Category: Articles

Earth has two moons! Yes, you have heard it right. Our planet has captured a mini-moon the size of a car…

The Minor Planet Center (MPC) had discovered that Earth has two moons – this second satellite is tiny and temporary. The new moon, labelled 2020 CD3, measures between 6.2 and 11.5 feet wide in size as compared to our Moon’s huge 3,474 km diameter.

The discovery was made by US astronomers Theodore Pruyne and Kacper Wierzchos on February 15, 2020, using a 60-inch telescope at Mount Lemmon Observatory near Tuscon, Arizona.

The astronomers tracked the space rock for many days and found that it was orbiting Earth..

There are few other instances…The first was an object known as 2006 RH120, which looped around Earth a few times between September 2006 and June 2007 before being ejected. Other claimed moons are more common, but these would be-satellites technically orbit the Sun – they just happen to share the same path as Earth. For instance, 2016 HO3 was discovered a few years ago trailing behind Earth about 13.6 times farther than the Moon.

The second moon, 2020 CD3 was orbiting Earth as a mini-moon for a short time. While it is gravitationally bound to Earth it is subject to gravitational pushes from Earth, the Moon and even the Sun, which has thrown the little rock free of orbit to drift off into space.

Astronomers are keeping a close watch on our tiny orbiting companion… The second moon, which is expected to return in 2040…

-Team ScienceNow

In the wake of severe water scarcity in several districts of the country, its high time urban residents who are the largest consumers of the freshwater resources, got conscious of recycling of Grey water 

According to a recent World Bank study, India – a home to 17 percent of world’s population, holding about 4 percent of the world’s freshwater resources is already the largest consumer of freshwater in the world. Annually, it is consuming freshwater to the tune of 750 billion cubic metres and it is estimated that the demand would double to 1.5 trillion cubic metres by 2030. For a country that has been battling a near drought like situation virtually every year, the World Bank figures definitely warrants some serious thinking about ways and means the country could bridge the widening gap between the water ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’.

Why is Waste water recycling a neglect in India?

Undoubtedly, waste water treatment plants and restructuring of sewerage system is a costly proposition. Considering the magnitude of waste water generated across India, it ought to be processed on a day-to-day basis. Creating such an infrastructure by the government alone without any support from private sector and individual residents is simply impossible. Moreover, non-availability of land in the urban areas to create zone-wise centralised recycling systems makes the project virtually impossible to undertake.

What is Grey Water recycling?

Used water from bathroom sinks, showers, tubs, washing machine, etc. that has not come in contact with faeces from the toilet, is called Grey water. It may look dirty and may contain food, grease, hair and certain household chemical, yet it is considered safe and beneficial source of water for irrigation and various household purposes like flushing toilets.

Why reuse Grey water?

Often, Grey water is directly released into existing water bodies. Grey water released directly into rivers, lakes or ponds leads to pollution of potable water owing to presence of chemical nutrients. On the contrary, we can use the same polluting chemicals as growth promoters (i.e. fertilizer) making them beneficial for the plants. Importantly, reuse of Grey water especially in the urban ghettos would not only help check the ever swelling sewer or septic system, but to a great extent solve food shortage issues and also turn the surroundings clean and green.

Which technology is best suited for you?

Individual households should always try sticking to low-tech simple design while recycling Grey water using gravity wherever possible, instead of using costly pumps and filtration techniques. The entire focus should be on making optimal use of Grey water for development of food and a green ecosystem. However, if the system is being designed for the entire residential or commercial complex, it is advisable to engage an engineer or water expert to design a system that is capable of treating and reusing large volumes of water. Undoubtedly, a complex system would work out to be a bit expensive, as it may require a good amount of space and also involve heavy pumps and modern filtration systems.

Word of Caution!

In case you are planning an independent Grey water recycling system here are some issues that you need ponder about:

• Storing Grey water: As plants have to be watered at regular intervals, a basic storage system ought to be in place. Ensure that you don’t store Grey water for more than 24 hours, as the nutrients in it will start to break down, creating bad odour.
• Avoid physical contact: One cannot entirely rule out pathogen contamination, especially if someone in the family is infected or sick, so ensure that the Grey water directly soaks into the ground and people or animals come in its direct contact.
• Optimal use: While using Grey water for irrigation, ensure that plants are optimally watered and there is no run-off or pool-up. Pooling of Grey water could be breeding grounds for mosquitoes and run-off water could infect households.
• Managing excess water: In case the Grey water generated is in excess of what’s required for irrigation of plants, then it is sensible to let the excess Grey water into the sewer/septic system. Here a valve system could be used to switch the excess flow into the sewer system.
• Keep it simple: Always go for a recycling system that would last longer, require less maintenance, require less energy and cost less money. As far as possible try avoiding pumps in favour of gravity, and use a filtration system that is simple, manageable and cost effective.

