ENVIORMENT

To mitigate human-elephant conflict (HEC) in Assam, Aaranyak, with support from LIC HFL’s CSR initiative, promotes mustard cultivation as an elephant-resistant crop. Recognizing that elephants find mustard less palatable, this initiative aims to provide a sustainable alternative for farmers affected by crop depredation, particularly of paddy. In October-November 2025, 150 kg of mustard seeds were distributed to 45 farmers across multiple villages in Udalguri District, a region prone to significant crop damage during seasonal elephant movements. The majority of the local population relies on agriculture, making them vulnerable to income and food security issues from even slight crop losses. Mustard…

Taragiri (Yard 12653), the fourth ship of Nilgiri Class (Project 17A) and the third built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilding Ltd (MDL), was delivered to the Indian Navy on 28 Nov 2025 at MDL, Mumbai, marking a major milestone in achieving self-reliance in warship design and construction. Project 17A frigates are versatile multi-mission platforms, designed to address current and future challenges in the maritime domain. Taragiri is a reincarnation of the erstwhile INS Taragiri, a Leander-class frigate that was part of the Indian Naval fleet from 16 May 1980 to 27 Jun 2013, rendering 33 years of glorious service to the…

The Indian Army’s Gajraj Corps rescued eight elderly tourists amid heavy snowfall in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang district that left their vehicle immobile, officials said on Tuesday.The stranded tourists, all above 60 years of age, were en route to Bomdila in West Kameng district, when their vehicle got stuck on a snow-packed road of the Old Sela route, a corridor known for abrupt weather changes. With visibility dropping and the cold intensifying, the tourists had contacted authorities for help, prompting a team from the Gajraj Corps to respond to the distress call. The rescue team managed to reach the spot amid…

The Green Party, traditionally known for its environmental advocacy, is confronting significant fiscal challenges after gaining control of Bristol City Council. Facing a £43 million budget deficit, the council proposed measures such as reducing bin collections to monthly intervals, aiming to save £2 million annually. This proposal, however, met with public resistance, leading to its reconsideration. Other cost-cutting measures, including slashing library budgets, ending school crossing patrols, and closing museums, faced similar backlash and were either shelved or delayed. Residents expressed discontent over delayed initiatives like installing sprinklers in high-rise blocks and traffic alterations from the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood…