With firefighting operations on container ship MV X-Press Pearl, off Colombo, running into the fourth day, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has said that fire appears to have reduced in the front and mid-region of the ship, while the blaze continues in the rear.

Based on an aerial survey conducted by the ICG’s Dornier aircraft on Thursday, it is said that there is no oil spill.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ship-fire-off-colombo-indian-coast-guard-rushes-assets-more-on-standby-387365">Also read</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ship-fire-off-colombo-indian-coast-guard-rushes-assets-more-on-standby-387365">&nbsp;| Ship fire off Colombo: Indian Coast Guard rushes assets, more on standby</a> 
 
Amid adverse weather and rough seas, ICG vessels Vaibhav and Vajra have been fighting the blaze with Sri Lankan vessels by spraying seawater and Aqueous Film Forming foam (fire suppressant), in sustained day-night efforts. 
 
The blaze has led to the large container ship looking mangled on most sides, tilting towards its right and the burnt containers face the risk of falling overboard. Under these conditions, the ICG vessels have been manoeuvring as close as 40-50 metres of the stricken ship for effective firefighting.&nbsp;

To bolster the firefighting operations, ICG vessel Vajra handed over 4,500 litres of AFFF compound and 450 kg Dry Chemical Powder to Sri Lankan authorities on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The ship was carrying 1,486 containers and about 25 tonnes of hazardous nitric acid and other chemicals.

Earlier, the 25 crew onboard the ship, including five Indians, were evacuated. It was on 20th May that fire first broke out on the ship.

The blaze&nbsp;was brought under control by Sri Lankan Port authorities by the next day.&nbsp;

However, on Tuesday morning, owing to rough weather nearly 10 containers are said to have fallen overboard after the explosion and resultant fire.

The 325 metric tonnes of fuels held in the large container vessel's tanks are feared to pose a threat of oil spill in the region.&nbsp;

Besides the two ICG vessels headed for the site of the fire, their formations at Kochi, Chennai and Tuticorin are on standby for immediate assistance towards pollution response.

ICG is in continuous coordination and communication with Srilankan authorities for the operation.

ICG aircraft are also being brought to Tuticorin from Chennai and Koch for aerial surveillance and pollution response.

Over the last two weeks, the Indian Coast guard and Indian Navy have been engaged in monitoring, search and rescue operations across India’s West Coast, which was struck by a very severe cyclone Tauktae.

The effects of this cyclone were felt in Lakshadweep islands, Kerala, south Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, and in Gujarat where it made landfall.

This week, the ICG assets were also deployed for search and rescue, for the impact of cyclone Yaas on India’s East Coast between Odisha and West Bengal.

In Sep 2020, a major fire had broken onboard MT New Diamond, which was carrying about 270,000 metric tonne oil and positioned off the eastern coast of Sri Lanka.

Mammoth efforts by the Indian Coast Guard in coordination with other agencies ensured that the blaze was brought under control, without any instances of the oil spill. &nbsp;

The ICG has said that, as an active member of the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP), it remains committed to its responsibilities of safeguarding the ocean environment in the region.

With firefighting operations on container ship MV X-Press Pearl, off Colombo, running into the fourth day, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has said that fire appears to have reduced in the front and mid-region of the ship, while the blaze continues in the rear.

With firefighting operations on container ship MV X-Press Pearl, off Colombo, running into the fourth day, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has said that fire appears to have reduced in the front and mid-region of the ship, while the blaze continues in the rear. Based on an aerial survey conducted by the ICG’s Dornier aircraft on Thursday, it is said that there is no oil spill. Also read | Ship fire off Colombo: Indian Coast Guard rushes assets, more on standby Amid adverse weather and rough seas, ICG vessels Vaibhav and Vajra have been fighting the blaze with Sri Lankan vessels by spraying seawater and Aqueous Film Forming foam (fire suppressant), in sustained day-night efforts. The blaze has led to the large container ship looking mangled on most sides, tilting towards its right and the burnt containers face the risk of falling overboard. Under these conditions, the ICG vessels have been manoeuvring as close as 40-50 metres of the stricken ship for effective firefighting. To bolster the firefighting operations, ICG vessel Vajra handed over 4,500 litres of AFFF compound and 450 kg Dry Chemical Powder to Sri Lankan authorities on Wednesday. The ship was carrying 1,486 containers and about 25 tonnes of hazardous nitric acid and other chemicals. Earlier, the 25 crew onboard the ship, including five Indians, were evacuated. It was on 20th May that fire first broke out on the ship. The blaze was brought under control by Sri Lankan Port authorities by the next day. However, on Tuesday morning, owing to rough weather nearly 10 containers are said to have fallen overboard after the explosion and resultant fire. The 325 metric tonnes of fuels held in the large container vessel's tanks are feared to pose a threat of oil spill in the region. Besides the two ICG vessels headed for the site of the fire, their formations at Kochi, Chennai and Tuticorin are on standby for immediate assistance towards pollution response. ICG is in continuous coordination and communication with Srilankan authorities for the operation. ICG aircraft are also being brought to Tuticorin from Chennai and Koch for aerial surveillance and pollution response. Over the last two weeks, the Indian Coast guard and Indian Navy have been engaged in monitoring, search and rescue operations across India’s West Coast, which was struck by a very severe cyclone Tauktae. The effects of this cyclone were felt in Lakshadweep islands, Kerala, south Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, and in Gujarat where it made landfall. This week, the ICG assets were also deployed for search and rescue, for the impact of cyclone Yaas on India’s East Coast between Odisha and West Bengal. In Sep 2020, a major fire had broken onboard MT New Diamond, which was carrying about 270,000 metric tonne oil and positioned off the eastern coast of Sri Lanka. Mammoth efforts by the Indian Coast Guard in coordination with other agencies ensured that the blaze was brought under control, without any instances of the oil spill. The ICG has said that, as an active member of the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP), it remains committed to its responsibilities of safeguarding the ocean environment in the region.

Colombo ship fire appears under control, no oil spill, says Indian Coast Guard

After almost four days and nights of continuous firefighting by two Indian Coast Guard ships and Sri Lankan tugs, the blaze on Container Ship&nbsp;&nbsp;MV X-Press Pearl has considerably reduced.

It has been observed that the vessel’s hull is intact (indicating structural stability) and that the draught/Draft remains uncharged (indicating that the vessel has not gone lower owing to increase in weight). Aerial surveillance done on Friday by ICG Dornier aircraft does not revel any oil spill.&nbsp;

Efforts of ICG vessels Vaibhav and Vajra, assisted by Sri Lankan tugs has restricted the flames to the rear portion of the ship, while white fumes are emanating from the mid portion. The emanation of white fumes from the mid-region possibly mean the lack of available combustible material. By preventing the fire from re-spreading to the forward portion of the ship, the anchor-chain link has been prevented from parting.&nbsp;

Amid the challenges posed by rough seas and strong winds, the ICG vessels are making multiple runs along the length of the affected ship for spraying water and foam at high speeds. It is crucial to also maintain adequate distance owing to the dangers posed by burning containers or mangled parts that my fall off the burning ship.&nbsp;

Besides, 1486 containers of chemicals and other hazardous International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code(IMDG), the vessel contains 322MT of fuel. To augment the firefighting and deal with a possible oil spill, ICG Pollution response vessel Samudra Prahari is expected to reach the location on Saturday.

