Wind Energy: a Nature’s Bonanza for Eternity

Shri Dilip Nigam, Director, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy. Smt. Gargi Malik, Assistant Director (Media & Communication), PIB, New Delhi. Nature has provided ample resources for lives on earth to survive and grow. The quest of survival and growth enabled human beings to find and use new and renewable sources of energy. One such […]

Shri Dilip Nigam, Director, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy.
Smt. Gargi Malik, Assistant Director (Media & Communication), PIB, New Delhi.
Nature has provided ample resources for lives on earth to survive and grow. The quest of survival and growth enabled human beings to find and use new and renewable sources of energy. One such source is wind, which is a clean, renewable and sustainable form of energy. Wind is free and with modern technology can be captured efficiently for generating power. It has no green house gases emissions.
Throughout history, wind energy has been harnessed in many ways. Centuries ago, wind power was used to sail ships and windmills were used to grind the grains, pump water and cut wood. Initially, in India wind power was used for irrigation and grinding purposes but later on development of wind power got a boost. Now, it is being used to provide electricity to grid along with its use for distribution generation mode.
Today, India is the fifth largest producer of wind energy globally after China, the U.S.A., Germany and Spain with a cumulative installed capacity of over 16000 MW till the end of January 2012. The total potential for wind power in India was first estimated by the Centre for Wind Energy Technology (C-WET), Chennai at 45 GW and has been recently increased to 49.13GW. In fact, in the twelfth five year plan the Government proposes to add 15000 MW of capacity through new wind energy projects.
Currently, wind technology is being primarily used in three ways: (i) Wind pumps, which use mechanical energy from wind mainly for water-pumping purposes (used for drinking and irrigation). (ii) Wind energy generators (WEGS’s), connected to turbines, which are used to produce electricity, to be distributed on electricity grids and are meant for rural and/or urban use. (iii) Wind-electric battery chargers which produce electricity and store it in batteries
To promote the use of wind energy in the country the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is promoting two programmes: (i) Wind Energy Programme and (ii) Small Wind Energy & Hybrid Systems Programme.
Wind Energy Programme
The programme aims at large scale commercialization of cost effective generation of grid quality wind power. Wind energy programme covers surveys and assessment of wind resource, facilitation and implementation of demonstration and private sector projects through various fiscal and promotional policies.
Wind Resource Assessment is done for deciding the potential sites. Wind energy is site specific; therefore, data needs to be collected before starting a project. A total of 627 wind monitoring stations covering 13 States and Union Territories have been established. Handbooks on ‘Wind Energy Resource Survey in India’ have been published giving details of wind data. In fact, a numerical Wind Atlas for India has been prepared and launched. It is to help the stake holders in getting better micrositing leading to higher generation from wind power projects. Micrositing is necessary for the optimization of wind farm layout and locating new turbines as per the norms specified by respective state regulatory authorities.
Demonstration Wind Power Projects are taken up to create necessary infrastructure to open up the sites for commercial deployment by demonstrating the success so that private sector gets confidence to invest. The first demonstration project in the country was set up near Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu in 1986. Subsequently, more demonstration projects have been established at different locations in the country.
The Government is supporting the Wind Power Programme through fiscal and promotional incentives. These include 80% accelerated depreciation, concession on custom duties on critical components, tax holiday on income and excise duties exemption. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy implements the scheme on Generation Based Incentive (GBI) for Wind Power Projects. Under the Scheme, an incentive of Rs 0.50 per unit of electricity fed into the grid by wind power projects is being provided over and above the tariff given by the state utilities, with an overall cap of Rs 62 lakh per MW to be availed in a period not less than four years and maximum period of 10 years. GBI scheme is available for the projects which do not claim the accelerated depreciation benefit. Loans for installing windmills are available from Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) and other Financial Institutions. An investment of around Rs. 5.5 crore is made per MW installation of wind power projects.
A total capacity of around 16000 MW has been established up to January, 2012, mainly in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Rajasthan. Wind electric generators of unit sizes between 225 kW and 2.5 MW have been deployed across the country.
Small Wind Energy & Hybrid Systems Programme
The aim of the programme is to develop technology and promote applications of water pumping windmills and aero-generators/wind-solar hybrid systems useful for meeting water pumping and small power requirements in rural/semi urban/urban windy areas of the country. It also undertakes research & development for improvement of designs and efficiency of these systems. The users mainly involve individuals, farmers, NGOs, Central/State Government agencies, local bodies and Panchayats, Autonomous Institutions, Research Organizations, Cooperative Societies, Corporate Bodies, Small Business Establishments, Banks, etc .
Under the scheme, financial support is provided to the beneficiaries installing the aero-generators, wind-solar hybrid systems and water pumping wind mills. India can exploit the potential of micro-generation technologies and meet the energy needs under the distributed generation mode. An aero-generator is a small wind electric generator having a capacity
of upto 50 kW and is suitable for unelectrified areas having adequate wind speeds.
It produces optimum power at the rated wind speed of 30 km per hour. The wind-solar hybrid system mainly consists of one or two aero generators along with SPV panels connected with battery bank to supply AC power. The power generated from both wind and solar components is stored in a battery bank for use whenever required. Water pumping wind mills pump water from wells, ponds etc. and can lift water when wind speed approaches 8-10 Km per hour. They are capable of pumping water in the range of 1000 to 8000 litres per hour.
In view of the overall objective of creating a minimum power availability to feed the engine of qualitative growth of nation, wind energy will play a pivotal role in the future energy mix.(PIB Feature.)

