Latest news with #DRUM
The Hindu
07-06-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
IIT-Kgp app helps commuters pick ‘greener' routes on the road
Bengaluru: Ambient air pollution is responsible for 7.2% of deaths in major Indian cities every year. There's reason to believe airborne particulate matter can cut the life expectancy of Indians by up to five years. But traffic-related pollution is usually much worse than what urban sensors report. Researchers have estimated commuting takes up only around 8% of a person's day but accounts for 33% of their pollution exposure. IIT Kharagpur associate professor Arkopal Kishore Goswami, his PhD student Kapil Kumar Meena, and intern Aditya Kumar Singh (from IIITM Gwalior) found that while traffic significantly affects commuters' health, few were aware of its actual risks. Realising access to information was key, the team created the Dynamic Route Planning for Urban Green Mobility (or DRUM) web app. It's like Google Maps but with the added feature of allowing users pick routes based on air quality and energy efficiency. Cleaner commute DRUM gives users five route options: shortest, fastest, least exposure to air pollution (LEAP), least energy consumption route (LECR), and a combination of all four factors called the suggested route. These options are based on real-time air and traffic data. When applied to Delhi, the LEAP route reduced exposure by over 50% in Central Delhi while increasing commute time by 40%. LECR meanwhile helped reduce energy consumption by 28% in South Delhi. These tradeoffs may not work for everyone, especially given the added fuel costs of longer routes, but DRUM could make a difference for more vulnerable groups, Mr. Meena said. Behind the build Integrating real-time air and traffic data was the project's biggest technical challenge, per Mr. Meena. The team's first obstacle was sparse data collection. According to UrbanEmissions, India needs around 4,000 continuous air quality stations. But by late 2024 the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) operated only 1,385, Mr. Meena said. This shortfall is particularly stark in megacities like Delhi. Its 40 monitoring stations leave many areas in a blindspot. Instead, the team relied on data from the CPCB and the World Air Quality Index. They implemented a segment-wise interpolation strategy to estimate pollution levels in areas without direct sensor coverage, divided routes into segments, and used nearby sensor data to estimate pollution where coverage was missing. To achieve higher responsiveness, DRUM was designed to fetch live pollution and traffic data the moment a user entered a route instead of pulling data at intervals. The backend was optimised for speed while the frontend offered a clean interface. DRUM determines routes using GraphHopper, a Java-based routing library that generates multiple options, while fetching real-time traffic updates from Mapbox. This setup allows the system to handle different vehicles and adapt to cities beyond Delhi. How it works At the heart of DRUM is a rank-based elimination method. 'The logic is deliberately practical: we prioritise time first because exposure is a function of concentration times time — the longer you're exposed, the more pollutants you inhale.' Next comes distance, since shorter routes have lower emissions and fuel use even if the travel time is similar. 'After that,' Mr. Meena continued, 'we eliminate routes with higher pollution exposure, and finally, those with higher energy consumption, which we calculate based on elevation and average speed. The final output is a single suggested route that balances all four factors.' To test the system, the team simulated Delhi's East, South, North, and Central corridors, accounting for different traffic, road quality, and pollution patterns. The results showed that shorter or faster routes often passed through polluted zones, offsetting time or distance gains. What next? DRUM has shown promise in simulations and Prof Goswami's MUST Lab at IIT-Kharagpur now plans real-world tests. They're also exploring integrating crowdsourced data with data from low-cost sensors on vehicles, street poles or even those carried by commuters. 'A major advantage of crowdsourced data is that it would allow us to expand the model beyond cars and two-wheelers, which are currently the only modes included,' Mr. Meena said. 'With user-contributed data from cyclists or pedestrians … we could incorporate micro-mobility modes.' The team is also looking to DRUM 2.0, a predictive version that responds to current data as well as forecasts future air quality, traffic, and energy use. Using machine learning models such as LSTM or Prophet, it could suggest the best route now and the best time to leave. This shift would make DRUM a truly smart mobility assistant, tailored for daily life in India's most polluted cities. Ashmita Gupta is a science writer.