It was on&nbsp;May 20, Thursday that a fire first broke out on the said ship, following which it was brought under control by Sri Lankan Port authorities by the next day. However, on Tuesday morning(25th May),the fire and explosions started recurring and owing to rough weather nearly 10 containers are said to have fallen overboard.&nbsp;

After almost four days and nights of continuous firefighting by two Indian Coast Guard ships and Sri Lankan tugs, the blaze on Container Ship MV X-Press Pearl has considerably reduced.

After almost four days and nights of continuous firefighting by two Indian Coast Guard ships and Sri Lankan tugs, the blaze on Container Ship MV X-Press Pearl has considerably reduced. It has been observed that the vessel’s hull is intact (indicating structural stability) and that the draught/Draft remains uncharged (indicating that the vessel has not gone lower owing to increase in weight). Aerial surveillance done on Friday by ICG Dornier aircraft does not revel any oil spill. Efforts of ICG vessels Vaibhav and Vajra, assisted by Sri Lankan tugs has restricted the flames to the rear portion of the ship, while white fumes are emanating from the mid portion. The emanation of white fumes from the mid-region possibly mean the lack of available combustible material. By preventing the fire from re-spreading to the forward portion of the ship, the anchor-chain link has been prevented from parting. Amid the challenges posed by rough seas and strong winds, the ICG vessels are making multiple runs along the length of the affected ship for spraying water and foam at high speeds. It is crucial to also maintain adequate distance owing to the dangers posed by burning containers or mangled parts that my fall off the burning ship. Besides, 1486 containers of chemicals and other hazardous International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code(IMDG), the vessel contains 322MT of fuel. To augment the firefighting and deal with a possible oil spill, ICG Pollution response vessel Samudra Prahari is expected to reach the location on Saturday. It was on May 20, Thursday that a fire first broke out on the said ship, following which it was brought under control by Sri Lankan Port authorities by the next day. However, on Tuesday morning(25th May),the fire and explosions started recurring and owing to rough weather nearly 10 containers are said to have fallen overboard.

Colombo ship fire: Hull intact, Fire considerably reduced and no oil spill says ICG

The comments made by Tamil Nadu’s Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Board Minister, PK Sekar Babu have sparked controversy.

At the inauguration event of the Mahavir International Chennai Metro Foodbank, the minister made a political speech that the DMK would work for the Hindi-speakers (North Indians), despite them having voted for the BJP in large numbers.

The remark comes after Sekar Babu had won against BJP Youth Wing State president Vinoj P Selvam in North Chennai’s Harbour Constituency, which has a large share of communities from Gujarat, Rajasthan, who have resided in the area for many generations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadus-ongoing-lockdown-extended-until-may-31-new-guidelines-inside-386726" hreflang="en">Tamil Nadu’s ongoing lockdown extended until May 31. New guidelines inside</a>

Starting off his speech by lauding the food donation as the highest form of charity, the minister assured that DMK&nbsp;would take part in the charitable events of the community and support them, despite them not having voted for the 'Dravidian party'.&nbsp;

"I have been living in this region for almost 40 years. Today, the situation has changed a lot and many North Indian friends have seen economic progress, and this is because of Dravidian parties in Tamil Nadu. The BJP is not the cause for your well-being, increased standard of living or economic development, it is the Dravidian parties," Babu said, adding that, despite all this, the North Indian Community has always been voting for the BJP out of some fascination.&nbsp;

Interestingly,&nbsp;DMK and AIADMK have been in power in Tamil Nadu since 1967, following the defeat of the then Congress government.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-liquid-oxygen-to-o2-concentrators-heres-how-isro-is-aiding-indias-covid-19-battle-384558" hreflang="en">From liquid oxygen to O2 concentrators, here’s how ISRO is aiding India’s COVID-19 battle</a>

"Our DMK Member of Parliament Dayanidhi Maran asks why do we have to work for them (North Indians) when they don’t vote for us, to which I say, even they belong to this land. The MLAs and Chief Minister are common representatives, irrespective of whether some people voted for them or not. It is in that spirit that we are working for you," he added.&nbsp;

He further goes on to say that the North Indian Community vote bank did not cast their votes for DMK in Assembly and Parliamentary polls that took place in years 2014, 2016, 2019 and 2021. He claims that the DMK hardly got any votes in the region where North Indians lived in large numbers, despite the party having worked for the community.&nbsp;

In the 2021 Assembly polls, he said that in the areas where North Indians lived, DMK secured only 50 votes, whereas the BJP secured 300-350 votes. "Whenever we meet you, you say that you voted for us. But these are not ballot paper times, EVM data clearly points out which area voted for whom. You did not vote for the MLA and MP who worked for you, but how much ever you reject us, we won’t reject you. DMK is there to work for you," Babu boasted.&nbsp;

Reacting to the DMK Minister’s comments, the BJP has said that such comments are blatant threats against BJP voters. The statement also condemned the manner in which DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran raised questions (as quoted by Sekar Babu) about serving people who didn’t vote for the DMK.

"Dayanidhi Maran must clarify whether he had spoken that way, it is the height of atrocity that a Member of Parliament has said something so narrow-minded and divisive," read the statement from BJP Spokesperson Narayanan Thirupathy.&nbsp;"It is highly condemnable that Ministers who take an oath by the Constitution and represent all the people chose to refer to a section of their constituency as North Indians. By pointing out the voters choice of preferring the BJP, is like questioning the voters’ democratic right and a blatant threat from those in power."

The BJP also demanded an apology from Minister Sekar Babu and requested Chief Minister MK Stalin to condemn the minister’s remarks.&nbsp;

The comments made by Tamil Nadu’s Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Board Minister, PK Sekar Babu have sparked controversy. At the inauguration event of the Mahavir International Chennai Metro Foodbank, the minister made a political speech that the DMK would work for the Hindi-speakers (North Indians), despite them having voted for the BJP in large numbers.

