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New Mexico Okays $50 Million For Wildlife Crossings To Improve Safety
New Mexico Okays $50 Million For Wildlife Crossings To Improve Safety

Forbes

time3 days ago

  • Health
  • Forbes

New Mexico Okays $50 Million For Wildlife Crossings To Improve Safety

A cougar (also known as a mountain lion) in New Mexico. New Mexico lawmakers have approved $50 million to pay for wildlife crossings to improve roadway safety and also passed legislation to create a strategic reserve fund for freshwater. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed Senate Bill 37: Strategic Water Reserve Fund on April 7 for the Interstate Stream Commission to manage and conserve water to support recharging the state's aquifer and minimize groundwater depletion. The new law, to take effect June 20, also allows for purchasing and leasing surface water and water rights. The initial funding designated for the water reserve was $5.2 million. 'Advancement of the Strategic Water Reserve crucially expands the ability for the state to buy, lease, or accept donations of water rights for the benefit of a broad array of cultural and environmental values. The reserve is integral to keeping water in rivers and aquifers and conserving important habitat along the shore while honoring landowner water rights,' said Patrick Lane, senior manager of the intermountain West at The Pew Charitable Trusts. 'New Mexicans fully recognize how important clean water is for their well-being – from growing corn to providing a swimming hole on the weekend, it's never been more important to carefully conserve and manage the state's freshwater resource, and the legislature's action puts more tools in the toolbox for New Mexicans to use for this purpose.' On April 11, the governor enacted into law House Bill 5 (General Appropriation Act of 2025) that directed $50 million to fund an existing legislative effort to alleviate vehicle and wildlife collisions. The New Mexico Wildlife Corridors Action Plan, finalized three years ago, has identified numerous 'hot spots' on roadways throughout the state that have the highest numbers of vehicles and wildlife collisions. Lane also applauded the funding for the wildlife crossings. 'This is the largest amount any state has ever appropriated for terrestrial wildlife crossings in a single year. Other states can look to New Mexico as a model for planning and construction of wildlife crossings to protect human and animal lives,' he said. 'Migratory wildlife such as elk, deer and pronghorn have deep ties to New Mexico's culture and identity. They also support a robust recreation economy that families and communities rely on. Wildlife crossings enhance and conserve these wildlife populations, while making a tangible contribution to driver safety across the state.' He predicted the wildlife crossing allocation will save lives on N.M. roadways for people and animals as well as protect the state's wildlife heritage. Also lauding the N.M. allocation was Marcel Gaztambide, Southwest field manager for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. He noted in a recent social media post: 'With over 1,000 wildlife-vehicle collisions taking place in New Mexico every year, this investment in the safety of New Mexico's drivers and wildlife was desperately needed.' Pronghorn in Southwestern New Mexico The New Mexico Department of Transportation and New Mexico Department of Game and Fish were directed by the state legislature to develop an action plan for wildlife crossings. The plan identified both collision hot spots and priority projects to deter roadway accidents with animals. It focuseA list of priority projects are identified in the Plan that includes both wildlife-vehicle collision (WVC) hotspots and wildlife corridors. It identified 20 species of concern as most vulnerable to collisions. These consisted of four reptiles (ornate box turtle, Gila monster, Mexican garter snake and Western massasauga rattlesnake). The mammals on the list were: The species of concern were also identified for posing a risk to motorists. Other factors putting the wildlife in that category included being killed in collisions to such an extent that it does/could lower population levels in New Mexico or the roads create barriers to important interconnected habitats. Gila monster in the Southwest. Gila monsters in New Mexico mostly live west of the Continental Divide in the southwestern areas with rocky terrain such as in Chihuahuan Desert foothills and canyons. These lizards are the largest in the United States. They can weigh a pound and span as