1. MIT researchers develop new technology to remove carbon dioxide from air
- Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the US have developed a new technology to capture carbon dioxide from a stream of air, virtually at any concentration level, an advance that may pave the way for new strategies to reduce atmospheric greenhouse gas levels.
- Researchers said that while most methods of removing carbon dioxide from a stream of gas required higher concentrations such as those found in the flue emissions from fossil fuel-based power plants, the new method could take out the gas even when it was present in very low concentrations.
- In a study, published in the journal Energy and Environmental Science, the researchers described the device as a large, specialized battery with a stack of electrodes that absorbs carbon dioxide from the air passing over its surface as it was being charged up, and then released the gas as it was being discharged.
- The study noted that a chemical reaction takes place at the surface of each of a stack of electrodes as the battery charges. The researchers said that the electrodes are coated with a compound called polyanthraquinone compoundedwith carbon nano tubes.
- The study noted that the electrodes have a natural affinity for carbon dioxide and readily reacted with its molecules in the airstream or feed gas. The device operates at room temperature and normal air pressure.
- The study co-author Sahag Voskian said that the greatest advantage of this technology over most other carbon capture or carbon absorbing technologies is the binary nature of the adsorbent’s affinity to carbon dioxide. Voskian said that the new system is energy efficient compared to existing methods — consistently using about one gigajoule of energy per ton of carbon dioxide captured.
2. Vigilance Awareness Wee
Vigilance
Awareness Weekto be observed from 28th October to 2nd November.
Theme of the Vigilance
Awareness Week: “Integrity- A way of life”
Background:
- The Central Vigilance Commission aims to promote integrity, transparency and accountability in public life.
- As part of its efforts to promote probity in public life and to achieve a corruption free society. The observation of Vigilance Awareness Week creates greater awareness among public and encourages all the stakeholders to collectively participate in prevention of and fight against Corruption.
About CVC:
- It is the apex vigilance institution created via executive resolution based on the recommendations of Santhanam committee in 1964 but was conferred with statutory status in 2003.
- It submits its report to the President of India.
- Composition: Consists of central vigilance commissioner along with 2 vigilance commissioners.
- Appointment: They are appointed by the President of India on the recommendations of a committee consisting of Prime Minister, Union Home Minister and Leader of the Opposition (LoO) in Lok Sabha (if there is no LoO then the leader of the single largest Opposition party in the Lok Sabha).
- Term: Their term is 4 years or 65 years, whichever is earlier.
- Removal: The Central Vigilance Commissioner or any Vigilance Commissioner can be removed from his office only by order of the President on the ground of proved misbehavior or incapacity after the Supreme Court, on a reference made to it by the President, has, on inquiry, reported that the Central Vigilance Commissioner or any Vigilance Commissioner, as the case may be, ought to be removed.
3. Govardhan Puja
- Govardhan Puja is being held all across India today on October 28. Govardhan Puja is also known as Anna-koot puja which literally means mountain of food). The fourth day of Diwali celebrations is ‘Padwa’ or ‘Varshapratipada’, which is also called Govardhan Puja (in north India).
- Govardhan Puja is performed with great zeal and enthusiasm and in the states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
- In the western states of India, this day marks the New Year as per their calendar and is celebrated as Bestu Varas.
- People celebrate Govardhan Puja by making food of cereals such as wheat, rice, curry of gram flour and leafy vegetables in order to offer to the Hindu Lord Krishna.
4. New year Bestu Varas
- Gujarati community across the globe is celebrating New Year Bestu Varas today. As per Gujarati calender Vikram Samvat, New Year is celebrated on the first day of Kartik month.
- Bestu Varas also marks the day to forgive others and forget bad memories and start with new enthusiasm and closing the previous ones. Some temples in Gujarat also conduct Govardhan Pooja today. It is said that on this very day Lord Krishna had saved people by lifting Govardhan parbat.