Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has triggered the current global pandemic. Infection induced by this novel virus made of 4 proteins and a strand of ribonucleic acid (RNA) leads to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), thereby, impacting the global ongoing efforts towards achieving many of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Breaking human transmissibility of this new virus comes down to the practice of good hand hygiene. Frequent disinfection is a must for arresting the contagion from spreading. The countries with least resilient water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure were observed to be the worst affected. The joint monitoring report of WHO-UNICEF (JMP 2019 Update) has revealed stark realities that globally around 2.2 billion people lack safe drinking water, 4.2 billion people live without access to adequate sanitation, and 3 billion people lack basic handwashing facilities at home. Major percentage of the 3 billion stems from South Asian and Sub-Saharan African countries which houses 85 per cent of the world’s poor population with fragile health systems along with the absence of trained personnel. Worse still, majority of this population consists of elderly, disabled, displaced and indigenous people making them the most vulnerable lot (WSSCC, 2020). As per the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), in India the population without handwashing facilities has been 39.8 per cent (NFHS-4, 2015–16).
Empowering Tomorrow's Workforce The Rise of Vocational Education in India
The young population in India presents both opportunities and challenges, as the workforce needs practical skills that conventional education often lacks. Vocational education and training VET) is essential to provide job-specific expertise, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industry demands. In this article, Amarpreet Kaur and Vidhi Rani highlight that vocational education and training serve as a cornerstone in India’s efforts to propel economic growth and empower its burgeoning workforce. Vocational education and training are a fundamental component of modern education systems, addressing a pressing need in society. The alignment of VET with the G20 objectives emphasizes its crucial role in inclusive growth, employment, and human capital development.
Eco-conscious and Sustainability-focused Brand Kheoni Paving the Way for a Greener Future
\"If you really, truly are into sustainability, you cannot operate in isolation. You need to be transparent.\" -Khayal Garg, Green Warrior
Water Sustainability Flexible approaches for managing and conserving water resources
In this article, Vijeta Thakur and Dr S K Bhardwaj discuss innovative technologies for water conservation along with urban water management solutions. They also explore policy and governance approaches regarding water conservation. Implementing Integrated Water Resource Management IWRM) helps coordinate the management of water resources across different sectors and stakeholders, balancing competing demands and ensuring sustainable use. Developing transparent and equitable water allocation systems, coupled with appropriate pricing mechanisms that reflect the true value of water, can incentivize conservation and efficient use while ensuring access for all.
Lady Banks' Rose A Lady's Shady Rose
The world may have been having an irate look towards China, cursing her for COVID-19 virus, assertions in South China Sea, and her alleged expansionist policies and so on. Whether she really deserves these insinuations may be a matter of academic discussions; there however, is no denying to the fact that the old Dragon has bestowed the world with things beautiful enough to capture anybody's attention
The Vanishing Bristled Grassbird
In this article, Dr Surya Prakash tells us about the bristled grassbird, known scientifically as Chaetornis striatus. Endemic to the Indian subcontinent, the bristled grassbird finds itself perilously perched on the brink of endangerment, classified as a‘Vulnerable Species’ by the IUCN since 2010. The relentless decline in its population can be attributed primarily to habitat loss. Keep reading to know more...
Embracing Climate Disclosure Governance India's Banking Sector's Resilient Step
With the introduction of the Disclosure Framework on Climate-related Financial Risks 2024)’ by RBI, it is quite apparent that the banking sector is continuously striving towards sustainability and climate sensitization. The new framework evolves the narrative, acknowledging the inevitability of climate change affecting these entities and, consequently, the broader financial stability. The framework not only acts as a means to inform the various stakeholders about climate-related issues but also to develop a narrative of financial resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges related to climate risks. Naman Mishra and Dr Megha Jain say that the framework is built upon four main pillars—Governance, Strategy, Risk Management, and Metrics Targets. Keep reading to know more...
India's Carbon Market On the Verge of Reality
In this article, Yukta Anand and Prof. Asheesh Pandey throw light on carbon market, which is soon going to be a reality for India.
Water Equation India and the Nordics
The Nordic countries, known for their commitment to sustainable development and environmental protection, offer invaluable knowledge and technologies to improve water management practices. From state-of-the-art water purification systems to sustainable irrigation techniques, Nordic expertise provides crucial tools to mitigate the effects of climate change on water resources. In this thought-provoking article, Biba Jasmine discusses that by utilizing the expertise and cutting-edge technologies from the Nordic region, Indian industries can enhance their water management systems, reduce pollution, and increase resource efficiency.
Charging towards Sustainability The Circular Revolution of EV Battery Recycling
Ankit Sharma is the Co-Founder & Director, Vidyuta Materials Pvt. Ltd., which stands at the forefront of innovation in the energy storage industry, pioneering the manufacturing of cutting-edge battery materials for the batteries used in energy storage systems (ESS), electric vehicles (EVS), mobiles, laptops, etc.
The Magic of Traditional Indian Barbeque Strengthening local economy and sustainability
Manu Shrivastava's article highlights the traditional dishes of South Gujarat and Maharashtra's Konkan region-ubadiyu, undhiyu, and popti.
