Just over a couple of weeks ago the GSM encryption was broken, now the 3G encryption it seems is no longer secure. The transition to 3G networks and their more secure encryption algorithm was one of the ways some downplayed the importance of breaking the GSM encryption.
The original algorithm intended for UMTS is called MISTY1, but was too computationally intensive, so it was replaced by a revised version called KASUMI (Japanese for “mist”). The new algorithm was supposed to be easier on the hardware, but not any less secure.
It turns out that’s not the case.
An attack on the algorithm has decoded the encryption; however, it takes 2 hours on a regular computer to break the encryption. So, it doesn’t enable real-time eavesdropping (at least not using a single computer), but the researches that broke the code say their implementation wasn’t optimized, so there’s probably room for improvement.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Friday, January 15, 2010
Globalization of IT – Global, and Yet So Restrained
Globalization of IT is a complex phenomenon but at the same time it is an undying reality. It neither needs any introduction nor pertains a universal definition. However, the fact of matter is that it actually exists and it has eventually brought us in the historic age of transformation.
Nations and regions of the world have been transformed into a ‘wired planet’ through which you can make use of the great power of information and technology.
Information Technology is the driving factor, rather a catalyst in the process of globalization. Advancements in the early 1990s in computer hardware, software and telecommunications have caused widespread improvements in the access to information and economic potential.
These advances have facilitated efficiency gains in all sectors of the economy. IT provides the communication network that facilitates the expansion of products, ideas, and resources among nations and among people regardless of geographic location. Creating efficient and effective channels to exchange information, IT has been the catalyst for global integration.
In the process of globalization, Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have been implicated in the structuring and restructuring of human social relations. The power to communicate has been one of the greatest achievements by the human race.
Since, the development of the electrical telegraph and the telephone in the late 1800s marked a qualitative shift in the scope and power of ICTs. However, the new electrical communication systems brought disparate regions and peoples together into an unprecedented, increasingly synchronous global network of information, trade, finance and culture.
In the 20th century, the emerging global telecommunication infrastructure was extended and its uses expanded by the development of radio transmission, satellite communications, and terrestrial broadband networks. More recently, digital encoding, storage, and transmission have allowed for data compression and the convergence of multiple formats into a common digital stream, further accelerating the speed and volume of global information and communication flows.
At the same time, the diffusion of inexpensive personal computers, the development of the graphical user interface, and the establishment of common data exchange protocols have given users around the world direct access to an increasing mass of data, text, and multimedia documents-as well as the power to create and distribute such documents themselves.
I do not want you to focus computers and high tech gadgets to support the concept of globalization. Although, without the invention of the mere computer chip, globalization would have been a dream forever, but, as we can see all around us, the phenomena has gone far beyond from the computer world. Today, we see globalization playing a significant role in trade, commerce and even in our daily social life style.
For the first time in history of the world, the entire planet is a capitalist. Although a few command economies are still surviving and developing, but they are doing so through their linkages with the global capitalist markets. Yet, this is a brand of capitalism that is at the same time very old and also fundamentally new.
It is old because it appeals to relentless competition in the pursuit of profit, and because individual satisfaction is its driving engine. But it is fundamentally new because it is tooled by new information and communication technologies that are at the root of new productivity sources, new organizational forms, and the construction of a global economy.
The world has shrunk due to the pool of globalization created by IT. Things are accessible now and when I say ‘things’, that does not relate to the tangible things only; you can have all kinds of information within your approach and you can even have the most sacred, rather secret data as well (well, that may not be so easy but still it is possible).
Globalization should have been the uniform phenomenon and resources were supposed to be utilized equally around the globe. But unfortunately, it today we have disparity even in the globalization. One can easily witness this unequal distribution of information, resources and other global values that this world has visibly failed to provide any of above mentioned human friendly out comes of globalization to a person living in Sahara desert or in thick woods of South Africa. We have seen medical inventions in developed countries but why globalization has failed to let that child living in South Asian slum not to feel it.
All of this partiality gives the sense of something wrong which has been done while developing the concept of IT globalization and communicating it vociferously. Communication and information technology miracles are happening every day but there are some areas in the African region which are practically numb towards these advancements.
