Science | Business Upturn

Top 10 universities and colleges in Mumbai

Matrika Shukla — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 14:08:43 +0000

Mumbai, the financial capital of India, is not just an economic powerhouse but also a hub for academic brilliance. The city boasts a range of prestigious universities and colleges, attracting students from across the country and beyond. These institutions have consistently ranked among the best in the nation, offering world-class education. In this article, we take a closer look at the top 10 universities and colleges in Mumbai:

University of Mumbai

Established in 1857, the University of Mumbai is one of the oldest and most renowned universities in India. With over 600 affiliated colleges and institutions, it offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across various disciplines, including arts, science, commerce, law, and engineering. The university is known for its research-driven approach and has produced numerous scholars and leaders in various fields.

Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay)

IIT Bombay is a premier technical institution in India, consistently ranking among the top engineering colleges in the country. Established in 1958, it offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in various branches of engineering, as well as in sciences, management, and humanities. The institute is renowned for its cutting-edge research facilities, distinguished faculty, and strong industry collaborations.

Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS)

TISS is a renowned institution for social sciences, dedicated to promoting sustainable and equitable development through education, research, and field action. Established in 1936, it offers programs in areas such as social work, human resource management, labour studies, and public policy. TISS is known for its commitment to social justice and has made significant contributions to addressing societal challenges.

Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS)

JBIMS is a prestigious business school in Mumbai, known for its exceptional management education. Established in 1965, it offers postgraduate programs in various areas of management, including finance, marketing, and human resources. The institute has a strong emphasis on industry collaborations and practical exposure, preparing students for leadership roles in the corporate world.

SVKM’s Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS)

NMIMS is a renowned private university offering a wide range of programs in management, engineering, technology, and other disciplines. Established in 1981, it has gained a reputation for its innovative teaching methods, industry partnerships, and strong focus on holistic development. NMIMS consistently ranks among the top business schools in India.

Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (VJTI)

VJTI is one of the oldest and most prestigious engineering colleges in Mumbai, established in 1887. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various branches of engineering, including civil, mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering. The institute is known for its strong focus on research and innovation, as well as its illustrious alumni network.

K.J. Somaiya Institute of Management Studies and Research (SIMSR)

SIMSR is a leading management institute in Mumbai, offering postgraduate programs in various areas of management. Established in 1981, it is known for its industry-relevant curriculum, renowned faculty, and strong emphasis on practical exposure through case studies, internships, and live projects.

Sardar Patel College of Engineering (SPCE)

SPCE is a highly regarded engineering college in Mumbai, established in 1962. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various branches of engineering, including civil, computer, electrical, and mechanical engineering. The college is known for its state-of-the-art facilities, industry collaborations, and focus on research and innovation.

Vivekanand Education Society’s College of Arts, Science, and Commerce

VESASC is a premier college in Mumbai, offering undergraduate programs in arts, science, and commerce. Established in 1963, it is known for its excellent academic standards, dedicated faculty, and commitment to holistic education. The college has produced numerous successful professionals in various fields.

H.R. College of Commerce and Economics

H.R. College is one of the most prestigious commerce colleges in Mumbai, established in 1960. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in commerce, economics, and allied subjects. The college is known for its rigorous curriculum, industry exposure, and strong emphasis on practical training and skill development.

These top universities and colleges in Mumbai have consistently maintained high academic standards, fostering an environment of intellectual curiosity, innovation, and excellence.

ISRO’s Aditya L1 Mission: Exploring the mysteries of the Sun from space

Vanshika Lodhi — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 13:54:58 +0000

Introduction

Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) taking on multiple space missions this year. The Chandrayaan 3 landing is indeed a historic event, and we can’t wait to see the results of the mission. ISRO is also planning to launch its first solar mission, Aditya L1, which will study the Sun from an orbit around the L1 point of the Sun-Earth system. The spacecraft will carry seven payloads to observe the photosphere, chromosphere, and corona in different wavebands. The major science objectives of Aditya L1 mission are to study the solar upper atmospheric (chromosphere and corona) dynamics.

Unveiling the Aditya L1 Mission

The Journey Begins

The Aditya L1 mission was conceived in 2006 when a group of scientists from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics and the Astronomical Society of India presented a proposal to ISRO. Originally envisioned as a small satellite in low Earth orbit to monitor the Sun, the mission evolved into a comprehensive solar and space environment observatory to be placed at the Lagrange point L1.

The Lagrange Point Advantage

Aditya L1 will be inserted into a halo orbit around the Lagrange point L1, which is located approximately 1.5 million kilometers from Earth. This strategic position allows for continuous and uninterrupted observations of the Sun, providing scientists with valuable insights into solar activities and their impact on space weather in real-time. Placing a spacecraft precisely at L1 requires meticulous maneuvering and control to counteract gravitational perturbations.

