Publications
India’s pathway to net zero by 2070: status, challenges, and way forward
Research Paper
| May 16, 2025
The announcement of India’s 2070 net-zero target has demonstrated the power of a credible policy signal and changed the course of India’s climate debate. While the Government of India (GoI) has not specified whether this target refers to carbon-dioxide or all greenhouse gases, the announcement has been a watershed moment in India’s climate policy. From questions related to whether and at what pace should India decarbonize its economy, various actors in India are now aligned towards this target.
Application of digital twins for the low-voltage electricity grid–Challenges and opportunities of Distribution Grid Analytics in India
Research Paper
| May 16, 2025
India anticipates significant growth in both population and energy demand. A substantial portion of this growth in energy demand is projected to be met through non-fossil-based resources, with ambitious plans to expand capacity to 500 GW by 2030. This ransition necessitates extensive grid infrastructure expansion to accommodate increasing demand and supply fluctuations. However, urban areas, experiencing rapid population growth, offer limited space for large-scale electricity network infrastructure development.
Artificial Neural Network - Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm based optimization for the enhanced pigment accumulation in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803
Research Paper
| May 15, 2025
Natural colorants produced by the cyanobacterium include carotenoids, chlorophyll a and phycocyanin. The current study used the Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 to examine how abiotic stress conditions, such as low temperature as well as high light intensity, affect the pigment accumulations in comparison to the control conditions.
Efficient nutrient sequestration and biomolecule production by Chlorella Sorokiniana MSP1 cultivated in industrial wastewater
Research Paper
| May 15, 2025
The generation of industrial wastewater poses a hazardous impact on the environment. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the performance of a new isolate Chlorella sorokiniana MSP1 in sequestering nutrients: nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater to produce protein, carbohydrate, chlorophyll, carotenoid and lipids.Industrial wastewater supplemented with different percentage of BG-11 media i.e.
Sustainable recovery of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) from coal and coal ash through urban mining: A Nature Based Solution (NBS) for circular economy
Research Paper
| May 14, 2025
The demand for rare earth elements (REEs) has surged in recent years, driven by their crucial role in various industrial applications and their uneven geological distribution. As a result, urban mining from secondary resources, particularly coal and coal ash, has gained traction as a sustainable solution within a circular economy framework. This study highlights the significant presence of REEs in coal and coal ash, revealing that certain samples contain REE concentrations that rival traditional ores.
Chemical characterization and biological activity of Curvularia Lunata, an endophytic fungus isolated from lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus). Braz J Microbiol
Research Paper
| May 14, 2025
Exploration of medicinal plants for bioactive-producing endophytic fungi is a relatively unmapped source of pharmaceuti¬cally important compounds. In this study, the endophytic fungus Curvularia lunata AREF029 isolated from the medicinal plant Cymbopogon citratus (known as lemongrass) was assessed for its biological activity. The methanolic extract of AREF029 had minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) ranging from 38 to 174 μg/ml against phytopathogenic fungi Alteranria solani, Fusarium oxysporum and Rhizoctonia solani.
An Overview of Pigmented Bioactive Products from the Genus Cordyceps
Research Paper
| May 13, 2025
The demand for natural colorants in the food, textile, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and other industries has increased due to the adoption of environmentally friendly alternatives to non-sustainable resources. Microorganisms are preferred over other biological resources because of their high stability, water solubility, year-round availability, and cost-effectiveness. Fungi are prolific producers of a myriad of pigments with therapeutic benefits.
Financing India’s Green Transition: Challenges and Pathways
Article
| May 9, 2025
Recent global developments–including the contentious ‘agreement’ on climate finance at the COP29 summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, and the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, followed by significant reductions in development aid via United States Agency For International Development (
Artificial Intelligence in Climate Resilience: Evaluating Contributions to SDG 13
Research Paper
| May 1, 2025
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in artificial intelligence (AI) approaches for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13: Climate Action. Several AI technologies, such as machine learning, deep learning neural networks, and big data analytics present new tactics to tackle the complex problems of climate change.
Burning Point: Increasing Heatwaves Threaten Lives Across India
Article
| April 30, 2025
In April 2025, Delhi experienced an intense heatwave, recording the hottest day of the year so far and the warmest night in six years. It also marked the highest maximum temperature for April in the last three years. These conditions, now becoming more frequent and severe, are a stark reminder of the urgent need to address heat-related risks.