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Avik Roy

Articles by Avik Roy

‘ESG framework must for organisations to mitigate risks of climate change’

Many companies have been following innovative and sustainable pathways towards long-term business sustainability, forming an inherent connection between the people, planet, and profit.

Executive director of Godrej & Boyce, Nyrika Holkar said as the hope of restricting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius recedes rapidly, there is a dire need for companies to reorganise their business processes to contain the worst excesses of climate change. (Representational photo / Creative Commons)

business

Published on Dec 09, 2021 10:04 PM IST

ByAvik Roy, New Delhi, Hindustan Times

‘Non-compliance to emission control measures at power plants put health at risk’

Only two of 12 coal-based power plants in the national capital with a total installed capacity of 13,500MW have commissioned mechanism to control sulfur dioxide emissions.

The operation of power plants in Delhiand the national capital region can be better regulated to meet power demand for the region without operating polluting non-compliant power plants during winter months. (File photo / AP)

environment

Published on Dec 09, 2021 02:13 PM IST

ByAvik Roy, New Delhi

Govt tweaks Fundamental Rules, clears path to extend tenure of ED, CBI chiefs

The Centre on Sunday promulgated two ordinances empowering itself to post the chiefs of CBI and ED for up to five years.

Until now the home and defence secretaries and the directors of RAW, IB and the CBI have a tenure of minimum two years. (Representational photo)

india news

Published on Nov 15, 2021 07:05 PM IST

ByAvik Roy, New Delhi, Hindustan Times

Explained: What Modi's ‘net zero by 2070’ pledge at COP26 means for climate

Despite being a developing nation with a large population base, India has showcased commendable leadership in augmenting the economy-wide carbon intensity reduction target from 33-35% to 45% by 2030.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks at the World Leaders' Summit

environment

Published on Nov 04, 2021 08:37 PM IST

ByAvik Roy, New Delhi, Hindustan Times

Countries' fossil fuel production plans out of sync with Paris limits: UN report

Over the next two decades, governments are collectively projecting an increase in global oil and gas production and only a modest decrease in coal production.

The report finds out that the world’s governments plan to produce around 110% more fossil fuels in 2030 than would be consistent with limiting warming to 1.5°C.(Representational photo / AP)

environment

Published on Oct 20, 2021 08:44 PM IST

ByAvik Roy, New Delhi

India spends $3 billion each year on agricultural innovation: Report

India will face significant challenges balancing food security needs with environmental and social sustainability outcomes by 2050.

India is the largest funder of agricultural innovations but only about 4% to 5% of the $3 billion funding has clearly defined sustainability outcomes. (Representation image)

environment

Published on Oct 11, 2021 11:42 PM IST

ByAvik Roy, New Delhi

WHO revises global air quality, sets new quality levels for protection of health

While WHO's revised recommendations for air quality standards are not legally binding for countries, they may represent a turning point in the way we approach air pollution globally.

Out of 100 global cities in 2020, 92 exceeded WHO's revised 2021 air quality guidelines, which include 5 Indian cities as well. Delhi's annual PM2.5 trends in 2020 was 16.8 times more than WHO's 2021 guidelines.(Representational photo)

environment

Published on Sep 22, 2021 07:44 PM IST

ByAvik Roy, New Delhi, Hindustan Times

International Climate Summit gets ball rolling for carbon-free energy ecosystem

The International Climate Summit saw the coming together of India and Norway in forging a partnership in green hydrogen production.

A power-generating windmill turbine is pictured here for representation. Climate scientists believe wind power could make it possible to produce hydrogen without emitting greenhouse gases as cheaply as is currently feasible with fossil fuel energy. (Representational Image / REUTERS)

india news

Published on Sep 03, 2021 02:18 PM IST

ByAvik Roy, Hindustan Times, New Delhi

By switching on the sun, Railways can prevent 7mn tonnes of carbon emissions

Indian Railways' transition to clean energy would not only cut down on carbon emissions but also help the national transporter save ₹17,000 crore in fuel costs.

The Indian Railways' plan of achieving the target of becoming net-zero carbon emitter by 2030 would put India on a fast lane to become carbon-neutral by 2050. (AFP/file photo)

india news

Published on Sep 01, 2021 04:29 PM IST

ByAvik Roy, Hindustan Times, New Delhi

Air pollution likely to cut 9 years of life expectancy of 40% of Indians

The study by University of Chicago's Energy Policy Institute ascertains how much longer a person can live if they breathe clean air. It said that India's high levels of air pollution have expanded geographically over time.

