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Time of India
2 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
Meet the oldest whale that has survived the icey Arctic waters for over 200 years
The vast, icy reaches of the frozen south and north poles still remain largely unexplored, and amid these, far away from the noise and rush of human life, swims a creature older than most of our modern world in the Arctic Ocean. It's a quiet survivor and has been gliding through freezing waters for centuries. This isn't a tale from mythology or fiction, it's a true story about one of Earth's oldest living mammals. The bowhead whale, with its massive frame and deep ties to Arctic culture, is now believed to live for more than two centuries. This ancient swimmer has 'seen' more history than any human ever will. While human beings built empires, fought wars, invented machines, and explored the stars, it kept swimming, witness to the world's transformations from below the ice. A swimmer from the age of empires The birth of these animals is estimated to be around 1814, when Napoleon was retreating from Russia and James Madison was in the White House, making them about 211 years old. While humanity was just starting to build steamboats and hadn't yet invented the photograph, this whale had already begun its long journey through frozen seas. According to Australia's CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation), genetic research now suggests that bowhead whales may live up to 268 years. If true, these creatures aren't just long-lived, they're living relics of human history. 'This single animal has 'witnessed' the entire sweep of modern human history,' CSIRO scientists explain, metaphorically summing up the astonishing reach of this species' lifespan. Clues from the past The first major hint at the bowhead's extreme age came in 2007, when an old harpoon tip made with 19th-century technology was found embedded in a whale's blubber. This incredible discovery gave scientists a clue to how long these animals might actually live. Further confirmation came from a technique involving the whale's eye lenses, analyzing them much like tree rings to estimate age. Inuit communities in Alaska and Canada have long held that bowhead whales live extremely long lives. Their oral histories in the form of stories have been shared across generations, long before modern science caught up. Survival in today's world Despite their strength and resilience, bowheads now face new threats. The Arctic is warming. Ice is melting. Noise and traffic from increased shipping are disrupting their once-quiet home. According to the World Wildlife Fund, 'This predominantly Arctic species is associated with ice floes... Bowhead whales are capable of breaking through sea ice at least seven inches thick with their large skulls and powerful bodies. ' But thinner ice and warming waters may challenge even a species that has thrived for centuries.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
Waste to worth: Rural India's plastic challenge
The quiet rhythm of rural India paints a serene picture. However, beneath this calm, another reality is unfolding, less visible but deeply consequential. The rise of single-use plastics, once embraced as a marker of access is leaving behind a footprint that village ecosystems are struggling to manage. While 26,000 tonnes of plastic waste is generated daily, only 9% gets recycled (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation). Unmanaged plastics breaks down into fragments that persist in the environment for centuries. Urban India generates 38 grams of waste per capita daily, while rural areas produce just 5 grams. This sharp disparity has kept plastic waste solutions urban-centric — often overlooking the quiet but growing challenge in villages of India. Convenience-driven consumption has fuelled the rise of sachets and pouches accounting for 35% of FMCG sales from rural India. The widespread use of multi-layered plastic packaging for products like shampoos, biscuits, and gutka adds to the growing plastic waste burden in rural areas. A study by Pratham Foundation found that over 60% of rural households burn non-biodegradable waste, including plastics, releasing toxic, often carcinogenic fumes e.g., dioxins and carbon monoxide. When not burnt, its lightweight leads to littering fields and clogging water bodies. These micro-plastic contaminants seep into the soil and water bodies, finding their way into the food chain. Recognising the growing threat, the Indian government has undertaken a comprehensive approach to tackle rural plastic waste by strengthening policy frameworks, launching nationwide campaign to change usage behaviour, and allocating budgets for necessary infrastructure. The 2016 Plastic Waste Management Rules by the Central Pollution Control Board extended coverage to rural areas, assigning panchayats the responsibility to ban open burning and plastic littering; prohibit the use and manufacture of thin polythene bags (< 120micron) and promote eco-friendly alternatives. The Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) campaign drives behaviour changes to navigate the Indian population from a throwaway culture to a circular economy. Since 2020, the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) Phase II has been focusing on building rural waste infrastructure compost pits, segregation sheds, waste collection vehicles, and plastic waste management units. While efforts of SBM (Gramin) have brought