Thus, it shows that we need to move towards some other logical reason to justify this difference. It is possible that we might need to make Information Technology so efficient that it can be dispersed through out the world judiciously. Human beings have created radio when they wanted, they have transfer the technology even beyond the shores of the oceans and they have given life to a dead body by giving him a new heart.
These are the achievements which no one can take away from us. But we need them to be more efficient, more ideal and more accessible by more and more people. In sum, globalization is a new historical reality not simply the one invented by neo-liberal ideology to convince citizens to surrender to markets, but also the one inscribed in processes of capitalist restructuring, innovation and competition, and enacted through the powerful medium of new information and communication technologies but with the absence of impartiality and equal distribution of information and technology.
Nations and regions of the world have been transformed into a ‘wired planet’ through which you can make use of the great power of information and technology.
Information Technology is the driving factor, rather a catalyst in the process of globalization. Advancements in the early 1990s in computer hardware, software and telecommunications have caused widespread improvements in the access to information and economic potential.
These advances have facilitated efficiency gains in all sectors of the economy. IT provides the communication network that facilitates the expansion of products, ideas, and resources among nations and among people regardless of geographic location. Creating efficient and effective channels to exchange information, IT has been the catalyst for global integration.
In the process of globalization, Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have been implicated in the structuring and restructuring of human social relations. The power to communicate has been one of the greatest achievements by the human race.
Since, the development of the electrical telegraph and the telephone in the late 1800s marked a qualitative shift in the scope and power of ICTs. However, the new electrical communication systems brought disparate regions and peoples together into an unprecedented, increasingly synchronous global network of information, trade, finance and culture.
In the 20th century, the emerging global telecommunication infrastructure was extended and its uses expanded by the development of radio transmission, satellite communications, and terrestrial broadband networks. More recently, digital encoding, storage, and transmission have allowed for data compression and the convergence of multiple formats into a common digital stream, further accelerating the speed and volume of global information and communication flows.
At the same time, the diffusion of inexpensive personal computers, the development of the graphical user interface, and the establishment of common data exchange protocols have given users around the world direct access to an increasing mass of data, text, and multimedia documents-as well as the power to create and distribute such documents themselves.
I do not want you to focus computers and high tech gadgets to support the concept of globalization. Although, without the invention of the mere computer chip, globalization would have been a dream forever, but, as we can see all around us, the phenomena has gone far beyond from the computer world. Today, we see globalization playing a significant role in trade, commerce and even in our daily social life style.
For the first time in history of the world, the entire planet is a capitalist. Although a few command economies are still surviving and developing, but they are doing so through their linkages with the global capitalist markets. Yet, this is a brand of capitalism that is at the same time very old and also fundamentally new.
It is old because it appeals to relentless competition in the pursuit of profit, and because individual satisfaction is its driving engine. But it is fundamentally new because it is tooled by new information and communication technologies that are at the root of new productivity sources, new organizational forms, and the construction of a global economy.
The world has shrunk due to the pool of globalization created by IT. Things are accessible now and when I say ‘things’, that does not relate to the tangible things only; you can have all kinds of information within your approach and you can even have the most sacred, rather secret data as well (well, that may not be so easy but still it is possible).
Globalization should have been the uniform phenomenon and resources were supposed to be utilized equally around the globe. But unfortunately, it today we have disparity even in the globalization. One can easily witness this unequal distribution of information, resources and other global values that this world has visibly failed to provide any of above mentioned human friendly out comes of globalization to a person living in Sahara desert or in thick woods of South Africa. We have seen medical inventions in developed countries but why globalization has failed to let that child living in South Asian slum not to feel it.
All of this partiality gives the sense of something wrong which has been done while developing the concept of IT globalization and communicating it vociferously. Communication and information technology miracles are happening every day but there are some areas in the African region which are practically numb towards these advancements.
Thus, it shows that we need to move towards some other logical reason to justify this difference. It is possible that we might need to make Information Technology so efficient that it can be dispersed through out the world judiciously. Human beings have created radio when they wanted, they have transfer the technology even beyond the shores of the oceans and they have given life to a dead body by giving him a new heart.