long as nearly two feet. These rare creatures are listed as endangered under the New Mexico Wildlife Conservation Act and also protected by state laws in Arizona, California, Nevada and Utah. According to the National Park Service, 'They may be out digging, hunting, basking, etc. on the surface for only a few hours of a few days per year; about 98% of the year is spent out of sight. They live in burrows, packrat nests, or caliche caves and dens, sometimes sharing their abodes with other reptiles such as snakes or desert tortoises.' Although Gila monsters have venom in their lower jaws, their bite is painful but rarely fatal. Their black and pinkish skin patterns are hard to see in barren landscapes, which could contribute to their mortality rates. The New Mexico Wildlife Corridors Action plan identified Gila monsters as a species in greatest conservation need. 'Highways through Granite Gap and Antelope Pass in the central Peloncillo Mountains are known sites of numerous roadkill records," the report stated. Roadway mortality is thought to be due to more traffic in the border area in southwest New Mexico Another creature to make the list as most in need of conservation and threatened is the the white-sided jackrabbit that also lives in the southwestern part of the state. These jackrabbits are only known to live in two valleys in Hidalgo County, which borders Arizona. This animal population was thought to be diminishing due to overgrazing by livestock on shrubs and grasses in New Mexico. However, significant population decreases of white-sided jackrabbits are likely linked to increased vehicle traffic in there due to more human activity and motorists along the U.S.-Mexico border. For instance, sharp reductions in white-sided jackrabbits populations had been noted on one main county road "yet no degradation of grassland quality or significant shrub invasion is evident,' the report stated. A cougar (mountain lion) prowling at night in New Mexico. Cougars in New Mexico are mostly found in the foothills and mountains in the central northern and southern parts of the states as well as in western areas. Adult males cougars can weigh from 150 to 200 pounds and are often eight feet long. Also known as mountain lions, cougars are among the largest cats in North America. The state estimates there are 3,500 cougars living there with the population declining in part due less habitat and vehicle collisions. Cougars tend to avoid roads and seek to cross using underpasses. There were 135 cougar-vehicle collisions recorded in New Mexico from 2009 to 2018 mostly along Interstate 25 (north of Albuquerque to the Colorado border) as well as on the eastern slopes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, in/near the Sacramento Mountains and along U.S. Route 180. During the same time period, vehicles collided with just over 500 black bears mostly while traveling along mountain roadways. Among the top 30 wildlife-vehicle collision hot spots in New Mexico, 'one stands out' due to 49 motorists crashing into black bears on the I-25 corridor (from south of Raton to the Colorado border). Other top areas with high black bear-vehicle collisions include U.S. 64/U.S. 84 just south of Chama (7 collisions), I-25 around Glorieta Pass (6 collisions), Tijeras Canyon along I-40 (6 collisions), and I-25 south of Wagon Mound (5 collisions). A black bear. Similar to cougars, black bears have been found to avoid crossing roads by using underpasses and culverts. State wildlife researchers from New Mexico and Arizona noted 169 cases of black bears crossing the roads via underpasses. In contrast to these animals, New Mexico's pronghorns prefer to use overpasses to tackle crossing roads. The state is thought to have from 47,000 to 49,000 pronghorn. From 2002 to 2018, the state recorded 221 wildlife-vehicle collisions. 'Roads, traffic, and right-of-way fences affect pronghorn through direct mortality and by affecting their behavior, while fences along roads and even traffic restrict or alter their movements. Pronghorn prefer to crawl under fences rather than jump over them, and they struggle with multiple strand fences when the bottom wire is too low,' the report noted. 