Manipur News

New Delhi, November 6, 2012: The dense smog which had been throttling Delhi for the past few days has lifted partially today, but it may come back with renewed vigour, as the factors causing it remain in force – says Centre for Science and Environment (CSE).
CSE has reviewed the magnitude and severity of the smog. Its researchers believe that while every winter, the calm and cool weather leads to a heavier pollution load on Delhi, this year, the capital is seeing a massive growth in actual pollution levels. The levels of respirable particulate matter (PM10) have surged 47 per cent — from 191 microgramme per cubic metre in 2000 to 281 microgramme per cubic metre in 2011. In the same period, nitrogen dioxide levels have increased from 41.8 microgramme per cubic metre to 66 microgramme per cubic metre (a 57 per cent jump).
This hike in pollution levels has led to the creation of the deadly smog. Says Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director in charge of the air pollution and transportation programme at CSE: “Unfortunately, despite the scary hard facts about the elevated cocktail of pollution and health risks, the problem is being dismissed as a mere weather phenomenon. In other parts of the world, governments issue warnings and take pollution emergency measures during such severe pollution episodes to protect public health. But we are doing nothing.”
Delhi localities are in grip of multi-pollutant crisis: Particulate matter is not the only thing choking us — nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone and benzene levels are playing havoc as well, as per official monitoring. Some of these pollutants come predominantly from vehicles.
Killer particles: PM2.5 levels are exceeding the standard by 4-6 times. An increase of only 10 microgramme per cubic metre in PM2.5 is associated with significant increases in health risks. High exposure is known to lead to increased hospitalisation for asthma, lung diseases, chronic bronchitis and heart damage. Long-term exposure can cause lung cancer.
High NOx: NO2 levels are exceeding standards in areas like Mandir Marg, Civil Lines and R K Puram. Levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx) have been increasing in the city — a clear sign of pollution from vehicles. NO2 can trigger serious respiratory condition and sudden death syndrome among infants.Ozone, the new threat: Eight-hourly ozone levels show slight increases over time – they exceed the standards almost on a daily basis in a few locations. Ozone is not directly emitted by any source but is created from reaction between NOx and the volatile organic compounds in the air under the influence of sunlight.
Pollution correlates with peak traffic hours and freight movement: Data from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee in different localities shows that pollution levels go up significantly during peak traffic hours compared to off-peak hours. For instance:
· In R K Puram, Mandir marg and Civil Lines, both PM2.5 and NOx concentrations are high during peak hours.
· Pollution levels are extremely high in Anand Vihar which witnesses very heavy traffic due to a lot of inter-state movement of vehicles.
· In Civil Lines, PM2.5 levels are very high even during night; this could be due to the movement of goods traffic

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/cse-warns-delhi-do-not-dismiss-winter-smog-as-an-act-of-god/

New Delhi, November 6, 2012: The dense smog which had been throttling Delhi for the past few days has lifted partially today, but it may come back with renewed vigour, as the factors causing it remain in force – says Centre for Science and Environment (CSE).
CSE has reviewed the magnitude and severity of the smog. Its researchers believe that while every winter, the calm and cool weather leads to a heavier pollution load on Delhi, this year, the capital is seeing a massive growth in actual pollution levels. The levels of respirable particulate matter (PM10) have surged 47 per cent — from 191 microgramme per cubic metre in 2000 to 281 microgramme per cubic metre in 2011. In the same period, nitrogen dioxide levels have increased from 41.8 microgramme per cubic metre to 66 microgramme per cubic metre (a 57 per cent jump).
This hike in pollution levels has led to the creation of the deadly smog. Says Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director in charge of the air pollution and transportation programme at CSE: “Unfortunately, despite the scary hard facts about the elevated cocktail of pollution and health risks, the problem is being dismissed as a mere weather phenomenon. In other parts of the world, governments issue warnings and take pollution emergency measures during such severe pollution episodes to protect public health. But we are doing nothing.”
Delhi localities are in grip of multi-pollutant crisis: Particulate matter is not the only thing choking us — nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone and benzene levels are playing havoc as well, as per official monitoring. Some of these pollutants come predominantly from vehicles.
Killer particles: PM2.5 levels are exceeding the standard by 4-6 times. An increase of only 10 microgramme per cubic metre in PM2.5 is associated with significant increases in health risks. High exposure is known to lead to increased hospitalisation for asthma, lung diseases, chronic bronchitis and heart damage. Long-term exposure can cause lung cancer.
High NOx: NO2 levels are exceeding standards in areas like Mandir Marg, Civil Lines and R K Puram. Levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx) have been increasing in the city — a clear sign of pollution from vehicles. NO2 can trigger serious respiratory condition and sudden death syndrome among infants.Ozone, the new threat: Eight-hourly ozone levels show slight increases over time – they exceed the standards almost on a daily basis in a few locations. Ozone is not directly emitted by any source but is created from reaction between NOx and the volatile organic compounds in the air under the influence of sunlight.
Pollution correlates with peak traffic hours and freight movement: Data from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee in different localities shows that pollution levels go up significantly during peak traffic hours compared to off-peak hours. For instance:
· In R K Puram, Mandir marg and Civil Lines, both PM2.5 and NOx concentrations are high during peak hours.
· Pollution levels are extremely high in Anand Vihar which witnesses very heavy traffic due to a lot of inter-state movement of vehicles.
· In Civil Lines, PM2.5 levels are very high even during night; this could be due to the movement of goods traffic