These are the achievements which no one can take away from us. But we need them to be more efficient, more ideal and more accessible by more and more people. In sum, globalization is a new historical reality not simply the one invented by neo-liberal ideology to convince citizens to surrender to markets, but also the one inscribed in processes of capitalist restructuring, innovation and competition, and enacted through the powerful medium of new information and communication technologies but with the absence of impartiality and equal distribution of information and technology.
PTA might Start Blocking Chinese Handsets without IMEI
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority may start blocking Chinese handsets that come with no IMEI or with dummy IMEI, told us sources close to authority.
We cannot confirm the timeline as of now, but some preliminary work has been started on analysis of such handsets.
Not all Chinese handsets come without IMEI; rather these Mobile phones without an IMEI are typically low-end handsets from smaller Chinese phone manufacturers who cut costs by skipping the IMEI programming stage.
Handsets without IMEI are a threat to national security as they are reportedly used in illegal activities. A call made from a handset without IMEI makes it impossible to prove who made or received specific phone calls as cellular companies can’t trace the specific handset.
It may be recalled that India recently blocked 25 million handsets that were without IMEI.
Like India, Pakistani cellular companies may also offer re-programming of such Chinese handsets. In common words, through re-programming, IMEI number is embedded in a mobile phone to give it a legal status.
This movement is also supported by handset manufacturers as Chinese handsets are source of headache for mobile phone manufacturers like Nokia, Samsung and others. Sales of branded phones have been impacted significantly after low-cost Chinese handsets penetrated into Pakistani and other developing markets.
We cannot confirm the timeline as of now, but some preliminary work has been started on analysis of such handsets.
Not all Chinese handsets come without IMEI; rather these Mobile phones without an IMEI are typically low-end handsets from smaller Chinese phone manufacturers who cut costs by skipping the IMEI programming stage.
Handsets without IMEI are a threat to national security as they are reportedly used in illegal activities. A call made from a handset without IMEI makes it impossible to prove who made or received specific phone calls as cellular companies can’t trace the specific handset.
It may be recalled that India recently blocked 25 million handsets that were without IMEI.
Like India, Pakistani cellular companies may also offer re-programming of such Chinese handsets. In common words, through re-programming, IMEI number is embedded in a mobile phone to give it a legal status.
This movement is also supported by handset manufacturers as Chinese handsets are source of headache for mobile phone manufacturers like Nokia, Samsung and others. Sales of branded phones have been impacted significantly after low-cost Chinese handsets penetrated into Pakistani and other developing markets.
Google SMS
From local business listings to stock quotes, you can get the information you're looking for with Google SMS.
Text message your search query to 466453 ("GOOGLE" on most devices) and we'll text message back your results. Try our interactive demo below and view results on the phone image as you would on your own mobile device.
For HELP Text HELP to 466453, discuss this product, or visit the Mobile Help Center for additional support. Send STOP to cancel to 466453. Message & data rates may apply. Handset must be SMS capable and user must be authorized to use this device.
For a list of useful shortcuts and tips, text HELP.
Start Using it Now
To use Google SMS, just text the word "help" to 466453 (GOOGLE).
Try an Interactive Demo
Click a "Search Feature" to learn more or a "Sample Query" to view sample search results.
Text message your search query to 466453 ("GOOGLE" on most devices) and we'll text message back your results. Try our interactive demo below and view results on the phone image as you would on your own mobile device.
For HELP Text HELP to 466453, discuss this product, or visit the Mobile Help Center for additional support. Send STOP to cancel to 466453. Message & data rates may apply. Handset must be SMS capable and user must be authorized to use this device.
For a list of useful shortcuts and tips, text HELP.
Start Using it Now
To use Google SMS, just text the word "help" to 466453 (GOOGLE).
Try an Interactive Demo
Click a "Search Feature" to learn more or a "Sample Query" to view sample search results.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Enjoy Calls with Background Music: Ufone
Ufone Background music lets you play music and sound effects in the background of your call. You can play your favorite song in the background, or the sound of the beach, a market place and many more.
