Prague: According to a study, heart failure patients are more likely to pass away from their condition on polluted days and for up to two days afterwards. The research was presented at Heart Failure 2023, the European Society of Cardiology's (ESC) scientific conference. "The findings indicate that reducing air pollution has the potential to prevent worsening heart failure," said study author Dr Lukasz Kuzma of the Medical University of Bialystok, Poland. "Protecting vulnerable groups, especially during winter, should become an integral part of clinical care. That means health professionals working with patients to monitor air quality and choose optimal times for outdoor activity." According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), air pollution is the single most serious environmental threat to human health. This includes particulate matter (PM)2.5 and PM10, which are mostly caused by vehicle exhaust emissions and industrial smells. In 2019, it is predicted that ambient air pollution will cause 4.2 million premature deaths worldwide. Heart failure affects more than 64 million people worldwide.4 The authors of the current study previously found that rises in particulate matter were associated with increased hospitalisations for heart failure.5 This study examined the relationship between smog exposure and short-term mortality from heart failure. Mortality data from the five main cities in Eastern Poland from 2016 to 2020 were obtained from the Central Statistical Office. Concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 were retrieved from the Inspectorate for Environmental Protection. Home postcodes were used to connect individual pollution exposure with mortality. The researchers used a time-stratified case-crossover study design in which participants served as their own controls. This eliminated the potential confounding effect of individual characteristics. For each participant, pollutant levels on the day a death occurred (e.g. Tuesday) were compared with pollutant levels on the same day of the week with no deaths (e.g. all remaining Tuesdays) in the same month. The analyses were repeated for pollution levels one day and two days before death took place. All analyses were adjusted for factors that could influence the relationships including the time of year, day of the week, weather conditions (temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure) and long-term trends such as population demographics. A total of 87,990 deaths were recorded during the five-year study, of which 7,404 were due to heart failure. The average age of those who died from heart failure was 74 years and 49% were women. The highest number of deaths occurred in winter and the lowest in summer, with averages of 1.03 and 0.69 per day, respectively. A 10 mg/m3 increase in PM2.5 and PM10 was associated with a 10% and 9% rise, respectively, in the risk of death due to heart failure on a polluted day. Similar risks of dying from heart failure were observed one and two days following smog exposure. Dr Kuzma said: "The results suggest that pollution continues to exert negative effects on heart health for two days after smog exposure. Patients with heart failure should minimise their time in polluted areas by avoiding outdoor activities in places with dense traffic or when pollution levels are high, and using air filters at home. In addition, patients can advocate for policies and actions to improve air quality in their communities." He concluded: "Our research indicates that considering the impact of pollution in public health measures to prevent disease and the consequences of ill health could lead to positive outcomes for patients with heart failure. Such measures should be taken in parallel with clinical care to improve the prognosis of this condition." —ANI

 According to a study, heart failure patients are more likely to pass away from their condition on polluted 

Air Pollution Linked To Early Death In Heart Failure Patients: Study

New Delhi: The medical device industry is caught between environmental responsibility and innovation, according to a report on Friday.
Despite the medical device industry's commitment to healthcare innovation, achieving environmental responsibility has been hindered by stringent regulations.
The report by GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, shows that the industry finds itself at a crucial juncture, balancing technological advancements with sustainable practices.
It highlights the regulatory and disclosure changes that are promoting commitment to environmental sustainability and the initiatives by leading medical device companies to reduce emissions and better manage resources.
"Many companies are implementing sustainable packaging, efficient energy usage, and increased use of telemedical applications to make an immediate difference. But due to the nature of medical products, device quality needs to remain a priority, and swift eco-friendly changes will not be made at the expense of patient health. Larger, long-term changes to medical devices and manufacturing will rely on proper regulation and risk mitigation," said Ashley Clarke, Medical Analyst at GlobalData, in a statement. Pressure from the private sector (customers, investors, workers) is still an important factor driving environmental, social, and governance (ESG) action by medical device companies. However, the ESG regulatory landscape is starting to catch up.
Popular opinion in GlobalData's latest ESG survey indicated that legislature and pressure from governments should lead ESG decisions (35 per cent of votes), superseding desire to improve financial performance (29 per cent of votes).
The ESG survey also revealed that 45 per cent of respondents said their company either had no ESG plan (27 per cent) or could not say whether they had one (18 per cent). This is down from the combined 68 per cent the previous quarter, suggesting communication surrounding ESG strategies is improving.
Corporate governance and legislative disclosure policies will continue to improve ESG transparency and promote open communication between stakeholders and medical device companies. It is essential to recognise the potential for positive change and collective action within the industry.
"In the past, environmental and ethical actions may have been exaggerated as companies become increasingly aware of the potential of ESG action to improve customer loyalty. Many still believe that ESG is treated only as a marketing exercise and companies are not fully committed to change," Clarke said.
"This has resulted in ESG plans working against companies rather than for them, so companies may choose to keep quiet about their ESG plans to avoid scrutiny and greenwashing allegations. But change cannot be realised if there is not proper communication between companies, consumers, workers, and investors about environmental initiatives, progress, and challenges". —IANS

The medical device industry is caught between environmental responsibility and innovation

Medical Device's Environmental Impact Can Challenge Innovation: Report

Lucknow: The CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) has successfully lowered nicotine content in the Petit Havana Tobacco plant variety by using a genome editing tool and reduced 60-70 per cent nicotine in it, compared to nicotine content in wild-type plants.
CSIR-CIMAP now plans to lower nicotine in commercial varieties to help people quit the habit by working on tobacco plant varieties used in cigarettes, cigars, beedi. As a result of four years of research, CIMAP director Dr P K Trivedi, along with research scholars Dr Deeksha Singh and Shambhavi Dwivedi, succeeded in lowering nicotine in the Petit Havana tobacco plant.
"When several studies highlighted that zero nicotine products were disliked by people who were aiming at de-addiction, we thought why not lower it to the extent that it becomes less harmful and can be given up gradually," said Trivedi. He explained that there is a biosynthetic pathway for nicotine present in the root of the plant, by which nicotine is synthesised in the root tissue and transported to the leaves. Among the several pathways, only one facilitates nicotine biosynthesis and if it is blocked, there will be zero nicotine in the leaves of the plant.
On the other hand, if instead of blocking, the pathway is regulated, nicotine will be there but its production will slow down, he added.
Trivedi said, "We have used CRISPR-Cas9 for genome-editing which is a unique technology that helps scientists edit parts of the genome by adding or altering sections of the DNA sequence. It is much faster, cheaper and more accurate than previous techniques of editing DNA. CIMAP has also identified a transcription factor in tobacco plant which is a protein that helps turn specific genes 'on' or 'off' by binding to their regulatory regions. The Institute has altered or knocked out the 'transcription factor' which has helped in lowering Nicotine content in the plant. —IANS

The CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) has successfully lowered nicotine