 

-Manoj Mahanta

Team, ScienceNow

 

El Nino is accompanied by high air pressure in the western Pacific and low air pressure in the eastern Pacific. Developing countries that depend on their own agriculture and fishing are usually most affected….

El Nino Effect

El Ninois the warm phase associated with a band of warm ocean water that develops in the central and east-central equatorial Pacific Ocean. The cycle of warm and cold sea surface temperature of the tropical central and eastern Pacific Ocean affects the weather including Monsoon.

IMD Alert

According to the India Meteorological Department There is a nearly 70% probability of an El Nino developing this monsoon,

IMD’s has issued a renewed assessment with El Nino probability projected to be a bit less, however the threat looms large and the alerts are issued to take appropriate actions to protect from the ill effects of El Nino

El Nino is strengthening concerns that the weather phenomenon could threaten agricultureIndia being the agrarian country the effect of El Nino effect are severe.

Agarian Economy

Monsoon is the lifeblood of the world’s fifth-largest economy. Nearly half of the country’s net-sown area lacks irrigation access, making the rain-bearing system vital.

With an El Nino almost certain to arise, the Govt is taking appropriate action to to prepare region-specific mitigation plans

Between 2001 and 2020, India saw seven El Nino years. Of these, four resulted in droughts. These years also saw Kharif or summer-sown farm output decline tremendously. Kharif harvests account for nearly half of the country’s annual food supply.

In 1997, India faced the strongest El Nino ever, but the monsoon was normal

The country is counting on another weather phenomenon, a positive Indian Ocean Dipole which is the temperature difference which tends to boost the rains and thwart an El Nino.

In 2009, when the country had its worst drought in three decades, the nation managed to produce a million more tonnes of food grains than it did in 2007, a normal monsoon year.

The country’s food output has risen sharply from about 50 million tonnes to 323.5 million tonnes during 2022-23, keeping pace with population growth.

Effect

El Nino is the weather pattern triggered by a warming of the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, causes climate chaos across the globe and, often, drought in India.

Due to monsoon-disrupting weather pattern

The specific advisory is issued to India’s 700-odd districts based on different rainfall scenarios.

The probability of El Nino is forecastedin the June, July, August the intensity may rises to 80% in July, August and September season.

Yet, a drought still drives up inflation, erodes farm incomes and hurts the overall economy.

Forecast

IMD’s forecast of a normal monsoon on the lowest of the lower side.

The US Met Department has announced increase in the El Nino effect

The 2023 El Nino is expected to develop following a triple dip La Nina event

La Nina is the opposite of El Nino and is characterised by cooler currents in the equatorial eastern Pacific.

In any case El Nino is developing and better to be prepared to face it..

–Dr Siddhivinayak Barve

Editor, ScienceNow Digital

 

The Age of Probiotics

What are Probiotics?.. The market is flooded with Probiotics.. Know more about Probiotics…

Indian markets are flooded with probiotic supplements that claim to improve digestion, gut health and food absorption. They come in liquid form, capsules or powder form. Probiotics today have become a huge industry even when the published research is conflicting. What are probiotics? How effective are they and whether your body really needs these gut supplements? Be probiotic savvy before you decide to gulp these supplements. You can always opt for naturally occurring probiotics in your regular diet.

Understanding the Microorganism flora

Trillions of microbes, together form a microbiome – like a forest of diverse community of organisms such as bacteria, fungi, yeast, viruses and protozoa. These naturally live on your body and within you. Interestingly, these co-exist peacefully. Each individual’s microbiome is unique determined by your DNA; no two people have the same microbial cells.

The gut microbiome plays a very important role in your health. It includes bacteria, viruses, fungi, archaea (single-celled organisms) and helminthes (worm-like parasites). Most of the gut flora comprises of bacteria living in your colon or large intestine. Majority of these bacteria are harmless, in fact some are helpful while there are others that cause disease. The good bacteria help digest food, fight the disease-causing cells and produce vitamins.

Research suggests that imbalance in gut microbiome could be linked to diseases such as cancer and type 2 diabetes. When there is infection in your body, the bad bacteria knocks your system out of balance and does more harm than good. You need extra good bacteria to fight the bad ones. This is the time when probiotic supplements, which contain friendly living microrganisms, help in restoring good health.   

What are Probiotics?

Mostly probiotics are good bacteria but certain types of yeasts also are used as probiotics. In addition to the supplements, you can also get probiotics from foods prepared by bacterial fermentation. When you ingest probiotics, they colonize your gut along with other microorganisms.

Probiotics are identified by their genus, species, and specific strains. Like broad-spectrum antibiotics, some probiotic supplements also are denoted as broad-spectrum or multi probiotics, which combine different species in the same product.  The most common probiotic bacteria are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria. Others include Saccharomyces, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Escherichia and Bacillus. The most common yeast found in probiotics is Sachharomyces boulardii.

