Sustainability

Indian Institute of Technology Madras has announced the launch of a six-month residential Power Electronics Finishing School in collaboration with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and ITEL Foundation to train graduates and early-career professionals in renewable energy systems and power electronics.

The programme will be conducted across the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, and the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay. Each campus will admit 10 participants, taking the total intake to 30 candidates.

The residential programme combines classroom instruction, guided learning, and project-based training under IIT faculty. The curriculum focuses on core areas of power electronics, including component design, system integration, and control systems, with applications in renewable energy technologies.

Participants will also receive training in circuit analysis and design software tools, printed circuit board (PCB) design, hardware implementation, magnetics, and thermal behaviour of power circuits. The programme aims to provide hands-on exposure to technologies used in renewable energy, electric vehicles, and efficient power conversion systems.

Faculty members from the participating IIT campuses will lead the academic sessions and supervise practical projects, giving participants access to institutional laboratories and technical infrastructure throughout the course duration.

The programme is open to candidates holding a BE or BTech degree in Electrical Engineering or related disciplines. Fresh graduates and professionals with up to two years of experience are eligible to apply.

Applications will be processed through ITEL Foundation’s interactive voice-based interview system. The last date for application submission has not yet been announced.

Selected participants will receive a monthly stipend of Rs 10,000 during the six-month training period. Organisers said the residential format has been designed to ensure continuous engagement with academic resources and laboratory facilities.

The initiative is also supported by industry partners, including First Solar, Larsen & Toubro, and Ornate Solar, along with companies such as InPhase, Statcon Energia, and Enspar. These organisations are expected to provide industry exposure and placement support to participants.

According to the organisers, the programme has been designed to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in renewable energy systems, electric mobility, and advanced power electronics technologies.

India has emerged as the world’s largest exporter of “virtual water”—the hidden freshwater used to produce goods like rice, cotton, sugar, and textiles—even as parts of the country struggle with worsening water scarcity. The finding, highlighted in a recent study by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, exposes a growing paradox at the heart of India’s trade and resource management strategy.

Virtual water refers to the volume of water embedded in the production of commodities. When India exports crops such as rice or sugar, it is effectively exporting vast quantities of freshwater. According to the report, countries like the United States, Japan, Germany, and the United Kingdom are among the biggest importers—outsourcing water-intensive production to nations already facing water stress.

India tops this global ranking, followed by countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. While this reflects India’s strong agricultural base, it also raises serious concerns about sustainability.

A growing crisis beneath the surface

The implications of this export pattern are already visible on the ground. In parts of rural Maharashtra, including Pune district, thousands of residents rely on water tankers despite normal or even above-average monsoon rainfall. Groundwater levels in regions like Ambegaon, Junnar, and Khed have declined sharply, making daily life and agricultural activity increasingly difficult.

Experts warn that such recurring shortages are not just seasonal anomalies but symptoms of deeper structural issues. Export-oriented agriculture continues to prioritise water-intensive crops, even in regions where water availability is fragile.

Trade vs sustainability

The AIIB report points to a global imbalance: wealthier nations reduce their environmental burden by importing water-heavy goods, while countries like India absorb the ecological cost. This pattern reflects a trade system driven more by economic specialisation than by resource availability.

Without intervention, climate change is expected to worsen the situation. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and groundwater depletion could intensify the gap between what India exports and what it can sustainably support.

Ethanol debate adds fuel

The issue becomes even more complex when viewed alongside India’s ethanol blending programme, which aims to boost energy security and support farmers. Critics argue that it indirectly encourages the cultivation of water-intensive crops like sugarcane and rice. While industrial water use in ethanol production is relatively low, the agricultural water footprint remains significant.

What needs to change

Policy experts suggest a multi-pronged approach. This includes promoting less water-intensive crops, improving irrigation efficiency, and investing in better water infrastructure. There is also a growing call to rationalise water pricing—introducing tariffs that reflect scarcity and discourage excessive use.

At the same time, traditional solutions such as community-led water conservation systems—like stepwells and temple tanks—are being revisited as sustainable models that can complement modern infrastructure.

A balancing act ahead

India’s position as a leading exporter of virtual water highlights both its agricultural strength and its environmental vulnerability. The challenge now is to strike a balance between economic growth and ecological sustainability.

As the country continues to feed global markets, the pressing question remains: can India afford to keep exporting water it increasingly cannot spare?

India has emerged as the world’s largest exporter of “virtual water”—the hidden freshwater used to produce goods like rice, cotton, sugar, and textiles—even as parts of the country struggle with worsening water scarcity. The finding, highlighted in a recent study by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, exposes a growing paradox at the heart of India’s trade and resource management strategy.