Just activate this service on your Ufone, select the song you want and hear the music play during the call. And that’s not all. You can also select different music for different people and play special sounds during the conversation at the press of a button.
Once the service is activated on your Ufone you can dial 770 and either select different songs for different mobile numbers or you can select one single song for all mobile numbers.
How To Use Ufone Background Music Service:
By dialing 770, you can manage your Background Music account by adding, deleting or changing the songs.
An easy way to add music to a conversation is by adding the prefix 77 before dialing the required number.
Here is a short guide to Ufone Background Music (BGM) Service:
Ufone BGM service can be subscribed as follows:
SMS SUB to 770
Dial 770
You are subscribed and a default BGM tune is set against your number.
You can download content through following medium:
SMS to 770
Dial 770
Log on to BGM Subscriber WEB Portal- click here
After selecting a content, you will be given the option to assign the selected content on your phone keys (1 – 9).
After first subscription, first three content (including default tune) will be downloaded for free.
Ufone Background Music Call Mechanics:
You have complete control over the music while it is playing. You can easily control the volume of the music and can end the music as and when you want! This is not all- you can also add sounds effects like a crying baby, car horn, marketplace, etc. Just read on below to know all about Ufone Background Music Service.
In order to initiate a BGM call, simply dial 77 followed by any number e.g 770333xxxxx , 77051xxxxx, 770300xxxxx
If you are not subscribed to BGM and want to initiate a BGM call by dialing 77 before the required number, call will not be initiated and you will be prompted to press 1 to subscribe the service.
A default BGM tune is set against the MSISDN.
After downloading content, other tunes and sound effects can then be assigned on keys 1 to 9.
Volume of BGM will be increased by pressing the ‘#’ key.
Volume of BGM will be decreased by pressing the ‘*’ key.
Pressing ‘0’ key will mute the Background Music during the call.
Pressing ‘0’ key will again activate the Background Music during the call.
If you are a BGM user and want to copy the BGM of other BGM user during the call, ‘*’ key will be pressed.
If B party is not a BGM subscriber and wants to copy A party’s (BGM subscriber) BGM tune, B party can press the ‘*’ key to copy the BGM tune. B party will also be subscribed and the copied tune will be set as his/ her BGM tune.
SMS Commands:
Following commands will be sent to 770:
To Subscribe SUB
To Unsubscribe UNSUB
For Help HELP
Content Download CONTENT ID
Pricing:
Subscription Charges (Prepaid) Re. 0.5+Tax per Day
Subscription Charges (Postpaid) Rs. 15+Tax per Month
Call Charges to 770 IVR: Rs. 2+Tax per Minute
Content Download: Rs. 5+Tax per Download
BGM Tune Copy: Rs. 5+Tax per Copy
SMS to 770: Rs. 2+Tax/SMS
Call Charges with prefix 77: Rs. 1.30+Tax/Minute (Prepaid & Postpaid)
(Prefix based charging applies on all U to U, U to OMO and U to PTCL)
Terms and Conditions:
Calls with prefix 77 will be charged on premium rate of Rs. 1.30 + Tax per minute regardless of user’s current call package.
Service available for both Prepaid and Postpaid users.
Service is not applicable for International calls.
Service is not applicable for roamers.
After using the service for a month, if you do not have the service subscription fee for next one month, you will be unsubscribed from the service and will have to subscribe again by dialing 770 or simply sending SUB to 770.
Just activate this service on your Ufone, select the song you want and hear the music play during the call. And that’s not all. You can also select different music for different people and play special sounds during the conversation at the press of a button.
Once the service is activated on your Ufone you can dial 770 and either select different songs for different mobile numbers or you can select one single song for all mobile numbers.
How To Use Ufone Background Music Service:
By dialing 770, you can manage your Background Music account by adding, deleting or changing the songs.
An easy way to add music to a conversation is by adding the prefix 77 before dialing the required number.
Here is a short guide to Ufone Background Music (BGM) Service:
Ufone BGM service can be subscribed as follows:
SMS SUB to 770
Dial 770
You are subscribed and a default BGM tune is set against your number.