in significant infrastructure; sustained impact depends on community adoption — a gap that persists in many villages. With limited awareness, that 70% of their waste is biodegradable, communities often see little reason to segregate their waste. Burning becomes the default, without the knowledge of its impact. The scattered nature of rural households leads to low waste volumes, making regular collection unviable. Moreover, the dominance of multi-layered plastics limits the optimum utilisation and revenue potential of large material recovery centres at the block level. Addressing these gaps requires local leadership, community participation, and innovative financing — factors driving several successful rural waste management models today. In Kaladwas panchayat, Rajasthan, a door-to-door collection system thrives through convergence with State Finance Commission funds. Likewise, Jeridih East, Jharkhand, sustains its waste management efforts via a monthly ₹40 household fee per household. An innovative approach, integrating technology is adopted in Shahzadpur Kanaini, Uttar Pradesh, where GPS-based tracking of waste collection vehicles complements a plastic shredding unit that recycles waste into road construction materials. The panchayat also runs a vermicomposting unit led by a women's SHG, earning ₹13 lakhs in 3 years, setting a benchmark for rural India. Building on the successes and learnings from these exemplary models, a multi-pronged approach is derived. A pragmatic approach that's anchored in culture, community, and capacity. Reviving traditional practices such as using stitched-leaf cutlery/banana leaves at rural events, can help reduce single use plastics. Equally crucial is fostering community ownership of waste segregation and collection. Awareness campaigns must inspire household to segregate waste consistently and encourage depositing it at accessible community bins. Panchayats, in their Gram Panchayat Development Plans must include budgets to install waste infrastructure like bins and sorting sheds encouraging effective waste management. For these approaches to take root, the primary step is to equip local leadership with right tools and knowledge. Structured capacity building program can support sarpanches, village committees, block officers in translating intent into implementation. From generating awareness to making optimal use of available funds, targeted training can strengthen each link of the chain. States can also activate WASH training cell as suggested under SBM-G to institutionalise these efforts. Forward linkages are key to closing the loop. States need to collaborate with industries—like cement plants and road contractors to repurpose multi-layered plastic waste. Toll-free helpline can guide panchayats or block centres in strengthening these partnerships, turning waste into a resource and rural challenges into circular solutions. As India advances toward Viksit Bharat, it's incumbent to address the foundational challenge of rural plastic waste management. Sustainable progress can happen only when villages – where a majority of India resides — adopt effective waste management practices. This World Environment Day is a timely reminder to empower communities to reduce, segregate, and repurpose waste for building a cleaner, greener Bharat. This article is authored by Sangeeta Mamgain, core teammMember, School of Climate and Sustainability, Piramal School of Leadership.
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
Ultra rare 'Harbinger of Doom' fish washes up on popular tourist beach
A rare oarfish or 'doomsday fish' was found on a beach in Australia by a dog walker - and according to legend, the deep-sea species appearing on land is a very bad omen A fish claimed to be a sign of impending natural disaster has washed up on a beach in Australia. An oarfish - sometimes called the 'doomsday fish' - was found on Ocean Beach on Tasmania's west coast on Monday. The deep-sea creature lives thousands of feet below the surface of the ocean, and so is rarely seen by humans. In Japanese mythology, its appearance is seen as a bad omen, foretelling the later appearance of dangerous sea serpents or tsunamis. But Sybil Robertson, who was walking her dog along the beach when she spotted the nine-foot oarfish, said she was not aware of the apparent significance of her find at first. She was first alerted to its presence by a sea eagle, a bird of prey, which had taken interest in the washed-up creature. Ms Robertson, a resident of nearby Strahan, told the ABC: "I was watching a sea eagle flying around and I noticed it was coming down onto the beach and I thought, 'That's unusual, I don't often see them land on the beach. "I could see it was a long fish but I had no idea what kind of fish" "As I got closer, I could see the beautiful colouring around its head and the markings on it were fabulous." She snapped a few photos at the scene before later sharing them to a social media group called Citizen Scientists of Tasmania, where commenters identified it as an oarfish. Authorities were then contacted, and were urged to act quickly before more birds decided to feast on the fish. Samples were then collected and sent off to the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), an Australian government research agency. Earlier this year, the oarfish's unexpected appearance on a beach in the Canary Islands s parked a social media frenzy, attracting hundreds of thousands of likes and comments. Many referred to the Japanese folk legend of 'ryūgū no tsukai', which claims that the fish dwell beneath Japan's islands, only surfacing as an immediate portent of major earthquakes. Some even claim they surfaced shortly before the devastating 2011 quake, which left nearly 20,000 people dead. Voicing their fears after the Canary Islands sighting, one Instagram user commented: "Something bad is going to happen." Another wrote: "Usually, it means that an earthquake is coming when it appears to the surface of the water." And someone else penned: "Put that back and run, may be a tsunami coming." Despite the persistent myths surrounding the oarfish, a 2019 study by Japanese researchers said there was no evidence of any link between sightings of the species on land and tectonic activity.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