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/wind-energy-a-natures-bonanza-for-eternity/

UNC lifts ban on Trans Asian Railway link

IMPHAL, Feb 15: The United Naga Council, UNC has decided to temporarily suspend the ban… more »

IMPHAL, Feb 15: The United Naga Council, UNC has decided to temporarily suspend the ban on construction work on the Trans Asian Railway line after the lapse of the specified two months ban on construction work on the said railway line on February 15.

A press statement of the UNC has informed that the body has taken the decision during its presidential council meeting held at Tahamzam on February 11.

“The indefinite ban on Seismic Survey in Tamenglong district would also be lifted temporarily with effect from the same date” the statement added.

“The ban had been imposed in protest against the lack of political will on the part of the  Government to address the demand for an alternative arrangement for the Nagas in Manipur”.

The decision to suspend the ban was taken in view of the fact that it would not be relevant when the election code of conduct is effective and the election process remains incomplete, the statement added.

The decision would be reviewed after the installation of a popular government in the present state of Manipur, it ended.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/unc-lifts-ban-on-trans-asian-railway-link/

Blood-stained boulder erected as memorial stone for SDO

IMPHAL, Feb 15: To co-incide with the third death anniversary of late SDO of Kasom… more »

IMPHAL, Feb 15: To co-incide with the third death anniversary of late SDO of Kasom Khullen Thingnam Kishan,Y Token and A Rajen, a memorial stone has been erected at Mapari Ningshinkol near Cheirap Court today.

The JAC members went to Lukhrabi Thong of Senapati district to the place where they were murdered by the NSCN (IM) cadres and brought the boulder on which they were bludgeoned.

Kishan’s younger brother Roshan told mediapersons that the boulder was brought to the memorial site as a symbol of their eternal existence and truth triumphing over evil. He appealed to the public to attend the memorial observance to be held at Gandhi Ghat on Friday.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/bloodstained-boulder-erected-as-memorial-stone-for-sdo/

Saikot AITC candidate absolves himself of highhandedness

From Kaimuanthang LAMKA, Feb 15: Reacting to allegations of his highhandedness on February 11 with… more »

From Kaimuanthang
LAMKA, Feb 15: Reacting to allegations of his highhandedness on February 11 with respect to the Saikot ac, All India Trinamool Congress, AITC candidate Lunkholal alias Lal boi convened a press meet today at Hotel Venus declaring the accusations as baseless and concocted with an intention to malign him.

