[Newsbits] 5-11.09.2024: AI Tokens, AI Treaty & more

Researchers at JILA, a joint initiative of the University of Colorado Boulder and NIST, are nearing the completion of the world’s first nuclear clock, which promises unprecedented precision in timekeeping. Unlike atomic clocks that measure electromagnetic forces in atoms, nuclear clocks track energy changes within the atom’s nucleus, making them more stable and accurate. The necessary components have been successfully tested, and once finalized, nuclear clocks could simplify and enhance global timekeeping technologies, benefiting systems like GPS and international financial networks.

The 2024 State of Global Air Report highlights the severe impact of air pollution, particularly in India, where 464 children under five die daily due to pollution. PM2.5 particles, small enough to enter deep into the lungs, are linked to major health issues such as heart and lung diseases, diabetes, and dementia. India, especially its urban areas like Delhi, faces alarming pollution levels, reducing life expectancy by years. The government plans a meeting in September 2024 to develop strategies to tackle pollution in Delhi, stressing the urgency of addressing the crisis to protect public health.

Airlines avoid flying over the Tibetan Plateau due to a combination of high altitude, unpredictable turbulence, a lack of emergency landing sites, and limited air traffic control. The region, with peaks exceeding 16,000 feet, poses significant challenges for airplanes, including reduced engine performance in thin air and severe turbulence from strong winds. The rugged terrain offers few safe landing areas, and the lack of air traffic control infrastructure makes navigation even more hazardous. Although fascinating and rich in natural resources, the plateau remains largely inaccessible to air travel due to these risks.

India has become the world’s top plastic polluter, producing 9.3 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, accounting for 20% of global plastic emissions. A recent study in Nature reveals that India’s current data underestimates the scale of the issue, especially in rural areas. The study identifies uncollected waste, inefficient collection systems, and uncontrolled disposal as major sources of pollution. These findings are crucial for the upcoming 2024 Global Plastics Treaty, aimed at reducing plastic waste and greenhouse gas emissions. India needs to improve waste data accuracy and strengthen its collection systems to tackle this growing crisis.

India has initiated its first bio-hydrogen project, led by Gensol Engineering in partnership with Matrix Gas & Renewables, as part of the National Green Hydrogen Mission. The Rs 164 crore project will use 25 tonnes of bio-waste daily to produce 1 tonne of green hydrogen through advanced gasification technology (GH2-PREGS). Bio-hydrogen, sourced from organic materials like agricultural waste, provides a cleaner energy alternative to fossil fuels and has potential to reduce emissions in industries such as steel and cement. This project also offers rural communities an opportunity to convert farm waste into energy, supporting jobs and cleaner energy initiatives.