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By:

Rajendra Joshi

3 December 2024 at 3:50:26 am

Proud moment for Shivaji University researchers

Indian patent for portable sound absorption testing device Kolhapur: Researchers from Shivaji University, Kolhapur, have developed a portable sound absorption testing device that can scientifically assess whether an installed sound system and its acoustic treatment are functioning effectively. The innovation has been granted an Indian patent, marking a first-of-its-kind development in this field, the university said on Thursday. The patented device, named the Portable Sound Absorption Tester,...

Proud moment for Shivaji University researchers

Indian patent for portable sound absorption testing device Kolhapur: Researchers from Shivaji University, Kolhapur, have developed a portable sound absorption testing device that can scientifically assess whether an installed sound system and its acoustic treatment are functioning effectively. The innovation has been granted an Indian patent, marking a first-of-its-kind development in this field, the university said on Thursday. The patented device, named the Portable Sound Absorption Tester, has been developed by senior chemist Dr Kalyanrao Garadkar of Shivaji University, along with Dr Sandeep Sable and Dr Rohant Dhabbe of Jaysingpur College, and Dr Chandrala Jatkar of the D K T E Society’s Textile and Engineering Institute, Ichalkaranji. The device is designed to test the sound absorption capacity of professional acoustic systems used in recording studios, theatres, auditoriums and soundproof chambers. Until now, the effectiveness of such sound-absorbing installations has largely been assessed through experience and trial-and-error after installation. The newly developed portable tester allows for immediate and scientific evaluation of sound absorption performance once the system is installed. Sound-absorbing sheets and panels are widely used in theatres, studios and vocal recording rooms to absorb echo around microphones and create a controlled acoustic environment, enabling cleaner and more professional audio output. The new device can be used to evaluate a wide range of absorbers, including perforated foam, fibre, fabric, membranes, panels and resonant absorbers, helping improve the quality and effectiveness of acoustic materials. Explaining the working of the device, Dr Garadkar said that the human audible frequency range extends from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. The device generates sound waves within this spectrum and projects them onto the acoustic material under test. The sound waves that are not absorbed are detected by a microphone and displayed on the screen in the form of current or voltage readings. This enables users to instantly determine whether the sound absorption system is functioning as intended and make corrective interventions if required. The researchers said the device would also be useful for those engaged in acoustic fabrication and sound absorption research. Apart from being portable and easy to transport, the device is also cost-effective, making it suitable for field applications. The team expressed confidence that it would prove highly useful in the sound system testing sector. Shivaji University’s in-charge Vice-Chancellor Dr Suresh Gosavi and in-charge Pro Vice-Chancellor Dr Jyoti Jadhav congratulated the research team on securing the patent.

Saudi Arabia reopens Hajj Portal for 10,000 Indian pilgrims after government intervention



The Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) on Tuesday said that the Saudi Hajj Ministry has agreed to reopen the Hajj (Nusuk) Portal for Combined Haj Group Operators (CHGOs) to allow 10,000 more pilgrims, based on the current availability of space in Mina.


MoMA has given urgent instructions to CHGOs to complete their formalities without any delay.


According to the ministry, CHGOs had missed key deadlines set by Saudi authorities and failed to finalize contracts for camps in Mina, as well as for accommodation and transport, despite being reminded several times.


However, after the Indian government stepped in, the Saudi Hajj Ministry agreed to reopen the portal to accommodate 10,000 pilgrims.


This decision comes shortly after a Times of India report said the Hajj plans of around 52,000 Indian pilgrims were in limbo after Saudi Arabia canceled Mina zones earlier allotted to private tour operators.


As per India’s Haj Policy 2025, 70% of the total Hajj quota will be managed by the Hajj Committee of India, while the remaining 30% will be handled by private Hajj Group Organisers.


The ministry said Saudi Arabia has allotted a total quota of 1,75,025 (1.75 lakh) Hajj pilgrims to India for 2025.


Last week, Minority Affairs Secretary Chandra Shekhar Kumar, along with Joint Secretary CPS Bakshi, visited Jeddah to review India’s Hajj preparations on the ground.


Earlier, Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju visited Saudi Arabia from January 11 to 14. During the visit, he took part in key discussions related to Hajj preparations.


His visit included signing the Bilateral Agreement for Hajj 2025, attending the opening session of the Hajj and Umrah Conference and Exhibition, and holding meetings with top Saudi officials.


When is Hajj 2025?

Hajj in 2025 is expected to take place between June 4 and June 9, depending on the sighting of the moon that marks the start of Zil-Hajj, the final month of the Islamic calendar.

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