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Business Standard
30-06-2025
- General
- Business Standard
Centre pushes expansion of Atal Bhujal Yojana to tackle groundwater crisis
The Centre on Monday stressed the need to scale up the Atal Bhujal Yojana - popularly known as Atal Jal - across India, citing its success in improving community-based groundwater management and raising awareness about water conservation, especially in the face of mounting climate challenges. Chairing the eighth meeting of the National Level Steering Committee (NLSC) of Atal Jal here, Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Department Secretary Debashree Mukherjee called this scheme a "unique and pioneering initiative" that has empowered local communities to take ownership of groundwater use. Mukherjee emphasized the urgency of mainstreaming Atal Jal nationally, pointing to the worsening impact of climate change on the water cycle. She advocated for mandatory water budgeting in all gram panchayats and urged the participating states to develop long-term operation and maintenance plans for infrastructure set up under the scheme. Mukherjee also encouraged the states to replicate successful pilot projects and use the knowledge and skills developed during implementation to enhance other water conservation initiatives. "Communities must become central actors in managing groundwater," she said. Highlighting the scheme's progress, Additional Secretary and National Project Coordinator Subodh Yadav noted that Atal Jal is now in its sixth year. He presented a pilot case from Ismailpur Gram Panchayat in Haryana's Yamunanagar district where high-frequency groundwater data was used to inform planning. A third-party impact assessment by the Quality Council of India found that the scheme has led to increased community participation, especially among women, improved local knowledge and a shift towards more water-efficient crops and farming practices, resulting in broader socio-economic benefits. Representatives from the World Bank, which supports this scheme, acknowledged the positive outcomes and identified areas needing further improvement. The participating states showcased local impacts during presentations, providing models for cross-learning and expansion. The committee urged the states to replicate the success of Atal Jal more broadly to build sustainable and inclusive groundwater management systems across the country.


The Hindu
30-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Centre pushes for nationwide expansion of Atal Bhujal Yojana to tackle groundwater crisis
The Centre on Monday (June 30, 2025) stressed the need to scale up the Atal Bhujal Yojana - popularly known as Atal Jal - across India, citing its success in improving community-based groundwater management and raising awareness about water conservation, especially in the face of mounting climate challenges. Chairing the eighth meeting of the National Level Steering Committee (NLSC) of Atal Jal in New Delhi, Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Department Secretary Debashree Mukherjee called this scheme a "unique and pioneering initiative" that has empowered local communities to take ownership of groundwater use. Ms. Mukherjee emphasised the urgency of mainstreaming Atal Jal nationally, pointing to the worsening impact of climate change on the water cycle. She advocated for mandatory water budgeting in all gram panchayats and urged the participating states to develop long-term operation and maintenance plans for infrastructure set up under the scheme. Ms. Mukherjee also encouraged the states to replicate successful pilot projects and use the knowledge and skills developed during implementation to enhance other water conservation initiatives. "Communities must become central actors in managing groundwater," she said. Highlighting the scheme's progress, Additional Secretary and National Project Coordinator Subodh Yadav noted that Atal Jal is now in its sixth year. He presented a pilot case from Ismailpur Gram Panchayat in Haryana's Yamunanagar district where high-frequency groundwater data was used to inform planning. A third-party impact assessment by the Quality Council of India found that the scheme has led to increased community participation, especially among women, improved local knowledge and a shift towards more water-efficient crops and farming practices, resulting in broader socio-economic benefits. Representatives from the World Bank, which supports this scheme, acknowledged the positive outcomes and identified areas needing further improvement. The participating states showcased local impacts during presentations, providing models for cross-learning and expansion. The committee urged the states to replicate the success of Atal Jal more broadly to build sustainable and inclusive groundwater management systems across the country.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
4 women knocked unconscious after lightning strike on Florida beach