Air quality has significantly worsened in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, the study said.(Representative Photo)

environment

Published on Sep 01, 2021 12:05 PM IST

ByAvik Roy, Hindustan Times, New Delhi

How India can be a $11 trillion economy by 2070 from positive climate action

Global emissions would continue to rise if no significant action is taken to mitigate climate change, and such inaction would be the baseline path for the economies of India and the world, negatively impact economic growth.

India could use the transition to a low-emission footing to restructure its economy towards growth in advanced industrial sectors, leveraging lower cost clean energy export markets, as the region experiences a rapid increase in energy demand over the coming years.(Bloomberg)

environment

Published on Aug 23, 2021 05:30 PM IST

ByAvik Roy, Hindustan Times, New Delhi

Renewable energy investment in India beats Covid-19 lull

India will need a further $500 billion in investment in wind and solar infrastructure, energy storage and grid expansion to reach 450GW capacity target by 2030.

Investment in Indian renewable energy was US$6.6 billion between April and July 2021, beating the total for the previous financial year. (AP)

business

Published on Aug 20, 2021 12:03 AM IST

ByAvik Roy, New Delhi, Hindustan Times

What India's move to cleaner gases means for global climate action plan

The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol has the potential to avoid 0.5°C of warming of the atmosphere by the end of the century by phasing out hydrofluorocarbons.

Ratification of Kigali Amendment to Montreal Protocol signify that India is ready to compete in the market for low-global warming potential and climate-friendly refrigerants, which would spur domestic innovation and attract international investments.(Bloomberg)

environment

Published on Aug 19, 2021 10:43 PM IST

ByAvik Roy, Hindustan Times, New Delhi

UAE accepts Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, family after escape from Kabul

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani escaped Kabul for a central Asian country hours before Taliban fighters laid siege on Kabul's presidential palace.

Ashraf Ghani fled Afghanistan on Sunday as the Taliban closed in on Kabul, before the Islamist insurgents walked into the Afghan capital unopposed.(AP)

world news

Published on Aug 18, 2021 08:03 PM IST

ByAvik Roy | Written by Avik Roy, New Delhi

Willing to partner with India on its hydrogen goal: COP26 president Alok Sharma

The meeting between COP26 president and India's energy minister also saw discussions on $100 billion Green Climate Fund.

During the meeting with COP26 president Alok Sharma, India evinced its interest in collaborating with the Unied Kingdom on offshore wind power generation.(Twitter / @AlokSharma_RDG)

india news

Published on Aug 17, 2021 09:17 PM IST

ByAvik Roy, New Delhi

Gun-toters on a merry-go-round: Taliban go on joy rides after Kabul siege

Videos shared by a local journalist showed Taliban fighters riding bumper cars while holding their guns at an amusement park in Kabul.

A Talib stands guard at the entrance of Hamid Karzai International Airport in Afghanistan's capital Kabul on Tuesday. (REUTERS)

world news

Published on Aug 17, 2021 04:25 PM IST

ByAvik Roy, New Delhi

Afghanistan without civilian air traffic service, IATA cautions

Afghanistan shut its civilian airspace on Monday and gave control of the air traffic control to the US military as Taliban took over the presidential palace in Kabul.

People climb atop a plane as they wait at the Kabul airport on Monday to flee Afghanistan,(AFP)

world news

Published on Aug 16, 2021 11:41 PM IST

ByAvik Roy | Written by Avik Roy, New Delhi

Cloudbursts linked to climate change, say experts; Centre asks for proof

A rise in temperature in the Himalayas and its relation to cloudburst is a subject of research, but warming of the Indian Ocean is a clear indication of climate change, experts said.

Cloudbursts frequently ravaged large parts of the hills in recent months and led to loss of lives and properties. (File photo)

environment

Published on Aug 04, 2021 08:32 PM IST

ByAvik Roy, New Delhi, Hindustan Times

Lightning strikes in India see 34% rise than previous year, finds CSE study

Experts find a link between lightning strikes and climate change triggered by unchecked urbanisation. They feel following safe practices can reduce fatalities.

A study conducted by California University in 2015 projected that a rise in average global temperatures by 1ºC would increase the frequency of lightning by least 12%.(Reuters)

india news

Published on Jul 19, 2021 04:25 PM IST

ByAvik Roy, New Delhi, Hindustan Times

90% of India’s biodiversity hotspots lost, shows new statistical analysis

A report published by Centre for Science and Environment pointed out that 16 states have witnessed a significant rise in number of forest fires as well as warmer than usual winter, monsoon and post-monsoon seasons.

The climate and biodiversity crises are global crises. They require solutions that carry the support of all, and provide support to all. (File photo)

india news

Published on Jun 09, 2021 10:42 PM IST

ByAvik Roy, Hindustan Times, New Delhi

World Environment Day: What we know about India’s net-zero emissions target

India sees the net-zero emissions target as unjust demand from developing nations such as itself at a time when rich countries have failed to deliver on its earlier climate commitments.