The comments made by Tamil Nadu’s Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Board Minister, PK Sekar Babu have sparked controversy. At the inauguration event of the Mahavir International Chennai Metro Foodbank, the minister made a political speech that the DMK would work for the Hindi-speakers (North Indians), despite them having voted for the BJP in large numbers. The remark comes after Sekar Babu had won against BJP Youth Wing State president Vinoj P Selvam in North Chennai’s Harbour Constituency, which has a large share of communities from Gujarat, Rajasthan, who have resided in the area for many generations. Also read | Tamil Nadu’s ongoing lockdown extended until May 31. New guidelines inside Starting off his speech by lauding the food donation as the highest form of charity, the minister assured that DMK would take part in the charitable events of the community and support them, despite them not having voted for the 'Dravidian party'. "I have been living in this region for almost 40 years. Today, the situation has changed a lot and many North Indian friends have seen economic progress, and this is because of Dravidian parties in Tamil Nadu. The BJP is not the cause for your well-being, increased standard of living or economic development, it is the Dravidian parties," Babu said, adding that, despite all this, the North Indian Community has always been voting for the BJP out of some fascination. Interestingly, DMK and AIADMK have been in power in Tamil Nadu since 1967, following the defeat of the then Congress government. Also read | From liquid oxygen to O2 concentrators, here’s how ISRO is aiding India’s COVID-19 battle "Our DMK Member of Parliament Dayanidhi Maran asks why do we have to work for them (North Indians) when they don’t vote for us, to which I say, even they belong to this land. The MLAs and Chief Minister are common representatives, irrespective of whether some people voted for them or not. It is in that spirit that we are working for you," he added. He further goes on to say that the North Indian Community vote bank did not cast their votes for DMK in Assembly and Parliamentary polls that took place in years 2014, 2016, 2019 and 2021. He claims that the DMK hardly got any votes in the region where North Indians lived in large numbers, despite the party having worked for the community. In the 2021 Assembly polls, he said that in the areas where North Indians lived, DMK secured only 50 votes, whereas the BJP secured 300-350 votes. "Whenever we meet you, you say that you voted for us. But these are not ballot paper times, EVM data clearly points out which area voted for whom. You did not vote for the MLA and MP who worked for you, but how much ever you reject us, we won’t reject you. DMK is there to work for you," Babu boasted. Reacting to the DMK Minister’s comments, the BJP has said that such comments are blatant threats against BJP voters. The statement also condemned the manner in which DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran raised questions (as quoted by Sekar Babu) about serving people who didn’t vote for the DMK. "Dayanidhi Maran must clarify whether he had spoken that way, it is the height of atrocity that a Member of Parliament has said something so narrow-minded and divisive," read the statement from BJP Spokesperson Narayanan Thirupathy. "It is highly condemnable that Ministers who take an oath by the Constitution and represent all the people chose to refer to a section of their constituency as North Indians. By pointing out the voters choice of preferring the BJP, is like questioning the voters’ democratic right and a blatant threat from those in power." The BJP also demanded an apology from Minister Sekar Babu and requested Chief Minister MK Stalin to condemn the minister’s remarks.

DMK minister’s comments on not getting Hindi-speakers’ votes courts trouble; BJP objects

The Indian Coast Guard on Wednesday said that two of its offshore patrol vessels Vaibhav and Vajra are fighting the intense fire on-board the container ship MV X-Press Pearl which is currently ablaze off the coast of Colombo.

In addition, ICGS Samudra Prahari, a specialised Pollution Response (PR) vessel has also been despatched to augment the efforts and respond to a potential&nbsp;oil spill.&nbsp;Based on the aerial survey by Dornier aircraft on Wednesday, no oil spill has been spotted so far.

<img alt="fire" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f2dd0b4e-fe82-4ae9-ad80-17827b760ad2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/oof%20%282%29_3.jpg" />

The distressed vessel MV X-Press Pearl was carrying 1,486 containers with nitric acid and other hazardous chemicals that come within the purview of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code. The extreme fire, along with the damage caused to containers and prevailing inclement weather has resulted in the vessel tilting to starboard (towards the right side of the vessel), which has led to containers falling overboard. Concerted joint efforts are in progress by two ICG Ships and four tugs of Sri Lankan authorities to douse the fire.&nbsp;

In addition, ICG formations at Kochi, Chennai and Tuticorin are on standby for immediate assistance towards pollution response. Continuous coordination is being maintained between ICG, Sri Lankan Coast Guard and other Sri Lankan authorities for augmenting the overall response operations towards containing the fire onboard MV X-Press Pearl.

The Indian Coast Guard on Wednesday said that two of its offshore patrol vessels Vaibhav and Vajra are fighting the intense fire on-board the container ship MV X-Press Pearl which is currently ablaze off the coast of Colombo.

The Indian Coast Guard on Wednesday said that two of its offshore patrol vessels Vaibhav and Vajra are fighting the intense fire on-board the container ship MV X-Press Pearl which is currently ablaze off the coast of Colombo. In addition, ICGS Samudra Prahari, a specialised Pollution Response (PR) vessel has also been despatched to augment the efforts and respond to a potential oil spill. Based on the aerial survey by Dornier aircraft on Wednesday, no oil spill has been spotted so far. The distressed vessel MV X-Press Pearl was carrying 1,486 containers with nitric acid and other hazardous chemicals that come within the purview of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code. The extreme fire, along with the damage caused to containers and prevailing inclement weather has resulted in the vessel tilting to starboard (towards the right side of the vessel), which has led to containers falling overboard. Concerted joint efforts are in progress by two ICG Ships and four tugs of Sri Lankan authorities to douse the fire. In addition, ICG formations at Kochi, Chennai and Tuticorin are on standby for immediate assistance towards pollution response. Continuous coordination is being maintained between ICG, Sri Lankan Coast Guard and other Sri Lankan authorities for augmenting the overall response operations towards containing the fire onboard MV X-Press Pearl.

Colombo ship fire: No oil spill reported so far with intense firefighting underway, says ICG

Based on Sri Lanka’s request, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has tasked offshore patrol vessels ICGS Vaibhav and Vajra towards Colombo in Sri Lanka&nbsp;to bolster firefighting and&nbsp;pollution response efforts on MV X-Press Pearl, a container ship that is ablaze.

A major fire broke out on the ship on Tuesday morning, following an explosion that was reportedly caused by collapse of containers due to rough weather. The container ship that was on its way from Hazira to Colombo&nbsp;was anchored about nine nautical miles (about 16 kilometres) off Sri Lanka’s major port city.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The ship was carrying 1,486 containers and about 25 tonnes of hazardous nitric acid and other chemicals. So far, the 25 crew on board the ship, including five Indians have been evacuated. It was on May 20, Thursday that a fire first broke out on the said ship, following which it was brought under control by Sri Lankan Port authorities by the next day.&nbsp;

However, on Tuesday morning, owing to rough weather nearly 10 containers are said to have fallen overboard after the explosion and resultant fire. The 325 metric tonnes of fuels held in the large container vessels tanks are feared to pose a threat of oil spill in the region.&nbsp;

Besides the two ICG vessels headed for the site of fire, their formations at Kochi, Chennai and Tuticorin are on standby for immediate assistance towards pollution response. ICG is in continuous coordination and communication with Sri Lankan authorities for the operation and its aircraft are also being brought to Tuticorin from Chennai and Koch for aerial surveillance.

Over the last ten days,&nbsp;the Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy have been engaged in monitoring, search and rescue operations across India’s west coast&nbsp;that was struck by a very severe cyclone "Tauktae". The effects of this cyclone were felt in Lakshadweep islands, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, and in Gujarat where it made landfall. Currently, the ICG assets are also deployed for search and rescue, any eventuality that may arise from the impact of Cyclone Yaas that is predicted to&nbsp;make landfall on India’s east coast between Odisha and West Bengal.

