000 feet along the entire

Himalayas from Jammu & Kashmir to Nagaland.

Life cycle: The founder of the Bumblebees colony is the queen. She
hibernates throughout winter and in spring finds a site for new nest. She then
lays her eggs in autumn which will result in the first batch of workers.

Importance: Bumblebees play an important role in the ecosystem and

are crucial for pollination at higher altitudes. Thus without them seed setting
and fruiting will not take place in many plants.

They pollinate fruit trees, vegetables, cash crops

ornamental and medicinal plants high in the Himalayas.

and

even

ISRO successfully tests indigenous cryogenic engine with four-tonne capacity

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on 28 April 2015 successfully

tested an indigenous cryogenic engine.
The powerful version of the cryogenic engine was tested successfully at ISROs
propulsion complex at Mahendragiri in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. A
team headed by Director D Karthikesan had led the testing.
This engine will allow launch vehicles to carry satellites of up to capacity of
four tonnes in geostationary orbit. It will also give boost to Indias
interplanetary probes and manned space missions.

Facts about cryogenic engine

A cryogenic engine is more efficient as it provides more thrust for every
kilogram of propellant burnt.
Cryogenic fuels are extremely clean as they give out only water while
burning. The engine uses liquid oxygen at -253 0C and liquid hydrogen at
-1830C
It can develop the thrust needed in the final state of the rocket to put
satellites, weighing two tonnes or more, into a geosynchronous orbit.
It is essential to master this technology for any space power as launching
heavier satellites requires cryogenic engines even in the lower stages of the
rocket.
It will also make India self-reliant in sending heavier satellites to the
required orbits and eliminate need of dependence on foreign launch vehicles.
It should be noted that India sixth spacefarer after US, Russia, the
European Space Agency, China and Japan to develop a cryogenic engine.
Earlier in January 2015, India had successfully launched GSLV-D5, the first
successful launch vehicle with an indigenous cryogenic engine. But it had
capacity to launch satellites of up to two tonnes.

25 April: World Malaria Day

Every year World Malaria Day (WMD) is observed on 25 April. The day is
observed to recognise the global efforts to control preventable disease
malaria. The theme of this year WMD-2015 is Invest in the Future and
Defeat Malaria.
This day also seeks to highlight the need for continued investment and
sustained political commitment for elimination and control of malaria.
WHO also had called on the global health community to urgently address
significant gaps in the treatment, prevention and diagnosis of malaria.

Background
World Malaria Day was instituted in 2007 by World Health Organization
(WHO) member nations during World Health Assembly.
This day is one of the eight official global public health campaigns
currently marked by the WHO.
Some facts
As per United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) report more than 1200
children die every day worldwide from Malaria. At least three quarters of
malaria deaths occur in children under 5.
According to the recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO)
since 2000, Malaria deaths worldwide have declined by 47 percent. In Africa
alone, Malaria deaths during the period declined by 54 percent.

Railway Ministry launches mobile app for paperless unreserved tickets

The Railway Ministry has launched utsonmobile, a mobile application for
paperless unreserved tickets.
The application service was launched by Union Railway Minister Suresh
Prabhu in New Delhi.
This application will allow its passenger to buy a ticket on the move and to
board the train with the ticket secured on his mobile phone in digital format,
without any need for printing the ticket.
Initially, it has been launched as a pilot project and cover 15 stations in
Southern Railway. Later on it will be extended to entire country in phases.

Key facts
The application has been developed by Centre for Railway Information
Systems (CRIS).
It aims to eliminate the need for printing of unreserved tickets.
The application provides necessary on-screen alerts to guide the
passenger during the booking process.
Payment for the ticket will be done through the Railway Wallet, a feature
inbuilt in the App.
Passenger will get ticket confirmation on their mobile screen after
booking the ticket which will contain limited information of the ticket.
This app can be downloaded from Windows Store and Google Play Store.
Background

This paperless ticketing service using mobile applications comes in line

with announcement made by Union Government in the Union Railway Budget
of February 2015.
In this budget, Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu had announced
that the Indian Railways is committed to Operation Five Minutes that is,
purchase of an unreserved ticket within five minutes and launching of
paperless unreserved mobile ticket is the first step in this area.

Information and Broadcasting Ministry receives ISO 9001:2008 certification

Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) on 22 April 2015
received an ISO 9001:2008 certification from the British Standards Institute
(BSI).
The ISO certification was granted to Ministry in respect of various
permissions and licences issued by it for the broadcasting and print media
and films.
These licences or permissions include for satellite Television channels, multisystem operators, teleports, community radio stations and DTH services.
It also includes publication of Indian editions of technical and scientific and
foreign magazines of news and current affairs, facsimile editions of foreign
newspapers and permission for foreign film producers.
The Ministry has undertaken this initiative in order to bring in more
transparency and efficiency in the processes related in granting of various
permissions and licenses to the eligible applicants.
In this regard, the Ministry has put in place a well-defined procedure and
measures in order to ensure quality of services offered to the customers
on the basis of ISO 9001:2008. It will also ensure delivery of services by the
Ministry in a qualitative manner.

How Maglev train works?

Maglev train hovers 10 centimetres above the tracks and is propelled by

electrically charged magnets which lift and moves train carriages above the rail
tracks.
This train travels along a guideway using magnets to create both lift and
propulsion.
This lift and propulsion reduces friction and allow it to attain higher
speeds compared to conventional wheeled trains.

India 5th biggest generator of e-waste in 2014: UN report

As per recently released Global E-Waste Monitor 2014 report by United
Nations, India is the fifth biggest producer of e-waste in the world.
The report was compiled by UN think tank United Nations University (UNU).
Key facts from report

India.

Top 5 e-waste producing nations: US, China, Japan, Germany and

In case of wealthy nations top 5 e-waste producers are Norway,
Switzerland, Iceland, Denmark, and United Kingdom.
US and China have produced the most e-waste in 2014. Both nations
account for 32 percent of total e-waste produced in the world in 2014.
India has discarded around 1.7 million tonnes (Mt) of e-waste in 2014.
In 2014, around 41.8 Mt of e-waste was produced all over world and it is
expected to rise by 21 percent to 50 million Mt in 2018.
In terms of continent wise, Asia has produced most e-waste per
inhabitant in year 2014 by producing 16 Mt i.e. 3.7 kg per inhabitant.
Top three Asian e-waste producing nations are- China (6.0Mt), Japan
(2.2Mt) and India (1.7Mt).
While, Africa has generated lowest amount of e-waste per inhabitant by
producing 9 Mt i.e. 1.7 kg per inhabitant.

Newly discovered Spider named after Telangana state

Newly discovered spiders of Thomisidae family have been named as Telangana
crab spider (Thomisus telanganensis) i.e. after Indian state of Telangana.

These spiders were discovered by G.B. Pravalikha and Chelmala Srinivasulu,

wildlife and taxonomy researchers from the Zoology Department of Osmania
University at an expedition at Nagnur in Karimnagar district of Telangana.
Key facts Telangana crab spiders

Morphologically they resemble crabs and are hence also called crab
spiders.

Have tendency to walk sideways like crabs.

They lie on flowering plants and wait for prey so they are also known as
flower spiders.
Do not weave webs like traditional spiders.
They attack immobilise their prey with venom and prey all of a sudden.
Size is between 3 mm and 23 mm.
Colour varies from dull to bright and colourful.

Generally are bio-controlling agents and help to keep the insect

population under control. Thus are important to the ecosystem.

India successfully test-fired nuclear-capable Dhanush missile from ship

India on 9 April 2015 successfully test fired nuclear weapons-capable Dhanush
missile from a ship, off the Odisha coast.
Test- The ship-based missile was launched from an Offshore Patrolling Vessel
(OPV), deep inside the Bay of Bengal to test its full range. It successfully hit the
target point with high degree of accuracy.
Facts about Dhanush Missile

Indigenously developed
Organisation (DRDO).

by

Defence

Research

and

Development

The surface-to-surface missile is a naval variant of Prithvi missile.

Capable of carrying of 500 to 1000 kilogram conventional as well as
nuclear payload.

It is a single-stage, liquid-propelled missile and has range of 350 km.

Capable to target both land-based and sea-based targets. It gives Indian
Navy capability to strike enemy targets with great precision.

It should be noted that Dhanush is one of the 5 missiles developed by the

DRDO under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP).

TRAI recommends 112 as single emergency number for India

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on 7 April 2015 has proposed
112 as a single emergency number that can be used all across the country
including for police, fire and ambulance departments.
This emergency number will be similar to the 911 an all-in-one emergency
service in the United States.
At present, for emergency disaster management different numbers for different
emergencies such as 100 for police, 101 for fire and 102 for ambulance are in
existence.
TRAI has suggested that existing emergency numbers can be retained as
secondary numbers and the calls made to them be re-routed to 112. After time
being, once a call to the secondary numbers significantly reduces, they can be
withdrawn gradually.
Callers seeking help in emergency can dial 112 from mobile or landline phones
even when outgoing facility has been debarred or the service temporarily
suspended. TRAI also has proposed SMS-based access for the emergency
services.
The regulator also has recommended setting up of Public Safety Answering
Points (PSAPs) a call centre through which all calls to 112 will be routed.
Depending upon type of emergency, PSAPs will send police, fire, medical and
other emergency response servieces.

April 7: World Health Day

World health Day was observed all over the world on April 7, 2015. Theme for
year 2015 was food safety with the slogan from farm to plate, make food
safe.

The theme highlights

Need to make food free from viruses, microbes and chemicals substances
that are responsible for more than 200 diseases. Indirectly unsafe food is
linked to the annual deaths of some 2 million people, mostly children.
Need to create awareness about food safety as it possesses challenges
from the changes in food production, distribution and consumption.
Changes in the environment and new emerging pathogens and
antimicrobial resistance are also challenge to food safety.
In this regard, WHO is also working with countries to strengthen efforts to
detect, prevent and respond to foodborne disease outbreaks in line with the
Codex Alimentarius.
About World Health Day

Every year on April 7, World Health Day is celebrated under the

sponsorship of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Purpose: To focus on increasing the life expectancy by adding good

health to the lives of people and promoting healthier living habits.
This day marks the WHOs founding and is observed since 1950,
Since then April 7 every year is seen as an opportunity by the WHO to
draw worldwide attention to a subject of major importance to global health
each year.

