Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC)

The Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI) has introduced a mobile PEMFC-based backup power solution for telecom towers.

About Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC):

Working Principle: PEMFC operates on an electrochemical reaction. Hydrogen gas is supplied to the anode, where it is oxidized to release protons. These protons travel through a polymer membrane to the cathode, where they combine with oxygen to generate electricity and water as a by-product.
Significance:

• Can serve as an alternative to diesel generators for backup during grid outages.
• Promotes clean energy and helps reduce carbon footprints.
• Eco-friendly: It produces electricity, with water vapor being the only by-product.

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Bhopal Gas Tragedy Waste Disposal

A trial incineration of 10 tonnes of waste linked to the 1984 Bhopal Gas Tragedy has recently started in Pithampur, located in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar district.

The tragedy involved a disastrous leak of Methyl Isocyanate (MIC) gas from the Union Carbide facility. MIC is used as a chemical intermediate for producing carbamate pesticides and is highly toxic to humans.

The waste includes:

• Contaminated soil from the abandoned facility
• Reactor residues
• Sevin pesticide residues
• Naphthol residues
• Semi-processed waste

Lala Hardayal (1884-1939)

The death anniversary of Lala Hardayal was recently observed.

About Lala Hardayal:

Lala Hardayal was a prominent nationalist revolutionary and freedom fighter.

Early Influences:

• Arya Samaj
• Giuseppe Mazzini
• Karl Marx
• Mikhail Bakunin

Key Contributions:

• He was a founding member and General Secretary of the Ghadar Party, which was established in 1913.
• He worked to mobilize the Indian diaspora and encourage their participation in the Indian freedom movement.
• He played an active role in industrial unionism in the USA, serving as Secretary of the San Francisco branch of the Industrial Workers of the World.
• His notable works include:
• ‘Social Conquest of Hindu Race’
• ‘Forty-Four Months in Germany and Turkey’
• ‘The Bodhisattva Doctrine’
• ‘Twelve Religions and Modern Life

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