Latest news with #DepartmentofScience
The Hindu
an hour ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Faecal coliform in Puducherry's Thengaithittu, Kuruchikuppam beaches exceeds safe limits
Levels of faecal coliform at Thengaithittu, Kuruchikuppam and Kalapet beaches in Puducherry have been found to be 10 times more than the prescribed safe limit, according to the Annual Environment Survey report 2024, released by the Department of Science, Technology and Environment (DSTE). The Puducherry Pollution Control Committee (PPCC) said the water samples collected from Thengaithittu beach, Kuruchikuppam beach and Kalapet beach in January, July and October 2024 showed high levels of faecal coliform at 1600 MPN/100 ml, which is far exceeding the permissible limit of 100 MPN/100 ml. MPN is Most Probable Number, an estimation used to measure microorganisms in water. Kuruchikuppam beach recorded the highest level of faecal coliform at 1600 MPN/100 ml in January, followed by Thengaithittu beach and Kalapet beach with levels of 800 MPN/100 ml during the same period. PPCC said the water level in three beaches did not comply with the Central norms of Class SW-II water - 100 MPN/100 ml (for bathing, water sports and commercial fishing). PPCC attributed the high levels of contamination due to release of untreated sewage into the beaches. According to N. Ramesh, Member Secretary of PPCC, 'Four Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) with varying capacities will soon be installed to improve the water quality and bring down the levels of faecal coliform. The establishment of 15 MLD STP at Dubrayapet and 11 MLD STP at Karaikal is nearing completion. The PPCC has also readied an action plan for restoration of polluted river stretches in Puducherry and Karaikal while a 3 MLD STP with Faecal Sludge Treatment plant has been planned near the Sankaraparani river in Puducherry. The Biological Oxygen Demand at Chunnambar stood at 9.4 mg/litre, 7.2 mg/litre in Kanagan lake and 8.8 mg/litre in Arasalar lake as against the standard 3 mg/litre. PPCC said the primary reason for contamination is the unchecked flow of untreated sewage from residential areas, which continued to affect the waterbodies.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Rachel Reeves to pump £86 billion into tech R&D - to research new drugs
The overall package, which will be announced as Chancellor Rachel Reeves sets out departmental spending plans on June 11, is expected to be worth more than £22.5 billion-a-year by the end of the decade Rachel Reeves will pump cash into research to find new drug treatments and longer-lasting batteries - as part of an £86 billion package of funding for science and technology this week. Local leaders will have the power to decide how up to £500 million per region is spent in their communities. And the overall package, which will be announced as Chancellor Rachel Reeves sets out departmental spending plans on June 11, is expected to be worth more than £22.5 billion-a-year by the end of the decade. The Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) said "every corner of the country" would benefit as local leaders are given a say on how the money is spent on leveraging expertise specific to their communities. In Liverpool, which has a long history in biotech, funding will be used to speed up drug discovery and in South Wales, which has Britain's largest semiconductor cluster, on designing the microchips used to power mobile phones and electric cars. The Chancellor said: "Britain is the home of science and technology. Through the Plan for Change, we are investing in Britain's renewal to create jobs, protect our security against foreign threats and make working families better off." Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said: "Incredible and ambitious research goes on in every corner of our country, from Liverpool to Inverness, Swansea to Belfast, which is why empowering regions to harness local expertise and skills for all of our benefit is at the heart of this new funding - helping to deliver the economic growth at the centre of our Plan for Change." Local leaders including Labour North East Mayor Kim McGuiness and West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker welcomed the package, but the Institute of Physics warned a longer-term strategy for science was needed. Tony McBride, director of policy and public affairs at the institute, said: "It's good to see the Government recognise the power of science and innovation to transform lives and grow prosperity in every part of the UK. "But to fully harness the transformational potential of research and innovation - wherever it takes place - we need a decade-long strategic plan for science. This must include a plan for the skilled workforce we need to deliver this vision, starting with teachers and addressing every educational stage, to underpin the industrial strategy. "We hope that the Chancellor's statement on Wednesday will set out such a vision." Universities UK said the Government had made a "smart investment" and academia would put its "shoulder to the wheel" behind the plans. Vivienne Stern, chief executive of the group representing 142 higher education providers in Britain, said: "The UK has a real opportunity to sow the seeds of long-term growth, benefiting all parts of the UK - with universities spread right across the country working with industry and public sector bodies to turn discoveries into economic success. "They stand ready to double down with government, building stronger links with sectors of the economy where we have real room to grow. "This creates good jobs and attracts investment everywhere from Swansea to Aberdeen, from Barrow to Plymouth."
