Page 772 - Environment

Elderly man killed by wild elephants in C'garh

An elderly man lost his life after he was attacked by a herd of wild elephants in a village in Surjapur district in northern Chhattisgarh, police said today. The incident took place yesterday. This is the third incident in the last four days in the northern region of the state, in which an elephant or a group of them killed a human being. "The incident took place yesterday when the victim identified as Mansai (65) had gone to pick mahua fruits in Sakalpur village forest under Pratappur forest range," Sub Divisional Officer (Pratappur forest range) Prabhakar Khalko said. There, he was attacked by a herd of wild elephants. When some villagers working in the fields adjacent to the site informed the forest and police officials about the incident, they rushed to the spot, she said. The wife of the deceased was given an instant relief amount of Rs 25,000 by the forest department, while the remaining compensation of Rs 3.75 lakh will be released after completing the necessary ..

NASA to study how tiny sea creatures affect Earth's climate

In a first, NASA is conducting a study of the world's largest phytoplankton bloom in the North Atlantic to see how the tiny sea critters influence the climate in every season. The North Atlantic Aerosols and Marine Ecosystems Study (NAAMES) mission began its fourth and final deployment, which will study how phytoplanktons give rise to small organic particles that leave the ocean and end up in the atmosphere, ultimately influencing clouds and climate. It is the first research mission to conduct an integrated study of all four distinct phases of the world's largest phytoplankton bloom. "Most scientists studying the bloom head to sea during its climax in late spring and early summer. We did that, but we also went out during the other seasons to fully capture the minimum and transitions of the bloom," said Rich Moore, Deputy Project Scientist at NAAMES . "This thoroughness pays off as our ship-based scientists use these data to fully describe the entirety of the plankton bust/boom cycle,"

NASA to study tiny sea creatures to understand Earth's climate

In a first, a team of scientists from NASA are on a research mission to study phytoplankton -- the tiny sea creatures -- and their impact on the atmosphere and climate on Earth.

Rains lash parts of Har, Pb; worry farmers

The rains lashed most of Punjab and parts of Haryana today, leaving farmers a worried lot over the fate of their wheat crop nearing the harvesting stage. According to the MeT office here, Punjab had widespread rains today, covering almost the entire state, while Haryana had it in places like Faridabad, Kurukshetra, Palwal, Kaithal, Jind, Ambala, Panchkula, Yamunanagar and Hisar. Chandigarh too received some rainfalls today morning. The rains, which lashed the two states on Monday too, have increased the worries of wheat farmers as heavy showers are harmful for ripening wheat crop. Both Punjab and Haryana are the key wheat producing states in the country. The rains, which are unusual during this time of the year for Punjab and Haryana, were caused by western disturbances. Farmers say the rainy conditions are detrimental for their wheat harvest. "The rains are unusual during this time of the year. During the past three days, the weather has been either rainy or overcast, which may delay

Countdown of Indian navigation satellite launch progressing smoothly

The 32-hour countdown for Thursday's early launch of the IRNSS-1L navigation satellite is progressing smoothly at the Sriharikota rocket port, around 105 km from here, Indian space agency officials said.

Plans to upgrade state-run stone sculpture institute at Konark

Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan today offered the Centre's help to upgrade the state-run institute of stone sculpture at Konark into an institute of global standard. In a letter to Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Pradhan urged the state government to extend cooperation to make the project successful. Pradhan, who is also the Union Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Minister said, "An international standard skilling institute will not only help in upgrading the traditional skill sets of sculptors, but also help in keeping alive Odishas ancient heritage by training the entrants in the profession. The upgradation will also help in saving an exquisite cultural element of the state presented through intricate carvings on the stone, the union minister said. The institute is located near the famous Sun Temple at Konark. Noting that temples of Odisha are living testimony to the ancient cultural heritage of the state, the minister said, it is imperative on the ...

Larsen & Toubro built Offshore Patrol Vessel - ICGS Vikram gets commissioned

For Indian Coast Guard

Va Tech Wabag secures order worth Rs 147 crore

Under National Mission for Clean Ganga

Australian birds hit by 'mysterious' illness

Birds in Western Australia's Perth have been hit by a mystery illness affecting motor skills that continues to allude scientists, a media report said.

Fishing 'nomads': corralling carp on China's Thousand Island Lake

On a clear sunny morning in eastern China, the surface of Qiandao Lake boils with tens of thousands of thrashing carp as they are swept into the nets of fisherman like Ye Zhiqing. So begins the spring fishing season for Ye, who commands around 100 fishing vessels on the lake in Zhejiang province, a picturesque man-made freshwater reservoir whose name means "Thousand Island Lake" after its more than 1,000 wooded islets. Covering an area nearly the size of Singapore and known for its clear waters, Qiandao Lake is a major aquaculture production centre for eastern China, and is notable for the unique methods of fishermen like Ye. Though their peak season begins now and runs through summer, Ye and his crew live on the lake for ten months of the year, waking early to scan the surface for tell-tale ripples. "We are like nomads on a prairie," Ye said. "We go where the fish are." Once the schools -- silver carp and bighead carp, popular with diners -- have been located on the maze-like lake, ..

UP: Residents of Van Tangia bemoan lack of amenities

It has been over 70 years since India attained independence from British colonial rule. However, a village here in Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur still struggles to avail basic amenities of electricity, water and adequate sanitation needs.Natives of Van Tangia village here claimed that despite relentless attempts, villagers continue to lack access to basic needs, and are thereby making no substantial progress.Although India gained independence in 1947, natives allege that they are still subjected to the orders of the Forest Department, and have to seek their permission for any activity."It has been 70-odd years since Independence. However, we still lack basic facilities like sturdy homes, electricity, water and toilets. Many governments have come and gone, but nobody has been able to fulfill our needs. We want officials to come see how we are living here," a local told ANI.While a primary school has been constructed, Ashish, a young local claimed that due to the fear of wild animals, ...

