
Union Minister Shivaji Chouhan launches ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan' in Puri, lauds Odisha's initiatives
BHUBANESWAR: Union Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday called upon people to join the 'Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan' which aims to create awareness among farmers about modern technologies through scientific outreach and sustainable practices for higher productivity.
Launching a nationwide campaign from Sakhigopal in Puri district in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and deputy chief minister KV Singh Deo, Chouhan said the joint initiative by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is a concrete step towards transforming Indian agriculture and securing the food future of the country through scientific innovation and grassroots participation.
'This campaign will adopt a two-way communication approach. On one hand, scientists will share research and technical information with farmers, while on the other hand, they will gather information about the challenges faced by farmers. These findings will help guide future research efforts and provide practical, location-specific solutions. To connect 'Lab to Land', scientists of ICAR and Krishi Vigyan Kendras will be associated with this fortnight-long campaign,' the Union minister said.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


India Gazette
2 hours ago
- India Gazette
Rare Arctic bird Sabine's Gull makes rare appearance in Nalsarova
Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], May 31 (ANI): Globally rare Arctic bird, Sabine's Gull, made a rare appearance at Gujarat's Nalsarova on Saturday morning. On Saturday morning, staff of the Forest Department at the Nalsarovar Wildlife Sanctuary--a Ramsar site--spotted the rare Sabine's Gull, a moment of thrill, pride, and joy for bird enthusiasts and ornithologists alike. The bird was observed in the open waters of the wetland by sanctuary staff and visiting bird watchers. Furthermore, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary Division, Sakkira Begum, stated that under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and the leadership of Forest and Environment Minister Mulubhai Bera and Minister of State Mukesh Patel, the state has been achieving significant progress in wildlife conservation and promotion. As a result, birds from across the globe are increasingly choosing Gujarat as their seasonal home--a matter of great pride for the state's people. Further elaborating on the observation, Begum stated that the sighting was exceptional, as Sabine's Gull rarely migrates to the Indian subcontinent. According to the public bird-watching database, such occurrences are extremely rare. The last recorded sighting in India was in 2013, in Kerala. The bird observed at Nalsarovar was photographed by birding guide Gani Sama. Sabine's Gull is a small and strikingly beautiful gull, notable for its sharp black hood, clean grey upperparts, white nape, and, most uniquely, its tri-colored wings--marked in black, white, and grey. It is one of only two gull species with a black bill tipped with yellow and a forked, notched tail. The species primarily breeds in the high-latitude Arctic regions of North America, Greenland, and Siberia, nesting near wet tundra areas. For winter, it migrates to tropical upwelling zones--highly productive marine areas off the coasts of South America and western Africa. It does not typically pass through India during migration, making this sighting both rare and significant. Experts believe that the bird may have strayed from its usual migratory route. Such occurrences are of great interest and value to ornithologists and avian researchers. Nalsarovar is among India's largest and most ecologically significant wetland sanctuaries, home to numerous migratory and resident bird species such as flamingos, pelicans, ducks, and herons. The rare appearance of Sabine's Gull further underscores the sanctuary's global importance in bird conservation and elevates its status in international ornithological research. This sighting emphasises the importance of continued monitoring and documentation by Forest Department staff and bird watchers. Rare observations such as this help researchers better understand bird migration routes, behavioural patterns, and the effects of environmental and climatic changes. The Forest Department encourages all visitors and researchers to report any unusual or noteworthy bird sightings, thereby contributing to the growing understanding of India's rich avian diversity. (ANI)


The Hindu
3 hours ago
- The Hindu
Study finds 17.4% prevalence of PCOS in Delhi's college-going women
A study of 1,164 college-going women in the age group 18-25 years in Delhi shows a 17.4% prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), the second-highest in the country. Partly funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research, the study was published recently in the peer-reviewed journal, BMC Health. It comprised a cross-sectional survey, and a systematic review which analysed similar studies from 2010 to 2024 across India in similar age groups. The study notes that PCOS, the endocrinologic disorder affecting females in the reproductive age, characterised by menstrual dysfunction, infertility, hirsutism, acne, and obesity, is 'prevalent yet under-researched'. It states that the pooled prevalence of previous studies in similar age groups, using the same criteria, across various regions in India, stood at 8.41%. In 2023, the Ministry of Science and Technology had stated that India has a PCOS prevalence of 3.70%-22.50%. The prevalence of PCOS can vary between rural and urban areas, socio-cultural settings, and age groups. In previous studies, Lucknow reported the lowest prevalence of 3.70%, while Mumbai reported a prevalence of 22.50%. Another study found that the prevalence can go up to 36% in adolescents. Higher prevalence of PCOS in urban areas A higher prevalence of PCOS has been noted in urban areas with heterogeneous populations, with many women moving for academic opportunities and work, the study notes. 'This displacement causes psychological stress, disrupted sleep routine, and poor dietary habits resulting from competition for education and jobs, and juggling responsibilities of home and work, that could possibly be associated with rising rates of PCOS,' the researchers stated. The research was conducted by Apoorva Sharma, Naorem Kiranmala Devi, and Kallur Nava Saraswathy from the Department of Anthropology, Delhi University; and Dr. Yamini Swarwal, Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi. 'There are few studies focusing on this age group in India. We took ethical clearances from Delhi University to conduct the field work, which took us about two years,' Prof. Saraswathy said. She added that the majority of women sampled had already been diagnosed, while the researchers had arranged for undiagnosed women experiencing symptoms to undergo ultrasound testing. Of the 1,164 women surveyed, 70.30% had already been diagnosed, while 29.70% were newly diagnosed during the study. Socio-demographic factors Women from the upper class, and upper middle class, according to the Modified Kuppuswamy Scale on socio-economic status, are at an increased risk, the study found. It notes that higher disposable incomes had contributed to a 'nutrition transition', with increased consumption of fats, oils, processed foods, mixed carbohydrates and sugar, as well as eating out, becoming integral to urban Indian culture. 'Increased access to labour-saving devices and cars has reduced physical activity, leading to rising prevalence of insulin resistance and obesity, which are all associated with PCOS pathogenesis,' the study adds. The study also found that the highest prevalence of PCOS is seen among the Scheduled Tribes (21.40%), followed by the General Category (19.90%), in comparison with Other Backward Classes (OBC) and the Scheduled Castes. It noted that this finding might reflect 'broader societal disparities and variations in access to healthcare and resources among caste groups', underscoring the need for targeted interventions.


Hans India
3 hours ago
- Hans India
Beyond the Space Station: Shukla's Earth-Based Research Sets Sights on Mars Habitats
In a quiet laboratory far from the zero-gravity labs of the International Space Station, Indian scientist Dr. Aarav Shukla is leading research that could one day define how humans live on Mars. His work, grounded firmly on Earth, focuses on designing sustainable habitats capable of withstanding the harsh conditions of the Red Planet. Shukla, a specialist in aerospace and environmental systems, believes that preparing for life on Mars doesn't begin in orbit — it begins on Earth. His team is developing prototypes that simulate Martian living environments, exploring solutions for everything from radiation shielding and energy efficiency to food and water self-sufficiency. 'Our goal is to create a fully functional, closed-loop system that mimics the Martian environment,' Shukla said in a recent interview. 'We're testing how life-support systems, structural materials, and even psychological well-being can be managed in isolation.' Shukla's project is part of a growing global movement focused on Mars colonization. While space agencies like NASA and ESA invest in orbital missions and robotic exploration, researchers like Shukla are laying the groundwork for human settlement through rigorous, on-ground experimentation. One of the standout features of his work is the use of locally sourced materials to simulate Martian regolith — the planet's surface layer — in constructing habitat models. His research is also tapping into artificial intelligence to monitor environmental stability and crew health in confined settings. While humans have yet to set foot on Mars, Shukla's research is helping ensure that when we do, the infrastructure will be ready. His innovative approach reminds us that while space is the frontier, the foundation begins here on Earth.