Thursday, January 30, 2025

New Book "Climate Change and Sustainable Transportation" | by Anand S. Khati and Prabir G. Dastidar

New Book
Climate Change and Sustainable Transportation
by Anand S. Khati and Prabir G. Dastidar
TERI Press, 2025, ISBN:9789386530110

Book Details: Climate change is no longer a subject of scientific and academic importance; the well-being of the earth and human race is deeply dependent on it. With rapid growth of population and accelerated urbanization, the limited resources of earth have come under great stress. Climate Change and Sustainable Transport provides a comprehensive knowledge about the different dimensions of the climate system, climate change and role of transport in climate change, its genesis and different migration options. The book will help to develop an overview on the multifaceted, interdependent complexities involved between climate change and transportation. The chapters have been so-developed that they present a broad overview of the relevance of sustainable transport systems in the context of environment and climate change which determines how sustainability needs to be an underlining part of the policy framework and infrastructural development. Inclusion of case studies based on the traffic scenarios of Delhi-NCR and transport scenario of India, as a whole, has imparted practicality to the text. The book will be relevant to the researchers, policymakers, administrators, policy planners, students, teachers, and general public at large and help them in discussing, disseminating, and propagating the work to inform political and societal decision-makers in identifying problems and offering solutions that can be widely implemented in the larger public interest. Climate Change and Sustainable Transportation will also help readers identify different facets of this complex subject and the responsible role it plays in the socio-economic development of a country.

Table of Contents

1. Atmosphere and Climate Systems

2. Transport System

3. Transport Sector in India and Traffic Scenario in Delhi NCR

4. Transport and Climate Change

5. Sustainability of the Environment

6. Railways: the Major and Sustainable Mode of Transport in India 


About the Authors
Dr Anand S. Khati is one of the inspiring civil servants of India and is backed with nearly four decades of diversified experience. He is a well-known figure as a creative writer, author, and keynote speaker with eight worldwide-circulated titles. Dr Khati has served as Director, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Earth Sciences and as Chief Information Officer (Senior EDP Manager), Chief Project Manager, Registrar, General Manager (Legal), General Manager (Personnel) Executive Director, Principal Executive Director, Additional Member, Member/Director General with the Indian Railways. He has undertaken many international assignments, represented the Government of India at the United Nations and its offices, and in many bilateral and multilateral programmes. Dr Khati, being a learned person, has gained a lot of knowledge through study. He has acquired qualifications in science (BSc, MSc), law (LLB), management (MBA/PGDM), AMP (Global), AMP (International). His Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is dedicated to the topic of Transport and Climate Change. Dr Khati is currently an Administrative Member, Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Principal Bench, New Delhi.
Dr Prabir G. Dastidar is an accomplished scientist and has more than 30 years of experience to his credit. He has been associated in various capacities with a number of institutes and government departments. His principal research areas are multidisciplinary and include environmental science, global analysis of science and technology, science policy, open science and open data, animal behaviour, polar food chain, Antarctica science, amongst others. His papers have been widely cited and appreciated. List of his academic achievements is relatively lengthy. Dr Dastidar is a postgraduate in Science (MSc), Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Environmental Science apart from a professional degree in information science. He has completed his Doctorate (PhD) in Science and Technology Dynamics: Intellectual Structure of Ocean Science, Ocean Technology and Antarctic Science. Dr Dastidar has carried out numerous projects—from inception to completion—of both national and international repute. He has also served as Professor (visiting) at the SGT University, Gurugram, Delhi NCR. He superannuated from the Ministry of Earth Sciences as Senior Scientist/Advisor.


Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Press invitation - UNESCO to launch the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology 2025

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PRESS INVITATION

 

UNESCO to launch the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology 2025

 

On 4 and 5 February, UNESCO will launch the 2025 International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ) in an opening ceremony held at its Paris headquarters. The IYQ aims to raise awareness about the profound impact of quantum science on global challenges.

 

  • What? Opening ceremony, International Year of Quantum Science and Technology
  • When? 04 and 05 February 2025
  • Where? UNESCO Headquarters, 7 Place de Fontenoy, Paris 75007
  • Registration: Click here to register.

 

This two-day event will bring together high-level officials, Nobel Laureates, and leaders from academia and industry to explore the transformative power of quantum technologies. Through this Year, UNESCO aims to inspire the next generation of quantum scientists and mobilize thousands of scientific, public and private partners to tackle pressing global issues such as climate disruption, public health, and digital equity.

