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- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

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Good News

Spark of Change: How Mass Electric Vehicle Adoption is Making Indian Communities Cleaner

According to studies, electric car sales in India have increased by more than sixfold since before the outbreak. However, in addition to increased environmental concerns, skyrocketing fuel prices may have pushed this transformation forward. Nonetheless, it begs the question: is transitioning away from planet-destroying fossil fuel cars genuinely effective? For certain heavily electrified areas of the United States, the answer is a resounding — if gradual and steady — yes. In addition to being one of America's most technologically advanced states, California has remained a staunch supporter of the impending green transition, with ambitions to phase out gas-powered automobiles by mid-century. San Francisco, one of the state's richest cities, has recently seen a massive increase in electric car ownership. As one of the world's major vehicle marketplaces, India's nationwide electrification will signal a watershed moment for both the globe and the country. The future of electric cars in India seems positive, given to the Indian government's push for sustainable transportation, rising consumer demand for new technologies, and the rise of private firms interested in EV technology. However, the government faces significant hurdles in its quest for complete EV adoption, including a lack of charging infrastructure and expensive EV upfront prices. An Ever Evolving Surge of Electric Vehicles in India ~ (Source: Google Images)  India's EV Market Is on a Rapid Growth Trajectory ~  India is one of the world's largest markets for two- and three-wheeled vehicles, ranking among the global top five for private cars and commercial vehicles.  According to JMK Research, a staggering 455,733 EV units were sold in FY2022. India's Ministry of Road Transport and Highways also claimed that 1,334,385 electric vehicles in India were on the road as of July 2022. These numbers are sure to increase, with central and state governments, as well as private sector players, actively pushing for greater electrification on Indian roads.  India Sets Ambitious Targets~  According to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, the Indian government intends to achieve the following EV mix in India by 2030: The Targetted Goals Till 2030 ( Source: Google Images)  India set high aims for developing EV ecosystem by 2030. The Indian government has implemented laws and initiatives, like the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP), to promote the use of electric cars in the country. The goal is to lessen India's dependency on crude oil. The Indian government has also developed the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid and) Electric Vehicles (FAME) plan. This initiative should help increase adoption rates in the future years. The Finance Minister of India has promised a cut in customs duties and taxes for the 2023 budget. This will help improve local manufacture of lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles. Several state governments, including Assam, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat, have implemented laws and initiatives to encourage EV manufacture in their territory.As a result of these initiatives, private businesses have begun to enter the EV industry, paving the way for increased adoption of electric cars in India. India's success will have a big and beneficial global influence. India’s EV Adoption Will Be a Global Success ~  According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global EV sales in 2021 would double from the previous year, reaching 16.5 million units sold globally. India has also promised that EVs will account for at least 30% of total road traffic by 2023. Although a modest goal, a 30% adoption rate will have worldwide ramifications, both ecologically and economically. For starters, India is the world's third-largest oil importer, but the switch to electric vehicles would dramatically cut its reliance on oil, destabilizing global oil markets. If India meets its lofty adoption ambitions, it would establish a model that other rising countries may follow worldwide mobility. This, in turn, will have a greater influence on oil prices as the reliance on this fossil fuel declines. Furthermore, with a population of 1.4 billion and a fast rising economy, India is poised to be a major participant in the global EV market today. The complete adoption of electric cars in India will constitute a significant step in the right direction towards sustainable development. “We show from atmospheric measurements that adoption of electric vehicles is working, that it's having the intended effect on CO2 emissions," explained study author Ronald Cohen. “1.8 percent per year is half the rate that we need to decrease. But I think it's an amazing down payment on our way to the right future." However, San Francisco is clearly an aberration and may not reflect the usual level of development that electrification may produce. The aggressive way in which Bay Area residents moved to greener automobiles is unreasonable to anticipate anywhere, particularly in impoverished regions. “This is what a good news story looks like in the place that's most aggressive," Cohen remarks. "But it shows it's possible. It shows both how we can make measurements that allow us to report on how cities are doing with their policies, and it shows us those policies can make changes that are observable at scale.” The increasing adoption of EVs in India will have significant environmental impacts. (Source: Pixabay, carlovenson)  