CSIR-CIMAP Study Lowers Nicotine Content In Tobacco Plant

New Delhi (The Hawk): Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has urged that finding and using cost-effective fuels, that are also economically viable, is imperative to reduce pollution caused by vehicles. The Union Road Transport and Highways Minister inaugurated 'Green Hydrogen Conclave' in Mumbai, today.
The Union Minister pointed out that alternative fuels like bio-CNG and green hydrogen not only help in reducing pollution, but also save a lot in fuel cost. India's potential for green hydrogen is 5 million metric tonnes per year, he informed. He said that it is the responsibility of all the stakeholders to make these fuels available to the people at cost-effective rates and create awareness among common citizens about the necessity of using these fuels. He said that green hydrogen will not be useful if its cost is high and urged stakeholders to focus on keeping the rates low. In this connection, he said that the Government has taken the initiative to create wealth out of waste that is generated in our lives.
Niti Gadkari stated that the country is facing two big challenges now, one of which is related to import of fossil fuels amounting to lakhs of crores of rupees which, therefore, poses a big economic challenge to the country. The other challenge is related to curbing pollution. We are facing a very serious problem of air pollution, particularly in the metro cities, he added. These are matters of concern, he reiterated. He also said that not only in India, everywhere in the world people are speak about decarbonization, which is important as far as climate change is concerned.&nbsp;
The Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said that the vision of a self-reliant India and a five trillion-dollar economy will be realized as soon as possible if there is more and more production of cost-effective, pollution-free, and environment-friendly indigenous products that provide alternatives to imports and lessens all sort of pollutions in the country. "Our dream is to make India an exporter of energy", he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister also said that, while we are working very fast on thermal power, hydro power and wind power, we also have to look at nuclear power, which is a zero-emission clean energy source. Agriculture and energy sectors are the need of the hour, he added. The Union Minister also urged that by linking agriculture with proven technology and power sector, many jobs can be created.
The dignitaries present on the occasion included Ravindra Boratkar, President, Maharashtra Economic Development Council; Erik Solhiem, Green politician; Arne Jan Flolo, Consul General, Royal Norwegian Consulate General in Mumbai; Achim Fabig, Consul General, Germany; Dr. Yasukata Fukahari, Consul General, Japan; Manish Panchal, Event Chair, GH2 Conclave; and Shardul Kulkarni, Knowledge Chair, GH2 Conclave. Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy supported the event.

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has urged that finding and using cost-effective fuels

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Inaugurates 'Green Hydrogen Conclave' In Mumbai

Washington: A study has found that air pollution is associated with a higher risk of developing severe disease, admission to a hospital or an intensive care unit (ICU) and death by COVID-19. The study was published in the journal, 'Nature Communications'. The study was based on a large cohort of 4,660,502 adults resident in Catalonia in 2020, the year the Spanish autonomous community had a high incidence of COVID-19. The researchers determined the mean annual levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5, particles with an aerodynamic diameter of &lt;=2.5 um), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), black carbon (BC) and ozone (O3) at the residential address of each participant. They also collected data on severe cases of COVID-19 in 2020, including the number of hospital and ICU admissions, length of hospital stay, and COVID-19-related deaths. An analysis of this data revealed the following associations: - An increase in exposure to PM2.5 of 3.2 ug/m3 was associated with a 19 per cent increase in hospital admissions. - An increase in exposure to NO2 of 16.1 ug/m3 was associated with a 42 per cent increase in ICU admissions. - An increase in exposure to BC of 0.7 ug/m3 was associated with a 6 per cent increase in mortality. "Our findings add further compelling evidence on the importance of reducing levels of air pollution to improve the health of the population in general and, in particular, to reduce the incidence of severe acute respiratory infections," concludes Otavio Ranzani, ISGlobal researcher and first author of the study. Possible Explanations for the Association There are several biological mechanisms that may explain why long-term exposure to air pollution increases the risk of severe COVID-19.  1. One hypothesis is that exposure to air pollution increases the individual's risk of developing chronic comorbidities associated with severe COVID-19, such as hypertension. 2. Another hypothesis is that air pollution may facilitate the infection, as there is published evidence that exposure to fine particulate matter increases the expression of the receptors the SARS-CoV-2 virus binds to, particularly in the lung. 3. Exposure to air pollution has also been associated in another study with changes in the immune defences key to mitigating SARS-CoV-2, such as a decrease in the type II interferon response to SARS-CoV-2 and the antibody response. Nonetheless, the study authors believe that more research is needed to gain a better understanding of the main biological pathways involved. How the Study was Carried Out The COVAIR-CAT cohort is based on data from the Catalan public health system covering primary care, emergency care and the discharge from hospitals of patients with acute conditions. It also includes data from a SARS-CoV-2 surveillance system (SUVEC), which gathered information on PCR and rapid antigen test results in cohort participants in Catalonia. According to the data analysed in this study, 340,608 people were diagnosed with COVID-19 in Catalonia in 2020. Of these, 14 per cent (47,174) were admitted to a hospital and 1.4 per cent (4,699) to an intensive care unit. In total, taking into account inpatients and outpatients, 10,001 COVID-19-related deaths (3 per cent) were recorded. The meteorological and air pollution data was obtained from the pertinent Catalan and Spanish monitoring networks. These data were cross-checked with the place of residence of the 4,660,502 people in the study cohort. Study Strengths "One of the strengths of our analysis is that the population is very well represented. The study covers both large urban conglomerations and rural areas and we were able to obtain detailed individual-level data on the participants' exposure to ambient air pollution in a country heavily affected by the pandemic in 2020," explains Cathryn Tonne, an ISGlobal researcher and final author of the study. While many studies have been published on the effects of short- and long-term exposure to air pollution on chronic respiratory diseases, there is less data available on the effects of long-term exposure on the incidence and severity of acute respiratory infections. Otavio Ranzani concludes, "Our study provides robust evidence that long-term exposure to ambient air pollution is associated with severe COVID-19." (ANI)

A study has found that air pollution is associated with a higher risk of developing severe disease

Study: Air pollution is associated with higher risk of developing severe COVID-19

