‘CHARAK’- “Community Health: A Responsive Action for Koylanchal”

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Recently, Singrauli-based Coal India arm Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL) has launched an initiative named ‘CHARAK’- “Community Health: A Responsive Action for Koylanchal”

About CHARAK

• It is an innovative health-centric Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Initiative for free treatment of patients suffering from identified Life-Threatening diseases belonging to Economically Weaker Sections of the Singrauli region. 
• Under ‘CHARAK’, NCL will provide free treatment of identified life-threatening diseases at its dedicated hospital (NSC) or at specialised empanelled hospitals across the country.
• Residents of Singrauli (Madhya Pradesh) and Sonbhadra (Uttar Pradesh) districts having annual family income below Rs. 8 Lakhs will be eligible for benefits under this scheme.

Disease covered under the scheme:

• Malignancy, TB and related complications, HIV and related complications, Cardiovascular diseases, Organ Transplant, Burns with contractures leading to permanent disability, Liver disorders, sudden hearing loss, Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), Acute Surgical Emergencies, Neurological Disorders, Neurovascular disorders, Accidental trauma, Serious handicap, Multisystem disorders, Connective Tissue disorders, Sudden vision loss etc.

AWaDH’s Bluetooth Low Energy Gateway and Node System

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Recently, iHub – AWaDH (Agriculture and Water Technology Development Hub) has launched its state-of-the-art AWaDH’s Bluetooth Low Energy Gateway and Node System to enhance technological advancements in agriculture and water management.

More on the News

iHub – AWaDH (Agriculture and Water Technology Development Hub) is based at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar.

The hub is part of the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. 

• NM-ICPS was Launched in 2018 to promote translational research in Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) and associated technologies. 

This cost-effective system connects Bluetooth-enabled sensors to cloud platforms, enabling real-time data transmission, environmental monitoring, and advanced analytics across sectors like agriculture, logistics, and environmental resilience. 

Key Features of BLE Gateway

• Robust Connectivity: Offers 4G, WiFi, and LAN compatibility for flexible networking.
• Long-Range Communication: Supports data transmission up to 1 km in line-of-sight (LOS) scenarios.
• Data Aggregation: Collects and processes data from multiple connected nodes, streamlining analysis and decision-making.
• Weatherproof and Compact Design: Providing durability in extreme weather conditions while maintaining a compact and user-friendly form.
• Compatibility: Fully supports integration with mobile apps, cloud platforms, and diverse sensors for enhanced flexibility.

Significance of the BLE Gateway

• Energy Efficiency: BLE technology ensures extended battery life and reduced energy consumption.
• Seamless Integration: Fully compatible with mobile apps and cloud platforms for remote monitoring.
• Data Security: BLE encryption safeguards sensitive environmental data.
• Cost-Effective and Durable: Weather-resistant materials minimise maintenance costs while ensuring reliability in harsh environments.

Circular Economy

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The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has facilitated the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Telangana govt and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), to Advance Circular Economy and Waste Management. 

About the MoU:

• The MoU between the Government of Telangana and CSIR aims to develop a skilled workforce in the recycling and waste management sectors. 
• Under this initiative, CSIR’s laboratories and institutions will provide technical support for training programs in Telangana, equipping individuals with expertise in CSIR-developed waste management technologies. 
• This collaboration will promote the adoption of circular economy principles and create new opportunities for green employment.

Circular Economy

• It is a system where materials never become waste and nature is regenerated. In this model, products and materials are kept in circulation through processes like maintenance, reuse, refurbishment, remanufacture, recycling, and composting. 
• India has taken the lead in its quest for a circular economy towards achieving the Net Zero target by 2070.
• India also launched ‘Lifestyle for Environment’ (LiFE) a global Mission in line with the goals of circular economy.
• Additionally, NITI Aayog established a Circular Economy Cell in September 2022 as a dedicated unit to work for the promotion of circular economy.