Info Nuggets

Zero bacteria technology

The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board is considering implementing Zero Bacteria technology in apartment sewage treatment plants to improve water quality. Developed by the Indian Institute of Science, this technology uses nanoparticle coatings, UV irradiation, electrostatic filtration, and specialised filtration systems to eliminate bacterial contamination. It offers advanced bacterial elimination, energy efficiency, and sustainability, reducing environmental contamination and enhancing water reuse. This non-toxic solution is safe for controlled applications, providing high-quality treated water.

‘Man-in-loop’ missile

India has successfully tested its indigenous Naval Anti-Ship Missile - Short Range (NASM-SR) with a 'Man-in-Loop' capability. This missile allows real-time human intervention during flight, enabling in-flight retargeting based on live seeker images sent to the pilot. Developed by DRDO and the Indian Navy, NASM-SR boasts advanced features like sea-skimming mode, terminal phase guidance, and pinpoint accuracy with a range of over 50 km. The successful test marks a significant milestone in India's defence capabilities.

Ocelot

Amazon Web Services (AWS) unveiled 'Ocelot', a prototype quantum computing chip designed to improve error correction and accelerate scalability. Ocelot uses "cat" qubits, reducing hardware requirements and error rates. Developed with standard chip industry techniques, it aims to build a practical quantum computer with 1,00,000 qubits. This innovation could accelerate drug discovery, material science, and financial modeling, strengthening Amazon's position in the quantum computing race. Ocelot's scalable approach may cut development time by five years, making quantum computing more reliable and accessible.

Lunar Trailblazer satellite

NASA launched the Lunar Trailblazer satellite to map and analyse water distribution on the Moon. This small satellite, built by Lockheed Martin, aims to identify and map water in permanently shadowed craters at the lunar poles. Equipped with instruments like the Lunar Thermal Mapper and High-resolution Volatiles and Minerals Moon Mapper, it will study the lunar water cycle and potential resources for human missions. The mission supports NASA's Artemis Programme, enhancing scientific understanding and preparing for long-term human settlement on the Moon.

Pig Butchering Scam

The government has issued an alert about the "Pig Butchering Scam", a cyber fraud targeting vulnerable individuals. The scam involves building trust with victims before stealing their money through fake investment opportunities, cryptocurrency scams and forced cyber labour. Originating in China in 2016, it has spread globally, using psychological manipulation, online trading, and cross-border operations to deceive victims. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre and Google are collaborating to combat this large-scale financial fraud and cyber slavery.

Doomsday fish

Recent sightings of the rare oarfish, or "Doomsday Fish," in Mexico have sparked speculation about potential natural disasters. The oarfish, found in deep-sea waters worldwide, is the longest bony fish, reaching up to 11 meters. Japanese folklore links oarfish to earthquakes and tsunamis, but scientific explanations suggest sightings may be due to illness, currents, or changes in water temperature and pressure. Despite skepticism, the oarfish remains a mysterious and intriguing creature.

Hague Service Convention

The US SEC invoked the Hague Service Convention to serve summons on Gautam Adani and Sagar Adani in a securities fraud case. The Convention, adopted in 1965, standardizes the process for serving judicial documents across international borders in civil and commercial matters. It ensures timely legal notices and proof of service, with 84 countries, including India and the US, as signatories. The Convention excludes criminal cases and allows countries to refuse service requests that compromise sovereignty or security.

Badami cave paintings

The Badami cave paintings date back to the 6th century, during the reign of the Chalukyan dynasty. King Mangalesha, son of Pulakesi I, patronized the excavation of the caves. The paintings showcase an extension of the Ajanta mural painting tradition. An inscription in Cave 4, dated 578-579 CE, describes the cave's beauty and dedicates the Vishnu image, indicating the cave's excavation era and the patron's Vaishnava affiliation, earning it the name “Vishnu Cave”.

Jhumoir Binandini

The Prime Minister of India attended the largest-ever Jhumoir Binandini event in Guwahati, Assam, celebrating 200 years of Assam's tea industry. Jhumoir Binandini is a traditional folk dance performed by Assam's tea garden communities, showcasing their cultural heritage and struggles. The dance is characterized by women wearing red and white sarees, moving in a circular formation, while men play instruments like madal and dhol ¹. This event highlighted the rich cultural diversity of Assam and its tea-tribe community, which includes tribes like Santhal, Munda, and Kurukh.

INS Tamal

INS Tamal, the last imported warship for the Indian Navy, is set to be commissioned in June 2025, marking a significant milestone in India's transition to domestic warship production. This stealth guided-missile frigate was built by Russia's Yantar Shipyard as part of Project 11356, a $2.5-billion deal signed in 2016. INS Tamal boasts cutting-edge features, including Stealth Technology to reduce radar detection, Advanced Weaponry with state-of-the-art missile systems, and Integrated Systems combining Russian and Indian equipment for enhanced operational efficiency. The Indian Navy crew has received training from Russian specialists to ensure seamless operations. The commissioning of INS Tamal highlights India's shift towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing, strengthens the Indian Navy's capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region, and showcases the strong defence ties between India and Russia.

Black plastic

A recent study found that black plastic contains toxic flame retardants, raising concerns over food contamination and health risks. Black plastic, commonly used in kitchen utensils and packaging, is made from recycled electronic waste and contains hazardous materials like bromine, lead and mercury. Exposure to heat may cause these chemicals to leach into food, posing health risks. The difficult-to-recycle material also contributes to environmental pollution, highlighting the need for safer alternatives and responsible waste management practices

Gharials

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister released 10 gharials into the Chambal River at the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary, boosting conservation efforts. This move reaffirms the state's leadership in protecting the critically endangered species, with over 80% of India's gharial population calling Madhya Pradesh home. Gharials, with their distinctive long, narrow snouts, are found in major river systems, including the Chambal, Ganges and Brahmaputra. Conservation efforts, such as captive breeding and release programs, have been underway since 1975 to protect these magnificent creatures.