Retention ponds and wetlands constructed as part of major road schemes can reduce pollution coming from tyre particles -- a great cause of concern for human health and the environment --, finds a study on Friday. The research, published in the Environmental Science and Pollution Research journal, showed that these ponds can help reduce the quantities of tyre particles entering the aquatic environment by an average of 75 per cent. Data shows about six million tonnes of tyre wear particles are released each year globally, which contain a range of toxic chemicals including polyaromatic hydrocarbons, benzothiazoles, isoprene, and heavy metals like zinc and lead. These are not only harmful to human health but also to the environment. Scientists from the universities of Plymouth and Newcastle in the UK analysed samples collected alongside some of the busiest routes in South West England and the Midlands, many used by more than 100,000 vehicles each day. Also Read: Digital tool to promote sustainable wildlife trade gets award Tyre particles were discovered in each of the 70 samples taken. However, the presence of wetlands and retention ponds led to an average reduction of almost 75 per cent in the mass of tyre wear particles being discharged into aquatic waters. This provided protection for rivers and the ocean beyond. "Retention ponds and wetlands are constructed as part of highways projects primarily to attenuate flow and prevent downstream flooding, but also to remove pollutants," said lead author Florence Parker-Jurd, Associate Research Fellow at the University of Plymouth. Further, the new study showed that the tyre wear particles significantly outweighed other forms of microplastics, such as plastic fibres and fragments, in the samples collected but that they were also removed in far greater quantities. The researchers noted that the study has international significance as to the most effective ways to mitigate against the potential impacts of tyre pollution on a global scale. Also Read: PM Narendra Modi dons ethnic jacket made from recycled material during interaction with Bill Gates This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
12 April,2024 05:54 PM IST | London | IANS
Bonding with pets is an incredibly rewarding experience that can bring joy, comfort, and companionship to our lives. Whether it's spending time with a furry friend who greets us at the door every day or a scaly companion who loves to snuggle up on our lap, pets have a unique ability to provide us with unconditional love and support. Building a strong bond with our pets not only benefits our mental and emotional well-being but also strengthens our relationship with these special creatures. On National Pet Day, we spoke to pet parents who shared with us their most cherished bonding activities. “Seeing Scooby's excitement as he dives into the water reaffirms the special connection we share”“Welcoming a pet into your home is more than just adding another member to the family; it's about building a bond that lasts a lifetime,” says Pune-resident Deeksha Dadlani. She consciously attempts to engage with her 18-month golden retriever in ways that are beneficial to him. “For my husband and I, our Scooby is not just a pet; he's a cherished companion who fills our days with joy and love. To deepen our connection with Scooby, we've embraced a variety of activities that cater to his physical and mental well-being while fostering unforgettable moments of bonding,” she explains. Training sessions are at the core of their bonding routine. Through consistent training, they not only teach Scooby essential commands but also establish trust and mutual understanding. “The sense of accomplishment when Scooby learns a new trick or obeys a command reinforces our bond, creating a strong foundation of communication and teamwork,” shares Dadlani. For the whole family, one of their most beloved activities is swimming. “Not only does swimming provide excellent exercise for Scooby, but it also allows us to share moments of pure joy and laughter as we splash around together. Seeing Scooby's excitement as he dives into the water reaffirms the special connection we share,” recalls the 30-year-old fondly. She tells us how they focus on engaging in activities that stimulate Scooby's mind and keep him entertained. “Sniffing games, where we hide treats around the house for Scooby to find, tap into his instincts and provide mental stimulation. Hide and seek is another favourite, as Scooby eagerly searches for us, his tail wagging with excitement when he finds us. Incorporating games that challenge Scooby's cognitive abilities not only strengthens our bond but also ensures he remains mentally sharp and fulfilled. Watching him problem-solve and explore his surroundings fills us with pride and admiration for his intelligence,” elaborates Dadlani. “Weekends are like a mini detox for both of us—away from my work and other people—allowing me to fully focus on Poh”In this fast-paced world, taking the time to connect with our pets can be a valuable way to unwind, relax, and appreciate the simple things in life. For Goa resident Shivi Talwar, a weekend getaway to a pet-friendly beach resort is the best way to spend quality time with Poh, her seven-year-old culture Pomeranian. “I stay in North Goa with my dog, and book an overnight stay at a pet-friendly resort every few months. When we first moved to Goa, he did not like going to the beach, but now he has grown to enjoy the view. I used to be hesitant in the beginning if he would like the long