Aquaporin and Diamond Drops launch water purifier in India that does not use chemicals or electricity

 Diamond Drops and Aquaporin have launched two water purifiers in India, the Aquaporin Zero and the Aquaporin One. The Aquaporin Zero, is a minimalist water purifier that uses aquaporins – natural water cleaning proteins from nature – and does not use pumps, electricity or chemicals to purify the water. The technology can produce three litres of pure, drinking water within a minute. 

The filtration cartridge inside the Aquaporin Zero. (Image credit: Aditya Madanapalle)

The launch was a partnership between India and Denmark, with Diamond Drops being a Bengaluru based company with a focus on addressing the water security issue, particularly in rural areas, and Aquaporin is a Danish company that combines biotechnology and engineering, to create water purifying membranes that use proteins, known as aquaporins. The membrane is only produced in Denmark at the moment.

Bringing the water purifier into India is a part of the Green Strategic Partnership between India and Denmark, which was launched in September 2020. 

At the launch, Harish HP, Diamond Drops CEO, said "our prime minister has a vision of providing clean water to every rural household by 2024. While the Indian Government has partnered with numerous nations under this vision, one of the most important alliances is the Green Strategic Partnership Program with Denmark, which, among other key issues, primarily focuses on water solutions."

One half of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2003 was awarded to Peter Agre, who in 1988 isolated the a protein the cellular membrane that was the long sought after "water channel". The membrane consisted of proteins dubbed as aquaporins, that allowed only water to enter the cell walls, keeping all other chemicals out. The discovery opened up research into biochemical, psychological and genetic studies of water channels in a wide range of organisms, including bacteria, plants and mammals. 

The Aquaporin Zero is designed to sit underneath the sink. (Image credit: Aditya Madanapalle)

The aquaporins are the natural protein filters of life, existing naturally in everything from plant roots to kidneys. The Aquaporin Inside technology uses these proteins to filter out pesticides, viruses, bacteria and all other unwanted compounds. The technology is able to produce clean, safe drinking water at a high per minute rate, and is great to taste as well, which was the number one demand from potential local users surveyed by Diamond Drops.

In the Aquaporin Zero, osmosis is used to purify the water, while the Aquaporin One has a pump to drive the water through the membrane. The Aquaporin Zero generates about three litres of drinking water after the first minute, while the output rate of the Aquaporin One is 1.75 litres per minute, continuously. The filter uses a very thin, 200 nanometre layer of the aquaporin proteins. The device integrates biological components into a ready for market system. 

The Aquaporin One uses a pump to drive the water through the membrane, and generates 1.75 litres of water per minute, continuously. (Image credit: Aditya Madanapalle)

During the launch, Aquaporin also shared plans of new designs for modular kitchens and offices. These were available in a number of finishes to match with the décor, and offered a complete range of options to serve clean water requirements, including cold water, warm water, sparkling water and ice. 

The first image of aquaporins captured in 1999. (Image credit: Vossman, CC BY-SA 3.0)

In 2011, Aquaporin scientists demonstrated their technology in space, on board the International Space Station (ISS), in collaboration with NASA. The conventional water purification systems on board the ISS at that time were heavy and had to be swapped out every 90 days. The technology was also tested to provide the extremely pure water required for cooling the Extravehicular Mobility Units (EMUs), or the spacesuit used during space walks. 

Every resource taken up to the Space Station is important to harvest and use, which boils down to every drop of moisture. The same principle applies down here on Earth as well, particularly for the two billion people on the planet who only have access to contaminated drinking water every day. Although the technology has been in development for over fifteen years, it is actually considered a mature technology. 

At the launch, Freddy Svane, Ambassador at The Royal Danish Embassy, New Delhi said, "Access to safe and clean drinking water is a fundamental right. Technology is a driver, and whatever we are doing is in order to secure that right, so people will have a better livelihood, and a more sustainable future. Of course, we need to use different technologies, and this is one example."

Freddy Svane, Ambassador at the Royal Danish Embassy, New Delhi, during the launch. (Image credit: Diamond Drops)

The filters have to be changed after processing about 10,000 litres of water. The cost of a single unit, whether it is Aquaporin One or Aquaporin Zero is currently expected to be between Rs 32,000 and 35,000. The units are currently being imported, and not manufactured locally. However, the company is working towards reducing the cost, and making tweaks to adapt the units specifically for India. 

Diamond Drops hopes to bring the Aquaporin technology to deliver clean drinking water to rural populations in the country, where they already have water purification systems in place. Harish HP tells us, "we have installed water ATM machines in rural villages in Karnataka, as a part of public procurement project. We have covered 300 villages in Karnataka, in the districts of Mysore, Chamarajanagar, Chikmaglur, Udupi and Hasan. In these villages, most of the water sources are groundwater, from borewells. In most of these places, the groundwater levels are between 800 feet and 2,500 feet. At these levels, obviously the water will be with high levels of salt content. So it is not fit for drinking. For this we installed purification technology, and we operate this project on a five year contract basis, and has been a successful initiative in Karnataka." 

Harish HP, CEO of Diamond Drops, with Aquaporin Zero. (Image credit: Diamond Drops)

The aquaporin filters are capable enough of removing heavy metal pollutants such as arsenic and mercury from the sources of drinking water contaminated by industrial waste. Harish explains, "Yes, it will take out the heavy metals from the water. It is similar to the existing reverse osmosis membrane technology. The major difference is the material of construction. The existing membranes are made up of chemical composites, some polymer components. Here, in this technology, it is made out of the natural protein, which is available in all living cells. This enables an efficient purification, the way nature does it."

The water filters borrow the process from nature, which has developed over billions of years of evolution, a Harish says, "For billions of years, nature has been purifying water. In fact, whatever we drink is reused water, it is not fresh water. This is a biomimetic technology, that uses nature's own way of purifying water. Nature has always got the best technologies, so it definitely makes an impact when it comes to efficiency, but the pollutants can be removed. In fact, it has been proven that it removes pesticides effectively, heavy metals, and minerals from polluted water."

The Aquaporin Zero has a minimalistic design, much like an Apple product. (Image credit: Aquaporin)

When asked if the technology can be used to treat industrial wastewater, Harish answers in the affirmative, "For industrial waste, there is a different process. There is primary, secondary and tertiary treatment of water. The technology comes into play in the tertiary stage. It removes micropollutants such as heavy metals, pharmaceutical residues and other toxic chemicals." 

We then asked about the steps being taken to customise the technology for India. Harish told us, "The major challenge is obviously the price, we have to make it more viable. When it comes to the technology or design aspect, we need slight tweaks in terms of design. Our infrastructure at homes is quite different from the European homes. So those kind of small tweaks are required, otherwise the price is the major challenge to address, and that is the reason to customise the purifiers." 