In September 2020, a major fire had broken onboard MT New Diamond, that was carrying about 2.7 lakh metric tonnes oil and positioned off the eastern coast of Sri Lanka. Mammoth efforts by the Indian Coast Guard in coordination with other agencies&nbsp;ensured that the blaze was brought under control&nbsp;without any instances of oil spill.&nbsp;The ICG has said that as an active member of South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP), it remains committed to its responsibilities of safeguarding of the ocean environment in the region.

Based on Sri Lanka’s request, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has tasked offshore patrol vessels ICGS Vaibhav and Vajra towards Colombo in Sri Lanka to bolster firefighting and pollution response efforts on MV X-Press Pearl, a container ship that is ablaze.

Based on Sri Lanka’s request, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has tasked offshore patrol vessels ICGS Vaibhav and Vajra towards Colombo in Sri Lanka to bolster firefighting and pollution response efforts on MV X-Press Pearl, a container ship that is ablaze. A major fire broke out on the ship on Tuesday morning, following an explosion that was reportedly caused by collapse of containers due to rough weather. The container ship that was on its way from Hazira to Colombo was anchored about nine nautical miles (about 16 kilometres) off Sri Lanka’s major port city. The ship was carrying 1,486 containers and about 25 tonnes of hazardous nitric acid and other chemicals. So far, the 25 crew on board the ship, including five Indians have been evacuated. It was on May 20, Thursday that a fire first broke out on the said ship, following which it was brought under control by Sri Lankan Port authorities by the next day. However, on Tuesday morning, owing to rough weather nearly 10 containers are said to have fallen overboard after the explosion and resultant fire. The 325 metric tonnes of fuels held in the large container vessels tanks are feared to pose a threat of oil spill in the region. Besides the two ICG vessels headed for the site of fire, their formations at Kochi, Chennai and Tuticorin are on standby for immediate assistance towards pollution response. ICG is in continuous coordination and communication with Sri Lankan authorities for the operation and its aircraft are also being brought to Tuticorin from Chennai and Koch for aerial surveillance. Over the last ten days, the Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy have been engaged in monitoring, search and rescue operations across India’s west coast that was struck by a very severe cyclone "Tauktae". The effects of this cyclone were felt in Lakshadweep islands, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, and in Gujarat where it made landfall. Currently, the ICG assets are also deployed for search and rescue, any eventuality that may arise from the impact of Cyclone Yaas that is predicted to make landfall on India’s east coast between Odisha and West Bengal. In September 2020, a major fire had broken onboard MT New Diamond, that was carrying about 2.7 lakh metric tonnes oil and positioned off the eastern coast of Sri Lanka. Mammoth efforts by the Indian Coast Guard in coordination with other agencies ensured that the blaze was brought under control without any instances of oil spill. The ICG has said that as an active member of South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP), it remains committed to its responsibilities of safeguarding of the ocean environment in the region.

Ship fire off Colombo: Indian Coast Guard rushes assets, more on standby

Pretty much every state in India has tested and operated drones to serve various purposes including mapping, industrial inspection, crop spraying, aerial surveying, search and rescue. But&nbsp;in the non-contact era that the pandemic has thrown the world into, drones are offering wide-ranging solutions to many challenges faced by governments.&nbsp;

Chennai-based Garuda aerospace has provided their drone services to bolster the COVID-19 fight of over 10 states across India, including Assam, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh. On a paid basis, police departments in big cities have sought their services for implementing strict lockdowns by mounting surveillance from above, whereas health departments have used drones to disinfect vast areas in a quick span.&nbsp;

Over the next five days, their firm is also testing feasibility of drones for sanitisation and delivery in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, which is Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s parliamentary constituency. Garuda’s drones have so far successfully demonstrated their capabilities and performed roles such as sanitisation, loudspeaker announcements, industrial inspection, mapping, pesticide spraying, tunnel inspection, delivery etc.&nbsp;

<img alt="drones" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="68e00b23-1468-43cc-afde-056b29270d59" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/oof%20%286%29_0.jpg" />

According to the company, they have received feedback that the technology is very promising, given its rapid and non-contact nature. However, the economic feasibility of sustained drone operations is being worked on. In the present scenario where big cities are under lockdown, drones are also able to prove their mettle in congested areas, as opposed to trials in rural and open spaces. Notably, their drones demonstrated the delivery of essentials and medicines at the staff quarters in India’s Spaceport Satish Dhawan Space Center, Sriharikota, where COVID-19 positive residents were home quarantined.

Speaking of their drone fleet, Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder, Garuda Aerospace told Zee Media that they have 300 drones and 150 pilots stationed across 26 cities, besides 45 core technicians for undertaking repairs in majors zonal centres. “We plan to have 1200-1500 drones (almost five&nbsp;times current capacity) in operation over the next six months, because that’s how high the demand is. Garuda is presently valued at a $100 million and are raising funds from venture capitalists abroad, by the end of 2022 we hope to be a unicorn (firm with $1 billion valuation) in the drone-as-a-service sector.”

When asked abut the competition that they foresee, he says that most companies in the sector manufacture and sell drones, whereas Garuda aims to provide the service on demand, thus saving the users from licensing, maintenance related challenges. According to Agnishwar, the firm is also seeing heightened demand from the European market as the cost of operating and flying a Garuda drone is said to be about one-eighth the cost of doing the same with a foreign variant.&nbsp;

Pretty much every state in India has tested and operated drones to serve various purposes including mapping, industrial inspection, crop spraying, aerial surveying, search and rescue.

Pretty much every state in India has tested and operated drones to serve various purposes including mapping, industrial inspection, crop spraying, aerial surveying, search and rescue. But in the non-contact era that the pandemic has thrown the world into, drones are offering wide-ranging solutions to many challenges faced by governments. Chennai-based Garuda aerospace has provided their drone services to bolster the COVID-19 fight of over 10 states across India, including Assam, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh. On a paid basis, police departments in big cities have sought their services for implementing strict lockdowns by mounting surveillance from above, whereas health departments have used drones to disinfect vast areas in a quick span. Over the next five days, their firm is also testing feasibility of drones for sanitisation and delivery in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, which is Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s parliamentary constituency. Garuda’s drones have so far successfully demonstrated their capabilities and performed roles such as sanitisation, loudspeaker announcements, industrial inspection, mapping, pesticide spraying, tunnel inspection, delivery etc. According to the company, they have received feedback that the technology is very promising, given its rapid and non-contact nature. However, the economic feasibility of sustained drone operations is being worked on. In the present scenario where big cities are under lockdown, drones are also able to prove their mettle in congested areas, as opposed to trials in rural and open spaces. Notably, their drones demonstrated the delivery of essentials and medicines at the staff quarters in India’s Spaceport Satish Dhawan Space Center, Sriharikota, where COVID-19 positive residents were home quarantined. Speaking of their drone fleet, Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder, Garuda Aerospace told Zee Media that they have 300 drones and 150 pilots stationed across 26 cities, besides 45 core technicians for undertaking repairs in majors zonal centres. “We plan to have 1200-1500 drones (almost five times current capacity) in operation over the next six months, because that’s how high the demand is. Garuda is presently valued at a $100 million and are raising funds from venture capitalists abroad, by the end of 2022 we hope to be a unicorn (firm with $1 billion valuation) in the drone-as-a-service sector.” When asked abut the competition that they foresee, he says that most companies in the sector manufacture and sell drones, whereas Garuda aims to provide the service on demand, thus saving the users from licensing, maintenance related challenges. According to Agnishwar, the firm is also seeing heightened demand from the European market as the cost of operating and flying a Garuda drone is said to be about one-eighth the cost of doing the same with a foreign variant.

