India

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has ordered a time-bound scientific study of photocatalytic “smog-eating” coatings, including titanium dioxide-based surfaces, hoping they may offer a drawbridge between policy and technological innovation to reduce harmful pollutants like nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and volatile hydrocarbons.

He called upon governments to strengthen inclusive policies for tribal empowerment, ensure safe and dignified migration, build resilient urban systems, and invest in disaster preparedness.

The rollover, agreed after high-level talks in Malé, reflects India’s continued financial support to its maritime neighbour and long-standing development partner.

But beyond the immediate destruction, most prominently over Dehradun on the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday, new reports and expert commentary point to deeper systemic failures – in climate monitoring, disaster preparedness, and infrastructure planning – that are making the Himalayan state increasingly vulnerable.

The indigenously developed technology ‘Gausort’ was launched by the prime minister earlier on  5 October 2024 will be used in sex sorting. Through Gausort technology, Sex Sorted Semen will be available to the farmers of the eastern and north-eastern region at reasonable rates.

The state government will provide an incentive of ₹800 per bag of urea saved to cultivators who adopt alternative practices and minimise its use.

Although aluminium has great potential because it can store and release energy efficiently, scientists faced problems in practically using it due to its complicated chemistry.

The state had proposed expansive eco-tourism development in this area, which spans over 745 square kilometers.