A Novel Superabsorbent Hydrogels”technology

Agreement for Commercializing Novel Superabsorbent Hydrogels Technology Signed

National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) an enterprise under the Department of Scientific & Industrial Research, Ministry of Science & Technology, Govt. of India and M/s Reliance Industries Limited, Mumbai executed an agreement for commercialization of “A Novel Superabsorbent Hydrogels”technology.  This involves a novel hydrophilic super absorbent polymer indigenously developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi to meet the requirements of water productivity in Agriculture. The scientists had successfully demonstrated the potential of resolving the problem of poor water use efficiency in agricultural crops. Besides, improved nutrient use efficiency, an array of other benefits have been achieved by using this product.             NRDC is about to execute another agreement with a Chennai based company for the transfer of the same technology. NRDC has already executed agreements with five companies.             Hydrogel absorbs a minimum of 350 times its weight of pure water at 500C. It exhibits absorbency at high temperatures suitable for semi-arid and arid regions. Besides, low rate of application it also improves physical properties of soil such as porosity, aggregate stability and hydraulic conductivity. Key Characteristics: ·        Less affected by the presence of salts in its immediate environment ·        Improves physical properties of soils and the soil less media ·        Improves seed germination and the rate of seedling emergence ·        Improves root growth and density ·        Helps plants withstand prolonged moisture stress ·        Reduces nursery establishment period ·        Reduces irrigation and fertilization requirements of crops with improved input use efficiency No undesirable effect on the crops raised in the fields treated with hydrogel has ever been observed or reported by the experimenters or the end users, the farmers

A S Kiran Kumar takes over as Secretary, Department of Space, Chairman, Space Commission and Chairman, ISRO

Mr A S Kiran Kumar, Distinguished Scientist (Apex) and Director, Space Applications Centre, Ahmedabad, assumed the office of the Secretary, Department of Space, Chairman, Space Commission and Chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) today (January 14, 2015). Mr Kiran Kumar is a highly accomplished space scientist and engineer with a distinguished career spanning over four decades in ISRO in the satellite payload and applications domains. He has made immense contributions to the design and development of Electro-Optical Imaging Sensors for Airborne, Low Earth Orbit and Geostationary Orbit satellites starting from Bhaskara TV payload to the latest Mars Colour Camera, Thermal Infrared Imaging Spectrometer and Methane Sensor for Mars instruments of India’s Mars Orbiter Spacecraft, which has successfully completed one hundred days in Mars Orbit recently. Mr Kiran Kumar was instrumental in evolving the successful strategy for steering the Mars Orbiter Spacecraft towards planet Mars as well as its Mars Orbit Insertion. He has also made significant contributions for evolving the observation strategy encompassing land, ocean, atmospheric and planetary studies. Mr Alur Seelin Kiran Kumar is an alumnus of National College, the esteemed educational institution of Bangalore. He obtained his Physics (Honours) Degree from Bangalore University in 1971 and later obtained his Master’s degree in Electronics from the same university in 1973, and thereafter his M.Tech Degree in Physical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore in 1975. Mr Kiran Kumar began his career in ISRO by joining Space Applications Centre (SAC) in 1975. Later, he became its Associate Director and in March 2012 took over as the Director of SAC. At SAC, Mr Kiran Kumar has been steering the design, development & realisation of payloads and application activities of earth observation, communication, navigation, space science and planetary exploration. Mr Kiran Kumar is a recipient of many national and international laurels/awards including the Padma Shri Award conferred by the President of India in 2014, International Academy of Astronautics’ Laurels for Team Achievement Award for Cartosat in 2008 and for Chandrayaan-1 in 2013, Indian Society of Remote Sensing (ISRS) Award for the year 1994, VASVIK award (Electronic sciences and technology) for the year 1998, Astronautical Society of India Award (Space Sciences and Applications) for the year 2001, ISRO individual Service Award 2006, Bhaskara Award of ISRS in 2007 and ISRO Performance Excellence Award 2008. He is a Fellow of professional institutions like Indian National Academy of Engineering, Indian Society of Remote Sensing, Institution of Electronics & Telecommunication Engineer, and Indian Meteorological Society. Besides, he is a member of the International Academy of Astronautics. Mr Kiran Kumar has represented ISRO in international forums like World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) and Indo-US Joint Working Group on Civil Space Cooperation.

New plan schemes of ‘PRASAD’ and ‘Integrated Development of Tourist Circuits’

National Steering Committee for new plan schemes of ‘PRASAD’ and ‘Integrated Development of Tourist Circuits’ holds its first meeting Tourism Minister emphasizes synergy among stakeholders for speedy implementation of schemes

