NewsBytes

In a first for India, Delhi is set to launch a Rs 150 crore green e-waste eco park in Holambi Kalan. The pollution-free, net-zero facility aims to revolutionise electronic waste recycling by adhering to global green technology standards.  The Delhi government is gearing up to launch the e-waste eco park in a move to tackle mounting electronic waste and push for sustainable industrial practices.   The park, spread across 11.4 acres in northwest Delhi, will be designed to handle more than 51,000 metric tonnes of electronic waste annually and is expected to generate an economic output of over Rs 350 crore. The facility will operate on net-zero emissions, follow zero-landfill protocols, and be surrounded by dense tree canopies for ecological integration. It aims to align with global benchmarks such as ISO 9000, EN 50625, CENELEC, and the norms laid down by India's CPCB and MoEFCC, an official statement said.

The Gujarat government has launched a genome sequencing project for improving healthcare for tribal communities, an exercise spanning 17 districts of the state. With this, Gujarat has become the first state in India to launch a tribal genome sequencing project, which will seek to understanding genetic health risks among adivasi groups and create a database,  said an official release. The project will be implemented by Gandhinagar-based Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRS)  Under the scientific initiative, genome sequencing of 2,000 individuals from various tribal communities from 17 districts of Gujarat (out of total 33) will be carried out, said the release. Genome sequencing of people is the process of determining the complete DNA sequence of an individual. This comprehensive scientific tool provides insights into a person's genetic makeup, including variations that may be associated with diseases.

As India observes AI Appreciation Day, industry leaders from across the technology, startup, and enterprise landscape highlighted the transformative role of artificial intelligence in shaping the country's digital future, adding that AI has become an enabler of growth and innovation. From startups to multinationals, the leaders say AI is no longer just a tool; it is a catalyst for inclusive progress, digital equity, and sustainable innovation. AI Appreciation Day celebrates the country's growing role in the global AI landscape. The AI journey of India commenced in the 1960s with early computer science research. A significant step came in 1986 with the Knowledge-Based Computer Systems project. In the 1990s, organisations like C-DAC advanced supercomputing and early AI work. By the 2000s, IT companies such as TCS, Infosys, and Wipro began investing in AI, while universities built a strong talent pool. The Digital India push in 2015 and NITI Aayog's 2018 AI strategy accelerated growth.

The Union Cabinet approved 'Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana' with an annual outlay of Rs 24,000 crore for six years to boost crop yields in 100 districts, benefiting about 1.7 crore farmers. The scheme, approved in the cabinet meeting headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will kick start from October, during the rabi (winter) season. The plan is in pursuance of the Budget announcement for 2025-26 to develop 100 districts to enhance agricultural productivity, increase adoption of crop diversification and sustainable agricultural practices. The scheme will be implemented through the convergence of 36 existing schemes across 11 departments, other state schemes and local partnerships with the private sector, I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said while briefing reporters about the cabinet decisions.  He said the scheme will benefit about 1.7 crore farmers.