In a significant move to enhance its maritime and mineral exploration capabilities, India has signed a 15-year contract with the International Seabed Authority (ISA). This agreement grants India exclusive rights to explore polymetallic sulphides in the Indian Ocean. These sulphides, found around hydrothermal vents on the seafloor, are rich in essential metals such as copper, zinc, gold, and silver, which are crucial for clean energy technologies, electronics, and other high-tech applications. This makes India the first country to hold two ISA contracts for polymetallic sulphides, building upon an earlier agreement for the Central and Southwest Indian Ridges.
Addressing the pressing issue of air pollution, the Indian government has announced plans to conduct a technology-backed study on "smog-eating" photocatalytic coatings. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa stated that his department will evaluate titanium oxide-based coatings that can be applied to roads to reduce nitrogen dioxide and harmful hydrocarbons. While this technology has been utilized in some international cities, it is new to India. The study will focus on its safety, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness, with a potential for rapid, city-wide deployment if proven effective.
Further boosting scientific outreach and education, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated the Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Science City at Rajendra Nagar in Patna. Spread over 21 acres and constructed at a cost of 889 crore rupees, the Science City features five science-based galleries, 269 science exhibition models, an auditorium, and a 4D theater. It is designed to be a modern center for science and innovation, aiming to attract people of all age groups and provide a unique platform for exploring science and technology.
In a unique intersection of culture and technology, the Gujarat Council on Science and Technology (GUJCOST) is actively exploring opportunities to secure intellectual property (IP) rights for innovations related to Garba. With Navratri commencing, GUJCOST's Patent Information Centre (PIC) is engaging with stakeholders to raise awareness and explore IP angles for aspects ranging from stage design and musical arrangements to user experience and dress design, recognizing Garba's global recognition as an "intangible cultural heritage."