Probiotic-use

Probiotic bacteria most importantly help to build a healthy immune system. Currently researchers are trying to identify the disorders for which probiotics can be used. Certain conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhoea, constipation, yeast infections etc. can be controlled by increasing the quantity of probiotics through food or supplements. Certain research studies have shown that probiotics give relief from antibiotic induced diahrroea. Antibiotics fight an infection and kill the bad bacteria. But in the process even the good bacteria get eliminated. That is where probiotics may help.

Are Probiotics safe to consume?

Microbes in probiotics already exist in your body. Hence they are considered safe. However, there are people with certain health issues, who should avoid probiotic consumptions.

• Serious medical conditions
• Weakened immune system
• Recent surgery

Sources of Probiotics

Your gut microbe flora can be strongly influenced by the food you eat. Therefore, adding more probiotic rich foods to your daily diet can improve your overall health. Naturally occurring probiotics in food are in plenty, for instance, yogurt or curd, pickles, fermented tea (kombucha), fermented dairy drink (kefir), sour dough bread, cottage cheese, tempeh, kimchi, fermented sauerkraut, miso soup etc.

Probiotic supplements are commercially available. These come in many forms such as drinks, powders, liquids and capsules or pills. The supplements may be combined with prebiotics, which are foods for the microorganisms present in the gut. Prebiotics basically are complex carbohydrates. A combination of probiotics with prebiotics also called synbiotics can help maintain good gut health.

When you go to buy probiotics, check the labels to ensure their storage process and expiration date. This is because certain bacterial strains can be fragile and may break up due to heat, light, humidity and oxygen. Refrigeration may be required to keep some probiotics viable. If probiotics are shelf stable they do not need cooling.

A probiotic must meet stringent regulations if it is marketed as a drug for treatment of a disease. The safety and effectiveness then needs to be determined and approved by the medical community and drug advisory bodies. As such there is no specific dosage for consumption and data regarding the efficacy of a probiotic. Use your discretion to select a probiotic that you wish to consume.

-Dr. Parul R. Sheth

Freelance Science Writer. NCSC

Right in the heart of Mumbai, Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan and Zoo, commonly known as Rani Bagh is celebrating its 160th anniversary this year. The BMC has approved a proposal to change the name of Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan and Zoo, popularly known as Byculla Zoo or Rani Baug, by adding ‘Vanaspati’ or ‘Botanical’. This comes in the year when the garden is celebrating its160th anniversary….

History

Rani Bagh was the first grand public project undertaken by the British government after it took over the control of India from the East India Company, and the Palladian architecture of its monuments is one of its kind in Mumbai originally planned to be designed like Kew Botanical Garden, London

Rani Bagh was born in 1842, initially located in Sewri, the eastern suburb in central Mumbai, but the British government wanted that plot for a cemetery and offered 33 acres of land in Byculla. The plants were shifted to the new space on November 19, 1862, which was then known as Victoria Garden. In 1969 Victoria Gardens was renamed Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan and later in 1980 the term ‘Zoo’ was officially added to its name.

Garden and Zoo

According to a tree census of the garden conducted in November 2016, the garden recorded 4,213 trees with 256 species belonging to 54 botanical families and the Zoo with most of wild animals, aviary and the latest attraction of Penguins is the most-visited park recording a footfall of over 8,000 per day on an average, and on holidays this goes up to 40,000.

In 2007, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) announced plans for a makeover of the Zoo. There was the threat that some trees would be lost forever in the makeover. The Save Rani Bagh Botanical Garden Committee was formed to make sure that the renovation doesn’t destroy the garden The great floral diversity of Rani Bagh, its antiquity and heritage status and the inalienable fact that it is Mumbai’s most visited park are the most compelling reasons to preserve this city jewel. Later the demand to change the name of the garden and zoo to Botanical Garden was made by NGO Save Rani Bagh Botanical Garden Foundation which is realized in the 160^th year of the garden.

Green Treasure

The garden’s botanical wealth is astounding, with rare trees like Amherst nobilis (or Pride of Burma), Adansonia digitata (or Baobab),  Colvillea racemosa (or Colville’s Glory),  Ficus benghalensis variety  krishnae (or Krishna’s butter cup) are the treasure of the garden..  Castanospermum australe and  Strophanthus boivinii—are the only one of their kind in the city.

Among the many indigenous species, there is the Sundari or  Heritiera littoralis, with its crisscrossing root system. A native of the Sunderbans which is found nowhere else in Maharashtra.

One of the star attractions of the garden is the Krishna fig, its cup-shaped leaves are associated with the Krishna, who is believed to hide butter with these leaves.

The plant Mumbai Sugran, Litsea fernadesii is endemic to Mumbai island, the Rani Bagh Sugran is now the sole surviving member of its species.

