november compilation 2016 -...

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9947618139

NEO IAS Science and Technology/General Science Current Affairs Prelims 2017

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CONTENTS

A. SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 1. SPACE

1.1 PSYCHE……………………………………………………..………………………. 2

1.2 MAGNETOSPHERIC MULTISCALE MISSION (MMS)…………………………. 2-3

1.3 JAMES WEB TELESCOPE………………….. ………………………………………..…... 3-4

1.4 GJ536b……………………………………………………..………………………… 4

1.5 BIO-INDICATOR LIDAR INSTRUMENT (BILI)………………………………………… 4-5

1.6 ELECTROMAGNETIC (EM) DRIVE……………………..…………………………… 4

2. DEFENCE

2.1 UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES (UAVs)………………………………………. 6

2.2 LANDING CRAFT UTILITY (LCU)………………………………………………. 6-7

2.3 AGNI-1 MISSILE………………………………………………………………………...… 7-8

2.4 INS CHENNAI……………………..………………………………………..……… 8-9

2.5 PRITHVI-II MISSILE……………………..………………………………………… 9

2.6 SONARS……………………..………………………………………….…………… 9-10

2.7 RUSTUM-II/TAPAS 201……………………………………………………………… 10

2.8 HAND-IN-HAND 2016……………………………………..………………………… 11-12

2.9 SAMPRITI 2016…………………………………………....………………………… 12

2.10 SURYA KIRAN-X……………………………………...…..………………………… 13

2.11 MITRA SHAKTI 2016……………………..…………………….…………………… 13-14

3. BIOTECHNOLOGY 3.1 HALOPHYTES.……………………………..……………………………………………… 14

3.2 YAMANAKA GENES........................................................................................................... 15

4. ROBOTICS

4.1 ROBOT LAKSHMI ……………………..………………………………..……………… 15-16

5. NUCLEAR RESEARCH

5.1 MULTIPURPOSE FAST RESEARCH REACTOR (MBIR) ……………………… 16-17

5.2 CERN……………………..……………………………………………….………… 17-18

6. NANO TECHNOLOGY

6.1 NANOGENERATOR……………………..………………………………..………. 18-19

B. GENERAL SCIENCE 1.1 MCR-1 GENE ……………………..…………………………………………..…………… 19

C. OTHER CURRENT AFFAIRS 1.1 LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS BUS ……………………..………………………… 19-20

1.2 CORADIA ILINT/HYDRAIL……………………..………...……………………… 20

1.3 E-PAPER ……………………..……………………………………………...……… 20-21

1.4 CENTRAL LEATHER RESERCH INSTITUTE (CLRI) ………………………..… 21-22



A. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. SPACE

1.1 PSYCHE Scientists have detected the presence of water on Psyche, the largest metallic asteroid in our solar system and the target of a proposed NASA mission.

1.2 MAGNETOSPHERIC MULTISCALE MISSION (MMS) NASA’s Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission (MMS) has set the Guinness World Record for highest altitude fix of a GPS signal-at 70,000 kilometres above the surface of the Earth.

PSYCHE What It is the largest metallic asteroid in our solar system.

About it Psyche is about 300 kilometre across and is made of almost pure nickel-iron metal.

It is located in the asteroid belt. It is thought to be the remnant core of a budding planet

that was mostly destroyed by impacts billions of years ago.

About study Previous observations of Psyche had shown no evidence of water-rich minerals on its surface. However, new observations from the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility in Hawaii show evidence of water or hydroxyl on its surface.

While the source of these molecules on Psyche remains a mystery, scientists propose a few possible mechanisms for its formation.

Water-rich minerals detected on Psyche may have been delivered by carbonaceous asteroids that impacted Psyche in the distant past.



MMS About it Operating in a highly elliptical orbit around Earth, the

four MMS spacecraft incorporate Global Positioning System (GPS) measurements into their precise tracking systems, which require extremely sensitive position and orbit calculations to guide tight flying formations.

Earlier, MMS had achieved the closest flying separation of a multi-spacecraft formation with only 7.2 km between the four satellites.

When the satellites are closest to Earth, they move at up to 35,405 km per hour, making them the fastest known operational use of a GPS receiver.

When MMS is not breaking records, it conducts ground-breaking science.

MMS is giving scientists new insight into Earth’s magnetosphere.

The mission uses four individual satellites that fly in a pyramid formation to map magnetic reconnection-a process that occurs as the sun and Earth’s magnetic fields interact.

