Latest news with #9th
The Star
19-05-2025
- General
- The Star
Sabah sets new record with coral planting initiative
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has set a new conservation record by planting 12,000 coral fragments in Kudat district, the largest initiative of its kind. The Malaysia Book of Records verified and recognised this achievement on Monday (May 19) during the 9th Anniversary of the Gazettement of Tun Mustapha Park in Kudat. Various agencies, local communities, and volunteers planted the coral fragments on the seafloor within Tun Mustapha Park (TTM) at Simpang Mengayau (Tip of Borneo) near Pulau Kalampunian from May 5 to May 18. Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew praised local communities as the true guardians of the sea during the event. Some of the coral reef frames being set up in the earlier stages of the programme. "Congratulations to the Director of Sabah Parks (Dr Maklarin Lakim) and his team, all collaborative partners, and implementing agencies that turned this vision into reality,' she said. "To the local communities – you are the true guardians of the sea. This collaboration strengthens an inclusive and effective conservation network,' she added, noting the figure of 12,000 coral fragments reflected everyone's determination and unity. Liew acknowledged the vital role played by villages like Tajau Laut, Marang Parang, Bavang Jamal, and the Banggi Island community in conservation, from joint monitoring and coral reef restoration to community-based ecotourism. She said this activity was completed ahead of schedule in just four days with over 500 participants, including Sabah Parks, WWF-Malaysia, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, enforcement agencies, and the private sector. Participants included certified divers, non-divers, local communities from Kg Tajau Laut and Simpang Mengayau, and various stakeholders, including tourism players. Liew said much of this project was made possible through corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributions from various entities, including the private sector and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). 'These contributions reflect broad confidence in marine conservation efforts in Sabah and show that public-private collaboration can drive sustainable environmental restoration initiatives,' she said. Students learning about making reef frames during the attempt. "The spirit of togetherness shown by participants – divers, communities, students, and volunteers – is the true backbone of this event's success. This is the 'Unite for the Ocean' spirit we aim to cultivate," she added. Liew noted that this significant project not only contributes to biodiversity policies at state, national, and global levels but also supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). "My hope is that this initiative does not end as a symbolic event, but is followed through with action plans such as scientific monitoring, community education, and regular reporting so it may serve as a national and global reference," Liew said. Regarding the role of Tun Mustapha Park (TTM), she noted that since its gazettement nine years ago, TTM has pioneered the management of marine protected areas in Sabah. Divers carrying out works underwater previously. It is Malaysia's largest multi-use marine park and one of the most expansive in the region, housing over 528 species of fish, 250 species of corals, three endangered sea turtle species, dugongs, dolphins, and iconic species such as whale sharks and whales. Liew said these achievements result from science-based conservation, including marine biological monitoring and coral restoration techniques, underscoring the importance of scientific data in decision-making and evaluating management effectiveness. "Preserving such a vast area is no easy task. The decision to gazette Tun Mustapha Park was based on years of scientific research, including biodiversity mapping, critical habitat analysis, and data-driven zoning,' she said. This area encompasses more than 50 islands, such as Banggi, Balambangan, Malawali, Tigabu, and Maliangin, with over 80,000 residents in 53 coastal and island villages. Liew said the gazettement required unwavering dedication, multi-stakeholder coordination, and patience in facing legal challenges, economic pressures, and climate change.
News18
14-05-2025
- General
- News18
JAC 9th Result 2025 Out: Jharkhand Board Class 9 Results Declared, Direct Link Here
Last Updated: JAC 9th Result 2025 Declared: Passing the Jharkhand Class 9th exam in 2025 requires students to score at least 33 per cent The Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC) has declared the JAC Class 9th Result 2025 today, May 14. Students who appeared for the JAC Class 9 examination this year can now check and download their results by visiting the official website at It should be noted that the JAC Class 9 scorecard acquired from the internet is provisional, and students will receive the original mark sheet from their respective schools soon. The information will be notified to students in due course. Those who pass the examination will be promoted to Class 10. Step 1: Go to the Jharkhand Board's official website. Step 2: Select the link labelled – JAC 9th results 2025 Step 3: Register by entering your roll code and roll number. Step 4: A screen displaying the results of the Jharkhand Board's 9th grades will appear. Step 5: Download your JAC 9th marksheet for future admission purposes. JAC Class 9th Result 2025: Direct Link Here Students are advised to thoroughly review all of the information on their JAC Class 9th scorecard. The information on the scorecard will comprise the student's name, roll number, subjects, and marks obtained in each subject among others. Passing the Jharkhand Class 9th exam in 2025 requires students to score at least 33 per cent. A student will be considered qualified for the third division if their grade falls between 33 and 45 per cent. Those who score between 45 and 60 per cent will be deemed to have passed with second division. Students will be considered to have passed the first division if they receive a score of at least 60 per cent or higher. JAC Class 9th Result 2025: What Happened Last Yeat? The overall pass percentage for class 9th exam last year are 98.39 per cent. Of the 471201 students who took the Class 9 board exams in 2024, as many as 463637 candidates passed. First Published: May 14, 2025, 17:11 IST
The Citizen
07-05-2025
- Science
- The Citizen
Planetary Defense Conference to focus' on Earth's safety
