Tuhin Kanta Pandey assumes charge as 11th chairman of Sebi

Tuhin Kanta Pandey assumed charge as the 11th chairman of capital markets regulator SEBI. He replaces Madhabi Puri Buch, whose three-year tenure ended on 28th February 2025. Pandey, a career bureaucrat who was serving as the Finance Secretary till now, was appointed chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) by the government on 27th February 2025. 

His appointment comes at a crucial time for SEBI, the regulatory body responsible for overseeing India's securities and capital markets. As Sebi Chairman, Pandey will play a key role in strengthening market regulations, ensuring investor protection, and overseeing reforms in the capital markets. His extensive experience in finance and economic policy is expected to aid in the effective functioning of the regulatory body.

Nano Bubble Technology: Revolutionizing Industries with Microscopic Marvels

Nano bubble technology is an emerging field that has the potential to revolutionize various industries, from water treatment and agriculture to healthcare and energy. Nano bubbles, which are tiny gas-filled cavities with diameters on the nanometer scale (typically less than 200 nanometers), exhibit unique physical and chemical properties that make them highly effective in a wide range of applications. This article delves into the science behind nano bubbles, their unique characteristics, and the transformative impact they are having across multiple sectors.

What Are Nano Bubbles?

Nano bubbles are ultrafine gas bubbles that are typically less than 200 nanometers in diameter. They are so small that they remain suspended in liquid for extended periods, sometimes for months or even years. Unlike larger bubbles, which rise to the surface and burst quickly, nano bubbles are stable and can remain in solution due to their small size and high internal pressure.

Key Characteristics of Nano Bubbles

• Size and Stability: Nano bubbles are extremely small, with diameters ranging from 70 to 200 nanometers. Their small size allows them to remain suspended in liquid for long periods, making them highly stable.
• High Internal Pressure: Due to their small size, nano bubbles have extremely high internal pressure, which can be several times greater than atmospheric pressure. This high pressure enhances their ability to dissolve gases in liquids.
• Large Surface Area to Volume Ratio: Nano bubbles have a very large surface area relative to their volume. This property makes them highly efficient in gas transfer and chemical reactions.
• Longevity: Nano bubbles can remain stable in liquid for extended periods, sometimes for months or even years, due to their small size and high internal pressure.
• Zeta Potential: Nano bubbles often carry a negative charge, known as zeta potential, which helps prevent them from coalescing and enhances their stability in solution.

Generation of Nano Bubbles

Nanobubbles can be generated using various methods, including:

• Pressurization-Depressurization: This method involves pressurizing a gas-liquid mixture and then rapidly depressurizing it, causing the formation of nano bubbles.
• Ultrasonic Cavitation: High-frequency ultrasonic waves are used to create cavitation bubbles in a liquid, which then collapse and form nano bubbles.
• Electrolysis:Passing an electric current through a liquid can generate nano bubbles of hydrogen and oxygen gases.
• Membrane Diffusion: Gas is forced through a porous membrane into a liquid, creating nano bubbles as the gas exits the pores.

Applications of Nano Bubble Technology

Water Treatment

Nano bubble technology is transforming water treatment processes by improving the efficiency of oxygenation, disinfection, and pollutant removal.

• Oxygenation: Nano bubbles can significantly enhance the oxygen content in water, which is crucial for aerobic biological processes in wastewater treatment. The high solubility and stability of nano bubbles ensure that oxygen is delivered more efficiently to microorganisms, improving the breakdown of organic matter.
• Disinfection: Nano bubbles of ozone or hydrogen peroxide can be used for water disinfection. The high reactivity of these gases in nano bubble form enhances their ability to kill bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.
• Pollutant Removal: Nano bubbles can be used to remove pollutants such as heavy metals and organic compounds from water. The high surface area and reactivity of nano bubbles facilitate the adsorption and breakdown of contaminants.