The First Indian Sun Mission

Aditya L1 is a pioneering mission for India, as it represents the country’s first dedicated effort to study the Sun. The spacecraft, weighing approximately 1,500 kilograms, will carry seven state-of-the-art payloads to observe various layers of the solar atmosphere and capture crucial data about the Sun’s behavior. These payloads will enable scientists to study phenomena such as coronal mass ejections, solar flares, and the dynamics of the solar upper atmosphere.

Scientific Objectives of Aditya L1

The Aditya L1 mission is driven by a set of ambitious scientific objectives that aim to unravel the mysteries of the Sun and its influence on space weather and Earth’s climate. Let’s explore these objectives in detail:

1. Dynamics of the Solar Atmosphere

One of the primary goals of the mission is to study the dynamics of the solar atmosphere, including the chromosphere and corona. By observing these regions, scientists hope to gain insights into the processes involved in coronal heating, coronal mass ejections, and solar flares.

2. Understanding Coronal Heating

The Sun’s corona, with its temperature exceeding 1 million degrees Celsius, has long puzzled scientists. Aditya L1 aims to investigate the physics behind coronal heating, shedding light on the mechanisms responsible for this extreme temperature difference between the Sun’s lower and upper atmosphere.

3. Probing the Solar Wind

The solar wind, a stream of charged particles emitted by the Sun, plays a crucial role in space weather and impacts Earth’s environment. Aditya L1 will provide in-situ observations of the solar wind, contributing to our understanding of its composition, dynamics, and origin.

4. Exploring Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs)

Coronal mass ejections are colossal eruptions of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun’s corona. Aditya L1 will investigate the initiation, evolution, and propagation of CMEs, enabling scientists to better predict and understand these powerful solar events.

5. Magnetic Field Measurements

The mission will focus on studying the magnetic field topology and variations in the solar corona. Accurate measurements of the magnetic field strength and structure are essential for understanding the Sun’s influence on space weather and Earth’s magnetosphere.

6. Solar Climate Connection

Aditya L1 will contribute to our knowledge of the Sun’s impact on Earth’s climate. By studying the Sun’s emissions and their effects on Earth’s atmosphere, scientists aim to unravel the connection between solar activity and climate variations.

7. Comprehensive Solar Imaging

The spacecraft’s advanced payloads, such as the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) and Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT), will provide near-simultaneous images of different layers of the Sun’s atmosphere. This comprehensive imaging will enable scientists to study the transfer of energy and matter between various layers and better comprehend the Sun’s inner workings.

The Technology behind Aditya L1

Indigenous Payloads

Aditya L1 is a testament to India’s technological prowess, as it features several indigenous payloads developed by national institutions. The Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) payload, designed by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, will enable detailed spectroscopic and imaging studies of the Sun’s corona. The Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT) payload, developed by the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics, will focus on capturing images of the Sun’s chromosphere and photosphere.

In-situ Particle and Field Studies

To gather critical data about the solar wind and its interaction with the environment around L1, Aditya L1 incorporates the Aditya Solar wind Particle Experiment (ASPEX) and the Plasma Analyzer Package for Aditya (PAPA). These instruments will analyze the composition, flux, and properties of particles and magnetic fields in the vicinity of the spacecraft.

X-ray Spectrometry

Aditya L1 will also carry the Solar Low Energy X-ray Spectrometer (SoLEXS) and the High Energy L1 Orbiting X-ray Spectrometer (HEL1OS). These instruments will focus on detecting and studying X-ray flares and dynamic events in the solar corona, providing valuable insights into the Sun’s high-energy phenomena.

The Significance of Aditya L1

The Aditya L1 mission holds immense significance for both scientific exploration and practical applications. Let’s delve into the key reasons why this mission is crucial:

Advancing Solar Science

By studying the Sun’s atmosphere, Aditya L1 will contribute to significant advancements in solar physics and our understanding of stellar dynamics. The mission’s comprehensive observations and measurements will help unravel long-standing mysteries surrounding the Sun’s behavior and its impact on space weather.

Enhancing Space Weather Forecasting

Solar activity, such as coronal mass ejections and solar flares, can have a profound impact on Earth’s technological infrastructure and space-based assets. Aditya L1’s observations will enhance our ability to forecast and mitigate the effects of space weather events, safeguarding critical systems like satellites, communication networks, and power grids.

Investigating Climate Connections

The Sun’s emissions play a vital role in Earth’s climate dynamics. Aditya L1’s research into the connection between solar activity and climate variations will contribute to our understanding of long-term climate change and aid in refining climate models.

Indigenous Technological Advancements

The development and execution of the Aditya L1 mission demonstrate India’s growing expertise in space technology. The successful implementation of indigenous payloads and the spacecraft’s complex orbit insertion highlight ISRO’s capabilities and pave the way for future ambitious space missions.

Tentative date of the launch and Live Telecast

According to an ISRO official, the launch of Aditya L1 mission is tentatively scheduled for September 2. It is not yet clear whether ISRO will live telecast the launch of Aditya L1. However, ISRO has been known to live telecast its launches in the past. We can expect more information on this as we get closer to the launch date.

