Newz For Today

Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, launched the official website for the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav , a significant event celebrating the cultural and economic heritage of Northeast India. The launch took place at Sanchar Bhawan, New Delhi, marking a step towards promoting the region's potential nationally and globally. Scheduled from December 6-8, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav highlights the eight Northeastern states Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura known collectively as the "Ashtalakshmi," symbolizing eight forms of prosperity. The newly launched website, www.ashtalakshmimahotsav.com , will provide event details, updates, and participation guidelines. In his address, Shri Scindia emphasized the festival's role in bridging cultural and economic divides, fostering new opportunities for artisans, ...

On September 13, 2024, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the preliminary automotive trials of the Indian light tank, Zorawar. This versatile tank, designed for high-altitude deployment, showcased exceptional performance in desert terrain trials, meeting all intended objectives, including precise firing accuracy on designated targets. Zorawar was developed by DRDO’s Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE) in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro Ltd. The project also highlighted the involvement of numerous Indian industries, including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), showcasing India's growing strength in indigenous defence manufacturing. Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh praised DRDO, the Indian Army, and industry partners for this achievement, calling it a major step toward India's self-reliance in critical defence technologies. DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V Kamat also congratulated the team, celeb...

LuLu Group International, a major retail chain in the Middle East and Asia, has partnered with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) to showcase certified Indian organic products across its stores in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on September 10, 2024, in Mumbai, marks a significant boost for Indian organic farmers looking to reach global markets. In the presence of His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, the agreement was designed to strengthen the link between Indian organic producers and international consumers. LuLu Group will offer dedicated shelf space for Indian organic products, certified under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), across its hypermarkets in the UAE. APEDA will play a key role in facilitating connections between organic farmers, including Farmer Producer Organizations (FPO...

A groundbreaking technique for enhancing the performance of MOF-based supercapacitors has emerged through the use of controlled laser irradiation to introduce defects. This innovative method, developed by scientists at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) in Mohali, represents a significant advancement in energy storage technology. Traditionally, methods such as thermal annealing, chemical exposure, high-energy ball milling, e-beam, and chemical vapor deposition have been employed to create defects in materials. However, these approaches often lack the precision required to control the extent of defects effectively. The new laser-based technique offers a solution by enabling fine-tuned regulation of defects and porosity in Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) without altering their fundamental structure. Prof. Vivek Bagchi and his team at INST have demonstrated that by carefully adjusting the laser power, they can introduce controlled defects and increase the surface area and...

A recent study has unveiled a surprising phenomenon in magnetic materials that resembles the well-known Mpemba effect previously observed in liquids. This effect, which is named after Erasto Mpemba who rediscovered it in the 1960s, describes how a hotter liquid can sometimes cool or freeze faster than a colder one under certain conditions. Historically attributed to Aristotle, this paradoxical behavior has now been identified in the realm of magnetism. The study focuses on the transition of materials from a paramagnetic phase to a ferromagnetic phase. In a paramagnetic state, materials exhibit a weak, temporary attraction to magnetic fields due to randomly aligned atomic magnets. In contrast, a ferromagnetic phase is characterized by a strong, permanent attraction due to the ordered alignment of atomic magnets, resulting in a net magnetization. Researchers from the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) have found that hotter paramagnets, contrary to expectat...

Today, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, and Panchayati Raj, launched the "Amrit Catla," a genetically enhanced variety of Catla (Labeo catla), at the ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA) in Bhubaneswar. This development marks a major milestone in freshwater aquaculture, reflecting a significant effort to improve fish seed quality for India's growing fish farming community. The National Freshwater Fish Brood Bank (NFFBB) of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) will handle the distribution of Amrit Catla, ensuring its availability to farmers across the country. The journey to develop Amrit Catla began in 2010 with ICAR-CIFA’s selective breeding program aimed at enhancing the body weight of Catla at harvest. The program involved collecting nine strains of Catla from various states including West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. These strains served as the foundati...

Today, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, also known as Lalan Singh, unveiled the "Rangeen Machhli" mobile app at the ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA) in Bhubaneswar. Developed with support from the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), this app aims to cater to the growing demands of the ornamental fisheries sector, providing essential resources for hobbyists, aquarium shop owners, and fish farmers. The launch event was also attended by Shri George Kurian, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, along with other senior officials. In his address, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh emphasized the increasing significance of the ornamental fisheries sector, highlighting the Ministry’s commitment to its development. He noted the sector’s potential to generate employment and contribute to the economy, and advocated for a broader promotion of aquarium hobbies across the country. Th...

