China's first five national parks show conservation gains
Feral horses and burros were removed from the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge in Nevada to aid ecosystem recovery. Although some vegetation improved after their removal, the overall impact was slow and varied. Research indicated increased plant diversity and stabilization of riparian areas, contrasting with areas of continued grazing. Advocates for wild horses opposed the mass removals, citing welfare concerns and historical land use issues.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the expansion of the drought declaration to 305 talukas. A Diwali bonus of ₹5,000 will be deposited into farmers' accounts to alleviate financial distress. The government is also monitoring drinking water supply and combating severe water scarcity with GPS-tracked tankers. Fadnavis praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his contributions to infrastructure and welfare projects in Maharashtra.
A business delegation from northeastern China has visited a Russian-controlled, Japanese-claimed island off Hokkaido to explore joint economic projects, a move that has prompted protests from Tokyo. Officials and business leaders from Heilongjiang province, which borders Russia’s far east, travelled to Etorofu – known to Russians as Iturup – to survey potential investment opportunities, according to the Sakhalin Oblast government, which oversees the island. Etorofu is the largest island in a...
The demand comes against the backdrop of rising copper imports and concerns over underutilised domestic capacity.
The spread of Japanese stiltgrass across eastern forests poses a significant threat to the diversity of native plants. Research indicates that this invasive grass suppresses the growth of native seedlings and wildflowers, particularly in shaded environments. Ecologists have observed a notable recovery in native plant diversity following stiltgrass removal efforts.
Despite Nifty and Sensex tumbling over 6% in September, small-cap and SME-focused PMS strategies delivered robust positive returns. Hem Securities' India Rising SME Stars scheme led gains at 7.23%, according to PMS Bazaar data, while broad mid-cap and thematic strategies suffered losses of up to 10.16%.
ECB President Christine Lagarde stated on Wednesday that France must tackle its ballooning debt and deficit through domestic fiscal consolidation rather than relying on central bank bond intervention. Speaking in Bangkok, Lagarde noted that while elevated Eurozone inflation persists due to energy costs, growth projections remain modestly resilient.
A Bengaluru entrepreneur, Prithviraj, turned his family's unused poultry shed into a mushroom farm after rejecting job offers in Paris. Starting with mushroom spawn worth Rs 180 and free paddy straw, he expanded the venture to around 4,000 growing bags, producing nearly 45 kg of mushrooms daily.
European companies appear better equipped to withstand rising oil and gas prices than during the 2022 energy crisis, supported by changing stock market composition, AI-related spending, global operations and stronger risk management. However, a prolonged energy shock could still pressure earnings and consumer demand.
Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber recently sold their stunning Beverly Hills estate for $13.5 million, initially purchased for $11.6 million. Their apparent profit of $1.9 million was notably impacted by real estate expenses, emphasizing that celebrity homes may not always command quick sales or inflated prices. This highlights the often-overlooked costs associated with high-end property transactions and the reality that profits can vary from initial expectations.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta accused the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) of acting like the Aam Admi Party's (AAP) "B-team" and accused it of colluding with foreign elements. She alleged the CJP never held protests in opposition-ruled states and criticised its opposition to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). Gupta said the city suffered losses amounting to thousands of crores of rupees, pointing to the disruption of businesses during the protests.
