REGION Briefs

Scientists to replace cement with clay

New Delhi, March 1 (AGENCIES):
Imagine clay replacing building material like cement, metal, wood and plastic in the near future! Scientists are working to use Bentonite, a certain clay, to make sturdy, new-age construction material that is sustainable and eco-friendly. Found only in four states in India-Gujarat, Rajasthan, Karnataka and Jammu and Kashmir-bentonite is also edible and is undergoing trials to remove pollutants from air and water. “It has been used for various purposes but my aim is to use it to possibly replace existing harmful building materials in the near future, among other uses,” said Chintan Jani, a scientist who is working with the 'wonder clay' to give a different dimension to different products currently in use. Ahmedabad-based Jani is the Director of nano-clay and organoclay startup 'Jani Clays' and was previously a Research Fellow at IIM-A studying innovation philosophy.

Solar flare may affect India: NASA

SACRAMENTO, March 1 (Agencies):
NASA has captured solar flare arising from the surface of Sun. Such photographs were taken earlier also but this time it was done from very close quarters. The scientists of NASA have warned that India and its neighbourhood may get affected by this solar flare. Such solar flare is not uncommon for the surface of sun. Flares reach its extremes after a cycle of eleven years. Radio active radiations capable of damaging our electronic devices are sent from the surface of sun in huge volume. According to scientists it the atmosphere of earth which generally protects us from such radiation but our advanced life style offers easy target to such solar flare. Our satellites would be the worst victim of such flare.  Nasa has predicted severe solar flare in 2013 when India and its neighbourhood would be greatly affected.

Census Observer visits Longleng

Dimapur, March 1 (MExN):
The Census Observer for Longleng district, T. C Sangtam IAS, secretary to government of Nagaland visited Longleng district and conducted inspected of the ongoing census operations in the district from February 24 to 26. The Census Observer visited and inspected the ongoing census enumeration works in Pongo and Hongnyu Vllages (Sakshi Circle); Oushok (Longleng district); Shamshangching (UR) and Yongnyah villages (Yongnyah circle); Netnyu and Kangching villages (Tamlu circle) and Longleng Town areas. This was informed in a press release issued by DC, Longleng, C. K Nihekhu Sema.

KWO meeting on March 8

Phek, March 1 (DIPR):
The Kuzhami Welfare Organization, Phek Town will hold a general meeting on March 8 at Town Hall, Phek at 10:00 a.m. Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Kuzholuzo Nienu will be the guest speaker while Phek Deputy Commissioner, Mikha Lomi and Superintendent of Police, Phek, Wetshope Krome will also speak in the general meeting. Secretary Publicity & Information, Kuzhami Welfare Organization, Phek Town has therefore requested all Kuzhami members to attend the meeting.

UUD annual prayer day

Dimapur, March 1 (MExN):
The annual prayer day of Usutomi Union Dimapur (UUD) will be held on March 5 at 7:00 am at the residence of Er. Vihoshe Hesso, Nepali Basti Dimapur. The Union in a press release issued by its secretary Vitolu Chophy has informed all the members to attend the prayer and for further information contact at 9856084039 and 9615879173.

Training on food processing & preservation

Kohima, March 1 (MExN):
A one day training on food processing and preservation was conducted at Runguzu Nawe village, organized by the office of the Sub-Divisional Agriculture Officer, Chozuba under the National Watershed Development Project in Rainfed Areas (NWDPRA) on February 24 last. Hannah K and Esther Longkumer, both Subject Matter Specialists (SMS), Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Porba were the resource persons.