Malay Mail
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Ultraman hype returns with DRUM collab and Faizal Hussein's touching tribute to hero dads
KUALA LUMPUR, May 30 — Malaysian actor Faizal Hussein shines in a heartfelt new promo for the DRUM x Ultraman fashion collaboration. In the video, Faizal portrays a father who seems to have lost interest in Ultraman — until his daughter launches a DRUM Ultraman fashion line for Father's Day, rekindling his childhood admiration for the iconic hero. The narrative strikes a sentimental tone, culminating in the moving tagline: 'Every dad was a kid once. Some never stop being heroes'. Fans will recognise several well-known Ultra figurines featured throughout the video, including Ultraman Zero and Ultraman Regulos. The DRUM x Ultraman collection was unveiled yesterday at a pop-up event held at Lot 10, Bukit Bintang, where it was attended by VIPs, guests, members of the Ultraman fan club called Ultraman Malaysia Crew (UMCrew). Members of Ultraman Malaysia Crew, an Ultraman fan club, pose for a photo with Ultraman Tiga and event MC, Hani. — Photo courtesy of Ultraman Malaysia Crew Faizal himself was present, sporting a signature DRUM Ultra jacket and even posing for a photo with none other than the legendary Ultraman Tiga. The event will run until June 1, giving fans a chance to visit and express their love for the Ultra Hero. DRUM, a Malaysian fashion brand known for its men's and women's streetwear — including T-shirts, shirts, jumpers, hoodies, jeans, and jackets — is the latest local label to collaborate with the Ultraman IP, following previous partnerships with TNTCO and Pestle & Mortar. The Ultraman phenomenon continues to captivate Malaysians, most recently with The Ultra Tour at Sunway Putra Mall, which concluded on May 12. Now, with Ultraman Arc The Movie: The Clash of Light and Evil hitting Malaysian cinemas this July at TGV, Ultraman is set to be the talk of the town again.
News24
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Skeem Saam's Rachel Kunutu is coming back! See highlights from the star
The character of Rachel Kunutu, portrayed by actress Lesego Marakalla, has been etched onto the hearts of South African viewers. Following the exciting news of her return to Skeem Saam, fans of the show have been buzzing with anticipation. Back in Turfloop, the much-loved character is set to appear on screen again. The last time we saw Rachel, she had fled the country after pulling one of her boldest moves of framing her lover, Marothi Maphuthuma (played by Macks Senatla), for her death. In real life, Lesego Marakalla tells DRUM that she stepped away from the spotlight to focus on her studies. But, judging by the overwhelming love she continues to receive online, it's clear she was never forgotten. Let's take a walk down memory lane and revisit some of Rachel Kunutu's most unforgettable moments. 1. Rachel and Marothi: forbidden love Her relationship with Marothi was one of the highlights of Rachel's journey. Despite loud disapproval from the character's family, Rachel pursued a controversial romance with the much older and wealthier man. Her loved ones warned her against him, questioning both his intentions and their age gap, but Rachel was determined to follow her own path. Against all odds, she went on to marry him, stepping into the complex role of being both a wife and a stepmother to his daughter. It was a whirlwind period of transformation for Rachel, marked by love, power struggles and eventually betrayal. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Skeem Saam Official Page (@skeemsaam13) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Skeem Saam Official Page (@skeemsaam13) 2. Rachel Kunutu drugging Marothi After cheating on her with Kaone, Rachel avenged herself through drugging Marothi. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Skeem Saam Official Page (@skeemsaam13) Marothi was unable to process the lengths Rachel had gone to in order to get her revenge. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Skeem Saam Official Page (@skeemsaam13) Online, fans have been quick to point out Rachel practically 'invented' the now-viral revenge diaries trend on TikTok. Created by TikTok influencer Goitsemang Lekgetlho, the trend features dramatic retellings of real-life revenge stories submitted by people scorned by partners and Rachel's fictional antics fit right in. 3. Rachel's fear of poverty Rachel earned a reputation thanks to her unapologetic love for the finer things in life. Though her roots were firmly planted in Turfloop, she never saw it as her final destination. She dreamed bigger and carried herself like someone destined for more. She made sure everyone knew it too. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Skeem Saam Official Page (@skeemsaam13) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Skeem Saam Official Page (@skeemsaam13) More Skeem Saam past memorable moments View this post on Instagram A post shared by Skeem Saam Official Page (@skeemsaam13) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Skeem Saam Official Page (@skeemsaam13) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Skeem Saam Official Page (@skeemsaam13)
News24
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Thembisa Mdoda-Nxumalo on helping families in 'Icebo Labantu' and motherhood