11 Apr 2024
Good News

Dolls That Look Like Us: Capturing the World's Attention

Assam-based Kirat Brahma quit a decade-long job as an animator to come home and promote his community through Zankla Studio. It creates eco-friendly soft toys that narrate stories that are profoundly entrenched in the Bodo community's culture and traditions. Kirat Brahma's upbringing was filled with mythology and tribal tales growing up in Assam's Baksa District, a small village located between India and Bhutan. Kirat became more aware of the discrimination and lack of awareness regarding persons from the Northeastern states as he moved around the country. By 2020, when the pandemic struck, Kirat had decided to return home and begin brainstorming options. He had certain questions revolving around his mind always before starting his journey, to begin with -  "I wanted to create a product that showcases our culture to future generations."  ‘’I also wanted to introduce individuals who were unfamiliar with the Bodo culture to a completely other universe.’’  "What better way to introduce children and others to my culture than with soft toys?"  So, in 2021, he founded Zankla Studio with the goal of highlighting the rich culture of the Bodo Tribe. The workshop makes handmade plastic-free soft toys that tell stories strongly tied to the Bodo community's culture and traditions. Each Zankla Studio toy includes a tribal tale or is a portrayal of a significant tribe member, such as Ada Lowdoom — a Bodo traveler, Bodo Jwhwlao — a traditional Bodo fighter, or Gowdang Rani — a Bodo princess.It comes with a pamphlet that tells the story of the mythical or real character on which the toy is based,. The main objective of these toys is to spark conversation about the neighborhood. Each toy is the result of extensive research and effort.  He claims that they have numerous lost folklore stories and figures. He models his toys after them. Insights about the Pricing:  He claims they've sold about 100 toys thus far. Each item is normally priced between Rs 800 and Rs 3,000, depending on the amount of effort involved. They are also working on expanding the number of categories. "The people receive our toys with a lot of love," he said. What is the store for the future? "I wish to hire more artisans, thus providing more employment opportunities to the people of my tribe," Kirat says of his future intentions. This is more than just a company to me; it is my opportunity to bring value to my community and promote it to the rest of the globe." You can find Kirat's exquisite toys available for purchase on his official Instagram profile, @zankla_studio. If you admire his artistry and dedication to making a positive impact, be sure to follow his work on social media!  

5 Nov 2023
Good News

Unconventional Farming Leads to Unprecedented Profits: The Story of Lavender in Doda

The purple revolution has begun in the hilly slopes of Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district as 200 farmers have abandoned the traditional farming of maize crops and started cultivating aromatic lavender.  This transformation has led to more profitability for farmers and is a step towards fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi's dream of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India). The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) initiated the Aroma Mission to popularize aromatic crops and provide end-to-end technology and value-addition solutions to farmers across the country. The introduction of lavender by the Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine in 2018 in the temperate regions of Jammu division under the CSIR-Aroma Mission has led to the successful cultivation of the plant in Doda, Kishtwar, and Rajouri districts. The 200 small and marginal farmers of the Bhadarwah region of Doda district embraced the initiative and started cultivating lavender in their fields in several villages. Under the CSIR-Aroma Mission, quality planting material (QPM) of eight lakh rooted plants of lavender were provided free of cost to 500 farmers in the Jammu region for 100 acres of land. The farmers were given technical support and free essential oil distillation facilities. Through CSIR-IIIM interventions, they have produced more than 800 litres of lavender oil worth Rs 80 lakh from 2018 to 2020. The success of the initiative has led to local entrepreneurs providing the required infrastructure at farmers' doorsteps to extract oil and the appropriate market to sell it. Over 100 acres of land belonging to 200 farmers have been brought under cultivation of aromatic plants, especially lavender. The farmers are already harvesting and distilling lavender in Bhadarwah and are expecting good returns as the cost of lavender oil is Rs 10,000 per litre. The "purple revolution" is an excellent example of how unconventional agricultural practices can lead to better outcomes for small and marginal farmers, as well as fulfilling the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat. The success of this initiative can inspire more farmers to adopt unconventional farming methods and lead to a more sustainable and profitable agricultural sector.

25 Apr 2023
Good News

Reviving India's Tourism Industry: 2023 Budget by FM Nirmala Sitharaman

The Union Budget 2023 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has put a special emphasis on the tourism sector. The government has announced plans to develop 50 tourist destinations as a whole package for domestic and international tourists, and also to establish unity malls to promote and sell one district, one product.  Along with the integration of government initiatives and public-private partnerships, the government also intends to promote tourism on a mission basis with the states' active involvement. The budget has been welcomed by the tourism industry as a much-needed relief for the battered sector. In addition to the initiatives for promoting domestic tourism, the government’s special focus on the north-east will pave the way for economic growth and sustainable development. With enormous prospects in the Brahmaputra basin and budget pushes for wetlands, this could be a way to make conservation profitable in the region. Along with conservation objectives in the area, there are chances to generate income for rural populations. To make sure that tourist entry does not wreak havoc on delicate ecosystems, the north-eastern nations must implement regulations akin to those in effect in neighboring Bhutan. Overall, the Union Budget 2023 provides a much-needed boost to the tourism sector, with the potential to bring in economic and environmental benefits.

