Sustainability

The Maharashtra higher education department has directed colleges and universities across the state to implement fuel-saving measures, encourage car-pooling, and reduce unnecessary travel as part of a wider energy conservation initiative.

In a circular issued on May 13, Director of Higher Education Shailendra Deolankar instructed vice-chancellors and regional joint directors to ensure that higher educational institutions actively adopt practices aimed at reducing fuel consumption and controlling avoidable expenditure.

The department stated that increasing fuel consumption and growing environmental concerns have made it essential for educational institutions to promote sustainable and energy-efficient practices in their day-to-day operations.

As part of the guidelines, universities and colleges have been asked to encourage staff members and students to use shared transportation systems and adopt “car-pooling” in order to reduce the number of private vehicles entering campuses. Institutions have also been advised to minimise avoidable travel and make greater use of online meetings and virtual communication platforms wherever possible.

The circular further instructed campuses to reduce excessive use of electricity-consuming equipment and adopt measures that contribute to overall energy conservation. Authorities have also been told to avoid unnecessary administrative and travel-related expenses.

According to the department, educational institutions have a crucial role to play in promoting environmental responsibility and efficient resource utilisation. The circular emphasized collective participation from students, teaching staff, and non-teaching employees in achieving these sustainability goals.

In addition, colleges and universities have been urged to create awareness among students regarding fuel conservation, responsible energy use, and environmentally conscious behaviour.

Officials said the initiative forms part of a broader push by the state government to encourage sustainable practices in educational institutions while simultaneously reducing operational costs linked to transport and energy consumption.

A new study led by researchers at University College London has raised concerns that the rapid rise in satellite launches could unintentionally alter Earth’s climate by injecting large amounts of black carbon soot into the upper atmosphere.

Published in the journal Earth's Future, the study warns that emissions from rockets launching satellite megaconstellations are reducing the amount of sunlight reaching Earth’s surface — creating effects that resemble small-scale geoengineering.

Scientists say the phenomenon remains limited for now, but growing launch rates could make the environmental impact increasingly difficult to reverse.

How rocket launches are affecting the atmosphere

The study focuses on black carbon particles released by rockets burning kerosene-based fuel.

Unlike pollution near Earth’s surface, rocket soot is injected directly into the stratosphere and upper atmosphere, where:

• Rain cannot easily wash it out
• Atmospheric circulation is slow
• Particles can persist for years

Researchers found that this high-altitude soot absorbs sunlight and alters how solar radiation moves through the atmosphere.

The result is a slight dimming effect at Earth’s surface.

Scientists compared the process to proposed solar geoengineering techniques that intentionally block sunlight to cool the planet — except in this case, the effect is occurring unintentionally through commercial space activity.

Why black carbon in space launches matters

According to the study, black carbon released at high altitudes is roughly 500–540 times more climate-potent per unit mass than soot emitted at ground level.

That is because:

• Surface pollution is removed relatively quickly by weather systems
• Stratospheric soot remains suspended far longer
• High-altitude particles interact differently with solar radiation

Researchers stress that the current cooling effect remains extremely small compared with overall global warming caused by greenhouse gases.

However, they warn the long-term accumulation could:

• Alter atmospheric circulation
• Affect regional climate patterns
• Interfere with ozone chemistry
• Create difficult-to-predict environmental consequences

Satellite megaconstellations driving launch surge

The increase in rocket emissions is closely tied to the global race to build satellite megaconstellations.

Major projects include:

• SpaceX’s Starlink
• China’s Qianfan
• Amazon’s Project Kuiper

These systems aim to deploy tens of thousands of satellites to provide global internet coverage.

The study notes that annual rocket launches have nearly tripled:

• 114 launches in 2020
• 329 launches in 2025

Much of the increase comes from reusable rockets such as Falcon 9, which commonly use kerosene fuel that generates black carbon soot.

By 2029, researchers estimate rocket launches could emit around 870 tonnes of black carbon annually — comparable to emissions from the United Kingdom’s passenger vehicle fleet.

Scientists compare it to an unregulated geoengineering experiment

Researchers described the situation as a “small-scale unregulated geoengineering experiment” taking place without comprehensive international oversight.

Unlike aviation or industrial emissions, rocket emissions currently face relatively limited environmental regulation globally.

Scientists argue there is still time to act because:

• The total climate impact remains relatively small
• The industry is still expanding
• Cleaner propulsion systems may reduce future risks

But they warn that delays in regulation could allow atmospheric effects to accumulate before the science is fully understood.

What scientists want next

Researchers are calling for:

• Greater monitoring of rocket emissions
• International environmental standards for launches
• More research into upper-atmosphere pollution
• Development of cleaner rocket fuels

They also caution that current projections may underestimate future impacts because launch growth between 2023 and 2025 has already exceeded earlier forecasts.