'Mitigation of road-caused fragmentation and mortality is possible with the use of overpasses. Because of their keen eyesight and use of distance for predator avoidance behavior, pronghorn prefer overpasses to underpasses when crossing roads.' Top 10 Wildlife/Vehicle Collision Hotspots in New Mexico per Number of Crashes Per Mile The NMDOT has been involved in several wildlife crossing projects in the state as well as creating mitigation strategies to provide safer traveling for motorists and animals. For example, it has created escape ramps that provide an area for deer and elk to jump over to avoid vehicles. The department has also installed game fencing, such as an eight-foot-tall woven wire fence along I-40 near Edgewood to direct wildlife to pass under bridges instead of darting into traffic. Another use of technology is installing double cattleguards where side roads intersect with highways to prevent large animals from walking into vehicles at roadway turnouts. NMDOT built a pair of 32-foot-wide arched wildlife underpasses wildlife crossing at the I-25 pass in Raton after finding 102 dead deer during a two-year period there installed over six miles of game fencing, wildlife escape ramps, and double cattle guards. Built a pair of 32-feet-wide arched wildlife underpasses after finding 102 dead deer within a two-year period at the I-25/Raton pass in Colfax County. Within two years after the safe crossings were built there was a 60% drop in the number of dead deer from vehicle collisions found there. In another wildlife crossing project, NMDOT targeted U.S. Route north of Aztec close to the Colorado border due to deer-vehicle crashes. The state dropped the number of collision to improve roadway safety by more than 80% after putting larger box culverts for safe underpasses to replace three metal culverts. Guard fencing 8-feet high was constructed for three miles to guide the animals to the crossing areas and block the road. Double cattle guards were also placed as a deterrence. Red line showing location of U.S. 550 Highway Wildlife Crossing Project in New Mexico. NMDOT is working on a new transportation safety project on U.S. Highway 550 in Sandoval County as to curb vehicle crashes primarily with six types of animals (such as deer, black bears and elk) in its most hazardous area in need for wildlife crossings. At issue is a 17-mile long stretch of road in which 1.21 reported wildlife-vehicle collisions occurred per mile during a 10-year period. Most (58%) of the vehicles crashed into elk. Male elks can weigh 700 pounds or more and the females can weigh 500 pounds. The state is working to build large overpasses for the safe movement of wildlife there since elk are reluctant to pass through tunnels/culverts go over small bridges. Currently, the project is in design development and will be completed in four phases that will involved 16 miles of U.S. 550. Design plans for Phases 1 and 2 are expected to be finished by the end of this year. To accommodate various animals likely to cross that part of the road, NMDOT is planning to build a wide single-span overpass with natural vegetation planted (to match the terrain) that would rise over four existing travel lanes and shoulders of US 550. In addition, arched underpass structures would be enable animals to travel below the road level. Wildlife fencing would guide the animals to crossing areas and double cattleguards would be placed to restrict access to the highway. Based on Federal Highway Administration figures that are nearly 20 years old, from 1 million to 2 million collisions between large wildlife animals and vehicles happened through the United States each year—killing 200 people and causing injuries to 26,000 others. The property damage then was estimated at $8.3 billion. Most crashes were single vehicles on two-lane roads. Most of the wildlife struck by vehicles dies immediately or soon afterwards. State environmental and transportation agencies are increasing their efforts to boost both motorist roadway safety and wildlife survival rates by using technology to build road structures for animal passageways. According to Lane from Pew, 'Wildlife migration pathways, which are critical in maintaining many terrestrial wildlife populations, are particularly threatened due to the effects that roads and highways have on their movement patterns. The good news is that a proven solution to this problem exists. Wildlife crossings help reconnect migratory routes and make our roads safer for drivers by reducing the risk of wildlife-vehicle collisions. Time has shown that these crossings are highly effective.' FHWA Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program 2024-2025 fiscal year grants of $125 million to 16 wildlife ... More crossing projects. The other good news is that federal wildlife crossing grants, especially from the U.S. Department of Transportation/FHWA, are providing vital revenue to help states improve highway safety for the traveling public and the many special creatures who live within our nation.

