Page 153 - Environment
Six year-old boy dies of West Nile fever
A six-year-old boy, who was undergoing treatment for vector-borne West Nile fever, died at a hospital here Monday. Announcing the death, state Health Minister K K Shylaja said there was no need to panic and steps were being taken to prevent the spread of virus, transmitted to humans through a mosquito bite and is mostly reported in North America. The boy, hailing from neighbouring Malappuram district, was admitted to the intensive care unit of the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital here one week ago after he tested positive for the virus. Shylaja said she had asked the Director of Health services to immediately intensify steps to prevent the spread of the virus. "There is no need to panic and stringent steps are being taken to prevent its spread", she told reporters. After the virus was reported in Malappuram, a special medical team had been deputed the area, she added. The union health ministry had last week said that it had sent a four-member multi-disciplinary central .
Dead whale in Philippines had 40 kg of plastic in stomach
A starving whale with 40 kilos of plastic trash in its stomach has died after being washed ashore in the Philippines, activists said Monday, calling it one of the worst cases of poisoning they have seen. Environmental groups have tagged the Philippines as one of the world's biggest ocean polluters due to its reliance on single-use plastic. That sort of pollution, which is also widespread in other southeast Asian nations, regularly kills wildlife like whales and turtles that ingest the waste. In the latest case, a Cuvier's beaked whale died on Saturday in the southern province of Compostela Valley where it was stranded a day earlier, the government's regional fisheries bureau said. The agency and an environmental group performed a necropsy on the animal and found about 40 kilograms of plastic, including grocery bags and rice sacks. The animal died from starvation and was unable to eat because of the trash filling its stomach, said Darrell Blatchley, director of D' Bone Collector Museum
Cities generating clean energy through processed waste
In the age of innovations, Yasasu Green was developed as a bio-methanation packaged organic waste processing plant which has been recognized as the 'Most Innovative Technology' under the world's largest cleanliness survey - 'Swachh Survekshan 2019' in the city of Mumbai.The recognition is given to the established 1 TPD plant at Pali Hill, Mumbai. A similar facility of 5 TPD out of the ten being established has been implemented at Punjabi Bagh, Delhi recently.Yasasu has set up a decentralized bio-methanation plant based on anaerobic digestion technology in a joint venture with Pali Hills Residents Association (PHRA) and Municipal Corporation Greater Mumbai's (MCGM) solid waste management team. The plant was launched at the Pali Hill Water Reservoir recently. The plant generates power by the wet waste collected from the buildings and Pali Hill area and powers halogen street lights at roads. Apart from this, the electricity generated will be used for captive utilization also.After much ..
Wild Edens: South Asia- A new feature documentary dedicated to the fight against global warming
The premiere of a new documentary "Wild EdensThe documentary puts an emphasis on the unique and delicate habitats of India and Bangladesh and the region's rarest and most spectacular wildlife. Brought to you by Rosatom, it will be broadcasted by National Geographic starting this spring.Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation, the world's leading producer of safe and clean energy, is deeply concerned by the threats associated with climate change. The nuclear power industry is constantly evolving and has firmly established itself as an integral part of the green energy mix.The Wild Edens seeks to highlight the threat of global warming to flora and fauna around the globe as well as the importance of nuclear energy, as a low-carbon energy source, in decarbonization.The "Wild Edens: South Asia" captures the region's breathtaking landscapes, where wildlife may be endangered in the future. From dense forests to remote deserts, along with wild mountain ranges to the mighty River Ganges, the ..
