'Several fatalities' after two helicopters collide in Finland: police
Several people died Saturday when two helicopters carrying a total of five collided mid-air in Finland and crashed to the ground, police said.
"The accident has resulted in several fatalities. The exact number of victims and the identities of the passengers are still being determined," the police said in a statement.
Media reported that the helicopters had taken off from Estonia and were carrying businessmen, with three people in one and two in the other.
Reports said they collided west of the capital Helsinki around midday. Officials gave no indication of what caused the collision.
Finnish newspaper Iltalehti quoted a witness, Antti Marjanen, as saying they saw one of the helicopters hit the other during a manoeuvre.
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"One of them dropped like a stone and the other one more slowly. I didn't hear any sound," Marjanen was quoted as saying.
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Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
UN warns of 'unprecedented decline' in world fertility rates; Reveals the key factor responsible for the trend
You're in for some grim news. The United Nations has issued a stark warning regarding the fertility rate worldwide. According to a new report by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the UN agency for reproductive rights, global fertility rates are experiencing an "unprecedented decline. " The agency has taken its strongest line yet on fertility decline, warning that hundreds of millions of people are not able to have the number of children they want, citing the prohibitive cost of parenthood and the lack of a suitable partner as some of the reasons, signaling a demographic shift that could reshape societies, economies, and policies worldwide. What happened? UNFPA surveyed 14,000 people in 14 countries about their fertility intentions. One in five said they haven't had or expect they won't have their desired number of children. The countries surveyed - South Korea, Thailand, Italy, Hungary, Germany, Sweden, Brazil, Mexico, the US, India, Indonesia, Morocco, South Africa, and Nigeria - account for a third of the global population. They are a mix of low, middle, and high-income countries and those with low and high fertility. UNFPA surveyed young adults and those past their reproductive years. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo As per Dr Natalia Kanem, head of UNFPA, who told the BBC, "The world has begun an unprecedented decline in fertility rates." What are the findings? According to Dr Kanem, "Most people surveyed want two or more children. Fertility rates are falling in large part because many feel unable to create the families they want. And that is the real crisis." The survey, which is a pilot for research in 50 countries later this year, is limited in its scope. When it comes to age groups within countries, for example, the sample sizes are too small to draw solid conclusions. However, some findings are clear. In all countries, 39% of people said financial limitations prevented them from having a child. The highest response was in Korea (58%), the lowest in Sweden (19%). In total, only 12% of people cited infertility - or difficulty conceiving - as a reason for not having the number of children they wanted to. But that figure was higher in countries including Thailand (19%), the US (16%), South Africa (15%), Nigeria (14%), and India (13%). Experts' take: As per demographer Anna Rotkirch, who has researched fertility intentions in Europe and advises the Finnish government on population policy, quoted by the BBC, "Calling this a crisis, saying it's real. That's a shift I think." She added, "Overall, there's more undershooting than overshooting of fertility ideals." Anna has studied this at length in Europe and is interested to see it reflected at a global level. She was also surprised by how many respondents over 50 (31%) said they had fewer children than they wanted. As per Prof Stuart Gietel-Basten, demographer at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, quoted by the BBC, "This is the first time that [the UN] have really gone all-out on low fertility issues.' Until recently, the agency focused heavily on women who have more children than they wanted and the "unmet need" for contraception. Still, the UNFPA is urging caution in response to low fertility. As per Dr Kanem, "Right now, what we're seeing is a lot of rhetoric of catastrophe, either overpopulation or shrinking population, which leads to this kind of exaggerated response, and sometimes a manipulative response. In terms of trying to get women to have more children, or fewer." Dr Kanem also pointed out that 40 years ago, China, Korea, Japan, Thailand, and Turkey were all worried their populations were too high. By 2015, they wanted to boost fertility. According to Prof Gietel-Basten, "We want to try as far as possible to avoid those countries enacting any kind of panicky policies." He added, "We are seeing low fertility, population ageing, population stagnation used as an excuse to implement nationalist, anti-migrant policies and gender conservative policies." Factors responsible for the decline in fertility rate: While the decline in fertility rates is a complex issue influenced by a multitude of factors, including societal changes, economic shifts, and advancements in reproductive technologies, key drivers include increased female education, changing societal attitudes towards family size, access to contraception, and rising concerns about infertility due to lifestyle factors and environmental pollution. Here's a more detailed look at the key factors: Socio-economic and cultural factors: Increased female education and workforce participation: Education and employment opportunities for women often lead to later marriages and smaller family sizes, as women prioritize careers and personal growth. Changing societal norms and attitudes: Traditional values emphasizing large families are gradually giving way to smaller, more modern