Himachal Pradesh assembly launches Indias first E-Vidhan Mobile apps

Himachal Pradesh Government on 30 March 2015 launched part one of EVidhan Mobile apps.
E-Vidhan Mobile apps will enable all 68 members of state assembly to get the
entire House business on their smartphones and tablets, laid in the House 45
minutes before the beginning of the daily proceedings.
With this Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha became the first state assembly in
the country to launch this app to facilitate smart-working.

Key facts
The app will provide notifications of the Vidhan Sabhas press releases,
bulletins, budget speeches, documents and the bills tabled in the House to
members.

The bills introduced or laid for discussion in assembly will be made

available to the members.
The reports laid in the house by the committees, information about
government notification, budget speech and salary and perks drawn by
members will be viewed on the apps.
The information provided on the apps could be corrected on line.
To access the apps, wi-fi service will be made available to the members in
side assembly complex during the session.
The hi-tech E-Vidhan system will help state government to save 8 crore rupees
per annum spent on the paper.
Next phase i.e. part two of E-Vidhan Mobile apps will be launched later. Part
two of E-Vidhan Mobile apps will facilitate MLAs in their constituency
management works. It will also help to attend grievances of the people online
and also interact with officials of the constituency.

Integrated Guided Missile Development Program

The Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP) was an Indian Ministry of
Defence program for the research and development of a comprehensive range of missiles. The
program was managed by theDefence Research and Development Organization (DRDO)
and Ordnance Factories Board[1] in partnership with other Indian government research organisations.
[2]
The project started in 1982-1983 under leadership of A P J Abdul Kalam and ended in 2008 after
these strategic missiles were successfully developed.

Short range surface-to-surface missile (code-named Prithvi)

Short range low-level surface-to-air missile (code-named Trishul)

Medium range surface-to-air missile (code-named Akash) and

Third-generation anti-tank missile (code-named Nag).

Union Government gives nod to AWACS project

Union Government on 27 Mach 2015 gave its approval to build crore strategic
project of next-generation Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS).

Decision in this regard was taken by Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)

headed by Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar.
DAC gave its nod for two AWACS, which includes buying two Airbus A330s,
worth 5,113 crore rupees. Airbus was the lone bidder for the programme.

About Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) Project

AWACS or eyes in the sky can detect incoming aerial threats like hostile
fighters, drones and cruise missiles from 400-km away.
It has capability to penetrate longer distances within enemy
territory by way of radars and electronic warfare systems without
venturing into the region physically.
The project will involve mounting indigenous 360-degree coverage active
electronically scanned array (AESA) radars on Airbus A-330 wide-body jets.
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will develop the
AWACSs.
Apart from this, DAC also cleared the purchase of mine ploughs for T-90 tanks
at Rs 710 crore and 30 weapon locating radars at Rs 1,605 crore besides
others.

ISRO successfully launches fourth navigation satellite IRNSS 1D

Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) on 28 March 2015 successfully
launched fourth navigation satellite Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System
(IRNSS)-1D.
It was launched by Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) C-27 into the orbit
from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.
The satellite is similar to, and follows the IRNSS 1A, 1B and 1C which were
launched in April 2013, July 2014 and October 2014respectively.
IRNSS-1D will be launched into a sub Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (sub
GTO). It weighs 1,425 kg and carries a navigation payload and CDMA ranging
payload in addition with a laser retro-reflector.
About IRNSS series

IRNSS is a navigation system that will cover India, and also extend 1,500
kms from its boundaries.

It will provide accurate position information to users in India. Basically it

will provide two kinds of services, Standard Positioning Services, which is
available to all users, and an encrypted service that is provided only to
authorized users.

The complete IRNSS system will include three satellites in

geostationary orbit and four satellites in geosynchronous orbit at an
altitude of 36,000 km above the Earth.
The deployment of all the satellites was expected to be completed by 2015
at a cost of Rs. 1,420 cr.

IRNSS is similar to other satellite navigation service providers like USAs GPS
(Global Positioning System), Russias Glonass, Europes Galileo, Japans Quasi
Zenith and Chinas Beidou.
Applications of IRNSS

Terrestrial, Aerial and Marine Navigation.

Disaster Management.
Vehicle tracking and fleet management.
Integration with mobile phones.
Precise Timing.
Mapping and Geodetic data capture.
Terrestrial navigation aid for hikers and travellers.
Visual and voice navigation for drivers.

NASAs Curiosity rover discovers useful Nitrogen on Mars

NASAs Curiosity rover for first time has found evidence of nitrogen in the form
of nitrate in aeolian deposits and in two mudstone deposits on Mars.
It was detected by using the Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument suite
mounted on Curiosity rover by the team of Scientists.
Scientists believe that the detected nitrogen in the form of nitric oxide could be
released from the breakdown of nitrates during heating of sediments from
Mars.

These nitrates are a class of molecules that contain nitrogen in a form used by
living organisms. Thus this discovery adds evidence to the hypothesis that
ancient Mars was habitable for life.
However, there is no evidence suggesting that the discovered nitrogen
molecules found by the rover was created by life on the red planet. Scientists
also believe that the discovered molecules are ancient and might have been
deposited from non-biological processes like meteorite impacts and lightning on
Mars in past.
It should be noted that Nitrogen is essential part for all known forms of life as it
used in the building basic blocks of larger molecules like DNA and RNA that
encode the genetic instructions for life. It is also essential in proteins that is
used to build structures like hair and nails in living organisms.

PM Narendra Modi launches PRAGATI platform for redressal of grievances

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 25 March 2015 launched Pro-Active
Governance and Timely Implementation (PRAGATI) platform.
PRAGATI is a multi-purpose and multi-modal platform aimed at addressing
grievances of common man. It also aims at simultaneously monitoring and
reviewing important Union government programmes and projects as well as
projects flagged by State Governments.
It is an innovative project in e-governance and good governance and
accountability with real-time presence and information exchange among the
key stakeholders.
Key features of PRAGATI

Designed in-house by the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) team with

the help of National Informatics Center (NIC).

Uniquely bundles three latest technologies including Digital data

management, geo-spatial technology and video-conferencing.

Three-tier system that brings PMO, Union Government Secretaries,

and Chief Secretaries of the States at one stage. Thus, offers a unique
combination in the direction of cooperative federalism.
Prime Minister can directly discuss the issues with the concerned
Central and State officials with full information and latest visuals of the ground
level situation.

The system will work on strengthen and re-engineer the data bases of
Centralized Public Grievance Redress And Monitoring System (CPGRAMS)
along with Project Monitoring Group (PMG) and the Ministry of Statistics and
Programme Implementation.
On a monthly basis, Prime Minister will interact with bureaucrats i.e. on fourth
Wednesday of every month at 3.30 PM- called as PRAGATI Day.
Issues to be flagged before the PM will be picked up from the available database
regarding Public Grievances, pending Projects and on-going Programmes.
These issues will uploaded seven days prior to the PRAGATI day.

Indias first Polar Remotely Operated Vehicle operationalised in North

Antarctica
Indias first Polar Remotely Operated Vehicle (PROVe) was successfully
operationalised for research in North Antarctica by National Institute of Ocean
Technology (NIOT).
PROVe was operationalised, after it had undergone series of trials in Antarctica
in the past two months since its deployment by the NIOT researchers.
It has been deployed in Priyadarshini Lake located on the Schirmacher Oasis
which is a major source of water for Maitri, Indias second base in the
Antarctica.

Key facts of PROVe

Indigenously built by NIOT under the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences.
Capable of probing the sea bed under normal temperature and capable of
exploring up to 200 meters in inhospitable and tough regions like the ice clad
Antarctica.
Operated remotely by scientists on board the ship and has inbuilt
thrusters allowing it for 360-degree movement.
Will help researchers to study and find out details about dissolved
oxygen in sea bottom, salinity and the quantity of sunlight hitting the
bottom of the sea.
The results and outcomes will help researchers in understanding the
biological activities taking place inside the sea.
Implications of its operationalisation in Antartica

Its breakthrough is a great leap forward in forecasting with precision

the ever elusive Monsoon, a climatic phenomenon which determines Indias
economy.

In case of forecasting Monsoon, PROVe will measure parameters like

ocean currents, temperature and salinity in the Arctic.
It will especially help scientist to move away from present Mathematical
models for forecasting the Monsoon which many times vary from initial
forecasts.
Current operation will collect data for analysis in June 2015. This data will be
used for analyzing hypothesis about the link between Antarctic Ocean currents
and Indian monsoon system.

Union Government launches Twitter Samvad for direct communication between

Government and citizens
Union Government has launched a new digital platform Twitter Samvad in
association with social networking giant Twitter.
The digital platform was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New
Delhi on 24 March 2015 during his meeting with Twitter Chief Executive Dick
Costolo.
About Twitter Samvad

The service aims to boost the nations e-governance plans and

facilitate direct communication between leaders, government agencies
and citizens.
Twitter Samvad is based on a digital platform provided by an Indian
company ZipDial which was recently acquired by Twitter.
Through this platform a set of curated Tweets from the Twitter handled
accounts of the government and the leaders will be delivered to mobile-phone
users every day across the country as text messages.
The service will also play important role during emergencies by helping
government agencies to share live updates, even time-sensitive information on
law and order or rescue.

Union Government launches BIRAC AcE Fund to accelerate growth of

entrepreneurs in Biotechnology

Union Government on 19 March 2015 launched Biotechnology Industry

Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) AcE Fund to accelerate growth of
entrepreneurs in Biotechnology.
It was announced by Minister of State (MoS) for Science and Technology (S&T)
and Earth Sciences Y.S. Chowdary on the occasion of the third foundation day
of BIRAC in New Delhi.
The BIRAC AcE Fund aims to address the pressing needs of accelerating the
growth of entrepreneurs, in the field of Biotechnology.
This equity fund will be operated by BIRAC a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU)
under the aegis Department of Biotechnology (DBT) of Union Ministry of
Science and Technology.
Apart from launching the fund, MoS for S&T and Earth Sciences also
inaugurated a Two day Panel discussions focused at making biotechnology as
one of the drivers of the Make in India Programme.
About Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC)

BIRAC operates as a PSU under the aegis of the Department of

Biotechnology (DBT), Union Ministry of Science & Technology.
Established: 2012.
Purpose: It is mandated to foster and promote innovation research in
biotech industries specially start-ups and SMEs.
The theme for this years foundation day of BIRAC was Accelerating
Innovations: India the Next Biotech Global Hub

Endophytic alga species found in Indian Ocean

Researchers
have
found
Endophytic
alga
leptochaete species thriving in the Indian Ocean.

belonging

to Ulvella

This species of alga is originally inhabitant to the seas around the British Isles
and the East China Sea. It belongs to a type known as endophytic which
means that they are microscopic in size and generally found living inside
macroscopic seaweeds.