Wonder Architecture

Rani Bagh is also a wonder of built heritage. The imposing clock tower, a stately museum, an exquisite triple-arch screen, an outstanding plant conservatory, historical statues, a few old-world drinking fountains, and a bandstand.  The overall plan is one of symmetry with fountains, small terraces, stairways, bridges, and artificial waterbodies.

As its 160th anniversary year draws to a close, there are hopes that it will be officially known as Veermata Jijabai Bhonsale Vanaspati Udyan va Pranisangrahalaya (V.J.B. Botanical Garden and Zoo). The trustees emphasise that having proved its ecological and egalitarian credentials in full measure over 160 years, the least it deserves is the honour of being called a botanical garden.

The botanical garden-cum-zoo serves as vital urban lungs that pump precious oxygen into the polluted skies of Mumbai. It is a must visit place to fill your lungs with fresh air which must be preserved and protected…

 

–Dr Siddhivinayak Barve

Editor, ScienceNow Digital

Being a vegetarian or vegan, have you ever missed tasting meat or non-vegetarian food? You have been raised as a meat-eater but now you have turned to a plant-based diet! Do you miss eating meat? You do not have to miss eating meat anymore because food industry is now providing you with plant-based vegan sausages, burgers, nuggets and many more. These vegetarian products have taste similar to chicken, port, beef, prawns etc. Interestingly there are restaurants that are fully dedicated to meat alternatives with a focus on plant-based alternatives. Meat-free dishes are available in a variety of cuisines including Asian, Indian and Western. You are provided with new creations each day to relish and enjoy.

Vegetarians today are looking to increase the protein content in their diets and then there are non-vegetarians who gradually wish to shift to veganism. People at large are trying to cut down on meat for dietary or environmental reasons. This is one of the major reasons for vegan meat alternatives to enter the food market.

Animal cells are grown in the lab culture to create a piece of fake meat. Similarly, fungi-based meat alternatives are made using microbial cultures. Microbial proteins such as yeast can be ecofriendly, nutritious and tasty. According to a research study carried out at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), Germany, replacing 20 per cent of meat with fungi-based meats could halve deforestation by 2050.

Vegan plant-based preparations

Food scientists are faced with three major challenges while developing a plant-based meat. These include appearance, texture and flavor. In order to resemble the animal proteins; plant-based proteins such as soybean, wheat protein, tempeh, pea protein etc. are added to the mock meat preparations such as burgers and sausages. Fermenting the root-like spores of certain fungi like mushrooms produces a protein-rich, flavourless food called mycoprotein, which is also used as a meat substitute.

When regular meat cooks, its appearance changes. The temperature of the pan or the grill or stove on which the meat cooks influences the protein structures. The protein breaks down, coagulates and contracts thus tenderizing the meat and making it firm. The distinctive meaty aroma and savoury flavor is precisely because of the Maillard reaction. And this helps replicate the same in plant-based meat products.

The fundamental difference between animals and plants is, the muscles present in animals. The elastic and springy nature of the animal muscles gives the meat a chewy texture. The plant cells on the other hand are rigid and un-flexing, which gives them a crunchy feel. To attain the chewy texture, wheat or pea protein is added to the plant-based meat.

A myriad of other additives are mixed to make the products look and taste like original meat preparations. For instance, to add the meat’s soft and juicy texture, refined coconut oil and palm oil are added. To give a ‘raw’ burger look, beet extracts are mingled. Soy leghaemoglobin produced by genetically engineered yeast is also used to create the ‘raw-look a-like’ burger.

Ingredients such as fava proteins, starches, flours, hydrocolloids and oils make the plant-based meat resemble the animal meat. Hydrocolloids, the non-digestible carbohydrates are used as thickeners, stabilizers and emulsifiers and gel-forming agents.

Vegan fish products

Amongst the plant-based products, algae are used as a protein source in the production of vegan substitutes for fish/sea food.  Algae are eukaryotes that reside in water. There are micro algae and macro algae. Micro algae are single-celled organisms that can be seen only under the microscope.  These are increasingly used as ingredients. Chlorella microalgae produce vitamin B 12 to some extent, which is found in animal products. The macro algae, which are visible to the naked eye, also act as a source of protein and dietary fibre.

Algae provide omega-3-fatty acids as value addition to the fish substitute. According to the water in which these algae grow; they contain trace elements such as zinc, iron, selenium, potassium and calcium.   These also provide texture and flavor to the seafood look alike. A few examples of these food products include nori (Pophyria) in sushi, ulva lactuca, wakame, Irish moss are commonly used.  Algae are suitable as fish substitutes because of their salty, grassy and nutty taste.

It is true that plant-based products are lower in calories and saturated fat than meat products. However, plant products are high in carbohydrates and fibre as compared to meat. Also, there can be high salt/sodium content in plant products.

