Latest news with #SBN
News18
a day ago
- General
- News18
Bihar sends a proposal to the Center for another tiger reserve in Kaimur
Patna, Jul 29 (PTI) Enthused by the sharp increase in the tiger population at Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR), the only national park in Bihar, the Bihar government has sent a proposal to the Centre seeking permission to develop 'Kaimur wildlife sanctuary' (KWLS) into another tiger reserve. While speaking at a function organised on the occasion of International Tiger Day, Bihar Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Sunil Kumar, said, 'A new tiger reserve is expected soon in Kaimur district, and a proposal has already been sent to the Central government for final approval. 'The population of tigers has substantially increased in Bihar over the years. The number of tigers in Bihar has increased eightfold over the past 12 years, demonstrating that the state is an excellent habitat for tiger breeding," he said. Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (DEFCC), Harjot Kaur Bamhrah, who was also present on the occasion, shared key directives regarding tiger conservation, stressing the importance of avoiding encroachment into tiger habitats and letting them reign as the true kings of the forest. It may be recalled that the Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) in West Champaran district recorded a 75 per cent increase in tiger numbers. As per the report – 'Status of Tigers: Co-predators & Prey in India-2022' – released by the National Tiger Conservation Authority and Wildlife Institute of India on July 29, 2023, the VTR recorded a 75 per cent increase in the number of tigers from 31 in 2018 to 54 in 2022. On the occasion of International Tiger Day, a painting and quiz competition was also organised at the Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park, popularly known as Patna Zoo. PTI PKD SBN SBN view comments First Published: 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.
News18
5 days ago
- Business
- News18
Tripura CM urges Centre to increase upper loan cap in externally aided projects
Agartala, Jul 25 (PTI) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Friday said the state has urged the Centre to increase the upper cap of loans under externally aided development projects. According to existing guidelines, the northeastern state can take a maximum loan amounting to Rs 4,000 crore under externally aided projects in a financial year. While speaking at a government programme in Kashba in Sepahijala district, the chief minister said that with the state spending a huge amount of money on infrastructure building, the upper limit of loans under externally aided schemes often falls short for undertaking new projects. 'At present, we are allowed to receive loans amounting to Rs 4,000 crore under externally aided projects in a financial year, which is not sufficient for the state. I have already written to the Centre to increase the upper cap of receiving loans to speed up development," he said. Asserting that tourism can boost the state's socio-economic condition, the chief minister said the government has increased the annual budget substantially to develop infrastructure as much as possible. 'The state's budget has increased from Rs 27,000 crore in 2024-25 FY to Rs 32,000 crore during the fiscal 2025-26, and Rs 7,000 crore has been earmarked for capital expenditure. If we spend more on infrastructure, the GSDP will increase," he said. 'Despite being a small state, Sikkim, with a population of 7 lakh, has the highest gross state domestic product (GSDP) among the eight northeastern states, banking on tourism. If we develop tourism-related infrastructures, Tripura can surpass Sikkim," he said. Currently, Tripura has the second-highest said the Tourism department has taken several initiatives to promote the state's spiritual and eco tourism globally. 'Tata Group is set to convert the iconic Ujjayanta Palace in Agartala into a five-star hotel. Once the project is completed, tourists from foreign nations will visit the northeastern state to see temples, iconic structures and eco tourism sites," he said. Taking a dig at the erstwhile government, the chief minister said the previous dispensation did not try to develop the royal family's historic buildings. 'We have begun to restore and develop the royal structures, including the Ujjayanta Palace, to present their creations before the world," he said. PTI PS SBN SBN view comments First Published: July 25, 2025, 16:15 IST 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.
