One of my friends who works at Gachibowli, Hyderabad is now taking a bus abandoning his car due to the recent hike in petrol prices. It seems that there is quite a lot of demand for Petrol Alternate vehicles like EVs (Electric Vehicles) in India. But, do you know that India was able to sell barely 2000 Electric vehicles last year while the global sales of Passenger EVs surpassed 4 million last month? Do you know that India ’s first Electric car was produced in 2001 which is almost two decades from now? Electric Vehicles in India Electric vehicles and self-driving cars are the 21st century ..read more

Here is a review of all the initiatives taken up by Indian states and cities to curb plastic pollution. Kerala’s Suchitwa Sagaram Kerala, a southern state of India has took a step forward to remove plastics from sea and use them in laying roads. “Suchitwa Sagaram” (which translates to Clean Sea) is the campaign started by Fisheries ministry of Kerala last year in June 2017 with a motive to curb marine pollution due to plastics. With a coastline of around 580 km, Kerala is one among top 5 fish producing states of India. The aquatic life is being disturbed by the intrusion of various plasti ..read more

Different types of wastes like plastics, glass waste, industrial byproducts etc., are being used in various applications of Civil Engineering and construction. Rubber with its unique properties of high elasticity is being used in wide range of industries like Automotive, Medical, chemical, healthcare, industrial, military, food processing etc., It is estimated that the global production of Rubber is about 26.9 million tonnes in 2016 and tend to increase annually at an average rate of 2.8% per annum till 2025 (MREPC, IRSG reports). Waste Rubber and its usage While, the usage of rubber is fol ..read more

The importance of sustainability and the usage of sustainable materials in construction are gaining a rapid pace in construction industry. According to UNEP report, Buildings are using almost 40% of the global resources and also responsible for one third of green house gas emissions. So, using alternate resources like plastics in favorable applications not only provide the solution for disposal of these materials but also save resources being depleted. Where they can be used? As Thermal and Acoustic Insulation Plastics can be used in Construction for various purposes like water-proofing ..read more

If there is anything other than Climate change that is posing a threat to biosphere, it is Plastic. From the packaging of food we eat to the smart phone we use, Plastic has became a integral part of modern day Human. According to an estimate, Plastic global production has been increased from 1.5 million tonnes during 1950s to 288 million tonnes in 2012 (PlasticsEurope).  Microplastics are minute plastic particles which are formed due to the degradation of larger plastic. Research work has been extensively carried out from past decade to determine whether microplastics are superficial or ..read more

3D Printing of Buildings is a modern concept of Constructing the building and its components with Contour Crafting method using a 3D Printer which utilises Custom Blend Concrete mixture. Methodology & Advantages In this technology, the material is poured progressively layer by layer.  A Computer Aided Drafted (CAD) design is used as a template, and the computer uses this to control the extruder arm to lay down the material in a Zig-Zag pattern.  This technology gives a great opportunity of automation of the construction process, by using 3D printer that will be able to prin ..read more

World Environment Day (WED) is witnessed every year on June 5 with different themes. Started in 1973 with a mission to increase Environmental awareness globally, it is now being spread to 143 nations and more. Last year, Canada hosted the event with a theme “Connecting People to Nature – in the city and on the land, from the poles to the equator”. This year, India will be the global host for WED. WED 2018 -INDIA The history1972 is the year in which global nations turned their eye onto Environmental issues. From 5-16 June, 1972 a conference was held to discuss the human impact on env ..read more

Despite the fact that Indian Informal recycling sector is adopting less stringent procedures and people are exposed to hazardous materials, it is proving the world as the greatest contributor to the circular economy. A Brief note on Circular EconomyCircular Economy is making use of materials to the maximum level by reducing the production of virgin materials. It involves recycling and reusing. Circular Economy plays a key role in sustainability and Climate change aspects. Reintroducing secondary materials into the economy for second and third cycles conserves both material value and natural ca ..read more

SunspotsApproximately every 11 years sunspots occur. Sunspots are used as a measure of solar activity. What actually a sunspot is, it is the dark region formed on the surface of the sun due to the magnetic field lines emerging through the photosphere preventing heat transfer by convection. Read more about sunspots at solarcyclescience.com So, why sunspots or Solar activity matters?The solar activity itself has been linked to satellite failures, electrical power outages, and variations in Earths climate. The impact of solar activity on Earth and our technology has created a need for a better un ..read more

National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL) is a very useful platform for students to learn subjects in Engineering, Sciences, Technology, Management and Humanities online. The Idea of this platform emerged in the year 1999 immediately following a Workshop on Technology Enhanced Learning (WoTEL) in Bangalore. Till date, the platform provided 1200+ courses and Online Certification Courses to be offered in Jan-April 2018: 225 When it comes to Civil Engineering, there are plenty courses which one can on NPTEL portal. Also, one can participate in Online certification courses and a g ..read more