Precise GPS tracking allows the satellites to maintain a tight formation and obtain high resolution three-dimensional observations.

Understanding the causes of magnetic reconnection is important for understanding phenomena around the universe from auroras on Earth, to flares on the surface of the sun, and even to areas surrounding black holes.

1.3 JAMES WEB TELESCOPE The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) of the United States has successfully completed building the largest space telescope-one that is 100 times powerful than the Hubble Space Telescope and may find the first galaxies that were formed in the early universe.

JAMES WEB TELESCOPE

What The James Webb Space Telescope will be the successor of NASA’s 26-year-old Hubble.

Developer It is a joint project of the NASA, the European Space Agency and the Canadian Space Agency.

Purpose The space telescope will provide images of the first galaxies ever formed, and explore planets around distant stars.



About telescope The Webb telescope’s infrared cameras are so sensitive that it needs to be shielded from the rays of the Sun.

A five-layer sunshield of the size of a tennis court will prevent the heat from interfering with the telescope’s infrared sensors.

The layers work together to reduce the temperatures between the hot and cold sides of the observatory by about 298 degrees Celsius.

Each successive layer of the sunshield, made of kapton, is cooler than the one below.

The space agency has also made the first important optical measurement of James Webb Space Telescope fully assembled primary mirror, called a Center of Curvature test.

1.4 GJ 536b Scientists have discovered a new ‘super Earth’ planet with a mass around 5.4 times that of the Earth, orbiting a very bright star near to our Sun.

GJ 536b What It is an exoplanet, is not within the star’s habitable zone, but

its short orbital period of 8.7 days and the luminosity of its star make it an attractive candidate for investigating its atmospheric composition. (The star, GJ 536, is a red dwarf which is quite cool and near to our Sun.)

About research During the research, a cycle of magnetic activity similar to that of the Sun has been observed, but with a shorter period, three years. So far, the only planet scientists have found is GJ 536 b, but scientists are continuing to monitor the star to see if scientists can find other companions.

1.5 BIO-INDICATOR LIDAR INSTRUMENT (BILI) A sensing technique that the US military currently uses to remotely monitor the air to detect potentially life-threatening chemicals, toxins, and pathogens has inspired a new instrument that could “sniff” for life on Mars.



BILI What The Bio-Indicator Lidar Instrument, or BILI is a

fluorescence-based lidar, a type of remote-sensing instrument similar to radar in principle and operation.

Developer Blagojevic, who formerly worked for Science and Engineering Services, LLC, that developed the sensor, has applied the technology to create an instrument prototype, proving in testing that the same remote-sensing technology used to identify bio-hazards in public places also could be effective at detecting organic bio-signatures on Mars.

Usage Instead of using radio waves, however, lidar instruments use light to detect and ultimately analyse the composition of particles in the atmosphere.

(Although NASA has used fluorescence instruments to detect chemicals in Earth’s atmosphere as part of its climate-studies research, the agency so far hasn’t employed the technique in planetary studies. NASA has never used it before for planetary ground level exploration. If the agency develops it, it will be the first of a kind).

Features BILI reduces the risk of sample contamination that could skew the results. This makes our instrument an excellent complementary organic-detection instrument.

The beauty of BILI is its ability to detect in real-time small levels of complex organic materials from a distance of several hundred meters. Therefore, it could autonomously search for bio-signatures in plumes above recurring slopes-areas not easily traversed by a rover carrying a variety of in-situ instruments for detailed chemical and biological analysis.

BILI’s measurements do not require consumables other than electrical power and can be conducted quickly over a broad area. This is a survey instrument, with a nose for certain molecules.

(With such a tool, which also could be installed on an orbiting spacecraft, NASA could dramatically increase the probability of finding bio-signatures in the solar system).

1.6 ELECTROMAGNETIC (EM) DRIVE After months of speculation and leaked documents, NASA's long-awaited EM Drive paper has finally been peer-reviewed and published. And it shows that the 'impossible' propulsion system really does appear to work.



EM DRIVE What The EM Drive, or Electromagnetic Drive, is a propulsion

system first proposed by British inventor Roger Shawyer back in 1999.

Testing and developing NASA’s Advanced Propulsion Physics Research Laboratory, informally known as Eagleworks.

Working EmDrive generates thrust by bouncing around electromagnetic energy (in this case, microwave photons) in a closed, cone-shaped chamber. As those photons collide with the chamber’s walls, they somehow propel the device forward, despite the fact that nothing is released from the chamber. By contrast, ion drives now in use on some NASA spacecraft create thrust by ionizing a propellant, often xenon gas, and shooting out beams of charged atoms.