Diamond Drops is going to actively take inputs from the local communities for developing the purifiers that are customised for India. "We would like to take a survey followed by market research before developing this product for rural markets especially, because it is difficult to understand the rural market. As India is a diverse country, the societal behavior changes from state to state. So that is why we need to think about a number of samplings and different geographies, and so a lot of detailed research is required for rural markets", says Harish. 

 

 

NASA's BIG ideas challenge 2021 concludes with 7 concepts to tackle the problem of Moon dust

 NASA is planning to return to the Moon with the ambitious Artemis program, with the first uncrewed test flight scheduled for February 2022. The first female and the first person of flight will go to the Moon as part of the program. There will also be a dry run of the first planned mission to Mars, with a deep space station in cislunar space known as The Gateway, which will be the staging area for exploratory missions into the outer Solar System. The Artemis program will involve transporting thousands of tons of equipment, worth billions of dollars to the lunar surface, along with the people, and NASA has to safeguard all of these. 

The problem of lunar dust

One of the biggest problems on the lunar surface is dust. These are extremely fine particles, that behave half like solid and half like liquid, and it can get everywhere. Additionally, the dust also has an electrostatic charge because of constant exposure to sunlight, which means it has the ability to cling to anything. The dust is dry, chemically reactive, and the fine particles have extremely jagged edges, which makes them abrasive. It is like sandpaper is being rubbed over all the equipment and spacesuits constantly.

Almost like powder

-Neil Armstrong, describing lunar dust

As soon as Neil Armstrong set foot on the Moon in 1969, he immediately noted how fine grained the lunar soil – known as regolith – was. The Apollo mission was plagued by the dust, which clogged the machinery, scratched lenses, and even shredded the spacesuits. The Apollo missions ferried home over 360 kilograms of dust from the lunar surface in vacuum sealed bottles but the iridium seals were destroyed by the dust, allowing the material to be contaminated with air and humidity from the Earth. Think of Moon dust as fine ubiquitous caustic grating sticky semi-liquid glitter, only a lot less colourful. 

Moon dust clung to the spacesuits of the Apollo era astronauts. (Image credit: NASA)

As such the lunar samples returned by the Apollo missions are unsuitable for detailed mechanical or chemical analysis, and there are aspects of the lunar dust that are not completely understood. The dust rusts on exposure to air and moisture. On the lunar surface, the dust stays suspended due to weak gravity, and does not fall back easily to the surface. Dust accumulation on solar panels can prevent harvesting of sunlight, and darken the surface of equipment, trapping more heat. The abrasive dust particles are also a health hazard for the astronauts, potentially causing respiratory and cardiovascular problems. 

Apollo astronaut Eugene Cernan covered in lunar dust after exploring the surface of the Moon. (Image credit: NASA)

As the lunar dust posed a clear risk to the equipment and personnel on the Artemis program, NASA had to come up with solutions to safeguard the mission from the threat. That is why the space agency dedicated the 2021 Breakthrough, Innovative and Game-Changing (BIG) Idea Challenge towards finding solutions for protecting the Artemis program from lunar dust. Teams of students from seven universities across the United States were invited to develop technologies for a broad range of dust mitigation requirements, such as dust lofted at landing, dust removal from spacesuits and other surfaces, minimising dust obstructing optical equipment, and reducing particulate levels within cabins. 

Dust is probably one of the greatest inhibitors to a nominal operation on the Moon.

-Eugene Cernan

The solutions found can actually be helpful in mankind's next big space adventure, Mars, as the Martian dust is even more of a hazard than the Moon dust, and is an even more challenging environment than the Moon. On Mars, dust is considered to be the biggest threat to missions, and there are colossal dust storms that take days to sweep past an area, with high velocity dust particles. The existing plans for Mars bases already have considerable infrastructure to protect the buildings from dust, and is a primary concern when designing Martian habitats. 

This challenge is a great way to cast a very wide net for solutions to a pervasive issue affecting lunar landing, exploration, and habitation

- Rajiv Doreswamy, acting Space Grant manager, Office of STEM Engagement, NASA 

The chosen teams designed and tested their solutions in a simulated lunar environment, backed by NASA funding. Between November 17 and 18, the students presented their exciting concepts, along with technical papers and technical posters and received awards at a virtual forum. Gary Meyering, program manager of the Space Technology Mission Directorate's Game Changing Development Office said, "Dust mitigation is relevant in nearly every realm of surface exploration in NASA's portfolio. It's a timely and important task. This challenge brings out-of-the-box thinking to our current goals. NASA now has seven really great ideas for lunar dust mitigation that have already been well fleshed out by the participating teams – each helping us to narrow our focus."

Kris Brown, NASA's deputy associate administrator for STEM Engagement said, "Through student-focused activities like the BIG Idea Challenge, NASA harnesses the talent and creativity of students from across the country to create the new technologies needed to meet our ambitious goals. At this exciting time in the Agency's history, the new perspectives and solutions these students bring are valuable." 

Caltech

Habitat Orientable and Modular Electrodynamic Shield

Caltech students mimicked the process by which the lunar dust gets its sticky, electrostatic properties to get rid of the problem created by the dust. The tech the team developed is known as HOMES, and consists of modular tiles that can be put together like LEGO blocks to create surfaces. The tiles use energy from the Sun, and are embedded with wires that produce an electrical field, much like a force field, that directs the dust in a particular direction. The tiles, which are about the thickness of an iPhone, can be used within an airlock, to collect all the dust in one area for easy removal. 

The tiles can be arranged on any flat surface and make up an electrodynamic shielding system (EDS). The dust can be controlled either by alternating the current flowing through the wires, or by changing the orientation of the orientation of the tiles themselves. 

 

Bren Professor of Aerospace Soon-Jo Chung who mentored the team explains, "They (the students) came up with very creative, innovative idea focusing on modularity. So, it's something like space Lego blocks or Tinker Toys. You can bring these types of 'simple' blocks or tiles and make something bigger or more complex." Chung recalls the approach as Leonardo da Vinci put it, "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."

The tiles are made up of a ceramic, aluminum oxide that is known to be durable under space conditions, with EDS systems based on the material tested on board the International Space Station (ISS). NASA rates the system as having a high technological readiness level, which means that the agency has a high confidence that it will work in space. 

The team had the benefit of inputs from Caltech alumnus Robert Behnken, who gave them practical advice on how a system such as HOMES could be used in the space environment, and the amount of mobility available to astronauts wearing space suits. Isabella Dulá, a student who worked on the project says, "He (Behnken) gave really good metrics about how you would handle these things and the reduced mobility you have in a spacesuit. Another piece of advice he suggested: instead of having astronauts assemble this while in spacesuits, most likely it would be assembled in an airlock." 

