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Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Science
- Borneo Post
S'wak-led M'sian team crowned overall champ at 2025 World Robot Olympiad China Invitational
Students from the Sarawak schools in the Malaysian contingent pose with the Jalur Gemilang and Ibu Pertiwi flags at the tournament in China. KUCHING (July 26): The Malaysian contingent, powered by schools from Sarawak, was crowned overall champions of the 2025 World Robot Olympiad (WRO) China Invitational Tournament held in Weifang City, Shandong Province from July 23-25. The State Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development said the outstanding performance was a testament to its continuous efforts in promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) learning and supporting robotics education throughout Sarawak. 'This victory not only highlights the strength of Malaysia's robotics talent, but also reflects Sarawak's growing success in STEM and robotics education. 'The event also served as a dynamic platform for cultural and technological exchange among youths from around the globe, further fuelling their passion for innovation, problem-solving, and teamwork,' it said. Malaysia's contingent, trained by Tesslab Robotics, delivered an exceptional performance, clinching top spots in multiple categories and securing the coveted title of Overall Champion of the tournament. In the Senior High category, SMK Chung Hua Miri (Team CHM 01) secured first place, while Riam Road Secondary School (Team RRSS 01) was awarded a Gold Award. In the Junior High category, SMK Chung Hua Miri (Team CHM 02) emerged as the champion, with another team from the same school, Team CHM 03 at third place. Riam Road Secondary School also received two Gold Awards in the Junior High Category through Teams RRSS 02 and RRSS 03. The Elementary category saw Borneo International School (Team BIS 02) take first place, with SJKC Tukau, Miri (Team Tukau 01) earning a Gold Award and Borneo International School (Team BIS 01) a Silver Award. Malaysian teams also swept the Best Time Challenge, showcasing remarkable speed and precision, with first place going to Team BIS 01 from Borneo International School, while second place went to Team Tukau 01 of SJKC Tukau, Miri and third place to Team BIS 02 from Borneo International School. The prestigious tournament themed 'The Future of Robots' saw the participation of over 1,000 students from 360 teams across 10 countries and regions, including China, Hong Kong, Macao, South Korea, Venezuela, Turkey, Vietnam, the United States of America, Germany and Malaysia. China Sarawakian team World Robot Olympiad
The Hindu
18-07-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Conservationists lament damage to wetland caused by dumping silt from Ooty lake
The Water Resources Organisation (WRO) has been accused of destroying a key part of the wetland surrounding the Ooty lake by dumping silt from the lakebed. Conservationists who visited the site said the entire wetland complex surrounding the lake is at risk of complete devastation. 'It was only last year that the Salem division of Southern Railways destroyed another portion of a wetland surrounding the lake by constructing a parking facility. Now it seems to be the turn of the WRO,' said G. Janardhanan, president of the Ooty Public Awareness Association. He said that the government continued to have little regard for protecting wetlands, with major projects, including adventure park facilities already being constructed around the Ooty lake. The WRO is currently conducting a clean-up and desilting of the Ooty Lake, with conservationists stating that the wing, operating under the Public Works Department (PWD) was causing irreversible damage to the wetland ecosystem, home to multiple species of birds and small mammals as well as unique wetland flora. N. Mohanraj, a Nilgiris-based conservationist, said that plans to expand the bus stand adjoining the wetland were thwarted a few years ago, citing potential impacts to biodiversity and also due to increase of flooding risk within the town. Mr. Mohanraj said that the wetland acts as a sponge during spells of heavy rain, absorbing excess water from the Ooty lake that would otherwise flood low-lying areas of the town. 'The wetland acts as a swamp-cum-reservoir that reduces flooding. Dumping silt from the lake will fundamentally change it for the worse and reduce its ability to absorb water during rain,' he said, adding that the slurry should be dumped elsewhere where it does not impact biodiversity and fragile ecosystems. When contacted, sources in the Fisheries Department said that they were not given any prior notice of the dumping of waste from the Ooty lake. 'Due to the dumping by the WRO, our farms have become non-operational. We have raised our objections with the district administration which promised to take action,' said an official who requested anonymity. Conservationists said that damage done to the wetland would take years to reverse. The WRO's unscientific approach towards desilting the Ooty lake was destroying biodiversity both within the lake as well as wetlands around its perimeter. When contacted, Ddistrict Collector Lakshmi Bhavya Tanneeru said that was no permission was granted to the WRO to dump silt in the wetland. She said that the WRO had ceased dumping the silt in May of this year, and that she had sought an explanation from the department for the same. 'They have also assured us that once the rain stops and the soil dries, they would remove the silt and transport it to Theetukkal (dump yard),' said the Collector.
