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Indian Express
08-07-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Cost, convenience ‘major barriers' for Gen Z in adopting sustainable habits: CEPT study
A recent study by the CEPT University attempted to map why the Gen Z—despite being environmentally aware and digitally savvy—often does not act on sustainable intentions. Tangible messaging and financial incentives were found to be key drivers in bridging what the researchers called an 'intention-action' gap. The study, conducted by the Faculty of Urban Management at Ahmedabad's CEPT University between January and April 2025, surveyed 911 students and young professionals from ages 18 to 25 across several states — most notably Uttar Pradesh (26.5%), Gujarat (24.5%), and Maharashtra (12.2%). Lead researcher Vijayeta Laxmi, who completed her Master's in Urban Management at CEPT in May 2025, noted that while 83% of respondents reported high awareness of sustainability and circular economy principles through school or university education, this awareness often didn't translate into action. 'Most participants agreed that individuals share equal responsibility for climate action, but still expect the government to lead the way,' Laxmi said. For instance, telling Gen Z that taking the bus reduces 10 kg of CO₂ emissions per trip or that reducing food waste saves 2,500 litres of water per meal proved 'far more persuasive' than abstract appeals. Cashback incentives for returning reusable containers also emerged as effective motivators. The study shows that Gen Z prefers sustainable actions when they are affordable and easy — with cost (61.5%) and convenience (47.9%) emerging as top barriers. 'While many young individuals endorse values like recycling or reducing plastic use, actual adoption remains inconsistent,' said Prof Mercy Samuel, Senior Associate Professor at CEPT. 'Gen Z, given its digital fluency and strong social consciousness, is uniquely positioned to lead a sustainability shift, if the right interventions are in place.' Over 62 percent of respondents were influenced by messaging focused on environmental harm, while 68.8 percent responded positively to tangible metrics. A strong 70.8 percent preferred cashback incentives for using reusables, and 81 percent said they would consider switching transport modes if financial subsidies were offered. However, nearly 95 percent agreed individuals play an equal role in tackling climate change. Social influence also played a significant role: 67 percent of respondents said they had changed their habits due to peer pressure or social media trends. However, there remains some skepticism (24.9 percent of respondents) toward corporate sustainability efforts, with many distrusting brands that market themselves as 'eco-friendly.' Prof Samuel said, 'This research provides valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and marketers. By addressing Gen Z's specific cognitive and contextual barriers, targeted campaigns, urban service designs, and behavioural nudges can be developed to drive lasting change.' The researchers, however, offered the caveat that results from an Indian urban context may not apply globally.
Mint
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Mint
Karnataka BJP MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi's son fires gun in air during Lakshmi Devi temple festival, booked under arms act
Former Karnataka Minister and BJP MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi's son, Santosh Jarkiholi, has been booked by the police following a video emerged showing him allegedly firing a gun in the air during a temple fair in Gokak, reported PTI on Sunday. On Friday, during the annual fair of Laxmi temple festival in Gokak town in Belagavi district, the incident occurred. Santosh was seen celebrating amid a crowd by firing in the air. The video of the incident has gone viral on social media. The Gokak Town Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Santosh Jarkiholi on Saturday and booked him for the illegal use of a firearm in a public gathering. Police claimed that Santosh, who was covered in yellow powder, was among a large crowd when he was seen using a double-barrelled gun to fire shots into the air. His supporters were cheering as he fired shots. Santosh reportedly carried out the act in the presence of a significant police deployment at the venue. Speaking to reporters Belagavi District Superintendent of Police Dr Bhimashankar Guled confirmed the development. 'We have come across the video showing Ramesh Jarkiholi's son firing shots into the air in a public place. Displaying firearms and firing in public is an offence. Based on this, we have registered a suo motu case and further legal action will follow after a detailed investigation,' Hans India quoted the SP as saying to the reporters. Home Minister G Parameshwara stated that the state the matter was being taken seriously. "A formal complaint has been filed, and legal action will follow accordingly. The police will perform their duty without succumbing to any kind of pressure. No one is above the law," he said, assuring a transparent investigation into the case. Santosh may be summoned for questioning soon, officials have indicated.