Brown

TEST-RAD: Tufted Electrostatic Solution To Regolith Adhesion Dilemma

The team from Brown came up with a solution that focused on the seams of the spacesuits, where the damage was most likely to occur. The TEST-RAD is made up of three layers that go over the seals and joints in the spacesuit. The bottom layer attaches to the actual spacesuit and provides insulation. The middle layer consists of a stainless steel mesh that generates an electric field. The electric field propagates to the top layer, made up of tightly tufted fibres of a polymer called poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), or PEDOT.

The three layers in TEST-RAD (Image credit: Brown University)

The electric field repels the lunar dust, and any that pass through are trapped by the dense tufts of fibres. Any dust that passes through even this layer are trapped by the steel mesh in the second layer. The dense, tufted fur on chinchillas that makes it hard for any particles to penetrate, provided the inspiration for the approach used by the team. The tufted fibres combined with electrostatic repulsion was praised by NASA engineers. 

Anthony Capobianco, a student at Brown says, "One highlight from the NASA feedback was that we have these three layers and each of them is doing something different. That was one of the reasons they thought our design was so novel."  

WSU

Leidenfrost Dusting as a Novel Tool for Lunar Dust Mitigation

The team from Washington State University came up with an innovative approach of exploiting the Leidenfrost effect to remove dust from space suits. The effect is commonly seen in droplets of water skittering across the oily surface of a hot pan. As the temperature of the pan is significantly higher than that of the water, a layer of vapour is formed below the water droplets that prevent them from being rapidly vapourised. The WSU students used liquid nitrogen to carry away the dust from the spacesuits, which are hotter in comparison. The approach was tested on a simulated spacesuit, worn by a Barbie doll. 

A cryogun sprays liquid nitrogen on a doll wearing a simulated spacesuit. (Image credit: WSU).

The approach uses a "cryogun" that can spray liquid air if liquid nitrogen is not available. The added benefit of the spray is that it also pressurises the airlock while cleaning out the suits. The concept for cleaning up the astronauts after explorations on the surface involves an airlock with a spray bar with four nozzles that spray the liquid nitrogen, while the astronaut turns around, or is turned around to simulate 360 degree coverage. Droplets of liquid nitrogen, insulated by their own vaporisation carry carry away the dust to the lowest point in the airlock. 

To simulate the Moon dust, the team used ash from the St Helena eruption in 1980. Professors Jake Leachman, one of the advisors of the team, says, "This team of sophomores and juniors has showed, yet again, that WSU's best can compete with the best from anywhere — both on and off of this planet. Their results show decisively that their concept could solve this challenge. I'm over the moon for the hard work this team completed, and how much they learned, during a difficult time."

Mines

Lunar In-Situ Landing/Launch Environment (LILL-E) Pad

The team from Colorodo School of Mines came up with an approach of minimising the amount of dust kicked up by the reverse boosters, and reducing the size of the dust cloud produced by the landing. Travis Vazansky, a graduate certificate student in the Space Resources Program explains, "When a 5-ton lander like the Apollo Lunar Module touched down, it blew out something like 2.6 tons of material. The next-generation Artemis lunar landers are going to be something on the order of 40 tons. You're talking 108 tons of materials."

There are similar concepts to the "Lilypad" developed by the Mines students, for example for the various bases on Mars, but these involve in-situ resource utilisation for 3D printing landing sites. The reusable SpaceX rockets for example, return to specially constructed landing pads or drone ships, but these structures do not yet exist on the Moon, and the technology for 3D printing them using locally sourced lunar regolith is still years away. As the Artemis program is imminent, the team looked for a proven and practical solution. 

The landing pad in the middle is anchored to the larger pond with hardened regolith. (Image credit: Colorado School of Mines)

The team from mines worked on three industry partners, ICON, Masten Space Systems and Adherent Technologies for a landing pad that could be rolled out on the Moon, much like a carpet. The Lilypad concept consists of a large pond measuring a 200 metres across made of regolith reinforced with polymer, to which a smaller carbon fiber landing pad, measuring 50 metres across is tethered. The US Marine Corps uses similar lightweight blankets when landing helicopters in dusty environments.

Travis Vazansky, a member of the team who served on the US Air Force as a civil engineer says "Carbon fiber is lightweight and resistant to heat. We're just talking about basic carbon fiber fabric – you're able to roll it out like a blanket and you can land the craft on it, trapping the regolith beneath."

Bailey Burns, another student working on the project is determined to take the tech to the Moon, "We really think this is going to be a viable solution. This story isn't going to end in November. We want to take this to the Moon and do what we said we're going to do and mitigate dust."

Georgia Tech

Hybrid Dust Mitigation Brush Utilising EDS and UV Technologies

The team of students from Georgia Tech came up with a hybrid brush that uses both EDS tech as well as ultraviolet light to prevent dust collection on the spacesuits used by the astronauts. The surface of the brush is arranged with both charged bristles and uncharged bristles. The UV light provides a further charge to the dust particles to remove them easily. The team hopes that the hybrid brushes will be able to remove more than 90 per cent of the particles lodged on suits and equipment. 

The hybrid brush model. (Image credit: Georgia tech)

Glenn Lightsey, one of the advisors for the team says, "As we determine what the future of human space exploration looks like, it's important to identify and find solutions to the unique problems that exist for humans in space. It's exciting to be at the forefront of this research and development and we have an outstanding team at Georgia Tech that is up for the challenge." 

Missouri S&T

Contaminant Ultrasonic Removal via Vibration Ejection from Solar Cells

The team from Missouri University of Science and Technology decided to tackle the problem of dust accumulation on solar panels, which will be used to provide power to the base stations, rovers, lunar landers, the life support systems of explorers, and maybe even future inhabitants. The team proposed a system of piezoelectric actuators to shake away the dust from the panels. The Contaminant Ultrasonic Removal via Vibration Ejection from Solar Cells project neatly forms the acronym "CURVES". 

An illustration of how CURVES operates. (Image Credit: Missouri S&T)

A buildup of electric charge in materials due to pressure, heat and other stresses is known as the piezoelectric effect. The S&T team came up with a piston like actuator that is placed on the far side of the solar cells, to vibrate the cells and shake the dust loose. The team demonstrated the system in its pitch by shaking away salt on top of a fused quartz lens. 