Today, the Indian Army contingent departed for Oman to participate in the 5th edition of the India-Oman Joint Military Exercise AL NAJAH, scheduled to take place from September 13 to 26, 2024, at the Rabkoot Training Area in Salalah, Oman. Held biennially since 2015, this exercise alternates between the two nations, with the last edition taking place in Mahajan, Rajasthan. The Indian contingent, consisting of 60 personnel, is represented by a Battalion from the Mechanised Infantry Regiment, alongside members from other arms and services. Similarly, the Royal Army of Oman will also field 60 personnel, represented by troops from the Frontier Force. The primary objective of Exercise AL NAJAH V is to enhance the joint military capabilities of both nations in executing counter-terrorism operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. The exercise will specifically focus on operations in a desert environment, offering valuable experience in this challenging terrain. Key tactical ...

 On September 12, 2024, at approximately 3:00 PM, the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy successfully conducted a critical flight test of the Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha. The missile, launched from a land-based vertical launcher, was tasked with intercepting a high-speed aerial target flying at a low altitude, which it successfully tracked and engaged, demonstrating the system’s precision and reliability. This flight test was conducted to validate several key upgrades to the missile system, including enhancements to the Proximity Fuse and Seeker. The performance of the VL-SRSAM was closely monitored through a range of advanced instruments, including radar, electro-optical tracking systems, and telemetry equipment stationed at ITR Chandipur. The test not only confirmed the accuracy of these updates but also reinforced the system’s overall combat readiness...

The Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI), a leading institution under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), has taken a significant step forward in advancing footwear design and development in India by aligning itself with global standards. In a strategic move, FDDI signed four separate Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with prominent academic institutions: Tamil Nadu Physical and Sports University, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Woxsen University, and Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT). The signing took place during a ceremony at Udyog Bhawan, marking a new era of collaboration in research, education, and innovation. In his welcome address, FDDI Managing Director Dr. Sumeet Jarangal emphasized that this pioneering initiative, centered on collaborative research, will greatly benefit stakeholders, including students, faculty, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals, especially within the footwear and leather sectors. ...

India Sets Ambitious Green Hydrogen Goals at International Conference Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the second edition of the International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH-2024) via video message, reinforcing India’s commitment to combating climate change and positioning green hydrogen as a pivotal element in the global energy transition. India’s Green Hydrogen Vision Prime Minister Modi emphasized India's dedication to a greener planet, highlighting the country's early achievement of its Paris Agreement goals. He underscored the potential of green hydrogen to decarbonize challenging sectors such as refineries, fertilizers, steel, and heavy-duty transportation. Modi outlined the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), launched in 2023, as a cornerstone of this vision, aimed at driving innovation, infrastructure development, industry growth, and attracting significant investment in green hydrogen. Strategic Investments and Job Creation Shri Prahlad Venkatesh J...

NHA and IIT Kanpur Forge Groundbreaking AI Partnership for Health Research In a significant stride towards enhancing healthcare through technology, the National Health Authority (NHA) and IIT Kanpur have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop an innovative platform under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). This partnership is set to revolutionize the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in health research, aiming to improve health outcomes through a state-of-the-art data and AI benchmarking system. Key Elements of the MoU The agreement, signed by Ms. L. S. Changsan, Additional Secretary, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare & CEO of NHA, and Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, will see the development of several pivotal components: Federated Learning Platform : A platform for collaborative machine learning model pipelines. Quality-Preserving Database : A robust database ensuring high-quality data for research. Open Benchmarking Platform : A ...

Shri Piyush Goyal Calls for Global Coalition Against Terrorism at US-India Business Council’s AGM In a powerful keynote address at the US-India Business Council’s (USIBC) 49th Annual General Meeting in New Delhi, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, highlighted the critical collaboration between India and the United States to advance self-reliance in critical minerals, strengthen supply chains, and adopt cutting-edge technologies. Emphasizing the Fight Against Terrorism On the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center, Shri Goyal paid tribute to the victims and used the occasion to underscore the ongoing global threat of terrorism. He reflected on how the tragedy of 9/11 serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by terrorism and the need for a unified global response. India, he noted, has long been a victim of terrorism originating from across its borders and has endured numerous acts of violence and propaganda. Shri Goyal called for a str...