A vacation in Florida almost turned deadly after a lightning strike at a beach knocked four women unconscious. The four women, who are all friends visiting from Kentucky, were spending some time along the Gulf coast in Marco Island, Florida, Saturday when a thunderstorm quickly approached. "The siren went off, and we knew there was a storm coming," said Danielle Sturgill, who was one of the women who was struck, according to ABC News. "The nearest thing to us was a little tiki hut and that's where we decided to take shelter." All four were unconscious for a time and were later transported to a local hospital where they were treated with minor injures. "When I first woke up, I couldn't feel my legs at all. They were completely numb," said Kelli Bryant, another one of the women who was under the hut at the time of the strike. One day earlier, a 29-year-old Colorado man on his honeymoon died after being hit by lightning at New Smyrna Beach, Florida, located about 45 miles northeast of Orlando. "So sorry for the tragic loss of a young man here on a delayed honeymoon with his wife," Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said. "At 29 years old, he should have had many more anniversaries with her for years to come. Sending sincere condolences to this young woman on behalf of all of us in Volusia County who were hoping against hope that the diligent efforts of our lifeguards, EMS team and ER staff would bring him back to her." There have been four lightning-related fatalities across the United States so far in 2025, according to the National Lightning Safety Council (NLSC). Being at the beach is one of the "deadly dozen" activities for lightning-related deaths and ranks as the second-deadliest, only after fishing. Since 2006, lightning has killed 32 people at beaches across the country. This week is Lightning Safety Awareness Week, when officials highlight the danger of lightning as people spend more time outdoors during the summer months. Most of lightning injuries and deaths occur in June, July and August. "National Lightning Safety Awareness week was started in 2001 to call attention to this underrated killer. Since then, U.S. lightning fatalities have dropped from about 55 per year to about 20," the NLSC explained. "This reduction in fatalities is believed to be largely due to greater awareness of the lightning danger, and people seeking safety when thunderstorms threaten." You can receive alerts on your phone when lightning is detected in your area by downloading the free AccuWeather app and enabling lightning alerts for your location.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Largest SkillsUSA National Conference in History Showcases America's Future Skilled Workforce
Students, Teachers and Industry Converge in Atlanta June 23-27 to Spotlight the Enduring Value of Skills LEESBURG, Va., June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The largest gathering of America's future skilled workforce will convene in Atlanta, June 23-27, at SkillsUSA's National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC). More than 18,000 attendees — including middle school, high school and college/postsecondary students, teachers, school administrators and business partners — will celebrate the accomplishments of the top career and technical education (CTE) students in the U.S. while showcasing the value of career-ready skills in solving the nation's workforce development challenges. The SkillsUSA conference is a recognized CTE hotspot and workforce development destination event. This huge, multi-faceted conference features the SkillsUSA Championships, where more than 6,800 students — each a state champion — will compete for national gold, silver and bronze medals in 114 hands-on workforce development competitions, from construction and transportation to extemporaneous speaking, welding and everything in between. The event occupies over 1.79 million square feet (31 football fields or 41 acres) of space at the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC). Happening simultaneously with the SkillsUSA Championships will be SkillsUSA TECHPSO, one of the nation's largest technical education expositions. TECHSPO will feature more than 200 exhibitors from education and industry eager to meet the next generation of skilled professionals and career-ready leaders. Rounding out the event are professional development workshops for students and teachers, two general sessions and a community service project that benefits Atlanta children. The event will also celebrate the highest membership numbers in SkillsUSA's 60-year history: more than 443,000 student and teacher members from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. "Our organization is growing and so is our conference," said SkillsUSA Executive Director Chelle Travis. "As a talent pipeline and vital solution to the skills gap, SkillsUSA is proud to gather our future leaders in the great city of Atlanta as we positively influence a generation of students who will make a difference in their communities, the nation and the world. This event is much more than a conference or convention — it is a workforce development event where America's future skilled workforce can connect directly with their future employers. It's a place for our members and supporters to show the nation that skilled career pathways are more valuable and in demand now than ever before and that these careers provide amazing opportunities for personal and professional success." On Tuesday, June 24 SkillsUSA members and supporters will gather in State Farm Arena for the largest and most exciting event of the week, the Opening Session. Our keynote speaker is Mike Rowe, best known as "the dirtiest man on TV" from the iconic series Dirty Jobs. He is an Emmy Award-winning host, narrator, bestselling