Latest news with #NRM
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Water conservation becomes primary focus of MNREGS in UP
Lucknow: Water conservation has become a sharp focus of the Centre's Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MNREGS) in Uttar Pradesh , with the scheme's expenditure for this purpose reaching an all-time high of over 85% of the amount allocated under Natural Resource Management (NRM). Data show that the expenditure grew by around 35% from just over 61% of the NRM in 2024-25. The previous high was in 2022-23 when 61.89% of the NRM expenditure was directed towards water conservation. This, however, dropped to just over 54% in 2023-24. Officials said by prioritising NRM expenditure in Mission Water Conservation (MWC) blocks, the MNREGS aims to address water scarcity issues, improve agricultural productivity, and build climate resilience in vulnerable areas. MWC blocks are specific rural blocks identified for special attention in water conservation efforts. Ministry of rural development has recently mandated that at least 65% of the expenditure within MWC blocks under the MNREGS should be allocated to NRM. The focus is designed to enhance water conservation efforts and promote sustainable resource management in these areas. The 65% expenditure is specifically earmarked for NRM activities, which may include water conservation measures like farm ponds, rainwater harvesting, soil moisture conservation and other related works. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Experts said by tying MNREGS funds to NRM activities in these blocks, the govt aims to use guaranteed employment to simultaneously build critical assets. This essentially supports rain-fed agriculture that is often vulnerable to climate fluctuations. The focus on water conservation, experts said, increases soil moisture and water availability to boost crop productivity, besides helping farmers to increase their income – eventually reducing migration from rural areas. It is also seen as an integrated approach to rural development. Experts said to ensure continued success, local capacity building, community participation and technical support for quality asset creation must be prioritised.
NDTV
13-07-2025
- NDTV
King Charles Set To Retire The British Royal Train After 180 Years
Britain's Royal Train is more than just a mode of transport for the royal family - it is a part of national heritage. The train has travelled through decades of British history, carrying key moments and members of the monarchy. It has allowed the royals to perform official duties onboard and travel overnight, arriving at destinations rested and ready for engagements. But that journey is soon coming to a close. According to the Royal Household's latest financial report, cited by CNN, the current royal train will be decommissioned by March 2027 to "secure best value for public money." Going forward, senior members of the royal family will rely more on helicopters and scheduled trains for official travel across the UK, including between residences in England and Scotland. The move is in line with King Charles's efforts to modernise the monarchy and cut costs. James Chalmers, Keeper of the Privy Purse - the official responsible for royal finances - described the decision as "the fondest of farewells," adding, "In moving forwards, we must not be bound by the past." He said the royal train had been "part of national life for many decades, loved and cared for by all those involved." Also Read: 6 Countries That Are Best Seen By Train If You Are Travelling Through Europe Queen Victoria was the first British monarch to travel by royal train in the early 1840s. Since then, royal trains have been maintained at Wolverton in Buckinghamshire - the world's first railway town. The current train features a dedicated set of claret-liveried sleeper, dining, and lounge carriages. Today, the train's fixtures and fittings are outdated, and its use has dropped sharply. In 2024-25, the royal train made only two trips, with a cost of over $105,000, according to the Royal Household's annual financial report. The train played a visible role during Queen Elizabeth II's Golden and Diamond Jubilees in 2002 and 2012. In December 2020, Prince William and Kate, now the Prince and Princess of Wales, travelled 1,250 miles on the royal train to thank frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales (@princeandprincessofwales) King Charles III is now set to end the train's service. Before it is retired in 2027, the royal train is expected to go on a farewell tour, offering rail enthusiasts and royal watchers one last look. What Happens To The Royal Train Now? While no formal announcement has been made about the train's future, several royal train vehicles have previously been preserved in museums, including the National Railway Museum in York (NRM). "I would not like to see them (parts of the royal train) scrapped," said Philip Marsh, senior railway manager and historian. "I'd like to see them displayed in a registered museum, whether that be the NRM or a new museum at their home in Wolverton."