Expansion of Ayushman Bharat Scheme: 4.5 Crore Families to Benefit In a major boost to public health coverage, the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a significant expansion of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). This enhancement will extend health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of income, marking a substantial increase in the scheme's reach and impact. Key Details of the Expansion Coverage and Benefits : Approximately 4.5 crore families and 6 crore senior citizens will now be covered under the scheme. Each eligible senior citizen will receive a health insurance cover of up to ₹5 lakh per year. Those from families already covered under AB PM-JAY will receive an additional top-up of ₹5 lakh per year specifically for their healthcare needs, without affecting the coverage for other family members below 70 years of age. New Enrollment : Eligible senior citizens will receive a new, distinct ...

Government Approves ₹12,461 Crore Scheme to Boost Hydro Electric Projects In a significant move to accelerate the development of hydroelectric power in India, the Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved an extensive modification to the scheme for budgetary support for enabling infrastructure for hydroelectric projects (HEPs). With a total outlay of ₹12,461 crore, this revamped scheme is set to be implemented from FY 2024-25 to FY 2031-32. Key Enhancements to the Scheme The revised scheme aims to address key challenges in hydro power development, such as the rugged terrain and remote locations often associated with hydro projects. Here’s how the scheme has been enhanced: Expanded Scope of Support : In addition to the construction of roads and bridges, the scheme now includes support for: Transmission Lines : From powerhouses to the nearest pooling points, including upgrades to pooling substations. Ropeways : To facilitate transport in difficult ...

Rollout of Over 38,000 E-Buses: A Major Step Toward a Greener India In a landmark move towards sustainable urban transport and a cleaner environment, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the PM-eBus Sewa-Payment Security Mechanism (PSM) scheme . This initiative, with an outlay of Rs. 3,435 crore, aims to deploy over 38,000 electric buses (e-buses) across India from FY 2024-25 to FY 2028-29, marking a crucial milestone in the country’s journey toward Atmanirbhar Bharat. A Cleaner, Greener Future The introduction of these Made-in-India e-buses is set to revolutionize public transport by replacing polluting diesel and CNG-powered buses with environmentally friendly alternatives. E-buses produce zero tailpipe emissions and have lower operational costs, making them an ideal solution for reducing the carbon footprint in cities and improving air quality. This transition will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and curb the country’s dependence on ...

Mission Mausam: Strengthening India's Resilience to Extreme Weather and Climate Change India is taking a major leap forward in its fight against extreme weather events and the growing impacts of climate change with the launch of Mission Mausam . Approved by the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this transformative initiative is set to be a game-changer in how the country approaches weather forecasting, climate research, and disaster preparedness. With a significant investment of Rs. 2,000 crore over two years , Mission Mausam will be implemented by the Ministry of Earth Sciences and aims to revolutionize India's capacity to predict, manage, and mitigate the effects of extreme weather. This initiative will benefit various sectors, including agriculture, disaster management, health, energy, and transportation. Cutting-Edge Technology for Precise Weather Forecasting At the heart of Mission Mausam is the integration of next-generation radars, advanced satelli...

On September 9, 2024, the Indian Navy marked a significant milestone in its defense capabilities with the launch of Malpe and Mulki , the fourth and fifth ships of the Eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) project. Built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd. (CSL) in Kochi, the ships were launched in a traditional maritime ceremony by Mrs. Vijaya Srinivas, with Vice Admiral V. Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command, also in attendance. The Mahe class ASW Shallow Water Crafts, named after strategically important ports along India’s coastline, aim to uphold the rich legacy of their namesake minesweepers. These vessels are critical in bolstering India’s naval defense and ensuring maritime security in coastal waters. The project to build eight of these crafts was green-lit by the Ministry of Defence in 2019, further boosting India's indigenous shipbuilding capabilities. Fitted with cutting-edge, locally developed underwater sensors, the Mahe ...

INST Researchers Develop Innovative, Low-Cost Method to Remove Toxic Chromium from Industrial Wastewater Researchers at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) in Mohali have pioneered a cost-effective and environmentally friendly method to remove toxic hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) from industrial wastewater. This innovative approach, which leverages sunlight as a catalyst combined with cutting-edge microfluidic technology, offers a promising solution for industries such as leather tanning and electroplating. Hexavalent chromium is notorious for its toxicity, posing significant health risks if present in drinking water. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the safe concentration limits for Cr(VI) and trivalent chromium (Cr(III)) in drinking water are 0.05 mg/L and 5 mg/L, respectively. The challenge of reducing Cr(VI) to its less harmful trivalent form has prompted the development of various methods, including ion exchange, adsorption, and chemical reduction. H...