How discovery took place?

Researchers had collected samples of green seaweeds, Cladophora
glomerata from Calicut, Kerala and red seaweeds, Laurentia obtusa from
Mandapam, Tamil Nadu.
From these samples researchers extracted and sequenced a small
genomic region called Internal Transcribed Spacer, which is a routinely used as
DNA barcode for aquatic plant.
This sequence information was compared with the global DNA sequence
database from NCBI-GenBank which confirmed the identity of the endophytic
alga.
The identity of this alga was also reconfirmed by researchers by
reconstructing molecular evolutionary legacy of it using computational
phylogenetics.
Advantages of this discovery

Endophytic alga has ecological advantage to the host such as disease

resistance.

It contains anticancer compounds such as Taxol and can be used for

treatment of many cancers including ovarian cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer
and pancreatic cancer.

Solar Impulse 2- worlds first solar-powered aircraft on global journey lands in

Ahmedabad
Worlds first solar powered aircraft on global journey- Solar Impulse
2 successfully landed in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
The aircraft was piloted by Swiss pilots Bertrand Piccard and Andre Borschberg
from its first halt Muscat, Oman.

Key features of Solar Impulse 2 aircraft

It is a Swiss long-range solar-powered aircraft project and claimed to be
first aircraft to fly day and night without consuming conventional fuel.

Solely propelled by the solar energy and emits zero Carbon Dioxide
(CO2).

Structure: Single-seater aircraft made of carbon fibre. It has a 72 metre

wingspan and weighs 2,300 kilo grams.

Solar cells: 17,248 solar cells inbuilt into its wings. These cells supply
renewable energy to propel the electric motors of aircraft.

These solar cells also recharge 4 lithium polymer batteries mounted on

aircraft which allows it fly at night.
The first test flight of the aircraft was conducted in the United States in 2013.
Solar Impulses maiden global journey
Solar impulse started its 35000 km long journey from Abu Dhabi (UAE).
Its first halt was in Muscat (Oman).
Flight route and Stops- It will stop in Ahmedabad and Varanasi in
India, Mandalay (Myanmar), Chongqing & Nanjing (China).
Then it will cross Pacific Ocean via Hawaii and fly across the US and take
3 stops at Phoenix, the Midwest and New York City.
Then it will cross Atlantic Ocean and stop in Southern Europe or North
Africa and end its journey at Abu Dhabi.
It should be noted that the Solar Impulse 2 is flying from west to east on
the selected route as per the direction of tailwinds which is in same
direction of aircraft to keep it afloat.

Union Government releases digital gender atlas for advancing girl education
Union Government has released Digital Gender Atlas for Advancing Girls
Education a web-based tool for advancing girls education.
It was unveiled by the Department of School Education and Literacy in the
Union Ministry of Human Resources Development (HRD) in New Delhi.
Key facts

The web based tool has been developed with the support of United
Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) to identify low performing geographical
pockets for girls on specific gender related education indicators.
These pockets particularly have been identified from marginalised groups
such as scheduled castes (SCs), scheduled tribes (STs) and Muslim minorities.
The gender atlas has been developed as hands on management tool that
will enable to take critical decisions and actions in order to fill the gaps in the
low performing geographical pockets.
The atlas has a geographical representation and time series data on
various levels of education related parameters in the country. The data from
atlas will help states in policy-making and implementation.
It will also help in identifying and ensuring equitable education with
a focus on vulnerable girls. It includes girls with disabilities.

The atlas uses current available Government data such as Unified District
Information System for Education (2011-14), Census 2011 and District Level
Health Survey 2007-08.

Worlds first electric satellites successfully lifted off by SpaceX rocket

Worlds first electric satellites were successfully lifted off by a Space
Exploration (SpaceX) Technologies rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force
Station, United States.
The rocket was carrying two all-electric commercial satellites built by Boeing.
The satellites are owned by the French satellite provider Eutelsat and Asia
Broadcast Satellite (ABS).
Eutelsats satellite is part of its 35-member commercial network. It will provide
services like mobile, internet, video and other communications services to
expand its reach into the Americas. While, ABS new satellite will serve its
customers in Africa, Europe and the Middle East.
Features of electric satellites

These satellites are fitted with lightweight, all-electric engines rather

than conventional chemical propulsion systems.
These electric engines allow satellites to produce electric propulsion in
order to reach and remain fixed in particular orbit.

Electric propulsion from these satellites consumes less fuel compared

with satellite having chemical propulsion. Thus making satellites lighter in
weight and further reducing cost of launch.

Bioprinting- The use of 3D printing technology with materials that

incorporate viable living cells. For e.g. to produce tissue for reconstructive
surgery.

Vishing It is like phishing, but using phone calls or voice messages

instead of emails to trick people in revealing sensitive information.

28 February observed as National Science Day

Every year February 28 is celebrated as the National Science Day i.e. Rashtriya
Vigyan Diwas ( ).
In 2015, the theme of the day is Science for Nation Building. This years
theme has been chosen for the purpose of raising public appreciation on
scientific issues for the development of nation.
Why National Science Day is celebrated?

This day marks the epoch-making discovery of Raman Effect by Indian

physicist Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman (CV Raman) on February 28,
1928.
In 1930, for this discovery he was awarded with the Nobel Prize in
Physics.
In 1986, National Council for Science and Technology Communication
(NCSTC) demanded the Union Government to assign February 28 every year as
the National Science Day for India.
In 2000, the first National Science Day was celebrated on February 28,
2000.
In 2013, the American Chemical Society designated the Raman Effect as
an International Historic Chemical Landmark.
Theme for the National Science Day 2013 Genetically Modified Crops
and Food Security.
Theme for the National Science Day 2014 Fostering Scientific Temper
and Energy conservation.

About 3D printing technology

3D printing is a process of making three dimensional solid objects from a

digital file with extreme precision.

This technology is also termed additive manufacturing as the 3D

printed object is created us additive processes.
In an additive process an object is created by laying down successive
layers of manufacturing material on each other until the entire object is
created.
This technology has limitless possibilities and can create almost anything
with just raw material and a computer generated model.

27 Indian satellites currently operational: Union Government

Union Government has announced as many as 27 Indian satellites are

currently operational.
It was announced by Minister of State for Prime Minister Office (PMO) &
Department of Space Jitendra Singh said during Question Hour of Lok Sabha.

Among the 27 operational satellites, 11 are communication satellites, 12

are earth observation satellites, 3 are navigational satellites and 1 is Mars
orbiter mission.
Union Government also announced
One more satellite will be launched in March 2015, while 3 more are in
the pipeline.
India is also taking leading role in launching satellites for the SAARC
nations.
Currently 95 Ku-band (a part of K band) transponders onboard
indigenous communication satellites are being utilised for various
communication applications.
India also has perfected the science of weather forecasting. Thus
accurately predicting cyclone and other natural calamities in recent times.
With successful launch of five satellites in June 2015, India has entered
the area of commercial satellites. It also laid the foundation of future satellite
programmes.

UK becomes 1st country to legalise creation babies using DNA three-person

United Kingdom has become the first country to legalise the creation of threeparent IVF designer babies using Mitochondrial Donation Technique.
Implications

This law will help to prevent serious inherited diseases that are being
passed on from mother to child.
It will also help to remove the hereditary problems related to
defective mitochondrial diseases that has passed down through the
generations.
Now in United Kingdom, women with hereditary mitochondrial diseases
will be able to give birth to healthy babies without transferring their hereditary
diseases.
Advantages Mitochondrial Donation Technique

It does not allow passage of defective mitochondria from mother to

babies.

Thus, preventing new born babies from dangerous diseases related brain
damage, muscle wasting, heart failure and blindness due to defective
mitochondria.

Drug-resistant malaria detected at Myanmar-India border

Scientists have detected drug-resistant malaria at the Myanmar-India border. It
was revealed in a Oxford University led study published in The Lancet
Infectious Diseases journal.
Tests have shown that this drug-resistant malaria is on the verge of entering
India and now poses an enormous threat to global health.
These detected drug-resistant malaria parasite have ability to shrug off the
effects of artemisinin (normally given as part of combination therapy to fight
malaria) has been spreading since it emerged in South-east Asia.
Drug-resistant malaria has been detected in South Asian countries like
Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam and Myanmar.
In case Myanmar, 940 parasite samples were collected at 55 malaria treatment
centres and its border regions. Scientist have found that almost 40 percent of
the samples had mutations in their so-called kelch gene, K13 a known genetic
signal of artemisinin drug resistance.
Earlier, drug-resistant malaria parasite to Chloroquine was discovered in 1957
around the border between Cambodia and Thailand.
Deaths from malaria have nearly halved since 2000, and the infection now kills
about 584,000 people each year. But drug-resistant malaria parasite may
threat to global health in future.

Union Government launches single window e-biz portal

Union Government has launched a single window government-to-business

(G2B) portal- e-Biz (www.ebiz.gov.in) for 11 Central government services to
bring transparency and ease of doing business in the country.
The portal was unveiled to public by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in
New Delhi.
Key facts

It is governments approach aimed at improving Indias ranking

in Ease of doing business index by leveraging technology to bring
transparency, improve efficiency and promote convenience.
It provides single platform for online submission and processing of forms
including online payment.
Government has identified 10 pilot states for its initial implementation
and later to expand it across the country.

India successfully test-fires N-capable Prithvi-II missile in Odisha

India successfully test-fired its nuclear capable Prithvi-II surface-to-surface
missile from a test range at Chandipur in Odisha.
Test- It was conducted by the Strategic Force Command (SFC) and monitored
by the scientists of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Missile was fired from a mobile launcher from launch complex-3 of the
Integrated Test Range (ITR) as part of a user trial by the army and met all
mission objectives.
About Prithvi-II missile
Prithvi-II missile is the first missile indigenously developed by DRDO
under Indias prestigious Integrated Guided Missile Development Program
(IGMDP). It was inducted into Indias SFC in 2003.
Features

Surface to surface ballistic missile.