Tel Aviv: An epidemic that has killed all the black sea urchins in the Gulf of Eilat and other parts of the Middle East threatens to destroy coral reefs in those regions, a study released on Wednesday found. "This situation is unprecedented in the entire documented history of the Gulf of Eilat," said a team of researchers from Tel Aviv University. The researchers noted that extensive mortality is also occurring in other countries in the region, including Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Greece and Turkey. The TAU findings were recently published in Frontiers in Marine Science and Royal Society Open Science, both peer-reviewed. Coral reefs act as nurseries and habitats for countless marine species, providing shelter, food, and protection from predators. They also serve as a natural barrier, reducing coastal erosion and buffering against storm damage. Coral reefs also trap carbon that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere, helping mitigate the impact of climate change. Rising sea temperatures, pollution, overfishing, and human activities pose significant challenges to the survival of the reefs Now, an epidemic killing off sea urchins is also raising a dire threat. The source of the pandemic is thought to be a pathogenic ciliate parasite that eradicated the entire sea urchin population in the Caribbean in the 1980s, damaging the coral reefs there irreversibly, the researchers wrote. The current epidemic was first discovered in the Mediterranean but quickly reached the Red Sea, where it is spreading at an unprecedented rate.  Within a few months, the epidemic killed all the black sea urchins in the Gulf of Eilat; they died within two days of falling ill. Sea urchins are considered essential for the healthy functioning of coral reefs, the study says. "At first we thought it was some kind of pollution or poisoning or a local chemical spill from the industry and hotels in the north of the Gulf of Eilat, but when we examined additional sites in Eilat, Jordan and Sinai, we quickly realized that this was not a local incident," said Omri Bronstein of Tel Aviv University, who led the study. "All findings pointed to a rapidly spreading epidemic," he said. He noted that similar reports are coming in from colleagues in Saudi Arabia. "Even sea urchins that we grow for research purposes in our aquariums at the Interuniversity Institute [for Marine Sciences in Eilat], and sea urchins at the Underwater Observatory Marine Park in Eilat, contracted the disease and died, probably because the pathogen got in through the pumping systems," Bronstein said. Within two days of contracting the parasite, a healthy sea urchin becomes a skeleton with massive tissue loss. While some corpses are washed ashore, most sea urchins are devoured while they are dying and unable to defend themselves, which could speed up contagion spread by the fish who prey on them. "As with COVID-19, at this point, no one knows what will happen--will this epidemic disappear by itself, or will it stay with us for many years and cause a dramatic change in coral reefs?" Bronstein said. An urgent report describing the situation was submitted to the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, and emergency steps for saving the coral reef are being considered. —ANI

An epidemic that has killed all the black sea urchins in the Gulf of Eilat and other parts of the Middle East

Epidemic endangers coral reefs in Mideast, Eastern Mediterranean

Udaipur (The Hawk): In sync with one of the core values of bringing a positive change in the region, IIM Udaipur's Incubation Centre has joined handswith Aspirelabs Acceleratoras an Ecosystem Partner for pursuing their vision to make Udaipur a plastic waste free city through the FINILOOP PLASTIC LAB- a startup incubation and mentorship program for plastic waste management entrepreneurs. FINILOOP PLASTIC LAB is a part of FINILOOP (Financial Inclusion &amp; Improved Livelihoods Out of Plastics) - a city-level solid waste management model.&nbsp;
Suresh Dhaka, CEO, IIM Udaipur Incubation Centre said, "The use of plastic has been recognized as one of the greatest environmental and health hazards of the 21st century. Every day in India approx. 20,000 tonnes of plastic waste is generated, out of which only 13,000-14000 tonnes are collected. IIM Udaipur Incubation Centre has joined hand with Aspirelabs to address the problem of the inadequate collection and recycling systems through the FINILOOP PLASTICS LAB initiative and make Udaipur a Plastic-Waste Free City."
The FINILOOP program is designed to achieve plastic waste free cities through improving solid and plastic waste management while strengthening the livelihood opportunities of informal waste workers and fostering innovation for plastic waste enterprises. The program is supported by IKEA Foundation and is being implemented by Aspirelabs Accelerator, WASTE Foundation and Trust of People. The program has strategic partners such as Finish Society, Shriram Institute for Industrial Research, andTake a Stake Fund.
The FINILOOP PLASTIC LAB(FPL) program is a 14-month incubation program for aspiring entrepreneurs who are keen to takeup the challenge of plastic waste menace created primarily due to mismanagement of it. The applicants can be from across the country and selected ones will get an opportunity to become a part of this initiative to make Udaipur a plastic waste-free city. In addition, the startup will get an opportunity to scale up their business in Amritsar also.
FPL program offerings include 1-on-1 mentoring sessions with industry experts, B2B meetings for potential collaboration, workshops with business gurus, technical support for prototype building, pre-demo day and demo-day, opportunities for follow-up funding from marquee investors, support on IPR filing and company registration, prototype grant up to INR 3 lakhs for the top 10 startups, and post-program support for 9 months.
All the aspiring entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply to this program. The last date to apply is Tuesday, 30th May 2023 till midnight.&nbsp;

In sync with one of the core values of bringing a positive change in the region, IIM Udaipur's Incubation Centre 

IIM Udaipur Incubation Centre Join Hands With Aspirelabs To Make Udaipur Plastic-Free

Sharjah: Sharjah Aquarium, operating under the Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA), has marked World Turtle Day with a special initiative, during which it has released eight medium to large green and hawksbill turtles into the sea off Al Hamriyah beach in Sharjah. Green turtles, colloquially referred to as "Sherry," have a maximum length of 120 cm and are recognised as an endangered species. Despite their ability to live for 70 years or more, these turtles face numerous threats to their survival. Their name originates from the green hue of their bodies. Similarly, hawksbill turtles, known locally as "Ahmsa," are also classified as endangered. These turtles, characterised by their distinctive beak-like mouth, can grow up to 114 cm in length and live for approximately 50 years. The released turtles that range from 5 to 30 years old, have undergone rehabilitation after being found in poor condition, as part of a dedicated programme that rehabilitate sick or injured turtles found by the public and local fishermen. The programme provides thorough health assessments and necessary care to the vulnerable marine creatures, ensuring their full recovery before releasing them back into their natural habitats.  The release, which is in cooperation with Al Hamriyah Municipality, serves as a valuable opportunity to educate the public about the crucial role these creatures play in UAE's marine ecosystems and to encourage the public to take part in protecting the UAE's marine biodiversity. It also highlights Sharjah Aquarium's dedication to raising awareness about the marine environment and the diverse marine species found along UAE's coasts as well as its determination to promote conservation efforts. The turtle release is part of SMA's long-running Social Responsibility Initiative, "Because We Care," which was first launched in 2009 and has since successfully aided and released 30 turtles back into their natural habitats. Present during the release were Saeed Obaid Bouvier Al Shamsi, Director of the Emiri Diwan in Al Hamriyah; Khalid Ali Thani Al Shamsi, Secretary of the Emiri Diwan in Al Hamriyah; Saif Obaid Bouvier Al Shamsi Chairman of Al Hamriyah Council; Rashid Al Shamsi, Curator of Sharjah Aquarium; and Saif Khalifa bin Samha Al Shamsi, President of Al Hamriyah Cooperative Society for Fishermen, and number of officials from various Sharjah government departments. Individuals involved in the marine ecosystem including the Emirati researcher in marine culture and heritage Juma bin Thalith Al Humairi, as well as media professionals, have also attended the releasing. The annual observance of World Turtles Day on May 23rd began in 2000, following a high-profile rescue operation for a large American tortoise that spotlighted the species' scarcity. The event aims to raise awareness about the threats facing turtles, support conservation efforts for endangered species, and foster community engagement. Each year, the authority organises various programmes, events, and initiatives that align with its objectives and aspirations in promoting turtle conservation and awareness. —ANI