You can download content through following medium:
SMS
Dial 770
Log on to BGM Subscriber WEB Portal- click here
After selecting a content, you will be given the option to assign the selected content on your phone keys (1 – 9).
After first subscription, first three content (including default tune) will be downloaded for free.
Ufone Background Music Call Mechanics:
You have complete control over the music while it is playing. You can easily control the volume of the music and can end the music as and when you want! This is not all- you can also add sounds effects like a crying baby, car horn, marketplace, etc. Just read on below to know all about Ufone Background Music Service.
In order to initiate a BGM call, simply dial 77 followed by any number e.g 770333xxxxx , 77051xxxxx, 770300xxxxx
If you are not subscribed to BGM and want to initiate a BGM call by dialing 77 before the required number, call will not be initiated and you will be prompted to press 1 to subscribe the service.
A default BGM tune is set against the MSISDN.
After downloading content, other tunes and sound effects can then be assigned on keys 1 to 9.
Volume of BGM will be increased by pressing the ‘#’ key.
Volume of BGM will be decreased by pressing the ‘*’ key.
Pressing ‘0’ key will mute the Background Music during the call.
Pressing ‘0’ key will again activate the Background Music during the call.
If you are a BGM user and want to copy the BGM of other BGM user during the call, ‘*’ key will be pressed.
If B party is not a BGM subscriber and wants to copy A party’s (BGM subscriber) BGM tune, B party can press the ‘*’ key to copy the BGM tune. B party will also be subscribed and the copied tune will be set as his/ her BGM tune.
SMS Commands:
Following commands will be sent to 770:
To Subscribe SUB
To Unsubscribe UNSUB
For Help HELP
Content Download CONTENT ID
Pricing:
Subscription Charges (Prepaid) Re. 0.5+Tax per Day
Subscription Charges (Postpaid) Rs. 15+Tax per Month
Call Charges to 770 IVR: Rs. 2+Tax per Minute
Content Download: Rs. 5+Tax per Download
BGM Tune Copy: Rs. 5+Tax per Copy
SMS to 770: Rs. 2+Tax/SMS
Call Charges with prefix 77: Rs. 1.30+Tax/Minute (Prepaid & Postpaid)
(Prefix based charging applies on all U to U, U to OMO and U to PTCL)
Terms and Conditions:
Calls with prefix 77 will be charged on premium rate of Rs. 1.30 + Tax per minute regardless of user’s current call package.
Service available for both Prepaid and Postpaid users.
Service is not applicable for International calls.
Service is not applicable for roamers.
After using the service for a month, if you do not have the service subscription fee for next one month, you will be unsubscribed from the service and will have to subscribe again by dialing 770 or simply sending SUB to 770.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
How to use official & non-official emails on Windows Mobile
Email service can easily be used with windows mobile, Android and Apple iPhone devices. All you need is EDGE enabled above devices and some IT permissions in-case of official exchange server emails.
How Emails works on Windows mobile?
* Get EDGE settings from mobile operators.
* TAP or select SMS/Messages from menu on your windows mobile.
* Select Options by tapping or selecting Menu in SMS /MMS window.
* Now select accounts on options window or Account window may be default selected.
* Now select New Accounts and give your web email address, for example: xxxxxxx@gmail.com and Password. You can also select save password option to avoid frequent password pop up.
If you get message window displaying ?Settings found for like in the Gmail case? settings found for Gmail.com, then your account setup is 100% completed and ready to use by just tapping next in the bottom of window.
On the next window, it will ask you your name and later on it will display as your signature in the emails.
By tapping next, new window will pop up and will ask you for synchronizing time like every 15 minutes, it means sync ever 15 minutes with Gmail.
For configuring ISP based email addresses, you need to have Pop3 and SMTP server names from your respective ISP?s. Uncheck the Automatically get email settings from internet and set the manual SMTP & PoP3 addresses.
For Configuring Microsoft Exchange server you have two options :-
* Connect with your office work station and connect your device active sync with work station, it will automatically synchronize if I.T department has given you permission rights. Please note that you will have to select attempt to detect Exchange Server Settings Automatically while giving email address.