drives to South Goa but when I noticed him enjoying the breeze on his face and peeping out of the car, I knew we should keep doing this again!” She further describes her favourite moment, “There's nothing quite like watching the sun go down with your best friend by your side. As the sky transforms into a beautiful blend of oranges and pinks, my dog and I sit together on the porch, enjoying the quiet moment together. My pup snuggles up against me, and I feel his warm breath on my leg as we both take in the beauty of the sunset,” shares Talwar. The 30-year-old works remotely as a ship broker and tells us how these getaways act like a detox for them. “These weekends are like a mini detox for both of us, away from my work and away from other people, with my full focus on Poh. We sit in peaceful silence, just watching the world go by, and I feel a sense of contentment that is hard to describe. This moment is about so much more than just the sunset - it's about the bond between me and my dog, and the simple pleasure of spending time with a creature who loves me unconditionally,” explains Talwar. “In a world marked by complexity and uncertainty, my bond with my dogs remains a sanctuary of simplicity”“Bonding with my dogs isn't just about adventures; it's about sharing our lives, our joys, and our challenges. As an only child, dogs to me have been like my siblings, my confidants, my everything,” shares Harshika Chadha. She describes her nine-year-old Labrador Scooby, and her four-year-old beagle mix Whiskey as her two adorable best friends. “They are my constant source of comfort, and have taught me the true meaning of unconditional love,” admits Chadha. The 25-year-old recalls how difficult it was to stay apart from Scooby while she pursued higher education and was employed in the US. It was then she had to get creative with engaging with her pet. “Leaving Scooby behind in Delhi was one of the toughest decisions I had to make. However, his presence brought immeasurable happiness to my parents every single day. Despite the distance, thanks to technology, Scooby and I found a way to stay connected. Through FaceTime calls, I could still see his wagging tail and hear his excited barks, bridging the gap between continents and keeping our bond strong.” Away from Scooby, she fostered and eventually adopted Whiskey from a local shelter. “As someone who travels frequently, the decision to foster a dog was not taken lightly. Little did I know that this decision would change my life forever. From the moment he entered my home, he wormed his way into my heart with his soulful eyes. Despite his troubled past and abandonment issues, he exuded a resilient spirit that inspired me.” When asked what fuels their bond, Chadha animatedly responds, “Moving to a new country was particularly daunting, but with Whiskey by my side, I found the courage to navigate the unfamiliar terrain. His unwavering presence gave me the strength to overcome homesickness and adapt to a new way of life. We explored new cities, immersed ourselves in different cultures, and created memories that would last a lifetime.Through it all, we grew together, learning to lean on each other in times of need and celebrate each victory, no matter how small. His playful nature brought joy to even the darkest days, reminding me to find happiness in the simplest moments.” Now, the product manager splits her time between New Delhi and Goa, and travels often. Scooby and Whiskey live happily together in Delhi. “They've formed a dynamic duo, each vying for my attention and affection in their unique way. For me, they are more than just pets; they are my family. I've come to understand the true meaning of the phrase ‘home is where my dogs are.’ In a world marked by complexity and uncertainty, my bond with my dogs remains a sanctuary of simplicity,” concludes Chaddha.“Watching them jump into the tub with excitement and anticipation is always a joy”“Being a proud pet parent of three beautiful dogs, I always try to make time for each one of them to strengthen our bond,” says Mumbai resident Muskaan Khan. She tells us how spending quality time with her pups is not only enjoyable but also essential for physical and emotional well-being. Khan has two male Siberian Huskies, Blaze (seven-year-old), and Storm (five-year-old) who are quite energetic, and always willing to play. “They love playing with their squeaky toy, and making loud noises all across the house, but their favourite is surely bathtime. During summers, I love giving my energetic huskies a bubble bath. The moment they see the tub filling up with warm water, they know it's time for a fun and refreshing experience. Watching them jump into the tub with excitement and anticipation is always a joy to see. As I lather them up with their favourite dog shampoo, they love to splash around which often leaves me soaking wet too. But it's all worth it to see them happy, clean, and smelling fresh. After the bath, they love to roll around on the floor and rub their fur dry with a towel, which is always a hilarious sight to see,” shares the communications professional. As far as Bliss (eight-year-old Shih Tzu) is concerned, she's not as energetic as the boys and is more of a lap dog according to Khan. “Spending quality time with her is quite simple, yet fulfilling. She loves being around the family and enjoys getting fed. We also let her walk around the front yard sometimes, which she seems to love. She enjoys inhaling fresh air, listening to the birds chirping, and watching people pass by,” says the 24-year-old.
11 April,2024 09:38 AM IST | Mumbai | Maitrai AgarwalSkygazers in North America are in for a treat today as the first solar eclipse of 2024 will shine bright on Monday night. During a total solar eclipse, the moon passes directly between the Sun and Earth, casting a shadow on the planet. The Moon appears almost the same size as the Sun, completely blocking the Sun's visible disk. While the celestial event will not be visible in India, it will sweep across 15 states in the US, and Canada, according to NASA. The eclipse will begin over the South Pacific Ocean, with its path reaching Mexico’s Pacific coast at around 11:07 a.m. Pacific Time before entering the United States in Texas. Also Read: Dive into the graveyard beneath Minara Masjid People living in US states like Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York are likely to witness the eclipse. The eclipse will enter Canada in Southern Ontario, and continue through Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Cape Breton and exit continental North America on the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland, Canada, at 5:16 p.m. NDT, NASA said. Search engine Google has also commemorated the solar eclipse with a special animation that appears when users search for eclipse-related information. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
08 April,2024 12:25 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSThe processing of paper-based trade documentation, such as permits and certificates, can lead to issues such as an increased risk of fraud, the time-consuming processing of manual permits, a lack of access to trade and transaction information, and poor data sharing between the parties involved in the clearance process. These issues are exacerbated for those seeking to trade internationally species regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), as additional information is required to ensure the trade is legal and sustainable. In response to these challenges, the CITES Secretariat on Saturday said it has developed a comprehensive set of tools for electronic CITES permitting systems, or eCITES, that support the global greening of trade processes. On April 2, the CITES Secretariat received the Asia-Pacific Trade Facilitation Forum (APTFF) 2024 Trade Facilitation Innovation Award in recognition of the Convention’s electronic permitting systems (eCITES). The prestigious APTFF Trade Facilitation Innovation Awards bestow recognition to innovative national or subregional trade facilitation cases reflecting the annual theme. CITES Secretary-General Ivonne Higuero expressed her appreciation to the organisers and said: “The CITES Secretariat is honoured to accept this distinguished award. This global recognition brings awareness to the necessity and utility of a key digital innovation in the international wildlife trade, which I hope will inspire wider eCITES implementation among our parties.” Electronic CITES Permitting Systems (eCITES) have catalysed a novel set of collaborative efforts for enhancing trace facilitation and leveraging digitalisation for legal, sustainable and traceable international wildlife trade. To date, 31 Parties have made considerable strides in implementing eCITES, with an additional 12 Parties in the initial planning phases. Their dedicated efforts have significantly bolstered transparency, curtailed the exploitation of counterfeit permits, facilitated smoother cross-border transactions, and fortified international collaboration. In its submission, the secretariat highlighted the comprehensive set of standards, tools and guidance for eCITES implementation and their benefits to the Parties. It further elaborated how eCITES has contributed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) --namely, SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG15 (Life on Land) and SDG17 (Partnerships for the Goals) -- by increasing access to reliable wildlife data, improving the sustainability, legality and traceability of wildlife trade, and improving economic opportunities for indigenous peoples and local communities involved in trade. In accepting the award, CITES Secretariat Programme Officer and eCITES Focal Point Salehin Khan highlighted the contributions of the partners in developing eCITES making it a valuable source of framework for implementing permitting systems based on international standards and best practices. In particular, he pointed out the support provided by Switzerland in advancing eCITES among the CITES Parties, as well as to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development Automated System for Customs Data for jointly developing an off-the-shelf digital eCITES solution. Also Read: ‘Expose trafficking, not wildlife’s monetary value. It does great harm’ This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
06 April,2024 12:11 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSThe Special Task Force (STF) of Odisha Police has arrested two persons and seized one leopard skin from their possession following a raid in Kalahandi district. The accused have been identified as Chakra Benal (45) and Purna Chandra Bag (39), both from the Kalahandi district. “Following a tip-off, an STF team on Thursday conducted a raid with the help of Kalahandi Police at a secluded spot near the Narla railway station in the district and apprehended the criminals awaiting a probable customer for the execution of a deal. "During a search, a leopard skin along with other incriminating materials was recovered from their possession,” said an STF officer. The STF later arrested the accused persons after registering a case under various sections of the IPC and Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. The seized leopard skin will be sent to the Wildlife Institute of India in Dehradun for biological examination. Also Read: Experts share safe hacks to deal with wildlife animals in human-dominated spaces in Mumbai This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