Over the next two to three decades, India’s emissions are likely to grow at the fastest pace in the world, as it aggressively pushes for growth and development on all fronts. (File photo)

india news

Published on Jun 05, 2021 02:10 PM IST

ByAvik Roy, Hindustan Times, New Delhi

'There's going to be Covid-26 and Covid-32 unless...': Experts warn

They say cooperation of the Chinese government in the investigation will go a long way in preventing a similar pandemic in the future.

There is more information to support the theory that SARS-CoV-2 virus may have escaped from a lab in China’s Wuhan province, said Scott Gottlieb, a commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration in the Trump administration. (Representational photo)

india news

Published on Jun 01, 2021 01:02 PM IST

ByAvik Roy, Hindustan Times, New Delhi'

Relook at Centre-Bengal government row over chief secretary’s transfer

What do the rules and experts say regarding the order to call Alapan Bandopadhyay to Delhi even after granting him a three-month extension as Bengal chief secretary barely a week ago.

Former West Bengal chief secretary Alapan Bandopadhyay (L), who is now special advisor to chief minister, passes on the baton to Hari Krishna Dwivedi at state secretariat Nabanna in Howrah on Monday. (HT photo)

india news

Published on Jun 01, 2021 10:43 AM IST

ByAvik Roy, Hindustan Times, New Delhi

Explained: Where did cyclone Yaas get its name from? Know more about the storm

In a weather alert, IMD said cyclone 'Yaas' is likely to cross north Odisha-West Bengal coasts between Paradip and Sagar islands early on Wednesday. Read below for all you need to know about the very severe cyclonic storm that finds its origin in a flower.

The IMD said at 9pm on Tuesday that Yaas was located about 160km east-southeast of Paradip and 250km south-southeast of Balasore.(Earth Nullschool)

india news

Published on May 25, 2021 10:43 PM IST

ByAvik Roy | Written by Avik Roy, New Delhi

Amid the gloom of Covid-19, Centre’s data paints a glimmer of hope

The data released by the health ministry also shows the country’s daily recoveries have trumped the tally of daily cases for the seventh straight day. The single-day cases remained below 300,000 for the fourth consecutive day.

A woman walks past a graffiti dedicated to the frontline wokers battling the raging coronavirus pandemic on a street in Mumbai. (REUTERS)

india news

Published on May 20, 2021 01:18 PM IST

ByAvik Roy, Hindustan Times, New Delhi

Explained: How Cyclone Tauktae got its name and what it means

A panel comprising 13 countries, including India, names cyclones in the region. In 2020, a new list was released that had 169 names of cyclones, having 13 suggested names each from 13 countries. As Tauktae makes a landfall in Gujarat, find out what the name means and what the next cyclone in the region be called.

A major cyclone packing ferocious winds and threatening a destructive storm made landfall in Gujarat on Monday evening, disrupting the country's response to its devastating Covid-19 outbreak. (AFP)

india news

Updated on May 17, 2021 10:21 PM IST

ByAvik Roy, New Delhi

Does Covid-19 increase risk of heart attack? Top doctor lists out warning signs

Eminent cardiologist Dr. Naresh Trehan said the deadly second wave of coronavirus disease is fatally affecting a large number of young people with no pre-existing heart ailments.

Eminent cardiologist Dr. Naresh Trehan suggested the people to do de-stressing exercises to keep Covid-19 anxiety at bay(Representation image)

india news

Updated on May 09, 2021 09:55 PM IST

ByAvik Roy, New Delhi

#ResignModi: All you need to know about the social media row

Facebook drew flak from the international community for allegedly censoring posts on its social media platform calling for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resignation over the spiraling crisis of the coronavirus pandemic in India. However, the internet company claimed the error was 'inadvertent'.

Facebook told its users in India that posts that included #ResignModi were 'temporarily hidden' because some content in those posts go against its 'community standards'.(Representational image)

india news

Published on Apr 29, 2021 04:12 PM IST

ByAvik Roy, New Delhi

How an IAS officer made a Maharashtra tribal district oxygen-sufficient

A doctor-turned-bureaucrat, Dr Rajendra Bharud, the collector of Maharashtra’s Nandurbar has managed to keep the district running with adequate supply of medical oxygen, hospital beds, isolation wards for Covid-19 patients and a well-planned vaccination drive at a time when the entire country struggled to meet the logistical challenges that a gasping healthcare system posed.

