March Overview

Kakrapur Nuclear mishap

India’s atomic energy regulatory body, AERB, has classified recent nuclear reactor leak at the Kakrapur atomic power station (KAPS) as a Level-1, or the lowest in seven-rung classification scheme internationally used to rate the severity of nuclear mishaps.

Background:

A power generation unit at Kakrapar Atomic Power Station was recently shut down after leakage of heavy water. The power station is located in Gujarat. The power station has two units of Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR).

How the leak was measured?

It was measured on the International Nuclear and Radiological Event (INES) scale. INES is developed by the International Atomic Energy Authority.

Various levels:

• Level 1 is treated as an anomaly in the plant.
• Levels 1-3 are termed ‘incidents’.
• Levels 4-7 are termed as ‘accident.’

By comparison, the nuclear accidents in Fukushima, Japan in 2011 and Chernobyl, Russia in 1986 were Level 7 incidents.

About AERB:

The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) was constituted on November 15, 1983 by the President of India by exercising the powers conferred by Section 27 of the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 to carry out certain regulatory and safety functions under the Act.

• The regulatory authority of AERB is derived from the rules and notifications promulgated under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986.
• The headquarters is in Mumbai.

Fiber Grid

Andhra Pradesh government has launched AP Fiber Grid project. In this regard, the government has signed a MoU with Cisco as technical partner for the project.

About the Project:

The project aims to set up State-wide high-speed optical fibre infrastructure leveraging the existing assets of the electricity transmission/distribution companies such as electric poles and sub-stations to provide last mile connectivity to 1.3 crore households.

• Under the project, Cisco will complete aerial cable connectivity in North Andhra by April-end and across the entire State by July-end.
• The total cost for aerial cables to provide internet, telephone and 100 free-to-air channels is Rs.330 crore.
• In the second phase, underground cable network will be laid. Various software and contents like information on education and agriculture would be provided on the TV monitor to all households.
• AP State FiberNet Ltd, the nodal agency which is implementing the project, will provide 15 Mbps connection to households at Rs.149 and to 100 Mbps to offices at Rs.999 per month by involving local cable operators.

Solar for Refrigerator and air conditioner

A Chennai-based company has showed that solar power can be used to power air conditioner and refrigerator.

• This has been made possible by the use of thin film solar panels. The company has replaced the conventional silicon crystalline panels with thin film solar panels.
• Though efficiency of thin film panel is the same as silicon panel at 25 degree C, theenergy yield of thin film is higher than silicon panel. This is because power rating is done at 25 degree C. In India, the outside temperature far exceeds 25 degree C, especially during summer. And for every 1 degree C increase in temperature, the loss in power rating is 0.5% in the case of silicon panels; it is only 0.25% with thin films. So 5% more energy output is achieved by thin film panels.
• Another advantage with the thin film panel is that unlike silicon panels where power production gets completely cut off even if a small part of the panel is covered by shade, only that part of the thin film panel that is not exposed to sunlight stops producing power.

Detailed gravity map gives best view yet of Mars

Scientists have created the most detailed map of Mars’ gravity to date using data from three NASA spacecraft.

• The map was derived using data collected by NASA’s Deep Space Network from three spacecraft in orbit around Mars: Mars Global Surveyor (MGS), Mars Odyssey (ODY), and the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO).

What has been found out?

Using this data, scientists have found out that Mars has a liquid outer core of molten rock.

Benefits of Gravity Map:

• Provides a glimpse into the hidden interior of the red planet.
• It will be helpful for future Mars exploration because better knowledge of the planet’s gravity anomalies helps mission controllers insert spacecraft more precisely into orbit.
• The improved resolution of the gravity map suggests a new explanation for how some features formed across the boundary that divides the relatively smooth northern lowlands from heavily cratered southern highlands.

British troops test ‘invisibility cloak’

British troops recently tested a Harry Potter-style “invisibility cloak”. This cloak allows them to hide from the enemy.

• The cloak is known as “Vatec” and allows soldiers to hide even from infrared and heat-searching devices.

Background:

This cloak attempts to replicate the special ability of cephalopods such as the octopus and squid to blend in with the environment to evade their predators. These creatures’ skin has pigment-rich cells called chromatophores that change colour in response to external factors such as the presence of a predator. Researchers have developed a process that mimics this ability with a technology known as visual appearance modulation.

How it operates?

Using a technology known as visual appearance modulation, the material they developed has one side that contains tiny light-sensitive cells that are sensitive to the colours of the environment. Once colours are detected, electrical signals trigger the top layer to imitate those colours using heat-sensitive dyes, a process that takes place in as fast as two to three seconds.

The cloak has few advantages:

• The flexible fabric has a crinkly texture so that even when it is laid out flat it has some depth, i.e. a multi-level aspect.
• The material can be formed into many different complex shapes, and keep those shapes – mimicking all types of man-made or natural terrains.

Cabinet approves procurement of launch services for GSAT-11

The union cabinet has given its approval for the procurement of launch services and realisation of ground segment for GSAT-11 spacecraft at a cost of Rs.1,117 crore. GSAT-11 will be ready for launch by the end of 2016.