Sharjah Aquarium, operating under the Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA), has marked World Turtle Day 

Sharjah aquarium releases 8 endangered turtles back to their natural habitat in celebration of World Turtle Day

Washington: According to a new study from Lund University in Sweden, the ability of microorganisms to adapt to climate change will reduce global warming by storing carbon in the soil. In the study, researchers collected soil samples from across Europe in a wide range of temperatures, from minus 3.1 to 18.3 degrees Celsius. The samples revealed that microorganisms in soils - such as bacteria and fungi - are strongly adapted to their local climate when it comes to growth and respiration. However, the researchers surprisingly demonstrated that microorganisms can adapt to temperature changes. The organisms can even benefit from these changes. "Despite decades of scientific pondering, researchers have not been able to determine whether microorganisms can adapt to warming, and if they do. We can now confirm that this is the case, and that the organisms can actually mitigate climate warming," says Carla Cruz Paredes, a biology researcher at Lund University.  The new study, published in the scientific journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology, also reveals that groups of microorganisms react differently to warming. Bacteria and fungi differ in their sensitivity to temperature changes, with bacteria being more sensitive than fungi. Moreover, microbial growth is more sensitive to temperature changes than respiration. These differences in temperature sensitivity have important implications for predictions of future carbon losses and storage, as well as how the soil is affected by climate warming. "The outcome of these varying sensitivities to growth and respiration at different temperatures, and between bacteria and fungi, will impact the carbon balance between the soil and the atmosphere, and thus the soil's feedback on climate warming," says Carla Cruz Paredes. The study highlights the importance of accurately representing microbial responses to climate warming in models of soil carbon content. The research also shows that ecological responses from the Earth's microorganisms will play a key role in regulating the planet's climate. "Climate warming is one of the biggest threats to our environment. To mitigate global warming, it is necessary to enhance the soil's ability to store or sequester carbon and reduce carbon emissions into the atmosphere. This study is a step forward in providing better predictions for the assessments of the UN's climate panel," says Carla Cruz Paredes. (ANI)

 According to a new study from Lund University in Sweden, the ability of microorganisms to adapt to climate change

Climate adaption by microorganisms can help slow down global warming: Study

New Delhi (The Hawk): The National Campaign for Updation and Verification of People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR) was launched in Goa today, marking a significant step towards the documentation and preservation of India's rich biological diversity. The function, organized by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in association with the Goa State Biodiversity Board, the National Biodiversity Authority, and the Government of Goa, witnessed the presence of esteemed dignitaries. Among the distinguished guests were the Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Ashwini Kumar Choubey; the Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant; the Minister for Environment and Climate Change of Goa, Nilesh Cabral; Chairman of the National Biodiversity Authority, C. Achalender Reddy and other senior Government representatives.     During the event, Union Minister of State Shri. Ashwini Kumar Choubey emphasized the importance of maintaining the delicate balance present in nature. He remarked, "It is important to maintain the delicate balance present in nature. One must return to it as much as one takes away from it." Stressing the significance of conserving biodiversity, he stated, "Conserving biodiversity is key to maintaining balance in nature." He further highlighted the need for people's participation in achieving success in implementing the provisions of the Biodiversity Act 2002, saying, "It is important to not only spread awareness but also ensure people’s participation to make the idea behind these provisions a success."    Minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey informed the audience that so far 2,67,608 People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBR) have been prepared in the country, by Biodiversity Management Committees entrusted with the crucial task of documenting natural resources and traditional knowledge associated with them. He also mentioned the progress being made in digitizing the People’s Biodiversity Registers, transforming them into e-PBR.    Furthermore, he highlighted the significance of the concept of "Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE)," introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at COP26 in Glasgow on November 1, 2021. This concept calls upon individuals and institutions globally to promote mindful and deliberate utilization of resources to protect and preserve the environment. The Minister pointed out how exercises such as preparation and updation of PBRs are also an integral part of the philosophy of Mission LiFE.     Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant expressed his pride in Goa being chosen as the site for launching this national campaign. He acknowledged the remarkable efforts of the people of Goa in preserving biodiversity and emphasized the role of local communities in achieving success in this sector. He stated, "The successes of Goa in this sector are the successes of the enthusiasm of the people at the ground. Government can only support local communities in their endeavour to preserve biodiversity, and therefore, every success belongs to the community."    In addition to the campaign launch, an exhibition showcasing unique products from each Biodiversity Management Committee was inaugurated during the event. The occasion also witnessed the distribution of special awards for the Best Biodiversity Management Committee in North and South Goa, the Green Journalist Award, and individual contributions to preserving biodiversity.

The National Campaign for Updation and Verification of People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR) was launched in Goa today

National Campaign for Updation and Verification of People’s Biodiversity Register Launched in Goa

London: According to a new study led by a UCL researcher, climate change is likely to rapidly push species over tipping points when their geographic ranges experience unforeseen temperatures. The study, published in the journal Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution, predicts when and where climate change will expose species all around the world to potentially deadly temperatures. The researchers from UCL, the University of Cape Town, the University of Connecticut, and the University of Buffalo examined data from over 35,000 species of animals and seagrasses (including mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds, corals, fish, cephalopods, and plankton) from every continent and ocean basin, as well as climate projections up to 2100. The researchers investigated when areas within each species' geographical range will cross a threshold of thermal exposure, defined as the first five consecutive years where temperatures consistently exceed the most extreme monthly temperature experienced by a species across its geographic range over recent history (1850-2014). Once the thermal exposure threshold is crossed, the animal is not necessarily going to die out, but there is no evidence that it is able to survive the higher temperatures - that is, the research projects that for many species there could be an abrupt loss of habitat due to future climate change. The researchers found a consistent trend that for many animals, the thermal exposure threshold will be crossed for much of their geographic range within the same decade. Lead author Dr Alex Pigot (UCL Centre for Biodiversity &amp; Environment Research, UCL Biosciences) said: "It is unlikely that climate change will gradually make environments more difficult for animals to survive in. Instead, for many animals, large swaths of their geographic range are likely to become unfamiliarly hot in a short span of time.  "While some animals may be able to survive these higher temperatures, many other animals will need to move to cooler regions or evolve to adapt, which they likely cannot do in such short timeframes. "Our findings suggest that once we start to notice that a species is suffering under unfamiliar conditions, there may be very little time before most of its range becomes inhospitable, so it's important that we identify in advance which species may be at risk in coming decades." The researchers found that the extent of global warming makes a big difference: if the planet warms by 1.5°C, 15% of species they studied will be at risk of experiencing unfamiliarly hot temperatures across at least 30% of their existing geographic range in a single decade, but this doubles to 30% of species at 2.5°C of warming. Dr Pigot added: "Our study is yet another example of why we need to urgently reduce carbon emissions to mitigate the harmful effects climate change is having on animals and plants, and avoid a massive extinction crisis." The researchers hope that their study could help with targeting conservation efforts, as their data provides an early warning system showing when and where particular animals are likely to be at risk. Co-author Dr Christopher Trisos (African Climate and Development Initiative, University of Cape Town) said: "In the past we've had snapshots to show the impact of climate change, but here we are presenting the data more like a film, where you can see the changes unfold over time. This shows that for many species the risk is a bit like everything, everywhere, all at once. By animating this process, we hope to help direct conservation efforts before it's too late, while also showing the potentially catastrophic consequences of letting climate change continue unchecked." The researchers say that this pattern of abrupt exposure may be an inevitable feature of living on a round planet - because of the shape of the Earth, there is more area available to species in environments near the hot end of what they are used to, such as in low-lying areas or near the equator. (ANI)