 

 

Day 1 will feature keynotes, fireside chats and panel discussions with a special emphasis on sustainability. Day 2 will focus on the role of ethics in quantum technology, with two interactive panels exploring responsible quantum innovation. Other key highlights of the event include:

 

  • Keynotes by Nobel Laureates Anne L'Huillier (2023), Alain Aspect (2022), and William D. Phillips (1997) on groundbreaking quantum research and its implications.
  • Opening remarks by UNESCO leadership and government officials from Ghana and Mexico, two nations that played key roles in designating 2025 as the IYQ.
  • Remarks from IYQ steering committee co-chair Sir Peter Knight of Imperial College London, and John Doyle, president of the American Physical Society (APS)
  • Hands-on demonstrations from industry leaders and private sector partners including IBM, Microsoft, and Quantinuum showcasing quantum's real-world potential.

 

As the lead agency for the International Year, UNESCO is committed to fostering international collaboration in this rapidly evolving field, supporting education, and ensuring that quantum advancements serve all nations, especially in developing countries. By mobilizing its thousands of scientific partners around the world and its 194 Member States, UNESCO will support the development of initiatives to achieve the objectives of the Year.

UNESCO will also be accompanied by key public and private partners in this field, such as the American Physical Society (APS), Chinese Optical Society, Optica, Institute of Physics, Deutsche Physikalische Gesellschaft, the International Society for Optics and photonics (SPIE), as well as Microsoft, QuEra, Quantinuum, IBM, D-Wave Systems, DRS Daylight Solutions, and SC Quantum & QLLIANSE.

 
Press contact
François Wibaux, f.wibaux@unesco.org, +33 1 45 68 07 46
 
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Wednesday, January 22, 2025

UNESCO and WMO launch the International Year of Glaciers' Preservation 2025

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PRESS RELEASE
 

UNESCO and WMO launch the International Year of Glaciers' Preservation 2025

 

Paris, 21 January 2025 – UNESCO and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) officially launch the International Year of Glaciers' Preservation, marking a crucial milestone in global efforts to protect the vital ice that provides freshwater to over 2 billion people. This global and coordinated initiative throughout the year will seek to highlight about the critical role of glaciers and address the urgent challenges posed by accelerated glacier melt.

 

Around 70% of the global freshwater is stored in glaciers and ice sheets, however these ice formations are rapidly retreating due to climate disruption. Preserving these crucial resources is essential for environmental sustainability, economic stability and safeguarding cultures and livelihoods.

 

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers' Preservation to raise awareness on the vital role glaciers, snow, and ice play in the climate system and water cycle, as well as the far-reaching impacts of rapid glacial melt.

 

UNESCO and WMO are the lead agencies coordinating these international efforts supported by over 75 international organizations and 35 countries. WMO hosted the launch event at its Geneva headquarters on 21 January, while UNESCO will host celebrations of the very first World Day for Glaciers at its Paris headquarters on 20-21 March. On this occasion, UNESCO will dedicate its World Water Report to the issue of glaciers, with new data on their disappearance and the measures put in place deal with this challenge.

 

"The preservation of glaciers stands as one of humanity's most urgent challenges. These ancient ice formations are not just frozen water – they are the guardians of our planet's climate history, the source of life for billions, and sacred places for many cultures. Their rapid disappearance is a stark reminder that we must act now," said Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO.

 

"WMO recently confirmed that 2024 was the warmest year on record and has sounded repeated Red Alerts about the state of our climate, including the retreat of glaciers. In 2023, glaciers suffered the largest mass loss in the five decades of record-keeping. It was the second consecutive year in which all regions in the world with glaciers reported ice loss. Melting ice and glaciers threaten long-term water security for many millions of people. This international year must be a wake-up call to the world," said Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General of WMO.

 

 

The International Year of Glacier Preservation will focuses on several critical areas:

  • Expanding global glacier monitoring systems to enhance data collection and analysis
  • Developing early warning systems for glacier-related hazards
  • Promoting sustainable water resource management in glacier-dependent regions
  • Preserving cultural heritage and traditional knowledge related to glacial environments
  • Engaging youth in glacier preservation efforts and climate action

 

"Water towers of the world"

 

Glaciers supply freshwater to over half of humanity. As they retreat they are altering water availability and quality downstream, with implications for aquatic ecosystems and sectors including agriculture and hydropower. This is accompanied by a short-term in landslides, avalanches, floods and droughts, as well as a long-term threat to the security of water supplies for billions of people.