IoT enhances productivity, safety, and ESG compliance for the mining sector
Internet of Things, or IoT, describes the use of connected sensors and actuators to control and monitor the environment, the things that move within it, and the people that act within it. These connected devices serve a range of industrial applications, from inventory management to automated equipment inspections via the use of robots. Mining, as an industry, faces a range of challenges in the immediate future. Declining ore grades force mining companies to look further and further away from civilisation for mineral deposits, all while digging deeper to retain levels of output. This effect is twofold, as mining companies' productivity dips while employees must go further away for job opportunities. Mining also has a mixed reputation when it comes to the environment, as it is both an extractive industry, requiring intense regulation, but also one that produces critical minerals necessary for the energy transition. Additionally, mining remains an incredibly unsafe profession. According to research from Spain, the industry is 14 times more unsafe than other sectors on average. All of these factors have contributed to a significant skills shortage within the industry. According to a 2022 McKinsey survey, 86% of mining executives struggle to recruit and retain skilled workers, with the sector facing a potential deficit of 8,400 workers by 2026 in Australia. IoT devices have the potential to enhance safety, boost productivity, reduce expenses, uncover new resource deposits, and improve compliance with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, thereby addressing some of the primary concerns of mining industry executives. Furthermore, deploying automation technologies relies on IoT sensors that aggregate large quantities of data. While the global adoption rate of automation technologies such as autonomous haulage and equipment remains modest, it is projected that by 2030, half of the mining operations in Australia will be automated, as reported by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation. This shift is anticipated to mitigate Australia's impending skills shortage by reducing the number of staff in hazardous areas by 75%. Integrating IoT sensors and connected devices is essential to confront the extensive challenges the mining industry is expected to encounter. According to a GlobalData ICT spending forecast for the mining sector, IoT spending from mining companies is expected to increase from $5.8bn in 2025 to $8.2bn in 2027, with a compound annual growth rate of 17.3% between 2022 and 2027. The integration of sensors and IoT technology is enhancing environmental monitoring and performance in mining. These advanced systems are particularly effective in tracking tailings - residual materials from ore processing - by utilising IoT sensor networks to oversee their containment in synthetic ponds secured by tailings dams. This dual-purpose structure not only prevents the escape of tailings but also facilitates water recycling for processing, safeguarding local biodiversity, and monitoring emissions. For instance, Rio Tinto has begun disclosing detailed water usage data across its global operations while Teck Resources has harnessed AI to optimise water treatment processes, achieving significant annual savings. The deployment of IoT sensors around tailings dams allows for real-time surveillance of water contaminants and structural integrity, enabling swift responses to potential issues that traditional manual methods might miss. Additionally, companies such as VROC are leveraging AI to predict future dam conditions, enhancing operational planning. Beyond tailings management, sensors are also employed to measure greenhouse gas emissions, as demonstrated by Cognizant's collaboration with Orica to develop a digital platform for monitoring emissions reductions. Furthermore, satellite IoT technology is streamlining the collection of ESG data, providing real-time insights into resource consumption and pollution levels, even in remote areas. A recent Viasat study revealed that 86% of mining companies view satellite-enabled IoT solutions as essential for improving sustainability, highlighting the industry's commitment to enhancing governance and transparency through advanced technological solutions. Mining companies are increasingly prioritising safety through the integration of wearable technology, which plays a crucial role in mitigating risks associated with the industry. These wearables, which include smart helmets, watches, badges, jackets, and body suits, are equipped with sensors that monitor various health metrics, providing real-time data that can