The Centre for Science & Environment (CSE) has released its annual “state of extreme weather report,” revealing a stark reality for Bengal: extreme weather events occurred on 86% of days in the first nine months of 2024, causing significant damage and loss of life. This represents a three percentage point increase from the previous year, highlighting the intensifying impact of climate change. The report highlights the devastating consequences of heatwaves, cyclones, lightning, heavy rain, floods, and landslides, resulting in 64 deaths and crop damage across 200,900 hectares. While India as a whole experienced extreme weather on 93% of days, Bengal’s situation is particularly alarming, with the state experiencing the fourth highest crop damage in the country. The report emphasizes the need for a shift in approach from disaster response to risk reduction and resilience-building, including strategic flood management, expanded green spaces, and robust compensation systems for weather-induced losses. The CSE also calls for climate reparations from high-emission countries responsible for much of the damage, acknowledging the urgent need for global action to address the escalating climate crisis.
10.11.2024
JK Group Celebrates Founder’s Day with Community Initiatives
On Friday, Governor Anandiben Patel inaugurated the Govind Hari Singhania Skill Development Centre in Kanpur, offering tailoring training to 100 women. The event coincided with the 140th Founder’s Day of the JK Group, celebrated at the JK Temple. The Governor, along with cabinet minister Shri Nand Gopal Gupta Nandi, participated in a cervical cancer vaccination programme for 140 girls aged 9-15, personally distributing vaccination cards to ten recipients. The JK Group also demonstrated its commitment to social responsibility by donating Rs 140,000 to Umeed, an organization dedicated to providing quality education for underprivileged children. The Governor formally presented the cheque to Umeed, highlighting the group’s dedication to community development.
Uttarakhand at 24: Celebrating Progress Amidst Challenges
Uttarakhand, celebrating its 24th foundation day, has witnessed significant progress in tourism and connectivity, with increased visitor numbers and improved infrastructure. However, challenges persist in healthcare and education, particularly in rural areas, leading to a growing migration from the hills to urban centers. The vision of a full-time state capital remains unfulfilled, with Gairsain’s designation as the summer capital failing to bring about substantial change. While the state government highlights employment opportunities and improved infrastructure, residents express concerns about the lack of development in the hills and the need for greater focus on healthcare and education. The unique geographical and climatic challenges faced by Uttarakhand necessitate tailored policies and funding from the central government to ensure sustainable development and address the concerns of its people.
Uttarakhand Aims for 40,000 Rooftop Solar Installations by 2027
Uttarakhand Power Corporation Ltd (UPCL) has set a target of installing 40,000 rooftop solar power panels by 2027 under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana (PMSGY) scheme. Currently, 7,500 installations are in place, primarily in Dehradun, Haridwar, US Nagar, and Nainital districts. The scheme offers substantial subsidies for households, with UPCL buying excess power at the highest rate among all states. The state government plans to expand the scheme to villages, aiming to create “model solar villages” through a dedicated coordination committee. This initiative aims to promote solar energy adoption, reduce reliance on traditional power sources, and contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future for Uttarakhand.
Rajasthan Invests in its Future: MoUs Worth Rs 14,026 Crore Signed at Ajmer Summit
Rajasthan’s Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari presided over a district-level investors’ summit in Ajmer, where 301 MoUs worth Rs 14,026 crore were signed across various sectors, including marble and granite, textiles, healthcare, education, and solar energy. The summit, a precursor to the state-level Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024 in Jaipur, aims to attract investment and create employment opportunities. Kumari emphasized the government’s commitment to providing facilities and streamlining processes for entrepreneurs, highlighting the Rajasthan Enterprise Promotion Scheme 2024. The event showcased Ajmer’s potential for business growth, with officials emphasizing the district’s strategic location and the government’s efforts to translate potential into reality.