* On the other side, you can do this by having manual settings like exchange server name and permissions from IT administrator. Process is same like any other email ? only you have to select Microsoft Exchange in your email provider drop down menu in windows mobile. Please also note that you need office work station User Name, Password & Domain Group from I.T administrator as well.
Important Points:
* User can easily get settings automatically of the web emails like Yahoo, Gmail, and Hotmail by giving complete address in the box. Otherwise, they can also find these settings from the service providers? website in settings or options menu.
* For using any web email like Gmail, Hotmail or Yahoo, You need to enable your PoP3 or IMAP access in your email account by accessing options of these respective web email websites. Or Just Google your query you will get the solution.
* Unlimited EDGE Data Package plan is highly recommended for it?s usage. EDGE data plans are available starting from Rs.400+tax
Conclusion:
In simple, you can get your every email account emails on your device by just giving Rs.400+tax to your mobile operator per month for unlimited EDGE data package. So with having instant messenger access, you can also enjoy your emails on the Go!
In next phase of article, we will discuss how to use email on Android Phones.
How Emails works on Windows mobile?
* Get EDGE settings from mobile operators.
* TAP or select SMS/Messages from menu on your windows mobile.
* Select Options by tapping or selecting Menu in SMS /MMS window.
* Now select accounts on options window or Account window may be default selected.
* Now select New Accounts and give your web email address, for example: xxxxxxx@gmail.com and Password. You can also select save password option to avoid frequent password pop up.
If you get message window displaying ?Settings found for like in the Gmail case? settings found for Gmail.com, then your account setup is 100% completed and ready to use by just tapping next in the bottom of window.
On the next window, it will ask you your name and later on it will display as your signature in the emails.
By tapping next, new window will pop up and will ask you for synchronizing time like every 15 minutes, it means sync ever 15 minutes with Gmail.
For configuring ISP based email addresses, you need to have Pop3 and SMTP server names from your respective ISP?s. Uncheck the Automatically get email settings from internet and set the manual SMTP & PoP3 addresses.
For Configuring Microsoft Exchange server you have two options :-
* Connect with your office work station and connect your device active sync with work station, it will automatically synchronize if I.T department has given you permission rights. Please note that you will have to select attempt to detect Exchange Server Settings Automatically while giving email address.
* On the other side, you can do this by having manual settings like exchange server name and permissions from IT administrator. Process is same like any other email ? only you have to select Microsoft Exchange in your email provider drop down menu in windows mobile. Please also note that you need office work station User Name, Password & Domain Group from I.T administrator as well.
Important Points:
* User can easily get settings automatically of the web emails like Yahoo, Gmail, and Hotmail by giving complete address in the box. Otherwise, they can also find these settings from the service providers? website in settings or options menu.
* For using any web email like Gmail, Hotmail or Yahoo, You need to enable your PoP3 or IMAP access in your email account by accessing options of these respective web email websites. Or Just Google your query you will get the solution.
* Unlimited EDGE Data Package plan is highly recommended for it?s usage. EDGE data plans are available starting from Rs.400+tax
Conclusion:
In simple, you can get your every email account emails on your device by just giving Rs.400+tax to your mobile operator per month for unlimited EDGE data package. So with having instant messenger access, you can also enjoy your emails on the Go!
In next phase of article, we will discuss how to use email on Android Phones.
Take Tea & Produce Bio-Diesel – Invention by Pakistani Scientist
A Pakistani scientist has successfully invented a nano catalyst for production of bio-diesel with the help of spent tea for the first time in the world, opening up new avenues for alternative environment-friendly energy resources.
Dr. Syed Tajamul Hussain, a nano scientist working at National Center for Physics (NCP), and his research team members after untiring efforts during last one year proved with their laboratory tests that used tea can be utilized to produce bio-diesel almost free of carbon emission on commercial basis. The results of their research is going to be published in world reputed Journal of Bio-Technology in its January 2010 issue.