05 April,2024 05:32 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSKaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) experienced a significant upsurge in tourist footfall this year, said officials. Renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity, and iconic inhabitants like the one-horned rhinoceros, Kaziranga has emerged as a top-choice destination for families and wildlife enthusiasts. This year has recorded the highest number of visitors to the Park since its inception. In 2023-24, the National Park recorded 3,27,493 tourist footfall, including 3,13,574 Indian tourists and 13,919 foreign tourists.KNPTR comprises three administrative divisions, viz., the Eastern Assam Wildlife Division, the Bishwanath Wildlife Division, and the Nagaon Wildlife Division. Tourism in all the 3 divisions has increased, indicating the popularity of non-conventional tourism sites. The key attractions during the tourism season that re-opened post-monsoon in mid-October 2023 were the Jungle Safari and Elephant Safari options. Added opportunities for a cycling trail in Karbi-Anglong, trekking routes in the Panbari forest range and Chirang added to the attractions. Choran-Ahem (Karbi) and Ajun Ukum (Mising) ethnic restaurants led by community representatives have gained popularity, whereas Bwisag-Na (Bodo), a women-led restaurant at Burachapori, also made modest beginnings. New routes under Boat safari for dolphin watching and the Panpur and Burachapori jeep and cycling safari circuits were also made operational this year.According to the data, in 2022-23, a total of 3,10,458 visitors visited the Eastern Assam Wildlife Division, 2,610 visitors visited the Nagaon Wildlife Division, and 1,728 visitors to the Bishwanath Wildlife Division. In 2023-24, a total of 3,20,961 visitors visited the Eastern Assam Wildlife Division, 3,484 visitors visited the Nagaon Wildlife Division, and 3,048 visitors visited the Bishwanath Wildlife Division. In 2023-24, Rs 8,59,48,351 in revenue was earned in the Eastern Assam Wildlife Division, Rs 6,24,000 in the Nagaon Wildlife Division and Rs 16,11,810 in the Bishwanath Wildlife Division. Also Read: Flamingo spotting guide: Best spots in Mumbai to watch these winter visitors This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
04 April,2024 04:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWhen a striped Hyena entered the Malshiras forest of Maharashtra, its right paw got trapped in the hunting net. These hunting nets are laid down by the farmers of Solapur to prevent wild boars from spoiling the harvest. Incidentally, the Hyena managed to pull out the entire trap out of the ground and ran with it in the fields for almost a week. “The trap had snapped on its paw and it had completely crushed the bones. The paw was hanging loose by a skin tissue. When our rescue team spotted the Hyena in the sugarcane field, we saw that its entire paw was about to fall off. It was writhing in pain as it had bled profusely from the right leg. We managed to keep the mob away from attacking it and brought it back to the Wildlife Transit Treatment Centre for medical attention”, shares a wildlife rescuer Tuhin Satarkar from Pune. At the centre, the veterinarian operated its right leg while feeding the Hyena with a fluid diet for a few weeks. After three months of rigorous care and rehabilitation, its health began to improve and it started consuming meat and walking on all fours. On February 16, the Hyena was released back into the forest after full recovery. Hyenas are amongst the various species that form the rich biodiversity of Maharashtra. Lately, these species have been facing a threat of population decline due to changes in their natural habitat. The causes can be attributed to urban development, climate change and evolving agricultural patterns. To unearth the wildlife conservation efforts, Mid-day Online spoke to wildlife rescuers Tuhin Satarkar and Nachiket Utpat from RESQ, a pune-based NGO that rescues, rehabilitates and provides care to wildlife. Threatened species of Maharashtra The International Union for Conservation of Nature maintains a global Red List of Threatened Species. Wildlife rescuers at RESQ have managed to rehabilitate the following animals that are identified as threatened species of Maharashtra: Indian Star Tortoise (Vulnerable), Indian Leopard (Vulnerable), Black Spotted Pond Turtle (Endangered), Rusty-Spotted Cat (Near threatened), Indian Roofed Turtle (Vulnerable), Mugger Crocodile (Vulnerable), Crowned River Turtle (Endangered), Gaur (Vulnerable), Indian pangolin (Endangered), Indian Long-billed Vulture (Critically endangered) The goal of wildlife rescue missions Often wildlife gets stuck in arduous situations like an animal trapped in a well, hit by a car, met with electrocution or getting stuck on a tree. These situations require swift responses from the wildlife rescue team. However, just rescuing them is not enough. Nachiket Utpat, director outreach and human-wildlife interaction at RESQ, shares that rehabilitation is a crucial aspect of rescuing wildlife. “Upon being released into the forests, these animals need to be self-sufficient after they have recovered. The ultimate goal of rescue missions is to enable an injured wildlife to go back into the wild and seek their own food and thrive in their habitat” he said. The second goal is to sensitise people on peaceful coexistence with wildlife around them. Going ahead, the number of encounters that people have with animals is only going to rise. “People need to identify the differentiation between domestic animals and wildlife animals. For instance, a wildlife doesn’t necessarily have to be fed or petted. We need to just let them be to maintain harmony.” IN PHOTOS: The hidden adventures of wildlife rescuers in IndiaChallenges involved in wildlife rescue missions Wildlife rescuers go through a great deal of challenges while conducting these rescue missions. Tuhin recalls the case of a Gaur that had fallen down a well in 2022. As per The International Union for Conservation of Nature, the Indian Gaur