A solar-powered ironing cart project of Tamil Nadu's schoolgirls' and a Delhi entrepreneur's agricultural waste recycling project are the two Indian projects named, among 15 finalists across the world, for the first-ever Earthshot prize, launched by Prince William of Britain. Vinisha Umashankar was selected within the Clean Our Air category with her idea of a solar-powered clean alternative to the charcoal-powered street irons that press clothes for millions of Indians each day. Vidyut Mohan, co-founded Takachar, has also been nominated in the same category for its small-scale, cheap, portable technology that changes crop residues into sellable bio-products. Earthshot prize global alliance members will now provide tailored support and resources to both. The Duke of Cambridge, Prince William, said that it's an honour to introduce the 15 innovators, leaders, and visionaries who are the first-ever finalists for the Earthshot prize. They are working with the urgency required in this decade for life on Earth. Solar-powered cart replaces dirty charcoal with the sun's clean energy. Five hours of sunshine powers the iron for six hours - a victory for the environment is also a victory for vendors. Extra mobility indicates they can sell on doorsteps as well as the roadside, as per the Earthshot Prize analysts' note. Takachar was chosen to fight the very serious health impact on people in Delhi and its surrounding regions from the burning of agricultural waste, a leading cause of air pollution and shortened life expectancy. This project could cut a billion tonnes of carbon dioxide a year. Along with 13 other finalists from different countries, Vinisha and Vidyut, are now in with a possibility of winning GBP 1 million to help their innovative environmental solutions to some of the greatest difficulties facing the planet. Over 750 nominations were screened as part of an independent assessment process run by Deloitte with longlisted nominations, then evaluated by a global Expert Advisory Panel. On October 17, the winners will be declared at Alexandra Palace in London. Image Source Also read: Shree Cement to launch 106 MW solar projects to meet power demand