According to the data bio-diesel generally refers to a vegetable oil- or animal fat-based diesel fuel consisting of long-chain alkyl (methyl propyl) or ethyl esters. Bio-diesel is typically made by chemically reacting lipids (e.g. vegetable oil, animal fat with an alcohol. Bio-diesel is meant to be used in standard diesel engines and is thus distinct from the vegetable and waste oils to fuel converted diesel engines. Bio-diesel can be used alone, or blended with petro-diesel.
In an interview with ‘The News’ Syed Tajamul Hussain said Pakistan is the third largest importer of tea after UK and China as it is spending $8.8 million annually for import of tea.
“The nano particles help produce 560 ml of bio-diesel from one kilogramme of used tea and if the process is carried out on commercial basis it can be a giant step towards production of alternative energy resources in the country,” he said. He said there is a global ban on production of bio-diesel with the use of edible products so they started research work on spent tea and finally they succeeded in their endeavours to use this non-edible product to prepare bio-diesel.
Tajamul Hussain said the newly invented technology can be used on commercial basis after establishment of pilot plant at the initial stage to get first hand practical experience at comparatively low capital. He said emission of carbon has become one of the grave concerns in the modern world so they tried their best to invent any new process that ensures production of bio-diesel without any chance of carbon emission.
Tajamul said if the environment ministry or any other government department extended its financial support then the plan to produce bio-diesel with the use of spent tea could be translated into reality. “The chances are also ripe for the private sector because the project would not only provide profit, but also enable the investors to claim prize money given for those projects that help reduce production of Carbon dioxide (CO2),” he said. He said petrol and diesel are produced with small and big molecules respectively and bio-diesel also falls in the category of those products that utilises big petroleum molecules.
Tajamul said the research work also showed that spent tea can also be used for production of alcohol that is quite new because spent coffee had been widely used for the purpose, but no one tried to utilise used tea even in the countries like UK and USA where tea users are in large number.
Dr. Syed Tajamul Hussain, a nano scientist working at National Center for Physics (NCP), and his research team members after untiring efforts during last one year proved with their laboratory tests that used tea can be utilized to produce bio-diesel almost free of carbon emission on commercial basis. The results of their research is going to be published in world reputed Journal of Bio-Technology in its January 2010 issue.
According to the data bio-diesel generally refers to a vegetable oil- or animal fat-based diesel fuel consisting of long-chain alkyl (methyl propyl) or ethyl esters. Bio-diesel is typically made by chemically reacting lipids (e.g. vegetable oil, animal fat with an alcohol. Bio-diesel is meant to be used in standard diesel engines and is thus distinct from the vegetable and waste oils to fuel converted diesel engines. Bio-diesel can be used alone, or blended with petro-diesel.
In an interview with ‘The News’ Syed Tajamul Hussain said Pakistan is the third largest importer of tea after UK and China as it is spending $8.8 million annually for import of tea.
“The nano particles help produce 560 ml of bio-diesel from one kilogramme of used tea and if the process is carried out on commercial basis it can be a giant step towards production of alternative energy resources in the country,” he said. He said there is a global ban on production of bio-diesel with the use of edible products so they started research work on spent tea and finally they succeeded in their endeavours to use this non-edible product to prepare bio-diesel.
Tajamul Hussain said the newly invented technology can be used on commercial basis after establishment of pilot plant at the initial stage to get first hand practical experience at comparatively low capital. He said emission of carbon has become one of the grave concerns in the modern world so they tried their best to invent any new process that ensures production of bio-diesel without any chance of carbon emission.
Tajamul said if the environment ministry or any other government department extended its financial support then the plan to produce bio-diesel with the use of spent tea could be translated into reality. “The chances are also ripe for the private sector because the project would not only provide profit, but also enable the investors to claim prize money given for those projects that help reduce production of Carbon dioxide (CO2),” he said. He said petrol and diesel are produced with small and big molecules respectively and bio-diesel also falls in the category of those products that utilises big petroleum molecules.
Tajamul said the research work also showed that spent tea can also be used for production of alcohol that is quite new because spent coffee had been widely used for the purpose, but no one tried to utilise used tea even in the countries like UK and USA where tea users are in large number.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