Further reacting to the accusations which were carried by some Imphal based dailies on February 14, the AITC candidate expressed that he had never asked his supporters to used muscle power against supporters of other candidates, but on the contrary, he had instructed them to be mild and simple in their approach towards all voters irrespective of their political inclination.

” The very thought that I happen to beat somebody since they do not support and cooperate with me made me  embarass ` he said at the meet while urging all conscientious citizens not to use their freedom of speeches guaranteed  by the Democratic Constitution to tarnish the image of some body in this manner.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/saikot-aitc-candidate-absolves-himself-of-highhandedness/

Maoist warns private schools to forego multiple dress code, other extravagances

IMPHAL, Feb 15: The Maoist Communist Party, Manipur in a press release by its publicity… more »

IMPHAL, Feb 15: The Maoist Communist Party, Manipur in a press release by its publicity secretary Nonglen Meitei came out strongly against the imposition of two or three sets of uniform on its students by private schools.

It stated that the multiple uniform sets caused unnecessary financial burdens to the parents especially those belonging to the financially underprivileged section. The Maoist`s statement assured that the party stands against such exploitation and will not remain a mute spectator.

The Maoist advised that there should be only one uniform set for the students, whereas the choice of colour of the apparel will be the prerogative of the school authorities.

Further, the Maoist questioned the private schools need for keeping three different sets of uniform code in a week. Aside from uniforms, beginning from note books to handkerchiefs, the schools have imposed strictures which are futile exercises. It may please the eyes but the amount of hardships which the poor families incur in keeping with the private schools norms may not be obvious to the school authorities, but is evident to the Maoist party.

The imposition of such petty rules without concern of the overall economic status of the state is not in the interest of the public. Such un ethical practices in the private education sector have led to circumstances where the parents can no longer afford to give proper education to their wards, the Maoist will not compromise their stance in the regard.

Further, schools cashing in on printed material including handkerchiefs, school bags in the name of seeking popularity should be stopped. If the school wants to popularize itself, then it may give free education and sponsor some underprivileged students instead of trying to mint money.

The parents should also introspect into the matter and collectively try to stop malpractices in the education sector.The Maoist in its New Democratic Revolution movement stands for the welfare of the commons; it stands for bringing quality education but stand against exploitation.

The release mentions that to check the announced guideline, the Maoist cadres will begin scrutinizing the schools beginning from February 20 onwards. If any school is found violating the mentioned norms, then the concerned authorities will be viewed as anti-people by the outfit.It appeals the concerned that the Maoist is tackling issues which are aimed at public welfare while continuing the liberation movement and seeks support from all, the release concluded.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/maoist-warns-private-schools-to-forego-multiple-dress-code-other-extravagances/

Further re-poll uncalled for: MSCP

IMPHAL, Feb 15:The MSCP has asserted that any further re-poll based on the findings of… more »

IMPHAL, Feb 15:The MSCP has asserted that any further re-poll based on the findings of the recent photo comparison exercise will be a waste of time and money as the photograph technology lacked fool-proof scientific backing.

Instead, the party suggested that counting of the ballots should be allowed to go ahead after invalidating those cases where mismatches were observed between the photographs in the electoral roll bank and those taken at the polling stations.

Talking to media at Hotel Imphal today, president of the party Y Mani stated that recommendation of re-poll based on the comparison of photos will be ill-advised as it will open door for more manipulations by candidates in advantageous position. He expressed surprise that the ruling Congress party has not so far announced their position on the issue to the public. 

However, Mani made it clear that his party will abide by any decision taken by the Election Commission of India on the subject despite its rigid stand.

Instead of putting more agony on the people and the candidate, besides the rigor of repeated organization of the poll exercise on the establishment, Mani stated, the respective polling officers should be put on the dock and punished for their inefficiencies. Only then the point will be served and all sort of discrepancies can be avoided, he said.

The party’s candidates who fought the last assembly elections spoke in unison with its president. Awangbou Newmai, sitting MLA of Tamei AC, stated that photo anomalies were spotted in 43 out of 63 polling stations in his constituency. However, he said, if re-poll were conducted in all those polling stations it would be similar to holding a fresh election which will be an extraneous burden to everyone.