• The ground segment is being realised to address the rural communication requirements.
• The ground segment of GSAT-11 will also enable the utilisation of a small portion of the bandwidth for societal services apart from providing in-orbit testing support.
• It will also provide a high throughput capacity of about 10 Gbps to render broadband connectivity, especially in rural areas.

About GSAT-11:

• In 2009, Government of India had approved the development of GSAT-11, which is touted to be one of the largest Indian communication satellite. GSAT-11 has a mission life of about 15 years.
• GSAT-11 is a four-tonne geostationary communications satellite, which has a mission life of about 15 years.
• The GSAT-11 will not only link all the towns and villages in this country with quality high-speed Wi-Fi service, it will also integrate internet and television services.
• The satellite is currently under development at Department of Space and ISRO facilities.

Highest peak on Saturn

Scientists working on NASA’s Cassini mission have identified the highest point on Saturn’s largest moon Titan.

• Titan’s highest peak is 10, 948 feet high. It is found within a trio of mountainous ridges called the Mithrim Montes.

About Cassini Mission:

Cassini–Huygens is an unmanned spacecraft sent to the planet Saturn. Cassini is thefourth space probe to visit Saturn and the first to enter orbit.

• Its design includes a Saturn orbiter and a lander for the moon Titan. The lander, called Huygens, landed on Titan in 2005. The spacecraft was launched on October 15, 1997. This was the first landing ever accomplished in the outer Solar System.

Objectives:

• Determine the three-dimensional structure and dynamic behavior of the rings of Saturn.
• Determine the composition of the satellite surfaces and the geological history of each object.
• Determine the nature and origin of the dark material on Iapetus’s leading hemisphere.
• Measure the three-dimensional structure and dynamic behavior of the magnetosphere.
• Study the dynamic behavior of Saturn’s atmosphere at cloud level.
• Study the time variability of Titan’s clouds and hazes.
• Characterize Titan’s surface on a regional scale.

Rotavirus vaccine launched under immunization drive

Union health ministry has launched the rotavirus vaccine-Rotavac- as part of its universal immunisation programme to prevent diarrhoeal deaths due to the virus which claims lives of nearly one lakh children every year.

Key facts:

• The vaccine has been developed indigenously under a public-private partnership by the ministries of science and technology and health and family welfare.
• The vaccine will be initially introduced in four states – Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Odisha. Its coverage will be expanded to the entire country in a phased manner.
• An estimated 8.53 lakh children under the age of one will be administered the vaccine annually at 6, 10 and 14 weeks.

Significance of this vaccine:

• Adding this life-saving vaccine to Universal immunisation programme will not only improve the health of children but also reduce hospitalisation and other conditions associated with diarrhoea due to rotavirus such as malnutrition and delayed physical and mental development among children. Besides, reduced hospitalisation eases the economic burden on the family and the health cost burden on the country.
• While the vaccine was already available in open market, the local manufacturing and free distribution under the centrally-sponsored immunisation programme is expected to further bring down prices.

The Rotavac is in addition to three new vaccines that have been introduced in India’s Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) including Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV), Measles, Rubella (MR) vaccine, and Adult Japanese Encephalitis (JE) vaccine. With these new vaccines, India’s UIP will provide free vaccines against 12 life threatening diseases, to 27 million children annually, the largest birth cohort in the world.

About Rotavirus:

Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe diarrhoea and death among children less than five years of age. It is responsible for around 10% of total child mortality every year. In 2014, nearly 80,000 children died due to to rotavirus, whereas about 9 lakh were hospitalised due to episodes of severe diarrhoea.

Rotavirus-Signs and Symptoms:

• Kids with a rotavirus infection have fever, nausea, and vomiting, often followed by abdominal cramps and frequent, watery diarrhea.
• Kids may also have a cough and runny nose.
• Sometimes the diarrhea that accompanies a rotavirus infection is so severe that it can quickly lead to dehydration.

As with all viruses, though, some rotavirus infections cause few or no symptoms, especially in adults.

Transmission:

Rotavirus is transmitted by the faecal-oral route, via contact with contaminated hands, surfaces and objects, and possibly by the respiratory route. Viral diarrhea is highly contagious.

Telecom panel clears entry of virtual operators

In order to allow telecom service providers to improve utilisation of their networks, the Telecom Commission has cleared a proposal to allow licensing of virtual network operators (VNOs). These VNOs, after getting a licence for operations, will be able to buy minutes and bytes to offer voice and data services, respectively.

Who is a VNO?

A virtual network operator is akin to a retailer selling products and services of various companies under one roof, and a customer has to pay a single bill for all items purchased.

• Such an operator will primarily provide various services to end consumers by using the underlying network of a network service operator.

