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Boston Globe
05-08-2025
- Boston Globe
CCRI saw a ‘breakdown' in communication during incident with armed man on Lincoln, R.I., campus, review finds
Related : Advertisement The Get Rhode Map A weekday briefing from veteran Rhode Island reporters, focused on the things that matter most in the Ocean State. Enter Email Sign Up According to the report, on March 6, a dispute between two men aboard a Rhode Island Public Transit Authority bus en route to the Flanagan Campus in Lincoln escalated when one passenger brandished a small knife and retrieved a 'black object resembling a handgun' from a backpack that he placed in his waistband. The RIPTA bus driver reported the incident to RIPTA dispatch, who then notified both CCRI police and Lincoln police, although no firearm was mentioned at that time, the report states. The suspect exited the bus and entered the campus before authorities arrived at the bus stop, according to the report. Advertisement An an alert was issued through the college's mass communication systems ALERTUS/RAVEto the CCRI community, which included a report of a 'lockdown at the Warwick campus,' the report states. A corrected alert was issued 2 minutes later, clarifying the lockdown was only for the Lincoln campus and reporting a 'possible suspect with gun.' The suspect, later identified by Lincoln police as Junior Sage of Woonsocket, was later arrested without incident as he exited a building on campus, officials wrote in the report. Police recovered an airsoft-style pistol and two small pocket knives from Sage, No injuries were reported. The 'After Action Review' identified several communications issues during the response to the incident, including 'inconsistent radio contact' between CCRI Police Deputy Chief Timothy Poulin and CCRI dispatch regarding the suspect's movements. Dispatch was also confused at one point about whether the suspect displayed a firearm, the report states. When Emergency Management Coordinator Sean Collins called CCRI dispatch to collect information for a campus alert, dispatchers 'appeared uncertain and under stress, relaying fragmented and incomplete information about the suspect and their location,' the report states. Dispatch also activated the ALERTUS lockdown button, which sent an alert to all CCRI campuses, with the erroneous message relaying a lockdown at the Warwick campus, according to the report. The misunderstanding prompted a student at the Warwick campus to call 911, reporting 'students are killing other people,' the report states. Warwick police responded with approximately 17 officers, and State Police sent 11 troopers to that campus, and found no threat. Advertisement Additionally, the review found an updated Emergency Management Plan was developed about a year ago, but has not yet received final approval. CCRI police had conducted several 'active threat response trainings' between 2021 and 2025, although a 'significant full-scale exercise' planned in January was canceled and 'an additional exercise planned for spring break was also cancelled,' the report states. Campus police also do not have firearms or TASERs, 'significantly limiting officers' ability to respond directly to active threat situations,' the report found. However, training provided during student and faculty orientations 'proved effective' on March 6, as 'many students and faculty took appropriate actions by locking doors, silencing phones, and remaining out of sight,' the report states. In her letter sent to the CCRI community upon the release of the report, Costigan wrote CCRI has already made public safety-related improvements, including the creation of alert templates to make sure messages are clear and campus-specific. Costigan wrote CCRI has also enhanced police training on those systems, is expanding active threat training for faculty, staff, and students, is creating new protocols for inter-campus communications and multi-agency response, and has initiated a feasibility study to 'assess equipping campus police with additional tools within the use-of-force continuum.' Costigan wrote CCRI 'will move quickly to complete the remaining recommendations.' 'Your safety and peace of mind remain my top priority,' Costigan wrote to the CCRI community. 'I am grateful for your resilience and cooperation as we strive to make our college stronger and safer for all.' Christopher Gavin can be reached at
Business Recorder
31-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Monsoon rains: boon or bane for cotton production and exports?