Advantage The electromagnetic drive, or EmDrive, converts electricity into thrust simply by bouncing around microwaves in a closed cavity. In theory, such a lightweight engine could one day send a spacecraft to Mars in just 70 days.

Peculiarity It defies Newton's third law, which states that everything must have an equal and opposite reaction. According to the law, for a system to produce thrust, it has to push something out the other way. The EM Drive doesn't do this.

2. DEFENCE 2.1 UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES (UAVs)

The Shillong-based North-Eastern Space Applications Centre (NE-SAC) of the Indian Space Research Organisation has tested unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Drones, generally associated with security agencies, are now being used to collect land details and add to data from remote sensing satellites.

UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES (UAVs) Initiator NE-SAC has taken the initiative for design and assembling of

UAVs for various applications. (The NE centre was started in the year 2000 to provide Space technology-based communication and technology support to the region).

Applications UAVs can perform efficient surveys for disaster-prone or physically inaccessible areas, quick damage assessment of landslides, floods and earthquakes” and enable timely relief measures.

Supplement ground data

Data from ISRO’s remote sensing satellites are generally combined with ground-based details.

Use of drones cuts much leg work that ground surveyors must take up.



Study confining area Drone-based studies are new and currently confined to the north-eastern States.

Depending on demand from other States, they could be extended to other places.

Challenges However, the area studied by a drone will be smaller compared to the area assessed from space by satellites.

The processing and storage of large amounts of data given by a drone are a problem.

Current status Among various services provided on request to the north-eastern States using the drones, NE-SAC mapped the area affected by landslides along Meghalaya's life line, NH40.

It gave the extent of damage caused to pest-infested paddy fields in Naramari village of Assam.

Based on the images given by the drones, NE-SAC has created a land use map of Meghalaya's Nongpoh town and a 3D terrain model.

2.2 LANDING CRAFT UTILITY (LCU) Indian navy’s seventy landing craft utility, the largest of its kind, was launched

2.3 AGNI-I MISSILE India successfully test-fired its indigenously built nuclear capable Agni-I ballistic missile, which can hit a target 750 km away, as part of a user trial by Army from a test range off Odisha coast.

LANDING CRAFT UTILITY (LCU) Developer Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE)

Peculiarity This is the largest ship of this kind built anywhere in the world.

Advantages The ship is cost effective, fuel efficient and best suited for protection of our island territories of Andaman and Nicobar in the Bay of Bengal as well as Lakshadweep Island in the Arabian Sea.

The ship will be extremely useful for joint operations carried out by the indian navy and indian army for ensuring maritime security and protection of remote island.

It also has a capability to transport two tanks four special vehicles and 160 army troops for landing in remote areas



AGNI I MISSILE Type Ballistic missile

Manufacturer Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) -Fully indigenous

Range It has a range of 750 km.

Launch mode Surface to surface

Propellant Solid propellant

Launch operator The launch was undertaken as periodic training activity by Strategic Forces Command (SFC) to further consolidate operational readiness

Stage Single stage

Warhead Conventional warhead and nuclear warhead (Agni-I is designed to carry a payload of more than one tonne).

Guidance system Agni-I missile is equipped with sophisticated navigation system which ensures it reaches the target with a high degree of accuracy and precision.

Launch location Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Abdul Kalam Island (Wheeler Island)

2.4 INS CHENNAI Defence minister commissioned INS Chennai, the third indigenously designed guided missile destroyer in the Kolkata class, in Mumbai.

INS CHENNAI

Class Kolkata class

Type Guided missile destroyer

Builder Built at the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd in Mumbai (The ship’s construction also marks the end of the Project 15A to build Kolkata-class guided missile destroyers.)

Features With an overall length of 164 metres and displacement of over 7,500 tons, ‘INS Chennai’ is one of the largest destroyers in the Indian Navy’s fleet.

The ship is armed with supersonic surface-to-surface BrahMos missiles and Barak-8 long range surface-to-air missiles.

It is the final destroyer ship in this class.

(The first ship of the class, named INS Kolkata, was commissioned on August 16, 2014, followed by INS Kochi which was commissioned on September 30, 2015).



Current status The ship is going to be assigned to the western fleet after completion of some additional trials of systems deployed on it.