RTÉ News
07-07-2025
- Health
- RTÉ News
HSE clinic sees 43% rise in attendance by sex workers
A HSE clinic offering healthcare to women in the sex industry has seen attendance grow by 43% since it expanded GP services two years ago. The HSE's Women's Health Service provides care and resources to patients, the majority of whom are victims of sexual exploitation. Sex work or prostitution is a dangerous profession which can lead to violence. As a victim of an assault, Paula, who is originally from South America, turned to the HSE's Women's Health Service and its Lead Social Care Worker Joanne Tallis for help. "A friend gave me Joanne's number and I got in contact with her and received the help I needed," she said. The help Paula received included hospital treatment, testing for sexually transmitted infections and legal advice. "I went to a hospital to see (for) the injury I got as a result of the assault and after that, here I come to have my test, my sexual health test and all of that," Paula said. Joanne Tallis supported Paula following the assault. The social care worker has been working in this area for 25 years and has witnessed "a complete transformation" in how the industry operates. When she began her work, Ms Tallis's team was based in Baggot Street in Dublin, where work was predominantly outreach on the streets. It has since moved indoors with the arrival of the internet, mobile phones and advertising. The profile of the women has also changed and those who accessed the service last year came from 29 countries. "In the beginning, we would have had a lot of Irish women and some from the UK, whereas now, three-quarters of clients that use the service would be international clients. "We've kind of adapted and evolved and certainly my job has changed over the years," she said. The team works with victims of trafficking as identified under the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) which supports victims of human trafficking. Those trafficked to Ireland are hugely traumatised by the time they see Dr Aisling Loy, who is a sexual health consultant at the clinic. Dr Loy conducts health screenings, treatment and vaccinations on patients who are mainly CIS women, but also include trans sex workers. Victims of sex trafficking are often advised to go to the clinic for screening, due to the risk they have been exposed to over many years. "So, you've a lot of very traumatised patients that need a lot of assistance in many ways, not just medically, like psychological supports, social supports and it's a full package that they get when they attend here," said Dr Loy. While most attendees are between 26 and 40 years old, the age range of patients varies widely. Last year, the youngest client was 18, and the oldest was over 60. Dr Loy sees patients who she said are put under "extremely difficult circumstances" as part of their work because they are often under duress. "They are made to sleep with many clients in a day. Sometimes, they're having their menstruation for instance, and they're made try to prevent bleeding by putting cotton pads or baby wipes inside their vaginas which can lead to having infections. "Being subjected to that repeated exposure in a day, let alone a week or a month can really cause an increase in things like bacterial vaginosis, candida, so we're dealing with a lot of those non STI related infections," Dr Loy said. Women in the sex industry face significant barriers including stigma, fear, and financial constraints. Some have children or family members who do not know they are engaged in prostitution which leads to fear and anxiety. "When they come to our clinic here (in Dublin), it's a very open clinic, but it's not immediately identifiable that this is a clinic for women who work in the sex industry," according to Joanne Tallis. In the last two years, the service has seen an increase in referrals from social inclusion teams around the country, but the largest number of referrals are peer-to-peer. Paula told others about it because people are treated with "love, respect and they never force anyone to give information that you don't want to give. They are very supportive and helpful". Ultimately, Dr Loy said the service is a public health measure which is helping to protect the wider community. "When you think about it, these ladies are often having intercourse with people in our society who maybe don't realise what protections they are potentially at risk of or maybe their partner is at risk of, so it's important that from a public health measure we ensure they're vaccinated, offered free condoms and STI screening," Dr Loy said.
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Uganda's 80-year-old president in bid to extend 40-year rule
Uganda's long-serving president, Yoweri Museveni, 80, has been declared the governing party's candidate in next year's presidential election, opening the way for him to seek to extend his nearly 40 years in power. In his acceptance speech, Museveni said that he had responded to the call and, if elected, would press ahead with his mission to turn Uganda into a "high middle income country". Museveni's critics say he has ruled with an iron hand since he seized power as a rebel leader in 1986. He has won every election held since then, and the constitution has been amended twice to remove age and term limits to allow him remain in office. Pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine is expected to be Museveni's main challenger in the election scheduled for next January. Wine told the BBC in April that he would run against Museveni if he was nominated by his party, the National Unity Platform, but it was getting "tougher" to be in opposition because of growing state repression. "Being in the opposition in Uganda means being labelled a terrorist," he said. Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, lost the last election in 2021 to Museveni by 35% to 59% in a poll marred by allegations of rigging and a crackdown on the opposition. Another prominent opposition politician, Kizza Besigye, has been in detention since November after being accused of treason. He denies the allegation, saying his arrest is political. In his acceptance speech at the National Resistance Movement (NRM) conference on Saturday, Museveni said that he had brought about stability and progress in Uganda. He said it was crucial that Uganda did not "miss the bus of history as happened in the past when Europe transformed and Africa stagnated and was enslaved". Museveni added that he wanted Uganda to take a "qualitative leap", and become a "high upper middle income country". "Other countries in Asia with less natural resources, did it. We can do it," he added. Are East African governments uniting to silence dissent? How Besigye disappeared in Kenya and ended up in military court How an ex-rebel has stayed in power Go to for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica Focus on Africa This Is Africa
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Uganda's 80-year-old president in bid to extend 40-year rule
Uganda's long-serving president, Yoweri Museveni, 80, has been declared the governing party's candidate in next year's presidential election, opening the way for him to seek to extend his nearly 40 years in power. In his acceptance speech, Museveni said that he had responded to the call and, if elected, would press ahead with his mission to turn Uganda into a "high middle income country". Museveni's critics say he has ruled with an iron hand since he seized power as a rebel leader in 1986. He has won every election held since then, and the constitution has been amended twice to remove age and term limits to allow him remain in office. Pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine is expected to be Museveni's main challenger in the election scheduled for next January. Wine told the BBC in April that he would run against Museveni if he was nominated by his party, the National Unity Platform, but it was getting "tougher" to be in opposition because of growing state repression. "Being in the opposition in Uganda means being labelled a terrorist," he said. Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, lost the last election in 2021 to Museveni by 35% to 59% in a poll marred by allegations of rigging and a crackdown on the opposition. Another prominent opposition politician, Kizza Besigye, has been in detention since November after being accused of treason. He denies the allegation, saying his arrest is political. In his acceptance speech at the National Resistance Movement (NRM) conference on Saturday, Museveni said that he had brought about stability and progress in Uganda. He said it was crucial that Uganda did not "miss the bus of history as happened in the past when Europe transformed and Africa stagnated and was enslaved". Museveni added that he wanted Uganda to take a "qualitative leap", and become a "high upper middle income country". "Other countries in Asia with less natural resources, did it. We can do it," he added. Are East African governments uniting to silence dissent? How Besigye disappeared in Kenya and ended up in military court How an ex-rebel has stayed in power Go to for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica Focus on Africa This Is Africa