 

As frozen time capsules of the earth's past, glaciers provide scientists with invaluable data about historical climate patterns, atmospheric composition, and even human activity spanning thousands of years. Their disappearance also results in the loss of unique ecosystems and biodiversity that have evolved in these specialized environments.

 

For Indigenous Peoples especially, glaciers hold profound cultural and spiritual significance, often considered sacred spaces and the abode of deities. The loss of these ice formations would mean the irreversible disappearance of sites central to cultural heritage and spiritual practices that have been recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

 

The International Year of Glaciers' Preservation 2025 will mobilize governments, scientific institutions, private sector organizations, and civil society to urgently reduce greenhouse gas emissions and implement effective adaptation strategies. Only through collaborative action and increased awareness will these vital resources be preserved for future generations.

 

For more information about the International Year of Glaciers' Preservation and how to participate in its initiatives, visit www.un-glaciers.org

 
Learn more
About UNESCO
 
With 194 Member States, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization contributes to peace and security by leading multilateral cooperation on education, science, culture, communication and information. Headquartered in Paris, UNESCO has offices in 54 countries and employs over 2300 people. UNESCO oversees more than 2000 World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks; networks of Creative, Learning, Inclusive and Sustainable Cities; and over 13 000 associated schools, university chairs, training and research institutions. Its Director-General is Audrey Azoulay.
 
"Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed" – UNESCO Constitution, 1945.
 
More information: www.unesco.org
 

About WMO

WMO is the UN system's authoritative voice on the state and behaviour of the Earth's atmosphere, its interaction with the land and oceans, the weather and climate it produces and the resulting distribution of water resources. WMO provides the framework for international cooperation between its 193 Member States and Territories, recognizing that weather, climate and the water cycle know no national boundaries.

"By 2030, we see a world where all nations, especially the most vulnerable, are more resilient to the socioeconomic consequences of extreme weather, climate, water and other environmental events; and underpin their sustainable development through the best possible services, whether over land, at sea or in the air," WMO Vision.

 

More information: www.wmo.int

 
Press contacts
UNESCO - François WIBAUX, f.wibaux@unesco.org, +33 (0)1 45 68 07 46
WMO - Brigitte PERRIN, media@wmo.int 
 
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Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Sunday, January 19, 2025

CfPs: JNU-SIS Seminar on Indian Diaspora: Paving the Path of Viksit Bharat by 2047

February 13, 2025
Organised by:  Centre for International Trade and Development, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi
Sponsored by: Indian Council for Social Science Research, New Delhi
Call for Papers
Important Dates
  • Submission Deadline January 25, 2025
  • Notification for acceptance January 26-30, 2025
  • Registration January 26-31, 2025
  • Papers/Extended Abstracts Should Be Sent To Vvb2047@Gmail.Com
  • Registration Fee/Charges None
Note: Reimbursement Of Travel Expenses (Within India 'To And Fro' Via Train Ac-3 And /Or Bus By Shortest Distance) and local hospitality to the paper presenters will be provided subject to availability of funds and JNU Rules. The policy regarding reimbursement of travel will be communicated along with acceptance intimation. 

The conference will provide a platform for academicians, research scholars and policy makers engaged in the area of diaspora studies to share their knowledge and expertise which will offer enriching insights into the contribution of Diaspora to the development of Indian economy. The conference invites authors to submit original papers/extended abstracts, both theoretical and empirical, that presents a comprehensive analysis of the Diaspora and its contribution to the development of the economy. It is expected that the research will lay down important policy implications which will pave the path for India in achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Submission is invited under the following themes:
Theme I. Economic Empowerment through Diaspora Contributions
a) Impact of Remittances on Inclusive Growth:
b) Diaspora-Driven Trade Linkages:
c) Investment Flows from the Diaspora:
Theme II: Knowledge Transfer and Technological Advancement
a) Leveraging Diaspora Talent for Research and Development:
b) Building India's Knowledge Economy:
c) Diaspora Support for Startup Ecosystems:
Theme III. Cultural Diplomacy and India's Global Image
a) Strengthening India's Soft Power:
b) The Diaspora as Cultural Ambassadors:
c) Leveraging Cultural Ties for Economic and Strategic Gains:
Theme IV. Strategic Economic and Institutional Linkages
a) Strengthening Diaspora-India Collaborations:
b) Diaspora-Led Development in Critical Sectors:
c) Policy Innovations for Diaspora Engagement:
Theme V. Challenges and Opportunities In Diaspora Engagement for Vision 2047
a) Overcoming Structural Barriers:
b) Opportunities in Emerging Global Sectors:
c) A Shared Vision for 2047:
Theme VI. Diaspora as a Geopolitical Asset
a) Building Strategic Alliances:
b) Diaspora Engagement in International Institutions:
c) Diaspora Contributions to Global Challenges.
Note: The entire structure of the paper including citation and reference should be in accordance with 'Publication Manual APA 7th edition' (in PDF format). Paper can be submitted in Hindi or English language.