How gardening communities enliven Bengaluru's home gardens
How gardening communities enliven Bengaluru's home gardens

Time of India

time24-05-2025

  • General
  • Time of India

How gardening communities enliven Bengaluru's home gardens

THRIVING COMMUNITIES : Sandhya Sourirajan,37, got most of her plants through swaps organized by gardening communities The gardening communities in Bengaluru provide a space for plant parents to exchange seeds and saplings, and troubleshoot together Every time he goes to a gardeners meet up, Kunal Dammala, a software engineer at Infosys carries a bagful of plant cuttings and seeds along. 'Sharing plants brings me immense joy,' says the 34-year-old who is a member of South Bengaluru Gardeners: Share, Swap, Grow, a community of 2,000 gardening enthusiasts. At one swap event, Kunal traded a few marigold saplings for a beautiful Double Delight rose cutting, which has since become a centrepiece in his garden. Kunal grows over 60 varieties of roses on his 400-sqft terrace. His favourites include Pope John Paul II, a hybrid tea rose, and Camouflage, distinguished by its pale green petals. An avid gardener, Kunal believes it is important for every gardener to be a part of a community. 'When I first started gardening, I didn't even know which plants would survive here,' says the Whitefield resident who is originally from Visakhapatnam. His participation in local gardening groups has significantly enhanced his gardening expertise. 'Visiting a friend's rooftop garden filled with hanging orchids and bonsai inspired me to experiment beyond roses,' he recalls. The joy of growing plants multiples when shared with others. Urban gardening communities in Bengaluru provide spaces for plant enthusiasts to connect and support each another, ensuring companionship throughout their journey. Being part of such communities offers numerous benefits—from practical knowledge to emotional support- turning gardening from a solo hobby to a shared passion that continues to bloom with each new connection. Thomas Abraham, a gardener obsessed with orchids and succulents is a regular at the meet ups. 'I'm part of four gardening communities in the city- Share Green, Bangalore Gardeners, Let's Swap Seeds and Plants and South Bengaluru Gardeners: Share, Swap, Grow,'' says the 42-year-old resident of BTM 1 stage. Visiting gardens maintained by others offers valuable learning opportunities. Gardening communities and clubs often arrange tours of their members' gardens, creating a platform where enthusiasts exchange practical growing tips and expertise while supporting one another. Lending a hand to beginners Beginner gardeners often face numerous challenges. The difficulty in finding affordable seeds, saplings and manure can be discouraging, leading many to abandon their gardening pursuits. Gardeners of Bangalore (GOB) provides help to such individuals. "We give away seeds and plants. One has to pay postal charges only," says Uma Rajeswari of Gardeners of Bangalore (GOB), a group which is part of Organic Terrace Gardening (OTG). The community extends its reach through social media platforms like WhatsApp. When plants succumb to fungal infections or excessive watering, or get damaged by rats or bandicoots, gardeners experience distress. "We hear them out and offer solutions," says Uma, adding as an afterthought that images of blooms members post on the group instantly lift spirits and dispel sadness. Cutting costs, caring for nature Noor, a 56-year-old gardener with a green thumb who specializes in medicinal plants, notes her involvement with OTG transformed her life from the inside out. "I walked out of her Government job to promote the green movement," she says. Through the community, she learnt how collective purchasing could help gardeners save money. Noor notes that gardening is an expensive hobby. The OTGians generally share seeds and cuttings and plants, and this helped in growing a huge variety of plants. The OTG initiative encompasses more than just gardening; it promotes an environmentally conscious way of living, explains the former lecturer residing in Frazer Town. "In the OTG community, we avoid new purchases and emphasize recycling. We repurpose various items like old tubs, buckets, paint containers and water bottles. We make our own compost and handhold new gardeners in both composting and gardening," she says. The OTGians grow more of fruits ,vegetables, greens and medicinal plants and a limited amount of ornamental plants. The community encourages creating habitats for pollinators like butterflies and bees. 'Many of us cultivate plants primarily for nature's benefit rather than personal consumption. There's also a strong culture of sharing amongst members, where harvest is distributed generously. For instance, one might retain a single fruit while distributing five to others in the community,' smiles Noor who dedicates her time to tending to her plants and caring for her pet cat that has undergone several operations. ***** VOICE BOX 'I've a rose garden with over 60 varieties, including some of the rarest ones in India, such as the Masora, Juliet copy, Barista and Bluemoon stone. Seeing them bloom is incredibly rewarding. Being part of local gardening communities has made my gardening journey easier. I learned how to control mealybugs using an organic neem-oil mixture from a fellow gardener, which saved several of my rose plants during the monsoon. Once I borrowed a heavy-duty pruning shear from a gardening community member during rose-cutting season. Kunal Dammala I've also recently started experimenting with hydroponic culture, a soilless growing method. It helps grow stronger and larger rose plants, especially in limited space. Kunal Dammala, SOFTWARE ENGINEER AT INFOSYS AND MEMBER, SOUTH BENGALURU GARDENERS I got 70% of my plants through swap events. We meet at Shri N Lakshmana Rao Parknear Jayanagar Metro Station. Interactions with fellow members have helped me gain insights into effective soil combinations that enable my plants to thrive with minimal care. Thomas P Abraham My gardening journey began 18 years ago with three native roses. Recently, I've had success grafting hibiscus in seven different colours on just two plants. Thomas P Abraham, RESIDENT, BTM 1 STAGE, AND ACTIVE MEMBER OF SHARE GREEN, BANGALORE GARDENERS, LET'S SWAP SEEDS AND PLANTS AND SOUTH BENGALURU GARDENERS We gather mostly at my home in Ramamurthy Nagar. Our most sought-after events include composting demonstrations, workshops on plant care and plant swaps. Recently we had an online session focusing on cultivation techniques for virgin red aloe vera. Uma Rajeswari Additionally, our gardening community facilitates the supply of various gardening materials, including compost, vermi compost and cocopeat. The community extends to our Facebook platform, which currently has approximately 4,000 members. Our WhatsApp group remains abuzz with conversations about plant upkeep. Uma Rajeswari, ADMIN, GARDENERS OF BANGALORE (PART OF OTG) I cultivate various fruits in my garden, including strawberries, Natalie cherries, mulberries, and apples. My garden also features turmeric, sweet potatoes, ginger and garlic, complemented by seasonal flowers that facilitate pollination. Being part of gardening communities allows me to learn, unlearn and relearn, and exchange experiences with fellow gardeners. Ritu Choudhary, TERRACE GARDENER AND MEMBER, CANTT OTG, GREEN GROWERS AND ORCHID AFFAIR WITH HRS

Oil & Natural Gas Corp Ltd (BOM:500312) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Navigating ...
Oil & Natural Gas Corp Ltd (BOM:500312) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Navigating ...

Yahoo

time23-05-2025

  • Business
  • Yahoo

Oil & Natural Gas Corp Ltd (BOM:500312) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Navigating ...

Profit After Tax (PAT): INR35,610 crores for FY '25, down 12.1% from INR40,526 crores in FY '24. Sales Revenue: INR1,37,361 crores for FY '25, slightly down from INR1,37,774 crores in FY '24. Operating Expenditure: Increased by 2.8% to INR27,478 crores in FY '25 from INR26,725 crores in FY '24. Exploration Costs: Increased by INR4,257 crores to INR9,826 crores in FY '25. Reserve Replacement Ratio: 1.35 from domestic fields, excluding JV share. Wells Drilled: 578 wells, the highest in 35 years, including 109 exploratory and 469 development wells. Capital Expenditure (CapEx): INR62,000 crores, the highest ever, with INR10,300 crores in exploration CapEx. Crude Oil Production: 18.558 million metric tonnes, up 0.9% from the previous year. Natural Gas Production: 19.654 BCM, slightly down from 19.978 BCM in FY '24. Dividend Payout: Total dividend of 245% with a payout of INR15,411 crores. Consolidated Profit After Tax: INR38,326 crores, down 30.7% from INR55,272 crores in FY '24. Consolidated Gross Revenue: Increased by 1.5% to INR6,63,262 crores in FY '25. Renewable Energy Capacity: Increased to 2.5 gigawatts from 192 megawatts. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 4 Warning Signs with BOM:500312. Release Date: May 22, 2025 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Oil & Natural Gas Corp Ltd (BOM:500312) achieved a reserve replacement ratio of more than 1 for the 19th consecutive year, indicating strong resource replenishment. The company drilled 578 wells, the highest in the past 35 years, showing a significant increase in exploration and development activities. A final dividend of 25% was recommended, with a total dividend payout ratio of 245%, marking the highest quantum of dividend paid by the company. The company reported an increase in standalone crude oil production by 0.9% over the previous year, reflecting successful production enhancement efforts. Significant investments in renewable energy have increased capacity to 2.5 gigawatts, positioning the company as a formidable player in the renewable sector. Profit after tax decreased by 12.1% from the previous year, primarily due to higher exploratory well write-offs. Operating expenditure increased by 2.8%, impacting overall profitability. Exploration costs, including survey and dry well costs, rose significantly by INR4,257 crores, indicating higher expenses in exploration activities. Consolidated profit after tax decreased by 30.7%, largely due to a decline in profits from subsidiaries HPCL, MRPL, and Opal. Natural gas production saw a slight decline from 19.978 BCM in financial year '24 to 19.654 BCM in financial year '25, indicating challenges in maintaining gas output levels. Q: Can you provide an update on the KG 98/2 oil and gas production levels and future targets? A: Currently, oil production is at 33,000 to 34,000 barrels per day, with a target of 45,000 barrels. Gas production is around 2.75 MMSCMD, expected to increase to 6-7 MMSCMD once the platform is completed, and eventually reach 10 MMSCMD. This increase is anticipated within the financial year '25-'26. (Arun Singh, CEO) Q: What is the current input mix for OPaL, and how will it change with future ethane imports? A: Currently, OPaL operates with a 60% naphtha and 40% ethane mix. This will remain the same, but the ethane source will shift from rich gas to US imports. Moving out of SEZ has saved INR700-800 crores due to the removal of customs duty. (Arun Singh, CEO) Q: What are the production targets for crude oil and natural gas for FY26 and FY27? A: For crude oil, the target is around 21.5 million tonnes for FY25-26, with a positive trajectory expected to continue. For natural gas, the target is 21 BCM for FY25-26, increasing to 22 BCM in FY26-27, reflecting a 5-6% annual growth. (Arun Singh, CEO) Q: How is ONGC managing cost controls and fleet investments? A: ONGC is benefiting from reduced rig rates and optimizing logistics by opening a new base in Gujarat. The company is considering investing in its own fleet due to vessel shortages and high market rates. Cost control measures are expected to yield further savings in the coming years. (Arun Singh, CEO) Q: What is the outlook for ONGC Videsh's international assets, particularly in Mozambique and Russia? A: Mozambique's LNG project is progressing well, with commissioning expected by late '27 or early '28. Production in Russia remains stable, and there are increases in Colombia, South Sudan, and Azerbaijan. ONGC Videsh's production increased by 9% last year, with further upside expected. (Unidentified Company Representative, ONGC Videsh) For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. This article first appeared on GuruFocus.

Oil & Natural Gas Corp Ltd (BOM:500312) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Navigating ...
Oil & Natural Gas Corp Ltd (BOM:500312) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Navigating ...

Yahoo

time23-05-2025

  • Business
  • Yahoo

Oil & Natural Gas Corp Ltd (BOM:500312) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Navigating ...

Profit After Tax (PAT): INR35,610 crores for FY '25, down 12.1% from INR40,526 crores in FY '24. Sales Revenue: INR1,37,361 crores for FY '25, slightly down from INR1,37,774 crores in FY '24. Operating Expenditure: Increased by 2.8% to INR27,478 crores in FY '25 from INR26,725 crores in FY '24. Exploration Costs: Increased by INR4,257 crores to INR9,826 crores in FY '25. Reserve Replacement Ratio: 1.35 from domestic fields, excluding JV share. Wells Drilled: 578 wells, the highest in 35 years, including 109 exploratory and 469 development wells. Capital Expenditure (CapEx): INR62,000 crores, the highest ever, with INR10,300 crores in exploration CapEx. Crude Oil Production: 18.558 million metric tonnes, up 0.9% from the previous year. Natural Gas Production: 19.654 BCM, slightly down from 19.978 BCM in FY '24. Dividend Payout: Total dividend of 245% with a payout of INR15,411 crores. Consolidated Profit After Tax: INR38,326 crores, down 30.7% from INR55,272 crores in FY '24. Consolidated Gross Revenue: Increased by 1.5% to INR6,63,262 crores in FY '25. Renewable Energy Capacity: Increased to 2.5 gigawatts from 192 megawatts. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 4 Warning Signs with BOM:500312. Release Date: May 22, 2025 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Oil & Natural Gas Corp Ltd (BOM:500312) achieved a reserve replacement ratio of more than 1 for the 19th consecutive year, indicating strong resource replenishment. The company drilled 578 wells, the highest in the past 35 years, showing a significant increase in exploration and development activities. A final dividend of 25% was recommended, with a total dividend payout ratio of 245%, marking the highest quantum of dividend paid by the company. The company reported an increase in standalone crude oil production by 0.9% over the previous year, reflecting successful production enhancement efforts. Significant investments in renewable energy have increased capacity to 2.5 gigawatts, positioning the company as a formidable player in the renewable sector. Profit after tax decreased by 12.1% from the previous year, primarily due to higher exploratory well write-offs. Operating expenditure increased by 2.8%, impacting overall profitability. Exploration costs, including survey and dry well costs, rose significantly by INR4,257 crores, indicating higher expenses in exploration activities. Consolidated profit after tax decreased by 30.7%, largely due to a decline in profits from subsidiaries HPCL, MRPL, and Opal. Natural gas production saw a slight decline from 19.978 BCM in financial year '24 to 19.654 BCM in financial year '25, indicating challenges in maintaining gas output levels. Q: Can you provide an update on the KG 98/2 oil and gas production levels and future targets? A: Currently, oil production is at 33,000 to 34,000 barrels per day, with a target of 45,000 barrels. Gas production is around 2.75 MMSCMD, expected to increase to 6-7 MMSCMD once the platform is completed, and eventually reach 10 MMSCMD. This increase is anticipated within the financial year '25-'26. (Arun Singh, CEO) Q: What is the current input mix for OPaL, and how will it change with future ethane imports? A: Currently, OPaL operates with a 60% naphtha and 40% ethane mix. This will remain the same, but the ethane source will shift from rich gas to US imports. Moving out of SEZ has saved INR700-800 crores due to the removal of customs duty. (Arun Singh, CEO) Q: What are the production targets for crude oil and natural gas for FY26 and FY27? A: For crude oil, the target is around 21.5 million tonnes for FY25-26, with a positive trajectory expected to continue. For natural gas, the target is 21 BCM for FY25-26, increasing to 22 BCM in FY26-27, reflecting a 5-6% annual growth. (Arun Singh, CEO) Q: How is ONGC managing cost controls and fleet investments? A: ONGC is benefiting from reduced rig rates and optimizing logistics by opening a new base in Gujarat. The company is considering investing in its own fleet due to vessel shortages and high market rates. Cost control measures are expected to yield further savings in the coming years. (Arun Singh, CEO) Q: What is the outlook for ONGC Videsh's international assets, particularly in Mozambique and Russia? A: Mozambique's LNG project is progressing well, with commissioning expected by late '27 or early '28. Production in Russia remains stable, and there are increases in Colombia, South Sudan, and Azerbaijan. ONGC Videsh's production increased by 9% last year, with further upside expected. (Unidentified Company Representative, ONGC Videsh) For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

The Amazing Race's Phil Keoghan Details Production Protocol for Mid-Race Fender Benders
The Amazing Race's Phil Keoghan Details Production Protocol for Mid-Race Fender Benders

Yahoo

time18-05-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Yahoo

The Amazing Race's Phil Keoghan Details Production Protocol for Mid-Race Fender Benders

A lot of varying factors can come between The Amazing Race contestants and a million dollars. Fender benders on the road? Those are extremely high on that list. In Thursday's Season 37 finale (read our recap here) Han and Holden suffered that exact fate while trying to navigate to Miami's Domino Park in the race's final leg. But we were curious! What is the exact protocol from a production standpoint when accidents happen on the road? And what about other vehicular laws that may vary from country to country? More from TVLine Will Trent Stars Unpack Finale Cliffhangers: Losing [Spoiler] Would 'Break' Faith in Season 4 - WATCH Is New Georgie & Mandy Partnership Doomed According to Big Bang Lore? The Amazing Race Winners Prepared to Compete by Going to Therapy Together According to host Phil Keoghan, teams are (obviously) supposed to abide by the local road rules and speed limits no matter where they are in the world. And they absolutely must stop and address any arising issue, no matter how much time it costs them. 'We make the teams accountable,' the host tells TVLine. 'If they get a speeding ticket, that's on them. We're not going to just pick up the bill and get them off the hook.' The crew will also give teams verbal warnings if they see a driver speeding or if they feel unsafe with any particular driver. '[It's] almost like you've got a policeman in the car saying, 'Hey, slow down,'' Keoghan adds. 'And then if they continue to do it, they'll get penalized. So they can have a double, meaning we can give them a penalty for exceeding the limit or if crew feels unsafe because of the driving practices. Then there's also police monitoring what's going on in the real world, and if in the real world, the police catch them speeding, then they're going to suffer the consequences.' Luckily for the brother and sister duo, Holden's Spanish skills came in handy when they pulled over, as he was able to address the situation and appease the other driver. Despite getting back on the road within a reasonable amount of time, no amount of sly talk and begging could help them claim that first place spot (but you can read our Q&A with the Season 37 winners here). Thoughts on Season 37, overall? We want to hear them, so light up that comments section! Best of TVLine Yellowjackets' Tawny Cypress Talks Episode 4's Tai/Van Reunion: 'We're All Worried About Taissa' Vampire Diaries Turns 10: How Real-Life Plot Twists Shaped Everything From the Love Triangle to the Final Death Vampire Diaries' Biggest Twists Revisited (and Explained)

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