Agriculture

In agriculture, nano bubble technology is being used to enhance crop growth, improve soil health, and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

• Improved Oxygenation: Nano bubbles can increase the oxygen levels in irrigation water, promoting healthier root systems and more robust plant growth. This is particularly beneficial in hydroponic and aquaponic systems.
• Nutrient Delivery: Nano bubbles can be used to deliver nutrients more effectively to plants. The small size and high stability of nano bubbles ensure that nutrients are evenly distributed and readily absorbed by plant roots.
• Pest Control: Nano bubbles of ozone or other gases can be used to control pests and diseases in crops. The high reactivity of these gases in nano bubble form makes them effective at killing pathogens without the need for chemical pesticides.

Healthcare

Nano bubble technology is finding applications in healthcare, particularly in drug delivery, imaging, and cancer treatment.

• Drug Delivery: Nano bubbles can be used as carriers for targeted drug delivery. The small size and stability of nano bubbles allow them to penetrate tissues and deliver drugs directly to specific cells or organs, reducing side effects and improving therapeutic outcomes.
• Ultrasound Imaging: Nano bubbles can enhance the contrast in ultrasound imaging, making it easier to visualize tissues and organs. This is particularly useful in diagnosing conditions such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
• Cancer Treatment: Nano bubbles can be used in conjunction with ultrasound to enhance the delivery of chemotherapy drugs to cancer cells. The ultrasound causes the nano bubbles to oscillate and collapse, creating micro-jets that can disrupt cancer cell membranes and improve drug uptake.

Energy

In the energy sector, nano bubble technology is being explored for applications in hydrogen production, fuel cells, and carbon capture.

• Hydrogen Production: Nano bubbles can enhance the efficiency of electrolysis, a process used to produce hydrogen gas from water. The high surface area and reactivity of nano bubbles improve the rate of gas evolution, making hydrogen production more efficient.
• Fuel Cells: Nano bubbles can be used to improve the performance of fuel cells by enhancing the transport of reactants and products within the cell. This can lead to higher efficiency and longer-lasting fuel cells.
• Carbon Capture: Nano bubbles can be used to capture and store carbon dioxide from industrial emissions. The high solubility and stability of nano bubbles make them effective at absorbing CO2, which can then be stored or converted into useful products.

Environmental Remediation

Nano bubble technology is being used to clean up contaminated soil and water, offering a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional methods.

• Soil Remediation: Nano bubbles can be used to deliver oxygen and nutrients to contaminated soil, promoting the growth of microorganisms that break down pollutants. This can accelerate the remediation process and reduce the need for chemical treatments.
• Water Remediation: Nano bubbles can be used to remove pollutants such as heavy metals, organic compounds, and pathogens from contaminated water. The high reactivity and stability of nano bubbles make them effective at breaking down and removing contaminants.

Challenges and Future Directions

While nano bubble technology holds great promise, there are still challenges that need to be addressed to fully realize its potential.

• Scalability: One of the main challenges is scaling up the production of nano bubbles for industrial applications. Current methods of generating nano bubbles are often energy-intensive and may not be suitable for large-scale use.
• Cost: The cost of generating and maintaining nano bubbles can be high, particularly for applications that require large volumes of nano bubble-infused liquids. Reducing the cost of production will be crucial for widespread adoption.
• Regulatory Hurdles: As with any new technology, regulatory approval can be a significant barrier. Ensuring that nano bubble technology meets safety and environmental standards will be essential for its adoption in industries such as healthcare and agriculture.
• Understanding Mechanisms: While the benefits of nano bubbles are well-documented, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Further research is needed to elucidate how nano bubbles interact with different materials and biological systems.

Despite these challenges, the future of nano bubble technology looks promising. Ongoing research and development are likely to lead to new applications and improved methods of production, making nano bubbles a key technology in the 21st century.

Conclusion

Nano bubble technology is a groundbreaking innovation with the potential to transform a wide range of industries. From improving water treatment and agricultural practices to advancing healthcare and energy production, nano bubbles offer a versatile and efficient solution to many of the challenges we face today. As research continues and the technology matures, we can expect to see even more innovative applications of nano bubbles, paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient future.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) celebrated once in two years on 9th January is a significant event that honors the contributions of the Indian diaspora to their homeland. The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention was first established in 2003 under the government of then Prime Minister Late Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, as a platform to recognize and engage with the overseas Indian community.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is the flagship event of the Ministry of External Affairs. It is held in different cities, to showcase the diversity and progress of different regions of India. Since 2015, it has evolved into a biennale event, with theme-based conferences held in the intervening years. This format allows for more focused discussions on specific areas of interest and provides opportunities for networking among the global Indian diaspora.

