Peoples' science

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.

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.

In a significant diplomatic shift prompted by mounting climate risk, Nepal and China have agreed to begin sharing critical cross-border intelligence on glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) that threaten lives and livelihoods in the fragile Himalayan region.

The study, published this month in Nature Communications, Earth and Environment, says East Asian efforts to reduce atmospheric aerosols was likely to have accelerated global surface warming since around 2010.

With future plans to scale production and explore export possibilities, ADIDOC stands as a beacon of India’s ability to lead in affordable medical innovation.

Researchers say this makes it well-suited to planting in fire-affected areas for quick reforestation and regeneration — although experts also stress the need for a mix of species.

The trial in India’s industrial hub of Surat reduced particulate emissions by 20 to 30 per cent, with participating plants complying fully with environmental regulations.

Factors that affect ozone generation include solar radiation, humidity, precipitation and the presence of precursors – substances that lead to the formation of a pollutant through a chemical reaction – such as methane, nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds.