Sunday, 3 September 2023

Strict Measures: Scientists, engineers working on Aditya-L1 weren’t allowed to wear perfumes for THIS reason

Scientists and engineers at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) in Bengaluru, who were responsible for the primary payload of the Aditya L-1 solar mission, implemented a stringent policy against the use of perfumes and sprays.

This precautionary measure was set in place due to the potentially disruptive impact that even the minutest particle could have on the crucial work being conducted on Aditya’s primary payload, called the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph or VELC.

In order to maintain an impeccably pristine environment, these dedicated professionals carried out their tasks within a highly controlled cleanroom, often referred to as a “sanctuary.”

This cleanroom maintained a level of cleanliness surpassing that of a hospital intensive care unit by a factor of 1,00,000. Furthermore, every member of the team wore specialized suits to prevent any form of contamination. Additionally, they underwent ultrasonic cleaning procedures as an extra precautionary measure, every time they entered the clean room.

Nagabushana S, the head of the VELC technical team, explained, “The cleanroom had to be maintained at a level of cleanliness 1-lakh times higher than that of a hospital ICU.”

“We used HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters, isopropyl alcohol (99 per cent concentrated), and rigorous protocols to ensure no foreign particles caused disruptions. A single particle discharge could have undone days of hard work,” Sanal Krishna from IIA, a member of the VELC technical team, added.

IIA’s scientists worked in six-hour shifts without even using medicinal sprays within the confines of the cleanroom, Krishna explained

It should be noted that this practice was not observed by scientists from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), as reported. In interviews conducted with three ISRO scientists, all confirmed that they were not obliged to abstain from using perfumes and deodorants while working.

However, all of them agreed and underscored the significance of upholding the cleanliness and purity of cleanrooms. One of them even speculated that perhaps the IIA scientists were taking additional precautions, as reported by the Times of India.



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Maharashtra LIVE Updates: Maharashtra Cabinet sub-committee on Maratha Reservation meeting today

08:29 (IST)

Maharashtra LIVE Updates

Moving car catches fire in Thane, all 7 occupants pulled out safely

An official claimed on Monday that a moving automobile caught fire on the Mumbra Bypass route in Thane, Maharashtra.

The event occurred late Sunday night, according to the official.

The automobile had seven people – ladies, two women, and three children — when it caught fire, according to a Thane Municipal Corporation officer, who added that all were safely rescued.

08:23 (IST)

Uttar Pradesh LIVE Updates

2 dead, 12 rescued as three-storey building collapses in Barabanki

Two people were killed, 12 were rescued, and four are still trapped in the rubble after a three-story building collapsed here in the early hours of Monday, according to authorities.

State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are assisting with relief and rescue efforts, according to Barabanki Superintendent of Police Dinesh Kumar Singh.

08:10 (IST)

G20 Summit LIVE Updates

Looking forward to India trip, disappointed Xi not attending G20 summit: President Biden

US President Joe Biden has stated that he is looking forward to his travel to India this week, but is sad that his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, will not be attending the G20 conference in New Delhi.

The White House announced on Friday that Biden would fly to India on 7 September to attend the G20 Summit and will have a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the margins of the historic summit on 8 September.

India, as the current G20 president, will host the powerful grouping's annual summit in New Delhi on 9 September and 10 September.

07:48 (IST)

Jammu and Kashmir LIVE Updates

Two LeT terrorists arrested in J&K's Baramulla: Police

Two LeT OGWs (over the ground workers) were detained on September 3rd, according to Kashmir Police. Both are Sheeri Baramulla inhabitants.

They retrieved a Chinese Pistol with magazine and a hand grenade. They allegedly communicated with LeT handlers and relayed the information to Pakistani terrorist handlers.

After carrying out an attack on security troops and targeted assassinations, they were set to go on the offensive as terrorists.

07:33 (IST)

Maharashtra LIVE Updates

Maharashtra Cabinet sub-committee on Maratha Reservation meeting today

The Maharashtra Cabinet sub-committee on Maratha Reservation will meet on Monday at 12 p.m., according to the Chief Minister's Office.

The meeting will also be attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, according to the CMO.

Shinde had earlier stated on Saturday that the state administration was committed to granting reservations to the Maratha community.

The Chief Minister appealed to people to be careful of those who wanted to take political mileage from the situation.

The Maharashtra Cabinet sub-committee on Maratha Reservation will meet on Monday at 12 p.m., according to the Chief Minister’s Office.

The meeting will also be attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, according to the CMO.

Shinde had earlier stated on Saturday that the state administration was committed to granting reservations to the Maratha community.

The Chief Minister appealed to people to be careful of those who wanted to take political mileage from the situation.

He said, “I appeal to the Maratha community, who have so far expressed their feelings very sensibly and calmly, with folded hands, to exercise restraint and not take the law into their hands.”



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'Are you going to use anti-Hindu strategy in upcoming polls?' Nadda questions INDIA alliance

In a scathing response to comments made by DMK leader Udayanidhi Stalin regarding ‘Sanatan Dharma,’ BJP President JP Nadda indirectly targeted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing the “Mohabbat ki Dukan” (Shop of Love) of spreading hatred. He also raised questions about whether the leaders within the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) intend to adopt an anti-Hindu strategy in the upcoming elections.

