energy-saving fan: The South India Textile Research Association (sitra) has developed an energy-efficient fan to be used for ring spinning. The energy-saving fan, named sitra Excel, will save around 20 per cent pneumafil power in ring spinning and 30 per cent in carding. These fans can be retrofitted in the existing machines and has an attractive payback period of less than six months. The fan has been patented and is under commercial production. The association has also developed low-cost circular knitting machines and a spindle drive system for ring spinning and doubling frames.
arsenic filters: A team of us scientists has developed a cost effective method of removing arsenic. The filtering method called direct co-precipitation filtration is designed to reduce heavy metals like arsenic, selenium, chromium, lead and cadmium from water to micro levels. The method is said to be capable of reducing arsenic levels from 100 parts per billion (ppb) to less than five ppb. "The new technology offers a cost-effective solution to millions of people who are at risk of drinking contaminated water from tubewells," said one of the researchers. It would cost us $2 per family a year to remove arsenic from tubewell water.
pc cards: Networking company 3com Corporation has launched new PC cards and modems targeted at small and medium business establishments. The new Office Connect range includes a fast ethernet network, interface card and a networking kit, including everything needed to connect two or more PCs and a improved network assistant CD-ROM that provides step-by-step instructions in several Asian languages.
mineral water: The Chennai Metroplitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (cmwssb) has entered the mineral water segment with the launch of "Metro". According to cmwssb managing director CP Singh, the rates will be lower than the products manufactured and marketed by private firms. The project hopes to provide high quality packaged water and meet the growing demand from the railways, commercial establishments and government undertakings. As regards water treatment, processes will include ozonation and ultrafiltration.
herbal viagra: With the ban on the import of viagra, India has come up with it's own version. Using different herbs from the state's richly endowed forest, the Gujarat State Forest Development Corporation (gsfdc) expects to have the herbal medicine available in the national and international market in two months' time. This herbal medicine which may be called Paurush, Kam-Dipan or Manthan Vilasini is exclusively for men and will be available in otc (over-the-counter) basis. One course lasts 10 days in which it is to be taken with milk and will be effective for several months. Government officials and ayurvedic doctors hope that this herbal 'viagra' will yield Rs 2,300 crore.
healthcare facility: Piramal Enterprises, the holding company of the Ajay Piramal Group, has entered into a 50:50 joint venture with Britain's largest healthcare provider BUPA to provide one-stop health facilities in India. BUPA manages 39 hospitals and 221 care homes across the world. Among other features, the new centres will have facilities for dialysis, skincare, alternative medicine, yoga and sports medicine clinics plus a gymnasium.
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