family structures. Economic development and urbanization: As countries develop, the costs of raising children can increase, leading to a desire for fewer children. Greater emphasis on individual aspirations and career goals: Women and couples are increasingly prioritizing their personal and professional goals, leading to delayed childbearing. Access to family planning and reproductive health services: The availability of contraception and family planning resources empowers individuals to make informed choices about family size. Shift in childbearing preferences: Individuals are increasingly choosing to have fewer children or delay parenthood, reflecting changing values and priorities. Health and infertility: Rising cases of infertility: Lifestyle factors (obesity, stress, smoking), environmental pollution, and increased awareness of reproductive health issues contribute to rising infertility rates. Age-related decline in fertility: Both men and women experience a decline in fertility with age, with women's fertility declining more rapidly after the mid-30s. Medical conditions affecting fertility: Various medical conditions, such as thyroid disease, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and endometriosis, can impact fertility. Technological and policy factors: Advancements in reproductive technologies: While these technologies offer hope for infertile couples, they can also contribute to a decline in natural conception rates. Family planning policies and programs: Government initiatives promoting family planning and reproductive health can influence fertility rates. Environmental factors: Pollution and environmental toxins: Environmental pollutants can negatively impact reproductive health and contribute to infertility. Climate change: The effects of climate change can also impact reproductive health and fertility. What can be done to reverse the decline? Reversing the global decline in fertility rates requires a multifaceted approach, focusing on economic stability, social support, and policy changes. While some factors like education and access to healthcare are associated with lower fertility, reversing the trend necessitates creating environments that are more conducive to having children. Here's a breakdown of strategies: Economic stability and opportunity: Promote stable employment and income growth: Economic security is a major factor in family planning decisions. Policies that foster job creation, reduce unemployment, and increase wages can make having children more feasible. Reduce the cost of raising children: Significant expenses associated with childcare, education, and housing can deter families from having more children. Subsidized childcare, affordable housing programs, and tax breaks for larger families can help alleviate these burdens. Social support and family-friendly policies: Extended parental leave: Fully paid and extended parental leave, shared between both parents, can provide families with the time they need to adjust to new parenthood without financial hardship. Access to childcare: Affordable, high-quality childcare options are crucial for working parents who wish to have children. Public and subsidized childcare programs can ensure that families can access the care they need. Supportive community and family networks: Strong social support systems, including extended family and friends, can help parents navigate the challenges of raising children. Programs that connect families with resources and support can create a more welcoming environment for new parents. Addressing societal norms and values: Promote a positive view of parenting: Public campaigns and educational initiatives can challenge negative stereotypes about having children and promote a more positive view of parenthood. Support work-life balance: Policies that encourage employers to offer flexible work arrangements and support work-life balance can help families integrate work and family responsibilities more effectively. Address gender inequality: Gender inequality in the home and workplace can hinder women's ability to pursue their family goals. Policies that promote gender equality in education, employment, and childcare can create more equitable opportunities for all families. Healthcare and reproductive health: Expand access to fertility treatments: Improved access to safe and affordable fertility treatments can help couples who are struggling to conceive. Public health programs can ensure that individuals have access to the care they need to achieve their family goals. Protect reproductive health: Promoting reproductive health education and access to contraception can help individuals make informed decisions about family planning. International cooperation and immigration: Address global inequality: Addressing global inequality and poverty can have a positive impact on fertility rates in developing countries. Increase immigration: Some argue that increasing immigration can help to offset population decline and maintain a stable workforce. Important considerations: The most effective policies will vary depending on the specific context and needs of each country and community. 'One-size-fits-all' solution doesn't work in that field. Moreover, reversing fertility declines is a long-term process that requires sustained effort and commitment. Ultimately, policies should aim to support the well-being of families and individuals, creating environments where they feel empowered to pursue their family goals. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
The Hindu
7 days ago
- The Hindu
Looming clash between Milky Way, Andromeda may not happen after all