Project Head

The Aditya L1 mission is being led by Sankarasubramanian K, who was named Principal Scientist of the project in October 2022. The spacecraft was realized at the U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), Bengaluru and has arrived at SDSC-SHAR, Sriharikota. The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) and the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Pune are also involved in the mission. IIA will help in the development of the ‘Visible Emission Line Coronagraph payload’ while the Pune-based institution will develop the Solar Ultraviolet Imager payload for the mission.

Earlier, speaking to ANI, ISRO chairman S.Somanth said that the country’s maiden mission to study the sun will be ready for launch in the first week of September. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced that August 23 will be celebrated as ‘National Space Day’ to mark Chandrayaan-3’s landing on the moon.

The Aditya L1 mission represents a significant leap forward in India’s space exploration endeavors. By studying the Sun’s atmosphere and unraveling its mysteries, this pioneering mission will advance our understanding of stellar dynamics, improve space weather forecasting, and shed light on the Sun’s influence on Earth’s climate. With its state-of-the-art payloads and cutting-edge technology, Aditya L1 is poised to make groundbreaking discoveries and solidify India’s position in the realm of space science. As we embark on this remarkable journey, we eagerly await the wealth of knowledge and scientific insights that Aditya L1 will bring us.

PM Modi names Chandrayaan-3 landing point as ‘Shiv Shakti Point’

Vanshika Lodhi — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 13:48:00 +0000

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited the ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) in Bengaluru to congratulate the scientists behind the historic Chandrayaan-3 Moon mission. The Prime Minister was received by ISRO chief S.Somanath and other scientists, and he praised their achievement as one of the most inspiring moments of this era. He also stated that the entire world now recognizes India’s strength in the field of science and technology.

After attending the BRICS summit in South Africa and making a maiden visit to Greece, PM Modi arrived in Bengaluru to greet the scientists. Shortly after landing, he addressed a gathering before departing for ISTRAC. In his speech, he began with the slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan, Jai Anusandhan” and expressed his enthusiasm for science. He also mentioned that he had decided to visit Bengaluru on his return to India to pay tribute to the scientists behind the success of Chandrayaan-3.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Governor Thawarchand Gehlot, and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar were not present with the Prime Minister on stage. PM Modi explained that he had requested the Karnataka leaders not to go through the trouble of waking up very early in the morning to receive him, as he did not know when he would arrive in Bengaluru.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi had described the ISRO scientists responsible for Chandrayaan-3’s success as “exceptional” and expressed his eagerness to interact with them. He wrote on social media ahead of his visit that he was looking forward to meeting with the ISRO scientists who had made India proud with their success.

On Wednesday, PM Modi virtually witnessed the successful lunar touchdown of the Chandrayaan-3 lander from Johannesburg, where he was attending the BRICS summit. During his visit to ISRO Telemetry Tracking & Command Network Mission Control Complex in Bengaluru, PM Modi highlighted the key role played by women scientists in Chandrayaan-3 and stated that this “Shivkshakti” point would inspire future generations to use science for the welfare of people.

The Chandrayaan-3 mission is a significant achievement for India and its space program. It is a testament to the dedication and passion of ISRO’s scientists, who have worked tirelessly to make this mission a success. The Prime Minister’s visit to ISTRAC and his words of praise and encouragement are a fitting recognition of their efforts.

Pragyan Rover successfully rolls out of Vikram Lander: ISRO

Vanshika Lodhi — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 09:32:15 +0000

ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 MilestoneThe Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved yet another significant milestone in its mission to explore the moon. Recently, ISRO released the first visuals of the Pragyan rover rolling out of the Vikram Lander onto the lunar surface. These visuals were captured by the Lander Imager camera, showcasing a remarkable achievement for India’s space agency. Confirmation of the successful deployment of the rover came on August 24 when ISRO announced that the Pragyan rover had rolled out onto the lunar surface. The released visuals now substantiate this claim, showcasing the progress made by ISRO in its latest moon mission. In these latest developments, the rover will play a crucial role in collecting vital data for the Indian space agency. Its mission is to roam the lunar surface, gathering valuable information that will enhance our understanding of the moon’s composition and structure. The data collected by the rover will be instrumental in expanding our knowledge of the lunar environment.

… … and here is how the Chandrayaan-3 Rover ramped down from the Lander to the Lunar surface. pic.twitter.com/nEU8s1At0W

— ISRO (@isro) August 25, 2023

The successful landing of the Vikram lander on the moon was a significant moment in itself. Achieving a soft landing on the moon’s south pole made India the first country to reach this unexplored region. This pioneering feat was accomplished on Wednesday, around 6 PM IST, following years of dedicated planning and hard work by ISRO. The successful touchdown of the Chandrayaan-3 mission holds even more importance considering recent failures by other nations. Just days prior to India’s achievement, a Russian lander crashed in the same region, highlighting the challenges and risks involved in lunar exploration.