Candidate list circulated on social media 'fake': Congress

Soon after a fake list of Congress candidates for the upcoming assembly elections in Karnataka was circulated on social media on Tuesday, the party clarified that it was a "fake press release and AICC has not issued anything regarding this".

North East forum will solve interstate problems: Niti Aayog VC

NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Rajeev Kumar on Tuesday said the 'NITI Forum for North East' is Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to start regional council, which would solve interstate problems of the area.In the first meeting of the forum held here, Kumar said the reason which persuaded the Niti Aayog to be part of the council was the longing for fresh ideas."We want this forum beyond the routine thing, we are looking for fresh ideas. Think on the line to tap huge potential which this northeast region has. We need to supplement the northeast council by ideas, and focus on implementation," he said.He further averred that to get tangible result they will setup a unit in Niti Aayog especially dedicated for the northeast region.The think tank's vice-chairman even raised concern on the private public partnership, saying that it is exploiting the potential of the industry.Kumar said they are committed to resolve the issue and urged people to come up with ideas for the same."It is important ..

Ukraine's space industry exports up 8.1% in 2017

Ukraine's space industry exports rose by 8.1 per cent last year to $89.1 million, local media reported on Tuesday, citing a press release of the State Space Agency of Ukraine (SSAU).

UP cabinet nod for integrated sugar complex in Pilibhit, Tiger Conserve Foundation in Dudhwa

The Uttar Pradesh cabinet today gave its nod for developing an integrated sugar complex in Pilibhit and setting up a Tiger Conservation Foundation in Dudhwa. The state's cabinet presided over by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath decided to develop the sugar mill of Kisan Sahkari sugar mill limited lying closed in Pilibhit since 2011 as an integrated complex, spokesman of the government and senior cabinet minister Siddhartnath Singh said. "After due deliberations to revive the mill on PPP mode, it was decided to develop it as an integrated complex which will have a cogeneration unit for power, distillery for molasses besides the sugar mill ... all the three will function simultaneously," the minister said. The 40.308 hectare land of the sugar mill will be given on 30 years lease while the ownership of the land will remain with the sugar mill limited, he said. The minister said this year, a payment of Rs 18,615.93 crore has been made to farmers while last year it was Rs 18,066.75 ...

Northeast development will be based on HIRA: NITI Aayog

NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Rajeev Kumar on Tuesday said that focus of development projects in the northeast region will be based on the concept of Highways, Inland Waterways, Railways and Airways (HIRA) as spelled out by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.In the first meeting of the 'NITI Forum for North East' held here, Kumar said that emphasis will be made on education, health and skill development in the region.He added that horticulture, tourism, food processing, use of bamboo and 'Made in North-East' will be developed through five mission mode projects in a time-bound manner.The meeting, organised by the NITI Aayog, Ministry of DoNER and the North Eastern Council (NEC), was co-chaired by the Vice-Chairman, NITI Aayog, Rajeev Kumar and the Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Jitendra Singh.Chief Minister of Tripura, Biplab Kumar Deb, Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad Sangma, Deputy ...

Rio Tinto reviewing Rusal ties, mum on Queensland venture

(Reuters) - Rio Tinto Plc is reviewing its dealings with Russian aluminum producer United Co Rusal to ensure compliance with U.S. sanctions, a top executive said on Tuesday, but added it was too soon to discuss the future of its Australian venture with Rusal.

Electric vehicles become new trend in fighting pollution in Andhra

In ongoing three-day long 'Happy Cities Summit 2018', electric vehicles are the new trend in fighting pollution.The centre of attraction at the summit in Andhra Pradesh's Amaravati is now electric cars and scooters.During the Summit, Tata Motors put to display its latest electric car Tigor EVC which has all features of a regular car like air conditioning, power steering, four power windows, remote central locking, etc.With 72 volts battery capacity, the car can run an average of 100 kilometres once the battery is charged. It takes eight hours for charging with AC power source. However, it can be fast charged with DC power source only in 90 minutes. The cost of this car is almost Rs. 11 lakhs.Automotive Mahindra also put on its 'e-verito' for demonstration. With features like power windows, central locking, electric power steering, hill hold control; the vehicle is also attractive. Its battery capacity is 72 volts, regular charging time eight hours, and power charging takes 90 minutes.

Centre to extend all cooperation to save the Sundarbans

Union Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan have assured the state government of all cooperation to save wildlife and Mangrove forest of the Sunderbans, an official release said here today. On the last leg of his visit to the Sundarbans, the Union science and technology and earth sciences Minister said this to the officials yesterday at Sudhanyakhali forest area. "The Centre is ready to assist all developmental activities in the Sunderbans, if the projects are sent to my ministry," he said. Presently at least 84 types of mangroves are available in the Sunderbans. Of these, 34 types are available at Sudhanyakhali area, which attract large number of tourists every year. Vardhan talked to Forest department officials and enquired about the ongoing activities of conservation of wildlife and protection of mangrove. The union minister also visited the Tiger Rescue Centre at Jharkhali forest area, where two tigers are undergoing treatment at present.

Centre issues new rules on cattle sale for slaughter

Rolling back its controversial rule that barred the sale of cattle in market for slaughtering, the Central government has come up with new rules omitting earlier clauses.