As governments and private companies compete to dominate satellite internet infrastructure and commercial space operations, the study highlights a growing reality: space activity is no longer environmentally isolated from Earth’s climate system.

The findings add to broader concerns that humanity’s expanding presence in near-Earth space may create unintended planetary consequences long before global regulatory systems are prepared to manage them.

At a time when much of India’s edtech sector is grappling with layoffs, funding slowdowns and profitability concerns, UNIVO Education is charting a very different path.

The company recently earned global recognition after being ranked among the top rising edtech firms in the TIME World’s Top EdTech Rising Stars 2025 rankings. Behind that momentum lies what the company calls a “high-scale, low-burn” strategy focused on university partnerships, employability and operational sustainability.

In an interview, Lalit Pruthi explained how the company achieved 7x revenue growth while many edtech startups continue struggling to break even.

According to Pruthi, UNIVO’s approach differs fundamentally from conventional edtech models because the company does not position itself merely as a content provider. Instead, it acts as a digital enabler for universities, managing the infrastructure, student support and technology layer required to deliver online degree programmes at scale.

He said the company works through long-term and exclusive collaborations with universities, while also integrating industry-focused partnerships with organisations such as TCS iON, HCLTech and KPMG to make programmes more aligned with workforce demands.

Pruthi emphasised that delivering online degrees involves far more than digitising classroom lectures. The process includes maintaining academic standards, ensuring regulatory compliance, designing digital learning experiences and offering continuous learner support through academic advisors, technology teams and mentors.

Today, the company claims to have crossed 200,000 learners across more than 135 countries, reflecting the growing global demand for flexible online education linked to employability outcomes.

Asked about profitability in the current edtech climate, Pruthi acknowledged the challenges facing the sector, particularly rising customer acquisition costs and shifting investor sentiment. However, he argued that sustainable growth depends less on aggressive expansion and more on retention, referrals and learner outcomes.

Rather than pursuing rapid scale through excessive spending, UNIVO focused on selective partnerships with UGC-recognised institutions and building long-term value. According to him, stronger student outcomes have helped improve retention and referrals, strengthening the balance between customer acquisition cost and lifetime value.

The company’s financial journey also reflects changing investor priorities within the edtech ecosystem. In 2022, UNIVO raised $76.6 million in Series-A funding led by Amity Promoters and AVENU Learning. Pruthi said the capital was primarily used to strengthen technology infrastructure and expand programme offerings.

Despite achieving rapid growth, he indicated that the company currently has no immediate plans for additional fundraising because operations are increasingly self-sustaining.

He believes this signals a broader transition within the edtech industry, where investors are becoming more cautious about unsustainable expansion models and are instead prioritising companies that demonstrate compliance, measurable outcomes and operational discipline.

Regulation, often viewed as a challenge by many startups, is seen differently by UNIVO. Pruthi described regulations as necessary safeguards that protect learners and maintain quality standards in higher education. He supported the growing recognition of online degrees by the University Grants Commission, calling it a critical step toward establishing parity between online and offline education.

Technology, meanwhile, remains central to the company’s strategy. UNIVO has introduced AI-driven systems such as Prof AMI 3.0, an AI-powered learning assistant designed to provide real-time academic support and personalised guidance to learners.

The company has also integrated AI into career services, offering tools such as resume builders, mock interview systems and access to more than 100,000 job opportunities.

As India’s edtech sector moves beyond the era of unchecked expansion, companies like UNIVO appear to be betting that the future of online education will belong not to the fastest-growing platforms, but to those capable of balancing scale, quality, employability and sustainability.

Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University has introduced a series of energy conservation and sustainable transportation measures across its campus following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal for austerity and responsible resource use amid the ongoing crisis in West Asia.

A day after the Prime Minister urged citizens and institutions to adopt cautious consumption practices in view of global geopolitical tensions and potential energy disruptions, Vice-Chancellor Vinay Kumar Pathak issued official guidelines aimed at reducing fuel usage and encouraging environmentally responsible practices within the university.

According to the university order, senior officials including the Registrar, Finance Officer, Controller of Examinations and other administrative authorities will now use e-carts or electric vehicles for official duties inside the campus. The move is intended to promote cleaner mobility solutions while reducing dependence on conventional fuel-powered transport within the institution.

The university administration has also directed faculty members, officers and staff to prioritise public transport and Metro services while attending meetings or events within Kanpur city. In addition, departments have been encouraged to conduct as many meetings as possible through online platforms to minimise unnecessary travel and fuel consumption.

Under the new guidelines, university-owned fuel-powered vehicles will be reserved only for essential duties and meetings taking place outside the city limits. The administration said the measures are part of a broader effort to promote sustainability, energy efficiency and responsible institutional practices during a period of international uncertainty affecting global fuel markets.

Vice-Chancellor Vinay Kumar Pathak appealed to all faculty members, officers and employees to comply strictly with the directives with immediate effect, signalling the university’s intention to position itself as a model for environmentally conscious campus governance.