Indian drone company Garuda Aerospace looking forward to $1 billion valuation by end-2022

Temperature control and lighting are regarded the predominant energy-consuming resources in large buildings and office complexes that use conventional glass windows.

Now, researchers from IIT Guwahati claim to have developed smart window materials that can control the amount of light and heat permeating through, when a voltage is passed thought it. They say this can help develop efficient automatic climate control systems in buildings.&nbsp;

Smart window materials developed by the researchers make use of 'noble metals' and their comparatively inexpensive alternatives.

According to Ashish Kumar Chowdhary, a research scholar at IIT Guwahati, their design involved an electro-optical polymer which&nbsp;was sandwiched between ultra-thin metal layers.

The filtering of light would thus be enabled by applying a voltage and changing the refractive index (how light moves through a material) of the electro-optical polymer.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/iit-madras-alumnis-startup-3d-prints-600sqft-concrete-home-comprising-hall-kitchen-bedroom-381123" hreflang="en">IIT Madras alumni’s startup 3D prints 600sqft concrete home comprising hall, kitchen, bedroom</a>

While performing simulations, researchers considered using gold and silver as the outer metal layers, but conducted the tests with copper and indium tin oxide.

Researchers claim that under certain conditions, the smart glass was able to selectively filter solar radiation that spans the visible, infrared and shortwave infrared wavelengths, including heat and light reflected from neighbouring buildings and structures.

The results of this study have recently been published in the journal Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells.

The team believes that such smart materials can be applied to obtain efficient automatic climate control in vehicles, locomotives, airplanes and greenhouses of the future.

They claim that the material proposed by their team can easily be fabricated using existing state-of-the-art nanoscale fabrication methods such as e-beam evaporation and graphoepitaxy techniques.

According to the researchers, the working of these materials is dependent on the surface smoothness and other physical properties of the layers. The team plans to conduct further studies on the same.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/iit-madras-incubated-start-up-pi-beam-launches-made-in-india-e-bike-362688" hreflang="en">IIT Madras incubated start-up ‘Pi-beam’ launches 'Made in India' e-bike&nbsp;</a>

“We believe that our smart windows can provide an alternative solution for maintaining ambient indoor temperature and lighting inside a building or a vehicle by integrating those with usual glass windows or walls, thereby reducing the need of air-conditioning systems", said Dr. Debabrata Sikdar, Assistant Professor, Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering.

Temperature control and lighting are regarded the predominant energy-consuming resources in large buildings and office complexes that use conventional glass windows.

Temperature control and lighting are regarded the predominant energy-consuming resources in large buildings and office complexes that use conventional glass windows. Now, researchers from IIT Guwahati claim to have developed smart window materials that can control the amount of light and heat permeating through, when a voltage is passed thought it. They say this can help develop efficient automatic climate control systems in buildings. Smart window materials developed by the researchers make use of 'noble metals' and their comparatively inexpensive alternatives. According to Ashish Kumar Chowdhary, a research scholar at IIT Guwahati, their design involved an electro-optical polymer which was sandwiched between ultra-thin metal layers. The filtering of light would thus be enabled by applying a voltage and changing the refractive index (how light moves through a material) of the electro-optical polymer. Also read: IIT Madras alumni’s startup 3D prints 600sqft concrete home comprising hall, kitchen, bedroom While performing simulations, researchers considered using gold and silver as the outer metal layers, but conducted the tests with copper and indium tin oxide. Researchers claim that under certain conditions, the smart glass was able to selectively filter solar radiation that spans the visible, infrared and shortwave infrared wavelengths, including heat and light reflected from neighbouring buildings and structures. The results of this study have recently been published in the journal Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells. The team believes that such smart materials can be applied to obtain efficient automatic climate control in vehicles, locomotives, airplanes and greenhouses of the future. They claim that the material proposed by their team can easily be fabricated using existing state-of-the-art nanoscale fabrication methods such as e-beam evaporation and graphoepitaxy techniques. According to the researchers, the working of these materials is dependent on the surface smoothness and other physical properties of the layers. The team plans to conduct further studies on the same. Also read: IIT Madras incubated start-up ‘Pi-beam’ launches 'Made in India' e-bike “We believe that our smart windows can provide an alternative solution for maintaining ambient indoor temperature and lighting inside a building or a vehicle by integrating those with usual glass windows or walls, thereby reducing the need of air-conditioning systems", said Dr. Debabrata Sikdar, Assistant Professor, Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering.

India's IIT researchers develop smart windows that regulate light, heat to conserve power in buildings

Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India's aviation watchdog on Monday de-rostered flight crew of SpiceJet plane that was chartered&nbsp;as a wedding destination in the sky. A counple got married in the plane with more than 100 attendees onboard. The images of the 'ceremony' have gone viral on the social media.

"Crew members are off rostered. Airline directed to lodge a complaint against those not following COVID-19 appropriate behaviour with relevant authorities," a DGCA official told ANI.

Pictures of a Madurai-based couple’s wedding that took place on board a chartered commercial aircraft that flew between Madurai and Tuticorin, have gone viral on social media.

What’s caught netizens’ attention is the manner in which the family and wedding attendees are seen blatantly violating COVID-19 norms, with very few wearing masks and the others not wearing them at all or wearing it improperly. This comes at a time when Tamil Nadu is witnessing the peak of COVID-19 with nearly 36,000 daily cases and is in the midst of a state government-ordered Lockdown. &nbsp;

It is said that the couple, who are based out of Goripalayam in Madurai, had tied the knot sometime last week, with limited guests as per the 50-attendee cap set by the government.

However, as the state government announced temporary relaxations to lockdown restrictions on Saturday and Sunday, the families seem to have arranged a chartered flight to have a special wedding with more attendees. It is said that the wedding guests were all tested RT-PCR negative. However the claim has not been verified.&nbsp;

Going by the pictures and videos of this wedding, there are over 100 people seated in the flight, with hardly any adherence to prevalent COVID-19 norms in the Indian Aviation sector. Generally, those taking domestic flights in India have to be temperature checked, masked, are provided face shields, sanitizers, etc to ensure safety of all on board.&nbsp;

WION had reached out to the concerned airline for a clarification and has understood that their plane, a Boeing 737 was chartered by a Madurai travel agent for a group that wanted a post-wedding joy ride. “The client was clearly briefed on Covid guidelines to be followed and denied permission or any activity to be performed on board. The approval for this flight was taken as joy ride for the wedding group,” read the statement from SpiceJet.&nbsp;

According to the airline, the agent and passengers were repeatedly briefed in detail on the Covid safety norms at the airport and in-flight, and also about the DGCA protocols restricting photography and videography.