UCF

LETO - Lunar Dust Mitigating Electrostatic micro-Textured Overlay

 The team from the University of Central Florida came up with a novel material to cover the spacesuits. The nanostructural design of the material was inspired by how honeybees and other pollinators use microstructures and electric fields to manipulate the tiny pollen grains. Additionally, the researchers also incorporated concepts from origami, the Japanese art of paper folding, to provide the materials with a greater range of motion, as well as reducing the stress on the materials caused by repeated movements. The approach uses tiny filaments to prevent the adhesion of dust, supported by a folding and flexible substrate, to be added on along the seams of the suits. 

The dust repelling microstructures on the LETO portions of the suits. (Image credit: UCF)

The team specifically designed the material for the Artemis program, where astronauts are expected to spend much more time on the Moon than the explorers on the Apollo program. David Fox, who helped lead the UCF team says, "our research aims to remove dust from spacesuits easily and before it has a chance to enter the lunar habitats where they will be stationed." The team is producing the material with the help of Morphotonics, a Dutch nanoimprint and microreplication company. 

The winners

NASA awarded the top prize of the 2021 BIG Idea Challenge to WSU. The Artemis Award was presented by Jim Reuter, associate administrator for the Space Technology Mission Directorate at NASA. Ian Wells, WSU team lead said, "We are over the Moon to receive this prestigious award and look forward to continuing work on returning astronauts to the Moon". WSU also won the prize for the best technical paper. Some of the other participating teams were recognised in other categories as well. 

The winning concept for removing dust from astronauts. (Image credit: WSU)

UCF with its honeybee inspired dust repelling spacesuit shields won the prize for the best technical poster, Georgia Tech was awarded best human factors design for their hybrid EDF UV light brush, Mines won for best collaboration and systems engineering for developing the deployable landing pad, Missouri S&T won at subsystem design with specific recognition for exceptional electronics development for their vibrating solar panels, Brown was recognised for the most creative concept for their triple layer patches and Caltech won best product development, as their modular tiles as it was not just a concept, but an actualised and demonstrated product. 

Hungry for more?

Interested readers wanting to dive deeper into the problems of Moon dust, can read the Arthur C Clarke novel, A Fall of Moondust written back in 1961. In the novel, a cruise ship skating across lunar seas, full of tourists falls into a lunar sinkhole, and the rescue operation involves digging out the ship as time runs out, while coming up with on the fly engineering solutions to work with the tricky regolith, that seemingly shifts phases from liquid to solid. 

Study reveals extensive pollution in villages around Nagpur due to MAHGENCO power plants

 A new study has revealed rampant and unchecked pollution in the areas surrounding the Koradi and Khaparkheda operated by the Maharashtra State Power Generation Company (MAHGENCO). The study has been carried out by the Centre for Sustainable Development (CFSD), Manthan Adhyayan Kendra and ASAR Social Impact Advisors Pvt Ltd, along with inputs from local communities. The report on the study is called Polluted Power: How Koradi And Khaperkheda Thermal Power Stations Are Impacting The Environment. A short documentary highlighting the impact on the locals has also been produced. 

The study has found extensive pollution in both surface water and ground water, with toxic metal contaminants including mercury, aluminium, lithium and arsenic. The researchers also recorded widespread contamination of the air, water and soil due to fly ash. The pollutants affect the drinking water supplies in the area, are deposited on the fields and farms, and negatively affect the air quality in the region. The report calls for an immediate halting halting of discharge of pollutants and fly ash from the power plants and associated ash ponds, and calls for a clean-up of all prior pollution related harm under the supervision of a committee formed by local communities, civil society members and independent experts. 

Leena Buddhe, Director, CFSD and co-author of the study says, "We initiated this study together given the long history of pollution due to these power plants and their related infrastructure like ash ponds and the complete failure of official agencies in addressing the problem." One of the points of concern is that the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has given terms of references (ToRs) for the expansion of two units of the Koradi thermal power station (TPS). Buddhe adds, "This is a major concern as it will lead to even more pollution."

Fly ash deposited on crops. (Image credit: CFSD/Manthan Adhyayan Kendra)

Shripad Dharmadhikary, Co-author of the Study and Coordinator, Manthan Adhyayan Kendra notes how badly the water sources in the area have been impacted by the indiscriminate pollution from the Koradi and Khaparkheda power plants, "Till now, air pollution due to the plants had received some attention, but detailed analysis of water pollution was not available. Our study is probably the first such attempt to comprehensively map out the water contamination due to these power plants."  

The study has three components, a questionnaire based survey of the villages in the affected area, collection and testing of fly ash as well as groundwater and surface water sources, including the Kanhan and Kolar rivers, and direct observations by the team. The study was conducted in three seasons, summer, monsoon and winter. In all of the seasons, including monsoon, the tested water samples failed to fall within the acceptable limits specified by the Bureau of Indian Standards for drinking water. Samples of the fly ash were collected from the ash ponds associated with the power plants, as well as individual households. 

The area impacted by fly ash and surveyed villages. (Image credit: CFSD/Manthan Adhyayan Kendra)

Village level surveys were conducted in 21 villages, as well as a similar number of individual households and farmers. The Nagpur city wards located near the power plants also provided information for the study. The findings of the study plaint a bleak picture for the quality of life of the local residents. The study documented and recorded six locations where the Koradi and Khaparkheda TPS' along with their ash ponds were discharging effluents directly into local water sources, including the Kolar and Kanhan rivers.

Researchers collecting samples from the Kanhan river. (Image credit: CFSD/Manthan Adhyayan Kendra)

Almost every water sample tested failed to pass the standards set for drinking water by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), as well as other relevant standards, such as limits of certain pollutants that are not specified by the BIS, but are by others such ash the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The sole exception was water samples collected from a Water ATM output, which is an automatic water dispensation system. Toxic elements in the samples collected such as mercury, arsenic, lithium, and aluminium exceeded the prescribed limits between 10 and 15 times. Mercury and arsenic are among the most toxic substances known to mankind, with the latter being a carcinogen, associated with cancers of the liver and bladder. 

The Ph levels in the Khairi stream, collected on February 21, 2021. (Image credit: CFSD/Manthan Adhyayan Kendra) 

Both the surface and groundwater sources were found to have high levels of turbidity, hardness, alkalinity, and total dissolved solids (TDS), with a long list of elements found in high concentrations, including Antimony, Aluminium, Arsenic, Boron, Fluoride, Iron, Manganese, Magnesium, Mercury, Molybdenum, Lithium Lead, and Selenium. The negative impact of these pollutants on the health of the local residents is severe. Dr Sameer Arbat, Interventional Pulmonologist at One Healthcare India says, "High levels of aluminium, boron, fluoride magnesium and lead in water used for drinking or domestic use has been known to cause serious health hazards like cancer, respiratory, neurological and cardiovascular disorders." 

