Rajya Sabha TV – Science Monitor (22 Nov 2014)

Weekly update on all the happening in Science & Technology, in and around the nation;

Headlines

1. 41^st Jawaharlal Nehru Science Exhibition (JNNSME) concluded in Chandigarh

Science, Mathematics & Environment Exhibition for the children – organized by NCERT– objective to promote interest towards science among the young children; Central Theme: Scientific and Mathematical innovations; Four sub-themes: Agriculture, Energy, Health, Environment & Resources; started by NCERT in 1971 as National Science Exhibition for Children; 1979 at Mumbai (first Exhibition outside Delhi)

2. Student develops new technology to search objects in deep water;

Drowned Article searcher (by Tripura student) a major attraction at the exhibition – helps in search and retrieval of lost objects in deep water – also works in muddy water, tanks & ponds;

3. The “Krishi Shakthi” Tractor developed by CSIR launched (CSIR-CMERI, Durgapur);

Smaller version of tractor – a compact & easily maneuverable tractor; Aims to promote agriculture and facilitate farming; Developed specially for farmers with small farming lands – design based on available diesel engine & tractor parts;

4. Researchers discovered first nesting site of white bellied Herons (Ardea insignis) in India;

Extremely rare White bellied Herons - IUCN declared these birds as Critically endangered species (out of 250 birds left in the world, 50 are in India) – Nesting site (Nest 80m above ground – refer: Canopy dwellers) near Namdapha National Park – by ZSI; Habitat: Wet land – feed on fishes of clear fast flowing rivers;

5. Need of Energy Efficient Green Buildings (IN FOCUS)

21^st century needless to say, its characterized by Socio-economic  revolution bought about by the novel technologies and new materials; perpetually  evolving technologies – acted as a channel for economic growth – crucially influencing & transforming people’s life;

Green building refers to environment friendly structure – should be enviromentaly responsible & resource-efficient - green construction or sustainable building; Buildings are the consumers of 40% of the world’s energy; Efficiently uses Energy, Water, and other resources; Provides healthier spaces for occupants; Improves employee productivity;

Energy efficient Green building – focus on 4 areas

-          Reduces waste, pollution and environmental degradation.

-          Conservation of water & judicious use of energy

-          Conserve Natural resources;

Confederation Indian Industries – 2001  - formed IGBC (Indian Green Building Council) – aims to promote eco-friendly &Energy efficient Green building concept in the country; Recently opened Indira Pariyavaran Bhavan – located in New Delhi – project of MoEFCC – office building; Features: Earthquake resistant, Solar Passive design & Energy Efficient material, Shelled beam system of Air-conditioning, sewage treatment plants, rain water harvesting;

6. History of Science
1. The Origin of Species by means of Natural Selection was published on 24 Nov 1859 – Groundbreaking scientific work by British Naturalist Charles Darwin – established that organisms evolve through Natural Selection Process;
2. Debendra Mohan Bose – Born on 26 Nov, 1885 – Studied Cosmic rays using Photographic emulsion technique and for the use of compound chamber; Longest serving director of Bose Institute, Kolkata;
3.  Sir Charles Scott Sherringtom – born on 27 Nov 1857 – English physiologist and Nobel laureate – Nobel prize 1932 for his work on Neurons (He coined the term);
4. First Pulsar was observed in the Space on 28 Nov1967 – was observed by Jocely bell burnell at MRA Observatory; Pulsar looked like fast rotating neutron star in the sky;
7. S & T activities across India & Abroad – Science Express Segment
1. Obama – US – contribute - $3 Bn fund to GCF – announced at the opening of G20 Summit;
2. World Bank approved – fund $285 Mn to tackle Ebola case – 3 west African countries - Guinea, Liberia & Seirre Leone;
3. Strict measure in India to prevent Ebola outbreak;
4. Indo-US S&T  Joint Commission  - Nov 2014 – New Delhi – Cooperation in Global Health Security and Environment Monitoring;
5. IAMAL + IMRB – second largest Internet Market in India;

Watch it here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwTZ32S7AjI&list=PLVOgwA_DiGzpd3_Iz7J-81Vh4QqU-ZGA9&index=15