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/cse-warns-delhi-do-not-dismiss-winter-smog-as-an-act-of-god/

New Delhi, Nov 6 (ANI): Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh called Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy and offered central help for flood affected areas in the state.
Dr, Singh directed Reddy to constantly monitor the situation and extend all possible assistance for relief and rehabilitation.
The PMalso extended sympathies to those who have lost their family members in Srikakulam, Visakhapatnam, East Godavari, West Godavari and Krishna districts.Rain-related incidents have so far claimed 24 lives and damaged crops in 5.25 lakh hectares and horticulture crops in over 24,000 acres.
Chief Minister Reddy is expected to undertake an aerial survey of the affected areas today to assess the damage caused by Cyclone Nilam, and to determine the steps that need to be taken to restore normalcy and calm.Reddy had earlier chaired a high-level review meeting of ministers and senior officials in Hyderabad.
Relief operations are in full swing in the flood-hit coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh after heavy rain in the region due to cyclone Nilam.Various teams have rescued about two thousand people, stranded in floodwater.
About 70 thousand people are taking shelter in 170 relief camps as their residential colonies are filled with floodwaters.Over 7 thousand kilo meters-long highways damaged and power supply was snapped to about 500 villages.Farmers suffer huge losses as standing crops and horticulture produce in about 6 lakh hectares damaged due to floods.
The South-Central Railways has restored some of the cancelled trains as the damaged track between Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam has been re-built. Another track between Visakhapatnam and Bhubaneswar is under repair.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/pm-calls-andhra-cm-offers-central-help/

MNS:- In an endeavor to create a roadmap for the next five years for innovative technologies and policies for biofuels development in India, the Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India along with The Energy and Resources Institute(TERI) launched a two day International Summit on ‘Bioenergy: Algae Biofuel & Synthetic Biology 2012’ here yesterday. Shri Jaipal Reddy, Minister of Science and Technology & Earth Sciences inaugurated the Summit.
During the two day summit, experts and policymakers are aiming to identify the primary tasks that must be undertaken to accelerate the sustainable deployment of biofuels in India. The summit is witnessing the participation from renowned scientists from over 7 countries, including India, USA, France, Belgium, Malaysia, and South Africa along with 10 eminent international speakers.
Delivering the inaugural address, Shri. Jaipal Reddy, Minister, Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, opined “There is no denying the fact that the country is facing some serious challenges in food and nutrition, healthcare, energy and environment. To meet these mounting challenges, Science and Technology can play a crucial role in developing an instrumental framework both nationally and internationally. Innovation requires institutional framework and adequate human resources, in order to succeed we need to strengthen and redesign to move towards progress in product development” .He further added, “We need to accelerate our global efforts that will immensely help us in the economic and social development of our country. The best of modern technology should be harnessed for a sustainable future and ensuring some tangible outcome”. The Minister also released “The Bioenergy Road-Map – Vision 2020” of Department of Biotechnology.
Dr. M. K. Bhan, Secretary, DBT and Chairman, BIRAC said “We should use our science and engineering base and our industry strength to create an innovation nation for bioenergy for sustainable future”. He emphasized on the need for redesign new Institutional mechanisms for forthcoming innovation and Public Private Partnership. Dr. Bhan further said “I am hopeful this summit will witness some intelligent discussions, feedback and chalk out the way forward for cutting edge research in the field of algae and synthetic biology for biofuels”.
Dr. Pachauri, Director General, TERI stated “The significance of this summit is very timely on account of the challenges that the nation has been facing. In order to have a green and sustainable future we need to ensure that our resources are properly exploited. I am extremely sure that algae can play a pivotal role towards ensuring a better future. The future lies in coming up with innovative technologies that will give us a sustainable future”. He further added “With regard to the development and commercialization of technologies, I am very pleased to know that Department of Biotechnology and TERI have come up with an intensive plan of action, I sincerely believe this will set some very high standard’s and will go a long way in creating a sustainable future”.
The two day summit has included plenary talks, invited talks, and panel discussions to deliberate on key issues for next generation fuels. It will provide a unique opportunity for communication and collaboration between academia, industry, and policy-makers and will enable government, industry, and financial partners to identify the steps needed and implement measures to accelerate required technology development.
The summit will highlight on the various scientific themes like Algal Bioengineering, Algae as Production System, Sustainable Algae Mass Cultivation, Synthetic Biology for Advanced Bioenergy, System and Computational Biology in Bioenergy, Synthetic Biology and Industry Potential and Adoption of Bio-energy Solutions in Industry and Other Sectors.It aims to unite researchers in the field of next generation fuels for exchange of innovative ideas, leading edge concepts, new technologies and ongoing R&D efforts in the field of `Algal biofuel and Synthetic biology for advanced bioenergy` but will be an unique platform for communication and collaboration between academia, industry, and policy-makers.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/the-bioenergy-road-map-vision-2020-of-the-department-of-biotechnology/