The fly ash produced by the thermal power plants contain most of these pollutants, including arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, manganese, mercury, selenium, cobalt, copper, nickel, zinc, fluoride, as well as oil and grease. The fly ash can penetrate deep within the lungs causing problems as particulate matter, while also ferrying heavy metals into the lungs. The fly ash also combines with water and enabling the toxic metals to leach into the local water sources. 

Locals fish in a stream polluted with fly ash. (Image credit: CFSD/Manthan Adhyayan Kendra)

The contaminated water is used by the locals for their everyday requirements, with and without treatment. Apart from use as drinking water, the water is also used for other domestic purposes, bathing and washing clothes. The contaminated water is used as drinking water by livestock, is used to irrigate the fields, and fish are caught from the toxic rivers. Out of the 21 villages surveyed, the toxic fly ash had settled on the water bodies, houses, agriculture fields, open areas and vehicles of 18 villages. The airborne ash is blown out of the dry areas of the ash ponds, as well as from the air emissions from within the power plants and the power station stacks.  

Dr Nikhil Bhure, a local physician from Khasala says, "Residents are affected by fly ash and polluted water, which causes respiratory, skin, eye, and gastrointestinal problems. Fly ash has been linked to an increase in asthma cases as well as eye discomfort, watery eyes, dry skin, and itchy skin. Similarly, gastrointestinal illnesses are a common occurrence in this area as a result of contaminated water. What makes these diseases unique is that they affect people of all ages, from children to the elderly." 

A farmer with skin problems stands in his fly ash covered field. (Image credit: CFSD/Manthan Adhyayan Kendra)

Dr CP Sharma, another local doctor from Khasala says, "As a result of the spread of fly ash in the air, villagers in this area suffer from respiratory illnesses such as asthma, especially during the summer and winter seasons. During this period, itching of the skin and burning of the eyes can also be an issue. Residents have been dealing with this issue for a long time."

Dr Arbat explains the negative consequences of the specific pollutants in the water water, "Short-term exposure to antimony in drinking water at extremely high concentrations (more than 30 mg/L) can produce nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Molybdenum concentrations in finished water can reach 200 g/litre in regions near molybdenum mining activities. The findings of a cross-sectional research of 400 people in two towns in a molybdenum-rich area of the former Soviet Union revealed that high molybdenum consumption (10–15 mg/day) was linked to a high incidence (18–31 percent) of gout-like illness. Joint aches in the legs and hands, enlargement of the liver, gastrointestinal, liver, and renal diseases, increased blood levels of molybdenum and uric acid, increased xanthine oxidase activity, reduced blood levels of copper, and increased urine copper were all symptoms of the condition." 

Close up of the skin problems of the farmer shown above. (Image credit: CFSD/Manthan Adhyayan Kendra)

Almost all of the farmers questioned in the area responded that the fly ash was negatively affecting their land and crops, reducing the yield, impacting the growth of the crops, negatively affecting the livestock and having an adverse effect on the milk production. The surveyed villages also reported extensive health problems including difficulty in breathing, infection and irritation of the eyes, skin problems, skeletal problems and respiratory diseases including bronchitis, asthma, cough, cold and throat infections. 

Another farmer with skin issues standing in his field. (Image credit: CFSD/Manthan Adhyayan Kendra)

Despite locals repeatedly raising the issue of pollution and petitioning the authorities, MAGENCO and the regulatory authorities have demonstrated complete indifference to the problems. Letters written by the elected representatives such as the sarpanches of the villages have gone unanswered. 

The study has a number of recommendations that are necessary to reduce further negative consequences, and remedy the damage already caused. These include immediate steps to curtail all pollution from the power plants, including the discharge of pollutants into the local water bodies, and the dispersal of dry fly ash as dust and particles in a time bound manner. The report also calls for close monitoring by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and MoEF&CC, including suspension of operation of the power plants if the pollution persists. 

Fly ash pollution in the water sources. (Image credit: CFSD/Manthan Adhyayan Kendra)

The report calls for suspension of plans to expand the units in the power plants, including plans for a new ash pond at Nandgaon. It also calls for MAHGENCO to clean up the pollution that it has already caused under supervision of a committee formed by local communities, civil society groups and independent experts. The report recommends both the Koradi and Khaparkheda power plants ensure strict implementation of all legally binding pollution control norms, including 100 per cent utilisation of fly ash.

After publishing the report, CFSD, Manthan Adhyayan Kendra and the locals, including village sarpanches met with Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCD) officials to discuss the problems highlighted in the report, and get the officials to take meaningful action. MPCD officials accepted that the power plants were dumping pollutants indiscriminately, and that the power plants were not complying with norms despite being served multiple notices. A joint meeting with officials from the power plants, as well as the energy minister of Maharashtra, Nitin Raut is scheduled for tomorrow, to work towards actionable solutions. 

There are a number of coal mines and manganese mines in the area that also contribute to the pollution along with heavy industries and brick manufacturing facilities. The locals from the area complain about the negative impact of the dust from the mine, and the pollutants they discharge into the water sources as well. The researchers from CFSD and Manthan Adhyayan Kendra plan to conduct further studies of the impact of the coal mines and industries in the region, and have covered the pollution from only the thermal power plants in this study, with a particular focus on water pollution as air pollution from the power stations are already well known and highlighted by the media.  

Breathing billboard in Chandrapur to highlight bad air quality turns black within 8 days

 On November 17, 2021, Rajesh Mohite, Municipal Commissioner, Chandrapur City Municipal Corporation inaugurated a "billboard that breathes" at Sawarkar chowk in Chandrapur city, Maharashtra. Mohite indicated that the initiative to create awareness and encourage political leadership towards action, was not just an exercise by activists groups Eco-pro and Waatavaran, but also a Chandrapur Municipal Corporation initiative. Eco-pro is a youth organisation working towards conservation around Chandrapur, while Waatavaran works with the local communities that are disproportionately affected by climate change. The demonstration was supported by the Chandrapur Clean Air Action group, a collective of organisations and activists. 

The billboard uses a giant pair of lungs, made using a white filter medium with a pair of fans at the back of the billboard that drives air through the filters. The setup mimics the the functioning of lungs that breathe the same air, on a larger scale. There was also a digital indicator on the billboard to provide citizens with the air quality index (AQI) in realtime. On the fifth day, the AQI crossed the 200 mark, considered to be hazardous. Over the course of the week, particulate matter accumulated in the lungs, changing their colour from white to brown, and by the sixth day, the colour was approaching black. The faux lungs on the billboard turned completely black in eight days. 

