#elucidates

Science, Volume 389, Issue 6759, Page 494-500, July 2025. Summary I lack the ability to access specific issues of scientific journals from the future. As such, I cannot provide a summary of the content described. To summarize, I would need to know the articles published in the specific issue of Science you cited. Read more… Credits: Source This post is part of “Science/Immunology News”, Follow…

A new Cornell University study brings additional clarity to the relationship between Type 2 diabetes and genes that express a salivary enzyme that breaks down starch. It was previously known that people with more copies of the genes that express salivary amylase (called AMY1) produce more salivary amylase enzyme. The new paper, published in PLOS One, supports the idea that having more copies of…

Pyroptosis, a highly inflammatory type of programmed cell death, has garnered attention for its potential in cancer treatment. Characterized by cell swelling and the formation of “bubble” structures, pyroptosis is closely linked to the dynamics of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Despite growing interest, the precise mechanisms by which the ER triggers pyroptosis remain poorly understood, and the…

According to ES Ranganathan, a prominent figure in India's energy sector, one area seeing big changes in India is the iron and steel industry. "In the past, this industry caused a lot of pollution by emitting carbon. But now, it's adopting cleaner ways of working," says ES Ranganathan. He mentions that the Ministry of Steel has made a detailed plan involving 13 groups to cut down on greenhouse gases. Ranganathan also points out the importance of the Steel Scrap Recycling Policy of 2019, which helps make steel production more sustainable by reducing the need for coal.

India's economy is growing fast, and so is its production of crude steel. It's expected to reach about 435 million tonnes by 2050, a huge increase from the 118 million tonnes in 2021. Currently, the steel industry contributes around 11 percent of India's total emissions.

In transportation, the Ministry of Road and Transport is taking important steps to reduce carbon emissions. "As more people move to cities and more cars are on the roads, we need to cut down on pollution," says Ranganathan. He explains that building more public transportation, especially metro rail systems in big cities, has helped reduce pollution and traffic. Ranganathan also mentions government support for electric vehicles (EVs), which is speeding up the switch to cleaner transportation options.

Lucknow: Rapid urbanisation, driven by population growth and rural-to-urban migration, introduces a complex interplay of social, economic, and environmental dynamics. As people flock to cities seeking better opportunities, the resulting urbanisation transforms traditional social structures, creating both opportunities and challenges.

During the APAC 2nd Sustainable Urban Innovation Conclave, held in Lucknow, Ranjan Kumar IAS, the Secretary of Medical, Health & Family Welfare Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh, spoke on the topic of “Making Urban Healthcare a Priority and Ensuring Sustainability to Counter Challenges of Rapid Urbanisation.”

Promoting sustainable urban development

To navigate the challenges of rapid urbanisation while ensuring sustainability, a multifaceted approach is essential. Smart urban planning, emphasising compact and mixed-use developments, lays the foundation for resource-efficient cities.

Prioritising green infrastructure, such as parks and sustainable landscaping, enhances both environmental sustainability and the well-being of urban residents. Public transportation initiatives reduce congestion and air pollution, while affordable and inclusive housing policies foster social cohesion and mitigate the risks of informal settlements.

One of the most beautiful political concepts to have been developed is a democracy. Its idea is to free the oppressed and help ease the stranglehold of politicians among their constituents. It gives us as individuals the free rein to choose based on our preferences.

However, there are downsides to the prevalence of democracy. For Damon Vickers, expert investor and New York Times bestselling author, the twilight of constitutional government is turning dimmer as we forge on into a new decade.

According to a Freedom House report, 2019 has seen a retreat in democracy, seeing political swings and fragile economies struggle to bring about peace due to deep-seated conflict.

What democracy means

By definition, democracy is of Greek origin and means rule by people. It is a government by which people are in authority of choosing the governing legislation.

Damon Vickers notes democracy as a resilient system. It sets a process of tackling conflicts, and the outcomes are highly dependent on how the participants act about it.

Since democracy is an inclusive form of government, some cornerstones are crucial to its establishment. Some of these are freedom of speech and assembly, membership, equality, voting, consent, minority rights, and the right to life.

A democratic government can employ many decision-making methods, but it typically depends on a majority rule or vote. For instance, electoral voting can take place when choosing key individuals to occupy a seat in the government.

“Democracy paints a picture of freedom, but it comes with a price,” Vickers believes. “It can harm individuals, especially those whose opinions and actions divert from the consensus.”

Damon Vickers sees a democratic dilemma

Democracy ideally excludes violence in its premise, since theoretically, any form of abuse is unnecessary. Conflicts are sorted through rational deliberation of parties involved. However, it’s not always the case. Challenges in democracy include the existence of resistance and the role of violence in curbing it.

Another issue that arises in a democracy is the ‘deep fake’ that is a consequence of misinformation, as Damon Vickers elucidates. “The open forum on exchange and input can be used as a tool to inject false information in the narrative of conflicts.

“For instance, a person might be tried by public opinion when they are witnessed to be doing socially unacceptable actions. These can easily go viral over the internet,” Vickers adds. “Any disinformation about a person online can be taken as a fact, which harms their integrity and reputation.

Vickers also stated that although democracy allows freedom, there must also be a sense of responsibility for how majority rule is implemented to protect everyone and not just the interest of those in power.