Scoop
7 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Million Tree Milestone Seeds New Nature Initiative
The Sustainable Business Network (SBN) is celebrating the planting of one million native plants and trees as it launches a nationwide initiative to boost nature regeneration. Over the past decade, Aotearoa New Zealand's largest sustainable business organisation has supported more than 70 community-led nature projects. Together, those projects have planted more than a million native plants and trees. 'We're thrilled to hit this important milestone. It represents a massive amount of work by thousands of people, many who have volunteered their time, to help regenerate nature in Aotearoa New Zealand,' says Stephanie Vercoe, SBN's Regenerate Nature Team Lead. 'We started our Million Metres Streams project 10 years ago. The aim was to plant a million metres of New Zealand waterways with native plants and trees. Since the trees are planted on average a metre apart, we're celebrating achieving our original goal.' One of the groups that has benefitted from SBN's help is WAI Wānaka. The non-profit community organisation is accelerating local action for freshwater and healthy ecosystems across the Upper Clutha River region. 'Since partnering with SBN in 2017, the funds we've received have helped us secure vital resources for both our rural and urban communities,' says WAI Wānaka CEO Cat Dillon. 'This money has gone towards native planting initiatives that help to restore biodiversity and improve the health of our freshwater." Stephanie says business support is vital to halt and reverse the biodiversity crisis. 'That's why we're launching our Connect for Nature initiative – to make it even easier for businesses to get involved in meaningful nature regeneration.' Aotearoa New Zealand has one of the highest proportions of threatened indigenous species in the world. According to the Department of Conservation more than 4,000 native species are either threatened or at risk of extinction. Connect for Nature directly addresses this crisis by linking businesses wanting to support nature projects with trusted community groups already doing the mahi (work) on the ground. 'Businesses have a wealth of resources they can offer – from staff time and expertise to materials, equipment and logistical support. These contributions help community groups and iwi-led initiatives stretch their capacity and achieve greater impact on the ground. The main focus is on making it easy for businesses to get hands-on with nature regeneration through staff volunteering.' Volunteer activities include native planting, habitat restoration, litter cleanups, pest control, site maintenance and learning-focused workshops. Businesses can also help with resources including equipment, access to land, knowledge, finance, communication capabilities, connections or opportunities for skill development. 'By getting more businesses involved, we can really increase the impact of community and iwi-led projects around the country,' says Stephanie. 'Through our programme, businesses get to support biodiversity and ecosystem health. They also build deeper relationships with communities, enhance staff engagement and demonstrate meaningful action on sustainability. The Connect for Nature launch coincides with preparations for SBN's second Nature & Business Symposium on 6 August, focused on helping businesses take practical action for nature. Notes: The Sustainable Business Network (SBN) is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest sustainable business organisation, representing a diverse cross-section of the business and sustainability communities. We're at the forefront of change, driven by a vision of a world where people and nature prosper. We provide the tools, knowledge and connections needed to accelerate the shift to a sustainable future. Download before and after photos of Wai Wānaka's Penrith wetlands regeneration project.
News18
18-07-2025
- Business
- News18
MoU to revamp Doi Ghat as part of Hooghly riverfront development
Kolkata, Jul 18 (PTI) The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMPK) Kolkata has partnered with TNS Logi-Park Private Ltd to redevelop and beautify the historic 'Doi Ghat' on the banks of the Hooghly River, furthering its efforts to rejuvenate the city's riverfront. The Doi Ghat holds historical significance as a key landing point for the dairy trade between Howrah and Kolkata. The name Doi Ghat is derived from 'Doi' or curd in Bengali, reflecting its past as a hub where dairy products and other goods arrived in earthen pots from Howrah. Howrah was once known for its flourishing dairy sector. Strategically located at the confluence of the Adi Ganga and the Hooghly's main channel, the ghat played an important role in riverine trade and daily exchanges between rural Bengal and the then growing city of Calcutta. The ghat will undergo redevelopment to enhance its heritage character while modernising its infrastructure. The project will also improve access and public utilities at the site. Similar partnerships have already been undertaken for the renovation of Kumartuli and Nimtala ghats. Once completed, the revamped Doi Ghat is expected to contribute to tourism, community engagement, and the preservation of Kolkata's riverine heritage. PTI BSM SBN SBN view comments First Published: July 18, 2025, 21:00 IST 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.
News18
03-06-2025
- General
- News18
Two sentenced to life imprisonment in murder case in Assam
Last Updated: Kokrajhar, Jun 3 (PTI) A court in Assam's Kokrajhar district on Tuesday sentenced two persons to life imprisonment for killing a man and injuring two others in 2008 following a land dispute. Kokrajhar District and Sessions Judge Nirmali Talukdar sentenced the two accused, Aktar Ali and Abbas Ali, to life imprisonment for murder and imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 each. In default of payment, they would have to undergo six more months of rigorous imprisonment. The case dates back to October 26, 2008, when the accused, armed with weapons, attempted to plough a piece of land in Kusumbil under the jurisdiction of Gossaigaon police station in Kokrajhar district. Another person and his brothers also claimed that the land belonged to their father. This led to a clash between the two sides resulting in the death of a man identified as Sayed Ali. A case was registered in Gossaigaon police station under various sections of the IPC. PTI cor DG SBN DG SBN
