In the annals of Indian railway history, a special place is reserved for the Deccan Queen train. This famed transport began its journey on June 1, 1930, under the Great Indian Peninsula Railway, later known as the Central Railway. Now sailing through its 92nd year, the Deccan Queen has evolved from a mere travel route to an age-old institution, ferrying generations of passengers between Pune and Mumbai.
Many noteworthy changes have graced this locomotive over the decades. Pioneering features, such as a dining car, roller bearing coaches, and a striking cream and Oxford blue color scheme, were introduced. The Deccan Queen etched itself into history being India’s inaugural superfast, long-distance electric-hauled, vestibuled train, that also catered to women-only coaches. Today, the train’s punctuality and popularity among daily commuters remain unparalleled.
A Green Solution for Crude Oil Wastewater Restoration by IASST
The Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati, has made significant strides in tackling the environmental issues associated with formation water. This byproduct of crude oil extraction and processing, if disposed of improperly, can contain harmful components detrimental to water quality and aquatic life.
IASST researchers, through extensive experimentation and investigation, have developed an innovative solution. It’s a unique mixture composed of plant-based biomaterial, biosurfactant (secondary metabolites of microbes), and NPK fertilizer. This mix has demonstrated rapid restoration of formation water, leading to a patent filing in India. This ‘wonder mix’ not only prevents pollution but also makes the treated water reusable, paving the path for a sustainable future. Additionally, the revived water can boost crop production, addressing the rising global food demand.
India’s Ban on E-Cigarettes: Concerns and Approach
India’s Union Ministry of Health, on World No Tobacco Day, mandated OTT platforms to broadcast anti-tobacco health messages. The directive was part of the amended rules under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2004. Intriguingly, e-cigarettes or vapes, devices that vaporise nicotine-containing fluid, were not included in this regulatory framework. These devices were banned in 2019 due to health concerns, yet they continue to be smuggled into the country, mainly from China.
E-cigarettes replicate the experience of traditional smoking but without burning tobacco. Instead, these innovative devices produce inhalable vapour, causing alarm about their health implications.
Desiccation-Tolerant Plants of Western Ghats: Boon for Agriculture
A recent discovery in India’s biodiversity-rich Western Ghats has shed light on 62 desiccation-tolerant (DT) plant species. These unique plants can endure severe dehydration, losing up to 95% of their water content, and spring back to life when hydrated.
The study surpasses the previously known count of nine DT species in the region and provides an inventory of these species, including their habitats. Out of these, 16 are endemic to India, with 12 exclusive to the Western Ghats. Crucial habitats for these miraculous plants include rock outcrops and partially shaded forests.
Understanding the resilience of these plants could open avenues for developing drought-resistant crops, crucial for regions experiencing water scarcity. This significant discovery strengthens the potential for agricultural applications and contributes to the conservation of these unique species.
