Cyborg cockroach could aid rescue missions Scientists have developed a cyborg cockroach powered by a tiny neuro-controller that could be used in search and rescue missions to find people trapped under collapsed buildings. The neuro-controller is part of a tiny electronic ‘backpack’ that can be attached to the insect with …
Read More »Ocean Cleanup team heads to the Pacific
It hopes to clear half of the infamous ‘garbage patch’ in next five years, once all systems are deployed A supply ship towing a long floating boom designed to corral ocean plastic has set sail from San Francisco for a test run ahead of a trip to the Great Pacific …
Read More »OVL declines Venezuela’s offer for additional stake in oilfield
ONGC Videsh Ltd. (OVL) has rejected Venezuela’s offer for additional stake in an oilfield as it fears the Latin American nation may use it as an excuse to not pay $449 million of dues, a top official said. State oil firm Petroleos de Venezuela SA had last year offered a …
Read More »Coffee Board to discuss flood impact on growers
Stresses need for special package for rain-affected crops A high-level meeting will be held on Monday at the Coffee Board to discuss the impact of the floods on coffee-growers, a majority of whom are small cultivators. The meeting is likely to be attended by senior officials of the Union Commerce …
Read More »Finance Ministry to engage with States to shore up GST revenue
Almost fourfold rise in tax compensation to States for June-July prompts move Alarmed by a nearly fourfold rise in GST compensation to States for June-July, the Finance Ministry is crafting a strategy to shore up tax revenues and engaging with States to identify issues hindering their collections. Finance Secretary Hasmukh …
Read More »Deja vu? But things seem better than in 2013
External developments need to be watched, though. Oil prices and exchange rate volatility can sting beyond endurance Those with a long memory must be consumed by a sense of deja vu over developments in the past few weeks. In many ways, the present turbulent times are reminiscent of what happened …
Read More »RTI disclosure irks J&J subsidiary
Case relates to faulty hip implants A Johnson & Johnson subsidiary caught in a controversy over faulty hip replacement systems has opposed RTI disclosure of crucial documents it submitted to the country’s drug regulator for seeking import clearance for these devices, the CIC has said. The commission, however, said it …
Read More »Trial by WhatsApp in Jharkhand riles SC
Court frames charges via messaging app Popular among users for its ease and speed, instant messaging service WhatsApp caused raised eyebrows in the Supreme Court this week when it was informed that a criminal case was conducted via the service. The case, involving a former Jharkhand minister Yogendra Sao and …
Read More »It will be feats of clay this year for the deity who ‘removes obstacles’
Increasing awareness has seen eco-friendly Ganesh idols making steady inroads into a sea of plaster of paris gods Ganesh Chaturthi observances today owe much to Bal Gangadhar ‘Lokmanya’ Tilak. Under British rule the festival, which had been celebrated with gusto in Maharashtra under the Peshwas, became a smaller family occasion. …
Read More »IAF prepares to induct Rafale jets
Pilots being sent to France again for training; Rs. 400 crore sanctioned for readying bases Though the Rafale jet deal has been caught in a political firestorm, the Indian Air Force is quietly readying infrastructure for the new fleet and training its fighter pilots to fly the aircraft. Official sources …
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