comes under the vulnerable category. “Unlike leopards and other wild cats, a Gaur is a tough animal to rescue owing to its weight which is more than a ton.” In such situations, the animals are already scared and try to run away from humans. But being trapped in a well, it had no chance of escaping. So, the team had to approach the mission with sheer meticulousness and sensitivity. “Inside a confined space, there has to be no scope of error in pulling out the animal as we don’t want to hurt/scare the animal in the process.” One of the members called for a crane from the nearby area to pull out the Gaur. The rescuers climbed down the well to fix the lifting straps around its body. The straps were connected to the crane and the Gaur was pulled out and rescued successfully. When it comes to trafficked animals, rescuers conduct the mission in tandem with the Forest department of Maharashtra. Some of the rapidly trafficked wildlife species are Parakeet, Pangolins, Indian star tortoise and turtles. Amongst these species, Parakeets and turtles are often trafficked to be sold as pets while Pangolins are traded for medicinal use. Awareness on human-wildlife interaction and coexistence How does one react when they find an injured animal? It could be a snake, a leopard or even a bird. In one of the awareness modules called ‘coexistence’, Nachiket alerts people on how to deal with urban wildlife. In these sessions, he shares the methodology to deal with wildlife mindfully in urban and industrial spaces. “Encountering leopards in a human-dominated space is the new normal in Maharashtra. We conduct dedicated sessions to educate people on how to react in such situations.”, shares Nachiket. Some of the sensitisation tasks in case of Leopard sighting are: Setting up cameras, understanding the presence, pacifying the locals and suggesting safe measures of coexistence with the animal. Spotting wildlife in their region can throw people into a frenzy. They often turn into mobs that try to attack the animal with the purpose of killing. To curb such incidents, these awareness programs help people understand the behaviour of the animal. For instance, in the case of striped Hyena that was spotted in Solapur, people needed to be educated about the traits of the animal in order to prevent mob reaction. Hyenas are very shy animals and do not come after humans. However, people have misguided beliefs that Hyenas are predators that kill and carry their prey on their backs. Many people misunderstand a Hyena for a tiger because of the stripes. Debunking these myths becomes an important aspect of these awareness programs. On World Wildlife Day, Nachiket’s team is conducting awareness sessions on coexisting with snakes at industrial sites. The program aims to equip people with knowledge of snakes and how to handle the reptile when they spot it at the workstation. Equipment to conduct wildlife rescue missions When it comes to equipment needed to conduct rescue missions, the gears vary as per the situation. Technical wildlife rescue can be categorised into four situations – Aerial, confined spaces, underground and water rescue. For instance, in the case of rescuing the Gaur, Tuhin’s team went underground well equipped with ropes, harnesses and safety gears. Telescopic Poles: For aerial rescues, birds get stuck into kite flying stings. To safeguard the birds, rescuers use telescopic poles that are made out of carbon fibre. These poles extend up to 70 feet and help in rescuing stuck birds safely. These poles also come handy in rescuing animals from underground spaces. Professional Technical Ascending/ Descending Gear: These are used by rescuers to safely ascend and descend from buildings, wells, and other confined spaces above or below the ground. Thermal UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle): Thermal drones are used to safely monitor, search and identify wildlife presence, behaviour, movement patterns in conflict areas. Inflatable Boat: For rescues of animals in natural calamities like floods Tuhin’s journey as a wildlife rescuer Eight years ago, Tuhin found his calling as a wildlife rescuer in Pune, Maharashtra. Back then, he used to work as a professional rock climber for a living. During one of his climbs, he came across wildlife rescuers saving a stray buffalo stuck in a pile of rubble. Tuhin was captivated by the rescue work and saw an opportunity to align with the team. He was initially involved as a volunteer where he witnessed wildlife animals falling into wells or getting trapped in hunting nets. With further experience, he realised the major challenges the team faces while rescuing the animals. That was the tipping point when Tuhin came in to bridge the gap with his climbing skills. He began to deploy his skill-set to rescue wildlife animals trapped in aerial, underwater or underground spaces. This year, Tuhin has completed eight years with RESQ and he now heads the operations of the rescue team. Right from the smallest ones like squirrels, cats, dogs to leopards and the massive Indian Bison, Tuhin has rescued diverse forms of wildlife. During the 2018 Kerala floods, Tuhin was on a mission to wade through water and pull out destitute animals stuck in the floods. With the help of locals and government authorities, he managed to rescue, rehabilitate and provide medical help to goats, cows, cattle and even snakes. Also Read: Mumbai’s little-known tryst with tigers and the continued need for conservation efforts
