News in Short

India’s first removable solar panel system between railway tracks

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Varanasi has become India’s first city to have portable solar panels between railway tracks.

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• The Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW) in Varanasi has commissioned the country's first 70-meter removable solar panel system installed between railway tracks
• The solar panel system consists of 28 panels with a capacity of 15KWp between railway tracks.
• The pilot project uses an indigenously designed method that enables solar panels to be installed between railway tracks without hindering train movement.
• The system is capable of achieving a power density of 240 KWp per kilometer and an energy density of 960 units per kilometer per day.
• The solar panels can handle a maximum system voltage of 1500 volts and are classified as Class A application with Safety class II rating. 

Significance of the installed portable solar panels in Varanasi

• Green and Sustainable Rail Transport – The initiative marks a major step towards Indian Railways’ net-zero emission target, enabling clean energy generation without additional land use.
• Operational Flexibility – Unlike traditional fixed solar setups, these panels are removable, allowing easy maintenance of railway tracks and seasonal adaptability while ensuring uninterrupted train operations.
• Scalable Renewable Energy Potential – With 1.2 lakh km of track network, scaling this model can generate massive renewable energy, reducing dependence on conventional sources and enhancing energy self-sufficiency.

30^th National Seminar on Paediatric Health

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Recently, Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth (RAV) successfully concluded its 30th National Seminar on “Management of Illness & Wellness in Paediatrics through Ayurveda” in New Delhi.

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The two-day seminar (18th–19th August 2025) brought together over 500 participants.

The deliberations focused on both illness management and wellness promotion in children, reaffirming Ayurveda’s holistic approach to paediatric health.

The two-day programme featured:

• 20 scientific research paper presentations on paediatric health in Ayurveda
• Poster sessions showcasing innovative studies by young scholars
• Panel discussions on preventive and promotive healthcare in children
• Release of a Souvenir and distribution of Seminar Kits & Participation Certificates

Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth (RAV)

• RAV, established in 1988, is an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Ayush.
• The key objective of RAV is to revive classical practical and textual knowledge of Ayurveda through the ancient Gurukula method of learning.

18th International Earth Science Olympiad (IESO)

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Team India has won 7 medals and 1 special award at the 18th International Earth Science Olympiad (IESO 2025)

IESO 2025

• IESO 2025 was held in Ji’ning, China, under the guidance of the IGEO committee. 
• High school students from 32 countries around the world took part in it.

Co-hosts:

• Ji’ning Confucius School
• Shandong University of Science and Technology
• Yanyuan Scholarly (Beijing) Education and Technology Group Co., Ltd.
• Chinese Earth Science Olympiad Committee

The International Earth Science Olympiad (IESO)

• The International Earth Science Olympiad (IESO) is a global educational competition for secondary school students, organised by the International Geoscience Education Organisation (IGEO).
• Its aim is to enhance the level of geoscience education worldwide and increase public awareness of Earth Sciences. 
• It is one of the twelve International Science Olympiads.
• The inaugural IESO took place in Daegu, South Korea, in 2007, and it has been conducted every year since then.
• India hosted the IESO 2013 in Mysore.