The initiative reflects a growing trend among educational institutions to incorporate sustainability and resource conservation into daily administration, particularly as concerns over climate change, fuel dependency and global geopolitical instability increasingly influence institutional policy decisions.

As climate change intensifies across the globe through rising temperatures, extreme weather events, biodiversity loss, and water scarcity, the role of education is rapidly evolving. Climate education is no longer an optional topic confined to science classrooms; it is emerging as a critical foundation for preparing future generations to navigate an increasingly uncertain world.

Educators and policymakers are now recognising that students must not only understand the science behind climate change but also develop the skills, ethics, and leadership needed to create sustainable solutions.

Climate Education Beyond Textbooks

Climate education goes far beyond teaching students about carbon emissions or melting glaciers. Experts argue that it should function as an interdisciplinary framework connecting science, economics, governance, technology, public policy, and ethics.

By integrating climate literacy across subjects, schools and universities can help students understand how environmental challenges affect agriculture, healthcare, urban development, employment, and global inequality.

Such an approach encourages critical thinking and problem-solving rather than rote learning. Students learn to analyse real-world challenges, evaluate policy decisions, and understand the long-term consequences of environmental degradation.

Students Are Becoming Climate Leaders

Young people across the world are increasingly taking active roles in climate action through awareness campaigns, sustainable entrepreneurship, clean-energy innovation, and community initiatives.

From organising recycling drives and tree plantation campaigns to developing green technologies and participating in climate policy discussions, students are emerging as important stakeholders in shaping environmental futures.

Educational institutions are also beginning to introduce sustainability-focused programmes, climate labs, green campuses, and experiential learning opportunities that encourage students to move from theory to action.

Experts believe that empowering students early can help societies build a generation that is more environmentally conscious, socially responsible, and innovation-driven.

Why Climate Literacy Matters In The Future Economy

Climate awareness is becoming increasingly important in the global workforce. Industries ranging from renewable energy and sustainable agriculture to urban planning and environmental finance are creating new career opportunities linked to sustainability.

As countries transition toward green economies, climate literacy may become a core professional skill across sectors.

Students equipped with knowledge about sustainable development, clean technologies, resource management, and environmental governance are likely to play a significant role in future policymaking and industry transformation.

Challenges In Implementing Climate Education

Despite growing awareness, climate education still faces several barriers. In many regions, environmental topics remain fragmented within traditional curricula and lack practical engagement.

Limited teacher training, outdated educational resources, and insufficient institutional support often prevent meaningful implementation.

Experts also caution against treating climate education as fear-based learning. Instead, the focus should remain on solution-oriented approaches that balance scientific understanding with optimism, innovation, and civic participation.

Building A Sustainable Future Through Education

Climate education is increasingly being viewed as an investment in long-term global resilience. Supporters argue that informed students are more likely to adopt sustainable lifestyles, support evidence-based policies, and contribute to environmentally responsible innovations.

As climate challenges continue to reshape economies and societies, education systems may play one of the most decisive roles in preparing future generations.

If implemented thoughtfully, climate education can equip students not only to understand climate change, but also to lead the transition toward a more sustainable and equitable future.

Coal India Limited has announced a large-scale recruitment drive for 660 Management Trainee posts across multiple disciplines, with applications scheduled to open from May 12, 2026. The last date to apply online is June 11, 2026.

The company will conduct recruitment entirely through a Computer-Based Test (CBT), removing the interview stage from the selection process. Candidates will be shortlisted solely on the basis of their performance in the written examination, followed by document verification and medical tests.

The vacancies are spread across nine disciplines, including Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Systems, Electronics and Telecommunication, Geology, Industrial Engineering, Rajbhasha (Hindi), and Company Secretary. Among them, Electrical Engineering has the highest number of openings at 221, followed by Civil with 178 posts and Mechanical with 145 vacancies.

According to the notification, the CBT will be conducted for three hours and divided into two sections — general aptitude and discipline-specific questions. There will be no negative marking in the examination.

Selected candidates will receive a monthly salary of Rs 60,000 during the training period. After confirmation, the pay scale can rise up to Rs 1,80,000 along with allowances and additional benefits.

Applicants must possess relevant full-time educational qualifications with at least 60 per cent marks for General, OBC and EWS categories, and 55 per cent for SC and ST candidates. The upper age limit is 30 years as of April 30, 2026, with age relaxation applicable for reserved categories.

The application fee has been fixed at Rs 1,180 for unreserved category candidates, while SC, ST, PwBD candidates and Coal India employees are exempted from paying the fee.

Applications can be submitted online through Coal India’s official recruitment portal. The company has advised candidates to complete registrations well before the deadline to avoid technical issues due to heavy traffic near the closing date.

The CBT-only recruitment model is being viewed as a step towards more transparent and technology-driven hiring practices in the public sector.