According to a new study led by a UCL researcher, climate change is likely to rapidly push species over tipping points

Climate warming may expose species across the world to deadly temperatures: Study

New Delhi: More than 50 per cent of the largest lakes in the world are losing water, and the key culprits are not surprising: warming climate and unsustainable human consumption, a new study, including a researcher of Indian-origin, has stressed.
According to a groundbreaking new assessment published in the journal Science, with a new method of tracking lake water storage trends and the reasons behind them, scientists can give water managers and communities insight into how to better protect critical sources of water and important regional ecosystems.
The authors estimate roughly one-quarter of the world's population, two billion people, resides in the basin of a drying lake, indicating an urgent need to incorporate human consumption, climate change and sedimentation impacts into sustainable water resources management.
"This is the first comprehensive assessment of trends and drivers of global lake water storage variability based on an array of satellites and models," said lead author Fangfang Yao, a climate fellow at University of Virginia in the US.
He was motivated to do the research by the environmental crises in some of Earth's largest water bodies, such as the drying of the Aral Sea between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
He and colleagues from the University of Colorado Boulder, Kansas State University, France, and Saudi Arabia created a technique to measure changes in water levels in nearly 2,000 of the world's biggest lakes and reservoirs, which represent 95 per cent of the total lake water storage on Earth. The team combined three decades of observations from an array of satellites with models to quantify and attribute trends in lake storage globally.
Globally, freshwater lakes and reservoirs store 87 per cent of the planet's water, making them a valuable resource for both human and Earth ecosystems. Unlike rivers, lakes are not well monitored, yet they provide water for a large part of humanity -- even more than rivers.
"We have pretty good information on iconic lakes like Caspian Sea, Aral Sea and Salton Sea, but if you want to say something on a global scale, you need reliable estimates of lake levels and volume," said Balaji Rajagopalan, a professor of engineering at CU Boulder and co-author.
"With this novel method...we are able to provide insights into global lake level changes with a broader perspective."
For the new paper, the team used 250,000 lake-area snapshots captured by satellites between 1992-2020 to survey the area of 1,972 of Earth's biggest lakes.
The results were staggering: 53 per cent of lakes globally experienced a decline in water storage.
"Lakes in both dry and wet areas of the world are losing volume. The losses in humid tropical lakes and Arctic lakes indicate more widespread drying trends than previously understood," the findings showed. —IANS

 More than 50 per cent of the largest lakes in the world are losing water, and the key culprits are not surprising

Half Of World's Largest Lakes Losing Water, 2 Bn People At Risk

New Delhi (The Hawk): Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Labour and Employment Shri Bhupender Yadav participated in G20 Mega Beach Clean Up campaign at Juhu Beach in Mumbai today. Shri Yadav thanked all those who joined the campaign in G20 nations and 37 locations across the country. Governor of Maharsahtra, Shri Ramesh Bais; Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Eknath Shinde;Minister of State, Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey and Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Minister ,Government of Maharashtra and Environment Secretary Mrs Leena Nandan alongwith senior officials of central and state governments were also present on the occasion.       Shri Yadav administered the pledge on keeping our oceans clean and healthy as part of the G20 Mega Beach Clean Up campaign .         The G20 Mega Beach Clean Up event, organised under the G20 India Presidency witnessed widespread participation from G20 countries, invitee countries, State government officials, international organisations and delegates attending the 3rd ECSWG meeting, and highlighted the global commitment to preserving coastal and marine ecosystems.      The purpose of the Mega Beach Clean Up event was to sensitize and raise awareness about the impact of marine waste on the environment and encourage the people to take action for preventing the same. The importance of individual efforts and community participation in mitigating this environmental challenge was highlighted through this event.  Internationally, the event saw an enthusiastic participation of 20 countries. Argentina, Australia, Canada, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Republic of Korea, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, United Kingdom and United States of America being the 14 G20 countries and the 6 invitee countries being Egypt, Mauritius, Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman and Singapore . Back home, all across the 13 coastal states and 9 Union Territories clean up activities were held in beaches.      Probably one of the biggest showcases of ‘Jan Bhagidari’ under the Indian G20 Presidency so far the event saw an active participation from all stakehoders.  The selfie point on the beach was of a great attraction, followed by the stall showcasing the recycled items from plastic. The stall showcased items like the benches, car dustbins, and more such items made out of recycled plastic. The plastic waste collected from Juhu beach was recycled, using recycling machines kept at the beach, to enhance awareness.      The dignitaries participated in the clean-up activities, wrote on the pledge wall and appreciated the display of the paintings by the school children. The renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik created captivating sand art on the beach aligned with the event's theme, featuring the G20 logo along with Prakriti, the mascot for LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment). The paintings displayed were from around 5900 school students across the country who participated in an art competition on the theme of coastal and marine pollution and the top 100 paintings were selected and showcased at the meeting venue.      The concept of LiFE or ‘Lifestyle for Environment’ - promoted by the Indian Presidency was a key factor in defining the success of the event. LiFE is a concept that promotes changes in individual behaviour to tackle environmental issues effectively. It encourages community stakeholders to incorporate climate-positive practices in their day-to-day lives to help collectively save the environment.  The Mega Beach Clean Up event kicked off the third meeting of the Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group meeting which is taking place in Mumbai from 21st to 23rd of May, 2023. The meeting will witness extensive deliberations on the Ocean20 dialogue - a platform for sharing best practices on science, technology, and innovation, policy, governance, participation, and blue finance mechanisms. These discussions are aimed at devising a solution for ensuring a sustainable and climate-resilient Blue Economy, aligning with the priorities of the G20 India Presidency.

 Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change,  and  Labour and Employment Shri Bhupender Yadav participated

Bhupender Yadav participates in  G20 Mega Beach Clean Up campaign at Juhu Beach in Mumbai

New Delhi (The Hawk): “Promoting a sustainable and climate resilient blue economy” is one of the priorities identified by the Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) under the India G20 Presidency.   The 3rd ECSWG meeting (21-23 May) will kick off with a G20 Mega Beach Clean Up event, being organised on 21st May in Mumbai, from 7 AM for two hours. The event will be organised in Juhu Beach, Mumbai and will be attended by G20 delegates participating in the 3rd ECSWG meeting. As part of efforts to enhance awareness and sensitize citizens on the role of community participation in tackling the challenges of climate change, this campaign by ESWG is planned by the Ministry of Environment, Forest &amp; Climate Change in collaboration with Ministry of Earth Sciences and with active participation of Indian Coastal States/UTs and other G20 countries.   The beach cleaning campaign will take place across more than 30 beaches in 9 Coastal States and 4 Union Territories. With the support of Indian Embassies/Consulates, beach cleaning campaign is also being organised in more than 20 countries including G20 and invited countries under Indian G20 presidency.   Various activities for creating awareness and to sensitize the local communities are also planned by the local administrations which includes inter-school painting competition, pledge for conservation of marine ecosystem, promotion of waste recycling etc. To enhance the outreach for awareness, Sand-Art by Padma Awardee Sri Sudarshan Patnaik is also planned at Juhu Beach, Mumbai. An all-India inter-school painting competition has been organised with participation of more than 5900 students, with the aim to raise awareness about the impacts of marine waste on the environment and encourage people to take action for preventing it.  Fostering sustainable lifestyle that is in harmony with the Environment, through LiFE Mission, - a visionary call by Prime Minister is also being promoted through the beach cleaning campaign. The concept of 'LiFE' (Lifestyle for Environment) championed by India will play an essential role in this event, which focuses on individual responsibility and behaviour change to tackle environmental issues. The overall objective of the campaign is to bring in JANBAGIDARI (Community participation) among the public at large to achieve the objective of LiFE – Lifestyle for Environment.  Acknowledging the importance of community participation, more than 10,000 volunteers will be participating in this campaign involving multiple stakeholders, including local communities, governments, local administrations, private organisations/ corporates and NGOs working for conservation and management of coastal ecosystem. This is one of the largest ‘Jan Bhagidari’ campaign under the G20 India Presidency. India also seeks to enhance cooperation among G20 nations to promote sustainable management of oceans, and marine biodiversity conservation. The Beach Cleaning campaign is a testament to India's commitment to preserving coastal and marine life under the G20 India Presidency, in addressing environmental issues and promoting a sustainable future.  The Mega Beach Clean Up campaign in Mumbai will be followed by deliberations on the Ocean20 dialogue - a platform to share best practices on science, technology and innovation, policy, governance and participation, and blue finance mechanisms to ensure a sustainable and a climate resilient Blue economy.

“Promoting a sustainable and climate resilient blue economy” is one of the priorities identified 

Third ECSWG meeting to begin with a G20 Mega Beach Clean Up event on 21st May in Mumbai

Washington: Over the last decade, an average of over 61,000 wildfires have burnt 7.2 million acres per year in the United States. When a wildfire begins to expand, the firefighting work is complicated by challenges such as spot fires, which occur when winds lift lofted sparks and start new fires outside of the original fire perimeter. The greater the possible spot fire distance, the more difficult it is to monitor, control, and extinguish wildfires. A new study, led by University of Florida forest management researcher Victoria Donovan, found that as woody plants like shrubs and trees replace herbaceous plants like grasses, spot fires can occur farther away from the original fire perimeter. This "woody encroachment" is not only a major issue in grasslands where the study takes place, but also in wetland and savanna systems like longleaf pine, an important ecosystem in Florida. "Spot fires are one of the most common reasons why houses burn in a wildfire," said Donovan, an assistant professor with the School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences at the UF/IFAS West Florida Research and Education Center in Milton, Florida. "It's not typically because the flames from wildfire reach a house, but that embers from that fire land on roofs, travel through home ventilation systems, or land on other combustible material on or near the home, and ignite the house from there. They're a big concern for structural damage." Donavan's study indicates that prescribed fire, which is commonly used in Florida to control woody plant growth, could help reduce spot fires. The study looked at three phases of woody encroachment: the first a largely grassland area, the second grassland with new forested growth, and the third a dense forest. The research was modeled using a mathematical fire simulation program and considered various conditions in Loess Canyons Experimental Landscape in south Nebraska. Donovan conducted this study as a researcher at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.  "Our study shows that the risk of spot fire is much lower when you're burning under the weather conditions used for prescribed fire, regardless of encroachment phase, compared to waiting for the potentially more extreme conditions we can see during wildfires," Donovan said. "This tells us that using prescribed fire early to control encroachment and reduce fuel load is a lot safer than waiting for a wildfire to occur." The safety concerns of woody encroachment extend beyond structures and residents to also include the firefighters battling the blaze. "It is not only spot fire distance that increases wildfire risk from woody encroachment. Shrubs and trees can grow much taller than grasses," Donovan said. "Think about putting out your campfire on the ground by pouring water on it, and compare that to trying to put out a fire a couple stories above you." The concerns are universal, she said, and reveal similarities no matter the land type where the wildfires occur. "We're seeing the same kind of issue here in Florida, where fire suppression has led to a lot of encroachment of shrubs," Donovan said. "This creates these really dense forest stands rather than the open savannah systems that we would have seen historically with more frequent fire." She added that Florida has become a model for prescribed burning across the country, though there is still hesitancy among some private landowners. Donovan cautions: "Using prescribed fire as a controlling process for woody encroachment has far less risk than allowing woody encroachment and waiting for wildfire to occur." "Across the country, data has shown that fire is inevitable," she adds. "Using prescribed fire allows us to decide what we want a lot of that fire to look like." (ANI)

Over the last decade, an average of over 61,000 wildfires have burnt 7.2 million acres per year in the United States