Last September, Dr Rajendra Bharud had anticipated that there the cases could go up any moment, and that an oxygen plant could come handy if more people fall sick because of the disease.(Twitter/@IASRajBharud)

india news

Updated on Apr 28, 2021 02:53 PM IST

ByAvik Roy, New Delhi

How Biden admin changed stance on supply of vaccine raw materials to India

The announcement by Joe Biden comes close on the heels of the United States agreeing to provide India with raw materials needed for producing the Covishield vaccine

The United States had in February invoked the Defense Production Act, which gives the power to control the distribution of products, to curb the export of raw materials critical for vaccine production.(Representational photo)

india news

Published on Apr 26, 2021 02:13 PM IST

ByAvik Roy, New Delhi

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Avik Roy

Many companies have been following innovative and sustainable pathways towards long-term business sustainability, forming an inherent connection between the people, planet, and profit.

Only two of 12 coal-based power plants in the national capital with a total installed capacity of 13,500MW have commissioned mechanism to control sulfur dioxide emissions.

The Centre on Sunday promulgated two ordinances empowering itself to post the chiefs of CBI and ED for up to five years.

Despite being a developing nation with a large population base, India has showcased commendable leadership in augmenting the economy-wide carbon intensity reduction target from 33-35% to 45% by 2030.

Over the next two decades, governments are collectively projecting an increase in global oil and gas production and only a modest decrease in coal production.

India will face significant challenges balancing food security needs with environmental and social sustainability outcomes by 2050.

While WHO's revised recommendations for air quality standards are not legally binding for countries, they may represent a turning point in the way we approach air pollution globally.

The International Climate Summit saw the coming together of India and Norway in forging a partnership in green hydrogen production.

Indian Railways' transition to clean energy would not only cut down on carbon emissions but also help the national transporter save ₹17,000 crore in fuel costs.

The study by University of Chicago's Energy Policy Institute ascertains how much longer a person can live if they breathe clean air. It said that India's high levels of air pollution have expanded geographically over time.

Global emissions would continue to rise if no significant action is taken to mitigate climate change, and such inaction would be the baseline path for the economies of India and the world, negatively impact economic growth.

India will need a further $500 billion in investment in wind and solar infrastructure, energy storage and grid expansion to reach 450GW capacity target by 2030.

The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol has the potential to avoid 0.5°C of warming of the atmosphere by the end of the century by phasing out hydrofluorocarbons.

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani escaped Kabul for a central Asian country hours before Taliban fighters laid siege on Kabul's presidential palace.

The meeting between COP26 president and India's energy minister also saw discussions on $100 billion Green Climate Fund.

Videos shared by a local journalist showed Taliban fighters riding bumper cars while holding their guns at an amusement park in Kabul.

Afghanistan shut its civilian airspace on Monday and gave control of the air traffic control to the US military as Taliban took over the presidential palace in Kabul.

A rise in temperature in the Himalayas and its relation to cloudburst is a subject of research, but warming of the Indian Ocean is a clear indication of climate change, experts said.

Experts find a link between lightning strikes and climate change triggered by unchecked urbanisation. They feel following safe practices can reduce fatalities.

A report published by Centre for Science and Environment pointed out that 16 states have witnessed a significant rise in number of forest fires as well as warmer than usual winter, monsoon and post-monsoon seasons.

India sees the net-zero emissions target as unjust demand from developing nations such as itself at a time when rich countries have failed to deliver on its earlier climate commitments.

They say cooperation of the Chinese government in the investigation will go a long way in preventing a similar pandemic in the future.

What do the rules and experts say regarding the order to call Alapan Bandopadhyay to Delhi even after granting him a three-month extension as Bengal chief secretary barely a week ago.

In a weather alert, IMD said cyclone 'Yaas' is likely to cross north Odisha-West Bengal coasts between Paradip and Sagar islands early on Wednesday. Read below for all you need to know about the very severe cyclonic storm that finds its origin in a flower.

The data released by the health ministry also shows the country’s daily recoveries have trumped the tally of daily cases for the seventh straight day. The single-day cases remained below 300,000 for the fourth consecutive day.

Eminent cardiologist Dr. Naresh Trehan said the deadly second wave of coronavirus disease is fatally affecting a large number of young people with no pre-existing heart ailments.

Facebook drew flak from the international community for allegedly censoring posts on its social media platform calling for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resignation over the spiraling crisis of the coronavirus pandemic in India. However, the internet company claimed the error was 'inadvertent'.

The announcement by Joe Biden comes close on the heels of the United States agreeing to provide India with raw materials needed for producing the Covishield vaccine

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Over the next two decades, governments are collectively projecting an increase in global oil and gas production and only a modest decrease in coal production.