Thamarjit of Keirao AC, where no mis-matches were reported, stated that unless forensic experts can verify the authenticity of the anomalies in the photographs, it cannot be justified, presenting his case against another round of re-poll.

Adim Panmei, MPCC chief Gaikhangam’s rival in Nungba, stated that mass discrepancies were noticed in all the four polling stations where he had complained of proxy voting. However, he argued that instead of re-poll, the party’s suggestion to progress with counting after deleting the bogus cases will hold in good stead. He also expressed dissatisfaction at the returning officer’s response to his complaint supported by sufficient proofs against the Congress election agent in Tupul for booth captuing through intimidation by firing shots from a small fire arm.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/further-repoll-uncalled-for-mscp/

Maj Gen wants students to analyse present situation in State

IMPHAL, Feb 15: Major General Binoy Poonen, General Officer Commanding of the 57 Mountain Division… more »

IMPHAL, Feb 15: Major General Binoy Poonen, General Officer Commanding of the 57 Mountain Division today appealed to the younger generations particularly the students to sit back and analysed the situation in Manipur to bring peace and harmony among the masses. General Poonen also appealed to be a Manipuri first and proud to be a Manipuri as well.

GOC Poonen was addressing a flagged-in gathering of the 6/8 Gorkha Rifles of Loktak Brigade sponsored 15-day national integration tour at the army auditorium at Leimakhong,about 20 km north of Imphal this morning.

“You all can be the future leaders of the beautiful state of Manipur,so sit down and analysed the situation besides studying hard,” GOC asked.“Many students are going outside the state as there’s no avenue for higher studies here. Why can’t this happen here in their own state.”

Appealing to compare the state with the rest of the country in the field of development too,the GOC observed that the state has been lagging behind in certain development sector due to insurgency,unemployment and corruption etc.

Twenty students comprising of four different communities-Meitei,Naga,Kuki and Meitei Pangals along with their four teachers were on a 15 day national integration tour from Ningthoukhong town in Manipur’s Bishnupur district to Delhi,Agra and Jaipur cities from January 30 to January 12 last where the team visited Red Fort,Humayun Tomb,Qutub Minar,Connaught Place,Delhi Metro in Delhi,Taj Mahal,Agra Fort and Army Cantonment at Agra and Ajmer Palace,Jantar mantar at Jaipur.

Surprisingly the team exclusively had a 30 minute interaction with the President Pratibha devi Singh Patil besides having an opportunity to have a 1 4 hour guided tour of the Rashtrapati Bhavan during the sojourn.

Two students—one boy and one girl, who took part in the tour also shared their experiences and feeling during the day’s flagged-in gathering.

According to the senior officers of the Loktak Brigade,almost all the 20 students which include 10 girls and 10 boys, selected through its four battalions under the brigade, were given an opportunity to have metro ride in Delhi not to speak of giving the experience of a train ride in their life time.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/maj-gen-wants-students-to-analyse-present-situation-in-state/

AMSU coaching

IMPHAL, Feb 15: The Al Manipur Students’ Union organized a month long free coaching class… more »

IMPHAL, Feb 15: The Al Manipur Students’ Union organized a month long free coaching class at Kasom Khullen High School and Nambishi High School in Ukhrul district. The closing function of the programme was held on February 12 with president of the union, Thokchom Suresh as the president wich was participated by the headmen of Kasom Khullen and Kasom Khunou and members of village authority of Manthi village.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/amsu-coaching/

Journal launch

IMPHAL, Feb 15: The February issue of Ipak was launched today at the office of… more »

IMPHAL, Feb 15: The February issue of Ipak was launched today at the office of Patriotic Writers Forum, Keishampat this morning. Speaking at the function, chief guest Dr Chongtham Jamini said the premature closing down of scores of Manipuri journals is an unfortunate phenomenon and stressed on the need to revive the journals.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/journal-launch/