Nano-formulation of darkness hormone could be therapeutic solution for Parkinson's disease

Scientists have proved that nano-formulation of Melatonin, the hormone produced by the brain in response to darkness, showed improved antioxidative and neuroprotective properties and could be a potential therapeutic solution for Parkinson's disease (PD). Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common neurological disorders caused by the death of dopamine-secreting neurons in the brain due to aggregation of synuclein protein inside it. Available medications can only minimize the symptoms but cannot cure the disease and this underlines the need to develop better therapeutic solutions for the disease.

Studies over the last decade have shown the implications of PD-related genes in governing a quality control mechanism called "Mitophagy", which identifies and removes dysfunctional mitochondria and reduces oxidative stress. Among many antioxidants, melatonin, a neurohormone secreted from the pineal gland, an endocrine gland present in the brain, that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and is used to treat insomnia could be a potential inducer of mitophagy to mitigate PD.

The molecular pathways melatonin follows as a PD antagonist, remain poorly elucidated, despite being a safe and a potential neurotherapeutic drug with a few limitations like less bioavailability, premature oxidation, brain delivery, etc. A group of researchers from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) Mohali, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) used human serum albumin nano-formulation to deliver the drug to the brain and studied the molecular mechanism behind melatonin-mediated oxidative stress regulation. Using a biocompatible protein (HSA) nanocarrier for the delivery of melatonin to the brain, Dr. Surajit Karmakar and his team have proved that the nano-melatonin resulted in a sustained release of melatonin and improved bioavailability.

They found that the nano-melatonin demonstrated enhanced antioxidative and neuroprotective properties. It not only improved mitophagy to remove unhealthy mitochondria but also improved mitochondrial biogenesis to counteract a pesticide (rotenone) induced toxicity in an in vitro PD model. The improvement is attributed to the sustained release of melatonin and targeted delivery to the brain resulting in increased therapeutic efficacy compared to bare melatonin. The increased antioxidative effect is a result of mitophagy induction through the upregulation of a crucial epigenetic regulator called BMI1 that controls gene expression. The reduction in oxidative stress contributes to alleviating the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Their findings published in the journal ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces highlighted the significantly better in vitro and in vivo neuroprotective effect of nano-melatonin as well as the molecular/cellular dynamics it influences to regulate mitophagy. The experiments showed that the nano-formulation of melatonin also protected TH-positive neurons in the brains of rats against rotenone-mediated toxicity. Additionally, the study revealed for the first time that BMI1, a member of the Polycomb Repressive Complex 1, the most essential family of proteins responsible for epigenetic regulation, was overexpressed following nano-formulation treatment. This overexpression-induced mitophagy could help in protecting neurons from degeneration.

The study unfurls the molecular mechanism behind melatonin-mediated mitophagy regulation. Enhanced mitophagy was crucial to reduce oxidative stress in the Parkinson's disease model. Melatonin-mediated BMI1 regulation and the latter's role in inducing mitophagy to curb oxidative stress could set a path for establishing melatonin as a therapeutic candidate for Parkinson’s Disease. It can also be used to treat other diseases where dysregulated mitophagy is critical for pathological outcomes. With continued exploration, this could be established as a safer drug to improve the lives of patients.

National Sports Awards 2024

National Sports Awards are given every year to recognize and reward excellence in sports. Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award is given for the spectacular and most outstanding performance in the field of sports by a sportsperson over the period of the previous four years. Arjuna Award for outstanding performance in Sports and Games is given for good performance over a period of the previous four years and for showing qualities of leadership, sportsmanship and a sense of discipline. Arjuna Award (Lifetime) is given to honour and motivate those sportspersons who have contributed to sports by their performance and continue to contribute to promotion of sports even after their retirement from active sporting career. Dronacharya Award for Outstanding Coaches in Sports and Games is given to coaches for doing outstanding and meritorious work on a consistent basis and for enabling sportspersons to excel in International events. The overall top performing university in Khelo India University Games is given the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy.