The cotton crop, often described as 'white gold,' remains a central pillar of Pakistan's agro-economy. As the 2025 monsoon season unfolds, concerns surrounding its effect on cotton production have resurfaced. The implications are not only significant for domestic supply chains but also for the country's export performance and broader economic stability. Each year, the same pressing question arises: will the monsoon rains rejuvenate the sector or bring further distress? Pakistan has set an ambitious target of 12.77 million bales for the 2024–25 cotton season, a necessary goal, given the country's reliance on cotton as a raw material for its textile exports. Yet the recent heavy and erratic rainfall in key cotton-producing areas of southern Punjab and Sindh has posed a serious challenge to achieving this objective. These rains, while vital in theory, have in practice become unpredictable and often damaging. Fields in districts like Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalnagar, and Sanghar have reported waterlogging and crop stress, which threaten both the yield and quality of cotton. In the 2023–24 season, Pakistan managed to produce around 8.3 million bales, well short of its 11.5 million bale target. The gap was largely filled by costly imports from countries such as the United States, Brazil, and India. This increasing reliance on foreign cotton has strained the national exchequer and added pressure to an already high import bill. The situation becomes even more alarming when considered in light of the textile sector's performance, which contributes over USD16 billion in exports annually, with nearly 60 percent dependent on cotton. A further drop in domestic production not only reduces value chain efficiency but also risks pushing textile firms toward production cuts or closure. Cotton is far more than a raw material; it forms the foundation of Pakistan's industrial employment, supporting over 40 percent of the industrial workforce and contributing approximately 8.5 percent to national GDP. A production shortfall translates directly into reduced ginning activity, mill shutdowns, and job losses, especially in rural communities. The broader implications of a weak cotton harvest are economic stagnation, reduced foreign exchange earnings, and disrupted livelihoods. Moreover, it hampers long-term investment in the textile industry, a sector where Pakistan historically holds a comparative advantage. In the face of changing weather patterns, experts are increasingly advocating for a paradigm shift in how cotton is cultivated and managed. The unpredictable nature of monsoon rains demands an equally dynamic and resilient agricultural approach. Climate-resilient cotton varieties that can withstand periods of excessive moisture or drought must be developed and disseminated quickly. Institutions like the Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI) and National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE) have a critical role to play in scaling these innovations, but they require timely funding, support, and interprovincial collaborations. Beyond seed improvement, infrastructure must also evolve. Poor drainage systems in low-lying areas mean that even moderate rainfall can destroy fields within days. Investments in canal rehabilitation, proper field levelling, and farm-to-market road networks are no longer luxuries but necessities. These improvements would not only preserve cotton output but also increase farmer confidence in continuing cultivation in regions prone to monsoon flooding. Another emerging concern is the increased incidence of pest attacks following rain, especially due to the humid microclimates that develop in waterlogged fields. The whitefly, pink bollworm, and jassid outbreaks have grown in frequency and severity, often resistant to conventional pesticide applications. Addressing this challenge requires the promotion of integrated pest management (IPM), biological controls, and early warning systems that enable farmers to act before infestations spiral out of control. Pakistan can take cues from neighbouring countries that have already implemented remote sensing tools and mobile-based pest alert systems for real-time decision-making. Farmers, particularly smallholders, face the greatest risks and possess the fewest resources to cope. While some pilot insurance schemes have been introduced in parts of Punjab, broader implementation remains elusive. A national crop insurance programme, backed by both federal and provincial governments, would provide much-needed security. Similarly, timely input subsidies and compensation packages during adverse seasons can cushion financial shocks and ensure farmers are not forced to abandon cotton for alternative crops like sugarcane or rice, which may offer short-term gains but longer-term ecological imbalance. There is also a need to address long-standing governance and coordination issues. Often, delays in announcing minimum support prices, poor seed regulation, and fragmented extension services leave cotton farmers exposed. The Cotton Control Board and Pakistan Cotton Standards Institute, if empowered and properly resourced, could provide a central role in quality assurance, production forecasting, and the harmonization of support across provinces. Consistency in seed certification, pest control guidance, and market facilitation can help stabilize the sector even under variable climatic conditions. Pakistan's textile exporters, meanwhile, are facing a tough international market where buyers are demanding not just quality but also traceability, environmental sustainability, and ethical sourcing. These demands are harder to meet when raw material is sourced through fragmented and unstable import channels. A stable domestic cotton supply enhances Pakistan's ability to meet international compliance benchmarks and reduces exposure to global price shocks. By producing more locally and efficiently, the country can maintain its textile edge in a competitive global market. Increasing the ginning capacity by producing weather-resilient cotton not only reduces dependency on imports but also ensures continuity for a sector that drives industrial growth and foreign exchange earnings. It would also help narrow the trade gap, strengthen the rupee, and promote rural development. Every saved dollar on cotton imports is a step toward macroeconomic recovery. It is critical that the government, private sector, and academia work together to develop and implement a cotton revitalization strategy. The required tools climate-smart seed varieties, digitized monitoring, improved irrigation, institutional alignment are already available. What's needed is the collective political and economic will to make cotton a top priority once again. Pakistan has the talent, land, and climate to be a cotton leader as it simply needs the infrastructure and policy support to match. We must utilize both our financial resources and intellectual capital to maintain the resilience of this sector. Despite facing adversity in the form of climate change and market volatility, there remains a significant opportunity to boost cotton productivity and restore Pakistan's rightful place in the global textile landscape. With timely interventions and a shift in strategy, we can rise to the challenge and ensure that cotton thrives, even when the monsoon does not behave. In conclusion, while monsoon rains remain essential to the agricultural lifeblood of Pakistan, their increasing volatility poses a critical threat to cotton production. The choice before us is clear: either we proactively adapt and modernize, or continue bearing the brunt of lost seasons and missed opportunities. By embracing innovation, supporting farmers, and strengthening institutions, Pakistan can ensure that its 'white gold' shines brightly again. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Coffee Research Institute aims to focus on scientific research