“Despite repeated requests and reminders the passengers did not follow Covid guidelines and the airline is taking appropriate action as per rules,” the airline added.

For one week from Monday, Tamil Nadu is in a total lockdown, where even grocery and vegetable shops would be shut. Vegetables and fruits would be sold on carts and vehicles that are authorised to do so by the civic bodies of respective districts. Only medical shops, fuel stations, ATMs and essential government offices will be open, while banks can function with one-third staff. E-commerce deliveries can operate from 8 am until 6 pm. Hotels will function from 6 am to 10 am, 12 noon to 3 pm and 6 pm to 9 pm and provide only takeaways, during which food delivery services can function.&nbsp;

However, the latest government order issued pertaining to this lockdown does not provide information on whether weddings are permitted and the crowd restrictions, crowd restrictions at funerals, etc. It also does not make a mention on availability of cabs, autos, permissions required for traveling to vaccination centres, etc. There is also confusion over whether customers can visit banks, since the banks themselves can function with 1/3rd staff.&nbsp;

Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India's aviation watchdog on Monday de-rostered flight crew of SpiceJet plane that was chartered as a wedding destination in the sky.

Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India's aviation watchdog on Monday de-rostered flight crew of SpiceJet plane that was chartered as a wedding destination in the sky. A counple got married in the plane with more than 100 attendees onboard. The images of the 'ceremony' have gone viral on the social media. "Crew members are off rostered. Airline directed to lodge a complaint against those not following COVID-19 appropriate behaviour with relevant authorities," a DGCA official told ANI. Pictures of a Madurai-based couple’s wedding that took place on board a chartered commercial aircraft that flew between Madurai and Tuticorin, have gone viral on social media. What’s caught netizens’ attention is the manner in which the family and wedding attendees are seen blatantly violating COVID-19 norms, with very few wearing masks and the others not wearing them at all or wearing it improperly. This comes at a time when Tamil Nadu is witnessing the peak of COVID-19 with nearly 36,000 daily cases and is in the midst of a state government-ordered Lockdown. It is said that the couple, who are based out of Goripalayam in Madurai, had tied the knot sometime last week, with limited guests as per the 50-attendee cap set by the government. However, as the state government announced temporary relaxations to lockdown restrictions on Saturday and Sunday, the families seem to have arranged a chartered flight to have a special wedding with more attendees. It is said that the wedding guests were all tested RT-PCR negative. However the claim has not been verified. Going by the pictures and videos of this wedding, there are over 100 people seated in the flight, with hardly any adherence to prevalent COVID-19 norms in the Indian Aviation sector. Generally, those taking domestic flights in India have to be temperature checked, masked, are provided face shields, sanitizers, etc to ensure safety of all on board. WION had reached out to the concerned airline for a clarification and has understood that their plane, a Boeing 737 was chartered by a Madurai travel agent for a group that wanted a post-wedding joy ride. “The client was clearly briefed on Covid guidelines to be followed and denied permission or any activity to be performed on board. The approval for this flight was taken as joy ride for the wedding group,” read the statement from SpiceJet. According to the airline, the agent and passengers were repeatedly briefed in detail on the Covid safety norms at the airport and in-flight, and also about the DGCA protocols restricting photography and videography. “Despite repeated requests and reminders the passengers did not follow Covid guidelines and the airline is taking appropriate action as per rules,” the airline added. For one week from Monday, Tamil Nadu is in a total lockdown, where even grocery and vegetable shops would be shut. Vegetables and fruits would be sold on carts and vehicles that are authorised to do so by the civic bodies of respective districts. Only medical shops, fuel stations, ATMs and essential government offices will be open, while banks can function with one-third staff. E-commerce deliveries can operate from 8 am until 6 pm. Hotels will function from 6 am to 10 am, 12 noon to 3 pm and 6 pm to 9 pm and provide only takeaways, during which food delivery services can function. However, the latest government order issued pertaining to this lockdown does not provide information on whether weddings are permitted and the crowd restrictions, crowd restrictions at funerals, etc. It also does not make a mention on availability of cabs, autos, permissions required for traveling to vaccination centres, etc. There is also confusion over whether customers can visit banks, since the banks themselves can function with 1/3rd staff.

Tamil Nadu: Couple’s sky-high wedding creates problem, DGCA takes flight crew off duty

As daily COVID-19 cases cross&nbsp;the 36,000 mark and active cases&nbsp;near&nbsp;the 300,000&nbsp;mark, Tamil Nadu government has intensified the prevailing lockdown and extended it upto May 31.

In order to permit the people to prepare for the lockdown, the government has permitted all shops to remain open until 9 pm on Saturday and from 6 am to 9 pm on&nbsp;May 23. Outstation buses will be permitted to operate on May 22&nbsp;and 23 . According to the Tamil Nadu government, the COVID-19 second wave is expected to peak by the end of May or early June.

As per the latest guidelines which will come into effect on May 24, essentials such as milk, drinking water, newspapers will be available. Allopathy and traditional medicine shops will also remain open. In addition, vegetables and fruits would be sold in vehicles operated by the respective civic bodies across all districts including Chennai. E-commerce services, too&nbsp;can operate between 8 am and 6 pm.

Besides this, transportation of agricultural goods and produce, movement of essential goods, other cargo will be permitted. Also, hotels will function and provide only takeaway service between 6-10 am, 12 noon-3 pm and 6-9 pm, during which the online food delivery services can also function.&nbsp;

Fuel stations, ATMs, media industry,&nbsp;continuous process industries, industries manufacturing essential commodities, medical equipment can continue to function. Only the essential department in the Secretariat and District Administration will function. For emergencies such as death or medical reasons, inter-district travel will be permitted based on e-registration&nbsp;

As daily COVID-19 cases cross the 36,000 mark and active cases near the 300,000 mark, Tamil Nadu government has intensified the prevailing lockdown and extended it upto May 31.

As daily COVID-19 cases cross the 36,000 mark and active cases near the 300,000 mark, Tamil Nadu government has intensified the prevailing lockdown and extended it upto May 31. In order to permit the people to prepare for the lockdown, the government has permitted all shops to remain open until 9 pm on Saturday and from 6 am to 9 pm on May 23. Outstation buses will be permitted to operate on May 22 and 23 . According to the Tamil Nadu government, the COVID-19 second wave is expected to peak by the end of May or early June. As per the latest guidelines which will come into effect on May 24, essentials such as milk, drinking water, newspapers will be available. Allopathy and traditional medicine shops will also remain open. In addition, vegetables and fruits would be sold in vehicles operated by the respective civic bodies across all districts including Chennai. E-commerce services, too can operate between 8 am and 6 pm. Besides this, transportation of agricultural goods and produce, movement of essential goods, other cargo will be permitted. Also, hotels will function and provide only takeaway service between 6-10 am, 12 noon-3 pm and 6-9 pm, during which the online food delivery services can also function. Fuel stations, ATMs, media industry, continuous process industries, industries manufacturing essential commodities, medical equipment can continue to function. Only the essential department in the Secretariat and District Administration will function. For emergencies such as death or medical reasons, inter-district travel will be permitted based on e-registration

Tamil Nadu’s ongoing lockdown extended until May 31. New guidelines inside

With a low-pressure area off Andamans expected to intensify into Cyclone ‘Yaas’ after the weekend, the Indian Coast Guard(ICG) has already swung into action.