Variants: Prithvi-I for the Army; Prithvi-II for the Indian Air Force;
and the Dhanush for the Navy.
Single-stage, Liquid-propelled.

Advanced inertial navigation, control and guidance system. It uses

advanced inertial guidance system with manoeuvering trajectory.
Payload capacity: 500-1,000 kg.
Range: 350 km.

About Crime and Criminal Tracking Network System (CCTNS) Project

CCTNS project is funded by the Union government with budget of Rs. 19

Crore.

Himachal Pradesh is the first state in India to launch this project

prepared by the Union Home Ministry after Mumbai attack of 26/11.
CCTNS project will connect 177 sites and 114 police stations in the state
besides13 district headquarters, 26 sub-divisional police officers and three
police ranges headed by IPG rank officers with state crime records bureau.
It will also connect CID crime branch, 14 control rooms, finger print
bureau, forensic science laboratory, 16 CCTNS training centres including state
data centre and data recovery centre.
CCTNS project will also provide multiple channels to access citizencentric services and online access for registering petitions on real-time basis.

First National Deworming Day observed on 10 February

First National Deworming Day was observed on 10 February.
On the eve of the National Deworming Day, Union Ministry for Health & Family
Welfare launched the National Deworming initiative.
It was launched by Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare Jagat Prakash
Nadda in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
National Deworming initiative

Aim: To protect more than 24 crore children in India between the age of
1 to 19 years from intestinal worms. It also aims target intestinal parasitic
worms among the children to achieve status of being Worm-free.
It is one of the largest programmes in the world undertaken to deworm
children.

In the first phase, about 14 crore children will be covered across eleven
States/UT. They are, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli,
Haryana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu
and Tripura.

Albendazole tablets will be given to all targeted children in first phase.

Dosage of half tablet to 1-2 years children and one full tablet for 2-19 years will
be given.
While in second phase, nearly 10 crore children will be targeted between
11 February and 14 February 2015.

Parasitic worms infestation

Worms interfere with nutrient uptake in small children causing parasitic
infestation. It leads to severe complications among the children resulting in
anemia, malnutrition and improper mental and physical development.
According to World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates, nearly 24 crore
children in India in the age group of 1-14 years are at risk of intestinal
parasitic worm infestation.

Facebook, Reliance Communication tie up to provide free access to Internet

Indias Reliance Communications Limited (RCOM) has partnered with social
networking giant Facebook to offer free internet access.
Both companies have launched Internet.org, a Facebook-led initiative to bring
internet to everyone in the world.

Key facts
Under this initiative both companies aim to bring the power of Internet to
a billion people in India in order to increase internet inclusion and encourage
more Indians to go online.
As part of this initiative, RCOM will offer free data access to 33 popular
websites for all its customers under the umbrella of Internet.org.
Most of the services of 33 popular websites will be available in
several Indian languages including English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu,
Malayalam, Gujarati and Marathi.
All the subscriber of RCOM who have internet enabled hand set (mobile
phones) will get access to this free service.

Android based app of Internet.org on smartphones will be also provided

for accessing free internet. It should be noted that India will be the first
country in Asia to get this app.
It is estimated that 70 per cent of RCOMs customers who have such
phones will benefit from this service that are now off line i.e. dont have
internet connection.
In the first phase this service has gone live in RCOMs 7 circles which include
Mumbai, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Chennai and
Kerala. While in second phase, this service will be launched in pan India by
May 2015.
Both companies by launching this initiative are opening new socioeconomic
opportunities to users in fields like education, information and commerce. It
will in turn create more jobs and opportunities in India which is worlds
second-biggest mobile market with Internet.

Kolkata becomes Indias first Wi-Fi-enabled metro city

Kolkata has become Indias first Wi-Fi-enabled metro city as the service was
launched from Park Street in city.
This 4th Generation (4G) free Wi-fi service was launched by West Bengal
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Free Wi-fi service will be will be rolled out in phased manner in all the wards
under Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) as well as adjacent areas of
Kolkata. The whole city is expected to come under Wi-Fi coverage by mid-April
in 2015.
Private telecom operator, Reliance Jio is providing the 4G enabled service Wi-fi
s in the city.

Two beneficial algal species discovered off the west coast of India
Key Characteristics of discovered algal species

Carbon capture properties- These species have excellent carbon capture

properties i.e. ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. So it can
be used as bio-fuels and help reduce global warming.

Endemic- Both of them are endemic species to the western coast of

India. So, their cultivation is not going to cause any environmental harm and
reduces the risk of bio invasion in this region.

Bloom forming- Both species being bloom forming they have

spontaneous growth. So there is no need for any expensive cultivation systems
such as photobioreactors or extensive use of fertilizers/pesticides. They can
grow sporadically at shorelines and can sequester CO.

Medicinal values- Both species have similar characteristic like other

algal species which have Kahalalide-F , used in in clinical trials against
prostate and breast cancers. So they can be used in Pharmaceutical
products.

MPs in UK vote to legalise three-person babies using Mitochondrial Donation

Technique
What is Mitochondrial Donation Technique?

It uses a modified version of In vitro fertilisation (IVF) to combine the DNA

of the two parents with the healthy mitochondria of a donor woman. This
technique was first pioneered by scientists at Newcastle University, UK.
This technique involves addition of healthy mitochondria from donor
women to an egg from other women with defective mitochondria. Then it is
fertilized with mans sperm.
In this process, healthy mitochondria is passed to a child from the
mother.
Advantage: It does not allow passage of defective mitochondria from
mother to babies. Thus, preventing new born babies from brain damage,
muscle wasting, heart failure and blindness due to defective mitochondria.
Mitochondria: It is a tiny compartment inside cell within the body that
converts food in usable energy. It is also called as the powerhouse of the cell.

IIT Bombay launches Mass Open Online Courses (MOOC)

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has launched Mass Open Online
Courses (MOOC) in three subjects, computer programming, thermodynamics,
and signals and systems.

It aims to provide mass online education programme that will provide free
online courses by giving access to high quality, IIT-style education to Indian
students in Indian language.

Key features of Mass Open Online Courses (MOOC)

It is launched as part of institutes IITBombayX platform developed in
collaboration with edX, a not-for-profit initiative by Massachusetts Institute of
Technology (MIT) and Harvard University.
It will provide 16-week Computer Programming course in two parts
aimed at computer programming students.
The course on Thermodynamics is designed for mechanical engineering
students and will last 12 weeks.
Signals and Systems will be a 16-week course in two parts designed for
electrical engineering students.
The students will get an honour certificate of achievement certifying
successful completion of the course after they have qualified in the tests.
It will also offer training workshops for invited teachers on effective
teaching for each of these three subjects under the Train 10,000 Teachers or
T10KT programme of the institute.

Microsoft unveils virtual assistant Cortana for Windows handsets

Technology giant Microsoft has unveiled virtual assistant-Cortana for Windows
Phone handsets.
Cortana is female voice-controlled application. It uses Microsofts search engine
Bing and data stored on the handsets to make personalised recommendations
and carry out tasks.
It is named after AI system in the firms Halo video game franchise.
Initially, it will be made available in US, then in UK and China and finally other
markets as part of a wider Windows Phone 8.1 system software update.
It should be noted that Apple and Google already offer comparable facilities on
their iOS and Android platforms.

Union Government launches monitoring system for skill development scheme

Union Government has launched Management Information System (MIS) to

check progress and implementation of Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana (DAY)
scheme in different states.
MIS aims to check real time progress on skill development and enhancing
livelihood opportunities for urban poor under DAY scheme.
It was launched by Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation (HUPA) Minister M
Venkaiah Naidu.

Key facts about Management Information System (MIS)

This system is developed by National Informatics Centre (NIC) at a cost of
Rs 2.24 crore.
It enables real time and regular monitoring of the progress of DAY
scheme and its seven components which include employment through skill
training and placement, self-employment groups, shelters for urban homeless
and support to urban vendors.
It will help to remove the deficiencies in the present manual submission
of monthly progress reports which are submitted by states.

Missing Mars probe Beagle 2 found on Mars after 11 years

British-built space probe Beagle 2 has been found on the surface of Mars, 11
years after it was thought that it was lost on Mars.
It was discovered in the high-resolution images taken by HiRISE camera
mounted on NASAs Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO).
Thus, its discovery has ended the decade long mystery of what happened to the
mission since 2003.
After the discovery, the Royal Society has announced an award in
commemoration of Prof Colin Pillinger (died in 2014) who was Principal
Investigator of Beagle2 probe.

About Beagle2
Beagle2 was released to its landing trajectory from its mother craftEuropean Space Agencys Mars Express (MEx) orbiter on 19 December 2003.
After its release, it was due to land six days later on Mars surface using
parachutes and airbags.
But nothing was heard from probes radio contact after its scheduled
touchdown.
It was assumed by many scientists that it had been destroyed in a highvelocity impact during landing.

Idukki district of Kerala becomes Indias first district with rural broadband
network
Idukki district of Kerala has become first district in India to have high speed
Rural Broadband Network i.e. National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN)
Internet connectivity.
Union Minister of Information Technology and Communications Ravi Shankar
Prasad commissioned this Hi-speed rural broadband network under the
governments flagship Digital India programme.
In Idukki, 8 block offices and 52 village panchayats out of 53 will benefit from
this project.
Facts about National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN)

NOFN is the largest rural connectivity project of its kind in the world.
It aims to transform the country into a digitally empowered society and
knowledge economy.
It seeks to link each of the 2.5 lakh village panchayats in the country
spread over 6600 blocks and 631 districts through broadband optical fibre
network in order to provide a minimum bandwidth of 100 Mbps.
On its completion, NOFN is expected to facilitate Broadband connectivity
to over 600 million rural citizens of the country.
NOFN, is being funded by the Universal Service Obligation Fund
(USOF), Department of Telecom, Ministry of Communications & IT.
It will offer people with friendly services like e-governance, e-health, eeducation, e-banking, public internet access etc. It will also enable delivery of
various government services such as local planning, management, monitoring
and payments of Government schemes at panchayat level.