04 April,2024 12:17 PM IST | Mumbai | Ainie RizviIndia is moving ahead at a rapid pace in scaling up its renewable energy capacity in areas such as wind and solar energy and wants to move fast in nuclear energy and green hydrogen, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said. In an interaction with Mircrosoft co-founder Bill Gates, Prime Minister Narendra Modi talked about India's culture of recycling waste and said the half-jacket he was wearing was made of recycled material with a speciality that it had been made using spare cloth pieces at tailors' shops and also using recycled plastic bottles. "Recycling and Reusing are inherent to our nature. This jacket is made from recycled material. Even this has specialty. There are waste cloth pieces at tailor's shop, all this waste material has been collected. It has been made of old clothes and thirty to forty percent waste plastic bottles have been used and all this has been recycled to make the cloth (for the jacket)," PM Modi said. PM Modi told Bill Gates that the country is making rapid growth in renewable energy and has provided for a corpus fund of Rs 1 lakh crore in the budget to encourage the younger generation to contribute with innovative ideas. "I believe we should adopt a two-prolonged strategy. First is innovation, and the goal should be to evaluate environment-friendly and climate-friendly innovations. To this end, India has established a corpus fund of Rs 1 lakh crore in this budget inviting the younger generation to contribute their innovative ideas. We are offering interest-free loans for 50 years to support these innovations...," he added. PM Modi also told Bill Gates about the launch of India's first indigenous green hydrogen fuel cell inland waterway vessel. "In Tamil Nadu, I launched green hydrogen fuel cell boat. This environmental friendly boat ride I have thought of running from Kashi to Ayodhya so that it reinforces my movement for clean Ganga and there is message towards environment-conscious society," PM Modi said. "There's another important thing we need to focus on in our lifestyle. That's why I started Mission life which stands for lifestyle for environment. It's because living a climate friendly life daily is crucial. If we don't embrace a life that respects nature, it doesn't matter how much external effort we put in and how many new innovations we create. Our way of life should be in sync...our current challenge is how we view progress," he said. PM Modi launched hydrogen fuel cell inland waterway vessel under the Harit Nauka initiative during his visit to Tamil Nadu last month and said it is a gift of the people of Tamil Nadu for Kashi. He said that he witnessed the enthusiasm and affection of the people of Tamil Nadu in Kashi Tamil Sangamam. India has invested Rs 16.93 lakh crore in the power and renewable energy sectors since 2014, with an additional Rs 17.05 lakh crore in the pipeline. In 2024, India is likely to witness an investment of Rs 1,37,500 crore (about USD 16.5 billion) in renewable energy capacity, which would be higher than 13.5 GW with an investment of Rs 74,250 crore (nearly USD 9 billion) seen in 2023. PM Modi said that data security is of concern and public awareness is crucial. "Today, data security remains a paramount concern. While India has a legal framework in place, public awareness is equally crucial." PM Modi said technology should be used to ease of living of citizens. "In our country, I have initiated storing all university certificates in the cloud to reduce costs and to fulfill various needs efficiently. Earlier, there was a push for stringent compliance requirements. But I advocated and ensured simplification, and made the data to be uploaded to the cloud with shared IDs, enabling us to access necessary information directly. This approach underscores my commitment to leveraging technology not just to enhance services, but also to significantly improve the ease of living for our citizens," PM Modi said. "Also, in the case of deepfakes, it is crucial to acknowledge and present that a particular deepfake content is AI-generated along with the mention of its source. These measures are really important, especially in the beginning. We, thus, need to establish some dos and don'ts," he added. PM Modi talked about his government using technology to increase income of people. "I have launched a programme - NaMo Drone Didi. I have two goals behind this programme- to make 3 crore 'Lakhpati Didis' in the country i.e. making 3 crore women of the country to earn Rs. 1 lakh annually, that too from underprivileged families. I want to modernise agriculture, and I want to ensure women's participation in the same. Today, Drone Didis say - 'We didn't know how to ride a bicycle, but today, we have become pilots, we're operating drones," PM Modi said. "I am ensuring technological advancements in agriculture too. We are bringing a big revolution, and I want to change the mindset. The technological advancements I am most excited about are in the sectors of health, agriculture and education. I have built around 2 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in villages. I directly connect these health centres with the best hospitals keeping modern technology as a bridge between the two," he added. PM Modi said during the G20 Summit in Indonesia, representatives from around the world expressed their curiosity about the digital revolution we've spearheaded. "I explained to them our foundational approach...we have democratised technology to prevent monopoly. It is by the people and for the people. We're committed to ensure that emerging talent from within the community can continuously contribute and enhance its value to foster trust in technology among people," he said. "I want to lead a government in which any unnecessary governmental intervention from the lives of the middle class people gets eliminated. For those in poverty, who genuinely require government assistance, the assistance should be readily available in abundance," he added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
