Electroplating

• Electroplating is the process of depositing a layer of a desired metal onto a surface by passing an electric current through a suitable electrolyte. In industries, metal objects are coated with another metal to enhance durability and appearance. 

  • For example, chromium coating is applied to bicycle and motorcycle handles, wheel rims, tap nozzles, gas burners, and vehicle parts to make them shiny and resistant to scratches. Chromium does not corrode, but since it is expensive, only a thin layer is applied instead of using solid chromium. 
  • A layer of zinc is applied to iron objects like vehicles and bridges to prevent rusting. 
  • Iron cans used to store food are coated with tin, which is less reactive, to prevent contamination. 
  • In the manufacture of imitation gold or silver jewellery, a layer of gold or silver is electroplated on cheaper metals to give a rich appearance. 

  Process of Electroplating 

  • Two copper plates (10 cm × 4 cm) are suspended in a 250 ml beaker filled with distilled water, ensuring their upper ends are connected by wires and remain above the water surface. 
  • Copper sulphate (2 teaspoons) is dissolved in the water, and a few drops of dilute sulphuric acid are added to increase conductivity. 
  • When electric current is passed through the solution using a battery: 
    • A layer of copper is deposited on the negative electrode. 
    • The same amount of copper dissolves from the positive electrode, maintaining the copper concentration in the solution. 
  • This happens because the copper sulphate solution dissociates into copper and sulphate ions. 
  • By reversing the polarity of the electrodes, electroplating can be done on either plate. 

  Important Note: The solutions used for electroplating in industries are often polluting, and thus specific guidelines are issued for their safe disposal. 

Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016

• • The Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 have replaced the Municipal Solid Waste (Management and Disposal) Rules, 2000. 
  • As per the new rules, segregation of waste at the source into dry and wet waste is mandatory. 
  • These rules are applicable to all local bodies and urban agglomerations across the country. 
  • The polluter is responsible for categorizing waste into three types: 
    • Biodegradable 
    • Non-biodegradable 
    • Domestic hazardous waste 
      and must hand it over to the authorized waste collector appointed by the local body. 
  • A user fee, as determined by local bodies, will be paid by the waste generator (polluter) in accordance with municipal regulations. 
  • The rules clearly assign responsibilities to various stakeholders, including: 
    • Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change 
    • Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs 
    • Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers 
    • Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare 
    • District Magistrates 
    • Gram Panchayats 
    • Urban Local Bodies 
    • State Pollution Control Boards, etc. 
  • Local bodies are entrusted with several key responsibilities: 
    • Door-to-door waste collection 
    • Regulation and enforcement 
    • Fixing and collecting user charges 
    • Promotion of waste treatment techniques like: 
      • Biomethanation 
      • Microbial composting 
      • Vermicomposting 

Dr. Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (1894–1955)

• • Dr. Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar was a renowned Indian scientist. After completing his postgraduate degree in India, he pursued further research in England on a research fellowship. 
  • He earned a Doctorate in Science from University College, London in 1921. 
  • In 1941, the British government honored him with the title of 'Knighthood' for his contributions to scientific research. 
  • In 1943, he was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS), one of the highest honours in the scientific community. 
  • His primary research areas included emulsions, colloids and industrial chemistry, but his most significant contribution was in the application of magnetism to the study of chemical reactions. 
  • Dr. Bhatnagar is known as the 'Father of Research Laboratories' in India. He played a key role in the establishment of 12 national laboratories across the country. 
  • He became the first Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and was also appointed as the first Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC). 
  • In recognition of his legacy, the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award for Science and Technology has been presented since 1958 by CSIR to scientists who have made outstanding contributions to scientific research and technological development. 
  • In 1954, he was honoured with the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India. However, according to the official website of the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in the same year.

Vermicomposting

• The process of producing compost using red worms (a special species of earthworm known as the farmer’s friend) is called vermicomposting. 

  Method of Preparation 

  • Vermicompost can be prepared either in a pit dug in the soil or in a wooden box. 
  • A net or a 1–2 cm. layer of sand is spread at the base of the pit or box. 
  • On this layer, vegetable and fruit waste is spread. 
  • Alternatively, green leaves, dry plant sticks, straw, 1-inch wide strips of newspaper or cardboard or dry cow dung can also be used. 

  Introducing Earthworms 

  • After laying the waste material, sprinkle water to moisten the mixture. 
  • Introduce red worms (Eisenia fetida) and cover them with a jute sack, old cloth or grass. 
  • Add vegetable peels, fruit scraps, used tea leaves and weeds in 2–3 cm. thick layers regularly to feed the worms. 

  Avoid Feeding Harmful Substances 

  • Do not add salt, pickles, oil, vinegar, meat or milk products as these can promote the growth of harmful pathogens and are toxic to earthworms. 

  Special Features of Red Worms 

  • Red worms possess a gizzard that helps in grinding food. 
    Adding crushed eggshells, seashells or oyster powder supports this process. 
  • They consume organic waste equal to their body weight daily. 
  • They cannot survive in extremely hot or cold temperatures. 
  • Their population doubles every month, making them highly efficient composters. 

  Harvesting Vermicompost 

  • When the waste turns into a dark, soil-like substance, the vermicompost is ready. 
  • Expose it to sunlight for a few hours to reduce moisture. 
  • Before collecting the compost, place fresh food on one side of the pit to attract the worms.
  • This allows safe removal of the compost and enables reuse of the worms for the next cycle. 

Hyperloop Transportation Technology (HTT)

• What is Hyperloop? 

  • Hyperloop is a futuristic transportation technology based on electromagnetic propulsion. 
  • In this system, a sealed tube (vacuum or low-pressure) is installed on elevated pillars, similar to metro lines. 
  • Passengers travel inside a pod that moves through the tube at very high speeds, typically 600–700 miles per hour or more. 
  • The tube design is based on a modular and nearly frictionless transport system, allowing for extremely high efficiency. 

  Origin and Global Development 

  • The concept of Hyperloop was introduced by Elon Musk and is considered a revolutionary fifth mode of transportation, after land, water, air and pipelines. 
  • Recently, the Virgin Group, led by Richard Branson, signed an MoU with the Maharashtra Government to develop a Hyperloop corridor. 
  • The goal is to reduce the travel time between Mumbai and Pune from 3 hours to approximately 20 minutes. 

  Advantages of the Hyperloop System 

  • Significant time and cost savings in transportation. 
  • Low environmental impact due to reduced emissions and noise pollution. 
  • High passenger capacity: With increased pod frequency, the system could potentially carry up to 150 million passengers annually. 
  • Efficient traffic management: It helps in reducing road congestion and is easier to manage compared to traditional systems.