Government gives nod to Neutrino project in Tamil Nadu

Union cabinet meeting has approved setting up of India-based Neutrino
Observatory (INO) project in Bodi West Hills, Tamil Nadu. This cabinet
meeting was headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Key facts about India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) project

It is an underground project, jointly supported by the Department of

Atomic Energy (DAE) and the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
It will comprise a complex of caverns the main cavern, which will house
detector which is 130 metres long, 26 metres wide and 30 metre high.
Along with main cavern, there will be two smaller caverns that will be
used for setting up experiments for neutrino double detector and dark matters.
This underground complex will be approached by a 2-kms long tunnel.
It will host experiments such as the neutrino-less double beta decay
and the search for dark matter.
It also involves Inter-Institutional Centre for High Energy Physics
(IICHEP) and Iron Calorimeter Detector (ICAL).
Along with project, government has also approved the construction of a 50,000
tonne magnetised iron calorimeter detector (ICAL). It will study the
properties of the neutrino, in particular the mass hierarchy among different
types of neutrino.
Neutrino
It is an electrically neutral, weakly interacting elementary subatomic particle
with half-integer spin. It belongs to the lepton family.
There are three types of neutrinos: electron neutrinos (ve),
neutrinos(vu) and tau neutrinos(vT)differing in terms of mass.

muon

Delhi Police launches women safety mobile app Himmat

Delhi police has launched women safety mobile application Himmat. It was
launched by the Union home minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi.
It is an android based mobile app, which aims to cater employed women who
have smartphones and travel alone late in the night.
This application will allow women to send a distress call to Police Control Room
(PCR) and their relatives in case of any emergency.

Key facts of women safety mobile app Himmat

In case to use this app, user has to download this app on their
smartphone.

After downloading the app, new user has to register them with the Delhi
Police website by sharing their name, mobile number and that of a minimum of
two relatives/friends.
In case of emergency, user can send an alert by shaking her phone or by
pressing the power button/soft button.
As soon as the distress button is pressed, it will trigger a 30-second
audio and video recording on the phone which will be relayed to the PCR. The
victim will get a call back from the PCR.
After distress button is pressed, SMS alert consisting of all the details of
the victim, including her location, time will be forwarded to the PCR. Then from
PCR, SMS alert it will be forwarded to the police patrol cars in the area and the
local station house officer (SHO) through the Delhi Police cyber highway.
In case of emergency, SMS alert will also be sent to minimum of 5 friends
and relatives of the user. It will also post a status on the victims Facebook and
Twitter accounts.
In order to tackle false SOS alerts/ alarms the app is provided with
inbuilt feature which cancels the registration after 3 such (False SOS alerts)
incidents. But, the user can re-register to re-activate the facility.

ICRISAT launches Green PHABLET to empower small farmers

International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics
(ICRISAT) has launched a customised low-cost combination of phone and
tablet computer called GreenPHABLET powered by the GreenSIM.
This device aims to empower small farmers who own small plots of land by
providing them with precise information related to agriculture and help
them purchase inputs at lower prices, get a better price for their produce
and link them to markets.

Key facts of ICRISATs GreenPHABLET

It has been developed by the ICRISAT Centre of Excellence in ICT
Innovations for Agriculture in collaboration with NUNC Systems, a company
based in Hyderabad.
This device acts like a mobile village knowledge centre/common service
centre, enabling farmers to benefit from contemporary information and
communication technologies by penetrating Internet connectivity in remote
rural region

It will provide farmers with free messages about the weather and pest
problems while sharing the most competitive agricultural input and crop
prices.
It should be noted that GreenSIM was created under a unique partnership
between ICRISAT, mobile phone service provider Airtel, and the IFFCO (Indian
Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative) Kisan Sanchar Limited (IKSL).
The GreenSIM had received the prestigious Flame Award 2013 from the Rural
Marketing Association of India (RMAI). It was also cited for showcasing
innovative use of technology of the decade.
About International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid-Tropics
(ICRISAT)
ICRISAT is a non-profit agricultural research organization headquartered in
Patancheru in Hyderabad, Telangana.
It was founded in 1972 by a consortium of organizations convened by the Ford
and the Rockefeller Foundations. Its charter was signed by the Food and
Agriculture Organization (FAO) and United Nations Development Programme
(UNDP).
It has several regional centres around globe- Niamey (Nigeria), Nairobi (Kenya)
and research stations Bamako (Mali), Bulawayo (Zimbabwe).
Since its inception, India has granted special status to ICRISAT as a UN
Organization operating in the Indian Territory making it eligible for special
immunities and tax privileges.

National Mathematics Day being celebrated on Srinivasa Ramanujans birth

anniversary
Every year 22nd December is observed as National Mathematics Day to
celebrate
birth
anniversary
of
great
Indian
Mathematician
autodidact Srinivasa Ramanujan.
This year, it will be the 127th birth anniversary of Srinivasa Ramanujan.
About Srinivasa Ramanujan
He was born on 22nd December, 1887 in Erode district of Tamil Nadu.
He was considered as doyen of number theory, infinite series, mathematical
analysis, and making formulas and equations without any formal training in
pure mathematics.
Key contributions:

As a mathematical genius, he had compiled more than 3900

mathematical results and equations.
His Ramanujan Prime and Ramanujan theta discoveries had inspired
further research on this mathematical subject.
Along with British Mathematician Hardy, Ramanujan had discovered the
smallest number represented as sum of two cubes 1729 which is known as
Hardy-Ramanujan number.
Background
In 2011, Union Government had declared 22nd December as National
Mathematics Day to celebrate his 125th birth anniversary. Government also
had declared, 2012 as National Mathematics Year.

ISROs GSLV Mark III rocket launched successfully

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISROs) first sub-orbital flight and Indias
latest generation launch vehicle- GSLV Mark-III X was successfully lifted off
from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle-Mark III (GSLV Mk-III) was carrying
payload Crew module Atmospheric Reentry Experiment (CARE) weighing
3775 kg.
Mission: It was a suborbital experimental flight mission which aimed to test
the vehicles performance during the critical atmospheric phase of its flight and
thus carried a passive (non-functional) cryogenic upper stage.
Objective:

To test the rockets atmospheric flight stability with CARE payload and to
the intended height of 126 km.

To study the re-entry characteristics of the crew module- CARE and its
aero braking and validation of its end-to-end parachute system.

Successful experimental flight

The flight mission began with the successful launch of GSLV Mk-III from
the Second Launch Pad at Sriharikota.
After the launch, GSLV Mk-III carried its payload CARE to the intended
height of 126 km.
Following this, CARE separated from the upper stage of GSLV Mk-III and
re-entered the atmosphere and safely landed over Bay of Bengal with the help
of its parachutes after successful lift-off of launch vehicle.

Thus, this successful launch will help India in perfecting the cryogenic engine
technology and help to become self-reliant in launching communication
satellites.
About GSLV-Mark III
The GSLV-Mark III is a three stage/engine launch vehicle.
Its first stage comprises two identical S-200 large solid boosters with 200 tonne
solid propellant that are strapped on to the second stage, the L110 re-startable
liquid stage.
The third stage/engine is the cryogenic which is more efficient as it provides
more thrust for every kilogram of propellant burnt.

Microbes discovered living beneath earth by deepest marine drill

The International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) has discovered microbes
living 2,400m beneath the seabed off Japan. It was presented at the America
Geophysical Union Fall Meeting after the samples were analyzed, which were
taken from 2,446m of rock under the seafloor by Chikyu ship.
Key discovery
It was revealed life exists deep beneath the seabed in the form of tiny, single
celled organisms/microbes despite having no light, no oxygen, barely any water
and very limited nutrients, thrived in such depth beneath the earth.
They survive in this harsh environment mainly on a low calorie diet of
hydrocarbon compounds and have a very slow metabolism.
About IODP Expedition
The IODP Expedition 337 took place in 2012 off the coast of Japans
Shimokita Peninsula in the northwestern Pacific.
In this expedition Japans Chikyu ship having a monster drill penetrated a
record-breaking 2,446 m of rock under the seafloor and samples were collected.
These samples were taken from the ancient coal bed system that lies at this
depth, and later were analyzed. It should be also noted that this Japans
Chikyu ship has the ability to drill deep into the Earths crust.

India successfully launches communication satellite GSAT-16

Indias multi-band communication satellite GSAT-16 was successfully put on a
Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) by the European launcher Ariane 5
VA221, from the Kourou space port in French Guiana.
Earlier, due to bad weather, the launch of GSAT-16 was delayed by two days.

Key facts
It is indigenously developed by Indian Space Research Organisation
(ISRO) and has lift-off mass of 3,181 kg.
GSAT-16 is carrying C-band and Ku-band transponders in order to
further augment communication services across VSAT (very small aperture
terminal) services, TV services and emergency communications in India.
It is configured to carry a total of 48 communication transponders, the
largest number of transponders carried by a communication satellite developed
by ISRO the so far.
GSAT-16 with a designated on orbit operational life of 12 years will be the
18th satellite to be launched by Arianespace for ISRO.
It will replace INSAT-3E, which was decommissioned a little prematurely
in April, 2014.
Launch facts
After it was successfully placed in GTO, ISROs Master Control Facility (MCF) at
Hassan, Karnataka has taken control of GSAT-16 satellite.
Now, MCF will performs the initial orbit raising manoeuvres using the satellites
on-board Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) and finally placing it in the vicinity of
circular Geostationary Orbit.
After this, the deployment of appendages such as the solar panels, antennas
and three axis stabilisation of the satellite will be performed. It will be
positioned at 55 degree East longitude in the geostationary orbit and colocated with GSAT-8, IRNSS-1A and IRNSS-1B satellites.
Implications: GSAT-16 satellite will help to boost public and private TV and
radio services, large-scale Internet and telephone operations. It will help to
reduce ISROs capacity crunch of transponders as it has leased 95
transponders on foreign satellites mainly for the use of private TV broadcasters.