Risk of wildfire spreading increases where trees, shrubs replace grasses

London: Climate change is expected to rapidly push species over tipping thresholds when their geographic ranges reach unanticipated temperatures, according to a new study led by a UCL researcher. The study published in Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution forecasts when and where climate change will expose species throughout the world to potentially lethal temperatures. The researchers from UCL, the University of Cape Town, the University of Connecticut, and the University of Buffalo examined data from over 35,000 species of animals and seagrasses (including mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds, corals, fish, cephalopods, and plankton) from every continent and ocean basin, as well as climate projections up to 2100. The researchers investigated when areas within each species' geographical range will cross a threshold of thermal exposure, defined as the first five consecutive years where temperatures consistently exceed the most extreme monthly temperature experienced by a species across its geographic range over recent history (1850-2014). Once the thermal exposure threshold is crossed, the animal is not necessarily going to die out, but there is no evidence that it is able to survive the higher temperatures - that is, the research projects that for many species there could be an abrupt loss of habitat due to future climate change. The researchers found a consistent trend that for many animals, the thermal exposure threshold will be crossed for much of their geographic range within the same decade. Lead author Dr Alex Pigot (UCL Centre for Biodiversity &amp; Environment Research, UCL Biosciences) said: "It is unlikely that climate change will gradually make environments more difficult for animals to survive in. Instead, for many animals, large swaths of their geographic range are likely to become unfamiliarly hot in a short span of time.  "While some animals may be able to survive these higher temperatures, many other animals will need to move to cooler regions or evolve to adapt, which they likely cannot do in such short timeframes. "Our findings suggest that once we start to notice that a species is suffering under unfamiliar conditions, there may be very little time before most of its range becomes inhospitable, so it's important that we identify in advance which species may be at risk in coming decades." The researchers found that the extent of global warming makes a big difference: if the planet warms by 1.5°C, 15% of species they studied will be at risk of experiencing unfamiliarly hot temperatures across at least 30% of their existing geographic range in a single decade, but this doubles to 30% of species at 2.5°C of warming. Dr Pigot added: "Our study is yet another example of why we need to urgently reduce carbon emissions to mitigate the harmful effects climate change is having on animals and plants, and avoid a massive extinction crisis." The researchers hope that their study could help with targeting conservation efforts, as their data provides an early warning system showing when and where particular animals are likely to be at risk. Co-author Dr Christopher Trisos (African Climate and Development Initiative, University of Cape Town) said: "In the past we've had snapshots to show the impact of climate change, but here we are presenting the data more like a film, where you can see the changes unfold over time. This shows that for many species the risk is a bit like everything, everywhere, all at once. By animating this process, we hope to help direct conservation efforts before it's too late, while also showing the potentially catastrophic consequences of letting climate change continue unchecked." The researchers say that this pattern of abrupt exposure may be an inevitable feature of living on a round planet - because of the shape of the Earth, there is more area available to species in environments near the hot end of what they are used to, such as in low-lying areas or near the equator. —ANI

 Climate change is expected to rapidly push species over tipping thresholds when their geographic ranges reach

Study finds climate change likely to expose species across globe to dangerous temperatures

New Delhi: Human-caused climate change made April's record-breaking humid heatwave in India, Bangladesh, Laos, and Thailand at least 30 times more likely, a rapid attribution analysis by an international team of leading climate scientists as part of the World Weather Attribution group said on Wednesday.
The study also concludes that the high vulnerability in the region, which is one of the world's heatwave hotpots, amplified the impacts.
In April, parts of south and southeast Asia experienced an intense heatwave, with record-breaking temperatures that passed 42 degrees Celsius in Laos and 45 degrees in Thailand. The heat caused widespread hospitalisations, damaged roads, sparked fires and led to school closures.
The number of deaths remains unknown.
Across the world, climate change has made heatwaves more common, longer, and hotter. To quantify the effect of climate change on the Asian heatwave, scientists analysed weather data and computer model simulations to compare the climate as it is today, after about 1.2 degrees of global warming since the late 1800s, with the climate of the past, following peer-reviewed methods.
The analysis looked at the average maximum temperature and maximum values of a heat index for four consecutive days in April across two regions, one covering south and east India and Bangladesh, and a second one including all of Thailand and Laos.
The heat index is a measure that combines temperature and humidity and reflects more accurately the impacts of heatwaves on the human body.
In both regions, the researchers found that climate change made the humid heatwave at least 30 times more likely, with temperatures at least 2 degrees hotter than they would have been without climate change. Until overall greenhouse gas emissions are halted, global temperatures will continue to increase and events like this will become more frequent and severe.
In India and Bangladesh, events like the recent humid heatwave used to occur less than once a century on average; they can now be expected around once in five years, and if temperature rise reaches 2 degrees -- as will happen within around 30 years if emissions are not cut rapidly -- events like this will occur, on average, at least once every two years.
In Laos and Thailand, the scientists found that an event like the recent record humid heatwave would have been nearly impossible without the influence of climate change, and it is still a very unusual event that can only be expected around once in 200 years, even with the influence of human-caused climate change.
But if temperature rise reaches 2 degrees, it will become much more common, occurring about once in 20 years.
While high temperatures are the norm in south and southeast Asia, early heatwaves such as this one are particularly damaging. People who are most exposed to the sun and vulnerable populations are routinely the worst impacted. The current patchwork of heatwave solutions must be improved to account for inequalities and existing vulnerabilities, the scientists said, adding that heat action plans should be inclusive and comprehensive, and ensure access to basic services, such as water, electricity and healthcare.
The study was conducted by 22 researchers as part of the World Weather Attribution initiative, including scientists from universities and meteorological agencies in India, Thailand, Australia, Denmark, France, Germany, Kenya, the Netherlands, the UK, and the US.
Chandra Sekhar Bahinipati of the Indian Institute of Technology, Tirupati, said: "Although we have recognised heatwaves as one of the deadliest disasters, particularly in countries like India, Bangladesh, and Thailand, there is a lack of knowledge with respect to who is vulnerable, loss and damage estimation, household coping mechanisms, and the most effective heat action plans.
Except for the human casualties, other economic and non-economic loss and damage indicators are not documented.
"This creates a dearth in assessing the extent of risk, who is vulnerable, and also operationalising any adaptation planning." —IANS

Human-caused climate change made April's record-breaking humid heatwave in India, Bangladesh

India's April Heatwaves Were '30 Times More Likely' Due Of Climate Change: Scientists

San Francisco: Elon Musk's SpaceX has roped in NASA's former head of human spaceflight Kathy Lueders to help in its Starship launch, the media reported.
Lueders will be a general manager, and she will work out of the SpaceX's Starbase facility in Texas. She will report directly to SpaceX president and COO Gwynne Shotwell, CNBC reported.
After a 31-year career at NASA, Lueders retired from the space agency at the end of April, as associate administration of Space Operations Mission Directorate (SOMD).
In July 2020, she became the head of NASA's Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. Before that she oversaw the culmination of its Commercial Crew programme as manager, including the first SpaceX missions to carry NASA astronauts.
Her career at NASA also included stints on the Space Shuttle and International Space Station (ISS) programmes.
As head of the SOMD, she oversaw the Cargo and Crew Dragon missions to and from the ISS, including SpaceX's first crewed mission for the agency.
Her knowledge of the human spaceflight programme at NASA will help SpaceX considerably upping the ante with Starship -- intended to be a deep space transportation carrier that may eventually reach Mars.
Previously, NASA's William Gerstenmaier, joined SpaceX in 2020 after more than a decade as the agency's top human spaceflight official.
Gerstenmaier is now SpaceX's vice president of build and flight reliability. —IANS

Elon Musk's SpaceX has roped in NASA's former head of human spaceflight Kathy Lueders to help

