HARVESTER FIRE
Fires have become the most visible sign of the conflict heating up on the Lebanon-Israel border
The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, amid stalled cease-fire talks, is causing devastating fires in southern Lebanon and northern Israel. Damage from Hezbollah drones and white phosphorus, along with firefighting challenges, has displaced thousands. George Mitri highlights unprecedented fire damage. Affected areas include Moussa Saab's orchard and Kibbutz Sde Nehemia, raising fears of full-scale war.
The worrying changes in India’s monsoon patterns have implications for everything from agriculture to health
Take Maharashtra, 80% of which is rainfed. In areas such as Vidarbha and Marathwada, the onset of monsoon is now late. After a small pickup in July, there is a break in rainfall in August, lasting up to three-four weeks during the fruit formation phase. The wet spell starts again in September and continues well into October, when it should be dry. This isn't limited to Maharashtra. Several critical areas considered the breadbasket of India—Bihar, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh—are witnessing the same pattern.
Nothing 'fishy' about it! Once limited to marginalised communities, shellfish is making a grand comeback in Indian gourmet circles
Shellfish have often been left to marginalised communities, as Dalit writer Urmila Pawar recalls in her memoir 'Aaydan: The Weave of My Life'. She writes of how women from her community would forage along coasts for oysters, make a small fire and place the shells on it, eating them as they opened.
Boosting the harvest in Bharat: 4 stocks from irrigation pumps and allied sector
When markets are correcting, one thing that gets ignored is the macro trend. Trends which will have a long-term positive impact on the bottomline of the companies of that sector. In the last few years, both due to policy push and changes in the underlying economic nature of the business, more money is being spent on increasing agricultural productivity. While there are many parts to that increase in productivity, right from fertilizer to agricultural equipment, the other element in that chain is the irrigation system or water supply system for crops. Right from solar power water pumps to micro irrigation. This sector has a number of players who are unorganized, that is probably the reason why listed players in this space were not able to capture the whole growth which has taken place in this sector. But that does not take away the fact that this is one part of the rural economy where the spending trends are clearly rising.
'Give me my stuff': Fired Atlanta airport employee swings chair, attacks manager
In a dramatic incident at Harvest & Grounds coffee shop in Atlanta Airport, employee Shacoria Elly clashed with managers, leading to her termination. A dispute over espresso shots escalated into a physical altercation, captured on video. Elly, demanding 'give me my stuff,' attempted to throw a chair and swung a pan before leaving with her belongings. Atlanta Police responded, but Elly had already departed. The incident raises questions about workplace tensions and appropriate responses. The widely circulated video sparks discussions on employee challenges in high-stress environments.
Lohri 2024: Why are Popcorns, groundnuts and Revdi thrown in bonfire?
Lohri, a popular North Indian celebration, marks the end of winter and the harvest of the Rabi crop. It is characterized by bonfires, folk dances, and traditional dishes. Throwing popcorn into the bonfire symbolizes gratitude towards nature and a fresh start. Popcorn consumed during Lohri is a low-calorie, high-fiber snack with potential health benefits.
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Lohri 2024: Date, history, significance, traditions, and all you need to know about this harvest festival
Lohri 2024 Date: Lohri is a time for communities to come together, strengthening social bonds. People gather around the bonfire, sing traditional songs, and share festive delicacies, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie. As the festival ushers in the end of winter, it symbolises the beginning of a new agricultural season. The warmth of the bonfire and the joyous celebrations inspire a positive outlook and optimism for the future.
Lohri 2024: Bonfire symbolism, how to prepare and safety tips
Lohri, a well-loved winter festival, holds deep cultural roots in the Dogra and Punjabi folk traditions, mainly celebrated in Northern India. The festival's significance and legends tie it to both the Duggar and Punjab regions, creating a rich tapestry of cultural connections. Many believe that Lohri marks the conclusion of the winter solstice, signifying the end of winter and welcoming longer days as the sun journeys to the Northern Hemisphere. This joyous celebration takes place on the night before Maghi and has become an official holiday in Punjab, Jammu, and Himachal Pradesh, while it is widely observed in Delhi and Haryana, though not a gazetted holiday.
Stubble season closes with high but dipping fire counts
As the traditional 'stubble' season, commencing annually on September 15 with the paddy harvest, concludes on November 30, government data indicates a 27% decrease in farm fires in Punjab compared to 2022, along with a 37% reduction in Haryana. Delhi-NCR's 'highly unfavourable meteorology and climate conditions' from late October on are also to blame for the air quality, says Commission for Air Quality Management
Stubble burning hits peak, Delhi chokes
Late rain spells this year delayed sowing of paddy in large parts of Punjab, also prolonging the usual harvest period. While most of the harvesting and stubble disposal is usually completed by mid-November, some pockets are yet to do so in Punjab leading to increased farm fi res this week and high AQI persisting in Delhi-NCR.
BSF soldier killed in firing by Pakistan Rangers
The BSF personnel killed along the border was identified as Lal Fam Kima, 50, who suffered injuries and later succumbed at the hospital. Kima is a resident of Aizwal in Mizoram and is survived by wife and three children.
Punjab reports over 1,500 farm fires; Haryana AQI in 'severe', 'very poor' categories
Punjab has reported more than 1,500 stubble-burning incidents on Tuesday while many parts in Haryana saw air quality indices in the 'severe' and 'very poor' categories. The total number of farm fires increased to 20,978 with 1,515 such cases being reported on Tuesday, according to Ludhiana-based Punjab Remote Sensing Centre data.
Punjab reports 2,060 farm fires; 'severe', 'very poor' AQI in parts of Haryana
Out of a total of 19,463 farm fires reported this year till now, Sangrur topped the list with 3,207 stubble-burning cases, followed by 1,976 in Ferozepur, 1,809 in Tarn Taran, 1,451 in Mansa, 1,439 in Amritsar, 1,350 in Patiala and 1,086 in Bathinda.
At 3,230, Punjab records maximum farm fires in a day; air quality 'severe' in parts of Haryana
Punjab on Sunday reported 3,230 farm fires, the highest in a day so far this season, while the air quality in large parts of Haryana was recorded in 'very poor' and 'severe' categories. With the 3,230 fresh farm fires, the total number of stubble burning incidents in Punjab so far this season stands at 17,403, according to Punjab Remote Sensing Centre data.
Reached to stop farm fires, government official made to burn stubble by farmers in Punjab
The incident came to light after Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann posted a purported video of the entire incident on his X handle.
Significant drop in number of farm fires in Punjab, Haryana this year: CAQM
Since September 15, there have been about 56 per cent fewer stubble-burning events in Punjab and 40 per cent fewer instances in Haryana than there were during the same period previous year. The total number of farm fires in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and the NCR regions of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh between September 15 and October 29 decreased to 6,391 in 2023 from 13,964 in 2022, according to the Center's Commission for Air Quality Management.
Mostly local factors behind rising Delhi pollution even as stubble burning goes up in Punjab
Despite the Punjab government's commitment to making certain districts stubble burning-free, such incidents were reported. However, local sources of pollution played a significant role in Delhi's AQI, with calm winds hindering the dispersion of emissions and minimal intrusion from neighbouring states.
Delhi LG expresses concern over spike in stubble fires in Haryana, Punjab; asks CMs to take remedial measures
Delhi Lt Governor V K Saxena has written to the chief ministers of Punjab and Haryana expressing concern over the rise in stubble fires in their states and asked them to take remedial measures to protect the national capital from increased air pollution during winter season. Saxena highlighted that the incidents of stubble burning have increased compared to last year and urged both chief ministers to expedite measures to prevent stubble burning and save Delhi from choking.
Delhi: Get ready for seasonal 'poor' air quality from this weekend as farm fires rise and winds calm down
Experts have indicated that the current impact of stubble burning on Delhi's air quality is minimal, but this may change as wind conditions are expected to calm down. Punjab recorded 656 paddy-residue burning incidents, while Haryana saw 166, and Uttar Pradesh reported 74 cases between September 15 and October 4. The daily count of fires in these states surpasses 6,000 at its peak.
Stubble burning season begins in northern states as air quality concerns loom
Experts are warning of an increase in crop residue burning in neighboring states as the monsoon season comes to an end. Satellite data from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) shows that there were already six episodes of crop burning in September. Stubble burning is a major contributor to Delhi's air pollution, and urgent action is needed to address the issue.
Punjab aims at reducing farm fires by 63%, Haryana targets zero burning
Punjab and Haryana are aiming to reduce stubble burning, a major cause of air pollution in Delhi-NCR during the pollution season. Punjab is targeting a 63% reduction in farm fires, while Haryana is aiming for zero stubble burning. Punjab plans to double its ex situ stubble management target to 3.47 million tons this year. The focus will be on the seven districts with the highest farm fire rates. Despite these efforts, around 3.23 million tons of straw may still be burnt in fields. Haryana plans to increase the number of stubble pelletisation and biomass power plants.
Harvester fire: Large plumes of black smoke emerge over restaurant in Littlehampton, witnesses report explosion
The fire at the Harvester restaurant caused the roof to collapse, but fire crews managed to prevent the flames from spreading to the adjacent Windmill Cinema.
All about Rongali Bihu, the Assamese festival of joy & harvest
The festival heralds the onset of spring and the Assamese New Year.
Amazon's Pongal & Sankranti sale is on! Redmi Smart TV, Lenovo Tab M10, ASUS Vivobook Pro 16 on massive discounts
The e-commerce website announced the festive sale on Monday.
2,467 stubble burning incidents in Punjab in a day
This is 27 per cent less compared to 58,976 crop residue burning incidents reported in the corresponding period of last year, according to data. The state had reported 71,091 such incidents during the same period in 2020, it stated.
'Mann' ki smoke: Highest stubble fire count in Punjab CM's constituency
With the fresh addition, the total number of farm fire incidents recorded between September 15 and November 11 rose to 40,677, according to Ludhiana-based Punjab Remote Sensing Centre data.
Punjab sees season's hike in farm fires at 3,634
Out of total 3,634 farm fire incidents on Wednesday, Sangrur saw a whopping 677 cases, the highest number in the state, followed by 395 in Patiala, 342 in Ferozepur, 317 in Bathinda, 278 in Barnala, 198 in Ludhiana, 191 in Mansa, 173 each in Moga and Muktsar and 167 in Faridkot.
Stubble burning: More than 700 farm fires recorded in Punjab
From September 15 till October 10, a total of 718 farm fire incidents have been recorded, as per the data. On the same day in 2020 and 2021, the state had witnessed 244 and 150 farm fires, respectively, according to the data. The farm fires continued despite the state government assuring more crop residue management machines and launching massive awareness programmes against stubble burning.
Power Ministry asks states to formulate plans for biomass co-firing in power plants
To address the issue of air pollution and to reduce the carbon footprint of thermal power generation, the Ministry of Power issued a revised policy in October last year for the use of agro residue-based biomass and mandated the use of five to seven per cent of biomass co-fired along with the coal for all thermal power plants.
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