A volunteer from Eco Pro at the site of the billboard. (Image credit: Chandrapur Clean Air Action group)

Bhagwan Kesbhat, Founder of Waatavaran indicated that the billboards are a tried and tested method of creating awareness about the negative health impacts of air pollution, "When we placed a similar billboard in Bandra, Mumbai it took 14 days to go completely black but in Kharghar it turned black in only 10 days." Keshbhat said that Waatavaran's social media presence would be used to encourage citizens from the city to track the billboard, and reach out to elected representatives to ensure that political leadership takes notice of the rising air pollution in Chadrapur, and take meaningful action to remedy the situation." 

Farah Kazi, Director Campaigns at Waatavaran who has been monitoring the AQI readings on the indicator says, "On Nov 17, when the lung billboard was installed, the daily average AQI was 207, the highest that week. Between November 17 to 24 the AQI crossed 200 on five days and came down slightly only due to the weather changes and rains. The weekly average AQI of the location has been 199, which also is very close to the 'Poor' category."

An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered "good", between 51 and 100, "satisfactory", between 101 and 200, "moderate", between 201 and 300, "poor" and between 301 and 400, "very poor". The health advisory for those living in areas with poor air quality is that people with lung diseases, older adults and children should remain indoors and avoid heavy or prolonged exertion. Poor air quality is a health risk for the elderly, and even adults may face some discomfort. 

On November 24, Chandrapur Member of Parliament (MP) Balu Dhanorkar and Member of Legilative Assembly (MLA) Kishor Jorgewar visted the billboard acknowledged the efforts of the Chandrapur Clean Air Action Group, expressed concern over how rapidly the lungs had turned black, and both committed to raising the issue in Parliament, and the State winter session of the assembly.  

As the faux lungs turned black within ten days, over 30 concerned citizens, activists, media professionals and doctors convened at the billboard on November 25 to chart out the actions to be taken by the various groups towards demanding clean air in the city. While the residents of Chandrapur were well aware of their plight, of being forced to breathe toxic air, activists from the city noted that the public demonstration would stir up the Maharashtra State government to take serious measures to improve the air quality in the region.  

Bandu Dhotre, President Eco Pro and member of Chandrapur Clean Air Action Group noted that the citizens were talking about the billboard, "This is for the first time that people can see and explain the health impact of breathing polluted air on their lungs. Everyone is talking about the 'colour-changing lungs' and we hope that the Chandrapur Municipal Corporation, which is supporting this campaign takes a note and initiates stringent action that will help improve air quality." Dhotre called for the Maharashtra State government to take action as the health of the citizens of Chandrapur was being compromised because of the pollution. 

The air quality readings after the billboard was installed. (Image credit: Waatavaran) 

 

Dhotre indicated plans to continue to engage with the youth and citizens, even though the lungs had already turned black, "We want to try and get as many people to see this billboard so that they understand that their health and that of their loved ones is being affected and hence citizens will need to get together and raise their voice to demand clean air." 

Rajesh Mohite noted that it was important that all the stakeholders work together towards a solution, "As a coordinating agency, the municipal corporation will do its best to ensure the effective implementation of the Chandrapur Clean Air Action Plan." Mohite indicated that immideate steps will be taken to manage road dust, construction, demolition waste, as well as domestic burning of coal. 

Emissions from the Chandrapur Super Thermal Power Station, a Maharashtra State Power Generation Co. Ltd. (MAHGENCO) project contributes to the pollution. Better management and technology at the power plant can make the air cleaner. Suresh Chopane, member of Chandrapur Clean Air Action Group has presented recommendations that include using flue gas desulfurization (FGD) to remove the sulfur produced by the powerplants, as well as shutting down the old units 3 and 4, and making sure that the new units comply with emission norms. 

To reduce vehicular emissions, the public transport infrastructure must be improved. Further to combat air pollution, it is equally important to address the issue of domestic coal burning.

-Suresh Chopane

Bhagwan Kesbhat, Founder of Waatavaran said that the problem can no longer be ignored considering that there are several studies that point to deteriorating quality in the region, and its impact on the health of the local poplation, "A first pan-India study conducted by Indian scientists found that areas with poor air quality and higher emissions of particulate matter (PM) 2.5 are more likely to have Covid-19 infections and related deaths. It is high time that all authorities take necessary steps to improve air quality." 

According to the study, the particulate matter penetrates deep within the body, causing inflammation of the lungs and the respiratory tract, causing cardiovascular and respiratory problems, including weakening the immune system. The study found that cities where fossil fuel emissions dominate are susceptible to cases of COVID-19. 

According to the Air Quality Life Index released by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago in 2019, the average reduction in lifespan because of PM 2.5 pollution was 4 years in Maharashtra. Exposure to the PM 2.5 pollution reduced life expectancy by 3.7 years in Mumbai, 4.2 years in Pune and 5 years in several polluted districts in Vidharba. A 25 per cent decrease in PM 2.5 pollution would allow citizens in Chandrapur an average increase of 1.1 years in life expectancy.  

During the July 2021 parliament session, data submitted by the union environment ministry in Lok Sabha singled out Chandrapur as the only non-attainment city in Maharashtra which recorded an increase in particulate matter PM 10 levels despite three subsequent lockdowns over the course of 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Central Pollution Control Board tracks the tracks and scores highly polluted cities and industrial areas in the Central Environmental Pollution Index (CEPI), where Chandrapur has gone from contaminated to seriously polluted. According to a 2019 assessment, Chandrapur is Maharashtra's most polluted city, and is ranked eighth in the country for pollution levels. 

Professor Yogesh Dudhpachare of Green Planet Society, Chandrapur said, "The residents of Chandrapur have suffered for years from the pollution of these coal plants due to air emissions and fly ash. Retiring at least the older units is the right thing to do environmentally and will bring some relief to us residents. Now this report shows that it will also save Maharashtra thousands of crores, so we expect the state government to act quickly to retire these units, instead of trying to prolong their life." 

Research predicts Ganga Basin will face more floods, landslides in near future

 Researchers from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IIT), have published a study in Scientific Reports that provides insight on how climate change and anthropogenic activities such as dam building, changes in land cover, and surface as well as groundwater removal have all affected the region. The data for the study spans decades, from 1971 to 2010. The study splits the data into two periods, pre-1995 and post-1995. The effect of human activity in the region was studied on two major tributaries of the Ganga, Alaknanda and Bhagirati, which converge at Devprayag to form the Ganga. 