Coast Guard assets on sea, air and land are relaying alert messages in English and Indian languages to alert merchant vessels, fishing vessels, and other vessels across the length of India’s East Coast - from Tamil Nadu to West Bengal.&nbsp;

Coast Guard Disaster Relief Teams (DRTs) with inflatable boats, life buoys and lifejackets are standby for undertaking Disaster response operations. Medical teams and&nbsp;ambulances have also been kept standby for swift mobilisation.

Besides closely monitoring the weather system, alerting vessels at sea, the ICG is also alerting anchored vessels to adopt adequate safety measures.

“Navtex warnings are being issued regularly and International safety Net (ISN) has been activated to alert the vessels in/ transiting through area. Port authorities, oil rig operators, shipping, fisheries authorities and fishermen associations have been informed about the likelihood of cyclone formation and a close liaison and coordination for safety of boats, vessels and fixed platforms is being maintained” said the statement from the ICG.&nbsp;

Despite the fishing ban being in-force across India’s east coast, the ICG ’s aircraft and ships are broadcasting information asking fishermen to return to shore.&nbsp;&nbsp;ICG has also requested respective State/ UT governments to sensitize fishers and carry out accounting of fishing boats present in harbour and maintan a close liaison.

As per IMD forecast, a low pressure area is very likely to form over North Andaman Sea and adjoining East Central Bay of Bengal around May 22. It is very likely to intensify into a Cyclonic storm in next 72 hours.

It is predicted to move North-westwards and reach Odisha - West Bengal coasts around 26 May 21 evening. The system will be named 'Yaas' once it develops into a&nbsp;cyclone.&nbsp;Cyclones that form in India’s East Coast have an impact across states and Union territories such as Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar islands, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal.&nbsp;

Over the last one week, the Indian Coast guard and Indian Navy have been engaged in monitoring, search and rescue operations across India’s West Coast, that was struck by a very severe cyclone ‘Tauktae’. The effects of this cyclone were felt in Lakshadweep islands, Kerala, South Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, and in Gujarat where it made landfall.&nbsp;

With a low-pressure area off Andamans expected to intensify into Cyclone ‘Yaas’ after the weekend, the Indian Coast Guard(ICG) has already swung into action. Coast Guard assets on sea, air and land are relaying alert messages in English and Indian languages to alert merchant vessels, fishing vessels, and other vessels across the length of India’s East Coast - from Tamil Nadu to West Bengal.

With a low-pressure area off Andamans expected to intensify into Cyclone ‘Yaas’ after the weekend, the Indian Coast Guard(ICG) has already swung into action. Coast Guard assets on sea, air and land are relaying alert messages in English and Indian languages to alert merchant vessels, fishing vessels, and other vessels across the length of India’s East Coast - from Tamil Nadu to West Bengal. Coast Guard Disaster Relief Teams (DRTs) with inflatable boats, life buoys and lifejackets are standby for undertaking Disaster response operations. Medical teams and ambulances have also been kept standby for swift mobilisation. Besides closely monitoring the weather system, alerting vessels at sea, the ICG is also alerting anchored vessels to adopt adequate safety measures. “Navtex warnings are being issued regularly and International safety Net (ISN) has been activated to alert the vessels in/ transiting through area. Port authorities, oil rig operators, shipping, fisheries authorities and fishermen associations have been informed about the likelihood of cyclone formation and a close liaison and coordination for safety of boats, vessels and fixed platforms is being maintained” said the statement from the ICG. Despite the fishing ban being in-force across India’s east coast, the ICG ’s aircraft and ships are broadcasting information asking fishermen to return to shore. ICG has also requested respective State/ UT governments to sensitize fishers and carry out accounting of fishing boats present in harbour and maintan a close liaison. As per IMD forecast, a low pressure area is very likely to form over North Andaman Sea and adjoining East Central Bay of Bengal around May 22. It is very likely to intensify into a Cyclonic storm in next 72 hours. It is predicted to move North-westwards and reach Odisha - West Bengal coasts around 26 May 21 evening. The system will be named 'Yaas' once it develops into a cyclone. Cyclones that form in India’s East Coast have an impact across states and Union territories such as Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar islands, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal. Over the last one week, the Indian Coast guard and Indian Navy have been engaged in monitoring, search and rescue operations across India’s West Coast, that was struck by a very severe cyclone ‘Tauktae’. The effects of this cyclone were felt in Lakshadweep islands, Kerala, South Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, and in Gujarat where it made landfall.

Indian Coast Guard teams on stand-by, fishermen, sailors alerted for Cyclone ‘Yaas’ on East Coast

In order to uninterruptedly observe brain tissues as they grow and develop, scientists from Indian and American institutes claim to have developed a novel solution in cell culture, ie, the controlled growth of cells in a lab. This technology is said to have the potential to speed up the medical discoveries for conditions such as cancer, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Cell culture is a crucial step in pre-clinical study of anything from COVID-19 to cancer, medicine discovery or any medicine that is to be used on humans.

Generally, the major challenge while performing cell culture is the inability to grow cells for long durations. As per current cell culture protocols, the cells being grown must be physically transferred from one chamber to another for imaging purposes. However, this could also lead to false results and contamination.

Scientists from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras and Massachusetts Institute of Technology came up with a single 3D printed apparatus, which consisted of a micro-incubator and imaging chamber. This palm-sized platform is said to have successfully demonstrated the simultaneous growth and real-time imaging of human brain cells&nbsp;in the long term.

<img alt="Indian, US scientists grow human brain tissues in a 3D printed apparatus" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="69bedc55-08e0-4c7a-a290-cd59b6663f0b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/oof%20%285%29.jpg" />

According to Prof. Anil Prabhakar, Department of Electrical Engineering, IIT Madras, the apparatus (bioreactor) that they have made can&nbsp;be used to conduct studies in basic and applied science. The device can be completely automated with different protocols and used for drug discovery, thereby reducing labour costs, errors and the time to make the resultant discovery available in the market. Different environmental sensors can be combined with this micro-incubator and our device fits with most of the microscopes for live-cell imaging, he added.

The findings of this research were recently published in the reputed, peer-reviewed international journal&nbsp;Biomicrofluidics. The Research Team included Mr. Ikram Khan (first author) and Prof. Anil Prabhakar from IIT Madras and Ms. Chloe Delepine, Ms. Hayley Tsang, Mr. Vincent Pham, and Prof. Mriganka Sur from MIT.