India’s previous lunar mission faced a setback four years ago when the lander failed during its final descent. ISRO’s ability to bounce back from that setback and achieve this milestone further highlights the agency’s resilience and determination. The Pragyan rover and the Vikram lander were designed to operate for approximately two weeks, equivalent to one lunar daylight period. However, ISRO remains hopeful that these machines may exceed expectations and continue to function for another lunar day. This extended operation would significantly enhance the amount of data collected and contribute even more to our understanding of the moon. Specifically, the rover will utilize its Alpha Particle X-Ray Spectrometer (APXS) payloads to study the surface of the moon. These instruments will analyze the chemical composition of the lunar surface and derive important mineralogical information. This data will greatly contribute to our understanding of the moon’s geological characteristics, leading to further scientific advancements.

The successful deployment of the Pragyan rover is an incredible step forward in ISRO’s mission to explore the moon. The agency’s dedication and hard work have once again borne fruit, proving India’s capabilities in the field of space exploration. As the rover continues its exploration of the lunar surface, we eagerly await the valuable scientific insights it will provide, further enhancing our knowledge of Earth’s celestial neighbor.

Here’s how Chandrayaan-3 will leave imprints of ISRO & national emblem on the Moon

Vanshika Lodhi — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 06:27:09 +0000

India’s Chandrayaan-3 has successfully soft-landed on the on the southern part of lunar surface, as the Pragyan lunar rover will leave imprints of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and India’s national emblem, the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath. Students across the country are demonstrating their support through music, art, and exhibitions, showcasing the nation’s unity in backing scientific progress. The significance of the Pragyan lunar rover goes beyond its scientific objectives, as it serves as a symbol of India’s mark on the moon’s surface. The ISRO has released a video providing a glimpse of the embossed imprints on the rover.

As India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission has successfully completed, the importance of the Pragyan lunar rover becomes increasingly evident. Not only will it leave behind tangible imprints of the ISRO and India’s national emblem, but it will also stand as a symbol of unity and pride for the nation. This impending landing has generated a wave of support from students across the country, who are expressing their enthusiasm through various creative endeavors. Through music, art, and exhibitions, students are showcasing their unwavering support for scientific progress, highlighting India’s remarkable achievements in space exploration, and emphasizing the significance of pushing boundaries in pursuit of knowledge. Their talents and passions reinforce the idea that scientific advancements are not limited to a select few, but require the collective effort and enthusiasm of the entire nation. The Pragyan lunar rover, in addition to its scientific objectives, holds a symbolic role in solidifying India’s presence on the moon’s surface.

The embossed imprints left by its rear wheels symbolize India’s indelible contributions to the realm of space exploration. They are a visual representation of India’s determination to leave a lasting impact not only on Earth, but also in the vastness of space.To engage the public further and provide insight into the significance of these imprints, the ISRO has released a video showcasing the notable features of the rover. Similar to the visual representation presented during the Chandrayaan-2 mission, this video offers viewers a sneak peek into the journey and endeavors of the rover once it lands on the lunar surface. Through these captivating visuals, the ISRO aims to inspire and educate individuals about the magnitude of India’s space missions and their profound impact on scientific progress.

With each mission, India’s space exploration efforts are reaching new heights, both literally and figuratively. The anticipation surrounding the landing of Chandrayaan-3 is a testament to the nation’s growing prowess in the field of space research. As the mission unfolds, the imprints left by Pragyan will serve as a constant reminder of India’s commitment to scientific exploration and the enduring spirit of its people.

Chandrayaan-3 Vikram Lander historic moon landing: Where and when to watch live streaming

Vanshika Lodhi — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 10:18:33 +0000

Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram lander is set to make a historic landing on the moon’s surface this evening, and for those eager to witness this momentous event, here’s where and when you can catch the live streaming. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will be broadcasting the landing operations on their official website, as well as on popular platforms such as YouTube and various social media channels. DD National TV will also provide a live telecast of the event. The highly anticipated live coverage will begin on August 23 at 5:20 pm (IST). Although the action of the landing itself will commence slightly later, at 5:27 pm (IST), viewers will have a chance to witness the entire process leading up to this critical moment. The module named after Vikram Sarabhai has successfully separated from the engine module and is now moving towards a lower orbit. It is ready to land smoothly at around 6:04am IST.

Click the video below to watch live telecast of Chandrayaan-3

To add to the excitement, video clips and photos captured by cameras aboard the spacecraft will be made available for the public to view even before the landing takes place. Chandrayaan-3, the third lunar exploration mission launched by ISRO, aims to further expand our understanding of the Moon’s surface, composition, and atmosphere. The Vikram lander plays a vital role in this mission, as it carries payloads and instruments designed to conduct experiments and collect valuable data. By providing live streaming of the landing, ISRO is allowing people from all around the world to be a part of this historic event. It not only promotes transparency but also encourages public engagement and interest in space exploration. With the advancements in technology, individuals can tune in from the comfort of their own homes and witness this significant milestone in India’s space journey.

