IndiaVarta

Rajasthan’s Desert Development Department has introduced the Thar Desert Resilience Index (TDRI), a tool to measure ecosystem health, community adaptation, and climate impact across desert districts. The index considers groundwater levels, vegetation, livestock health, and weather variability. Each district will receive an annual rating and recommendations for water conservation, pasture revival, and heat mitigation. The first report shows Barmer and Jaisalmer at medium resilience, while Bikaner scored low due to depleted aquifers. NGOs and local panchayats will now use the index to plan grassroots projects.

North India एक बार फिर भीषण गर्मी की चपेट में है। Delhi में तापमान 47°C को पार कर गया है, जिससे schools को बंद करने का आदेश दिया गया है। Hospitals में heatstroke के cases बढ़ रहे हैं और बिजली कटौती से लोग परेशान हैं। IMD ने अगले 5 दिन के लिए red alert जारी किया है। Experts climate change को इसका मुख्य कारण मान रहे हैं।

World Bank ने India को $1 billion की funding approve की है जिसका इस्तेमाल climate resilience projects के लिए होगा। इसमें agriculture innovation, flood control और renewable energy initiatives शामिल हैं। यह funding भारत के climate goals को support करेगी और vulnerable communities को empower करेगी।

Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) ने Tamil Nadu और Andhra Pradesh के तटीय इलाकों में cyclone “Madhavi” को लेकर red alert जारी किया है। High-speed winds और heavy rain की संभावना है। सरकार ने emergency evacuation plan तैयार किया है और NDRF teams standby पर हैं।

Elon Musk की company Neuralink ने पहली बार human brain-chip trials शुरू किए हैं। यह chip disabled लोगों को computer operate करने में मदद करेगी। पहला patient अब thoughts से cursor move कर पा रहा है। हालांकि experts ethical और safety concerns भी उठा रहे हैं। Musk ने कहा, “We are entering a new era of human-AI symbiosis.”

Chennai Corporation has launched a drone-based multispectral tree census program across the city’s green zones, street canopy, and urban wetlands. The drones capture tree count, canopy cover, species type, and health metrics like chlorophyll levels. The data populates a public tree map and aids in heat island and urban planning efforts. 100% of trees in parks and roadsides are expected to be cataloged by 2025. The program also flags disease-affected trees for early intervention.

Gujarat’s Science & Technology Department and PRL have opened a quantum sensor research facility in Ahmedabad, focused on precise gravity, magnetic, and inertial measurements. The lab is equipped with atomic clock setups and quantum gravimeters and is the first of its kind in South Asia. The facility enables national research in geology, navigation, and defense applications. Initial projects include tectonic plate monitoring near the Himalayas.

Bengaluru’s Water Supply and Sewerage Board has adopted a decentralized wastewater treatment policy requiring all new apartment complexes (200+ units) to install on-site treatment plants (STPs) with ≥90% reclamation. Reclaimed water is used for landscaping and flushing. In the first year, six complexes have been certified, saving 150 ML of fresh water annually. The board offers grants for retrofitting older properties. Environment experts view this as a game‑changer for urban water sustainability in India.

The Delhi Metro has begun a ‘Green Corridor’ pilot between Janakpuri West and RK Ashram stations. Solar panels installed on roofs and soundproofing acrylic tunnels generate energy used to power escalators, lights, and station HVAC systems. Energy-sharing smart inverters supply surplus energy back to the Delhi Metro grid. The pilot has reduced energy consumption by 20% and cut operating costs. The project will extend to 50 stations by 2026.

Central Railways has begun retrofitting suburban electric trains with AI-based anti-theft and surveillance cameras. The system can detect suspicious behavior like luggage left unattended or possible snatching incidents. Alerts are sent to onboard staff and Thane’s Railway Police Control. A pilot on 4 rakes in Mumbai’s fast trains recorded a 60% drop in petty theft incidents within two months. The system is seeding deployment across Mumbai’s suburban network.