She is a beloved figure among viewers, having captivated audiences from her days on Our Perfect Wedding to her current role as the host of Icebo Labantu. Her compassionate heart speaks as loud as her professional achievements. Thembisa Liyema Mdoda-Nxumalo (42) is a talented South African television presenter and radio personality known for her captivating presence and engaging storytelling style. Thembisa is set to bring hope and support to families in need through hosting Mzansi Magaic's new show 'Icebo Labantu,' a show lending a helping hand to families who have lost loved ones and don't have means of burying them. In an interview with DRUM, Thembisa shared what she's most looking forward to about the show's launch and what she thinks audiences will respond to most. Read more | #JusticeForCwecwe: A mother's unrelenting quest "I think what I'm looking forward to mostly is the element of humanity and helping people. I think we've lost touch with that because everybody's on the go. Everybody's trying to survive and make money. Everybody's trying to make sure their kids don't get sick, and they get to work on time, and they make sure that they cook before loadshedding comes. A lot is happening where we withdraw and go back into ourselves because a lot of people are going through a lot of things. So, I'm really looking forward to going back to that element of humanity, that element of helping people and that element of bringing hope back into South African homes. I like that I can leave this earth knowing that I've touched so many lives in so many different ways," she said. Read more | Thembisa Mdoda-Nxumalo to helm SABC 1's new show 'Icebo Labantu' Thembisa believes that it is the values her mom taught her inform her approach to hosting the show. "I think I'd have to go back to really my mom's values, mottos and mantras. She was such a selfless person, she was very career-driven, but at the end of the day, she remained selfless. And her phone would ring all the time with people and friends who want to just talk, or, my aunts and uncles who just need her to listen or to help or give advice. And if she could do something in whatever situation, she would just get up and do it. And I think as I get older, I find that open and earnest relationships are more valuable." She says she has learnt to be selfless and prioritise the future of her children and their legacy. "As I get older, I realise that it's not really about me anymore, it's about what my children are going to be left with in terms of what I'm teaching them. So, shows like these are incredibly important for me to do because then it allows me to use the platform and the art that I studied for to help other people, not just my pockets. One the biggest reason I took on the show is that this is something that I said I would do as soon as I entered into this industry. And I think OPW was one of those shows that did that. And I like that we go to the people, find out what they need, and I then take down the entire world with 'Icebolethu' and we find a solution." Read more | Anele Mdoda ties the knot with Prince Buza James There's always room for improvement or learning, and Thembisa hopes the show also leaves her with something fruitful and educational on both professional and personal levels. "Funerals are so final, we don't really get time to heal through a lot of things. So, I'm really hoping to take away healing from this experience. I think just the human impact something like this has on us and on families. I'm always willing to learn and be a sponge from people that I've never worked with. Like, I've never worked with Legend Manqele. I've always wanted to work with him, and I finally get to work with him, as 'The Bar group' is also producing the show. I'm hoping to learn from him, especially on the production side, especially on just how you navigate something like this. Because it's very difficult, to come into people's homes, into their personal spaces and say, we want to help." "I took on the show because I noticed that people in my industry, especially icons that we've worked with, legends that we grew up watching, aren't able to even bury themselves when they pass. There used to be a 'donate this,' 'Go fund this,' for a leader in our industry. So, what I'm really wanting to push with 'Icebo Labantu', is a way forward for artists not to be in those positions anymore. "We are all freelancers in this industry. We don't know what's going to happen tomorrow, but at least with this show, with 'Icebolethu,' we are then able to start a movement. And I think this is why the show is called 'Icebo Labantu,' it's starting a movement, a movement where you can help. Even if it's not done by this show, at least if we do it and pay it forward somehow. I think we should start a movement to get back to humanity," she clarified. Read more | From the archives | 'Leave him and go where?' - Isencane Lengane's Thando on her marriage Thembisa also believes that 'Icebo Labantu' can inspire a broader cultural shift in how we approach death and mourning in our society. "I think that the show will inspire people to rally around each other, it will inspire communities to come together. And not to say that's not happening now, but more of it will happen. And it will also take away the shame of not being able to contribute financially. There are certain things where someone's like, 'you know what, my heart is broken, I can't right now.' And then someone else steps in. It will take away the shame of asking for help." As a mother, outside of being a public figure, she wants to instill values of authenticity to her children and to teach them to never try to fit in in spaces but be who she has raised them to be. "I want them to be themselves and then fight for themselves in every situation and every aspect of their lives because once you find who you are, you find your purpose and then you become very comfortable in who you are and in being yourself. These are the years that they have to do that. Then once they start their journey into becoming the people that they see themselves become, you fight tooth and nail for that. You don't want to walk into spaces and pretend to be something else because you think that's what they want. That is when you begin to play for the crowd and then you begin to listen to what they have to say about you instead of listening to yourself. So, find yourself and who you are, be that person and then fight tooth and nail for that person." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Icebolethu Group (@icebogroup)