29 March,2024 02:39 PM IST | New Delhi | ANIThe worm moon has risen. The final full moon of winter in the northern hemisphere appeared on March 25 and owes its name to Native Americans who noted winter's end by the trails of earthworms it illuminated on the newly thawed soil. Common names of full moons generally come from seasonal animals, colours or crops: wolf moon, pink moon and harvest moon. But the worm moon may be losing its significance, as climate change leads to wetter summers and milder winters in much of the world. To track how the worm moon might be changing, we can look at a particular earthworm species (Lumbricus terrestris, aka the dew worm, nightcrawler or lob worm) which is unusually easy to track. Also sometimes called the common earthworm, if you see a big worm in the garden, it's likely to be this species. Most worms spend most of their lives underground, but the dew worm almost completely leaves its deep burrow, with its tail tip left in, as it ventures onto the soil surface every night to feed on dead leaves. Also Read: First-time voters in Maharashtra consider climate action a key poll issue These worms also mate on the soil surface. They may be hermaphrodites (both male and female) but still need to exchange sperm with a partner each fertilising the other. Such activities usually take place under the cover of darkness to avoid birds and other potential daytime predators. However, the worms are restricted by soil conditions at the top of the burrow. They cannot surface if the soil is baked dry (in summer) or frozen (in winter). In theory, the passing of winter would kickstart surface activity (and therefore the worm moon). Yet if the winter isn't that cold, we perhaps need to reconsider which moon should be termed the worm moon. Maybe a date earlier in the year would be better, or perhaps the term may cease to have any real meaning. We can get a sense of how these earthworms can adapt to changing circumstances by looking at the northernmost populations, such as those in Finland, which are exposed to 24 hours of daylight in summer. These 'white nights,' when the sky never gets dark, put additional stress on these worms as they cannot use darkness to hide from predators but must still feed and mate at the surface while conditions allow. Finland v Lancashire v OhioA decade ago, Kevin Richard Butt from the University of Central Lancashire set out with his colleagues to see if Finnish worms behaved any differently during the white night period to worms of the same species taken to Finland from lower latitudes. He compared native dew worms from an area in south-west Finland at 60°N, with those from Lancashire in the UK (53°N) and Ohio in the US (40°N, more than 2,000km south of Finland), both of which have dark nights throughout the year. Also Read: World Wildlife Day: How wildlife rescuers conserve leopards in Mumbai Butt and his team put these worms outdoors under ambient (white night) light in soil-filled drainpipes (1m deep) in a large, controlled-temperature water bath (an old chest freezer with no lid). They looked at their feeding and mating, and in parallel, repeated the experiment under darkened conditions at night.In the darkness, they found that worms from all three origins were similarly very active in feeding and mating. Under ambient conditions, the Finnish worms were generally the most active. They emerged earlier in the evening and ceased their activity later in the morning than those from the two more southerly populations. It seems the species had adapted to its conditions, with a normal reluctance to surface during daylight overtaken by a need to feed and mate. "Perhaps with warming soils, earthworms are becoming more active during traditionally colder or drier months. This will increase their effect on the soil, earthworms are ecosystem engineers and lead to increased soil fertility which is generally positive, even if churning up the soil can lead to further decomposition and greenhouse gas emissions," remarks Butt. A worm moon and white nights would never normally appear in the same sentence. However, changes in the activities of worms as the global climate becomes less predictable imply that we need to rethink at least one of our terms of reference that has marked time for hundreds or thousands of years. One must enjoy the traditional worm moon while it lasts, he adds. Also Read: Mumbai-based beach cleanup group celebrates 314 weeks of environmental triumph This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
27 March,2024 11:59 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentClimate action ranks as the second-most crucial factor influencing the choice of political candidates or parties among first-time voters in Maharashtra, according to a recent survey. The survey titled 'Perception of First-Time Voters (aged 18-22 years) on Climate Education in India' revealed that 52.2 per cent of respondents advocate for climate education as the government's most effective strategy to combat the climate crisis. A significant portion of participants expressed a need for more comprehensive climate education to bridge the gap between awareness and actionable knowledge. The survey was conducted in a collaboration between Asar Social Impact Advisors, the Climate Educators Network (CEN), and CMSR Consultants. It surveyed 1600 first-time voters from states including Maharashtra, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal. A total of 400 respondents from Mumbai and Pune participated in the survey. The survey's findings underscore the urgency and importance of integrating climate education into our curricula, tailoring it to meet local contexts and students' needs, thereby fostering a generation equipped to tackle the climate crisis proactively. On the quality of environmental education in schools and colleges, responses varied across different regions. In Delhi, the prevailing sentiment among respondents (58 per cent) was that the quality of environmental education is 'average', with 25 per cent considering it 'poor'. Conversely, in Maharashtra and West Bengal, a majority of respondents (47 per cent and 58 per cent respectively) rated environmental education as 'good'. In Tamil Nadu, 39 per cent of the respondents perceived their environmental education positively as 'good', while another 25 per cent described it as 'average'. On coverage of climate change topics, across locations, topics like global warming, greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy, and biodiversity loss were commonly addressed in