SPML Infra bags new project orders worth Rs 883 crore
SPML Infra Ltd said on Monday it has received four new orders for water supply and irrigation projects with combined cost of more than Rs 883 crore from Gujarat, Manipur and Punjab.The first and the largest single order received so far by SPML Infra is worth Rs 723.87 crore for phase three of Saurashtra-Narmada Avtaran Irrigation (SAUNI Yojana), an ambitious project initiated by the Gujarat state government.The project involves diverting one million acre feet water to 115 reservoirs through 1,115 km pipeline network to irrigate 1.8 million hectares of land and provide drinking water facility to 39 million people across 132 towns and 11,456 villages to address the scarcity of drinking water in Saurashtra, Kutch and north Gujarat regions.SPML Infra executed phase 1 and 2 projects which were inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April 2017 and March 2019.The second order received in joint venture with Shristi Infrastructure Development is worth Rs 103.60 crore for construction ..
Put renewable energy in poll manifestos: Indian firms
A total of 160 private companies and NGOs on Monday made an appeal to all political parties to include decentralised renewable energy solutions in their manifestos for the general elections.
Six-year-old West Nile Virus patient dead in Kerala
A six-year-old boy, who was being treated for West Nile Virus (WNV) disease here, passed away on Monday, said Kerala Health Minister K.K. Shailaja.
CBI arrests two forest officials in graft case
The CBI has arrested two Indian Forest Service officials for allegedly bribing an official in the Ministry of Environment and Forest for getting approval for upgrading some work on a previous date, the agency said on Sunday.
UN must develop common strategy to tackle terrorism: Venkaiah
Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu Sunday urged the United Nations to develop a common strategy to combat terrorism and speedily conclude the deliberations of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism. Speaking at a felicitation function organised here, following the conferment of Doctor Honoris Causa upon him by the Peace University of Costa Rica in recognition of his contribution to the rule of law, democracy, Naidu said the horrific shooting of worshippers in New Zealand once again highlighted the need for all countries to come together to eliminate the scourge of terrorism. "It is a global challenge which requires a global response. No country is immune to these threats," he said. Pointing out that India has been a victim of mindless violence, facing the menace of cross-border terrorism for the past several decades, Naidu expressed his disappointment over China's decision to block the proposal of UN Security Council to list Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Azhar Mahmood as a ...
Freezing sea water to fight global warming proposed
To prevent the impending doom that awaits Earth through global warming, three young geo-engineering enthusiasts have offered a simple and cost-effective solution -- freeze sea water to rebuild polar ice caps.
CBI arrests 2 Chief Forest Conservators for bribing Ministry officials
Two chief forest conservators--Tarun Johri and D Gogoi--were held by the CBI for allegedly giving a bribe of Rs 20, 000 to officials of Union Ministry of Environment and Forest.Johri was produced before a court here on Sunday and has been sent to judicial custody till March 19, while Gogoi was arrested from Port Blair.Action against these officials was taken apparently after the ministry complained to the CBI.As per the reports, searches were conducted by the CBI at the premises of both the officials. More details are awaited.
Tribal killed by wild elephant in Chhattisgarh
A 41-year-old tribal was Sunday killed by a wild elephant in Chhattisgarh's Raigarh district, police said. The incident occurred at 10:30 am near Baheramar village under Chhal Forest Range, Divisional Forest Officer (Dharamjaigarh) Pranay Mishra said. "Victim Chanesh Ram Rathiya, along with another villager Gulab Singh Rathiya, was collecting mahua flowers when they came face to face with an elephant. While Gulab manage to flee, Chanesh was flung to the ground by the elephant. He died instantly," he said. His kin has been given initial relief of Rs 25,000, Mishra added.
NASA lab creates exoplanet atmosphere on Earth
To understand conditions of exoplanets, NASA researchers have created the atmosphere of a super-hot planet outside our solar system, here on Earth.
