GENERAL

KNOWLEDGE
P.Lalithamani
II-M.Sc Mathematics
KG College of Arts & Science

3D PRINTER

International Space Station, installed

the printer on Nov. 17 and conducted
the first calibration test print.
Based on the test print results, the ground
control team sent commands to realign the
printer and printed a second calibration test on
Nov. 20. These tests verified that the printer
was ready for manufacturing operations.

Space Applications
3D printing serves as a fast and inexpensive way to

manufacture parts on-site and on-demand, reducing the

need for costly spares on the International Space Station
and future spacecraft.
Long-term missions would benefit greatly from having

onboard manufacturing capabilities.

Data and experience gathered in this demonstration

improve future 3-dimensional manufacturing technology

and equipment for the space program, allowing a greater
degree of autonomy and flexibility for astronauts.

Earth
Applications
The experiment compares 3D printed objects made on
Earth with those made in microgravity.
Insight into how 3D printing works in microgravity

could improve 3D printing methods for industry.

The experiment includes student activities, in

particular a project allowing students to design items

to be 3D printed on the space station by crew
members.

South Asian Association for

Regional Cooperation(SAARC)
In the ending years of the 1970s,

the seven inner South Asian nations that

includedBangladesh,Bhutan,India, Maldives,
Nepal,Pakistan, andSri Lankaagreed upon
the creation of a trade bloc and to provide a
platform for the people of South Asia to work
together in a spirit of friendship, trust and
understanding.

SAARC MEETING IN KATHMANDU

The eighteenth summit of 'South Asian Association of

Regional Cooperation' (SAARC) was held inKathmandu,

the capital ofFederal Democratic Republic of Nepal
during 2627 November 2014.
The theme of the summit wasDeeper Integration for

Peace and Prosperity, focused on enhancing

connectivity between the member states for easier
transit-transport across the region.

 Sushil Koirala, the Nepalese Prime

Minister, was the main host of the

event which took place in Rastriya
Sabha Griha Sanandan Raj, Nepal
The summit took place after an

interval of three years as the last summit was held in

2011 inMaldivesand the next summit will now be held
in Islamabad in 2016.

THANK YOU