Boycott warning

IMPHAL, Feb 15: The All Manipur Higher Secondary Contract Lecturer’s Association has announced that it… more »

IMPHAL, Feb 15: The All Manipur Higher Secondary Contract Lecturer’s Association has announced that it will launch mass boycott of classes from February 21 and not perform duties at the high school and higher secondary school leaving examinations in the valley districts if their pending salaries are not paid before the date.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/boycott-warning/

Grenade lobbed

IMPHAL, Feb 15: Suspected ultras lobbed a hand grenade at the Lalambung Makhong residence of… more »

IMPHAL, Feb 15: Suspected ultras lobbed a hand grenade at the Lalambung Makhong residence of an ENT doctor Keisam Romel. The unexploded grenade was found at the front porch early morning today by family members. Police bomb squad safely recovered the bomb.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/grenade-lobbed/

IOC blamed for inexplicable cooking gas shortage 4 months after highways opened – KanglaOnline

IOC blamed for inexplicable cooking gas shortage 4 months after highways openedKanglaOnlineBy RK Suresh IMPHAL, Feb 15: It's been over 4 months since the economic blockade on the national highways of Manipur was lifted but people in the state are s…

IOC blamed for inexplicable cooking gas shortage 4 months after highways opened
KanglaOnline
By RK Suresh IMPHAL, Feb 15: It's been over 4 months since the economic blockade on the national highways of Manipur was lifted but people in the state are still reeling under an intense scarcity of LPG. Meanwhile, the Sekmai LPG bottling plant in the

and more »

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNHIhNKYuhQcBkt7ee_jV2giMGPUyw&url=http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/ioc-blamed-for-inexplicable-cooking-gas-shortage-4-months-after-highways-opened/

IOC blamed for inexplicable cooking gas shortage 4 months after highways opened – KanglaOnline

IOC blamed for inexplicable cooking gas shortage 4 months after highways openedKanglaOnlineBy RK Suresh IMPHAL, Feb 15: It's been over 4 months since the economic blockade on the national highways of Manipur was lifted but people in the state are s…

IOC blamed for inexplicable cooking gas shortage 4 months after highways opened
KanglaOnline
By RK Suresh IMPHAL, Feb 15: It's been over 4 months since the economic blockade on the national highways of Manipur was lifted but people in the state are still reeling under an intense scarcity of LPG. Meanwhile, the Sekmai LPG bottling plant in the

and more »

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNHIhNKYuhQcBkt7ee_jV2giMGPUyw&url=http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/ioc-blamed-for-inexplicable-cooking-gas-shortage-4-months-after-highways-opened/

ZYF to organise foundation day of March 7

IMPHAL, Feb 15: The 31st foundation day of the Zeliangrong Youth Front will be held… more »

IMPHAL, Feb 15: The 31st foundation day of the Zeliangrong Youth Front will be held on the March 7 at the ZYF head office, Kakhulong, Paona Bazar, Imphal, and for the said programme, hectic preparation is going on.

A statement of the ZYF-AMN has further informed all incumbent office bearers of the ZYF central as well as zonal office bearers of respective zones to take up proactive role in their respective capacity for successful and grand celebration of the said programme. 

Any incumbent office bearers and respective zonal executives who are reluctant to perform and discharge their duties and responsibilities inspite of being the office bearers are advised to perform willingly considering the affirmation and obligation that they have taken at the time of installation. It is also instructed to all the incumbent office bearers to come and involve in the preparation works for the programme and to make ensure their participation at the function.

In case of any office beareres of Central as well as zonal executives who cannot participate should give prior information stating proper reasons of his inability to participate otherwise there is no reasons why strong action in compliance with the rules as per of the ZYF Constitution should not be attracted and initiated accordingly for defiance. Therefore, it is urged all the respective ZYF incumbent office bearers and zonal office bearers to take proactive role to make the function a grand successful, the statement added.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/zyf-to-organise-foundation-day-of-march-7/

AITC demands repoll in Tamei

IMPHAL, Feb 15: Claiming that the various discrepancies were found during comparison of photos with… more »

IMPHAL, Feb 15: Claiming that the various discrepancies were found during comparison of photos with the electoral roll of Tamei (ST) ac on February 12, All India Trinamool Congress candidate of the constituency DP Panmei has demanded re-poll in 57 polling stations of the constituency.

