ANEC Trust opposes clearance to granite quarries near eco-sensitive zones in Kerala
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According to the NGO, many of these projects fall within the statutory and default 10km radius of eco-sensitive zones around national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and reserve forests.
It pointed out that the move violates various central
environmental legislation
, legal and other rules.
The NGO warned that if the permissions are granted to these quarries, it would gravely endanger the state's biodiversity, climate resilience and protection from disasters.
Approving such projects in disregard of environmental statutes, judicial pronouncements and public interest constitutes an abdication of statutory duty, the letter points out.
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Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
NASA to build Moon reactor by 2030, outpacing China-Russia lunar ambitions with a 100-kilowatt power system
Source: New York Times / BBC The United States is accelerating its space ambitions with a bold plan to construct a nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030, according to the reports. This move, championed by Transportation Secretary and interim NASA chief Sean Duffy, signals a significant shift toward energy independence and strategic dominance in lunar exploration. The directive aims to outpace China and Russia's joint lunar base efforts while ensuring sustainable power for future Moon habitats and research facilities. With a 100-kilowatt power system in focus and contracts for ISS replacement on the horizon, this strategy could reshape the future of space exploration and energy innovation. Why the Moon needs a nuclear reactor Solar power, though efficient in low-Earth orbit, is unreliable on the Moon due to two-week-long lunar nights. A nuclear reactor ensures continuous, high-output power for critical systems like habitats, life support, and mining equipment. NASA's earlier 40-kilowatt system design now expands to a 100-kilowatt model, enabling long-term settlements and deep-space missions. Experts note that nuclear power could support resource extraction, like oxygen and water from lunar regolith, which is crucial for producing rocket fuel and sustaining human life far from Earth. This capability would reduce dependency on Earth-based resupply missions, making lunar bases more economically and operationally viable. Space race 2.0: US reacts to China-Russia lunar base plans with a 100-kilowatt power strategy China and Russia's International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) poses a direct challenge to US leadership in space. Their collaboration aims to establish a permanently crewed lunar facility, backed by advanced robotics and resource utilization programs. Duffy's directive reflects a 'space race 2.0' mindset, emphasizing energy independence and infrastructure as strategic levers. Analysts say the nuclear reactor isn't just about science; it's a symbol of geopolitical power projection. By achieving reliable energy on the Moon, the US can support military, scientific, and commercial activities, ensuring it remains ahead in a future where lunar resources could influence global energy and technology markets. The directive significantly upsizes previous NASA designs, calling for a 100-kilowatt fission surface power system capable of running multiple habitats and industrial-scale facilities. The plan involves a 60-day window to gather input from private space and energy companies and appointing a NASA official to spearhead the project. This power scale is intended not only for lunar missions but also to serve as a blueprint for Mars and deep-space exploration. Unlike solar arrays, nuclear reactors can withstand lunar dust, extreme temperatures, and long nights, making them a game-changer for permanent extraterrestrial settlements and advanced resource processing facilities on the Moon. NASA's new vision under Duffy: Hard-power technologies and commercial space growth Sean Duffy's appointment as interim NASA chief, while also serving as Transportation Secretary, sparked debate in Congress. Critics question his ability to manage two high-profile federal roles simultaneously. However, this lunar reactor initiative shows Duffy's intent to leave a strong mark on US space policy, focusing on hard-power technologies rather than purely scientific exploration. His directive aligns with the White House's push for increased crewed spaceflight funding, even while cutting some research programs. The move highlights a shift in NASA priorities, emphasising infrastructure and power generation as key pillars for maintaining US dominance in an increasingly contested space environment. Alongside the Moon reactor plan, NASA aims to accelerate the replacement of the ageing International Space Station (ISS). The agency will award contracts to at least two private companies within six months, with a goal of deploying a commercially operated station by 2030. Leading contenders include Axiom Space, Vast, and Blue Origin. This transition reflects NASA's procurement shift toward private-sector partnerships, ensuring a continued human presence in low-Earth orbit while freeing up resources for deep-space missions. Critics have raised concerns about funding delays, but Duffy's directive is expected to fast-track development and synchronize with national space security strategies. Why the Moon nuclear reactor is important for Mars and asteroid missions The Moon nuclear reactor initiative signals more than just energy innovation; it represents a paradigm shift in space exploration. By coupling lunar nuclear energy infrastructure with a commercial space station ecosystem, the US positions itself to dominate both cislunar space and planetary exploration. Experts believe this could lead to permanent Moon settlements, asteroid mining, and Mars missions becoming practical within the next decade. Furthermore, the initiative reinforces US competitiveness in a world where space resources and technologies may define future economic and military power. The outcome of these programs could reshape the global balance of power beyond Earth. Also Read | NASA astronaut recalls awe-inspiring view of Mumbai and Delhi's night lights from space: 'India looks magical'
