Rapid Fire Current Affairs | 11 Apr 2023
3D Printing
Bengaluru’s Ulsoor Bazaar post office is set to become home to India's first post office built using 3D printing technology. Three-dimensional printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a revolutionary technology that is being increasingly used in the construction industry. With 3D printing, it is possible to create complex, customized, and intricate designs using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
This technology can be used to create parts, structures, and even entire buildings. One of the main advantages of 3D printing in construction is the ability to reduce construction time and costs. By eliminating the need for extensive formwork (Mold used to form concrete into structural shapes), scaffolding, and labor, the construction process can be streamlined, and significant savings can be achieved. Moreover, 3D printing allows for the creation of lighter and more durable structures that are also more environmentally friendly. Despite its many advantages, there are still some challenges associated with 3D printing in construction. One of the main challenges is the limited size of the printers, which makes it difficult to construct larger buildings. Additionally, the materials used for 3D printing are still limited, which limits the variety of structures that can be created.
Read more: National Strategy for Additive Manufacturing Policy
Tamil Nadu Assembly Urges Time Frame for Approval of Bills
The Tamil Nadu assembly has passed a resolution urging the central government and President to establish a timeframe for governors to give their assent to bills adopted by the House. The resolution was passed following Governor remarks that bills that are withheld should be considered "dead”.
According to the Constitution, the governor cannot reject a bill sent by the assembly. He can return a bill to the government with his objections or observations and if the assembly clears it for a second time, he can either give his consent or forward the bill for the President’s consideration. And he can withhold the bill, withholding has been defined by the Supreme Court as the bill falls through, and the bill is dead. When the bill is ‘withhold’, the bill is dead. However, the Constitution does not provide a timeframe for the governor to approve bills.
Read more: Governor’s Power to Decide on Bills: Veto Power
Waste-to-Energy Plant
The Bowenpally Vegetable Market in Hyderabad has implemented an innovative waste management system. The market collects nearly 10 tons of waste every day, which is now converted into bioelectricity, biogas, and bio-manure through a waste-to-energy plant. The unsold and rotten vegetables are shredded and crushed into pulp, which undergoes anaerobic digesters to produce biogas. The biogas is collected and stored in balloons and used for cooking and powering the market facilities through a biogas generator. Bio-manure is also produced as a by-product of the process. The waste generated, which previously ended up in landfills, is now used to generate approximately 500 units of electricity and 30 kg of biofuel per day.
The waste-to-energy plant also generates employment for women by providing opportunities for them to work in various roles. The plant is funded by the Department of Biotechnology and Department of Agriculture Marketing Telangana is set up under the guidance and patented technology of CSIR-IICT. The waste-to-energy plant is not only an innovative solution to the waste management problem but also a significant step towards sustainable development.
Read more: Wate to Energy
125th Anniversary of Ramakrishna Math
The Indian Prime Minister recently visited the Vivekananda House in Chennai, as part of the 125th-anniversary celebration of the Ramakrishna Math institution's service in Chennai.
Ramakrishna Math is a worldwide, non-political, non-sectarian spiritual organization that has been engaged in various forms of humanitarian and social service activities for more than a century. Inspired by the ideals of renunciation and service.
Math serves millions of men, women, and children, without any distinction of caste, religion, or race, because they see the living God in them. The organizations were brought into existence by Sri Ramakrishna (1836-1886), the great 19th-century saint from Bengal who is regarded as the Prophet of the Modern Age, is a who sought religious salvation in the traditional ways of renunciation, meditation, and devotion. He was a saintly person who recognized the fundamental oneness of all religions and emphasized that there were many roads to God and salvation and the service of man is the service of God.
The teaching of Ramakrishna Paramhansa formed the basis of the Ramakrishna Movement and Sri Ramakrishna’s chief disciple, Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902), one of the foremost thinkers and religious leaders of the present age, who is regarded as ‘one of the main molders of the modern world’.
Read more: Ramakrishna Mission’s Awakening Programme