Processing methods

These foods have to undergo an extensive processing to create the same texture and taste similar to chicken, pork, beef or other meats. The final characteristics of a product depend upon the processing technology. The two most common methods used are high-moisture extrusion and shear-cell technologies. Yet newer technologies such as 3D printing and cultutred meat are being refined.

The culinary science is turning creative. Mock meats are now freely available in Indian super markets. You have a choice of plant-based burgers, hot dogs, nuggets, deli meats, vegan chicken, mock tuna, fish sticks and many more. The future lies in these newly developed vegan delights.

 

Dr. Parul R. Sheth

Freelance Science Writer

Associated with NCSC

COP-27: Loss and Damage Funding

COP (Conference of the Parties) is a series of United Nations Climate Change Conferences, which have been running since 1995. COP is the name given to the United Nations Climate Change Conferences. The goal of these conferences is to review progress made by members of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to limit climate change.

Recent COP27 took place in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt…

Climate Change Conference

The United Nations Climate Change Conference COP27 concluded with a breakthrough agreement to provide “loss and damage” funding for vulnerable countries hit hard by climate disasters.

COP27 brought together more than 45,000 participants to share ideas, solutions, and build partnerships and coalitions. Indigenous peoples, local communities, cities and civil society, including youth and children, showcased how they are addressing climate change and shared how it impacts their lives.

The United Nation climate Change conference concluded on 20^th Nov in Shjarm el-Sheikh,Egypt with a decision to establish and operationalize a fund to compensate vulnerable nations for the ‘Loss and Damage’ from climate change disasters.

According to the agreement, It will be a decades-long conversation on funding for loss and damage – deliberating over the impacts on communities whose lives and livelihoods have been ruined by the very worst impacts of climate change

COP27 reaffirmed commitment to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The agreement also emphasises to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Creating a specific fund for loss and damage marked an important point of progress, with the issue added to the official agenda and adopted for the first time at COP27.

Implementation Plan
The Sharm el-Sheikh Implementation Plan, highlights that a global transformation to a low-carbon economy is expected to require investments of at least USD 4-6 trillion a year.

At COP27, deliberations continued on setting a ‘new collective quantified goal on climate finance’ in 2024, taking into account the needs and priorities of developing countries. 

However, Serious concern was expressed that the goal of developed country Parties to mobilize jointly USD 100 billion per year by 2020 has not yet been met.

 Past Actions

Adopted in 2015, the Paris Agreement was the culmination of the high hopes of limiting global warming preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels in order to avert devastating climate impacts.

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) of the United Nations published a report suggesting that severe climate impacts could be avoided by limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, but the time to act was closing rapidly.

Despite that Carbon concentration has jumped from 399.4 ppm in 2015 to 421 ppm in 2022. An increasing number of experts and activists have started to become vocal about how important it is to safeguard the ecosystem and biodiversity rather than prioritising fossil fuel based economic growth. There’s greater understanding that the earth cannot withstand the exploitation of natural resources any further.

Developing countries will prioritise loss and damage at COP27 adhering to the principle of “polluter pays”. The reparations will be for the losses incurred, primarily to rebuild lives and livelihoods after climate induced disasters.

The paradox is that efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global temperature below 1.5 degrees Celsius should go hand in hand. Large emitters haven’t demonstrated great enthusiasm and drive in cutting emissions as rapidly as required, developing countries’ increased focus on loss and damage is likely to dilute the issue further.

Thus, we mustn’t be surprised when emissions don’t fall as needed to avert the climate emergency. As far as paying for loss and damage is concerned, we need to remember that despite their promises, developed countries haven’t committed new and additional funds to developing countries to help them deal with climate change. There’s a good chance that the issue of who pays for climate impacts may once again be recognised but not committed to.

Hope

There’s growing consensus that not much time is left to bring about meaningful reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Net zero to halt global warming is still within our grasp if we work swiftly by concentrating our actions around the climate crisis.

It was concluded that world is in a critical decade for climate action. According to the report, implementation of current pledges by national governments put the world on track for a 2.5°C warmer world by the end of the century. The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change indicates that greenhouse gas emissions must decline 45% by 2030 to limit global warming to 1.5°C.

Let’s hope for the Best….

-Dr Siddhivinayak Barve

Editor, ScienceNow Digital

The new Kookaburra Smart Ball is all set to revolutionize the world of cricket. Read on….

For the first time, the ball will talk! Yes, you have read it right. Kookaburra, leading cricket ball manufacturer from Australia, has teamed up with SportCor to develop world’s first Smart Ball that will have microchip inside. The chip will provide real–time data that will change the way we coach, play and experience the game. 

Statistical Data

The role of Kookaburra Smart Ball would be to collect and relay all the statistical data instantly pertaining to revolutions, speed at which the ball is released, bounce, etc. through the embedded microchip located inside. In turn this will provide an immense insight for coaches, umpires, bowlers and an up and close experience for viewers like never before. For instance: once a bowler bowls the delivery he can immediately check his/ her smart watch and check the speed or degree of turn. The information can also be relayed on one’s smartphone or tablet app for coaches and trainers to take further course of action.