Rosetta missions Philae probe landed on Comet 67P

Rosetta mission of European Space Agency (ESA) has landed its Philae probe
on the surface of Comet 67P/ ChuryumovGerasimenko. Philae probe landing
on Comet 67P made a Space history, as for the first time probe has landed on a
comet.
The landing site of Philae probe has been named as Agilkia and is located on
the head of the bizarre double-lobed object of Comet. Name Agilkia was chosen
by ESA in honour of Agilkia Island, in a public contest.
Philaes mission:
Philaes mission is to transmit data about composition of the comet after
landing on its surface. It will provide elemental, isotopic, molecular and
mineralogical composition of the cometary material.
The lander is named after Philae Island in the Nile River, Egypt where an
obelisk (a tall, four-sided, narrow tapering monument) was found and used,
along with the Rosetta stone, to decipher Egyptian hieroglyphics.
About Spacecraft Rosetta and Comet 67P
67P was first discovered in 1969 by Soviet astronomers Ivanovych Churyumov
and Svetlana Ivanova Gerasimenko. It is also known as Comet Churyumov
Gerasimenko.
The spacecraft has been named after the Rosetta Stone, the discovery of which
in 1799 provided the key to translating Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs and
Demotic script into Ancient Greek (and thus any other language).
Mission
The 1 billion pound (1.58 billion US dollars) Rosetta mission blasted off from
Europes spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, in March 2004, for a long
journey involving loops around the Sun as it aimed to get onto the same orbit
as 67P.
Rosetta has traversed over 6 billion n km, passing by Earth three times, Mars
once, and flew by two asteroids, using the gravitational pull of those bodies to
change velocity and catch up with 67P.It had travelled through the Solar
System before reaching at orbit of Comet 67P on 6 th August 2014. The mission

aims to know mysteries of comets made from ancient material that predates
the origin of the solar system.

DRDO develops herbal drug Lukosin for Leucoderma

Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed herbal
drug Lukosin, for treatment of leucoderma (white patches on skin). This drug is
developed from medicinal plants. The scientists of Defence Bio-Energy
Research (DIBER), Haldwani in Uttarakhand, a laboratory of DRDO of the
Defence Ministry, have developed this drug. DIBER has transferred the
technology of the drug to AIMIL Pharmaceuticals India for its commercial
production and sale.
Leucoderma is generally considered an incurable disease, but Lukosin has
been extremely effective against it.
During the clinical trials, it has been proved that there are no side-effects to
persons consuming Lukoskin with dietary advice like avoiding acidic foods,
citrus fruits, non-vegetarian and fast foods, beverages like cold drinks,
detergents and soaps etc.
While success rate among women under the age of 40 years during clinical trial
was 81.25 per cent within 90 to 250 days of medication, it was 60 per cent
among women above 40 years of age. Maximum recovery was found among
women below 40 years.
About Leucoderma
Leukoderma is a cutaneous condition. It is an acquired condition with localized
loss of pigmentation of the skin that may occur after any number of
inflammatory skin conditions, burns, intralesional steroid injections,
postdermabrasion, etc.

ISRO to Launch GSLV MK III in December

On 30th October 2014, ISRO Chairman K Radhakrishnan announced that the

experimental mission of Geo-synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark
III (GSLV-MK III) will take place in the first half of December.
Date of the launch is not yet fixed because of the three reasons:

Preparedness of the vehicle.

Certain analysis and reconfirmation is yet to be done for the new vehicle.
Weather: from October middle to first week of December the weather
conditions are not good because of the cyclonic storms are so frequent.
About Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (GSLV Mark-III)

ISRO has developed the geo-synchronous satellite launch vehicle (GSLVMark I-III) with indigenous cryogenic engine

The main function of GSLV Mark-III is for Mid-Heavy Lift Launch

System.

Objective: To launch heavy satellites weighing more than two tonnes into
geostationary orbit 36,000 km above Earth.
It will allow India to become less dependent on foreign rockets for heavy
lifting.

GSLV Mark-III comprises of three stage vehicle with a first stage

consisting of two identical large solid boosters strapped onto the second liquid
stage. The third stage is a cryogenic stage.
ISROs flight development plans

First development flight (GSLV MK III D1) with an operational cryogenic

stage is planned in between 2016 to 2017.
Second development flight (GSLV Mk-III D2) is planned after one year of
GSLV Mk-III D1 flight in 2017 to 2018.
Successful flight development will help in Indias manned mission to
space.
The 630-tonne GSLV-MK III will carry a crew module of 3.65-tonne. ISRO
plans to send astronauts into space eventually.
SpaceX

Space Exploration Technologies Corporation, orSpaceX, is a space

transport services company that is headquartered in Hawthorne, California,
USA

It was founded in 2002 by formerPayPal entrepreneur and Tesla

Motors CEO Elon Musk.
The goal behind the setting up of SpaceX was to reduce space
transportation costs and enable thecolonization of Mars
SpaceX has developed two reusable launch vehicles: the Falcon 1 and
Falcon 9, apart from a spacecraft called Dragon
SpaceX is a holder of the following records:It was responsible for the first privately funded, liquid-fueled rocket to
reach orbit
It is the first privately funded company to successfully launch orbit and
recover a spacecraft
It is the first private company to send a spacecraft to the ISS
Is the first private company to send a satellite intogeosynchronous orbit

India successfully launches IRNSS 1C

IRNSS 1C, the next satellite in Indias IRNSS (Indian Regional Navigational
Satellite System) series, was launched successfully on October 16 by ISRO.
IRNSS 1C was launched on a PSLV C26 from Sriharikota. The satellite is
similar to, and follows the IRNSS 1A and 1B which were launched in April 2013
and July 2014 respectively.
Details of launch
The rocket lifted off at 1.32 am. The satellite weighed 1, 425.4 kg and was
successfully placed into a sub geosynchronous transfer orbit just 20 minutes
after the launch. This was the 7th time that ISRO used an XL version of the
PSLV rocket for its mission. The life of the satellite is estimated at 10 years.
IRNSS series
IRNSS is a navigation system that will cover India, and also extend 1,500 kms
from its boundaries. It will provide accurate position information to users in
India and will also be used for terrestrial and marine navigation, disaster
management, fleet management and for vehicle tracking. Basically it will
provide two kinds of services, Standard Positioning Services, which is available
to all users, and an encrypted service that is provided only to authorized users.
However, to be able to use the IRNSS satellites, ISRO will have to launch at
least four of the seven planned IRNSS satellites. The complete IRNSS system

will include three satellites in geostationary orbit and four satellites in

geosynchronous orbit at an altitude of 36,000 km above the Earth. The
deployment of all the satellites was expected to be completed by 2015 at a cost
of Rs. 1,420 cr.
IRNSS is similar to other satellite navigation service providers like USAs GPS
(Global Positioning System), Russias Glonass, Europes Galileo, Japans Quasi
Zenith and Chinas Beidou.
Applications of IRNSS

Terrestrial, Aerial and Marine Navigation

Disaster Management
Vehicle tracking and fleet management
Integration with mobile phones
Precise Timing
Mapping and Geodetic data capture
Terrestrial navigation aid for hikers and travellers
Visual and voice navigation for drivers

Government to complete Phase-III of Cable TV Digitization by 2015

The Government has modified the timeline for Cable TV Digitisation. As per the
new timeline, Phase III will be over by end of 2015 and Phase IV, a year later, by
end of 2016. In Phase III and IV, cable TV digitization will spread to the rural
areas. Phase I was digitization of metro cities, and Phase II was digitization of
cities with a population of more than 1 million people, Phase III covers all
urban areas and Phase IV covers the rest of India.
Task Force for Cable Digitization for Phases three and four
This task force was set up by the government to steer Phases III and IV. The
task force was set up to look into indigenous production of set top boxes
(STBs), interoperability between STB service providers and take efforts to
provide tax incentives to boost domestic manufacturing of STBs and enable
them to compete with foreign manufacturers. The Task Force will also consult
with representatives of all stakeholders, including the service providers and
consumers.

Mom Inserted Into Mars Orbit

The Mars Orbiter Mission(MOM), or Mangalyaan was successfully inserted into
Mars orbit on the 24th of September 2014 with the help of the Indian Space
Research Organisation (ISRO). This gives India the distinction of not only being
the first nation to send a satellite into Mars orbit in its first attempt, but also
the first Asian nation to successfully send a satellite to Mars. This combined
with the fact that MOM cost India only a tenth of what NASA incurred to insert
its satellite into Mars orbit, makes this achievement a source of great pride to
the nation.
Indias first interplanetary mission was launched from the Satish Dhawan
Space Centre, Sriharikota on a PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) on the
5th of November 2013. The satellite, weighing around 1,350 kg was on an
elliptical orbit around the Earth for a month before it set off towards Mars.
The objectives of the MOM are to study Mars surface features, mineral
compositions and atmospheric conditions using indigenously developed
instruments. The mission also serves to showcase Indias capabilities in
indigenously developing, planning and launching an interplanetary mission.
Apart from being a feat in itself, this latest milestone could help open up the
highly lucrative space technology market to India.

Grapheme-based flexible screen developed; paves way for foldable electronic

devices in future
Researchers at the Cavendish Laboratory of the Cambridge University for the
very first time have developed a grapheme-based flexible screen. The
advancement is important because it will lead to the development of nextgeneration high-tech wearable and foldable electronic devices in future.
Professor Andrea Ferrari, Director of the Cambridge Graphene Centre and
Plastic Logic demonstrated a flexible display incorporating graphene in its
pixels electronics.
Graphene-based flexible screen

The novel prototype is an effective matrix electrophoretic display, comparable to

the screens used in todays e-readers, excluding the fact that it is made of
flexible plastic as an alternative of glass. The pixel electronics, or backplane of
this display comprises a solution-processed graphene electrode, in contrast to
conventional displays. It will substitute the sputtered metal electrode layer
within Plastic Logics conventional devices, which will bring about the product
and method benefits.
The newfangled 150 pixel per inch backplane was prepared at low temperatures
(less than 100 degrees Celsius) by means of the Plastic Logics Organic Thin
Film Transistor (OTFT) technology. The prototype will quicken the commercial
development of grapheme and is being considered as the first step in the
direction of broader application of graphene and graphene-like materials into
flexible electronics. The ultra-flexible graphene layer will permit a extensive
range of products, involving foldable electronics.
About Graphene
Graphene is a 2D (two-dimensional) material comprising of sheets of carbon
atoms. It is amongst the strongest, most lightweight and flexible materials
identified, and has the capacity to revolutionize industries from healthcare to
electronics. Graphene is more elastic than usual ceramic substitutes like
Indium-Tin oxide (ITO) and more transparent than metal films. Graphene can
be processed from solution bringing characteristic benefits of using more
effective printed and roll-to-roll manufacturing methods. Andre Geim and
Konstantin Novoselov of Russia won the Nobel Prize 2010 for research on
graphene.