Bhilwara Attracts Major Investments with 143 MoUs Signed at Rising Rajasthan Summit
The Rajasthan government signed 143 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with companies worth Rs 10,340 crore during the Rising Rajasthan summit in Bhilwara. These investments are projected to create 23,000 jobs in the district, with the textile sector leading the way with 62 MoUs and proposed investments of Rs 4,621 crore. Other key sectors attracting investment include iron and steel, agro and food, medical, mining, tourism, furniture, plastic, petroleum, and various other industries. To facilitate these investments, RIICO has developed 11 industrial areas in Bhilwara, including Biliya, Hamirgarh, Begod, and Kanyakhedi, among others. The event was attended by district in-charge minister Dr Manju Baghmar, Bhilwara collector Namit Mehta, and prominent industrialists, administrative officials, and public representatives.
Ludhiana Dyers’ Appeal: NGT Orders PPCB to Provide Records, Delays Closure of CETPs
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) to provide original records related to the closure of two common effluent treatment plants (CETPs) in Ludhiana, following an appeal by the Punjab Dyers Association (PDA). The NGT has also temporarily halted the closure of the CETPs, pending further hearing on December 2, provided the PDA complies with environmental norms and clearance conditions. The PPCB had issued a notice to the PDA, demanding an immediate halt to the discharge of effluents from the CETPs into Buddha Nullah due to non-compliance with discharge standards and environmental clearance conditions. The PDA argued that the PPCB had approved the operation of one of the CETPs in August 2022, and that the state government’s failure to provide promised irrigation facilities had led to the discharge of treated effluent into Buddha Dariya. While the NGT has delayed the closure of the CETPs, the Public Action Committee (PAC) maintains that the NGT order does not grant a stay on the PPCB’s orders and that the PDA’s continued non-compliance with environmental norms allows the PPCB to take coercive action.
The Vibrant Celebration of Garo Culture: The 48th Wangala Festival
The 48th Wangala Festival, also known as the 100 Drums Festival, was held in the Garo Hills of Meghalaya, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Garo community. The festival, celebrated at the Garo Heritage Village, featured traditional ceremonies like the Rugala, where offerings are made to the “Great Giver,” and indigenous games like Wapong Sika and Jakpong Pea. The event was marked by cultural performances, vibrant music, and the beating of hundreds of drums. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma extended his wishes, emphasizing the festival’s importance in preserving and promoting Garo traditions. The Wangala Festival, a post-harvest celebration, has been held annually since 1976, growing in popularity and significance under the support of the Meghalaya government and the festival organizers.
Bhopal Gas Disaster Case: A Never-Ending Saga of Delays and Injustice
The Bhopal gas disaster criminal case, spanning over 14 years, continues to be plagued by delays and legal maneuvering. The current district judge, Manoj Shrivastava, is the eighth judge to hear the appeal, highlighting the persistent obstacles to a final verdict. The defense counsel for two convicts, Anirban Roy, has repeatedly sought a retrial, claiming the CBI investigation was flawed and the charges against his clients are unfounded. These tactics, according to the Bhopal Group of Information & Action (BGIA), are deliberate attempts to delay the proceedings and prevent the convicts from serving their sentences. The case has been stalled for months due to these legal challenges, raising concerns about the possibility of the convicts and survivors passing away before justice is served. The tragic reality is that three of the eight convicted Union Carbide officials have already died during the pendency of the appeal, underscoring the urgency of a swift resolution. Despite the judge’s commitment to hear the case twice a month, the future of this long-running case remains uncertain, leaving the victims and their families in a state of perpetual limbo.
Palliative Care: A Crucial Need in India’s Cancer Fight
The Ranchi Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (RCHRC) hosted an awareness program on palliative care in oncology, highlighting the importance of dignified and empathetic care for terminally ill cancer patients. The event emphasized the need for accessible palliative care facilities in India, where over 70% of cancer patients are diagnosed at advanced stages. Dr. Rajendra A Badwe, chief executive of Tata Cancer Care Foundation, stressed the benefits of early palliative care, including reduced patient anxiety and improved quality of life. Dr. Chandra Kishore Shahi, director-in-chief of Health Services, Jharkhand, echoed the need for accessible palliative care facilities in the state, acknowledging the limited access to such services for the majority of the population.