Latest news with #Anuradha
Indian Express
11 hours ago
- General
- Indian Express
Maharashtra forest dept partners with Microsoft, Pune NGO for eco-restoration of Tamhini Wildlife Sanctuary
Deputy Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Tushan Chavan recently announced that the Maharashtra forest department recently partnered with Microsoft and the Centre for Youth Development and Activities (CYDA), Pune, to address socio-ecological challenges in the Tamhini Wildlife Sanctuary. Located 70 km from Pune, Tamhini Wildlife Sanctuary is renowned for its scenic beauty and rich biodiversity, hosting a wide variety of plant and animal species. Funded by Microsoft, the initiative will be executed on the ground by CYDA in close coordination with the forest department. Work will commence from July, officials said. Tamhini is particularly visited during the monsoon season for its picturesque landscape and popular attractions within the reserve forest area, including Andharban forest, Plus Valley, and Devkund. Situated at the crest of the Western Ghats, the sanctuary features several trails for hiking, birding, and walking. The valley resembles a plus sign when viewed from above and is a major draw for visitors who like to trek. However, at times, due to inadequate signboards, some lose their way, officials said. When contacted, Pravin Jadhav, Executive Director, CYDA, said they had completed a needs-based assessment survey and proposed a wide array of interventions at the sanctuary. 'It is a moderately long trek, and the survey also noted that there were no benches. There was also a need to install protective gates and solar lights,' Prasad Zaware, Community Engagement Officer, Microsoft, also observed. Facilities for both wildlife and tourists will be set up, which include drinking water blocks. 'Sanitation blocks will also be constructed apart from managing plastic waste by installing dustbins and bottle crushers,' Jadhav said. 'This collaboration marks a meaningful step towards participatory conservation and the integration of nature-based solutions to combat climate and biodiversity challenges,' Chavan said. Srichandana Nagoji, Community Affairs Lead (India and Kuala Lumpur), Microsoft, added that their partnership not only targets ecological restoration but also builds awareness and engagement with local stakeholders and visitors. 'Microsoft is committed to supporting projects that address global challenges like climate change and biodiversity conservation through localised, community-driven efforts,' Nagoji said, adding that the project aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. Anuradha Mascarenhas is a journalist with The Indian Express and is based in Pune. A senior editor, Anuradha writes on health, research developments in the field of science and environment and takes keen interest in covering women's issues. With a career spanning over 25 years, Anuradha has also led teams and often coordinated the edition. ... Read More
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Health
- New Indian Express
Food safety department holds awareness meetings with fast food sellers in Coimbatore
COIMBATORE: In response to complaints regarding the sale of banned raw egg mayonnaise, and to clear the confusion about which types of mayonnaise are permitted, the food safety department in Coimbatore conducted a meeting with fast food sellers on Wednesday. The meeting was aimed at addressing food safety concerns, particularly the risks of food poisoning. FSSAI designated officer for Coimbatore district Dr T Anuradha said, "Many sellers lack clarity about the ban on raw egg mayonnaise. During this meeting, we informed them about the ban and recommended alternative varieties such as mayonnaise made with pasteurized eggs and vegetarian ingredients. Even vegetarian mayonnaise must be handled and stored according to safety protocols. We urged everyone to use fresh mayonnaise that does not contain raw eggs." Dr Anuradha also said the participants received training on essential safety and standard measures within the food industry, including the importance of proper waste disposal, pest control, and obtaining medical certificates for food handlers. She warned that businesses that do not possess an FSSAI licence may face fines of up to Rs 10 lakh and possible suspension of operations. Further, she said there are around 5,000 to 6,000 fast food shops operating in Coimbatore district, most of which licenced. 'This programme is set to cover these establishments zone by zone. We have five zones in the city and 11 blocks in the rural district. On Tuesday, we covered two zones, and the remaining areas will be addressed in the coming days. We also hold sessions for Food Safety Training & Certification (FoSTaC), as well as licence registration and renewal camps," she added. The food safety department also plans to conduct similar meetings with hoteliers and suppliers of packaged drinking water.
Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Tribal girl aids CG in bagging bronze at nat'l softball c'ship
Raipur: A tribal girl from Chhattisgarh's Maoist-affected Bijapur district, Anuradha Kolasi, played a pivotal role in guiding the state to a bronze medal at the 43rd Junior National Softball Championship held in Chandigarh from May 29 to June 2. Anuradha, who played as a pitcher, delivered an impressive performance throughout the tournament, helping Chhattisgarh secure crucial wins. Several other tribal girls from Bijapur and Jashpur also contributed significantly to the team's success. The Chhattisgarh team started strong, defeating Himachal Pradesh 4–0 and Odisha 2–1 to advance to the Super League stage. In the Super League, they edged past Rajasthan 1–0, faced a narrow 0–1 loss against Telangana, and bounced back to beat Chandigarh 4–1. The team topped their pool based on run average, securing the bronze medal. The team included: Anuradha Kolasi, Pooja Korsa, Lakshmi Baghel, Asmita Marpalli, Rinki Hemla (Bijapur), Bholi Sahu, Reshma Sahu, Pallavi Sahu, Sushmita Jogi (Bemetara), Poonam Koparkar, Sneha Dhimer (Raipur), Shivani Yadav (Durg), Chandrakanta Bareth (Pamgarh), Shweta Xalxo (Jashpur), and Chandni Sahu (Kabirdham).
Time of India
4 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Tribal girl from Chhattisgarh's Maoist-affected Bijapur leads state to bronze at Junior National Softball Championship
RAIPUR: A tribal girl from Chhattisgarh's Maoist-affected Bijapur district, Anuradha Kolasi, played a pivotal role in guiding the state to a bronze medal at the 43rd Junior National Softball Championship held in Chandigarh from May 29 to June 2. Anuradha, who played as a pitcher, delivered an impressive performance throughout the tournament, helping Chhattisgarh secure crucial wins. Several other tribal girls from Bijapur and Jashpur also contributed significantly to the team's success, showcasing the rising talent from remote regions of the state. The Chhattisgarh team had a strong start, defeating Himachal Pradesh 4–0 and Odisha 2–1 to advance to the Super League stage. In the Super League, they edged past Rajasthan 1–0, faced a narrow 0–1 loss against Telangana, and bounced back to beat Chandigarh 4–1. The team topped their pool based on run average, securing the bronze medal. In a tightly contested semi-final against Haryana, Chhattisgarh led for most of the game but ultimately lost 5–7, settling for third place. The Chhattisgarh girls' team comprised Anuradha Kolasi, Pooja Korsa, Lakshmi Baghel, Asmita Marpalli, Rinki Hemla (Bijapur), Bholi Sahu, Reshma Sahu, Pallavi Sahu, Sushmita Jogi (Bemetara), Poonam Koparkar, Sneha Dhimer (Raipur), Shivani Yadav (Durg), Chandrakanta Bareth (Pamgarh), Shweta Xalxo (Jashpur), and Chandni Sahu (Kabirdham).
Hindustan Times
23-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Hindustan Times
How Gen Z draws inspiration from Indian culture and heritage in decor, interiors: Hand-painted furniture to unique art
Is there anything better than coming back to a soothing and welcoming home after a long day of work? Soft bedding, well-placed seating areas, cushy rugs, soft, calming lighting and flowy curtains all create a layered and cosy look, but in an interview with HT Lifestyle, experts share how Gen Z is getting inspired by Indian heritage and seeking out work by local artists or choosing decor pieces depicting their culture. Also read | 5 trendy decor tips to incorporate Indian crafts into modern interior design Anuradha Aggarwal, interior designer and founder of Studio Olives Cre said, 'Mostly Gen Z and young millennials between 18 to 30 today are defining a new era of design in which modernity and cultural heritage blend so effortlessly. Their influences are multi-layered, borrowing not only from traditional craft, family tradition, and native art forms but also from international subcultures, social activism, and digital narratives.' Raghunandan Saraf, founder and CEO of Saraf Furniture, added that today's youth seem to be returning to their roots but with a contemporary touch. He said, 'It looks like they are not merely furnishing houses; they are narrating tales. Picture imperial wooden trunks with brass handles, antique swing chairs basking in the sun, or intricately carved jharokhas that frame modern walls. Gen Z adopts a new meaning of luxury, not by incorporating ostentatious items but rather opting for timeless pieces rich in tradition and warm appeal.' According to Anuradha, the Gen Z generation came of age with unprecedented exposure to the world via technology that allows them to rediscover heritage and reinterpret it in ways that are both personal and universally applicable. She said, 'Whether it is through reviving traditional textiles in high fashion, using vernacular architecture in sustainable design, or remixing folk elements into digital media, their aesthetic decisions are informed by a strong sense of authenticity, identity, and innovation.' While older generations tended to see tradition and modernity as opposites, Gen Z perceive them as complementary powers, Anuradha added: 'Their own design vocabulary typically addresses different levels simultaneously — minimalist but heavily symbolic, place-bound but cosmopolitan. At the same time, digital environments, such as Instagram and Pinterest, are acting as visual libraries into which cultural memory and contemporary popular culture perpetually crash and recompose.' Anuradha said that today's generation is creating a world where the aesthetics are not only gorgeous but are also meaningful, grounded, and socially responsible. She said, 'Their creative work is heavily impacted by issues such as social justice, decolonisation, and climate change, challenging them to deploy heritage as more than just decoration but as a testimony of hope and pride.' Instead of the conventional glass coffee tables and plastic chairs, Raghunandan said youngsters are choosing 'hand-painted consoles, velvet upholstered diwans, and even classic four-poster beds'. 'Everything is understated yet sophisticated. It is not about overdoing the vintage vibe, but rather the gentle approach of mixing elements such as royal headboards with minimalist bedding and grand rosewood dining tables surrounded by sleek, modern chairs,' Raghunandan said. According to Raghunandan, the contrast of these elements creates a space that is 'personal and sophisticated'. 'It is about admiring craftsmanship and the beauty carved into every curve, and finding comfort in every corner. For Gen Z, furniture is no longer functional but something that tells a story, an expression of feelings, and deeply cherished memories. In turn, they are crafting homes that feel like history alive yet with a contemporary spirit,' he said.