The ISRO website, YouTube, DD National TV, and various social media platforms will serve as the primary sources for the live telecast. This wide array of options ensures that viewers can choose their preferred platform based on accessibility and convenience. Whether it’s through their computers, smartphones, or televisions, people everywhere will have the opportunity to witness the Chandrayaan-3 Vikram lander’s exciting venture. As we eagerly await the landing, it’s worth acknowledging the tremendous efforts of the scientists and engineers who have diligently worked towards making this mission a reality. Their expertise and dedication have propelled India’s space program forward, placing it on the global stage with other renowned space agencies.

So mark your calendars for August 23 and prepare to be captivated by the live streaming of Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram lander’s anticipated landing. Don’t miss the chance to witness history being made on the moon’s surface. Tune in to the ISRO website, YouTube, DD National TV, or your preferred social media platform to be a part of this extraordinary event. And remember, you can also explore the captivating video clips and photos captured by the spacecraft’s cameras leading up to the landing.

Study suggests that our galaxy has millions of planets that might support life: Study

News Desk — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 02:52:12 +0000

In the region of the Milky Way in which it resides, the sun, which is quite known to us, is an extremely rare occurrence. The vast majority of the stars in the galaxy have a mass that is little more than half that of the Sun at most, and they are also much less massive. These dwarf stars in our galaxy each have a billion planets circling around them, and as it turns out, roughly one-third of those planets might be in a zone where it is conceivable for there to be life on them.

Because “M dwarf stars” are much smaller, considerably dimmer, and significantly colder than other types of stars, the planets that orbit around them would have to be quite close to one another in order to absorb enough heat to be habitable. This would imply that they are more prone to being damaged by very strong tidal pressures.

In a recent research that was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, which is subject to peer review, astronomers revealed that two-thirds of the planets that orbit those tiny stars had the potential to be “roasted” by tidal extremes, which would basically sterilize them.

However, what this indicates is that one-third of the planets may be located at a distance from their stars that is low enough and their gravitational pull is weak enough to for the existence of liquid water, which is necessary for life as we know it.

“I believe that this discovery is going to be incredibly significant for the next decade of study into exoplanets since attention is starting to move towards this group of stars. In a press release, the author Sheila Sagear described these stars as “excellent targets to look for small planets in an orbit where it’s conceivable that water might be liquid and, therefore, the planet might be habitable.”

According to the findings of the researchers, stars that are made up of several planets are more likely to have the type of circular orbit that would enable them to keep liquid water on their surfaces. Additionally, the planets that were the sole ones circling the star were the most likely to suffer tidal extremes that would sterilize the surface of the planet.

The researchers believe that the Milky Way likely contains hundreds of millions of planets that could be promising targets to search for signs of life outside of our solar system. This is due to the fact that one-third of the planets in the sample selected by the researchers had orbits that were gentle enough to potentially host liquid water.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalls Aatmanirbhar Bharat during CSIR meet

Himanjali Mahanta — Fri, 04 Jun 2021 10:03:23 +0000

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said, “India used to wait for years for innovations achieved abroad but now researchers are working at the same quick pace as he lauded the scientists of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).”

“CSIR works as an institutional arrangement to maintain the system for science, society, and industry in our country. This institution of ours has produced several talented scientists. Great scientist like Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar has led this institution,” PM Modi said during the address at the society meeting.

India is leading the world in the fields of sustainable development and clean energy, PM Modi said, adding that from agriculture to astronomy, disaster management to defence technology and vaccine to virtual reality, the nation aims to become self-reliant and empowered in every direction.

Furthering the call for ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat or self-reliant India, PM Modi said that while the coronavirus pandemic may have slowed the pace of development, but a determination for self-sustenance and empowerment still remains. “The Covid-19 crisis may have slowed our pace but our resolve has been ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), he said.

Speaking about the coronavirus pandemic and the devastation caused by it, the Prime Minister also said that it has emerged as the biggest global challenge of the century. However, history is proof that whenever there has been a huge crisis on humanity, science comes to the rescue and has always prepared the way for a better future, PM added.

On the advancement of science in the country, the PM that the nation has developed to an extent that is now fuelling the progress of others in the world. “Today, from software to satellites, we are also accelerating the development of other countries, playing the role of a major engine in the development of the world,” Modi said at the CSIR meet.

SpaceX beats India’s space record by launching 143 satellites in single session

Devanshu Singla — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 10:46:43 +0000

Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk’s SpaceX aerospace company on Sunday Night set up a world space record by launching 143 spacecrafts into space in a single mission, SpaceX broke India’s record of deploying 104 satellites in February 2017.

The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 10 a.m. EST from the Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. It flew south along the eastern coast of Florida on its way to space, the company said.