2.5 PRITHVI-II MISSILE India successfully test-fired its indigenously developed nuclear capable Prithvi-II missile twice in quick succession as part of a user trial by the army from a test range at Chandipur in Odisha

PRITHVI-II MISSILE Type Ballistic missile

Manufacturer Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) -Fully indigenous

Range It has a range of 350 km.

Launch mode Surface to surface

Propellant Liquid propellant

Stage Single stage

Warhead Conventional warhead and nuclear warhead (Agni-I is designed to carry a payload of more than one tonne).

Guidance system It uses advanced inertial guidance system with manoeuvring trajectory to hit its target

Launch location Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Abdul Kalam Island (Wheeler Island)

2.6 SONARS Navy formally inducted four types of indigenously developed sonars that will boost its underwater surveillance capability.

SONARS Designing and developing

The systems have been designed and developed by Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), a Kochi based laboratory of DRDO.

4 types of sonar The systems included Abhay - compact hull mounted sonar for shallow water crafts, Humsa UG - upgrade for the Humsa sonar system, NACS - Near-field Acoustic Characterisation



System, and AIDSS - Advanced Indigenous Distress sonar system for submarines.

Benefits With the induction of these four systems, the underwater surveillance capability of the Indian Navy will get a boost, besides providing a fillip to the quest for self-reliance in this critical area of technology.

About Abhay Abhay is an advanced active-cum-passive integrated sonar system designed and developed for the smaller platforms such as shallow water crafts and coastal surveillance/patrol vessels.

It is capable of detecting, localizing, classifying and tracking sub-surface and surface targets in both its active and passive modes of operation.

This system is proposed to be installed on seven ships of three different classes of ships.

About AIDSS AIDSS is a distress sonar is an Emergency Sound Signaling Device which is used to indicate that a submarine is in distress and enable quick rescue and salvage.

The prototype of this compact sonar installed onboard a nominated naval platform has successfully completed all user evaluation trials to demonstrate the features as per the Naval Staff Qualification Requirements.

About Humsa-UG Intensifying the command over the high seas is the Humsa -UG that is designed for upgrading the existing Humsa sonar system.

It is a life-saving alarm system designed to transmit sonar signals of a pre-designated frequency and pulse shape in an emergency situation from a submarine for long period, so as to attract the attention of passive sonars of ships or submarines in the vicinity and all types of standard rescue vessels in operation.

It is also provided with a transponder capability.

2.7 RUSTUM-II/TAPAS 201 The DRDO successfully carried out the maiden-flight of TAPAS 201 (RUSTOM–II), a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV.

TAPAS 201 What It is India’s indigenously developed long-endurance combat-

capable drone.

Benefits It is giving a boost to India’s development programme for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV).

Designing and developing

TAPAS 201 has been designed and developed by Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), the Bangalore-based lab of DRDO with HAL-BEL as the production partners.



Many critical systems such as airframe, landing gear, flight control and avionics sub-systems are being developed in India with the collaboration of private industries.

Application It has an endurance of 24 hours and can conduct surveillance and reconnaissance missions for the country’s armed forces.

The UAV can also be used as an unmanned armed combat vehicle on the lines of the US’s Predator drone.

Features The UAV weighing two tonnes was put into air by a dedicated team of young scientists of DRDO.

It was piloted (external and internal) by the pilots from the armed forces.

It is also the first R&D prototype UAV which has undergone certification and qualification for the first flight from the Center for Military Airworthiness & Certification (CEMILAC) and Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA).

TAPAS 201, a multi-mission UAV is being developed to carry out Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) roles for the three armed forces with an endurance of 24 hours.

It is capable to carry different combinations of payloads like Medium Range Electro Optic (MREO), Long Range Electro Optic (LREO), Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Electronic Intelligence (ELINT), Communication Intelligence (COMINT) and Situational Awareness Payloads (SAP) to perform missions during day and night.

2.8 HAND-IN-HAND 2016 An opening ceremony of the sixth India China Joint Training Exercise “Hand – in – Hand 2016” was held at the parade ground in Aundh Military Camp, Pune.

HAND-IN-HAND 2016 Aim/objective The aim of the joint exercise is to acquaint both the Armies

with each other’s operating procedures in the backdrop of counter terrorism environment.

The basic objective of the training is enhancing confidence and trust between the two armies which may be called upon to grapple with anti-terrorism operations under the UN mandate.

Importance The conduct of Joint Military Exercises is also an important step to uphold the values of Peace, Prosperity and Stability in the region.

About it The Opening Ceremony was followed by both the contingents displaying their weapons which included assault rifles, grenade launchers and other sophisticated equipment.