New Indian Express
06-07-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Palacode farmers demand swift completion of Jarthalav-Pulikarai canal project
DHARMAPURI: The long wait of the farmers in Palacode taluk for the completion of the Jarthalav-Pulikarai canal interlinking projects continues. Frustrated, they again urged the Public Works Department (WRO) to hasten its completion. The project is crucial for improving the water table in Palacode taluk, farmers stated. The project was proposed in 2019 to divert water from the Jarthalav lake in Krishnagiri to more than 16 lakes in Palacode taluk to improve groundwater recharge. Farmers stated that the implementation of the project is crucial for cultivation of sugarcane and other crops in the drought-prone areas. However, only 70% of the work has been completed. Speaking to TNIE, K Subramaniyan, a Palacode-based farmer, said, "There has been no progress on the project for the past one year. One of the reasons is the delay in digging canals. Most of the project falls in hilly terrain, and poor planning has delayed the project. Primarily because they have not considered the hills and the rocks in the planned canal". Another farmer, R Murugesan from Palacode, said, "The project is a must now. Be it sugarcane, turmeric, or tomato cultivation, water is the key, and this project is key for water management. We need it now. Immediate efforts must be taken to implement the scheme". When TNIE reached out to PWD(WRO) staff, they said, "Works are being conducted and efforts are being taken to clear the rocks. We are also considering a controlled explosion to loosen the rocks and speed up the works".
New Indian Express
27-06-2025
- Climate
- New Indian Express
Flood alert in Hogenakkal after outflow from Kabini, KRS dams
DHARMAPURI: Dharmapuri District Collector R Sadeesh on Thursday issued a flood alert and called for a temporary ban on all tourism activities in Hogenakkal as the water inflow into the River Cauvery began rising the previous day with the release of water from the Kabini and KRS dams in Karnataka. The water level in the river at Hogenakkal gradually rose due to the abrupt release of over 55,000 cusecs of water from these dams. The water level which was 18,000 cusecs at 6 am rose to 45,000 cusecs by Thursday evening. Anticipating further rise, Collector Sadheesh issued a ban on tourism till further notice. Meanwhile, farmers have started urging the Dharmapuri district administration and the state government to take steps to implement the Cauvery Surplus Water Project whereby excess water would be diverted to lakes and ponds across the district. Speaking to TNIE, R Sugumaran, a farmer from Pennagaram, said, "Despite the Cauvery flowing right through our district, it serves no purpose to the farmers here. Due to the terrain, we can only watch as the water gets drained into the seas. For nearly a decade, we have been urging the Tamil Nadu government to implement the Cauvery Surplus Water Project that would potentially improve every aspect of Dharmapuri's development. No action has been taken yet." Another farmer, S Mariappan from Dharmapuri, said, "The Cauvery Surplus Water Project has been opposed by farmers in the delta districts citing impact on paddy production. Under this project, we only need flood water which otherwise drains into the sea; at most, we need 3 to 3.5 TMC of water to replenish our lakes. Presently, farmers are abandoning their fields and taking up labour jobs as they don't have sufficient water for farming. So we urge the state government to implement the project". Meanwhile, an official in the PWD (WRO) said, "We cannot comment on the matter related to policy decisions."
Observer
15-06-2025
- Science
- Observer
Robotics initiative makes waves on national stage
A volunteer-led Robotics Education Initiative has made waves on the national stage by clinching second place at the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) — Oman National Qualifiers 2025, in the RoboMission Junior Category for ages from 11 to 15. The community Robotics Education Initiative which rocketed to the National Podium at WRO Oman 2025 is the result of the relentless efforts of a group of people who geared the young minds into the world of robotics and marks a shining example of what community, commitment and creativity can achieve when united by purpose. The winning team, ROBOMINDS, featured three bright young minds including Nusrat Mohiuddin, aged 12, Muhammed Narmawala, 13, and Muhammed Shahul Hameed, 14. Launched on May 2, the Robotics Initiative was born from a simple but bold purpose to increase access to high-end technologies among students. Speaking to the Observer, Aleem Mohiudheen, the lead volunteer and the architect of the initiative, attributed the secret formula of success to the students for their dedication and to the community members. 'This resounding success is proof that with focus and hard work, communities can achieve wonders — even in a short span,' he said. 'We encourage all communities — across Oman and around the world — to replicate this model. The Darsait Robotics Volunteer Team is ready to support and guide anyone who shares this vision.' The initiative was supported by a passionate team of volunteers including Shakil Narmawala, Ubaid Ur Rahman, Shiraz Khan, Sanif Danyal and several others who dedicated their time and expertise in mentoring the students.