Chikkamagaluru: At a time when one of India's prime institutions, the Central Coffee Research Institute (CCRI), Balehonnur, is preparing for its centenary celebration, it adopted the motto India's Coffee Surge from Seven Seeds to Seven Lakh Tons. The centenary ceremony will be celebrated in Nov. The centenary celebration logo and theme were unveiled on Friday. Speaking after unveiling the logo, the Coffee Board chairman MJ Dinesh said that in anticipation of India's 100th year of Independence in 2047, the Coffee Board's primary goal is to achieve a leap from seven seeds to 7 lakh tons by 2047. As part of the centenary celebrations in Nov, the Central Coffee Research Institute in Balehonnur will release a new disease-resistant coffee variety, he said. The institute aims to focus on scientific research, farmer participation, and market expansion. Farmers participating in this initiative can benefit significantly, he noted. There is also an aim to enhance coffee value addition, which involves increasing production and reducing maintenance costs, ultimately securing better prices in the domestic market. Training on a diploma in marketing management is being offered at the research centre, he added. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Better hearing starts here Amplifon Book Now Undo Celebrating its centenary year, CCRI has launched its logo and motto through a scientific movement. Karnataka's coffee has its own history and culture, which needs to be passed on to future generations. To benefit coffee growers, the coffee museum is being renovated and rededicated. Coffee Board secretary M Kurma Rao highlighted that the Balehonnur Coffee Research Centre is a world-class research institution. Sixteen coffee varieties have been developed there, with Chandragiri being the most popular. It is everyone's responsibility to carry this variety forward for the next hundred years while increasing production with quality, he stated. Udupi-Chikmagalur MP Kota Shrinivasa Poojary mentioned discussions in Parliament to exempt coffee cultivation from the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Securities Interest Act, 2002 (SARFAESI). He met with commerce minister Piyush Goyal about this complex issue. After meeting finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, a temporary solution was devised to direct banks to halt forced loan recoveries and extend repayment arrangements for six months. Out of 800 indebted coffee growers, 500 settled their loans through a one-time settlement, while 300 are awaiting legislative relief. Discussions with ministers on this matter have taken place, he said. CCRI research division director M Senthil Kumar, Air Deccan founder and progressive coffee grower Capt GR Gopinath, Kodagu Growers Association president A Nanda Belliappa, All India Coffee Curers Association president AN Devaraj, Odisha Coffee Growers Association's Pradeep Kumar Mohanty, Indian Coffee Marketing Cooperative Society president AA Shiva, Karnataka Growers Federation president HB Shivanna, and others were present.
Business Recorder
18-07-2025
- Climate
- Business Recorder
Unicef alarmed by severe monsoon rains, floods
ISLAMABAD: Unicef said on Thursday that it is deeply alarmed and concerned by the severe monsoon rains and floods sweeping across Pakistan, which have claimed the lives of 85 children since 26 June and injured 162 more. In the past 24 hours alone, 22 children have died in Punjab, mostly from their houses collapsing under relentless heavy rains. In a statement issued here, Unicef said record-breaking heat of 48.5 °C has accelerated glacial melt in northern Pakistan, causing flash floods. Torrential rains have now triggered an emergency in Punjab and wreaked havoc in other parts of the country. As monsoon rains continue and waters rise, children face life-threatening risks from drowning and collapsing homes to spikes in waterborne diseases and electrocution. Climate change is making extreme weather more frequent and destructive, with children paying the heaviest price. According to UNICEF's Children's Climate Risk Index (CCRI), children in Pakistan face extremely high risk from climate change, with Pakistan ranking 14th out of 163 countries. Unicef is coordinating closely with the government and partners and stands ready to respond with pre-positioned emergency supplies for health, nutrition, safe water and hygiene to meet the most immediate needs of children and families. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Hans India
17-07-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Coffee Research Institute to unveil centenary emblem and motto tomorrow
Chikkamagaluru: As it enters its centenary year, the Central Coffee Research Institute (CCRI) is preparing for a series of celebratory events, beginning with the unveiling of its Centenary Emblem and Motto on July 18 at 10 am at the Coffee Board Extension Office in Chikkamagaluru. The event, organised jointly by the Coffee Board of India and the Central Coffee Research Institute, Balehonnur, will also feature the launch of Coffee Yatra Vastu Pradarshana 2.0, a thematic coffee exhibition tracing the crop's history, research, and contribution to the Indian economy. Representatives and stakeholders from across India's coffee-growing regions have been invited. Among the key guests are Capt. G.R. Gopinath, founder of Air Deccan and a progressive coffee grower, and Kota Srinivas Poojary, MP from Chikkamagaluru-Udupi and member of the Coffee Board. Notable tribal coffee entrepreneurs Vanatala Sandhya and Korra Savitri will also be present. Several coffee industry leaders will participate as special invitees, including K. Mathew Abraham (President, South India Joint Growers' Association), A. Nanda Belyappa (President, Kodagu Growers' Association), and Ramesh Raj (President, Coffee Exporters' Association). Presidents of grower associations from Kerala, Odisha, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Shevaroys, along with office-bearers of the Coffee Curers' Association, Specialty Coffee Association of India, and Coffee Roasters' Association, are also expected to attend.