Nature Favours Creatures In All Sizes: Study

New Delhi (The Hawk): Under Azadi ka Amrit Kaal, Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) celebrates a new milestone of ensuring safe and clean drinking water through taps to more than 12 Crore rural households of the country. At the time of announcement of launch of JJM by Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi from the ramparts of the Red Fort on 15th August 2019, only 3.23 Crore (16.64%) households in villages had access to piped water connection.
As on date, 5 States (Goa, Telangana, Haryana, Gujarat and Punjab) and 3 UTs (Puducherry, D&amp;D and D&amp;NH and A&amp;N Islands), have reported 100% coverage. Himachal Pradesh at 98.35%, followed by Bihar at 96.05%, are also poised to achieve saturation in the near future. Goa, Haryana, Punjab, A&amp;N Islands, Puducherry, D&amp;NH and D&amp;D are ‘Har Ghar Jal certified States/ UTs i.e., in these states/ UTs, the villagers have confirmed through Gram Sabhas that ‘all households and public institutions’ in the village are getting adequate, safe and regular supply of water.
The relentless efforts of the Union and State governments have also resulted in ensuring the provision of tap water supply in 9.06 lakh (88.55%) schools and 9.39 lakh (84%) anganwadi centres in the country. In the 112 aspirational districts of our country, at the time of the launch of the Mission, only 21.64 lakh (7.84%) households had access to tap water which has now increased to 1.67 Crore (60.51%).
Three Aspirational districts from Telangana (Komaram Bheem Asifabad, Jayashankar Bhupalpalli and Bhadrabri Kothagudem), two districts in Gujarat (Dahod &amp; Narmada) and Punjab (Moga &amp; Ferozepur) and 1 district each in Haryana (Mewat) and Himachal Pradesh (Chamba) have reported 100% tap water coverage. Government of India is relentlessly working in partnership with states/UTs to further expedite the pace of implementation.
JJM is resulting in significant socio-economic benefits to the rural population. Regular tap water supply relieves people, especially women and young girls, from carrying heavy bucket loads of water to meet their daily household needs thereby reducing age-old drudgery. The time so saved can be used for income generation activities, learning new skills and supporting children’s education.
In order to achieve long-term sustainability of the schemes, community participation from the very beginning has been at the heart of planning, implementation, operations and maintenance (O&amp;M) of rural piped water supply schemes. More than 5.24 lakh Village Water &amp; Sanitation Committees (VWSC)/ Pani Samitis have been constituted in the country and 5.12 lakh Village Action Plans (VAPs) have been prepared including the plans for drinking water source augmentation, greywater treatment and its reuse, and regular O&amp;M of in-village water supply systems. At the time of launch of Jal Jeevan Mission, 22,016 habitations (Arsenic – 14,020, Fluoride- 7,996), having 1.79 Crore population (Arsenic-1.19 crore, Fluoride-0.59 crore), were affected with Arsenic/ Fluoride contamination in drinking water sources. As reported by States/ UTs, now safe drinking water is available in all the Arsenic/ Fluoride-affected habitations.
Working on the motto of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas aur Sabka Prayas, Jal Jeevan Mission is marching towards achieving the SDG 6, i.e., safe and affordable water to all, through provision of safe water through taps to all households, schools, anganwadis and other public institutions, in rural areas.

Under Azadi ka Amrit Kaal, Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) celebrates a new milestone of ensuring safe and clean drinking water 

Jal Jeevan Mission Achieves Milestone Of 12 Crore Tap Water Connections

New Delhi (The Hawk): Mass mobilisation across the country on LiFE is being organized in the run-up to the celebrations to World Environment Day (June 5). Several activities were organized today by various Institutions and organizations. National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) As part of the Mass Mobilisation for Mission LiFE National Museum of Natural History administered LiFE Pledge in Arwachin Bharti Bhawan Senior Secondary School, and S. L S. D. A. V. Public school Mausam Vihar Delhi in which 293 student pledged to care for the Environment. RMNH, Bhubaneswar organized slogan writing and public orientation programme/awareness for198 participants of Bhubaneswar under Meri LiFE: Lifestyle For Environment. Zoological Survey of India Zoological Survey of India under the leadership of Dr Dhriti Banerjee, Director,ZSI initiated phase one of "Mass mobilisation of students" in which about 100 students and faculty, Zoology Dept, Vivekananda College, Kolkata took vow to ban use of single use plastics in their college campus.Dr Senjuti Roy Mukherjee, Associate Professor of the said college said that they have totally banned use of single use plastics in their college premises and assured to adopt healthy life style and act as "Green warriors" under Mission LiFE to protect the Environment for sustainable tomorrow.Dr Banerjee said this was the first phase of the mobilisation campaign and in the coming days the reach out will be in other schools and colleges all over the country through the different centres of ZSI. GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Ecology (GBPNIHE) Under the ongoing series of Mission LiFE events, NIHE conducted an awareness program covering the Healthy Lifestyle theme of Mission LiFE on 08 May 2023. During the program a consultative interaction was held with the students of DSB campus, Nainital at ex-situ conservation site “Surya-Kunj” of GBPNIHE, Almora, where different entry points for initiating Biodiversity conservation at the community such as, cultivation of multipurpose plant species, augmentation van panchayats through plantation, land rehabilitation/restoration on degraded slopes level were discussed. Total 40 participants that included students, researchers and scientists participated in the program. All the participants took the LiFE pledge to inculcate environment-friendly habits. A group of people posing for a photoDescription automatically generated National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM) NCSCM organised a cleanup along the Adyar River bank, an urban river in Chennai city, as part of the Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE) movement. This public outreach campaign is about improving ocean health through collective action by the local community. About 65 participants from various age groups collected about 250 kg of plastic waste from the Adyar River mouth. This waste comprises 130 kg of discarded nets, and the remaining were single-use plastics and packaging materials. The collected waste was taken to the plastic recycling facility to improve the value chain. As a part of this event, NCSCM scientists raised awareness of the importance of Mission LiFE among the fishing community by displaying placards, pamphlets, and LiFE mascots, while the participants also took part in a green pledge against littering and the need to live in harmony with nature. Besides, scientists raised awareness about the need for sustainable fishing practices to reduce and mitigate the impact of discarded fishing nets in estuarine and marine environments. Further, they emphasised the need to organise regular cleanup efforts to reduce the lotic entry of plastic into rivers, which is essential for maintaining the health of the river ecosystem, fish habitat, preventing flooding, and ensuring the safety of residents living near the river. Through such community action, we can create a cleaner and more sustainable environment. NCSCM scientist Dr. Dipnarayan Ganguly participated and presented the significance of community participation and Mission LiFE in conservation and restoration of mangroves in a one-day workshop on coastal security and MISHTI initiatives, organised by the Gujarat Ecology Commission, at Gandhinagar.

Mass mobilisation across the country on LiFE is being organized in the run-up to the celebrations to World Environment Day

Environment

Air Pollution Linked To Early Death In Heart Failure Patients: Study

Inam Ansari

More about Environment