IOL News
2 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
South Africa's Innovation Fund pilot phase shows promise amid challenges
THE Department of Science, Technology and Innovation recently briefed Parliament on the results of its five-year Innovation Fund pilot phase, revealing that 96 startups had been supported since 2020. Image: AI Ron THE Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) recently briefed Parliament on the results of its five-year Innovation Fund pilot phase, revealing that 96 startups had been supported since 2020 — but with glaring disparities in provincial representation and private-sector hesitancy threatening its scalability. Acting director-general Gugulethu Zwane, leading the DSTI delegation, framed the Innovation Fund as a response to the White Paper on Science, Technology, and Innovation, implemented through the Decadal Plan. Mlungisi Cele, the newly appointed director-general and former chief executive of the National Advisory Council on Innovation (Naci), emphasised the Fund's role in commercialising innovation. 'The Fund includes interventions aligned with the Decadal Plan's objectives, with measurable indicators to track progress,' he said. Konanani Rashamuse, DSTI chief technocrat, detailed the 'Fund on Funds' (FOFs) model, where government seed capital attracts private investment. To date, R265 million in public funds has leveraged R1.3 billion — a fivefold multiplier effect. Three FOFs have been established, including the High Impact Seed Fund and the Public Investment Corporation Technology Development Fund. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ However, Cele admitted that South Africa lagged behind Nigeria, Kenya, and Rwanda in venture capital activity. 'One of our goals is to scale up and position South Africa as a leader,' he said. MPs grilled the DSTI on stark inequities. Gauteng and the Western Cape account for 80% of funded startups, leaving other provinces underserved. The MK Party's Thembinkosi Mjadu demanded action: 'What measures will ensure equal geographic distribution?' Rashamuse pointed to the DSTI/EPF Tech Fund Venture Building Programme, targeting underrepresented regions, but conceded more work was needed. Gender transformation remains another hurdle. 'The venture capital industry lacks enough first-time female innovators,' Rashamuse acknowledged. Cele highlighted the Women in Technology and Innovation Programme, launched in March 2025, as a step forward. Rashamuse admitted high failure rates are inherent in venture capital but argued even a 10% success rate could yield a significant impact. 'We need a large enough pipeline to sustain failures while ensuring the successes create social impact,' he said. A major concern is private-sector engagement. Cele cited 'risk aversion' and 'lack of policy certainty' as barriers. Rashamuse added that stronger data transparency could rebuild trust. 'We must position the Fund as an attractive investment for the private sector,' he said. Meanwhile, budget constraints loom. Cele revealed Minister Blade Nzimande is lobbying Treasury for increased funding, noting South Africa's innovation budget pales in comparison to global peers. Despite challenges, Rashamuse showcased standout startups: Stone Three: AI-driven mining tech operated from Cape Town but deployed globally. AI-driven mining tech operated from Cape Town but deployed globally. Artisan Biomed: Precision medicine using DNA-based diagnostics for African patients. Precision medicine using DNA-based diagnostics for African patients. LignOrganic: Waste-reducing biomass solutions from macadamia nut shells. Looking ahead, DSTI plans to: Scale the Fund and assess the pilot phase independently. Boost youth and female participation through targeted programmes. Develop a digital dashboard for monitoring. Host the SA Tech Challenge 2025 in Cape Town to spur innovation. Chairperson Tsakani Shiviti from the ANC stressed the need for a 'coherent system' bridging grassroots entrepreneurship to commercial markets. 'We must close the gap between development and local product accessibility,' she said. The ANC's Vusumuzi Nkosi pushed for metrics tracking long-term social impact, while the DA's Natasha Mazzone called for expert-backed responses in future briefings. As the meeting adjourned, the message was clear: The Innovation Fund has potential, but without equitable distribution, private-sector buy-in, and sustainable funding, its promise may remain unfulfilled.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Pledges, awareness rallies mark Environment Day celebrations