The first meeting of National Steering Committee for new plan schemes of PRASAD and Integrated Development of Tourist Circuits of Ministry of Tourism was held in New Delhi today. The meeting was chaired by the Minister of State for Culture (Independent Charge), Tourism (Independent Charge) and Civil Aviation, Dr. Mahesh Sharma. The meeting was attended by the representatives of various ministries like M/o Railways, M/o Water Resources, M/o Rural Development, M/o Urban Development, M/o Power, M/o Transport and Highways and Culture Ministry among others. The various stakeholders gave details of some of the projects to promote Tourism being implemented by them and how they can be dovetailed with PRASAD as well as scheme of Development of Tourist Circuits. Addressing the participants, the Minister emphasized the need for inter-ministerial cooperation and coordination to create proper synergy for the success of the schemes. Dr. Mahesh Sharma said that there is a need to promote rural tourism since even urban India is not familiar with the rural life. Apart from this, India has rich resources like rivers which can be beneficial for developing Cruise Tourism which is nonexistent in the country at present, he said. Suggesting the need for speedy implementation of PRASAD and Development of Integrated Circuits, the Minister said that there should be no delay in implementing those portions of the scheme which are within the ambit of the Central Government. He also urged the officials to launch within a week the projects already identified and in which a substantial ground work has already been done. The representatives of various ministries promised to send their proposals as discussed in the meeting in writing to the Ministry of Tourism. They suggested that there is not only a need to focus on infrastructure but emphasis should also be placed on soft skills like training of guides and generating livelihood and employment among local communities. Secretary(Culture), Mr Ravindra Singh pointed out that the locations for the Buddhist circuit must be finalized quickly and the Banaras circuit , which will form a good project to be taken up under the scheme, should also be developed. Secretary (Tourism), Dr Lalit Panwar highlighted the importance of Cruise Tourism saying that it comprises a negligible percentage of total tourism in the country and has a great potential.

Burning of cow dung cakes near Taj Mahal banned

Amid concerns over Taj Mahal turning yellow due to increasing pollution, the district administration has banned burning of cow dung cakes in the city while use of coal by small units will also be prohibited soon.

“A recent study published in an American journal says that due to brown and black carbon particles, the white marble of the Taj Mahal is turning yellow. Taking note of this, we have banned burning of cow dung cakes, used for cooking purposes in the city,” said Pradeep Bhatnagar, Agra Divisional Commissioner, who is also Taj Trapezium Zone Chairman.

While cow dung cakes are being used as fuel by poor people, coal is being used in large quantity mainly by manufacturers of bangles and “petha” sweet.

A large number of small units making “petha” operate in Agra, while bangle-making factories thrive in the outskirts of Agra and also neighbouring Firozabad.

Vehicular pollution

The other major concern is use of over 4,000 diesel-run trucks and tempos that have been told to switch to CNG by mid-2015. Black carbon soot generated by use of cow dung, coal and vehicular pollution is said to be the main cause behind major pollution in Agra that has started showing its impact on the “monument of love” – Taj Mahal – that is visited by lakhs of domestic and foreign tourists round the year.

“Carbon particles that get deposited on Taj Mahal do not easily get washed away in rain... It is difficult to erect scaffolds around the Taj Mahal to treat the monument chemically. Therefore, there is no other option but to take these important initiatives,” Mr. Bhatnagar noted.

The Agra Nagar Nigam has been asked to severely penalise those who flout the ban aimed at protecting the UNESCO World Heritage site. The government is also planning a special drive to distribute LPG connections to the poor who will be affected by the ban.

In its recent report, experts from two U.S. institutions – Georgia Institute of Technology and University of Wisconsin – besides the Indian Institute of Technology-Kanpur and the Archaeological Survey of India have raised concerns over pollution affecting the Taj Mahal. Even the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment and Forests took cognisance of the report last week and decided to take up damage-control work on priority basis.

Government appoints Alur Seelin Kiran Kumar as ISRO chairman

Alur Seelin Kiran Kumar has been appointed chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

His name was cleared by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He will replace former ISRO chairman K Radhakrishnan who had retired on 31 December 2014. He will have tenure of 3 years from the date he take charge.

Previously, Shailesh Nayak, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, was given additional charge of ISRO till the appointment of a new head following the retirement of K Radhakrishnan.

About Alur Seelin Kiran Kumar

• Education: He has an honours degree in Physics from National College, Bangalore University and an M Tech in Physical Engineering from Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore.
• ISRO career: In 1975, he started his ISRO career with the Space Application Centre.
• He had played a key role in developing image sensors for Bhaskara- India’s first remote sensing satellite launched in 1979.
• He also had played important role in developing key components of India’s Chandrayaan-1 and Mangalyaan missions.
• Before this appointment, he was director of Space Application Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad.
• Awards: In 2014, he was awarded Padma Shri.

Kamal Kishore Goyanka selected for Vyas Samman 2014

Well-known Hindi scholar and writer Dr Kamal Kishore Goyankahas been selected for the prestigious Vyas Samman for the year 2014.

He has been chosen for this award for his research work‘Premchand Kee Kahaniyo Kaa Kaalkramanusar Adhyayan’.

Vyas Samman

• This award is instituted by the K.K. Birla Foundation. It was started in 1991.
•  It is awarded annually in recognition of the hindi literary work published in past 10 years.
• The award carries monetary award of 2.5 lakh rupees, a citation and a plaque.

Railway Ministry flagged off India’s first CNG train in Haryana

Railway Ministry has flagged off India’s first compressed natural gas (CNG) powered train between Rewari and Rohtak in Haryana.
It was flagged off by Union Minister for Railways Suresh Prabhu at Rewari junction of the Northern Railway zone.
Some facts about CNG train
It is powered by Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU). It is based on dual fuel system- diesel and CNG.
This train is integrated with 1,400 HP engine to run on dual fuel through fumigation technology.
It is capable of running at a speed of 100 km per hour.
Train comprised of two power cars and six car coaches, manufactured by Integral Coach Factory at Chennai with the CNG conversion kit supplied by Cummins.
Its successful implementation, marks a major landmark in adoption of green fuel by Indian Railways.
Implications:
It will reduce greenhouse gas emissions of Railways and also the consumption of diesel. Thus, contributing in environment conservation.
It will help to reduce the operating cost of locomotives by over 50% compared to conventional trains powered by diesel and electricity.