- Astro Science Center will be built on the Tropic of Cancer in Surajpur, the mystery of Zero Shadow Day can be understood.
- Research on the discovery of anti-cancer properties of Ragi, Kodo and Millet, demonstration of bioactive components
- The proposed Science City in Naya Raipur, cyber security through AI and urban survey through drones were also showcased.
The Science Exhibition at the State Festival, while connecting ordinary citizens to life, is highlighting the new possibilities of Chhattisgarh, developed through scientific thinking, research, and technological innovations. Is it ever possible that the sun is directly overhead at noon and your shadow disappears? Could coarse grains like ragi, kodo, and millet become the basis for the development of anti-cancer drugs in the future? Scientific answers to these intriguing questions and future possibilities are on display at the Science and Technology Department’s exhibition at the State Festival in Nava Raipur. Innovations related to astronomy, medicinal research, artificial intelligence, drone technology, and rural development have been attractively presented at the exhibition.
- Astro Science Centre to be built on the Tropic of Cancer, where one can understand the mystery of Zero Shadow Day
The main attraction of the exhibition is the scientific demonstration of ‘Zero Shadow Day’. The Astro Science Centre is proposed on the Tropic of Cancer in village Mayapur of Pratappur tehsil of Surajpur district. Zero Shadow Day is a special astronomical event when the Sun is directly overhead at local solar noon and the shadow of any upright object becomes almost zero. The exhibition provides information on the possible dates and times of this event in 33 districts of Chhattisgarh. Through the proposed centre, students and citizens will get an opportunity to understand astronomy and scientific phenomena related to the position of the Earth and the Sun.
- Technology Village Centres in four districts boost rural development
The activities of the Technology Village Centers operated by the Chhattisgarh Council of Science and Technology in Bhadha, Bilaspur, Thathapur, Kabirdham, Shivi, Dhamtari, and Sanawar, Balrampur were also showcased. Through these centers, farmers and villagers are being trained on topics such as advanced agricultural techniques, drones, robotics, organic fertilizer production, and mobile banking, and by providing technology, these villages are being developed as model technology villages.
- Anticancer properties of millets discovered, new possibilities for medicinal research
Another highlight of the exhibition is the research being conducted on the bioactive compounds present in millets such as ragi, kodo, and bajra. Studies on the anti-cancer properties of these grains, along with the process of extracting them and identifying the active components, have been demonstrated.
Preliminary phytochemical screening of finger millet and kodo extracts has shown positive results for seven constituents, including alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, tannins, and phytosterols. Scientific research on these constituents holds potential for the development of anticancer drugs. These bioactive compounds could be used to develop anticancer drugs. These bioactive compounds are currently being tested.
- The proposed Science City in Nava Raipur will showcase future technology
The exhibition also outlines the proposed Science City in Naya Raipur. It features four major galleries focused on climate change, the world of minerals, space and astronomy, and cutting-edge technology. These will showcase modern concepts such as the solar system, space exploration, robotics, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and smart cities.
- AI gallery to raise awareness about cyber fraud, drones to detect illegal construction
The proposed “AI-Altered Identity” gallery at the Chhattisgarh Regional Science Centre, Raipur, was also showcased. It will raise awareness about deepfakes, voice cloning, digital facial replication, biometric security, and other cybercrimes.
The exhibition also showcased drone-based three-tier topographic survey technology. This technology can survey landforms, roads, buildings, and other infrastructure. This technology can help municipal bodies identify illegal construction, verify properties, and collect revenue. Surveys using this technology have already been conducted in Bhilai. Two drones, Trinity F-90 and Astrayam, were displayed at the exhibition. This technology was developed under an MoU with IIT Bhilai.