The Hindu
05-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Congress leader accuses Amarnath Jarkiholi of assault in Gokak
Congress leader Mahantesh Kadadi has alleged that some BJP members, including Amarnath Jarkiholi, son of MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi, assaulted his driver during the annual fair at the Laxmi temple in Gokak on July 3. 'On July 3, I was going around town in my open jeep after visiting the Laxmi temple. When I got down to meet a friend, some youth, including Amarnath Jarkiholi, attacked my driver. They ran away after beating him up. Police Sub-inspector K. B. Walikar, who was on the spot, neither tried to stop the attack nor did he help the victim. Mr. Walikar only tried to give some advise to my driver, saying he should not take the incident seriously, and left the spot,' Dr. Kadadi said. 'The police are mute spectators to the crimes being committed by some powerful people in Gokak. In yesterday's case, the police did not entertain us when we tried to submit a complaint. I will complain against this incident to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Home Minister G. Parameshwar,' Dr. Kadadi said. Dr. Kadadi had contested unsuccessfully against Ramesh Jarkiholi in the 2023 Assembly polls. He is related to Rajya Sabha member Iranna Kadadi who is a BJP leader.
Time of India
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'Khula' a right, but only courts can issue it: Telangana high court
HYDERABAD: In a significant ruling, Telangana high court has clarified that 'khula' - a form of divorce initiated by Muslim women under Islamic law - is a legitimate right, but must be legally processed only through courts, and not by religious bodies. This ensures legal clarity and enforceability of the divorce, the HC said. A division bench comprising justices Moushumi Bhattacharya and B R Madhusudhan Rao on Tuesday upheld a family court's Feb 2024 ruling in a case where a homemaker had obtained 'khula' from her husband, a businessman. The HC ruled that while 'khula' was indeed a recognised form of divorce under Muslim personal law, religious bodies such as a mufti or sharia council could not issue binding divorce certificates. Only courts, or a qazi officially appointed under the law, had the legal power to declare the end of a marriage, it said. The HC ruling comes close on the heels of a Supreme Court judgment in April this year, which reaffirmed that while a Muslim woman had the right to seek 'khula', it was ultimately the courts, specifically family courts, that had the authority to grant or validate the divorce. The apex court also clarified that while a wife could initiate the process of 'khula', the husband could challenge it in court. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Laxmi Ji Idol For Wealth, Peace & Happiness Luxeartisanship Shop Now Undo In the present case, the husband had challenged the 'khulanama' (divorce certificate) obtained by his wife, arguing that it was granted by a religious body, Sada-e-Haq Sharai Council, which he claimed had no legal authority. The family court, however, upheld divorce, noting proper legal procedures had been followed. The husband filed an appeal against the verdict, but the HC dismissed it.
Time of India
21-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Chem factory in Barasat catches fire, 80 families moved to safety
1 2 3 4 5 6 Kolkata: A massive fire broke out at a warehouse complex storing paints and diapers in Barasat's Bamunmora on Saturday evening, forcing 80 families to evacuate and causing significant disruption to local traffic. The blaze, which began around 7.30 pm, quickly spread to multiple warehouses and four nearby houses in the densely populated area. Initial firefighting efforts were hampered by severe traffic congestion on Barasat-Taki Road, delaying the arrival of additional fire engines to the scene. As many as 20 fire tenders were pressed into service to douse the flames, which continued to rage till late Saturday night. Fire brigade officials said they were trying to enter the premises to ascertain whether any worker was trapped. Locals claimed several employees were present in the building when the fire broke out. "We have never seen a fire of this magnitude in this area before," said Nizamul Kabir, a local resident. The warehouse complex, spread across several bighas of land, has 8 to 10 large facilities enclosed by concrete walls. Witnesses said they heard loud explosions, probably caused by inflammable materials, including chemicals and batteries stored inside. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Laxmi Ji Idol For Wealth, Peace & Happiness Luxeartisanship Shop Now Undo Local authorities, including the Barasat SDPO and additional SP, rushed to the scene to coordinate emergency response efforts. Trinamool MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar also visited the site and discussed sourcing of water from nearby areas to combat the flames. A large contingent of police, including the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and Combat Force, cordoned off the area under the supervision of senior Barasat district police officers. The exact extent of damage and number of casualties could not be confirmed till late night. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Traffic on the busy Taki Road came to a standstill for several hours due to the fire and subsequent emergency response. Residents living near the industrial complex were safely evacuated as a precautionary measure. Locals joined fire brigade in efforts to check the flames. A section of them staged protest, alleging that the factory was operating illegally.