Ozone layer on road to recovery

Approximately 30 years after the protections of the Montreal Protocol were put
into action, theres more proof that the international contract to safeguard
Earths ozone layer is effective, as per a fresh by 300 scientists. The large
quantity of most ozone-depleting matters in the atmosphere have fallen since
the earlier assessment, in 2010, and Earths shielding ozone layer is displaying
signs of recovery, as per theAssessment for Decision-Makers,part of a larger
report to be released early next year.

The report is the most recent in a sequence delivered every four years by the
international scientific community, headed by the World Meteorological
Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP),
and co-sponsored by NOAA, the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA) and the European Commission. The Decision-makers
trust on these logical updates and have used them to increase protection of the
ozone layer, banning or restricting the use of ozone-depleting substances, for
example.
The stratospheric ozone layer, a fragile shield of gas, safeguards the Earth from
dangerous ultraviolet rays of the sun. Maximum ozone is located in the
stratosphere, far above Earth. The ozone layer acts as a safeguard, absorbing
Ultra-Violet (UV) radiation from the Sun and safeguarding Earths surface from
dangerous volumes of UV radiation. In the 1970s, NOAA researchers started to
identify that particular chemicals, including chemicals called Chloro-FluoroCarbons (CFCs) and Halons, used extensively in cooling and firefighting, could
reach the stratosphere and activate reactions that damages ozone. In 1985,
scientists noticed that a seasonal Ozone Hole was establishing in the
Antarctic spring, NOAA researchers performed a key role in showing that those
same chemicals were triggering the hole.
Because of the Montreal Protocol, several ozone-damaging chemicals have
been substituted by substances that dont destroy ozone. Nonetheless, certain
new chemicals, including the CFC-substitute Hydro-Fluoro-Carbons (HFCs),
are powerful greenhouse gases and could substantially lead to climate change
in the upcoming periods. Researchers from NOAAs Earth System Research
Laboratory play a significant part in this subject, testing offered new materials
to understand if they are harmless for the ozone layer, climate and the
environment.
Key findings:

Measures taken under the Montreal Protocol on substances that

deplete the Ozone Layer are assisting the restore of the ozone layer to
yardstick 1980 levels.

The climate benefits of the Montreal Protocol could be considerably

offset by projected emissions of HFCs (Hydro-Fluoro-Carbons) utilized to
substitute ozone depleting materials.

The yearly Antarctic ozone hole has triggered substantial changes in

Southern Hemisphere surface climate in the summer. Ozone reduction has
contributed to cooling of the lower stratosphere and this is very probable the
main reason of noticed changes in Southern Hemisphere summertime

circulation over of late decades, with linked effects on surface temperature,

precipitation, and the oceans.

In the Northern Hemisphere, where the ozone depletion is lesser,

there is no convincing link between stratospheric ozone depletion and
tropospheric climate.

CO2, Nitrous Oxide and Methane will have an growing influence on

the ozone layer.What happens to the ozone layer in the second half of the 21st
century will mostly be determined by the concentrations of CO2, methane and
nitrous oxide the 3 key long-lived greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. In
general, CO2 and methane lead to increase global ozone levels. By contrast,
nitrous oxide, a by-product of food production, is both a strong greenhouse gas
and an ozone depleting gas, and is expected to become more significant in
future ozone depletion.

Union Ministry of Science & Technology announces KIRAN scheme for Women
Scientists
The Union Ministry of Science & Technology also announced KIRAN
(Knowledge, Involvement, Research, Advancement through Nurturing) for
women scientists A unique advertising scheme to bring about, as far as
possible, gender equality in the field of science and technology.

Objectives:To increase the number of women researchers in India.

Provide Research grants particularly to those female researchers and
technologists who had to take a break in career owing to household reasons.
Bring about, as far as achievable, gender parity in the field of science
and technology.
The scholarships will be provided under three categoriesFor those women linked in research work in basic or applied sciences
with any central or state level organization or university
For those women scientists involved in research and application of
innovative solutions for several social problems
For those researchers who are self-employed.
Under the scheme, the Union Ministry of Science & Technology will build
leadership positions for women. Such a scheme would be beneficial for women
who face unavoidable interruptions in their careers owing to numerous
reasons.

Fresh choice of smugglers: R22-Ozone-depleting fridge gas

The Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) has warned its offices at
ports about smuggling of ozone-depleting materials as there has been a fresh
surge in efforts to unlawfully ship R-22 gas, which is used in refrigerants and
air-conditioners (ACs). The department of revenue intelligence has recognized
fresh ways of smuggling these items into the country viz. R-22 gas cylinders
were found to be hidden in shipments where the importer had stated
shipments of furniture, kitchen cabinets, photocopiers,fruits, etc.
R-22 gas (Chloro-di-fluoro-methane) is permitted to be imported in India
but is licensed. Given the rising market for fridges and air-conditioners, the
demand is greater than licensed supply.
In some nations, use of the R22 will will be banned by 2015, while
manufacturers were banded from using it in products launched after 2004. R22 has been predominantly phased out in new equipment in the US under
the Montreal Protocol, and has been substituted by other refrigerants with
lower ozone depletion ability such as Propane (R-290), Pentafluoroethane, R134a (1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane), and blended mixtures of HFCs such as R409A, R-410A, R-438A, and R-507A.
R22 (HCFC-22 or Chloro-di-fluoro-methane or di-fluoro-mono-chloromethane)

Better known as HCFC-22, or R-22

Other names: Di-fluoro-mono-chloro-methane, Mono-chloro-di-fluoromethane, HCFC-22, R-22, Genetron 22, Freon 22, Arcton 4, Arcton 22
A Hydro-Chloro-Fluoro-Carbon (HCFC)
Colorless gas
Mostly used as a propellant and refrigerant
Has Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) and High Global Warming
Potential (GWP) a powerful greenhouse gas with a GWP of 1810 (i.e. 1810
times as powerful as carbon dioxide).
Despite ODP and GWP, the worldwide use of R-22 continues to rise for its high
demand in developing nations.

Digital cloud for every Indian on anvil

PM Narendra Modis next giant drive to free up service delivery from the hold of
the lower bureaucracy will be in the form of a digital cloud for every Indian.
Now, Certificates issued by the Govt.: Education, residential, medical records,
birth certificates, etc. will be saved in separate digital lockers and a
communication protocol will be established for Govt Departments to access
them without actually having to see the hard copy.
The idea is very clear, it is not desired that copies of certificates issued by the
government itself to be carried everywhere by people to government offices for
several services, e.g. if a student is applying for a government college and has
studied in a government-aided school, his birth certificate, identity details and
educational certificates, school-leaving details, et al should be available to Govt.
institutes where he is applying. Likewise his medical records, etc.

Dot Bharat (.) domain lauched by Govt.

Union Government launched a new domain Dot Bharat (.) in Devanagari
script . Originally the domain will cover 8 languages like Hindi, Bodo, Dogri,
Konkani, Maithili, Marathi, Nepali and Sindhi.
These 8 languages are from the list of 22 languages that has been
contained in the Schedule-8 of the Constitution of India.

Objective of . domain:
To connect individuals with social media and deliver content in regional
languages, particularly to those who are not acquainted with English.
To deliver information to persons in their own regional languages which
will help in advancement of e-governance.
The domain was developed by the joint efforts of National Internet Exchange
of Indiaand CDAC (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing). Dot
Bharat (.) would substitute the normally used top domains like .com,
.in, .net, etc.
NASA to launch SMAP satellite in November 2014

American space agency NASA has planned to launch Soil Moisture Active
Passive (SMAP) satellite in November 2014. It is part of the first tier of
missions recommended for NASA by the Earth Science Decadal Survey.

Utility of SMAP
The satellite will gather the local data of agricultural and water managers that
are needed worldwide. SMAP uses two microwave instruments to monitor the
top 2 inches of soil on Earths surface. In sync, these instruments will generate
soil moisture estimates with a resolution of about 9 kilometers, mapping the
entire globe every 2-3 days.
SMAP surface measurements will be combined with hydrologic models to
conclude soil moisture situations in the root zone. These measurements will
allow science applications users to:
Comprehend processes that link the terrestrial water, energy, and carbon
cycles.
Evaluate global water and energy fluxes at the land surface.
Compute net carbon flux in boreal landscapes.
Improve weather and climate forecast skill.
Develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring competence

PM Modi emphasizes on Digital India

His idea of Digital India is not limited to just connectivity but also includes
domesticallymanufacturing electronic goods like televisions, mobile phones,
i-pads etc. which we import in large amount. If we move ahead with the dream
of digital India to manufacture electronic goods and become self reliant at
least there, it would be of great relief for the treasury. He said that the idea of
digital India should also be driven by e-governance which he called easy
governance, effective governance and also economic governance. Egovernance paves the way for good governance. He said that IT that has the
potential to connect each and every citizen of the country and we can realize
the motto of unity with the help of Digital India.
Study detects toxic pesticides major Tea brands in India
As per a study conducted by Greenpeace India, pesticides have been
detected in leading brands of tea sold in India, both national and

international. These include pesticides that the WHO has categorized as both
highly and moderately hazardous.
The NGO examined a sample of 49 branded packages of tea from eight of the
11 major tea producing companies in India and which also export tea. The
samples were taken from Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Bangalore, and sent to a
certified laboratory in Europe for testing.
It was found that DDT (Di-chloro Di-phenyl Tri-chloro ethane) was present
in almost 67% of the tea samples, even though it is no longer registered
for use in agriculture.
The tests also detected in several samples the presence of Monocrotophosa
pesticide that took the lives of 23 students in a Bihar school; it was present in
their meal. The Food and Agriculture Organization urged developing nations
todiscontinue its use after the incident.
Hazards of Pesticides:
The pesticides can cause both acute and chronic toxicity. Acute toxicity occurs
due to direct contact with the pesticides, and is seen in farmers and tea
cultivators who experience body ache, respiratory and skin problems. Chronic
toxicity occurs with exposure to low doses over a longperiod of time. Pesticides
consumed in this manner can be potentially carcinogenic, affect hormones as
well as the reproductive system.