The Ceremony concluded with an enthralling and mesmerising display of India martial arts of Kalyaripattu,



Khukri dance and Malkhamb by soldiers of Indian Army and a massed martial arts display by the Chinese contingent.

Earlier on 15 November, the Chinese contingent from the 13 Group Army, Chengdu Military Region comprising of one Infantry Company along with supporting staff landed at the Lohegaon airfield in two IL- 76 Aircrafts from China.

The 13 day schedule is focused upon training on crossing of obstacles, special heliborne operations, firing of various weapons, handling & neutralization of improvised explosive devices and conduct of cordon & search operations in

insurgency and terrorism environment. The exercise terminated on 27 Nov 2016.

2.9 SAMPRITI 2016 An opening ceremony of the sixth India ChinaThe Sixth edition of India-Bangladesh Joint Military Exercise “SAMPRITI-2016” commenced at Bangabandhu Senanibas, Tangail.

SAMPRITI-2016

What SAMPRITI series of bilateral exercises is one of the major bilateral defence cooperation initiatives between India and Bangladesh.

Aim Main focus of this edition of the fourteen day joint exercise which will terminate on 18 Nov 2016 is on Counter-Terrorism Operations in mountainous and jungle terrain under the United Nations Mandate.

About it To achieve interoperability in joint operations the troops from both sides would acquaint themselves with respective approach of the two armies towards the conduct of such operations.

A comprehensive training programme spanning 14 days has been drawn up for the purpose.

A Company Group of The MAHAR Regiment is representing the Indian Contingent.

In the initial stages, both armies would familiarize each other in various tactical drills and procedures. They will thereafter graduate to execution of joint tactical operations like Cordon and Search, Road Opening, Raid and House Clearance.

The previous joint exercise with the Bangladesh Army was conducted successfully in the year 2015 at Binnaguri, West Bengal in India.

The Indian Contingent is scheduled to return to India on termination of the Exercise in the third week of November 2016.



2.10 SURYA KIRAN-X Indo-Nepal Joint Military Exercise Surya Kiran-X commenced at Army Battle School, Saljhandi, Nepal.

SURYA KIRAN-X

What The Surya Kiran series of Exercises are being conducted annually, alternatively in Nepal and India.

Aim The aim of this exercise is to conduct battalion level joint training with emphasis on Counter Terrorism in mountainous terrain. Aspects of Disaster Management have also been included in the exercise.

Benefits The Joint Battalion Level Exercise will enhance defence co-operation and relations between the two nations.

It is an ideal platform for the contingent of both nations to share their experience and gain mutually.

The Exercise will be yet another step towards taking traditional friendship between the two nations to greater heights.

About it It is the tenth in the series of such exercise between the two nations and is scheduled from 31 October to 13 November 16.

Indian Army is represented by the elite Kumaon Regt, while Jabar Jung Battalion of Nepal Army is participating in this edition of the joint exercise on behalf of Nepal Army.

2.11 MITRA SHAKTI 2016 The fourth edition of the India-Sri Lanka Joint Military Exercise ‘MITRA SHAKTI 2016’ is being conducted at Sinha Regimental Centre in Ambepussa, Sri Lanka from 24 October to 06 November 2016.

MITRA SHAKTI 2016 What “Mitra Shakti” series of bilateral exercises is one of the major

bilateral defence cooperation initiatives between India and Sri Lanka since 2013.



Aim The main focus of this edition of the joint exercise is to enhance inter-operability while carrying out Counter Insurgency (CI)/Counter Terrorism (CT) operations under the United Nations Mandate.

About it The Opening Ceremony was held on 24 October 2016 during which the troops of both contingents participated in a ceremonial Parade.

The Indian Contingent is represented by a platoon from the RAJPUTANA RIFLES Regiment and the Sri Lankan Army will be represented by a platoon from the Sinha Regiment.

In the initial two stages, both armies would get familiar with the respective methodology of such operations, each other’s arms and equipment and the command and control systems.

It will then graduate towards tactical understanding to enhance inter-operability while carrying out Counter Insurgency (CI)/Counter Terrorism (CT) operations.

The previous exercise with the Sri Lankan Army was successfully conducted in the month of September 2015 at Pune in India.

3. BIOTECHNOLOGY 3.1 HALOPHYTES

Mauritius President inaugurated a genetic garden of naturally occurring salt-tolerant plants called halophytes at the coastal town of Vedaranyam in Tamil Nadu.