significantly enhance safety protocols. One of the most pressing concerns in mining is fatigue, a leading cause of workplace accidents. Traditional self-reporting methods often fall short, but wearables that directly measure fatigue levels can alert miners and operators when it's time to take necessary breaks. Additionally, the extreme conditions of mining can disrupt the body's thermal regulation, leading to unpredictable vital signs. Wearable technology can continuously monitor these vitals, allowing for immediate intervention in emergencies and ensuring that all personnel are promptly notified if a health crisis arises. Furthermore, these devices can include gyroscopes to detect falls and external sensors to prevent collisions, while also serving as asset trackers to keep tabs on employee locations. For instance, Beacon Trax's sensors can warn workers of danger zones and provide updates during evacuations. Augmented and virtual reality glasses enhance training by simulating underground conditions, enabling safe practice without risk. The use of IoT sensors extends beyond wearables; autonomous haulage systems equipped with collision avoidance technology have significantly reduced accidents, with Caterpillar's Cat MineStar Command reportedly cutting mine site accidents by 50%. Drones also contribute to safety by inspecting deep shafts, ensuring staff are clear before blasting, and monitoring air quality to mitigate health risks from airborne pollutants. By employing real-time monitoring systems for particulate matter and predictive maintenance for equipment, mining companies can further reduce exposure to hazards and enhance overall safety on-site. Mining operations often face significant downtime due to various factors, including equipment failures, maintenance requirements, safety inspections, and adverse environmental conditions. This inactivity not only leads to financial losses but also disrupts production schedules. For instance, a recent incident at Impala's shaft resulted in a staggering 20% revenue loss and a three-month operational halt due to unplanned downtime caused by equipment breakdowns and urgent safety concerns. To combat these challenges, the integration of IoT technology is a game-changer. IoT enables predictive maintenance, allowing for real-time monitoring of equipment health through remote sensors, which helps identify potential issues before they escalate. Companies such as Anglo American and Vale have reported remarkable reductions in unplanned downtime - up to 75% - and significant productivity increases thanks to these advancements. Furthermore, IoT facilitates the automation of mining processes, enabling remote control of equipment and enhancing operational efficiency. For example, autonomous trucks powered by IoT technology can operate continuously, eliminating human error and improving productivity by 15% to 30%. "IoT enhances productivity, safety, and ESG compliance for the mining sector" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Miami Herald
13-05-2025
- Science
- Miami Herald
Deep-sea creature with ‘massive eyes' discovered in canyon. It's a new species
Thousands of feet below the surface of the Indian Ocean, a reddish sea creature with 'massive eyes' used its 'long' arms to move through the water. Something approached the deep-sea animals, caught it and pulled it toward the surface. Aboard a research vessel, scientists looked at their catch. It turned out to be a new species. Researchers set out on the RV Investigator for a monthlong expedition in late 2022 to survey the seabed and document the deep sea biodiversity off the western coast of Australia, according to Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), the organization that led the project. During the trip, researchers collected five unfamiliar-looking octopuses and later showed them to Tristan Verhoeff, a marine biologist, according to a study published May 12 in the peer-reviewed Australian Journal of Taxonomy. Verhoeff took a closer look at the octopuses, compared them with known species and soon realized they'd discovered a new species: Opisthoteuthis carnarvonensis, or the Carnarvon flapjack octopus. Carnarvon flapjack octopuses can reach about 7.5 inches in length but shrink after being preserved, the study said. They are 'gelatinous' with a 'dome-like' body and eight 'thick, relatively long' arms with dozens of suckers. Their heads have 'very large' eyes and 'small' fins. Photos show the new species and its 'dark brown-red' coloring. Some pale 'unpigmented' spots dot its body, the study said. Much about the lifestyle of Carnarvon flapjack octopuses remains unknown. The octopuses likely live near the seafloor and were found in an underwater canyon at depths of about 3,400 to 5,000 feet, the study said. A 2022 news release from CSIRO shows the research vessel that collected the new species. Verhoeff named the new species after the Carnarvon Canyon Marine Park where it was first discovered. So far, Carnarvon flapjack octopuses have only been found in a small region off the northwestern coast of Australia, the study said. The new species was identified by its internal anatomy, reproductive system, arm suckers and other subtle physical features, Verhoeff said. The study did not include a DNA analysis of the new species. 'The waters around Australia and New Zealand, and the Pacific Ocean more broadly, host a high diversity of flapjack octopods, though this diversity remained largely undocumented until recently,' Verhoeff said.