CBI registers enquiry against Google for showing classified sites on its Maps
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a Preliminary
Enquiry againstGoogle on the basis of allegations made by Surveyor General
of India (SoI) Swarna Subba Rao who alleged that Google did not refrain from
mentioning classified sites despite being warned against it.
Google had not taken permission from SoI before organizing a mapping contest
in February-March 2013 in which they asked citizens to map their
neighborhoods, particularly details related to hospitals and restaurants.

According to the National Map Policy 2005, the responsibility for

producing, maintaining and disseminating the topographic map database
of the whole country, which is the foundation of all spatial data, vests
with the Survey of India.
There are allegations that Google India had launched a countrywide
competition and people might have passed on maps and other important
details of strategic installations located in other cities and states to the Internet
giant.
From the perspective of national security, civil and military Vital Areas, Vital
Points (VPs) cannot be displayed on the map/data published in public domain.

Reserve Bank issue draft guidelines for anytime anywhere Bharat Bill Payment
System
With a view to introduce an anytime anywhere payment system, the Reserve
Bank of India (RBI) issued draft guidelines for the implementation of Bharat
Bill Payment System (BPPS).
The draft mentions the requirements and the basic framework of operating the
BBPS, and stipulates the eligibility criteria, standards for settlement model and
customer grievance redressal, roles and responsibilities and scope for entities
seeking to be part of BBPS.
RBIs plan to implement an anytime anywhere centralized payment system is
based on a report submitted by the GIRO (Government Internal Revenue
Order) Advisory Group. GIRO Advisory Group (GAG) was constituted by the
RBI in October 2013, under the chairmanship of Prof. Umesh Bellur, Indian
Institute of Technology, Bombay to implement a national GIRO-based Indian
Bill Payment System.
The panel had recommended a mechanism for centralized bills payment system
in India, mainly by laying out 2 organizations:

Bharat Bill Payment Services (BBPS)

Bharat Bill Payment Operating Units (BBPOUs)

Bill Payments in India: Issues and challenges
What do Bill payments in India mainly comprise of?

Bill payments form a key portion of all retail payment transactions. Bills
include utility services such as school/university fees, examination fees,
Government payments, pre-paid payment instruments top-up, mobile phones
recharge/top-up etc.
How are Bill payments at present done in India?
Currently, customers make bill payments at Bill Owners Customer Point
(BOCP), cheque drop boxes, bank branches, agent outlets, and via electronic
modes. Options available include:

Direct payment to billers biller operated payment centres,

Internet Banking / Payment Gateway, ECS (Electronic Clearing Service).

Aggregators and Banks Internet Banking, Bill Presentments, Standing

Instructions.

Bill Pay Agents Collection Points, Business Correspondents.

What are the shortcomings observed in the present scenario of bill
collection/ payment process in India?

Absence of Interoperability- Limited or no interoperability, thus each

biller needs to establish and supervise its own collection points (BOCPs.

Consumer preference for BOCP- A consumer prefers that BOCP where

(s)he feels comfortable by a direct payment and an instant printed receipt
received for the payment. Due to lack of visibility consumer usually do not trust
agents networks.

Poor Accessibility- BOCPs are generally concentrated in urban centers

and are not easily accessible to people in rural/remote areas.

Lack of coordinated initiative- No industry-driven initiative as of yet to

develop a common interoperable system, which would bring about comfort of
payment to users and cost and functional efficiency to the Billers.

There is no common website from where all bills can be accessed and
smoothly paid .
Why there is a need for a national GIRO-based Indian Bill Payment
System?
Those people who have access to internet banking facility can pay their bills
online, however there are a huge number of consumers who dont have access
to internet banking and thus they cannot pay their bills online. Such
consumers have to physically go at different places to pay their different bills.
Albeit, the ECS (Electronic Clearing Service) debit volume is growing in India
at the rate of 5% per annum and in 2012-13 it was Rs 176.50 Million, but, still
this is very small when compared with total billing volume in largely populated

country like India. Most of the consumers in India still pay their bills by
physically visiting different customer outlets.
Therefore, there is a requirement for an interoperable, integrated bill payment
system in India which:Provides consumers a single point for their various bill payments
Near to place of work or residence
Enables payment of any bill at any place
Allow payments via any mode (cash, cheque, credit card, debit card,
prepaid payment instruments etc.)
Includes bank branches, post offices, business correspondents, retail
agents of aggregators, ATMs (Automated Teller Machine), etc.
Furnishes quick confirmation of payment made via SMS or a payment
receipt
Provides facility of payment of bills via internet banking (if possible a
single website), mobile banking and IVRS (Interactive Voice Response System)
Is efficient and cost effectual substitute to the present systems
Motivates billers to switch over to the new system
Sets up billing standards in India
Increases consumer trust and experience
Reduces the expenditure that billers incur on collection of bills at their
own collection centres
The above issues and challenges can be resolved if we have a centralized
infrastructure for bill payments in India which brings about interoperability
with an all India-standard.
What is the Model for pan-India centralised bill payment in India as
suggested by the Umesh Bellur headed GIRO Advisory Group?
The pan-India centralised bill payments infrastructure would have two types of
entities:

Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS)- Will set standards and conduct of
centralised payment, clearing and settlement process

Bharat Bill Payment Operating Units (BBPOUs)- Will act as operating

unit(s)
The model would thus be a 2-tier structure with a single standard setting
body (BBPS) with payment and settlement functionalities/responsibilities and
multiple operating entities (BBPOUs).
Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS)
A not-for-profit organization registered under the Companies Act 1956, like
NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India). It shall have a Steering Group

constituting of representatives from the participating BBPOUs and other stake

holders.The Roles and Responsibilities of BBPS include:
Setting Business standards and processes the BBPOUs, management of
dispute resolution, standards for information exchange.
Marketing and brand positioning of the pan-India Bharat Bill payments
system
Accomplishing payment, clearing and settlement of the transactions
executed at several BBPOUs
Act as final dispute resolution escalation point
Set up a single website on behalf of the brand for online payment of bills
Bharat Bill Payment Operating Units (BBPOUs)
A forprofit company registered under the Companies Act 1956 and has
obtained requisite certification from BBPS for participating in the the
centralised bill payments system.

Roles and Responsibilities of BBPOUs:Infrastructure development (including APIs as per standards set by
BBPS).
Transaction handling
Handling customer grievance / disputes at first place
Provide Value-added services
Ensure confidentiality and privacy standards are in place
Botnets a network of computers infected with malware, to set off
online scam and helped the hacking group identify more than 400,000
websites that were susceptible to cyber attacks.
Mangroves in Sunderbans losing capacity to soak up CO2: Research
As per a latest research financed by the Union government and headed by
noted marine scientist Abhijit Mitra, the Sunderbans huge mangrove forest
is rapidly losing its capacity to absorb carbon dioxide, one of the main
greenhouse gases, from the atmosphere due to increase in the salinity of water,
unchecked deforestation and pollution.
As per the study, the mangrove forest, marsh grass, phytoplanktons, molluscus
and other coastal vegetation in the largest delta on earth are the natural
absorbers of carbon dioxide (CO2). The locked carbon in the plants is known

as Blue Carbons. The absorption of CO2 is a process which plays a role in

reduction of the warming of the earth and other bad effects of climate change.
The study titled Blue Carbon Estimation in Coastal Zone of Eastern India
Sunderbans was submitted to the government in 2013. The researchers who
conducted the study expressed concerns, especially towards the central
Sunderbans, one of the three zones into which the forest was divided for the
study, the other two being western and eastern.
The situation, especially in the central part, is quite alarming. The capacity of
the mangrove forest, especially the Byne species, to absorb carbon dioxide has
declined significantly. This will affect the whole ecosystem of the area.
The study was focused mainly on the Byne species of mangrove. There are 34
other
species
of
mangroves
found
in
the
forest
including Keora and Genwa. The situation is worrying because less absorption
of CO2 from the atmosphere meant higher proportion of CO2 in the
atmosphere which traps heat.
The main causes of such an alarming situation in the Sunderbans, a UNESCO
world heritage site, are increased salinity in water and human activities like
shrimp farming, kiln industries and deforestation.

Sharp increase in the salinity of water in Matla River: The mangroves

thrive on fresh water, but due to lack of fresh water the height of mangroves
has reduced significantly, bringing down its capacity to absorb carbons. Due to
deposition of silt at the confluence of the Vidyadhari and Matla rivers, fresh
water is unable to enter the Matla river resulting into rise in its salinity.

Human incursion in these areas for activities like shrimp farming,

setting up of brick kiln industry and deforestation has added to the problem.

Science can now explain why suns atmosphere is hotter than its surface
Researchers have found substantial evidence to explain why the Suns outer
atmosphere is much hotter than its surface.
As per scientists, Nanoflares a continuous infusion of impulsive bursts of
heating, none of which can be individually detected is behind the production
of the extra heat.
The photosphere, the visible surface of the Sun, is around 6,000 Kelvins,
while the corona reaches temperatures which are 300 times more than the
photosphere.

NASAs EUNIS (Extreme Ultraviolet Normal Incidence Spectrograph) rocket,

equipped with a very sensitive spectrograph gathered information about the
Sun about how much material is present at a given temperature by recording
different wavelengths of light.
EUNIS flew up nearly 321 km above the ground aboard a sounding rocket and
gathered about collected observations from above the planets air.
It scanned a region on the Sun known to be magnetically complex, also
termed active region, which can often be the source of larger flares and
coronal mass ejections.
Several theories have been offered for how the magnetic energy coursing
through the corona is converted into the heat that raises the temperature.
The EUNIS spectrograph was tuned into a range of wavelengths useful for
locating material at temperatures of 10 million Kelvin temperatures that are a
key characteristic of nanoflares.
Scientists have conjectured that infinite number of nanoflares could heat up
solar material in the atmosphere to temperatures of up to 10 million Kelvins.
This material would cool very rapidly, producing ample solar material at the 1
to 3 million degrees regularly seen in the corona. However, the faint presence of
that extremely hot material should remain.
The EUNIS team studied the data from the rocket and found a wavelength of
light indicating presence of 10 million degree material.