The reusable rocket ferried 133 commercial and government spacecraft and 10 Starlink satellites to space – part of the company’s SmallSat Rideshare Program, which provides access to space for small satellite operators seeking a reliable, affordable ride to orbit, according to the company.

SpaceX delayed the launch one day because of unfavourable weather. On January 22 Musk also the chief executive of Tesla Inc, wrote on Twitter, “Launching many small satellites for a wide range of customers tomorrow. Excited about offering low-cost access to orbit for small companies!”

SpaceX has previously launched to orbit more than 800 satellites of the several thousand needed to offer broadband internet globally, a $10 billion investment it estimates could generate $30 billion annually to help fund Musk’s interplanetary rocket program, called Starship

The nearly 90-minute deployment sequence of the satellites having different roles was nail-biting because they separated in a span of a few seconds and a minute. Onboard was also a spacecraft belonging to Nasa. With these satellites, SpaceX aims to provide near-global broadband internet coverage all over the world by 2021.

Amazon Academy, edtech platform launched to help students prepare for competitive exams

Devanshu Singla — Wed, 13 Jan 2021 08:49:08 +0000

Amazon India has launched an Amazon Academy to help students preparing for the JEE (Joint Entrance Examination) for entrance to engineering colleges. “The online preparation offering will equip students with in-depth knowledge and practice routines required for the JEE, through the curated learning material, live lectures and comprehensive assessments in Math, Physics and Chemistry,” the company said.

The beta version of Amazon Academy will be available free of cost on the web and the Google Play store.

“Amazon Academy will offer students a range of JEE preparatory resources at launch, including specially crafted mock tests by industry experts, over 15,000 handpicked questions with hints and detailed step by step solutions for practice”, the statement said.

In a statement, Amazon said that the learning material and exam content has been developed by expert faculty from across the country and the content is currently available for free and will continue to be for the next few months. Content resources available will also be beneficial for those preparing for BITSAT, VITEEE, SRMJEEE, and MET exams.

Amol Gurwara, Director, Education at Amazon India, said, “Amazon Academy aims to bring high quality, affordable education to all, starting with those preparing for engineering entrance examinations. Our mission is to help students achieve their outcomes while also empowering educators and content partners to reach millions of students. Our primary focus has been on content quality, deep learning analytics and student experience. This launch will help engineering aspirants prepare better and achieve the winning edge in JEE.”

Top 10 must watch sci-fi movies

Vaishnavi Mishra — Sat, 21 Nov 2020 06:14:44 +0000

In the current world, where science and technology is observed at every walk in life, it’s easy to say that people hardly care for something fictional. But in contrast to this, people are indulging more into fictional world. But at the same time, a complete fictional story might not generate so much engagement and entertainment. Science-fiction or Sci-fi currently seems to generate much interest among the audience. From novels to movies, people are now more fond of sci-fi. Sci-fi movies are a genre of speculative fiction that typically deals with imaginative and futuristic concept based movies. They are very captivating and entertaining. Two completely different genre, combine together and this fusion is lot more entertaining and accepting. In the current time, they are very much in demand. Such movies are well developed and made that it will blow your mind and will compel you to sit and think. The cinema industry has myriad number of movies based on sci-fi stories that created historical mark on the industry. Here’s a list of top 10 sci-fi movies you should watch now to kill your boredom and fall into the world of fiction combined with science.

Oblivion

The movie, released in 2013 was directed by Joseph Kosinski. The movie starred Olga Kurylenko, Andrea Riseborough, Tom Cruise and Morgan Freeman. With an amazing cast, the movie will amaze you with the it’s plot and screenplay. The story revolves around Jack Harper who is a drone repairman stationed on Earth that has been ravaged by war with extraterrestrials, questions his identity after rescuing the woman who keeps appearing in his dreams.

Edge of Tomorrow

The movie was released in 2014, directed by Doug Liman. The movie casts Tom Cruise. The story revolves around Rita Vrataski, Major William Cage who wants to save the earth from aliens. With the help of warrior Rita Vrataski, Major William Cage has to save Earth and the human race from an alien species, after being caught in a time loop

Arrival

The movie was directed by Denis Villeneuve and was released in 2016. The movie is an amazing work in the sci-fi film industry. The story revolves around Louise Banks, who is a linguistics expert and she has to, along with her team, must interpret the language of aliens who’ve come to earth in a mysterious spaceship.

Passengers

Directed by Morten Tyldum, Passenger was released in 2016. It’s a must watch sci-fi. The story revolves around Aurora and Jim who are on a voyage to a distant colony planet. While Jim’s hypersleep pod malfunctions keeps waking him up. He and fellow passenger Aurora must work together to prevent their spaceship from meeting with a disaster. The movie will very engaging. The movie star Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt as lead characters.

Life

Life was released in 2017 and was directed by Daniel Espinosa. The movie was initially released in Sweden. The story revolves around some astronauts who discover the first evidence of extra-terrestrial life on Mars, they begin realising that the life form is extremely intelligent and hostile. The movie will take you in some other world of space.