Weather stations located along the rivers provided the necessary information for the study, which included data on rainfall, water discharge and sediment flow. The researchers found that post 1995, there was a striking increase in flooding events in the river basins of both Alaknanda and Bhagirati. Due to the anthropogenic activities, the rivers does not behave like they are expected to. The courses have changed and the Ganga is extremely polluted. There has also been an increase in the number of catastrophic landslides in the region. The Manheri, Tehri and Koteshwar dams on the Bhagirati have led to changes in the flow levels on the river. From 1995 to 2005, the Alaknanda Basin saw a doubling of water flow at the Joshimath weather station. 

The region covered by the study. The triangles represent dams, while the greren circles are the weather stations. (Image credit: Swarnkar, Mujumdar, Sinha / Scientific Reports)

The research suggests that after 2010, the building of dams along the Alaknanada might have modified the water activity in addition to the climatic changes. Somil Swarnkar, a postdoctoral fellow at the Interdisciplinary Centre for Water Research (ICWaR), IISc, and first author of the study says, "We observed that Alaknanda Basin has a high, statistically increasing rainfall trend, unlike the Bhagirathi Basin. Most of these trends were observed in the downstream region of the Alaknanda. Therefore, we have also seen an increase in the magnitude of extreme flow in these regions." 

The large scale hydraulic projects in the region, including dams and reservoirs have influenced the sediment transported by the rivers. Sediment depositions in the upper reaches of the Ganga have led to changes in the sediment composition downstream because of abrupt changes in the water flow. In the upper Ganga Basin (UGB), the Tehri dam plays a crucial role according to the report. The large reservoir and flow control structure blocks sediment flow from upstream, and controls the volume of water that flows downstream. 

There are 11 new dam projects planned for the Bhagirati Basin, and 16 in the Alaknanda Basin, which are likely to affect the water flow and sediment transport process in the region. The study predicts an increase in the number of extreme flows and the occurrences of floods in the Ganga Basin. However, using computer modelling to drive the decision making combined with informed planning can help reduce the number of devastating floods. Pradeep Mujumdar, corresponding author of the paper explains, "We do not have control over what happens in the atmosphere. But on the ground, we have control. Flows can be predicted using hydrological models. With this knowledge, we can develop both structural and non-structural responses to mitigate such high flows." 

There is a significant variability of the magnitude and frequency of rainfall because of changing hydrometeorological conditions across the globe. There are a number of potential causes for an increasing amount of rainfall in the region, and is an active area of research both locally and globally. Mujumdar says, "We looked at the high-intensity rainfall trends in the Bhagirathi and the Alaknanda river basins. The exact cause of increased rainfall in the region is difficult to pinpoint at this stage: climatic factors could be the primary cause, but increased moisture from surrounding regions because of human activities could also be another reason. The factors influencing the extreme rainfall trends in these river basins are at present being pursued through active research by various teams in the country. It may also be noted that attributing a single cause to extreme events is very difficult and science is being developed globally towards addressing this issue" 

The exact causes of the increased landslides were not part of the study, and is a totally different area of research. Mujumdar explains, "In this work, we are primarily focused on the hydrology of the UGB. The issues related to landslides are not covered in this work. That is a different area of research altogether." 

Scientific modelling and computation can go a long way in predicting and reducing the extreme flow events. Mujumdar says, "Scientific modelling of floods would help us to quantify the aerial extent of likely inundation in the UGB and the increasing risk of flooding. Coupling numerical weather prediction models with hydrologic models has been attempted with promising results to identify the problems. Once the problems are identified fairly accurately, engineering (eg, enhancing the structural infrastructure capability) and non-engineering (for example, low impact development measures and optimal reservoir operation) solutions may be readily developed." 

Planned hydraulic projects in the UGB. (Image credit: Somil Swarnkar, Pradeep Mujumdar and Rajiv Sinha / Scientific Reports)

Advances in technology and the development of new large scale hydraulic structures can also mitigate some of the problems. The Pashulok barrage at Rishikesh for example, has helped prevent floods and reduce extreme flow events downstream. Although the large scale hydraulic projects disrupt the flows in the rivers, they can provide much needed hydroelectric power to the region. Careful management of the dams and reservoirs can actually be used to reduce the number of floods and extreme flows. 

We asked the authors if better management of the hydraulic projects can actually help mitigate some of the disastrous consequences of global warming. Mujumdar tells us, "Yes, the large dams do help in providing water security, hydropower production and in flood mitigation, but then must be managed efficiently. Scientific methodologies and technologies exist now for better management of water infrastructure to offset the impacts of climate change." 

The Ganga is considered as the lifeline of the country, with over 70 percent of the population depending on rivers for sourcing fresh water. Extreme weather events, floods and landslides tend to disproportionately affect communities from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. The findings of this study can help inform sustainable river basin management, and encourage more serious work towards hydrology, ecology and geomorphy in the UGB.  

Study finds COVAXIN has 50% efficacy: A closer look at the research and findings

Researchers from the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) have published a study in the Lancet that pegs the effectiveness of Bharat Biotech's Covaxin, designated as BBV152, at 50 per cent against symptomatic COVID-19. The finding follows close on the heels of another study, also published in the Lancet, that shows an effectiveness of 77.8 per cent against any severity of COVID-19. The authors note that the finding should be interpreted in the context of a surge setting, and it indicates the need for a rapid rollout of both doses of vaccines, as well as continued implementation of social distancing, sanitisation and the use of masks to restrict the pandemic. 

The difference in the numbers of the observational testing and the clinical trial are not cause for alarm. Prof Naveet Wig, Head of Medicine at AIIMS, New Delhi explains, "Our results demonstrated vaccine effectiveness of 50 per cent against symptomatic RT-PCR positive SARS-CoV-2 infection, 2 weeks after complete vaccination, which further increased to 57 per cent at 6 weeks post complete vaccination. In fact, the effectiveness reached 75 per cent towards the end of the study when cases and test positivity rates were declining. It is important not to get fixated with varying effectiveness figures obtained from different studies under different conditions. Addressing vaccine hesitancy by availability of a safe and effective vaccine and achieving good pace and coverage are crucial to control the pandemic with universal vaccination. The data available till now clearly shows effectiveness and safety of Covaxin and the roll out should be continued and accelerated."

The data used in the study was collected between April 15 and May 15, 2021. At the time the study was conducted, there was limited published data on the efficacy of Covaxin. This is the first real world observational testing of the effectiveness of the vaccine, as against controlled clinical trials. The study was conducted during a spike in cases, considered to be the second wave of the pandemic in India, when the delta variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus was prominent. The study indicates the possibly immune evasive nature of the delta variant. 

