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Indian Researchers Create Self-disinfecting, Biodegradable Face Masks

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As the number of COVID cases rises, an Indian team of scientists has teamed up with an industry partner to develop a “Copper-based Nanoparticle-coated Antiviral Face Mask.” The mask is biodegradable, very breathable, and washable, according to the Ministry of Science and Technology, and it efficiently combats the COVID virus and other viral and bacterial infections.

In collaboration with the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB) and Resil Chemicals, a Bengaluru-based company, scientists at the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI), an autonomous R&D centre of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), developed self-disinfecting ‘Copper-based Nanoparticle-coated Antiviral Face Masks’ under the DST-sponsored Nano-Mission project.

According to PIB, ARCI created copper-based nanoparticles with a diameter of roughly 20 nanometers using a Flame Spray Pyrolysis (FSP) manufacturing facility. To transform aqueous precursors into nanopowders, the FSP process employs high-temperature pyrolytic decomposition.

In India, expensive masks with no antiviral or antibacterial properties are being offered.

According to PIB, costly masks with no antiviral or antibacterial properties are being offered in India. As a result, employing a standard mask to limit transmission is exceedingly difficult, especially in densely populated settings like hospitals, airports, train stations, shopping malls, and other places with a high viral load. A low-cost antiviral mask is an absolute necessity in the current circumstances when coronavirus variants are quickly emerging.

The effectiveness of this cloth utilised in the mask was tested against COVID-19 for disinfection capabilities, and it was found to be 99.9% effective. According to PIB, prototype masks with various designs have been demonstrated, including single layer and triple layer designs using nanoparticle coated fabric as the outer layer. A single layer mask works well as a protective antiviral upper layer over a traditional mask. Simple multi-layer fabric masks provide a practical way to reduce COVID transmission in the community for the general public.

There is widespread anxiety regarding how to dispose of used masks.

Furthermore, there is great concern around the world concerning how worn masks should be disposed of. The bulk of old COVID-19 masks is single-use and non-biodegradable, providing substantial environmental and waste management challenges, which will be addressed by the current antiviral mask, which is made of biodegradable cotton fabric and is extremely breathable and washable.

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The Tenth Tata Mumbai Marathon Was Completed By NMMC Commissioner

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Dr. Kailas Shinde, Commissioner of the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC), has accomplished a remarkable feat by finishing the Tata Mumbai Marathon for the ninth year in a row.

Thousands of runners from all around the world attended this year’s marathon, which was held on Sunday to commemorate the famous event’s 20th anniversary. Dr. Shinde further demonstrated his dedication to endurance and fitness by finishing the difficult 42.195 km race in an astounding 4 hours, 29 minutes, and 12 seconds.

As evidence of his commitment to regular training and preparation, Dr. Shinde maintained a constant pace of 6 minutes and 23 seconds per kilometer throughout the marathon, which started at 5:00 a.m. at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in Mumbai.

This year’s achievement comes after Dr. Shinde’s outstanding performance in the Comrades Marathon, an ultramarathon in South Africa, when he exceeded the time limit by finishing the 86.6 km route in 11 hours, 10 minutes, and 56 seconds. His reputation as a focused and dedicated athlete was further solidified by this accomplishment.

Dr. Shinde has continuously put his training first despite his hectic administrative job and rigorous schedule, demonstrating that amazing outcomes are possible when hard effort, goal-setting, and preparation are balanced. In addition to reflecting his own accomplishments, his love of running provides as motivation for leading a healthy lifestyle.

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Residents Of Kharghar Express Concern Over The Increasing Number Of Roadside Shops And Encroachments

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Residents of Kharghar are raising serious concerns over the growing encroachments and unauthorized shops in Sectors 30 to 40, which are causing inconvenience and safety issues. Locals have shared photographs showing illegal roadside stalls selling clothes, fruits, coconuts, and snacks, taking over footpaths and parking spaces.

One image shows a clothing shop operating from a car boot, while another captures coconut vendors blocking a busy intersection. A third photo highlights a snack stall covered with plastic sheets, further restricting pedestrian movement, especially under the newly constructed metro bridge.

Frustrated residents say these illegal setups are disrupting daily life. “We pay taxes for planned infrastructure, but these encroachments create chaos,” said Radhe Trivedi, a local.

Arvind Pawar, another resident, said multiple complaints to the Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC) and CIDCO have seen little action. “We need stricter enforcement to remove illegal hawkers and restore order,” he added.

Citizens have taken to social media to highlight the issue, tagging government officials, including the Chief Minister’s Office of Maharashtra and MLA Prashant Thakur, demanding intervention.

Resident Lalita Iyer emphasized the need for long-term solutions to prevent future encroachments and protect Kharghar’s planned urban development.

With growing pressure from residents, authorities are now being urged to take immediate and strict action to remove these unauthorized commercial activities and restore public spaces to their proper use.

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The Marathi Language Conservation Fortnight Is Being Celebrated By NMMC With A Self-Poetry Recitation Competition

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NMMC Hosts Self-Poetry Recitation Competition To Celebrate Marathi Language Conservation Fortnight.

The Competition

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) held a self-poetry reciting competition to support officials’ and staff members’ poetic writing abilities. The occasion was a component of the two-week-long Marathi Language Conservation campaign.

Thirty-one poets took part in this event. From January 14 to January 28, the city government has organized a number of events to promote the Marathi language.

Ashok Gupte, a well-known poet and the grandson of the famed poet Bee, judged the self-poetry reciting competition. Gupte urged the poets to continue their commitment to producing high-caliber poetry. Despite their hectic work schedules, he commended the cops and staff for fostering their literary abilities.

The poet was especially grateful of the female staff members who had worked hard and passionately to develop their literary skills while juggling work and domestic duties. Gupte stressed the significance of delivery and presentation. He emphasized that there should be a natural rhythm and flow even in free verse poetry. According to an official, he encouraged contestants to keep competing, read quality poetry, and keep composing. During the occasion, Gupte also read a few of his own outstanding poetry.

The NMMC headquarters will host a lecture on “Mayboli Abhijat Marathi” by famous poet and writer Dr. Mahesh Keluskar. Navi Mumbai literature lovers are welcome to come and take part in this thought-provoking discussion.

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