News18
an hour ago
- News18
10 Days To Empty: How Vulnerable Is Taiwan's Energy Supply To A China Blockade?
A report revealed Taiwan would exhaust its natural gas reserves in 10 days if China imposed a maritime blockade, highlighting Taiwan's energy vulnerability and conflict risks. Taiwan would exhaust its natural gas reserves in just 10 days if China imposed a maritime blockade, according to a new report by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a Washington-based think tank. The report paints a stark picture of Taiwan's vulnerability in the event of a Chinese military blockade, concluding that the island's coal reserves would last about seven weeks, and oil supplies could run out in roughly 20 weeks. The findings come amid heightened tensions in the Taiwan Strait and follow recent Chinese military exercises that appeared to simulate blockades and attacks on Taiwan's energy infrastructure. Why Does This Matter? Taiwan is heavily dependent on energy imports, sourcing nearly 98% of its fuel from overseas, according to the US International Trade Administration. Natural gas alone powers about 40% of Taiwan's electricity generation, much of it delivered via liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments. If Beijing were to seal off key maritime gateways, the report suggests Taipei would quickly face an energy crisis- not just in military terms but across homes, hospitals, factories and data centres. What Did The Study Find? The report ran 26 war-gaming scenarios to simulate how a Chinese blockade of Taiwan might play out and how the island and its allies could respond. The study concluded that a blockade would not be a 'low-cost, low-risk" strategy for Beijing. In most simulations, casualties were high on all sides and the blockade frequently escalated into a broader regional conflict. In two of the most extreme scenarios- labelled 'maximum escalation"- the United States intervened militarily, launching strikes on mainland China while Chinese missiles retaliated by targeting US bases in Guam and Japan. The report also argued that a blockade would make for a poor prelude to invasion as the aggressive move would likely deplete key Chinese military assets and alert other countries, strengthening international resistance. Can Taiwan Be Resupplied Like Ukraine? Not easily. The authors- Col Mark Cancian (retired), Matthew Cancian and Eric Heginbotham- warned that applying a 'Ukraine model" of supplying weapons and aid to Taiwan during a crisis would likely fall short. The report said, 'A 'Ukraine strategy' was attractive but insufficient. Taiwan's needs are too great, and in most scenarios, China's blockade was too tight." Even when the US did manage to escort supply convoys through the blockade, the missions were costly and highly risky, with several involving combat scenarios against Chinese forces. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
'Am I responsible for my family's actions?' Putin's alleged secret daughter denounces him; complains of being unheard by family
Russia President, left, and Elizaveta Krivonogikh (File Image) The alleged secret daughter of Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed criticism of her father through cryptic messages, condemning the individual whom she claimed had 'destroyed' her and 'took millions of lives.' Elizaveta Krivonogikh, aged 22, a Paris-based art school graduate believed to be Putin's youngest daughter, posted these messages on her private Telegram account, coinciding with her increased visibility on Instagram, where she's begun sharing more self-portraits, New York Post reported. Without naming President Putin in her post she wrote, "It's liberating to be able to show my face to the world again," according to Bild. "It reminds me of who I am and who destroyed my life," she continued and added, "Am I really responsible for the activities of my family, who can't even hear me?" Her Telegram discussion group, titled "Art of Luiza," references her artistic alias Luiza Rozova. She has never denied the widespread speculation about her paternity. The young artist was born in 2003, reportedly following a relationship between Putin and her mother Svetlana, who worked as his housekeeper at the time. This revelation emerged from a 2020 investigation by Russian news outlet Proekt, noting her striking resemblance to Putin. Her birth certificate omits his name but includes "Vladimirovna," meaning "daughter of Vladimir." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The 1 Household Item That Visibly Tightens Saggy Skin GlamourSkin Learn More Undo In 2021, the late journalist and opposition figure Alexei Navalny revealed Krivonogikh's Instagram account, which displayed her affluent lifestyle and her family's substantial wealth, commonly attributed to their association with the Russian president. Initially embracing public attention, Krivonogikh withdrew following Russia's Ukraine invasion in 2021 when her Instagram account was deactivated. Upon her return, she initially maintained a lower profile, often concealing her face in photographs. Her stance has apparently shifted regarding the conflict, after previously lamenting her inability to "make an extra lap around my beloved St. Petersburg." She has renounced her former luxurious lifestyle and openly criticises her presumed father's actions in Ukraine while working at a Parisian gallery focusing on anti-war exhibitions. She has additionally adopted the pseudonym Elizaveta Rudnova, after Putin's deceased associate Oleg Rudnov, appearing to mock her contested parentage. Nevertheless, Putin's critics remain sceptical of her transformed image, arguing against her employment in settings where she might encounter Ukrainians, regardless of her position. Putin is additionally rumoured to have two secret sons, aged 10 and 6, with former gymnast and Olympic champion Alina Kabaeva.