Considering the conditions under which the observational study was conducted, the findings actually indicate the effectiveness of the vaccine, even during a surge in cases and the circulation of the delta variant, which is likely to be immune evasive. Dr Manish Soneja, Additional Professor of Medicine at AIIMS, New Delhi said, "This is the first vaccine effectiveness study after approval of Covaxin which is an essential component of any vaccine roll-out program. It was carried out in early days of vaccine initiation amongst high-risk population (hospital employees) in the background of a surge dominated by a new highly infectious variant of the virus (delta variant). Vaccine effectiveness demonstrated under such conditions is reassuring of its effectiveness for large scale use."

The study estimates an effectiveness of 50 per cent against symptomatic COVID-19 cases, after an interval of at least 14 days after the administration of both doses, at 46 per cent at least 28 days before testing, and 57 per cent after an interval of at least 42 days before testing. The effectiveness was estimated to be at 47 per cent after an interval of 14 days after excluding participants with previous SARS-CoV-2 infections. A trend was identified at a higher effectiveness in females (after an interval of 14 days) at 66 per cent as against 38 per cent in males, but the study authors note that this is not significant. 

The study was conducted in a high risk population, and the differences of effectiveness in the sexes can potentially be attributed to the different roles for females and males in the hospital, as against any biological differences. The effectiveness of the vaccine by the AIIMS team is lower than the effectiveness of the phase 3 trials of the vaccine. The researchers note that there are several factors that can be responsible for the lower effectiveness in the study, as compared to the phase 3 trial. 

The study was conducted during a surge of cases in both the hospital and the general population of Delhi. The test positivity rate was at 35 per cent in Delhi on April 26, 2021, which is the highest on record since the outbreak of the pandemic. As such, the study may only represent the effectiveness of the vaccine under surge conditions. The effectiveness could have been driven further down by the circulation of the delta variant, which is considered to be a "variant of concern". The phase 3 trials were conducted when the test-positivity rate was low, and the prevalence of the delta variant among the positive cases was mostly unknown. 

The results provide additional evidence that it takes a couple of weeks, or at least 14 days for the effectiveness of the vaccine to build up, and both the doses are required for maximum effectiveness. The study also indicates a modest amount of effectiveness after just a single dose, and underscores the need for a rapid rollout of the vaccines. The data is consistent with the data from other studies and the different vaccine platforms. The study also indicates that apart from the vaccines, the continued implementation of non-pharmacological measures is necessary for restricting the spread of the virus, including social distancing, frequent sanitisation of touch points, and the use of face masks. 

Bharat Biotech's Covaxin is one of the two vaccines used by India in its immunisation drive against COVID-19, which began in January 2021. The other vaccine used in the drive is the Oxford–AstraZeneca ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, or Covishield. Both the vaccines use different strategies to evoke the immune response from the body and train it to fight off the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Serum Institute's Covishield is based on a modified chimpanzee adenovirus used as a vector, while Bharat Biotech's Covaxin is a whole virion inactivated vaccine. 

The reduced ineffectiveness of the vaccine during surge conditions is also supported by the studies of the effectiveness of another whole virion inactivated vaccine, CoronaVac which showed mixed results under surge conditions in Brazil, which were also conducted under surge settings, with the gamma variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus circulating. The estimated effectiveness of Covaxin under surge conditions with a variant of concern in circulation is modestly higher than CoronaVac. 

The data from the product development and clinical trials of Covaxin have been published in ten peer reviewed journals, making Covaxin one of the most highly published Covid-19 vaccines in the world. On November 12, Bharat Biotech announced the safety and efficacy analysis of phase 3 trials. The trial involved 25,800 volunteers in 25 sites in India, making it India's largest clinical trial for a Covid-19 vaccine.

The phase 3 trials pegged the effectiveness of Covaxin at 77.8 per cent against symptomatic Covid-19 patients, 93.4 per cent against sever symptomatic Covid-19 patients and 63.6 per cent against asymptomatic Covid-19 patients. The effectiveness was estimated at 65.2 per cent against the delta variant of the Sars-CoV-2 virus, but the study authors indicated that there was further testing needed to support this finding, and investigate the effectiveness against other variants. 

Dr Balram Bhargava, Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), said, "The bench to bedside journey of Covaxin in less than 10 months showcases the immense strength of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' along with the Indian academia and industry in fighting against the odds and carving a niche in the global community." 

The World Health Organisation granted emergency use listing to Covaxin on November 3, enabling countries to fast track the regulatory approvals necessary for importing the vaccine. Over 150 million doses of the vaccine have been manufactured, which is an important contributor to the global fight against the coronavirus. Bharat Biotech has indicated that it is on track to achieve an annualised capacity of about 1 billion doses by the end of 2021. Currently, there are ongoing controlled clinical trials of Covaxin among children between two and eighteen years of age with the results expected to be available in the fourth quarter of 2021. 

   

ISRO is recruiting junior translation officers for its Human Spaceflight Programme

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is recruiting junior translation officers for its human spaceflight program. This is an opportunity for translators to be a part of one of the most ambitious and exciting missions by the Indian space agency. The first of these, Gaganyaan, will undertake a human mission to low earth orbit (LEO). The posting is in the incipient Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) at the ISRO HQ in Bengaluru. While this is a contract based opening, it is likely to convert into a permanent position, or in the words of ISRO, "continue indefinitely".

The required qualification is a Master's degree in either English or Hindi as a compulsory or elective subject, or any Master's degree in English or Hindi medium, with the other language as a compulsory or elective subject. Candidates will be checked for their precis writing skills in English and Hindi, and for their ability to translate text to English from Hindi and vice versa. The application process is online due to the ongoing pandemic, with a fee of Rs 250. The tests will be held in Delhi and Bengaluru. Those who are between eighteen and thirty five years of age can apply for the job. The last date for the application is November 20, 2021. Those interested can find all the relevant details on ISRO's official website (there is a PDF after the jump). 

There are only six vacancies, which is going to be highly contested considering the posting is at ISRO headquarters, if the volume of applications for similar postings in the past is any indication. Note that ISRO does not hire those who are overqualified for the job. ISRO faces a problem of overqualified people applying for the jobs because candidates have an almost religious fervor for potentially working at India's space agency, and are willing to work lower in the hierarchy as well as draw a lesser salary just to work at ISRO. The maiden human spaceflight mission by ISRO was originally scheduled for 2022, but due to the pandemic, has now been delayed to 2023. 

 

So there is a cloud kitchen right next to my house, I can pick up food from there directly, or get Swiggy delivery people to bring it to me. 

Even over this short distance, the Swiggy delivery people keep getting lost. One of them made no effort for delivery, and asked me to come to the place to pick it up. Most of the others who get lost do not listen to instructions as simple as "stay where you are, I will come and find you." They use their two wheelers and keep moving around, making me hunt them down on foot. 

Food in Delhi sucks, but that is a story for another day.