CSSP-TRCFS Talk on Exploring Implicit Grassroots Knowledge: Strategies and Insights for Fieldwork | 21st January at 03:00 PM

Transdisciplinary Research Cluster on Frugality Studies (TRCFS) &
Centre for Studies in Science Policy (CSSP)
School of Social Sciences, JNU
Cordially invite you to
A Talk on Exploring Implicit Grassroots Knowledge: Strategies and Insights for Fieldwork
By Dr. Olga Ustyuzhantseva
Date:  21st January 2025 at 03:00 PM
Venue: Room 227, SSS-1, JNU, New Delhi

Brief Bio: Dr. Olga Ustyuzhantseva is a Senior Research Fellow of the Institute of World Economy and International Relations (Russia) and a Senior Research Associate of Trilateral Chair on Transformative innovation and 4th Industrial Revolution for Sustainable development, University of Johannesburg (South Africa).

Abstract: Fieldwork is the cornerstone of social science research, providing a bridge between theoretical inquiry and the lived realities of communities – holders of grassroots and traditional knowledge and expertise. This talk delves into the nuances of fieldwork in the contemporary world, exploring its methodologies, challenges, and opportunities this complexity provides us with. Topics include the key elements of ethnographic research, participant observation, and conducting interviews as core tools for getting access and immersion into grassroots knowledge and gathering qualitative data. A particular focus will be given to understanding the role of main actors in the field, from gatekeepers and key informants to the broader community. The talk will offer practical strategies for accessing and engaging with field sites, especially in contexts that are geographically remote, culturally distinct, or socially closed. Additionally, attendees will learn some techniques to extract deep insights in a time-efficient manner, ensuring impactful outcomes even within constrained timelines. All it is based on live examples from actual fieldwork done by the presenter for research projects and fieldwork done in South Africa, Arctic cities, Siberia, and Russia's coal regions.

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Press invitation - Reporting on glaciers in 2025: everything you need to know

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PRESS INVITATION

 

Reporting on glaciers in 2025: everything you need to know

 

The United Nations have designated 2025 as the International Year of Glacier Preservation. On 16th January, glacier experts from UNESCO and WMO will hold an information session for journalists, outlining the latest research and data, the major challenges and solutions facing glaciers today, as well as announce the upcoming dates, reports and events that will mark the International Year of Glacier Preservation.

 

  • What? Information session and Q&A on glaciers
  • When? Thursday 16 January 2025, 13:00-15:00 CET
  • Where? Online
  • Registration: Please click here to register

 

Glaciers play a crucial role in regulating the global climate and providing freshwater to billions of people. However, due to climate disruption primarily driven by human activities, these vital resources are rapidly melting.  The International Year of Glacier Preservation will raise global awareness about the critical role of glaciers, snow, and ice in the climate system and hydrological cycle, as well as the economic, social and environmental impacts of the impending changes in Earth's cryosphere.

 

As the leading Organizations for this International Year, UNESCO and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) are holding this information session to equip media professionals with essential knowledge and insights to effectively report on the impact of climate disruption on glaciers, glacial science concepts, and implications of melting glaciers on society, ecology, and economies, while fostering informed public discourse. 

 

A 40-minute presentation by the world's leading glacier experts will be followed by a Q&A. The session will cover topics including:

  • Common misconceptions about glaciers 
  • How glaciers form and melt: The link between snowfall, multiyear snow cover, glacier ice, and frozen ground
  • The role of increased temperatures at high elevations, rainfall, and warming ground surfaces
  • Why not all glaciers are melting, why some are even growing, and the link between mountain/glacier ice and polar ice
  • The consequences of glaciers melting in lowlands: Short-term hazards and long-term water insecurity.
 
Press contact
François Wibaux, f.wibaux@unesco.org, +33 1 45 68 07 46
 
UNESCO Newsroom
All our press releases
 
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