Outstanding work: IIT-M team makes mineral nanoparticles with water

Published On:

THE GIST

Water molecules of microdroplets since they have so little room and are packed closely together are more eager to participate in chemical reactions. This isn’t possible with water molecules in bulk

The ability to create nanoparticles could be useful to the study of proto-cells, the precursors to cells as we know them today. Microdroplets could mimic proto-cells by by being little compartments in which biochemical reactions play out

Plants absorb silica in the form of nanoparticles to help them become taller. Supplying soil with silica nanoparticles could have a positive impact on agriculture. This research provides ‘a way to convert unproductive soil, unproductive fields or even desertified areas into productive areas’

What is the draft Digital Competition Bill?

In February 2023, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) constituted a Committee on Digital Competition Law (CDCL) to examine the need for a separate law on competition in digital markets.

In the case of digital markets, the CDCL has advocated for an ex-ante competition regulation. This means that they want the CCI’s enforcement powers to be supplemented such that it allows it to pre-empt and prevent digital enterprises from indulging in anti-competitive conduct in the first place.

The overriding sentiment towards the draft Bill has been one of opposition. First, there is considerable scepticism on how well an ex-ante model of regulation will work. This stems in part from the fact that it seems to be transposed from the EU to India without taking into account differentiating factors between the two jurisdictions.

June equity MF inflows rise fourfold to ₹40,608 cr.: AMFI

Equity mutual funds rose 370% to ₹40,608.19 crore in June 2024, from ₹8,637.49 crore in June 2023, data released by Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI)show.But after two successive months of higher inflows, MFs witnessed net outflows of ₹43,637 crore for the first time since the beginning of FY25.

Indian mutual fund sector’s net asset under management crossed ₹60 lakh crore in June 2024, a rise of ₹10 lakh crore since December 2023. “The industry benefited from sustained flows into equity-oriented MFs, hybrid and passive funds,” said Venkat Chalasani, CEO, AMFI releasing the monthly data, adding the sector is working to foster financial well-being for all stakeholders.