1 Feb 2023
Good News

India’s First State-of-Art Agri Mall Coming Up in Lucknow Will Be a Boon to Farmers

  The country’s first agro mall is set to come up in Lucknow's capital city under the state government's initiative led by  Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. With this move, farmers stand to gain as they will be able to sell their produce directly to consumers at a fair price. The agro mall will enable the farmers to brand their agricultural products and sell them at fair prices. The mall that is planned to be developed in Vikalp Khand of Gomtinagar, will facilitate the direct selling  of goods from farmers to customers. The program will also enable people to obtain fresh fruits and vegetables directly from agricultural lands, the UP government stated in a statement. According to The Print, a 7-storey agro mall would be built in Gomtinagar on about 8,000 square meters of land and it will be equipped with modern amenities. At the agro-mall, farmers and buyers will have access to many cutting-edge amenities. The mall will, among other things, include contemporary infrastructure, rest areas, and parking facilities for both farmers and customers. Additionally, state officials have been told to modify the Mandi Rules so that people can apply for a license to conduct e-auction of agricultural produce. The private sector will be given additional opportunities to participate thus increasing Mandi Parishad's revenue. According to state government authorities,  in addition to the agro mall, the UP government will take necessary steps to promote farmers' income levels through a variety of measures. The agro mall will go a long way in improving farmers' income and well-being.

2 Jan 2023
Good News

Star Citizens

Eco-Artist Extraordinaire: Recycling Discarded Items into Stunning Works of Art

Vishwanath Mallabadi Davangere is an inspirational eco-artist, with a passion for upcycling discarded items into stunning works of art. From metal and plastic to old gadgets, this Bangalore-based artist diligently selects only the finest “good stuff” with potential for transformation. His art ranges from jewellery and sculptures to abstract pieces, installations, and even robots. Vishwanath's dedication to recycling is more crucial than ever in light of the e-waste catastrophe that India is currently experiencing. He focuses on finding objects that are functional based on their texture, color, and form, such as copper, gold, and multicolored wires, keyboards, and computer parts. By using this strategy, he is able to effectively recycle materials that would otherwise be thrown away and contribute to the expanding e-waste problem. Although Vishwanath's father was a well-known sculptor and painter when he was a child, he hoped that his son would become a doctor. But Vishwanath had other plans. He chose to pursue a degree in applied art since he was attracted by upcycling used items since a young age. Vishwanath couldn't get rid of his enthusiasm for eco-art, even though he was a high-level executive at Wipro and worked in talent transformation. He devoted his weekends and leisure time to experimenting with e-waste and producing one-of-a-kind works of art. The best thing is that it has since developed into a prosperous business! Vishwanath began selling his one-of-a-kind eco-art works after he retired two years ago, and he has now amassed a large international clientele, including purchasers from Delhi, the Netherlands, the United States, and Europe. He is now an example of how converting a passion into a business can result in an exciting and rewarding profession.

3 Feb 2023
Star Citizens

A Simple Woman From A Small Village Becomes The Brand Ambassador Of The District

Anjani Mallah is a fighter. She set foot in Sant Kabirnagar's Medrapur Village after her marriage and was disappointed to see that there were no toilets. She not only struggled to build 125 toilets but also helped women fight for their rights instead of leaving their in-law's place just because there's no toilet. Anjali won the admiration of villagers and other women were inspired by her determination. They supported her in her mission of building toilets. The group of women led by Anjani met many officers. She even protested and raised the issue. At last, she won her fight as Saroj Kumar (the then DM) ordered to construct 75 toilets. She is now the brand ambassador of Sant Kabir Nagar district.

12 Jan 2018
Star Citizens

Global Inspirations

World’s Smallest Stent Could Be a Boon to Medical Science

Stents are being widely used to treat blocked coronary vessels, but researchers from Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, Switzerland felt the need for a smaller stent to treat urethral stricture that develops one in every thousand children, sometimes even when they are still a foetus in the womb. Use Of the Stent The smallest stent can prevent life-threatening levels of urine from accumulating in the bladder if it could be inserted to widen the constriction while the foetus is still in the womb, according to the study published in the journal Advanced Materials Technologies. However, it is impossible to create a stent, so small in size through conventional methods. Therefore, paediatric surgeon Gaston De Bernardis from Aargau Cantonal Hospital approached the Multi-Scale Robotics Lab at ETH Zurich. How The Stent Functions Researchers at the Lab have been able to develop a new method which will help them produce highly detailed structures measuring less than 100 micrometres in diameter by a method called indirect 4D printing. The stent’s shape-memory properties enable it every time to return to its original shape after compression, thus widening the constricted area of the urinary tract. Before finding real-world application, researchers said that the stent will first be tested in animal models. The results can open the door to the development of new tools for minimally invasive surgery. Image Source: Futurity.org

15 Aug 2019
Global Inspirations

World's Tiniest Satellite Carrying- Rocket By Japan

Japan launched a microsatellite on Saturday after a failed attempt of the same in last year in January.  The rocket is said to be as small as a utility pole of a size 10 metres in length and 50 centimetres in diameter.   The rocket was lifted off from the Uchinoura Space Centre in Kagoshima Prefecture. The launch was successful and the satellite weighs about 3 kilograms.  It was developed by the University of Tokyo to college images of Earth's surface.

5 Feb 2018
Global Inspirations

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