Daily Updates from Press Information Bureau (03-07-2025)
In a significant stride towards women and child development, the National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD) has been renamed as the Savitribai Phule National Institute of Women and Child Development. The renaming is a tribute to Savitribai Phule, one of India's foremost social reformers, and reflects a renewed commitment to women and child-centric development.
Meanwhile, researchers from India have made a breakthrough in the field of energy storage. Researchers from the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru, and Aligarh Muslim University have engineered a new lanthanum-doped silver niobate (AgNbO3) material that significantly enhances supercapacitor performance. This material addresses a key challenge in energy storage by significantly increasing the energy density of supercapacitors without compromising charge-discharge speed or lifespan.
The AgNbO3 material demonstrates 118% energy retention and 100% coulombic efficiency, showcasing exceptional performance and minimal energy loss. The research highlights the potential of rare-earth element doping, particularly lanthanum, in tuning the electrochemical properties of perovskite-based nanomaterials. The research contributes to the development of advanced supercapacitors that can power various technologies, including portable electronics, electric vehicles, and grid-level storage.
The development supports India's Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives by promoting local innovation in strategic technologies. It also supports India's clean energy goals by offering a sustainable alternative to conventional batteries and toxic materials.
On the community front, the Ministry of Coal has launched the RECLAIM Framework, a comprehensive community engagement and development framework specifically designed for the closure of coal mines in India. The framework aims to ensure a just, inclusive, and sustainable transition for mining-affected communities whose livelihoods and environments are deeply impacted by mine closures.
The key features of the RECLAIM Framework include structured community engagement, inclusivity and local relevance, actionable tools and methodologies, socio-economic and environmental restoration, institutional convergence, phased implementation, alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and a replicable model.
The Institute, headquartered in New Delhi, now has regional centres in Bangalore, Guwahati, Lucknow, Indore, Mohali, and the newly added Ranchi centre. The Ranchi centre will enhance accessibility for over seven lakh frontline functionaries spread across 115 districts in the states of Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal. The new centre will cater to the training and research needs of Mission Shakti, Mission Vatsalya, and Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 in the eastern region.
The Savitribai Phule National Institute of Women and Child Development and the innovative AgNbO3 material mark significant steps towards women's development and clean energy in India, respectively. The RECLAIM Framework, on the other hand, paves the way for responsible mine closures, balancing ecological restoration with the socio-economic well-being of communities traditionally reliant on mining activities.
- In the realm of education and self-development, studies in environmental science could delve into the historical impact of climate-change on ecosystems, aiding personal growth by fostering a deep understanding of our planet's condition.
- The AgNbO3 material, due to its impressive energy retention and coulombic efficiency, is a significant contribution to the science of energy storage, potentially revolutionizing the climate-change mitigation strategies in the science of clean energy.
- Parallel to technological advancements, it's essential to nurture environmental awareness in our society, and the renaming of NIPCCD as the Savitribai Phule National Institute of Women and Child Development symbolizes a commitment to women's development and environmental-science education.
- The RECLAIM Framework, focusing on sustainable mine closures, offers an opportunity for communities to transition into new ventures, fostering both personal and community growth while preserving the environment—a crucial aspect of history and our future.
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