Key facts:

• VNOs do not have spectrum of their own for access service, but can provide access services to its own customers through an agreement with the licensed access provider. A VNO leases bandwidth from various telecom operators to provide voice and data services to customers.
• They cannot participate in spectrum auction for access services in their service areas, as they cannot have their own spectrum.
• VNO will be able to invest in setting up mobile towers and other elements in network required for providing services. However, it will not be able to sign deal directly to interconnect infrastructure laid by it with other telecom operator.
• VNO will be able to integrate service and offer it to customer as it wants. There will be no limit on integration and offering of services from licence or government that will be available shortly.
• In case a VNO has partnered with multiple service providers, then it can offer voice call service of one and data service of other player.

Significance of this move:

• The VNO, after obtaining licence from the government for its operations, can function under its own brand offering a plethora of services such as mobile telephony, broadband, wireless hotspots, etc at the last mile and in areas where stressed balance sheets of large telecom companies do not allow them to invest for rolling out infrastructure.
• This would also allow telecom companies to leverage network and spectrum investment made by them, as this move will allow the virtual network operators to invest in setting up almost 70% to 80% of the equipment required to offer communication services. And hence, VNOs would contribute to the efficient use of existing telecommunication infrastructure.
• VNOs may also offer some relief to telecom PSUs, BSNL and MTNL, which have already adopted a revenue-sharing model focusing on reducing capital expenditure.

PHAROS fire control radar

Thales and BEL-Thales Systems Limited (BTSL), the joint venture between Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Thales, have signed a partnership agreement for the joint development of the PHAROS fire control radar.

Details:

• This strategic co-operation partnership agreement will allow Thales and BTSL to jointly develop PHAROS, a fire control radar for both gun and missile systems.
• This joint development will strengthen the co-operation of Thales and BTSL in the field of innovative technologies. The responsibility of overall system design will be borne by Thales.
• BTSL will develop the mechanical design and radar processing modifications while Thales will be responsible for the design and production of the radar antenna. BTSL will carry out its share of the development work in Bengaluru.
• This co-development agreement between Thales and BTSL is in line with the ‘Make in India’ vision of the Government of India.
• The jointly developed PHAROS system will cater to both domestic Indian and international market requirements.

PHAROS:

PHAROS is an all-weather multi-target tracking radar that can be fitted on guns and missiles.

• PHAROS provides defence against small, fast moving and highly manoeuvrable air and surface targets that may also be encountered in littoral missions.
• The multiple target tracker is capable of simultaneously controlling — in all weather conditions — the engagement of these targets with guided ammunition.

New Details About the Milky Way

Scientists have created a virtual Earth-space telescope system with the highest resolution of any astronomical observation ever made.

About the telescope:

Researchers created this telescope by combining the Russian RadioAstron satellite with the ground-based telescopes. The RadioAstron satellite was combined with the Green Bank Telescope in West Virginia, The Very Large Array in New Mexico, the Effelsberg Telescope in Germany, and the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico. This combined system produces a virtual radio telescope more than 100,000 miles across.

What has been found out?

With this, scientists have unveiled an unusually hot quasar jet in the Milky Way.

• Scientists have pointed out these quasar jets at a quasar called 3C 273, more than 2 billion light-years from Earth.
• Quasars like 3C 273 propel huge jets of material outward at speeds nearly that of light. These powerful jets emit radio waves. The emission was about 100 billion degrees.
• The observations also showed, for the first time, substructure caused by scattering of the radio waves by the tenuous interstellar material in our own Milky Way Galaxy.

What are Quasars?

Quasars are supermassive black holes at the cores of galaxies. Quasars, also called quasi-stellar radio sources, are the most energetic and distant members of a class of objects called active galactic nuclei (AGN).

• Their spectra contain very broad emission lines, unlike any known from stars, hence the name “quasi-stellar.” Their luminosity can be 100 times greater than that of the Milky Way.
• Quasars are believed to be powered by accretion of material into supermassive black holes in the nuclei of distant galaxies, making these luminous versions of the general class of objects known as active galaxies.
• Quasars also emit visible light, ultraviolet rays, infrared waves, X-rays, and gamma-rays.

Skin bank

Karnataka recently got its first skin bank, the sixth in the country. It was inaugurated at the State-run Victoria Hospital.

• Doctors hope that the skin bank may help save the lives of countless burn victims, as harvested skin is the best form of “biological dressing” available today.
• Although artificial skin is available, it is prohibitively expensive. The government has agreed to fund all skin grafts done at the skin bank. A nominal charge may be executed.

Working of the skin bank:

• Like any other organ donation, skin donation needs to be pledged by a living person or needs to be offered for donation by the family soon after death.
• The skin is harvested within 6 hours of death either at hospital or home. The harvesting is done from hidden areas such as the back and the thigh with no bleeding or deformity to the body. The skin donation does not hamper the rituals of last rites.
• The process is fairly simple and takes less than 45 minutes. The donor could be anyone above 16 years of age.
• The donor should not have skin disease or skin cancer and should be negative for HIV and Hepatitis C.
• No blood group matching is required.
• The harvested skin is processed and stored as per international protocol in the skin bank ready for dispensing and safe use in burns care as the best biological dressing. This dressing not only saves the life but also relieves the pain, reduces infection increasing chances of survival significantly, especially when the burn area exceeds 40%.