JP Nadda also questioned whether Udayanidhi Stalin’s remarks on ‘Sanatan Dharma’ are a part of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA).

Addressing a public rally in Chitrakoot, JP Nadda said, “Stalin’s son, Udayanidhi Stalin says that ‘Sanatan Dharma’ should be abolished. He says that like dengue and malaria, ‘Sanatan Dharma’ should be abolished. They have no hesitation while making such statements. Is Udayanidhi’s statement a part of the INDIA alliance’s political strategy ?”

“Are you going to use this anti-Hindu strategy in the upcoming elections? You have proved multiple times that you hate everything related to our country and your ‘Mohabbat ki Dukan is spreading hate,” he added.

He further mentioned that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is working on making India a developed nation and on the other hand opposition is busy harming the culture of the country.

“NDA alliance is busy working to make India a developed nation under the guidance of PM Modi. Recently some members of dynastic alliance came together in Mumbai. While we are busy making a developed state this ‘Ghamandiya’ alliance is harming our culture and religion,” Nadda said.

Earlier Tamil Nadu Minister and DMK leader Udayanidhi Stalin said that Sanatan Dharma cannot be merely opposed but should be abolished.

“Few things cannot be opposed, they should only be abolished. We cannot oppose Dengue, mosquitoes, Malaria, or Corona, we have to eradicate them. In the same way, we have to eradicate Sanatana (Sanatan Dharma). Rather than merely opposing Sanatana, it should be eradicated,” DMK leader said.

With inputs from ANI



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India will have no place for corruption, casteism & communalism, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi provided insights into India’s role in the global order and the upcoming G20 meeting in an exclusive interview with news agency PTI on Sunday.

During the interview, he addressed concerns about the G20 meetings being held in Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh and emphasized India’s commitment to hosting meetings across the country.

Dispelling Rumors on G20 Locations

PM Modi dismissed rumours of objections from Pakistan and China regarding G20 meetings being held in Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh, stating that it is natural to host such meetings in various parts of the country.

“It’s natural to hold meets in every part of the country,” he said.

India’s G20 Presidency and Global Vision

Discussing the significance of India’s G20 presidency, Modi emphasized that India’s words and vision in the G20 are perceived as a roadmap for the future, not mere ideas. He stressed that dialogue and diplomacy are essential for resolving conflicts in different regions and highlighted the theme of India’s G20 Presidency, ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,’ as a comprehensive philosophy derived from cultural ethos.

“Theme of India’s G20 Presidency ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ not just slogan but comprehensive philosophy derived from our cultural ethos,” he said

Africa’s Importance in G20

The Prime Minister declared Africa as a top priority for India within the G20, emphasizing that no future global plan can succeed without the voices of all nations being heard. He discussed how India’s G20 Presidency instilled confidence in countries of the so-called third world.

“Africa is a top priority for us in G20; no future plan of earth can succeed without all voices being heard,” said PM Modi.

Inflation and India’s Role

Modi identified inflation as a key global issue and noted that India’s G20 Presidency led to the recognition that anti-inflation policies in one country do not harm others. He asserted that Indians have a significant opportunity to lay the foundation for lasting growth.

“Indians today have a great chance to lay the foundation for growth that will be remembered for the next thousand years,” he added.

India’s Development and Aspirations

The Prime Minister praised India’s recent development, emphasizing the country’s transformation from being viewed as a nation of hungry stomachs to a nation of aspirational minds and skilled hands. He expressed the vision of India as a developed nation by 2047, focusing on inclusivity, and innovation, and addressing issues like corruption, casteism, and communalism.

“Corruption, casteism and communalism will have no place in our national life,” he said.

Reforming the United Nations

Modi called for reforming the United Nations to reflect the changing realities of the world, highlighting the importance of institutions adapting to the times to maintain relevance.

“Today’s world is a multipolar world where institutions are extremely important for a rules-based order that is fair and sensitive to all concerns. However, institutions can retain relevance only when they change with the times,” the prime minister said.

Global Alliance on Biofuels

India’s proposal for a global alliance on biofuels among G20 members was discussed. Modi stated that such alliances would accelerate sustainable biofuels deployment and play a crucial role in advancing energy transitions.

“Such (biofuel) alliances are aimed at creating options for developing countries to advance their energy transitions,” he said.

“Biofuels are also important from the perspective of a circular economy. Markets, trade, technology, and policy – all aspects of international cooperation are crucial in creating such opportunities,” he said.

Hosting G20 Events Across India

The Prime Minister talked about his government’s decision to host G20 events across the country, stating it as an investment in capacity-building. He highlighted the positive impact of such events on local economies and people’s self-confidence.

India’s Support for African Union in G20

Modi voiced India’s support for including the African Union as a full member of the G20, emphasizing the importance of representation and recognition for all voices in global affairs. He discussed India’s efforts towards greater inclusion of the Global South, particularly Africa, in global decision-making.