Virtual water refers to the volume of water embedded in the production of commodities. When India exports crops such as rice or sugar, it is effectively exporting vast quantities of freshwater. According to the report, countries like the United States, Japan, Germany, and the United Kingdom are among the biggest importers—outsourcing water-intensive production to nations already facing water stress.

India tops this global ranking, followed by countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. While this reflects India’s strong agricultural base, it also raises serious concerns about sustainability.

A growing crisis beneath the surface

The implications of this export pattern are already visible on the ground. In parts of rural Maharashtra, including Pune district, thousands of residents rely on water tankers despite normal or even above-average monsoon rainfall. Groundwater levels in regions like Ambegaon, Junnar, and Khed have declined sharply, making daily life and agricultural activity increasingly difficult.

Experts warn that such recurring shortages are not just seasonal anomalies but symptoms of deeper structural issues. Export-oriented agriculture continues to prioritise water-intensive crops, even in regions where water availability is fragile.

Trade vs sustainability

The AIIB report points to a global imbalance: wealthier nations reduce their environmental burden by importing water-heavy goods, while countries like India absorb the ecological cost. This pattern reflects a trade system driven more by economic specialisation than by resource availability.

Without intervention, climate change is expected to worsen the situation. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and groundwater depletion could intensify the gap between what India exports and what it can sustainably support.

Ethanol debate adds fuel

The issue becomes even more complex when viewed alongside India’s ethanol blending programme, which aims to boost energy security and support farmers. Critics argue that it indirectly encourages the cultivation of water-intensive crops like sugarcane and rice. While industrial water use in ethanol production is relatively low, the agricultural water footprint remains significant.

What needs to change

Policy experts suggest a multi-pronged approach. This includes promoting less water-intensive crops, improving irrigation efficiency, and investing in better water infrastructure. There is also a growing call to rationalise water pricing—introducing tariffs that reflect scarcity and discourage excessive use.

At the same time, traditional solutions such as community-led water conservation systems—like stepwells and temple tanks—are being revisited as sustainable models that can complement modern infrastructure.

A balancing act ahead

India’s position as a leading exporter of virtual water highlights both its agricultural strength and its environmental vulnerability. The challenge now is to strike a balance between economic growth and ecological sustainability.

As the country continues to feed global markets, the pressing question remains: can India afford to keep exporting water it increasingly cannot spare?

What began as a creative Earth Day outreach has quickly become a global digital sensation. The NASA has struck a chord with audiences worldwide through its interactive tool, “Your Name in Landsat,” which transforms ordinary names into stunning visual collages made entirely from real satellite imagery.

Launched on Earth Day 2026, the tool allows users to type their names and see each letter formed from natural landscapes—rivers curving into “S” shapes, coastlines outlining “C,” or desert dunes sculpting an “A.” Within days, the feature gained massive traction across platforms like Instagram and X, blending personalisation with scientific storytelling in a way that resonates with a digital-first audience.

Science Meets Creativity

At the heart of this viral trend lies the Landsat program, the world’s longest-running Earth observation mission, continuously capturing images of the planet since 1972. The tool taps into this vast archive, using advanced algorithms to match geographical formations with alphabet shapes.

Each letter generated is not a graphic imitation but a real, scientifically captured satellite image, offering users both aesthetic appeal and an authentic glimpse of Earth’s diverse terrain. From winding rivers to rugged mountain ranges, every name becomes a unique mosaic of the planet.

Why It’s More Than Just a Trend

Beyond its viral success, the tool represents a shift in how complex scientific data is communicated to the public. By turning satellite imagery into personal, shareable content, NASA has made Earth observation relatable and engaging—especially for younger audiences.

Experts say this approach helps demystify remote sensing technology while sparking curiosity about geography, climate science, and environmental monitoring. It’s a subtle yet powerful reminder that the data collected from space is not just for scientists—it belongs to everyone.

A Gateway to Climate Awareness

The Landsat programme has been instrumental in tracking long-term environmental changes, including deforestation, glacier retreat, urban expansion, and water resource shifts. While the tool itself is playful, it indirectly introduces users to the importance of decades-long planetary observation.

By linking a viral trend to such critical themes, NASA has managed to bridge the gap between science, art, and public engagement—a rare combination in today’s fast-moving digital landscape.

The Bigger Picture

“Your Name in Landsat” highlights a growing trend in science communication: making data interactive, visual, and personal. In doing so, it transforms passive audiences into active participants in understanding Earth.

As millions continue to share their personalised satellite names online, one thing is clear—NASA has not just created a tool, but a movement that turns curiosity into connection, and science into something deeply human.

