Latest inventions in science and technology Zinc-Air Battery Technology Context: Indian scientists developed low-cost zinc-air battery technologies for energy storage and electric vehicles. About Zinc-Air Battery Technology Zinc-air batteries are a type of metal-air battery. They use zinc (Zn) as the anode and oxygen (O₂) from the air as the cathode. They have high energy density and high efficiency. Commonly used in low-power devices such as hearing aids and medical equipment. They are also being developed for electric vehicles (EVs) and grid energy storage. Working mechanism At the Anode (Zinc Electrode): Zinc reacts (oxidation) and releases electrons. These electrons move through an external circuit to produce electricity. At the Cathode (Oxygen Electrode): Oxygen from the air reacts with water and electrons to produce hydroxide ions (OH⁻). Types of Zinc-Air Batteries Primary (Non-Rechargeable): Used in hearing aids, clocks, cameras, etc. Rechargeable: Still under development. Expected to be used in electric vehicles and large-scale energy storage. Applications Hearing Aids: Small, lightweight, and long-lasting. Medical Devices: Used in pacemakers and other wearable medical devices. Consumer Electronics: Used in watches, cameras, and toys. Electric Vehicles & Grid Storage: Being researched for high-energy storage and longer driving range. Space INSAT-3DR Background: Recent visible and infrared images from INSAT-3DR showed that approximately 60–70% of India's landmass was covered by clouds. About INSAT-3DR INSAT-3DR (Indian National Satellite-3DR) is an advanced meteorological satellite developed by ISRO. Launch Date: September 8, 2016. Launch Vehicle: GSLV-F05. Objectives Improving weather forecasting. Monitoring cyclones. Providing disaster warnings. Monitoring the environment of India and surrounding regions. Key Features Equipped with an imaging system and an atmospheric sounder. Like INSAT-3D, it carries a data relay transponder and a search-and-rescue transponder. Ensures continuity of ISRO's meteorological and search-and-rescue services. Provides multispectral images every 30 minutes from its geostationary orbit over the Indian region.…