Prime Minister Modi’s interview provided valuable insights into India’s vision for the G20, its global aspirations, and its commitment to fostering inclusivity and sustainable development on the world stage.



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Sanatana Dharma Row: Stalin calls for genocide of 80 per cent population of India, says BJP

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) condemned DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin for his comments about the ‘eradication’ of Sanatan Dharma, the core principles of Hinduism and equated it with “mosquitoes, dengue, malaria, and corona.

“Udhayanidhi Stalin, son of Tamilnadu CM MK Stalin, and a minister in the DMK Govt, has linked Sanatana Dharma to malaria and dengue… He is of the opinion that it must be eradicated and not merely opposed. In short, he calls for the genocide of 80% of the population of Bharat, who follow Sanatan Dharma, said BJP leader Amit Malviya, in charge of BJP’s National Information & Technology Dept.

DMK is a prominent member of the Opposition block and a long-standing ally of the Congress. Is this what was agreed upon in the Mumbai meeting, he asked.

BJP’s Amit Malviya took to X and slammed MK Stalin adding, “Rahul Gandhi speaks of ‘Mohabbat ki dukaan’ but Congress ally DMK’s scion talks about eradicating Sanatana Dharma.”

“Congress’s silence is support for this genocidal call. INDIA Alliance, true to its name, if given an opportunity, will annihilate the millennia-old civilization that is Bharat,” Malviya said.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also criticized Stalin’s remarks on Sanatana Dharma. He said that the reality of some people in Tamil Nadu has now come out, according to a report published by the news agency ANI.

“Just a few days ago, we organized Kashi Tamil Sangamam, and Lord Vishwanath is commemorated in every village in Tamil Nadu…’ Sanatana’ is eternal, nothing is going to happen with these political remarks…,” Pradhan said.

On the other hand, the chief priest of Ram Janmabhoomi Acharya Satyendra Das said that the Sanatana Dharma cannot be eradicated at any cost.

“’Sanatana Dharma’ has existed for centuries and will remain so. He (Udhayanidhi Stalin) does not understand the real meaning of ‘Sanatana Dharma’, whatever he is saying is absolutely wrong…,” Das told ANI.

Speaking at a conference on Saturday, Udhayanidhi said Sanatana Dharma is like malaria and dengue that should not merely be opposed, but “eradicated”.

“There are some things which we have to eradicate and we can’t merely oppose. Mosquitoes, dengue fever, malaria, corona, all these are things which we cannot oppose, we have to eradicate them. Sanatanam is also like this,” he had said.



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WATCH: ‘A genocidal call’, says BJP on Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s ‘eradicate Sanatan Dharma’ remark

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly criticised DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin for his comments in which he advocated for the ‘eradication’ of Sanatan Dharma, the core principles of Hinduism and equated with “mosquitoes, dengue, malaria, and corona.”

“…This is nothing less than a genocidal call and it has been supported by Karti Chidambaram of the Congress party… The question is that, Is this ‘Mohabbat ki dukaan or is this Nafrat ke bhaijaan’?…This is the long pattern of ‘Sanatana Virodh’…,” said BJP Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla.

Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief K Annamalai on Sunday launched fresh attacks on DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin over his remarks on ‘Sanatana Dharma’ and said that the eradication of a particular culture is called genocide.

“What Udhayanidhi spoke yesterday should be condemned by the 142 crore people of the country because hatred for a particular religion came out yesterday. He was reading the speech from a text, which was consciously prepared and he was reading it line by line. The eradication of a particular culture is called genocide,” Annamalai told ANI.

Speaking at a conference on Saturday, Udhayanidhi said Sanatana Dharma is like malaria and dengue that should not merely be opposed, but “eradicated”.

“There are some things which we have to eradicate and we can’t merely oppose. Mosquitoes, dengue fever, malaria, corona, all these are things which we cannot oppose, we have to eradicate them. Sanatanam is also like this,” he had said.



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Saturday, 2 September 2023

Chandrayaan-3: Pragyan rover put to 'sleep' after completing assignments on lunar surface, says ISRO

Chandrayaan 3’s rover ‘Pragyaan’ has completed its assignments on the lunar surface and set into sleep mode, ISRO said on Saturday.

The space agency’s announcement came hours after its chief S Somanath said the lunar mission’s rover and lander, ‘Pragyaan’ and ‘Vikram’, respectively were functioning well and they would be put to ”sleep” soon to withstand the night on the Moon.

”The Rover completed its assignments. It is now safely parked and set into Sleep mode. APXS and LIBS payloads are turned off. Data from these payloads is transmitted to the Earth via the Lander,” ISRO said in an update on social media platform X.

At present, the battery was fully charged and the solar panel oriented to receive the light at the next sunrise expected on September 22, 2023.

”The receiver is kept on. Hoping for a successful awakening for another set of assignments! Else, it will forever stay there as India’s lunar ambassador,” it said.

Somanath had earlier in the day said the rover has moved almost 100 metres from the lander.

”And we are going to start the process of making both of them sleep in the coming one or two days because they have to withstand the night,” he said.

With inputs from PTI.



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