the school curriculum. However, the majority of the participants expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of depth and solution-oriented approach. Despite some detailed discussions on specific aspects like greenhouse gases and mitigation strategies, there was a common sentiment of inadequate coverage or in-depth discussions about climate change and no practical solutions to address environmental challenges. Participants also emphasised the need for practical solutions in climate education, and topics like sustainable development goals and waste segregation to be integrated into the curriculum. They called for climate education to be free from political bias and made it mandatory, suggesting adjustments to the credit scoring system to reflect its importance. There was a notable lack of awareness about climate change causes and consequences, highlighting the need for more knowledge dissemination. The need for comprehensive and in-depth coverage on topics like global warming, medical waste management, acid rain and ozone depletion was emphasized. There were suggestions for a deeper exploration and analysis of the hazardous nature of industrial pollution and including detailed information on how climate change can be mitigated and reversed within the curriculum. While a significant portion of respondents felt adequately informed about the causes and consequences of climate change through their education, qualitative findings revealed that many felt the knowledge imparted was insufficient. In Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu, a significant majority of respondents, comprising 93 per cent, 89 per cent, and 82 per cent respectively, reported learning new and significant aspects of climate change in school. However, in Delhi, only 23 per cent of respondents stated the same. Respondents also suggested various strategies for the government to effectively tackle the climate crisis. The top strategy mentioned by respondents of West Bengal (87 per cent), and Delhi (74 per cent), was enhancing sustainable transportation infrastructure. Likewise, 80 per cent and 72 per cent respondents from West Bengal and Delhi respectively suggested implementing stricter regulations on carbon emissions to tackle the climate crisis. Maximum respondents from Tamil Nadu (55 per cent) and Maharashtra (52 per cent) believed that an effective strategy would be to conduct climate education and awareness programs. Prioritizing the development and utilization of renewable energy sources was suggested by 80 per cent respondents from West Bengal followed by 70 per cent, 50 per cent and 45 per cent respondents from Delhi, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra respectively. Participants also stressed the importance of political commitment to addressing climate change issues, indicating a growing awareness among voters regarding environmental sustainability and its influence on political decisions. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
23 March,2024 05:11 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSAhead of Holi celebrations, green activists of Agra have demanded effective steps by the Agra Municipal Corporation to ensure that environmental pollution on Holi was minimised through the use of eco-friendly colours and firewood. In a memorandum to the municipal corporation chief the activists demanded the promotion of the use of "Gau Kashth" -- briquettes made from cow dung, hay and saw dust. "The general trend is to chop branches of trees on a large scale and use them for burning 'Holika' (the holy bonfire). People have been piling up all kinds of garbage, plastic, polythene, leather cuttings from shoe factories, household waste, used clothes, on the Holika which is set on fire around midnight," said environmentalist Devashish Bhattacharya. Another big problem is that these "Holikas" are lit up on main road crossings. "The coal tar also gets burnt and leaves huge scars on the roads. These potholes are rarely filled promptly. Some people also burn used tyres. Clearly, the administration has to stop all this," said green activist Padmini Iyer. Each year the green cover in the eco-sensitive Taj Trapezium Zone was shrinking. Lakhs of saplings planted during the rainy season hardly survive for want of care. "The green cover in Agra is hardly nine per cent. The national policy guideline is 33 per cent. For Holi, burning hundreds of trees is assaulted both in urban areas and rural hinterland. We must educate our people and provide them alternatives," added 'River Connect' Campaigner Jugal Shrotriya. A rough estimate of the number of Holikas set on fire in Agra city is more than a thousand. "If an average of 10 quintals of firewood is burnt, one can calculate the damage and loss," said Chaturbhuj Tiwari. In the rural areas, people generally use cow dung cakes and Vilayati Babool branches, but in urban areas, since firewood has become exorbitantly expensive, people choose to burn all the trash and waste available. This releases large quantities of noxious gases into the atmosphere, the activists said. They appealed to the administration to campaign and create awareness to sensitise people to the hazards of pollution. By using alternative materials like organic waste, the emission of harmful pollutants can be contained. The state pollution control board should continuously monitor and enforce regulations. The corporation should immediately clean up and fill up the potholes on the roads created by Holika Dahan. People should also be encouraged to use eco-friendly colours and gulal, the activists suggested. Already the air pollution level in Agra is very high. Recent reports suggest that despite a slew of measures after the historic Supreme Court verdict in 1993 to save the Taj Mahal from pollution, there has not been any significant change in the air quality or the pollution level in the city. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
22 March,2024 04:02 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSADVERTISEMENT
