Page 68 - Environment
World Environment Day: Barista launches campaign to gift plant seeds to customers
Coffee chain Barista Wednesday rolled out a campaign of gifting specially packed plant seeds to its customers at its 200-odd cafes and kiosks across the country with an aim to encourage people to plant trees on the occasion of World Environment Day. The "#Gogreen initiative" has been launched in association with Detel Foundation to create awareness about the need to increase the forest cover to address air pollution, which is the theme of this year's World Environment Day celebrated on June 5. "Air pollution in India has touched catastrophic levels, a large portion of our population being impacted by the same. Since India is home to 13 of top 20 worldwide cities reeling under the impact of air pollution, planting trees is one of the significant efforts to fight against air pollution," Barista CEO Puneet Gulati said in a statement. Barista's initiative of gifting seeds encourages people to make positive contribution in improving the green cover. Barista's pan India presence allows the
Seoul: NKorea ignores calls for joint African swine efforts
South Korea is concerned North Korea is ignoring its calls for joint efforts to stem the spread of highly contagious African swine fever following an outbreak in North Korea. South Korea's agricultural ministry on Wednesday says blood tests of pigs from some 340 farms near the inter-Korean border conducted through Tuesday came back negative. Hundreds of fences and traps have been installed around the farms to prevent their pigs from contacting wild boars that roam in and out of North Korea. Seoul says the North hasn't responded to proposals for joint quarantine efforts. The disease, which has decimated pig herds in China and other Asian countries, is harmless to humans but for pigs is fatal and highly contagious.
JSW Steel to increase capacity of Vijayanagar plant after 2020
Plans of private sector steel major JSW Steel to scale up the capacity of its flagship integrated steel plant at Vijayanagar in Karnataka to 18 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) will be taken up only after 2020, an official said. The Vijayanagar plant currently has a 12 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) capacity. The company will first execute the expansion of its Dolvi unit in Maharashtra from five million tonnes to 10 million tonnes and stabilise the two newly acquired steel plants from the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) by 2020, which will ramp up its installed capacity to 24-25 million tonnes from the existing 17 million tonnes, the official said. JSW Steel was also expecting the handover of Bhushan Power and Steel, which operates 3.5 million tonne steel plant in Odhisa. Bhushan Power and Steel is the second insolvent firm acquired by Sajjan Jindal-led JSW steel after Monnet Ispat and Energy Ltd last year. "With 5 million tonneS from Dolvi and takeover of Bhushan .
'India can replicate China's plan to tackle pollution'
China's experience can be relevant to India in tackling high pollution levels across the country, a new report by a Chinese policy and advocacy group said on Wednesday.
Scientists for study on impact of microplastics on mangroves
Scientists have underlined the need to conduct a detailed study on the impact of microplastics on the mangrove eco-system in the country, as it is believed that these tiny plastic particles can adversely affect marine life. As far as Goa is concerned, the previous studies by the CSIR-NIO (National Institute of Oceanography), located near Panaji, had confirmed the presence of microplastics along the coastline in the famous tourist destination. Researchers feel that studies can be done in selected sites like the Zuari, Mandovi, Chapora, Terekhol, Talpona and Galgibag rivers and in Salim Ali bird sanctuary near Panaji. Microplastics, measuring less than five mm, come from a variety of sources including larger plastic debris that degrades into tinier pieces. These small particles can easily pass into sea and other water bodies, posing a potential threat to aquatic life. "It is important to know what type of microplastics are accumulated in the mangrove sediments and ...
Amazon pulls plug on 'Sneaky Pete' after three seasons
Amazon Studios has cancelled Giovanni Ribisi-starrer "Sneaky Pete" after just three seasons. The third season of the show, co-created by Bryan Cranston and David Shore, premiered on Amazon Prime Video last month. The series follows Marius Josipovic (Ribisi), a released convict who adopts the identity of his cell mate, Pete Murphy, in order to avoid his past life. The show also featured Marin Ireland, Shane McRae, Libe Barer, Michael Drayer, Peter Gerety, and Margo Martindale, while Cranston had a recurring role, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Blake Masters was the showrunner on season three, after taking over for Graham Yost. Cranston also executive produced along with James Degus. The show was produced by Moonshot Entertainment in collaboration with Amazon Studios and Sony Pictures Television.
World Environment Day: PM Modi urges people to plant more saplings
On the occasion of World Environment Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday urged people to plant more saplings for a better tomorrow.He also asked them to find ways to make planet Earth more clean and green."We are born and brought up in such an environment where nature is treated as God. We must think of ways of making the planet more clean and green. The rainy season is coming, therefore, I urge you all not to only plant a sapling but also make arrangements for its care so that it can grow in the coming years. We all must connect ourselves with the environment," he said in a video posted on Twitter.In the same post, wrote "Our Planet and Environment is something we all cherish greatly. Today on #WorldEnvironmentDay, we reiterate our commitment to ensure a cleaner planet."The central government had on Tuesday launched a #selfiewithsapling initiative to encourage tree plantation. Union Minister Prakash Javadekar had urged people to plant saplings on the World Environment Day .
Modi pledges for cleaner planet on World Environment Day
On World Environment Day on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated his commitment to ensure a cleaner planet and said living in harmony with the nature will lead to a better future.
World Environment Day: President Kovind reaffirms commitment to cleaner, sustainable planet
On the occasion of World Environment Day (WED), President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday reaffirmed the commitment to a cleaner and sustainable planet, adding that living in harmony with nature is a part of the Indian ethos."On World Environment Day, we reaffirm our commitment to a cleaner and sustainable planet. Living in harmony with nature is a part of the Indian ethos. India is committed to addressing climate change and bequeathing a greener, eco-friendly habitat to our children," President Kovind wrote on his Twitter handle.Meanwhile, BJP leader and former finance minister Arun Jaitley appealed people to plant trees."Plant trees on this World," he tweeted along with an image saying everyone must act as an agent of change and save the Earth and environment for future generations.WED is celebrated every year on June 5. It is the United Nation's principal vehicle for encouraging awareness and action for the protection of our environment. It is organised around a theme in order to draw
Chennai gets 'tree ambulance' for aiding plantation drive
On the occasion of World Environment Day, a tree ambulance in Chennai is helping spread environmental awareness by catering to uprooted trees and offering other related services.The tree ambulance aims at offering services like seed ball distribution, plant distribution, aiding tree plantation, shifting and survey of trees as well as the removal of dead trees.Speaking to ANI, the founder of the tree ambulance service, Abdul Ghani, said, "The idea of a tree ambulance is to save trees by caring for sick ones and helping bring back uprooted trees and protect the trees. By 2020, our aim is to have one tree ambulance for all the districts in India."Suresh, the president of the initiative, said, "Cyclone Vardah and Gaja uprooted hundreds of trees in Tamil Nadu and I personally have witnessed the 2015 Chennai flood. Hence, I supported Abdul Ghani for his idea to create a tree ambulance in Chennai. In the whole country, our tree ambulance is the first one which has a hydraulic machine for ...
Nitish sets deadline for installing prepaid electric meters
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar Tuesday said the deadline for installing prepaid meters in the state is August 15, 2020. According to him, the aim is to save energy and reduce power related complaints. "Most of the complaints are related to the irregularities in electricity bills," Kumar said, adding, the move would not only help in stopping extravagant use of electricity but would also help reduce people's complaints regarding billing. While inaugurating a number of projects of the energy department and launching schemes worth Rs 692.74 crore at a function here, Kumar asked the power department officials to set a deadline to complete the target by August 15, 2020. Reminding the officials that the state government gives two types of subsidies in order to ensure better power supply to the people, Kumar said the state government gives a subsidy of around Rs 5,000 crore for making power available to the consumers at affordable rates. In addition, the state gives subsidy ..
Four asked to plant 270 saplings for cutting 27 trees
A district court directed four persons to plant 270 saplings in a month and look after them as they were found guilty of cutting 27 trees for smuggling.
Javadekar launches #SelfiewithSapling campaign
Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar on Tuesday launched the #SelfiewithSapling campaign as part of the World Environment Day celebrations, urging people to plant a sapling and post a selfie with it on the social media.
Deep ocean mission on cards: Earth Sciences Minister
The government was in the process of formulating the "deep ocean mission" programme, encompassing various aspects of oceans in an integrated framework, said Harsh Vardhan, here on Tuesday, after taking the charge of Earth Sciences Ministry.
Indian Navy formulates environment conservation roadmap
The Indian Navy has formulated an environment conservation roadmap aimed at reducing energy consumption and diversifying its supply, an official statement said. The Indian Navy Environment Conservation Roadmap (INECR), with specific action plans, covers the entire gamut of operations, maintenance, administration and infrastructure, and community living, the Navy said in the statement. The roadmap envisions reduction in energy consumption and diversification of energy supply as key result areas, it said. While the existing military, diplomatic, constabulary and benign roles envisioned in the Indian Navy's Maritime Doctrine define the objectives of its operations, the Green Initiatives Programme of the Indian Navy has added a new dimension i.e. social responsibility, to it, it added. Under the INECR, numerous policies aimed at reduction of energy consumption and environment sustenance have been formulated and disseminated to all ships as well as shore establishments, the Navy said. As a
Experts for right execution of anti-pollution steps
Though nine Indian cities figure among the World Health Organisation's 10 most polluted global destinations, lack of effective implementation of pollution control measures remains a major challenge, say experts.
Tiger attacks linesman in Madhya Pradesh
A 58-year-old man was attacked by a tiger in Madhya Pradesh's Seoni district Tuesday, leaving him injured, said a forest department official, the second such incident in a week in the area. The victim, Yashwant Bisen, a linesman with a state- run power company, is undergoing treatment, he said. The lineman was attacked by the tiger when he was in an agriculture field located adjoining a forest to carry out repairing work on electricity lines at around 5 pm at village Paraspani,said forest departments Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Rakesh Kodope. Bisen was saved by his colleagues and villagers and taken to the Piparpani Health Centre, from where he was shifted to Kurai Hospital for further treatment, he said. Kodope said Bisen was part of a team sent by the power company to repair electricity lines which had got damaged during the recent thunderstorms. Bisen, who suffered deep wounds on his hand caused by the tigers sharp teeth, said he was busy repairing power supply lines
World Environment Day: Beat air pollution, urge experts
In a bid to raise awareness about major environmental issues ranging from pollution to climate change and sustainable food production to protection of Wildlife, World Environment Day is observed worldwide on June 5 every year.
IMA, DMA experts assemble to raise awareness on air pollution
Experts from the Indian Medical Association, Delhi Medical Association and doctors from a private hospital gathered Tuesday on the eve of World Environment Day to raise awareness about air pollution and its impact on health. The event was in line with this year's theme of 'Beat Air Pollution' and a call to action for all citizens to combat this global crisis at an individual level as well. Experts highlighted how much each individual on average contributes to air pollution and ways to reduce air pollution with collective efforts of the society. Dr Girish Tyagi, president, Delhi Medical Association said, "Burning waste in the open is one of the factors for increasing pollution levels. Organic waste in landfills release harmful dioxins, methane and black carbon into the atmosphere." The event was held by Apollo Hospitals in collaboration with the IMA. "Understanding the different types of pollution and how hazardous it is to our health and environment will help us to take steps towards .
Sabarmati river clean-up campaign begins Wednesday
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is launching for the first time in decades a massive Sabarmati river clean-up campaign involving around 20,000 people on the World Environment Day on Wednesday.