The Space between Us

The Space between Us was released in 2017 and was directed by Peter Chelsom. The movie is adventurous and exciting to watch. The story is about Sarah Elliot and her son. She is an astronaut who dies on Mars while giving birth to her son. The boy visits Earth and starts searching for his father with the help of a clever girl. Isn’t the story too fascinating!

Ready Player one

Released in 2018 and directed by Steven Spielberg, the movie is phenomenal sci-fi piece of work in the cinema industry. The story revolves around a James Halliday, who is a game designer. James designs a virtual reality and hides the keys to his fortune in it for a worthy player to find after his death. Wade, a teenager, sets out on a quest to find the keys and the fortune.

Mortal Engines

Another mind blowing sci-fi movie Mortal Engines was directed by Christian Rivers. The movie was a blockbuster hit and was much appreciated by critics and fans. The story sets in a post-apocalyptic world where cities move and consume each other to survive, While two strangers come together to stop a sinister and destructive conspiracy.

Downsizing

This is a sci-fi comedy which will keep you engaged throughout the movie. The movie, released in 2017 was directed by Alexander Payne. The movie starred Matt Damon, Hong Chau, Christoph Waltz, Dusan Mirkovic, Jason Sudeikis and others. The story revolves around Mild-mannered therapist Paul Safranek and his wife, Audrey who decides to undergo a process in which scientists shrink people down to miniature size to live in small communities. The irreversible procedure allows the people to gain wealth and a life of leisure while helping to cut down on the consumption of natural resources. As Paul gets to know his new neighbors and surroundings, he soon learns that living in a tiny suburb comes with its own set of huge problems.

Gemini Man

Released in 2019, Gemini Man was directed by Ang Lee. The movie starred Will Smith, Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Clive Owen. The story revolves around Henry, who is an ageing assassin who finds himself being chased by someone with the ability to predict his moves. He soon discovers that the person is his clone and sets out to discover his origin.

ISRO launches three free of charge short term e-courses

Anu Jain — Sun, 04 Oct 2020 15:14:22 +0000

Indian Space Research Organisation or ISRO has launched three free of cost new undergraduate, post-graduate courses online which would not charge any fee. Three courses are Geographical Information System (GIS), Geocomputation, Remote Sensing and GIS Applications and Geoweb services out of which GIS already commenced on 28th September. Candidates can enroll in one or all courses as per their need.

These are Outreach Programmes provided by the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), which is a premier institute for research, higher education and training in the field of Remote Sensing, Geoinformatics and GPS Technology for Natural Resources, affiliated with ISRO.

The courses are as follows:

1. Geographical Information System (GIS)

The course has already begun, dating from September 28 to October 15, 2020. It has been designed to teach about geographic phenomena, concepts, and examples. The content of the curriculum includes data inputting, GIS, spatial analysis, introductory concepts and overview.

2. Basics of Geocomputation and Geoweb Services

It is almost a fortnight-long course, will start from October 19 and end on October 29, 2020. The course gives a brief insight into Geocomputation. The curriculum includes the following; Geocomputation technology and applications, Introduction to online GIS, Geo-web services and repositories, ISRO geoweb services, Programming concepts for geo computation, and Introduction to Python and R.

3. Remote Sensing and GIS Applications

The course will incept on November 02 and end on November 20, 2020. Under the course, students will learn applications of remote sensing, GIS applications for crop resource assessment and remote sensing applications for geological studies.

A brochure for each course is provided on the iirs.gov.in link, from where you can acquire all the details about the same. Students can enrol and register for the courses from the given below link:

https://www.iirs.gov.in/EDUSAT-news

Indian Researchers crack the process of Glass Transformation into Crystal

Anu Jain — Tue, 08 Sep 2020 09:58:01 +0000

Indian researchers have decoded the process of devitrification that is, glass converting into a crystal. The team of researchers has visualised the process for the first time in experiments, the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru said.

The team was led by Rajesh Ganapathy, Associate Professor at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, with Ajay Sood, DST Year of Science Chair and Professor at the IISc, and their PhD student Divya Ganapathi (IISc). The results of this study have been published in ‘Nature Physics’.
Glass is amorphous in nature its atomic structure does not involve the repetitive arrangement seen in crystalline materials, the Bengaluru-based IISc noted in a statement on Tuesday. But occasionally, it undergoes a process called devitrification, which is the transformation of glass into a crystal often an unwanted process in industries.

To understand devitrification is difficult because the process can be extremely slow, spanning decades or more, according to IISc. The trick was to work with a glass made of colloidal particles. Since each colloidal particle can be thought of as a substitute for a single atom but being ten thousand times bigger than the atom, its dynamics can be watched in real-time with an optical microscope, Divya Ganapathi said. “Also, to hasten the process we tweaked the interaction between particles so that it is soft and rearrangements in the glass occurred frequently, “she said. In order to make glass, Divya Ganapathi and the team jammed the colloids together to reach high densities.

