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Time of India
4 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
Science fair chariot launched in Giridih
1 2 Bokaro: State higher and technical education minister flagged off a mobile science exhibition chariot from the Giridih district collectorate premises on Thursday. The chariot will visit selected schools in the district till June 30 and offer a three-day interactive science programme at each location. "On the first day, a science exhibition will be held at the school, with a master trainer onboard the chariot explaining key scientific concepts. The second day will feature a science demonstration lecture, while the final day will include a film screening and a telescope viewing session, all conducted in accordance with school guidelines," Giridih deputy commissioner Ramniwas Yadav said. Kumar said the initiative is a joint effort by the National Council of Science Museums and the Jharkhand Science, Technology and Innovation Council. Aimed at students in rural areas who lack access to science centres, this project seeks to foster curiosity, innovation, and scientific thinking among children through hands-on learning and engaging demonstrations. "The objective of this travelling science exhibition chariot is to connect children of rural areas with science and technology," Kumar said. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
When shadows ‘ceased to exist'
1 2 3 4 5 6 Nagpur: At 12.10pm on Monday, Nagpur experienced a celestial spectacle known as Zero Shadow Day, when the sun stood directly overhead and shadows weren't visible on the ground. This rare event occurs twice annually between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. Zero Shadow Day happens when the sun's declination aligns with a location's latitude, a result of Earth's 23.5-degree axial tilt. "This phenomenon beautifully demonstrates the interplay of Earth's tilt and its orbit around the sun," said Manoj Kumar Panda, project coordinator at Raman Science Centre & Planetarium, under the National Council of Science Museums, Ministry of Culture. "On this day, the sun is at its zenith, and objects stand shadowless at noon, captivating students and science enthusiasts alike," he said. The Centre organised a workshop to engage students, showcasing the event's significance. At precisely 12.10 pm, participants observed the near absence of shadows, a moment that highlighted the sun's unique position. Unlike cities like Delhi or Srinagar, located beyond the Tropic of Cancer, Nagpur's latitude makes it ideal for this biannual event, with the next occurrence slated for July 17 at 12.20 pm. The Raman Science Centre & Planetarium continues to inspire curiosity through such events, offering hands-on learning about celestial mechanics. Panda noted, "It's a reminder of how science connects us to the cosmos."
The Hindu
12-05-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Science City Project in Kottayam to be Inaugurated on May 29
Following years of delays and political tussles, the Science City project at Kozha in Kottayam will finally open its first phase on May 29, informed Higher Education Minister R. Bindu. Developed under the aegis of the Kerala State Science and Technology Museum, the project is coming up on 30 acres of land allocated by the State government. At its core lies the Science Centre, which will house science galleries, a 3D theatre, a science park, seminar halls, and an innovation hub. Planned future additions include a planetarium, motion simulator, AR/VR theatres, an astronomical observatory and other supporting infrastructure. The Science Centre building spans 47,147 square feet and features galleries on Fun Science, Marine Life and Science, and Emerging Technologies. Other facilities include a 3D theatre, temporary exhibition area, activity centre, seminar and conference halls and dedicated workshop spaces. A surrounding science park and artificial dinosaur enclosure have also been developed, along with a telescope to enable public night sky observation. The project's first phase was conceived with an estimated budget of ₹14.5 crore, equally funded by the Central and State governments. Construction is being handled by the National Council of Science Museums, a central government agency. Beyond this shared contribution, the state government has already spent approximately ₹50 crore on supporting infrastructure. Plans for the second phase of the Science City, with a proposed budget of ₹45 crore, have already been drawn up. In parallel, a large-scale Biodiversity Park is also under development within the campus in collaboration with the Uzhavoor block panchayat and Kuravilangad grama panchayat, under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). The park will host a diverse collection of flora native to Kerala's forests, including medicinal herbs, rare and endangered species, orchids, carnivorous plants, ornamental and aromatic varieties, bamboo species, and palms. The project, which was first envisioned in 2014, has endured multiple delays over the years.
Time of India
01-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Lost at Sea: BITM's new gallery spotlights ocean conservation crisis
KOLKATA: A new exciting gallery is set to be inaugurated at the Birla Industrial & Technological Museum (BITM) that will showcase the wealth that oceans serve as fundamental source and sustainer of life on Earth. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now To be inaugurated on May 2, 'Lost at Sea' marks National Council of Science Museums ' efforts to popularise the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030). "Around 44% of global population resides within 150 km of coastal areas. Marine waters have absorbed 90% of human-induced global warming since the 1970s. Seafood constitutes the primary protein source for three out of seven people worldwide. Currently, this vital marine ecosystem faces significant challenges," pointed out BITM director Arnab Chatterjee. The oceans confront severe threats from rising sea levels, increasing water temperatures due to climate change, contamination, and excessive fishing practices, resulting in warmer, more acidic waters with diminishing marine life. A healthy ocean remains crucial for all inhabitants, regardless of their distance from the coast. Swift and significant interventions could prevent the extinction of numerous species, including humans. However, developing concern for unfamiliar environments presents a challenge. The Gallery 'Lost at Sea' encourages deeper understanding through various exhibits. It features interpretive displays showing extinct species, interactive multimedia presenting current threats to marine life, an augmented reality walkway displaying ocean statistics, virtual reality installations demonstrating traditional Japanese fish printing, a Vaquita skeleton replica showcasing the endangered dolphin, and presentations about ocean value. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The gallery aims to promote awareness and inspire action in ocean conservation , emphasizing that our oceans are worth it – and more. The Gallery inauguration, coinciding with the institution's 67th Foundation Day, represents an in-house development by engineers, artists, technicians and content creators, designed to communicate environmental urgency whilst maintaining optimism and promoting sustainable ocean appreciation.