The Smart Ball will also have future capabilities of performing tasks like reading pitch behaviour, whether the ball has nicked the bat, whether the ball has hit the grass during low ground catches, and even assist in DRS process.

Science in Smart Ball

The microchip will be fitted in the smart ball’s core. Later layers of leather and rubber will be wrapped over it, then like other normal cricket balls different pieces of the balls will be gathered and stitched. This smart ball would look, feel and move like a normal cricket ball.

Challenges

At present, manufacturers are still working on the ball and it would take at least a year before it is allowed in any first class game. The primary concern would be the longevity issue that is how long the ball would last. But manufacturers are confident that the battery will last for about 8 hours which is a day of Test cricket. However, the battery can be recharged at any point of time by placing the ball in its charging hold. As far as chips is concerned it will last for about 18 months (outliving the normal life of a cricket ball), but manufacturers are working on increasing the timeframe. Once accepted, the smart ball will add to the long list of technology which is already in use in today’s cricketing world.

Manoj Mahanta

ScienceNow Digital

As India celebrates 75 years of Independence, we encapsulate some defining moments of the nation’s journey in the field of science and technology…

Today, seventy-five years after India’s independence, the country is considered as one of the top five superpowers on the planet, with Indian scientists contributing enormously to facilitating the country’s rapid development and progress. While it was the Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru who initiated several reforms in higher education and set up pioneering science and technology institutions like TIFR, DRDO, BARC, IITs, DST… the policies of subsequent governments ensured that we continued to stay on the growth and development track. The present-day government under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is giving significant emphasis to creation of an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ focusing on creation of a strong indigenous R&D and manufacturing infrastructure across the country.

On the eve on India’s ‘Amrit Mahotsav’, we look back in history at some of the major milestones achieved by the country in the area of science and technology:

1945: Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) – Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha asked Sir Dorabji Tata Trust for help and cooperation to begin nuclear research program in India. In 1945, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) was born, and thus started India’s journey in the world of nuclear energy development.

1954: India’s first Atomic Establishment at Trombay – Under the leadership of Dr. Homi Bhabha, the Atomic Energy Establishment, Trombay (AEET) was established in 1954. Later, the institution was renamed as BARC in 1967 to help consolidate all research and technology activities. Today, BARC is India’s premier research and development facility in nuclear science and engineering, giving the country a strategic edge in nuclear power.

1956: India’s first atomic reactor ‘Apsara’– This first nuclear reactor was designed by BARC and built with assistance from United Kingdom. Apsara is a light water swimming pool-type reactor with a maximum power output of one megawatt thermal (MWt), and it first went critical on August 4, 1956. The reactor is utilised for various experiments including neutron activation analysis, radiation damage studies, forensic research, neutron radiology, and shielding experiments.

1958: Formation of Defence Research and Development Organisation – DRDO was formed in 1958 from the amalgamation of the then already functioning Technical Development Establishment (TEDs) of the Indian Army and the Directorate of Technical Development & Production (DTDP) with the Defence Science Organisation (DSO). It has a network of laboratories engaged in developing defence technologies covering various fields like aeronautics, armaments, electronics, land combat engineering, life science, materials, missiles and naval systems.

1959: Launch of Television – Television was introduced in India on September 15, 1959 in Delhi, and the programs were broadcasted twice a week for an hour a day. Initially, the topics covered were community health, citizen’s duties and rights, and traffic and road sense, but in 1961 the broadcasts were expanded to include school educational television project. The first major expansion began in 1972, when a second television station was opened in Bombay, and it was followed by stations in Srinagar, Amritsar, Calcutta, Madras and Lucknow.

1964: The first Indian jet trainer – The two seat intermediate jet trainer HAL HJT-16 Kiran (Ray of Light) were built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on September 4, 1964. The jet called Kiran-I was powered by the Rolls Royce Viper Mk 11 delivered to the Indian Air Force in March 1968. Later the trainer jet was upgraded with hardpoints under each wing for weapon training and redesignated as the Kiran-IA.

1969: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) – Established in 1969, ISRO is India’s pioneer space exploration agency with a vision to develop and harness space technology in national development. Over the years, ISRO has gained place among the elite space agencies in the world owing to its unique and cost effective technologies. Recently, it conducted several remarkable space probes like Chandrayaan – 1 lunar orbiter, Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan – 1) and ASTROSAT space observatory.

1974: Pokhran – India’s first successful nuclear bomb – After Indira Gandhi had authorised scientists at BARC to design nuclear device in September 1972, it took nearly two-years of preparation to conduct the first nuclear test. Code named ‘Smiling Buddha’ the test was conducted on May 18, 1974 in the deserts of Pokhran, Rajasthan. This made India the world’s sixth nuclear power country.

