New Delhi Deploys India’s First Photosynthetic Microalgae-Based Air Purification Tower
Unlike mechanical smog towers, this system uses natural photosynthesis to capture carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.
The tower converts air pollutants into clean oxygen and algal biomass through natural biological processes.
The project is a collaboration between C P Arora Private Limited and climate-tech startup Carbelim Pvt Ltd, incubated at IIT Madras.
Significance: This biotechnology-based solution is sustainable as it consumes minimal energy and produces no secondary filter waste.
Key Facts / Static GK
AQI: Air Quality Index
Q Practice Quiz — 16 March 2026
1. Who administered the oath of office to Syed Ata Hasnain as the Governor of Bihar?
Explanation: As per the Constitution of India, the oath of office to a Governor is administered by the Chief Justice of the High Court of that state. In this case, Chief Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo of the Patna High Court administered the oath.
2. Which Union Ministry was primarily responsible for organizing the 'Purple Fest' at Rashtrapati Bhavan?
Explanation: The 'Purple Fest' is an initiative focused on Divyangjan (Persons with Disabilities), which falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
3. What is the new revised fee for the NHAI FASTag Annual Pass for the financial year 2026-27?
Explanation: The NHAI has revised the FASTag Annual Pass fee from ₹3,000 to ₹3,075 for the financial year 2026-27, effective April 1, 2026.
4. Tuticorin Airport, which was recently renamed Thoothukudi Airport, is located in which Indian state?
Explanation: The airport is located in the state of Tamil Nadu. The renaming was approved to reflect the local name of the city, Thoothukudi.
5. The festival of 'Chapchar Kut' is associated with which Indian state?
Explanation: Chapchar Kut is the most important traditional spring festival of the Mizo people in Mizoram, celebrated after the completion of jhum cultivation tasks.
Keep Learning with PrepZen
Get daily current affairs, live mock tests, mistake bank, vocab builder & more — all free on your phone.