Flash floods kill 8 in Nepal as Bhotekoshi River rises near China border

Columbia's pigment-free polymer coating keeps surfaces 6°C cooler without electricity

Researchers at Columbia Engineering have developed a porous polymer coating capable of cooling surfaces below ambient air temperature without any power consumption. Instead of conventional white pigments, the coating uses nano-to-microscale air voids to reflect sunlight and radiate heat into the sky. Field tests conducted in Arizona showed the coated surface remained approximately 6°C cooler than the surrounding air, while trials in Bangladesh recorded a 3°C reduction. The passive cooling technology could offer an energy-free solution for reducing heat in buildings and infrastructure across hot climates.

Four Savannah officers arrested after audit uncovers misuse of plate-reader system

Four former Savannah Police Department employees have been arrested for allegedly misusing the Flock Safety license plate reader system. The misconduct came to light following an internal audit of approximately 39,000 database searches conducted by the department. Of those, 127 searches were flagged for closer review, and 34 were ultimately found to be unjustified. In total, six employees were dismissed from the department as a result of the findings. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is continuing to probe the case.

HAL and Safran Sign Deal to Develop Aravalli Engine for India's Multi-Role Helicopter

India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and France's Safran Helicopter Engines have signed a contract to jointly develop the Aravalli engine. The engine is intended to power India's planned 13-tonne multi-role helicopter. The agreement encompasses the design, development, manufacturing, and long-term lifecycle support of the engine. The partnership is seen as a major milestone in India's push toward self-sufficiency in aero-engine technology. Beyond military use, the Aravalli engine is also expected to serve civil aviation applications.

Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train: Why Thane station is being built 12 metres above ground