1975: Launch of Aryabhata – Named after the ancient Indian astronomer – Aryabhata, the country launched its first satellite into space on April 19, 1975. The satellite was constructed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and was launched into space aboard a Kosmos-3M launch vehicle from Kapustin Yar, the then Soviet Union’s rocket launch and development site.

1978: India’s first test-tube baby – On October 3, 1978, Ms. Bela Agrawal delivered India’s first test-tube baby under the medical care and supervision of Dr. Subhash Mukhopadhyay. The child later named ‘Durga’ was conceived via in-vitro fertilisation, and the event took place just 67 days after the world’s first test-tube baby – Marie Brown, was born.

1982: Launch of India’s first satellite – Insat-1A was a multi-purpose satellite system designed to provide two high power TV broadcast and twelve telecommunications national coverage transponders, in addition to providing meteorological services. The Insat-1A was launched by a Delta 3910 launch vehicle on April 10, 1982 but was abandoned on September 6, 1983 when its attitude control propellant was exhausted.

1983: Research base at the South Pole – The country established its first scientific base station in Antarctica named Dakshin Gangotri. The station was built in record time of eight weeks by an 81-member team, and was powered by solar energy. The base was used to conduct scientific tests on radio transmission, physical oceanography, chemical analyse of freshwater lakes in the areas, geomagnetism, geology and glaciology.

1984: First Indian in Space – The Indian Air Force Squadron Leader Rakesh Sharma spent eight days aboard the Salyut 7 space station along with two Soviet Cosmonauts. They had departed on April 2, 1984 in a Soyuz T-11 spacecraft. This manned mission saw Sharma conduct several scientific and technical studies in the area of biomedicine, remote sensing and construction of hydro-electric power station in the Himalayas.

1988: Launch of C-DAC – In 1987, when US President Ronald Reagan refused to sell their supercomputers CRAY, India decided to develop it indigenously. In 1988, the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing or C-DAC was launched under the leadership of Dr. Vijay Bhatkar. With a deadline of three years and a budget of around Rs. 30 crore, India’s first super computer PARAM 800 was developed in 1991.

1991: DNA Finger Printing – During his study of evolution of sex chromosomes in a species of snake, Dr. Lalji Singh observed and recorded specific pattern in the DNA sequences, which he named the ‘Bkm sequences’. He made use of this technique to identify people based on specific characteristic of their DNA, and was able to solve several court cases over disputed paternity and criminal cases. He pioneered the concept of ‘DNA fingerprinting’ in India.

1993: Launch of Pentium Chip – Vinod Dham is popularly known as the ‘Father of the Pentium Chip’ for his contribution to the development of highly successful Pentium processors from Intel. Responding to consumer’s demand of computers with faster processing speed, Intel changed the game with the launch of its breakthrough chip – the Pentium.

1994: India’s first heart transplant surgery – On August 3, 1994 a team of 20 surgeons led by Dr. Panangipalli Venugopal performed India’s first successful human to human heart transplant at the All Indian Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. The entire operation took nearly 59 minutes and the patient lived for at least 15 more years.

1998: Pokhran – II – Operation Shakti stunned the world community as India conducted a series of five nuclear weapons tests – one fusion or thermonuclear weapon, two fission devices and two sub-kiloton devices, which proved to the world India’s capability in development of nuclear arsenal. Pokhran – II was the first Indian test of a nuclear weapon after 1974.

2000: Launch of indigenous fighter jet – Tejas, the single seat, single-engine, lightweight, high-agility supersonic fighter aircraft made its first maiden test flight aboard Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya in January 2000. The aircraft’s design and development program was led by Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the supervision of Hindustan Aeronautical Limited (HAL).

2002: The Simputer – A low cost alternative to conventional computers, the Simputer was a self-contained, open hardware Linux-based handheld computer. It was devised to bridge the digital divide, but it did not succeed in taking off. Launched in 2002, it was the brainchild of seven scientists from the Indian Institute of Science, and was led by Dr. Swami Manohar. While it did not succeed, it remains an important home-grown development in computer manufacturing.

2003: Kalpana Chawla space disaster – Kalpana Chawla, was the first Indian-origin woman to go space on a 16-day mission aboard NASA space shuttle Columbia. On the morning of February 1, 2003, the space shuttle was to return to Earth. At the time of launch, a briefcase-sized piece of insulation had broken off and damaged the thermal protection system of the shuttle’s wing. On its entry into the Earth’s atmosphere, the hot gas caused the break-up of the wing and the shuttle leading into an explosion killing all seven astronauts on board.

2008: Chandrayaan – 1 – The country’s first unmanned mission into space became a reality with Chandrayaan -1’s moon mission. The mission launched on October 22, 2008 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre – Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, included a lunar orbiter and an impactor. The goals of the mission included high-resolution mapping of the moon’s surface; near infrared, low energy X-ray and high-energy X-ray spectra, and preparation of a three-dimensional atlas of regions of scientific interest.