author and producer who has turned storytelling into a platform of purpose — sharing the journeys of everyday people who've built meaningful careers through skill, determination and old-fashioned work ethic. Rowe's message resonates deeply with the values of leadership, dedication and practical skills that SkillsUSA embodies. The SkillsUSA conference will be led by students like National High School President Kallie Allen of Massachusetts, who says, "Attending the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference is honestly one of the best experiences I've had in high school. I get to meet leaders in industry, learn about careers I didn't even know existed, and connect with students from all over the country who are just as passionate about their futures as I am. Being involved with SkillsUSA and attending this national event really expands my horizons and opens my eyes to what's possible for my future." Aerotek — a leading workplace solutions provider in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance — is the presenting sponsor of the 2025 conference, and hundreds of other industry representatives from American companies will be on site to support the competitions and other events all week. Students and teachers will converge in Atlanta ready to grow, learn and lead, and the SkillsUSA has announced that Atlanta is our conference home through 2033. One-day guest passes are available to the public. Visit for options and pricing and to learn more about the event or to follow the conference coverage. About SkillsUSA SkillsUSA is the #1 workforce development organization for students, empowering them to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members. SkillsUSA represents more than 440,000 career and technical education students and teachers in middle schools, high schools and college/postsecondary institutions nationwide. Those members represent 130 in-demand occupational areas, from 3-D animation to welding. A vital solution to the skills gap, SkillsUSA has served over 15 million members since its founding in 1965. Learn more at and follow us on Facebook ( Instagram ( and LinkedIn ( Media Contact Clare Briner, SkillsUSA, 703-737-0625, cbriner@ Facebook View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE SkillsUSA Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
12 local technical center students to compete in national SkillsUSA competition
CLARKSBURG, (WBOY) — Both United Technical Center (UTC) and Marion County Technical Center (MCTC) will be rooting for its finalists in Atlanta, Georgia this summer for the national SkillsUSA (sUSA) competition. The top contenders were announced at the statewide SkillsUSA award ceremony held on Saturday, March 29, and now all gold medalist tech center students will have the opportunity to compete on a national level at SkillsUSA's National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) held on June 23-27. SkillsUSA is a workforce development organization that aims to help tech center students become 'career-ready leaders' in various industries, such as culinary arts, masonry, cosmetology, automotive repair, and more. 12 News spoke with Aiden Conley, a UTC student and gold medalist in sUSA Drones, on how it felt to have the opportunity to compete in Atlanta. 'I'm nervous and excited,' Conley said. 'To be honest, states wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, so I don't know what exactly I'll be expecting from nationals.' Harrison County Genealogical Society offering $1,000 scholarship 12 News also spoke with UTC's gold medalist in collision damage appraisal, Ben Lamp, on how it felt to win in this category. 'It's surreal, I don't even fully believe it yet. It's just crazy,' Lamp said. 'I've heard great things about going down there and everything. Seems like it's going to be a fun time.' The United Technical Center will host a car show on May 18 to help raise funds for its students' trip to Atlanta. You can find more information on the car show by calling the tech center at 304-326-7580. A full list of winners from both UTC and MCTC can be found listed below. Maci Singleton Culinary Arts Gold Logan Gump Entry Level Welding Gold Kolson Micciche Technical Drafting Silver Nasir Brown-Hamlet Community Service Silver Richard Composky Community Service Silver Jayla Nicholson Community Service Silver Maylie Bland Job Interview Silver Kenzie Ammons Baking Pastry Arts Bronze Hunter Owens Construction Tool Identification Gold Noah Burnside Construction Tool Identification Gold Jonathan Williams Automotive Service Technology Gold Ben Lamp Collision Damage Appraisal Gold Evan Cooper Manual Lathe Gold Isabella Leard Welding Sculpture Scrap Gold Michael Buck sUAS Drones Gold Aiden Conley sUAS Drones Gold Hannah Wilmoth Masonry Gold Tyler Ward Motorcycle Service Technology Gold Gale Adams Residential Wiring Silver Luke Gallo Power Equipment Technology Silver Lillyann Denman sUAS Drones Silver LeeAnn Gaskins sUAS Drones Silver Zoe Davis Information Technology Services Silver Kisten Baughman Fantasy Hair & Makeup Silver Kloe Wilson Fantasy Hair & Makeup Silver Noah Harold Automotive Refinishing Silver Eli Knotts Welding Sculpture Silver Wyatt Miller Technical Drafting Bronze Austin Lanham Information Technology Services Bronze Carl Power sUAS Drones Bronze James Wolford sUAS Drones Bronze Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.