Researchers noticed different regions of the glass following two routes to crystallisation: an avalanche-mediated route involving rapid rearrangements in the structure, and a smooth growth route with rearrangements happening gradually over time.

The researchers then used machine learning methods to determine if there was some subtle structural feature hidden in the glass that ”apriori” decides which regions would later crystallise and through what route.

Despite the glass being disordered, the machine learning model was able to identify a structural feature called “softness” that had earlier been found to decide which particles in the glass rearrange and which do not, the statement said.

The team found that regions in the glass which had particle clusters with large “softness” values were the ones that crystallised and that “softness” was also sensitive to the crystallisation route. Perhaps the most striking finding emerging from the study was that the authors fed their machine learning model pictures of a colloidal glass and the model accurately predicted the regions that crystallised days in advance, IISc said.
“This paves the way for a powerful technique to identify and tune ”softness” well in advance and avoid devitrification,” said Ajay Sood.

Understanding devitrification is “crucial” in areas like the pharmaceutical industry, which strives to produce stable amorphous drugs as they dissolve faster in the body than their crystalline counterparts, the IISc said. Even liquid nuclear waste is vitrified as a solid in a glass matrix to safely dispose of it of deep underground and prevent hazardous materials from leaking into the environment.

“It is really cool that a machine learning algorithm can predict where the glass is going to crystallise and where it is going to stay glassy. This could be the initial step for designing more stable glasses like the gorilla glass on mobile phones, which is ubiquitous in modern technology,” says Rajesh Ganapathy. The ability to manipulate structural parameters could usher in new ways to realise technologically significant long-lived glassy states, the statement added.

CHSE Odisha class 12 results to be announced today

Nivedya P T — Wed, 12 Aug 2020 06:50:32 +0000

The Council of Higher Secondary Education will declare the class 12 Science result today at 12.30 pm by Education Minister Samir Ranjan Dash.

The results will be available on the website orissaresults.nic.in

To check the result go to the official website of CHSE Odisha at http://chseodisha.nic.in/

Click on the link to view your results.

Click on ‘Find Odisha CHSE Result 2020.’

The result will appear on the screen

Almost 1lakh candidates had appeared for the examination this year and the pending exams were canceled due to COVID-19 pandemic. For the marking of these papers, the government has announced a special assessment scheme. According to this, if a student has appeared in more than three papers, then the average mark will be calculated from the best three subjects. The average mark will then be given for the pending papers. Similarly, if a student has appeared in three examinations, then he/she will be marked on the basis of two best papers.

Scientists use Earth as proxy for detecting signs of life on Exoplanets

Pravin Suryawanshi — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 06:25:53 +0000

Washington: As scientists search for signs of life on planets outside our solar system, astronomers using NASA`s Hubble Space Telescope have detected Earth`s own brand of sunscreen, ozone, in our atmosphere by taking advantage of a total lunar eclipse.

This method simulates how astronomers and astrobiology researchers will search for evidence of life beyond Earth by observing potential “bio-signatures” on exoplanets.

“One of NASA`s major goals is to identify planets that could support life,” Allison Youngblood of the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics at the University of Colorado Boulder said in a NASA statement.

“But how would we know a habitable or an uninhabited planet if we saw one? What would they look like with the techniques that astronomers have at their disposal for characterizing the atmospheres of exoplanets?”, she stated.

That`s why it`s important to develop models of Earth`s spectrum as a template for categorizing atmospheres on extrasolar planets,” she explained.

For the study, Hubble did not look at Earth directly. Instead, the astronomers used the Moon as a mirror to reflect sunlight, which had passed through Earth`s atmosphere and then reflected back towards Hubble.

Using a space telescope for eclipse observations reproduces the conditions under which future telescopes would measure atmospheres of transiting exoplanets. These atmospheres may contain chemicals of interest to astrobiology, the study of and search for life.

Though numerous ground-based observations of this kind have been done previously, this is the first time a total lunar eclipse was captured at ultraviolet wavelengths and from a space telescope.

Hubble detected the strong spectral fingerprint of ozone, which absorbs some of the sunlight.

Ozone is important to live because it is the source of the protective shield in the Earth`s atmosphere.

On Earth, photosynthesis over billions of years is responsible for our planet`s high oxygen levels and the thick ozone layer.

That`s one reason why scientists think ozone or oxygen could be a sign of life on another planet, and refer to them as biosignatures.

“Finding ozone is significant because it is a photochemical byproduct of molecular oxygen, which is itself a byproduct of life,” Youngblood said.

Hubble recorded ozone absorbing some of the Sun`s ultraviolet radiation that passed through the edge of Earth`s atmosphere during a lunar eclipse that occurred on January 20 to 21, 2019, according to the study published online in The Astronomical Journal.