2009: INS Arihant – After five decades of hard work, on July 26, 2009 India formally launched its first indigenously designed and constructed ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) – the INS Arihant. Powered by ISROs nuclear reactor, the submarine is designed to span the ocean depths at high speed and launch ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons in the range of over 3,000 km.

2013: Mangalyaan – On November 5, 2013 India’s Mars Orbiter Mission lifted off from Sriharikota powered by PSLV C-25. After spending about a month in orbit around the Earth, the spacecraft Mangalyaan began its journey unto Mars. Almost a month later, the spacecraft entered the Mars’ orbit, putting India in the elite club of five countries which have successfully sent missions to Mars. At a cost of Rs. 450 crore, it was the cheapest mission to Mars, and India had succeeded in the very first attempt.

2017: ISRO tests its first cryogenic engine – ISRO successfully tested its indigenously developed Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS) for GSLV MkIII on February 17, 2017. It was tested for a flight duration of 640 seconds at ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) in Mahendragiri, this test was carried out after a similar successful test for 50 seconds on January 25, 2017. The test is a significant milestone as it is the last in series of engine before the first flight of GSLV MkIII.

2019: Chandrayaan – 2 Moon mission – India made a failed attempt to make a soft landing on to the lunar surface, and missed out on the opportunity of being the fourth country to successfully land on the moon, after erstwhile USSR, US and China. While the spacecraft has successfully entered the lunar orbit, the lander Vikram missed the primary landing site and went for the second. Thereafter, the visuals went missing as it had a crash landing.

While each of the above scientific events have contributed in transforming India into a global superpower, there have been some major scientific revolutions based on government policies that have also played a strategic role in taking the benefits of these developmental changes to the masses:

The Green Revolution – Post-independence, India was going through its worst agriculture disaster owing to re-occurrence of famines as the country was witnessing wide spread poverty and hunger. In 1960, the government made a policy decision to initiate the ‘Green Revolution’ under the guidance of Dr. M.S. Swaminathan. The country resorted to the use of modern agricultural methods and technology – high yielding variety (HYV) seeds, tractors, irrigation facilities, pesticides and fertilisers. This Green Revolution led to increase in food production and resulted in India becoming one of the world’s biggest agricultural producers.

The White Revolution – After the huge success of the Green Revolution, the Indian government initiated ‘Operation Flood’ also known as the ‘While Revolution’ aimed at increasing milk production. It helped create a nationwide milk grid linking producers to consumers by eliminating the middlemen. The mission was to make India self-dependent nation in milk production. Pioneered by Dr. Verghese Kurien the revolution was a huge success, making India one of the largest producers of milk in the world.

The Yellow Revolution – It started in 1986- 87, to multiply the production of vegetable oils, especially mustard and sesame seeds. During the Yellow Revolution, nine oil hybrid seeds – peanuts, mustard, soyabeans, saffron, sesame, sunflower, niger, flaxseeds and castor seeds were planted. Within 10-years of the launch of the program, India’s oil production doubled from 12 million tons in 1986 to 24 million tons in 1997. The Yellow Revolution also offered farmers several support incentives associated to processing equipment, irrigation equipment, fertizers, pesticides, etc.

The Blue Revolution – Also known as ‘Neel Kranti Mission’, the Blue Revolution was launched in the year 1985 with the objective of developing, managing and promoting fisheries so as to increase farmer’s income and sustain livelihood. This revolution tripled the production of fish in India – both island and marine sector by 2020, transformed the fish and aqua industry into a modern industry using technology and processes, increased income through development of innovative marketing platforms and also ensured food security in India. Dr. Arun Kishnan and Dr. Hirlal Chaudhuri are known as Father of ‘Blue Revolution’ in India.

The Golden Revolution – The period between 1991-2003 is known as the period of India’s ‘Golden Revolution’, as the country saw a phenomenal rise in production of honey and horticulture products under the supervision of Nirpakh Tutej, who is considered to be the father of the ‘Golden Revolution’ in India. During this period India became the world leader in the production of a variety of fruits like coconut, mangoes, cashew nuts and the second largest producer of vegetables and fruits in the world

Conclusion Since ancient times, Science and Technology have always been an integral part of India’s culture, and Indian intellectuals have pursued higher education vigorously and engaged relentlessly in development and innovation activities. While the government of India has played a key role in creating conducive environment, it is Indian scientists like Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman, Har Gobind Khorana, Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar, Venkatraman, Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar, Homi Bhabha… who have made the country proud with their extraordinary vision and work. India has evolved from humble beginnings into being a ‘Global Superpower’ and is all set to play a leadership role in all spheres of science and technology..

-Manoj Mahanta