Prof. Anil Prabhakar is a faculty in the Department of Electrical Engineering, IIT Madras. Mr. Ikram Khan S.I. is an alumnus of IIT Madras (MS Opto-Electronics, 2015–19) and CEO of ISMO Bio-Photonics, an IIT Madras-incubated startup working on developing products like microfluidic bio-reactors, microfluidic accessories, and fibre&nbsp;lasers.

This technology has been patented in India and research team is exploring the feasibility of international collaborations.&nbsp;The project was taken up with the support of the&nbsp;Center for Computational Brain Research (CCBR)&nbsp;at IIT Madras for funding and&nbsp;Sur’s Lab&nbsp;at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), U.S., which guided the researchers.

Ikram Khan, CEO, ISMO Bio-Photonics says that their firm is working on a basic model of their product for the relevant industries, considering its importance in the medical and pharmaceutical domains.

In order to uninterruptedly observe brain tissues as they grow and develop, scientists from Indian and American institutes claim to have developed a novel solution in cell culture, ie, the controlled growth of cells in a lab.

In order to uninterruptedly observe brain tissues as they grow and develop, scientists from Indian and American institutes claim to have developed a novel solution in cell culture, ie, the controlled growth of cells in a lab. This technology is said to have the potential to speed up the medical discoveries for conditions such as cancer, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Cell culture is a crucial step in pre-clinical study of anything from COVID-19 to cancer, medicine discovery or any medicine that is to be used on humans. Generally, the major challenge while performing cell culture is the inability to grow cells for long durations. As per current cell culture protocols, the cells being grown must be physically transferred from one chamber to another for imaging purposes. However, this could also lead to false results and contamination. Scientists from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras and Massachusetts Institute of Technology came up with a single 3D printed apparatus, which consisted of a micro-incubator and imaging chamber. This palm-sized platform is said to have successfully demonstrated the simultaneous growth and real-time imaging of human brain cells in the long term. According to Prof. Anil Prabhakar, Department of Electrical Engineering, IIT Madras, the apparatus (bioreactor) that they have made can be used to conduct studies in basic and applied science. The device can be completely automated with different protocols and used for drug discovery, thereby reducing labour costs, errors and the time to make the resultant discovery available in the market. Different environmental sensors can be combined with this micro-incubator and our device fits with most of the microscopes for live-cell imaging, he added. The findings of this research were recently published in the reputed, peer-reviewed international journal Biomicrofluidics. The Research Team included Mr. Ikram Khan (first author) and Prof. Anil Prabhakar from IIT Madras and Ms. Chloe Delepine, Ms. Hayley Tsang, Mr. Vincent Pham, and Prof. Mriganka Sur from MIT. Prof. Anil Prabhakar is a faculty in the Department of Electrical Engineering, IIT Madras. Mr. Ikram Khan S.I. is an alumnus of IIT Madras (MS Opto-Electronics, 2015–19) and CEO of ISMO Bio-Photonics, an IIT Madras-incubated startup working on developing products like microfluidic bio-reactors, microfluidic accessories, and fibre lasers. This technology has been patented in India and research team is exploring the feasibility of international collaborations. The project was taken up with the support of the Center for Computational Brain Research (CCBR) at IIT Madras for funding and Sur’s Lab at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), U.S., which guided the researchers. Ikram Khan, CEO, ISMO Bio-Photonics says that their firm is working on a basic model of their product for the relevant industries, considering its importance in the medical and pharmaceutical domains.

Indian, US scientists grow human brain tissues in a 3D printed apparatus

The Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO) is inviting applications from entrepreneurs and industries to mass manufacture oxygen concentrators that were developed in-house.&nbsp;

It comes at a time when the country is having to import various kinds of medical equipment and oxygen cylinders to bolster the fight against COVID-19.&nbsp;

ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Center(VSSC), which is the country’s lead centre for the development of rockets and related technologies has invited applications and shared the specifications of their product on their website.&nbsp;

The portable Medical Oxygen Concentrator (MOC) named "SHWAAS", which can deliver over 95 per cent&nbsp;enriched level of oxygen to support patients with respiratory illness or who are on oxygen therapy.&nbsp;

The device enhances the oxygen gas content by selectively separating the nitrogen gas from ambient air through Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA). SHWAAS is capable of supplying enriched oxygen continuously at10 LPM adequate for two patients at a time, said the post on ISRO’s website.

Zee Media had earlier reported on how ISRO is contributing to the country’s COVID-19 battle by scaling up its production of liquid oxygen, repurposing giant fuel tanks across India to store liquid oxygen, in-house development of medical technologies among others.&nbsp;

“These medical equipment are not under our area of work, it requires a deep understanding of human physiology, breathing etc.. Such devices aiding respiration must be able to sense, sync with unique breathing patterns and assist Doctors in saving lives. So, our young engineers, most of whom are in their 20s and 30s studied the theory and explored the processes to make this happen," Dr.S. Somanath, Director, VSSC had told Zee media earlier.&nbsp;

"It was a collaborative effort between several teams largely working from home and partly from labs, under the guidance of seniors and technicians. Ours is a highly inspired work culture, it’s not just about building rockets, we are ready to take on any challenge with our enthusiasm and ideas” Dr Somanath added.

The Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO) is inviting applications from entrepreneurs and industries to mass manufacture oxygen concentrators that were developed in-house.

The Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO) is inviting applications from entrepreneurs and industries to mass manufacture oxygen concentrators that were developed in-house. It comes at a time when the country is having to import various kinds of medical equipment and oxygen cylinders to bolster the fight against COVID-19. ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Center(VSSC), which is the country’s lead centre for the development of rockets and related technologies has invited applications and shared the specifications of their product on their website. The portable Medical Oxygen Concentrator (MOC) named "SHWAAS", which can deliver over 95 per cent enriched level of oxygen to support patients with respiratory illness or who are on oxygen therapy. The device enhances the oxygen gas content by selectively separating the nitrogen gas from ambient air through Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA). SHWAAS is capable of supplying enriched oxygen continuously at10 LPM adequate for two patients at a time, said the post on ISRO’s website. Zee Media had earlier reported on how ISRO is contributing to the country’s COVID-19 battle by scaling up its production of liquid oxygen, repurposing giant fuel tanks across India to store liquid oxygen, in-house development of medical technologies among others. “These medical equipment are not under our area of work, it requires a deep understanding of human physiology, breathing etc.. Such devices aiding respiration must be able to sense, sync with unique breathing patterns and assist Doctors in saving lives. So, our young engineers, most of whom are in their 20s and 30s studied the theory and explored the processes to make this happen," Dr.S. Somanath, Director, VSSC had told Zee media earlier. "It was a collaborative effort between several teams largely working from home and partly from labs, under the guidance of seniors and technicians. Ours is a highly inspired work culture, it’s not just about building rockets, we are ready to take on any challenge with our enthusiasm and ideas” Dr Somanath added.

ISRO invites industry to mass manufacture its indigenous oxygen concentrators

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