HALOPHYTES

Reason behind the development of it

Plants such as these are important in the context of increasing salinisation of land, one of the adverse effects of climate change.

Peculiarities of it Halophytes tolerate salinity and could grow in saline affected regions. Their seeds contain high oil (30 per cent) and protein (35 per cent) like soyabeans and other oilseed crops and the salt content is less than three per cent.

This is probably the first such garden in the world and could be called a global garden - very important in the aspect of anticipatory research.

Importance The potential of halophyte as food for people, fodder for livestock, bio fuel and for ornamental purposes was being explored and "could reap rich rewards in research for climate change.



3.2 YAMANAKA GENES

YAMANAKA GENES About genes They are the four essential genes that can reprogramme the

cells in our body and, in principle, be used to regenerate old cells or grow new organs. Collectively known as OSKM (for the initials of the genes, Oct4, Sox2, Klf4 and Myc), these Yamanaka genes are named after Japanese scientist Shinya Yamanaka.

He won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2012, along with Sir John B. Gurdon for pioneering a technique to use these genes for reprogramming cells.

In the years since, it’s been found that while necessary, the genes are not very efficient at reversing cell-ageing.

They may also induce a particular type of tumour (known as teratoma) that makes cell reprogramming incompatible with its potential clinical use.

However, another set of scientists have found a ‘stress factor,’ a pro-inflammatory molecule called interleukin-6 (IL6), that may be responsible for reducing the efficiency of the OSKM genes.

If this can be better understood, the Yamanaka genes may finally result in practical therapy.

4. ROBOTICS 4.1 ROBOT LAKSHMI

Endearing, interactive and superfast with data, India's first banking robot Lakshmi made her debut in the city.

ROBOT LAKSHMI Launcher Kumbakonam-based City Union Bank.

Peculiarity It will be the first on-site bank helper.



5. NUCLEAR RESERCH 5.1 MULTIPURPOSE FAST RESEARCH REACTOR (MBIR)

Russia has invited India to join in developing next-generation nuclear reactors and to participate in its fast-reactor research project. The multipurpose fast research reactor project, known by the Russian acronym MBIR, is coming up as the International Research Center.

MBIR

Purpose The main purpose of the MBIR research reactor is to conduct a large number of reactor studies of Generation 4 nuclear systems, including the fast neutron reactor with closed fuel cycle, as well as small and medium power thermal neutron reactors.

Closed fuel cycle It involves recycling the nuclear waste as new fuel, in the case of the MBIR project, essentially signifies research on a sodium-cooled Generation 4 fast reactor to design an advanced fast neutron reactor for use in nuclear power plants.

Fast neutron reactor A fast neutron reactor, also known simply as a fast reactor, is a type in which the nuclear fission chain reaction is sustained by fast neutrons.

Advantage It needs no neutron moderator like normal water, which serves such a purpose in thermal reactors.

With fast-neutron reactors, it is possible to solve the major ecological problem of reprocessing and deactivation of the accumulated radioactive waste, at the same time providing society with much needed energy.

Features It is the artificial intelligence powered robot.

If a customer wants to know his bank account details or transaction history, the robot can flash the answer on its display.

Sensitive financial information like account details are displayed discreetly on the robot's screen and not voiced.

Lakshmi, who currently speaks in English, gestures, turns around and engages in a very life-like manner in conversations.

Since its artificial intelligence, the robot is constantly learning from customers - the more interactions it has with customers the better it gets.

It can give real time updates of foreign exchange movement, current interest rates at banks for different asset classes like personal, educational, two-wheeler and home loans, possible charges on withdrawals or deposits.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/artificial-intelligence-powered-robot



Transition to the closed fuel cycle, which is based on the fast neutron reactors, will lead to the solution of the five key problems — safety, competitiveness, shortage of fuel, reprocessing and refabricating the used nuclear fuel and radioactive waste — as well as in enforcing non-proliferation of fission materials and weapons technologies.

Components of MBIR and usage

MBIR’s design includes three independent loops that can be used to test different coolants like gas, lead, molten salt, among others, and therefore it will be possible to conduct material testing research in those different environments.

Indian scenario The Indian atomic energy programme is currently developing breeder reactors that will be fuelled by the country’s vast thorium deposits. (India’s thorium deposits, estimated at 360,000 tonnes, far outweigh its natural uranium deposits at 70,000 tonnes. The country’s thorium reserves make up 25 percent of the global reserves).

Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR)

It is the latest Indian design for a next-generation nuclear reactor. In its final stages of development, the AHWR is being tested at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in Mumbai as part of the third stage of India’s nuclear energy programme, which envisages the use of thorium fuel cycles for generating commercial power. (Russia has offered India a new range of reactor units – the VVER-Toi (typical optimised, enhanced information) design – for the third and fourth units of the Kudankulam project in Tamil Nadu being built by Rosatom).

5.2 EUROPIAN ORGANIZATION FOR NUCLEAR RESERCH (CERN) India became an Associate member of CERN with the Indian government completing its internal approval procedures in respect of the agreement it had signed with CERN on November 21, 2016. As an Associate member India will have full access to all data generated at CERN. As there are many experiments in CERN, there will be plenty of information available.

CERN History The CERN convention was signed in 1953 by the 12

founding state.

In the 1990s scientists from Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology, Indore too got involved in CERN experiment.

In 1991, India and CERN signed a Cooperation Agreement, setting priorities for scientific and technical cooperation.

India and CERN have signed several other protocols since then. But India’s involvement in CERN began in the 1960s with researchers from the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai participating in experiments at CERN.



Researchers from TIFR, Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology and other institutes built components for an accelerator (LEP) and detectors (L3, WA93 and WA89).

India was granted Observer status to the CERN Council in 2002.

India has been actively involved in CERN’s scientific activities for over 50 years.

Indian physicists, engineers and technicians have made substantial contributions to the construction of the LHC accelerator and to the ALICE and CMS experiments, as well as to accelerator R&D projects.

Need for membership When India was not an Associate member, India could data only from those experiments where India was participating.

Benefits As an Associate member, India can participate in all experiments. India can choose the experiments where India wants to participate.

There are other benefits of becoming an Associate member. Whenever any CERN facilities get upgraded and go through maintenance, it will provide opportunities for Indian industries to participate. Indian industry will be entitled to bid for CERN contracts, which will allow it to work in areas of advanced technology. So the “Make in India” will get a boost due to CERN.

Since Indian scientists will become eligible for staff appointments, it will enhance the participation of young scientists and engineers in operation and maintenance of various CERN projects.

Indian scientists and engineers working in CERN will learn how to operate and maintain the facilities. So when they return it will be useful for India.

India has to pay about Rs. 40 crore a year as an Associate member. However, it is a small fee compared to the huge scientific and commercial benefits that India will stand to gain.

Current status Currently, CERN has 22 member states. Besides India, Turkey, Pakistan, Ukraine are Associate members and Serbia and Cyprus are associate members in the pre-stage to membership.

6. NANOTECHNOLOGY 6.1 NANOGENERATOR

Producing wearable electronics that uses a portable nanogenerator which generates electric power when pressure or twist is applied got a shot in the arm, thanks to research carried out by Pune researchers.



NANOGENERATOR What

Nanogenerator is the term researchers use to describe a small electronic chip that can use mechanical movements of the body, such as a gentle finger pinch, to generate electricity. As the "nano-" prefix implies, these generators are a piece of nanotechnology, or technology so small its size is measured by the nanometer (one billionth of a meter).

Components The key components inside a nanogenerator are nanowires or a similar structure made from a piezoelectric ceramic material. Piezoelectric materials can generate an electric current just by being bent or stressed.

A nanogenerator consists of an integrated circuit, with components made from silicone and a piezoelectric ceramic, etched onto a flexible surface, called a substrate.

The entire nanogenerator might have several electrodes capturing power from millions of nanowires.

Working When a small physical pressure is applied to the nanogenerator, each nanowire flexes and generates an electrical charge. The electrode captures that charge and carries it through the rest of the nanogenerator circuit.

B. GENERAL SCIENCE 1.1 MCR-1 GENE

Indian researchers have isolated a strain of E.Coli bacteria, carrying a new gene (mcr -1), described previously as ‘truly pan-drug resistant’.

MCR-1 GENE What It is a drug resistant gene.

(It is resistant to the last mile antibiotic the human race currently has access to —colistin. The emergence of plasmid-mediated colistin resistance heralds the breach of the last group of antibiotics, polymyxins).

Detection It is detected in the plasmid medium, a small DNA molecule outside of the chromosomal DNA.

C. OTHER CURRENT AFFAIRS 1.1 LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS (LNG) BUS

Scripting a new chapter in the country’s transport sector which moves towards clean fuel, India’s first liquefied natural gas-driven bus was launched in Kerala.