Click Here to Read the Complete Winner List

What is HMPV Virus Currently Spreading in China?

Introduction

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has recently been making headlines in China due to a sudden rise in infections. While not as well-known as other respiratory viruses like the flu or COVID-19, HMPV can have serious implications, especially for the elderly, children, and those with weakened immune systems. As concerns grow about its spread, understanding this virus and how to prevent it becomes essential.

In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about HMPV, its symptoms, the current situation in China, and, most importantly, how you can protect yourself and your loved ones.

Understanding the HMPV Virus

What is HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus)?

HMPV is a respiratory virus first identified in 2001. It belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family, which also includes other well-known viruses like measles and mumps. HMPV primarily affects the respiratory tract, causing symptoms that range from mild to severe.

Despite being relatively new to the spotlight, studies suggest that HMPV has been circulating in humans for decades. It is a leading cause of respiratory illness, especially during late winter and early spring.

How is HMPV Transmitted?

HMPV spreads much like the common cold or flu. The primary modes of transmission include:

• Direct contact: Shaking hands or touching contaminated surfaces.
• Respiratory droplets: Coughing, sneezing, or talking close to others.
• Touching the face: Transferring the virus from the hands to the eyes, nose, or mouth.

Risk factors for transmission are similar to other respiratory viruses, including crowded environments, poor ventilation, and weakened immune systems.

Symptoms of HMPV Infection

HMPV symptoms often mimic those of the flu or other respiratory infections. Common signs include:

• Coughing
• Nasal congestion
• Fever
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue

In severe cases, HMPV can lead to complications like bronchitis or pneumonia, particularly in vulnerable groups such as infants, older adults, and people with chronic health conditions.

Preventive Measures for HMPV

Hygiene Practices

Basic hygiene is your first line of defense:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol when soap isn’t available.
• Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Social Distancing and Mask Usage

Face masks and social distancing, proven effective during the COVID-19 pandemic, remain valuable tools in controlling HMPV’s spread. Masks can block respiratory droplets while maintaining physical distance reduces the risk of direct transmission.

Strengthening Immunity

A robust immune system can help fend off HMPV. Focus on:

• A balanced diet: Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Regular exercise: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days.
• Adequate sleep: Poor sleep can weaken immune defenses.
• Supplements: Vitamins C and D, along with zinc, may provide added protection.

National Quantum Mission (NQM)

Introduction: It will be implemented by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) under the Ministry of Science and Technology. The objective of the mission planned for the year 2023-2031 is to sow, nurture, and scale up scientific and industrial R&D. It also aims to build a vibrant and innovative ecosystem in Quantum Technology (QT). With this mission, India will become the seventh country (along with the US, Austria, Finland, France, Canada, and China) to implement a dedicated quantum mission.

Mission Highlights: It aims to develop intermediate-scale quantum computers of 50-100 physical qubits in the next 5 years and 50-1000 physical qubits in 8 years. Just as bits (Is and 0s) are the basic units by which computers process information, 'qubits' or 'quantum bits' are the units used by quantum computers. The mission will help develop precision timing (atomic clocks), and high sensitivity magnetometers for communication and navigation. It will also support the design and synthesis of quantum materials such as superconductors, novel semiconductor structures, and topological materials for building quantum devices.

The mission will also help in the development of:

• Satellite-based secure quantum communication between ground stations within India within a range of 2000 km.
• Long-distance secure quantum communication with other countries
• Inter-city quantum key distributions over 2000 km.
• Multi-node quantum networks with quantum memory.

Significance: It will accelerate quantum technology-driven economic growth and make India one of the leading nations in developing Quantum Technologies and Applications (QTA) in diverse sectors such as healthcare and diagnostics, defence, energy, and data security. It will work towards indigenously building quantum-based com¬puters that are far more efficient and capable of solving the most complex problems in a highly secure.