It turns out that looming collision between our Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies might not happen after all. Astronomers reported Monday that the probability of the two spiral galaxies colliding is less than previously thought, with a 50-50 chance within the next 10 billion years. That's essentially a coin flip, but still better odds than previous estimates and farther out in time. 'As it stands, proclamations of the impending demise of our galaxy seem greatly exaggerated,' the Finnish-led team wrote in a study appearing in Nature Astronomy. While good news for the Milky Way galaxy, the latest forecast may be moot for humanity. 'We likely won't live to see the benefit," lead author Till Sawala of the University of Helsinki said in an email. Already more than 4.5 billion years old, the sun is on course to run out of energy and die in another 5 billion years or so, but not before becoming so big it will engulf Mercury, Venus, and possibly the earth. Even if it doesn't swallow the earth, the home planet will be left a burnt ball, its oceans long since boiled away. Sawala's international team relied on the latest observations by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and the European Space Agency's Gaia star-surveying spacecraft to simulate the possible scenarios facing the Milky Way and next-door neighbour Andromeda. Both already collided with other galaxies in their ancient past and, according to many, seemed destined for a head-on crash. Past theories put a collision between the two — resulting in a new elliptical galaxy dubbed Milkomeda — as probable if not inevitable. Some predictions had that happening within 5 billion years, if not sooner. For this new study, the scientists relied on updated galaxy measurements to factor in the gravitational pull on the Milky Way's movement through the universe. They found that the effects of the neighbouring Triangulum galaxy increased the likelihood of a merger between the Milky Way and Andromeda, while the Large Magellanic Cloud decreased those chances. Despite lingering uncertainty over the position, motion and mass of all these galaxies, the scientists ended up with 50-50 odds of a collision within the next 10 billion years. 'The fate of our Milky Way galaxy is a subject of broad interest — not just to astronomers,' said Raja GuhaThakurta of the University of California, Santa Cruz, who was not involved in the study. A full-on collision, he noted, would transform our home galaxy from a disk of stars seen as a milky band of diffuse light across the sky into a milky blob. A harmless flyby of the two galaxies could leave this stellar disk largely undisturbed, thus preserving our galaxy's name. More work is needed before the Milky Way's fate can be predicted with accuracy, according to the researchers. Further insight should help scientists better understand what's happening among galaxies even deeper in the cosmos. While our galaxy's fate remains highly uncertain, the sun's future is 'pretty much sealed," according to Sawala. 'Of course, there is also a very significant chance that humanity will bring an end to itself still much before that, without any need for astrophysical help."
Time of India
03-06-2025
- Time of India
‘In Finland, schools give children more freedom & make them responsible early on'
Ludhiana: Teachers of govt primary schools in the state who attended a training in Finland found a marked difference in their approach to pedagogy from India. They said they focus on experiential learning, which enhances children's understanding and gives them much more freedom, initiative and responsibility early on. Amandeep Singh, block resource coordinator (Pakhowal), said, "They employ the ELPS model — Experience, Language, Picture, Symbol, especially at the primary level. This method allows children to build understanding through hands-on experiences before introducing abstract concepts. In India, we often start directly with symbols, which can hinder deep comprehension." Singh was among the second batch of 72 schoolteachers to be sent to Finland in March. The ELPS model's emphasis on experiential learning resonated with the teachers, who recognised its potential to transform classroom dynamics in Punjab. By allowing students to engage with materials and concepts actively, the approach fosters a deeper understanding and retention of knowledge. Another significant observation was the Finnish emphasis on child-initiative pedagogy. While the Indian system is child-centric, focusing on the needs of the child, Finland's approach encourages children to take the initiative in their learning. They are given choices and responsibilities, which cultivates independence and decision-making skills from an early age. Manmeet Singh, district resource person, who was among the first batch of teachers sent there last year, said, "The Finnish education system also integrates vocational training and life skills into the curriculum. Teachers observed primary school students engaging in activities like woodwork and blacksmithing, providing them with practical skills alongside academic learning. This holistic approach aims to develop well-rounded individuals equipped for various life challenges. " The teachers underwent a three-week training programme, of which one week was in Punjab and the rest in Finland, under a partnership with the University of Turku in Finland. The teachers said there is an MoU of three years, as part of which they are adding their observations and learnings for a repository that would then be used for training teachers across Punjab. BOX TAKEAWAYS FROM FINNISH STINT They employ the ELPS model — Experience, Language, Picture, Symbol, especially at the primary level. This method allows children to build understanding through hands-on experiences before introducing abstract concepts. In India, we often start directly with symbols, which can hinder deep comprehension Amandeep Singh, block resource coordinator (Pakhowal), who was among the 2nd batch of 72 govt schoolteachers sent to Finland for a training programme The Finnish education system also integrates vocational training and life skills into the curriculum. We found primary school students engaging in activities like woodwork and blacksmithing, providing them with practical skills alongside academic learning. This holistic approach aims to develop well-rounded individuals equipped for various life challenges Manmeet Singh, district resource person, who was among the first batch of teachers sent there last year