Prepare noise pollution maps: NGT directs CPCB
The National Green Tribunal has directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to prepare a noise pollution map and remedial action plan to solve the issue across the country. The green panel said the absence of implementation of noise pollution norms affects health of citizens, especially infants and senior citizens. It also affects sleep, comfort, studies and other legitimate activities, it said. A bench headed by National Green Tribunal (NGT) Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel directed the CPCB to prepare the map, identify noise pollution hotspots and categorise cities with specified hotspots and propose a remedial action plan within three months Noting that the CPCB has established a noise monitoring mechanism, which is functioning on a continuous basis, in seven cities, the NGT asked the board to consider setting up of such mechanisms in all cities where noise pollution is beyond permissible limits. "The state pollution control boards may undertake noise level monitoring
El Niño might upset monsoon this year: Report
El Nino may make a comeback this year to upset the expectations of a good monsoon, according to the latest report by the US-based National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Stability of solar cells in near space tested
Chinese researchers have found that solar cells can retain most of their power conversion efficiency in near space, providing perspectives on the cells' future application in space.
Power Ministry to bring norms to promote green transmission cables
The Power Ministry is likely to issue soon new norms for bringing greener options of electricity transmission cables like aluminium to protect environment from ill-effects of lead-based equipment, according to a source. Admitting that lead electricity transmission cables are an environmental hazard and poisonous, the Power Ministry along the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), has been discussing issue with industry players to bring new guidelines to avoid use of the material. "The Power Ministry and the CEA are working on greener options. The new guidelines will be issued shortly," the source said. According to World Health Organisation estimates, 240 million people globally are overexposed to lead poisoning. The lead-based metallic sheath used in power cables for earthing and anti-corrosion purposes contributes to 35-48 per cent of the weight of cables of voltage levels ranging from 66 kV to 220 kV. A single kilometer of cable, which weighs about 20 tonne/km has lead content of ...
For Pompeo, climate change not in top 5 threats to US
For US Secretary of State, Michael Pompeo, climate change doesn't figure amongst the top five threats to the United States - reflecting the rhetoric set out by US President Donald Trump, even as students across the world staged mass protests against inaction over climate change."Everyone's talking about global warming and the threat to this country. When you look at the top five threats to this nation, where do you rank global warming or climate change?" Fox News asked Pompeo, according to a The Washington Post journalist John Hudson."Yeah, I wouldn't put it in the top five," Pompeo responded.Listing China, Pakistan and North Korea at the top of his list, the Secretary of State added, "I can count to five that get you to things that present more risk to the people I used to represent in Kansas and citizens all across America, whether it's the threat that we've talked about today from China...Pakistan...North Korea...I think I'm at five already, but I could give you a whole list of ...
Paris climate rally draws 45,000 people: media estimate
Around 45,000 climate campaigners marched in Paris Saturday to condemn what they called the French government's "inaction" on climate change, according to a media estimate. Organisers of the march through the centre of the city, which coincided with "yellow vests" riots in the west, estimated that 107,000 people took part while the police put the figure at 36,000. Organisers said more than 350,000 people turned out to march in 220 towns and cities across France. "Macron, you're screwed: the pandas are in the street," said one placard at the Paris demonstration, addressing French President Emmanuel Macron. "We are here to demonstrate against the inaction on climate change... and against the multi-billionaires in their ivory towers," 18-year-old drama student Pierre-Loup Meriaux told AFP. Many of those present were young people, some of whom had already marched the previous day in a youth protest for climate change action. On Friday, tens of thousands of young people took part in the ...
UNEA adopts single-use plastic resolution piloted by India
In a first, United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) has adopted the resolutions piloted by India on single-use plastic and sustainable nitrogen management at the 4th session in Nairobi."The global nitrogen use efficiency is low, resulting in pollution by reactive nitrogen which threatens human health, ecosystem services, contributes to climate change and stratospheric ozone depletion," reads the release of Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change issued on Saturday."And only a small proportion of the plastics produced globally are recycled, with most of it damaging the environment and aquatic biodiversity," further reads the press statement.In the session held between March 11 and March 15, UNEA's theme was 'Innovative Solutions for Environmental Challenges and Sustainable Production and Consumption.'India also hosted, in the High-Level Segment of UNEA, a session on "Global Partnerships: Key to Unlocking Resource Efficiency and Inclusive Green Economies."A panel ...