'While the goal of planetary defence is to prevent asteroids from reaching our planet, this gathering goes far beyond technical assessments.' There were robust discussions and increasing attention paid to near-Earth objects (NEOs), which are becoming more closely monitored due to their potential threats. South Africa is hosting the 9th International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) Planetary Defense Conference in Stellenbosch from 5 to 9 May 2025. The week-long conference brings together scientists, engineers, policymakers and industry leaders from around the globe to discuss the protection of the planet from hazardous near-Earth objects like asteroids or comets. Near-earth objects Last month, Earth was given the all-clear from a possible impact by the asteroid 2024 YR4 in 2032. However, a second target has been looming. With recent observations, the odds of this object hitting the Moon instead have climbed to about 3.8%—the highest odds ever for a lunar impact by any natural body, according to Sky and Telescope. ALSO READ: 'A meteor or bolide likely hit the Eastern Cape' – Expert [VIDEO] Earths defence Dr Sias Mostert, director at SCS Space, acting African Regional Secretary of the IAA and co-chair of the local organising committee for the conference, said the event is 'a unique intersection of disciplines – where space meets Earth, and where science, technology, and society converge'. 'While the goal of planetary defence is to prevent asteroids from reaching our planet, this gathering goes far beyond technical assessments … The Planetary Defense Conference is more than a scientific event. It reminds us that space safety is a shared global responsibility. 'The 2025 conference stands as a symbol of our collective commitment to ensuring that space remains accessible, safe and beneficial for all humankind,' Mostert said. SA contribution Delivering the opening remarks, Humbulani Mudau, CEO of the South African National Space Agency (SANSA), an entity of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, underscored the four key pillars of planetary defence. This includes detection, coordinated international response, public awareness and preparedness, and effective mitigation strategies. Mudau recognised the roles played by the International Asteroid Warning Network and the Space Mission Planning Advisory Group. 'South Africa, and indeed the continent at large, has localised excellence in astronautics, and although we may have limited resources, we hope to contribute extensively to this global effort.' Local ecosystem Mostert praised the local ecosystem's evolution over the past 35 years and its growing footprint on global missions such as the European Space Agency's Rosetta mission and NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART). He mentioned the Gecko camera, developed in Stellenbosch, which captured the final image of the asteroid Dimorphos in 2022 before the historic DART impact. As the conference continues, the world watches with great interest as discussions unfold around planetary defence simulations, deflection technologies, policy coordination and public preparedness, highlighting the importance of cooperative action in the face of cosmic risks. ALSO READ: Anyone out there? Astronomers find signs of life on distant planet
Hi Dubai
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Autism Centre Concludes 19th Awareness Campaign and Launches Arabic Podcast Studio
The Dubai Autism Centre has successfully wrapped up its 19th annual Autism Awareness Campaign, which kicked off in early April under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. This year's campaign marked a significant milestone with the launch of the region's first Arabic-language podcast studio aimed at fostering deeper understanding and discussions about autism within the Arab world. Mohammed Al Emadi, Director General of the Dubai Autism Centre, highlighted the studio's importance in amplifying the voices of individuals with autism and their families. He expressed gratitude to OP3 Design for their role in creating and sponsoring the studio, which aligns with the UAE's "Year of the Community" initiative. The campaign also featured a series of workshops, reaching over 1,100 schools and institutions across the UAE. Additionally, the Centre announced several autism-friendly destinations in Dubai, including the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library and Union Coop, supporting the city's vision to be a model for inclusion. Key to the campaign was the Centre's continued focus on family support, offering free early screenings for children with autism, along with the release of a guidebook for families and educators. Students from the Centre also participated in the 9th Abu Dhabi University Autism Art Competition, with several winning awards. This year's campaign leveraged extensive digital media engagement, with the campaign's message displayed on over 3,150 screens across the UAE, further spreading awareness about autism and promoting inclusivity. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Scoop
01-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Saudi Ministerial Visit Sends Strong Signal For NZ Trade And Investment Growth
Press Release – New Zealand Government With Saudi Arabia being our largest export market in the Gulf and the GCC trade deal soon to be signed, were opening new doors for Kiwi exporters particularly in agriculture, agri-tech, food innovation and fintech. Minister for Trade and Investment Minister of Agriculture Trade, Investment and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has wrapped up a successful programme hosting Saudi Arabia's Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, His Excellency Eng Abdulrahman A. AlFadley, in Auckland this week for the 9th New Zealand–Saudi Arabia Joint Ministerial Commission. 'This visit builds on growing momentum in our trade relationship with Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region following the conclusion of the New Zealand-Gulf Cooperation Council Free Trade Agreement,' Mr McClay said. 'With Saudi Arabia being our largest export market in the Gulf and the GCC trade deal soon to be signed, we're opening new doors for Kiwi exporters —particularly in agriculture, agri-tech, food innovation and fintech.' The delegation of 37 Saudi officials and business leaders engaged in a packed programme, highlighting New Zealand's strengths across food security, innovation, and primary production. Businesses and organisations visited included: Auckland Business Chamber Vessev (Electric hydrofoil vessel) Westbury Stud Farm University of Auckland (Space Institute and satellite testing) Moana Seafood Fonterra The FoodBowl-NZ Food Innovation Auckland 'From dairy and seafood to clean tech and research partnerships, the opportunities for collaboration are real and growing. The GCC trade agreement will deliver duty-free access for 99% of our exports over time and ensure New Zealand businesses are well-positioned in one of the world's most dynamic regions,' Mr McClay says. 'The Government is focused on unlocking export growth and backing New Zealand's exporters to succeed globally.'
