Clean-Air Innovation Faces Data and Funding Gaps: WeNaturalists

22 Dec 2025 CW Team

India’s clean-air innovation ecosystem is facing significant constraints due to data fragmentation, funding shortages and regulatory delays, according to a recent nationwide assessment by WeNaturalists. Based on over 1.2 million environmental observations and inputs from more than 300 climate innovators, NGOs and researchers, the study covers more than 70 cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Pune, Indore, Surat and Lucknow.

The report highlights that 62 per cent of innovators lack access to reliable or standardised air quality and emissions data, limiting their ability to design, test and validate solutions. Funding remains a major bottleneck, with 54 per cent of respondents reporting shortages of early-stage risk capital, particularly for hardware-led and monitoring technologies. Regulatory timelines further slow progress, as over 40 per cent of innovators face approval periods ranging from six to 18 months for pilots or deployment.

Public concern over air pollution has intensified, with citizen queries rising sharply in recent months amid wide variations in AQI readings across monitoring systems. Healthcare facilities in several cities have also reported higher pollution-related outpatient visits, underscoring the health impact. WeNaturalists notes strong potential in emissions monitoring, sensor networks and AI-driven advisory tools, calling for interoperable data systems, streamlined approvals and targeted funding to accelerate clean-air solutions nationwide.

Real Estate

05 Aug 2026

CREDAI-MCHI to Host 10th Design & Construction Conference

CREDAI-MCHI will host the 10th anniversary edition of its Design & Construction Conference on August 19, 2026, at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai.The event is expected to bring together more than 500 procurement leaders, construction heads, architects, consultants and senior real estate decision-makers, alongside over 50 construction and ancillary brands.The conference will feature product launches, technology showcases, knowledge sessions, strategic business-to-business networking and recognition of procurement professionals contributing to the transformation of the construction..

BorgWarner Wins Extension for High-Voltage Inverter Programmes

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Castrol India Q2 Profit Rises 43% to Rs 3.48 bn

Castrol India reported a 43 per cent year-on-year increase in profit after tax to Rs 3.48 billion for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, supported by growth across its consumer, industrial and institutional businesses.Revenue from operations increased 25 per cent to Rs 18.71 billion during the second quarter of 2026, compared with Rs 14.97 billion in the corresponding period of 2025. EBITDA rose 41 per cent to Rs 4.94 billion from Rs 3.50 billion.Sequentially, revenue increased from Rs 15.45 billion in the first quarter of 2026, while EBITDA rose from Rs 3.29 billion. Profit after tax increased ..