Sapling planting drives, environmental pledges and awareness rallies marked the celebration of World Environment Day on Thursday. At an event hosted by the Department of Science, Technology and Environment and Puducherry Pollution Control Board at Gandhi Thidal, Lt Governor K Kailashnathan presented prizes to the winners of environmental awareness competitions and government departments and industries that excelled in promoting environmental awareness. Chief Minister N. Rangasamy, Speaker R. Selvam, K. Lakshminarayanan, Public Works Minister, Sharat Chauhan, Chief Secretary, Ashish Madhaorao More, Secretary of Science, Technology and Environment and Y.L.N. Reddy, Special Secretary participated. The Lt. Governor also administered the environmental day pledge to officers and staff at a function at the Raj Nivas. At the Chief Secretariat, Sharat Chauhan, Chief Secretary administered the World Environment Day pledge to officials and staff. S D. Sundaresan, Secretary to Government and Labour Commissioner, read out the Tamil version. At JIPMER, the Department of Horticulture led the celebration with a special mass tree plantation drive, themed 'One Tree for Jipmerite.' Arulrajan, Chief Wildlife Warden, Department of Forestry and Wildlife, along with Vir Singh Negi, JIPMER Director, launched the campaign. According to a press note, the campaign will be carried for a year. All employees of JIPMER will be planting one tree on their respective birthdays inside the campus using saplings supplied by the Horticulture department. In Cuddalore, NLC India Limited organised an event at the 'Golden Jubilee Park', which was attended by Samir Swarup, Director (Human Resources), M. Venkatachalam, Director (Power), Appakannu Govindarajan, Chief Vigilance Officer, and with senior officials, representatives of recognized Trade Unions, OBC Association, SC/ST & ST Welfare Federations, employees and the public. A 'Waste to Eco-Friendly' exhibition showcasing innovative models and concepts demonstrating how waste materials can be transformed into useful and environment-friendly products was opened by Mr. Swarup.
Business Mayor
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Mayor
Research heavyweights join Nzimande's working group
Professor Blade Nzimande, minister of science, technology and innovation. A 12-person working group will determine the implications of the US withdrawal of funding for key public research and innovation projects in South Africa. Professor Blade Nzimande, minister of science, technology and innovation, appointed the team this week. The move follows US president Donald Trump's decision to halt US funding to SA, amid allegations of a 'white genocide' and that Afrikaner farmers are being deliberately targeted and killed. In February, all US state departments were ordered to suspend aid to SA. The North American nation reportedly allocated nearly $440 million (R7.8 billion) in assistance to SA in 2023. In a statement, the department says the working group on science, technology and innovation (STI) funding will also analyse the current geopolitical risks related to STI and how SA should position itself to deal with the current situation. Additionally, it will propose policy and strategic responses to enhance the long-term security and sustainability of the STI system and the role of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation. 'The working group is expected to provide the minister with its first draft report within four weeks after assumption of the task, and the final report to the minister is expected on 30 June,' it says. The working group comprises: Dr Derrick Swartz: Nelson Mandela University – working group chairperson. Professor Ari Sitas, acting director of the Institute of African Alternatives in Cape Town. Professor Sarah Mosoetsa, CEO of the Human Sciences Research Council. Dr Mlungisi Cele, CEO of the National Advisory Council on Innovation, Professor Francis Petersen, chair of Universities South Africa. Professor Thokozani Majozi, president and chair: Academy of Science of South Africa. Professor Sibusiso Moyo, deputy vice-chancellor for research at Stellenbosch University. Professor Ntobeko Ntusi, CEO, South African Medical Research Council. Dr Fulufhelo Nelwamondo, CEO, National Research Foundation Professor Sibongile Muthwa, vice-chancellor of Nelson Mandela University SA. Professor Xolisa Mtose, vice-chancellor of the University of Zululand. Dr Thulani Dlamini, CEO of the Council for Industrial and Scientific Research.