LNG BUS Development It has been a joint effort of Petronet LNG Limited (PLL),

Indian Oil Corporation Ltd and Tata Motors Ltd to introduce LNG as a fuel in commercial vehicles in the state capital.

Advantages The LNG-driven bus was rolled out as part of the Centre’s plans to use LNG, considered to be a cleaner and safer fuel which emits 50 per cent less carbon, for mass transportation.

Benefits These projects would give a boost to the petroleum sector in the state economy. There are nine terminals/ depots, seven LPG bottling plants and eight aviation fuel stations in the state to meet the growing demand of petroleum products.

1.2 CORADIA ILINT/HYDRAIL Germany is set to host the world's first zero-emission, hydrogen passenger train which should kick into gear next year.

CORADIA ILINT What It is the world's first zero-emission hydrogen passenger

train.

Developer Alstom (a French company)

Advantages The train operates using a hydrogen fuel tank, stored on the roof of the vehicle that in turn powers a fuel cell to produce electrical energy, its only emission being steam and condensed water while operating with a low level of noise.

Running on hydrogen power supply technology, the train has no carbon footprints and does not pollute the air with harmful emissions.

It can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation.

Because of its much larger fuel capacity, the train does not have to confront the same problem that hydro-cars face with refueling.

Benefits The hydrail's top speed is said to be 140km/h. It will be first of its kind to carry passengers along the

railroad, as most other innovations in hydrail technology have been focused on cargo transport.

1.3 E-PAPER



E-PAPER What It is a technology that mimics the appearance of ordinary ink

on paper. The “paper” is similar to the Kindle tablet.

Developer Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden.

Advantage It isn’t lit up like a standard display, but rather reflects the external light which illuminates it. Therefore, it works very well where there is bright light, such as out in the sun, in contrast to standard LED displays that work best in darkness. At the same time, it needs only a tenth of the energy that a Kindle tablet uses, which itself uses much less energy than a tablet LED display.

The e-paper is less than a micrometre thin, bendable and gives all the colours that a regular LED display does.

1.4 CENTRAL LEATHER RESERCH INSTITUTE (CLRI) CSIR has come out with a “Game changing technology” for enabling the Indian leather sector achieve the set target of USD 27 billion by 2020 by making leather processing environmentally sustainable.

CLRI

About it Tracing the history of Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) of CSIR, established in 1948.

The Institute represents the leather sector in all its planning and policy development.

A tripartite arrangement of industry-academy-research is a first of its kind, which is a role model for other sectors to emulate.

CSIR-CLRI is a recognised Centre for testing of restricted substances, finished leather certification. (CSIR-CLRI in association with other world bodies develops protocols for testing of restricted chemicals).

CSIR researchers are also members/chairmen for the relevant committees in International Standards Organization (ISO).

This initiative is an inter-ministerial project with M/o Small and Medium Enterprises, M/o Skill Development, M/o Environment and Forest, M/o Water Resources. Through this plan, it is envisioned to provide proactive measures to upgrade and expand the technologies and thus the capacity of CETPs, along with skill development required.

Benefits Through the Institute, Indian leather sector strives to achieve economic and environmental sustainability, leading to more than doubling of the annual turnover from the present in about 4 years.

Such technological interventions in the leather industry will realise the vision of Make-in-India, in terms of development of first of its kind leather chemicals,



environmental friendly leather processing, global fashion forecasting for colours, designs thus leading to increased trade and exports.

CSIR-CLRI’s role in R&D consultancy has the paved way for other sectors like metal, food, pharma and chemicals for similar interventions and positioning themselves globally.

The mission of CSIR through CLRI is to meet the requirements of global leather sector, relevant regulatory and statutory bodies and other stake holders with continual improvement in its services, while aligning itself to the National agenda through technology innovation led solutions for the sector.

This “Waterless chrome tanning technology” is a first of its kind technology to reduce chromium pollution load.

Features Technologies for bio-processing of leather, zero waste water discharge, value added materials from leather and indigenous chemicals for processing, are some of the highlighting features of this institute.

Skill India programs Growth of any industry strongly depends on the availability of associated skill as well. CSIR has a strong mandate to develop, train and re-train the required manpower for this sector.

The Prime Minister’s Skill India dream is realised through training programs of CSIR-CLRI. About 60% of the skilled manpower in leather industry is from CSIR-CLRI. Training comes at all levels, be it the technical degrees or vocational programs, the Institute has tailor made programs to suit the needs of the industry, from time to time including reaching the unreached and under-privileged sections of the society.

november compilation 2016 -...

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