A new report suggests that blending 20 per cent dimethyl ether (DME) with LPG could significantly reduce India's LPG imports, leading to substantial savings in foreign exchange.
Researchers at CSIR-NCL have developed a technology for producing dimethyl ether (DME) as an alternative to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), potentially reducing India's reliance on imports and enhancing energy security.
Researchers have detected hints of molecules known to be produced by marine organisms on the exoplanet K2-18 b, providing "the strongest evidence yet" of life outside the Solar System. While the discovery is exciting, more data is needed to confirm whether the molecules are indeed produced by life or through other chemical processes. The exoplanet, over 8.5 times as massive as Earth, lies 120 light-years from Earth and orbits the star 'K2-18'.
India may have to lean more on West Asian nations for supplies of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), a cooking fuel, in the coming years after Indian state-run refiners drew up big plans to diversify into producing more profitable petrochemicals. This shift leads to reduced LPG output, Indian refining executives said. The mantra for state-run oil companies, from Indian Oil Corporation (IndianOil) to liquefied natural gas (LNG) importer Petronet LNG, which are looking to diversify their businesses from lower-margin fuels, has been value-added petrochemicals.
It would be pertinent to rationalize the duty on polymers to generate more investment in the sector.
Petrochemicals sector seeks cut in excise duty on Naphtha to 8%, increase customs duty on polymers, chemicals & fibre intermediates to 10% and to remove customs duty on naphtha & propane.
India annually spends Rs 4.5 lakh crore on importing petroleum products, and Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari feels methane is a cost-effective import substitution. But is it? Pallava Bagla examines the pros and cons.
Incredible images depicting the scientific world give a beautiful insight into the academic world. A shortlist of images from the Royal Photographic Society's science photographer of the year competition has been released and includes images from the macroscopic to the microscopic. The winning images will be revealed in October to coincide with the opening of the free exhibition. The Science Photographer of the Year exhibition will run at the Science Museum from October 7-January 5.
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