United News of Bangladesh

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec ) on Wednesday approved Tk 244.14 crore Bangladesh Sustainable Recovery, Emergency Preparedness and Response Project (B-STRONG) (DDM) Part project in a bid to enhance disaster resilience and creating employment opportunities for families vulnerable to different disasters. The approval came from the 10th meeting of the Ecnec at the NEC Conference Room in the city with Ecnec Chairperson and Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus in the chair. The meeting approved a total of nine projects involving an overall estimated cost of Tk  3,756.20 crore. Of the total project cost, Tk 2,798.19 crore will come from the government of Bangladesh portion, Tk 812.95 crore as project loan while the rest of Tk 145.06 crore from the concerned organisation’s own fund. Of the approved nine projects, three are new while nine are revised projects. Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud briefed reporters. Of total project cost of Tk 244.14 crore for the B-STRONG (DDM) part project, the World Bank will provide Tk 238.34 crore as grant while the rest of Tk 5.80 crore will come from the government of Bangladesh portion. The Department of Disaster Management and Relief under the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief will implement the project by June 2029. The main project operations include creating  some 31,89,960 days employment opportunities for some 8,861 vulnerable families under 10 upazilas of Feni, Brahmanbaria and Chattogram districts which were severely affected in flood, procurement of 370 rescue boats for flood-prone 37 districts of the country, imparting training to some 1,480 volunteers in 37 districts on addressing disaster risks and operating rescue boats, imparting training to some 1,295 district disaster management committee members and appointing consultants. The feasibility study on the project has already been completed while the project is included in the new project list under the ADP for the current fiscal year. Prof Yunus welcomes investment proposals from UAE in various sectors On the project, the Planning Commission in its recommendations said that once the project is implemented, it would help to create income opportunities for the vulnerable families in different disaster and thus enhance their disaster tolerance. Besides, they would also be able to conduct rescue operations and search operations before, during and after any disaster. The other projects approved in the meeting are: Capacity enhancement of Bangladesh Public Service Commission Secretariat including establishing seven regional offices, 3rd revised with zero additional cost, Prevention of violence and harmful practices against children and women in Bangladesh with around Tk 170.34 crore, Construction of inland container and bulk terminal (1st revised) at Khanpur in Narayanganj with an additional cost of Tk 223.75 crore. Besides, Development of Gulshan-Banani-Baridhara Lake, 1st revised with an additional cost of Tk 145.06 crore, Disaster Risk Management Enhancement Project, Component 2&3, 3rd revised with an additional cost of Tk 34.06 crore, Irrigation management development of Khulna, Bagerhat and Satkhira districts with Tk 499.82 crore, WECARE, Phase-1, Jhenidah-Jashore Highway (N-7) Development project, 1st revised with an additional cost of Tk 2,439.03 crore and Important rural infrastructures development in greater Cumilla district, 3rd phase, 1st revised with zero additional cost. Besides, the Ecnec meeting was also apprised about some 11 projects which were approved earlier by the Planning Adviser. Advisers concerned attended the meeting while Planning Commission members and Secretaries Concerned were present.

Lithium-ion batteries have been ruling the world for storing electricity since they were invented. From simple charger lights to giant electric cars, most modern devices use lithium-ion batteries as their powerhouse. However, they have gone a little off-fame for their explosive nature and safety concerns for large-scale grid energy. To overcome the risk, a multinational team of scientists, researchers, and industry collaborators have come up with the world’s first water batteries. These batteries are claimed to be less toxic, recyclable, and incombustible. What is a Water Battery? The concept of a water battery is not avant-garde. However, experts have been trying to make an ideal version of such a battery to use in the industrial field for a long time and finally succeeded. A traditional battery uses organic electrolytes as a conveyor of electricity between negative and positive edges. Interestingly, in a water battery, pure and plain water serves as the electrolyte.  It took a fair deal of effort to make a water-based battery an acceptable, stable, and modern technology that is usable all across the digital industry. In the manufacturer's terms, these batteries will be termed as aqueous metal-ion batteries. Read more: Most Anticipated Smartphones Coming in March 2024 Invention of Water Batteries A team led by RMIT University and headed by Distinguished Professor Tianyi Ma developed recyclable 'water batteries.' These batteries are safer than lithium-ion ones, as they don't catch fire or explode. They utilize water instead of volatile materials. The team's breakthroughs in aqueous energy storage devices significantly enhance performance and lifespan. Their manufacturing simplicity allows mass production, utilizing abundant, inexpensive materials like magnesium and zinc.  Unlike traditional batteries, water batteries use water as an electrolyte, replacing hazardous substances. They work similarly to lithium-ion batteries but without the associated risks. Additionally, managing water levels in these batteries is crucial for longevity and requires periodic replenishment to maintain efficiency. This innovation offers a safer, more environmentally friendly energy storage solution for various applications.