New Delhi: As India looks to future-proof its energy needs amid global fuel uncertainties, a quiet but significant transition is taking shape—rethinking how millions cook every day. Moving beyond fossil fuels, policymakers are now exploring ethanol-based cooking solutions as part of a broader sustainable energy push aligned with Atmanirbhar Bharat.

At the centre of this transition is “Superblu,” an ethanol-based fuel that promises to be not just cost-effective, but environmentally cleaner than traditional alternatives like LPG and kerosene. With India’s ethanol production capacity crossing 2,000 crore litres, the country is uniquely positioned to scale this shift using domestically produced biofuel derived from sugarcane and maize.

Cleaner Fuel, Healthier Workspaces

Unlike kerosene and biomass, which release harmful particulate matter, ethanol burns with a clean, blue flame, significantly reducing indoor air pollution. For India’s millions of street vendors and small eateries—often operating in cramped, poorly ventilated spaces—this could mean a dramatic improvement in working conditions.

The environmental benefits extend beyond air quality. Ethanol, as a biofuel, has a lower carbon footprint compared to fossil fuels, making it a more sustainable option in the long run. By integrating ethanol into everyday cooking, India could take a meaningful step toward reducing emissions in its informal food sector.

Efficiency Meets Sustainability

Modern ethanol burners are also proving to be highly efficient. Early evaluations suggest that one litre of ethanol can provide high-intensity heat for up to 15 hours, allowing vendors to operate for extended periods with minimal fuel. The ability to store ethanol in simple, non-pressurised containers further reduces the logistical burden associated with LPG cylinders.

This combination of efficiency and simplicity is key to sustainability—not just environmental, but economic.

Lower Costs, Stronger Livelihoods

For small food businesses, sustainability is closely tied to affordability. Fuel remains one of the largest recurring expenses. Ethanol, projected to cost significantly less than commercial LPG, offers immediate financial relief.

Lower fuel costs could translate into better profit margins for vendors, enabling them to reinvest in their businesses or improve their quality of life. In this sense, ethanol adoption supports not only green energy goals but also inclusive economic growth.

Building on Existing Ecosystems

India’s ongoing ethanol blending programme provides a ready-made distribution backbone. Leveraging this infrastructure to supply “cooking-grade ethanol” could accelerate adoption without requiring an entirely new supply chain.

Such a move would complement earlier clean cooking initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, which expanded access to LPG in households. An ethanol-based model could now extend similar benefits to the commercial and informal sectors.

Safety and Policy Readiness

For ethanol to scale sustainably, robust safety standards will be essential. Regulatory bodies such as the Bureau of Indian Standards and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation are currently working on guidelines to ensure safe storage, transport, and usage.

Unlike LPG, ethanol does not require pressurised cylinders, but as a flammable liquid, it must be handled carefully to prevent spills and fire hazards. Clear protocols and awareness will be critical for widespread adoption.

Toward a Greener Food Economy

The proposed shift toward ethanol-based cooking reflects a larger vision—one where sustainability, affordability, and energy security intersect. If implemented effectively, an “Ethanol Clean Cooking Mission” could redefine how India’s food economy operates, especially at the grassroots level.

For millions of small vendors, this isn’t just about switching fuels—it’s about accessing a cleaner, safer, and more stable future.

A nationwide effort to measure early learning outcomes has begun in Nagaland, as the PARAKH, under the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), rolls out the Foundational Learning Study (FLS) 2026.

The assessment, being conducted in the state from April 13 to 14, focuses on evaluating Grade 3 students’ foundational skills, particularly in literacy and numeracy. In Nagaland, the study covers 70 schools across 10 districts, with a total of 798 students participating. The sample includes both government and private institutions, ensuring a balanced representation of students from varied socio-economic and geographical backgrounds.

To ensure smooth execution, authorities have deployed a structured team, including state-level and district-level coordinators, along with field investigators tasked with conducting the assessments. Additional personnel have also been kept on standby to manage any contingencies during the process.

The primary objective of the study is to generate reliable, data-driven insights into the learning levels of young students at a crucial stage of their education. These findings will play a key role in shaping future education policies and improving classroom practices. The initiative aligns closely with the goals of the National Education Policy 2020, which emphasises strengthening foundational literacy and numeracy as a national priority.

Education officials believe that the data gathered through FLS 2026 will help identify learning gaps and guide targeted interventions. By understanding where students stand in their early learning journey, policymakers and educators can design strategies to improve outcomes and ensure that no child is left behind.

As the study unfolds, it is expected to contribute significantly to enhancing the quality of primary education in Nagaland, reinforcing the broader national mission of building strong learning foundations in the early years.