In a press statement, the AITC candidate has stated that during photo comparison of the electors of the constituency on February 12 by the election commission, many young girls were found to have voted for men (old boys), boys and girls below 18 years were found to have voted for elderly persons and women for men and vice versa.

The statement has further informed that Naga People’s Front had lodged a complaint with the Chief election Commissioner, government of India for re-polling at 43 polling stations while the Trinamool Congress has lodged a complaint for re-polling at 28 polling stations of Tamei ac.

The candidate has further demanded the polling officials to be penalized for allowing rampant proxy voting and impersonation which amounts to gross dereliction of duties as polling officials.

The statement has as such demanded re-poll in 57 polling stations of Tamei ac.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/aitc-demands-repoll-in-tamei/

Senapati sit-in-protest

IMPHAL, Feb 15: Naga civil bodies today staged a sit-in-protest at Senapati Bazar today for… more »

IMPHAL, Feb 15: Naga civil bodies today staged a sit-in-protest at Senapati Bazar today for the unscathed release of Anthony Ningkhan Shimray, head of foreign affairs, (NSCN-IM) who was arrested on September 27 after he landed at Kathmandu’s International Airport while flying in from Bangkok to attend Peace talks between GOI and NSCN IM scheduled on 29th September 2010 in New Delhi, in connection with procuring of arms and waging war against the country.

A press statement has informed that the Naga are protesting against the GOI for violating cease-fire agreement and for being insincere to an extensive ploy of halting Anthony Ningkhan Shimray from receiving fair trail.

The consortium of United Naga Council (UNC), Naga Women Union (NWU), All Naga Student Association, Manipur (ANSAM) and Naga People’s Movement for Human Right (NPMHR) appeal all the Nagas from different walks of life and organizations to organized public or community meetings, rallies, protests or prayer groups for his unconditional release, the release added.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/senapati-sitinprotest/

Japanese team

IMPHAL, Feb 15: The Japanese football club, FC Kicker comprising of 15 players will visit… more »

IMPHAL, Feb 15: The Japanese football club, FC Kicker comprising of 15 players will visit Imphal for the goodwill football match with Manipur XI on Feb 19 at 1pm at Khuman Lampak Main stadium at the initiative of Manipur Tourism forum. The Japanese footballers are Kei Shinohara, Tomoaki Hakamata, Fumiaki Ishikawa, Koji Okada, Hiroaki Fukuda, Satoshi Tagawa, Ryuma Kitagaito, shinichi Itakura, Masahiro Motoshuku, Hideto Otsuka, Sho Moriwaki, Yuji Kinugasa, Yoshitaka Hoshi, Miki Nakahara and Akiriro Monaka

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/japanese-team/

Climate Change Awe

Winter in Manipur has been severe this year. It would have been a lot harsher… more »

Winter in Manipur has been severe this year. It would have been a lot harsher for the poor, for indeed, as it is, winter months are cruel even for temperate climes as ours, when much of life hibernate, expending the least energy so as to last out till the nourishing showers of spring herald nature its wake-up call. Imagine how miserable life would be if winter temperature were to drop a few more degrees Celsius, and extended a few more months. But the disturbing fact is, such projections of a changed climate scenario are no longer remote or restricted to science fiction writing. Seeing what has been happening even in the past few years, climate change seems now almost an inevitable future the world is heading into. There are scientific evidences that there have been radical shifts in climates in the history of the earth, almost at regular intervals. The Ice Age for instance is supposed to follow a cyclic pattern, the last minor one having retreated 12,000 years or so ago, but in between these cycles, there have also been many sudden freak shifts, as scientist now claim there had been an unexplained cooling of the globe 5,200 years ago, not because of anything anybody did, but out of changes in solar activities. In 1991, hikers found the preserved body of a man trapped in an Alpine glacier and freed as it retreated. Later tests showed that the human – dubbed Oetzi – became trapped and died around 5,200 years ago. Scientific evidences elsewhere in the world corroborate the theory of a sudden chill wave at about the same period. In prehistoric times, 245 million years ago, the collision of continents to form a single land mass known as Pangaea caused one of the biggest extinction of life from earth, with 96 percent of marine life going extinct in about 3 million years span.

The point is, earth’s climate has changed in the past and probably will change again in the future. While there is nothing very much we possibly can do to alter the meta-narratives of the cosmos, what is also certain is, man can hasten these changes locally on earth, all to his own detriment. To look at it more positively, this also means man can delay or even avert some of these climate shifts by controlling the factors that disturb the earth’s climate system. At this moment, man seems to be doing very little to this effect. Hence, if this year’s winter has been harsh, scientist are now predicting a hotter than usual summer to follow. Being warm-blooded creatures, all mammals, to which category of living things humans belong, can tolerate a wide range of temperature conditions. But the danger is not so much about how weather resilient the human body is, but of how life would cope with a radically changed living environment. If winters get harsher, summers more scorching, monsoons unpredictable, the first casualties would be crops. We all know the kind of human misery a year of crop failure can cause, but imagine a scenario in which this happens in a stretch for a couple, or even many years. Life would be put at great peril then. It is such thoughts that make one realize, inspite of all its strengths and resilience, life is extremely vulnerable. Human life is no exception. It is also not a surprise that in life’s history of over 500 million years (so says scientists), whole species have routinely gone extinct for unfathomable reasons.

There are many cosmic factors behind climate changes that we can do nothing about and only God can explain why. But there are also an equal number of factors that we can do a lot about. Likewise there are a number of overwhelming environmental issues that must have to be tackled at the global level. But there are also again localized ones that all individuals, regardless of where they are, must put in their mite in tackling. Hence, while those of us in the developing world can contribute little towards controlling automobile fume emissions that induce greenhouse effect in the earth’s atmosphere, precisely because the number of automobiles we own is minuscule, we can help in the global effort by retaining green covers of our forests etc. Let us not ever forget the slogan of the global environmental campaign “Think Globally, Act Locally.” After all it is also our own lives, together with that of the rest of the world that we are called upon to protect.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/climate-change-awe/

Ban on Manipur rail project lifted temporarily – Assam Tribune

Ban on Manipur rail project lifted temporarilyAssam TribuneIMPHAL, Feb 15 – The construction work of the Rs 2492 crore Manipur railway line is likely to be resumed tomorrow following a temporary suspension of the ban on it's construction. The Uni…

Ban on Manipur rail project lifted temporarily
Assam Tribune
IMPHAL, Feb 15 – The construction work of the Rs 2492 crore Manipur railway line is likely to be resumed tomorrow following a temporary suspension of the ban on it's construction. The United Naga Council (UNC) had banned the construction works on the
UNC suspends ban on constructionMorungExpress
UNC lifts ban on Trans Asian Railway linkKanglaOnline

all 6 news articles »

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNFimLSiHwZA92wpguayrGKQBff9AQ&url=http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=feb1612/oth05

Two NSCN-K rebels held in Manipur – Times of India

Two NSCN-K rebels held in ManipurTimes of IndiaTo elect 60 legislators for the 10{+t}{+h} assembly, Manipur went to polls on January 28 and a repoll was conducted on February 4. Under heavy security arrangement, the EVMs utilized in the polls have been…

Two NSCN-K rebels held in Manipur
Times of India
To elect 60 legislators for the 10{+t}{+h} assembly, Manipur went to polls on January 28 and a repoll was conducted on February 4. Under heavy security arrangement, the EVMs utilized in the polls have been kept at the headquarters of the nine districts

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNEcI17-GJRpu0j6wBKeDLg-ZBFEGg&url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/Two-NSCN-K-rebels-held-in-Manipur/articleshow/11903702.cms