Latest news with #Impact
Time of India
3 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
Eastern Himalayas show highest black carbon levels; snow loss tied to biomass burning
New Delhi: Snow surface temperatures in the Himalayan region have risen by more than 4°C over the last two decades due to increasing levels of black carbon emissions , a new study by Delhi-based research consultancy Climate Trends has found. The analysis, based on 23 years of NASA satellite data (2000–2023), reports accelerated melting in areas with higher black carbon deposits, particularly in the Eastern and Central Himalayas. According to the study titled Impact of Black Carbon on Himalayan Glaciers: A 23-Year Trends Analysis, the average snow surface temperature rose from -11.27°C (2000–2009) to -7.13°C (2020–2023). The study found that regions with higher black carbon concentrations showed greater snow melt and reduced snow depth. The research attributes the presence of black carbon to emissions from biomass combustion, fossil fuel use, and open burning in the Indo-Gangetic Plain. 'Glacier melt is accelerating, threatening freshwater resources to nearly two billion people downstream,' said Dr Palak Baliyan, lead author of the study. Black carbon reduces the reflectivity (albedo) of snow, causing it to absorb more solar radiation and melt faster. Although concentrations plateaued somewhat between 2019 and 2023, the long-term warming trend is clear. 'Black carbon acts like a heat lamp on snow,' the report stated. Speaking at the India Heat Summit 2025, Dr Farooq Azam, Senior Cryosphere Specialist, ICIMOD, cited 2022 as the worst year for glacier mass balance, with Himalayan glaciers such as Chhota Shigri in Himachal Pradesh losing up to two metres of ice. 'Since 2022, glacial mass loss is four times higher than normal. With more temperature, glaciers shrink and more heavy metals melt into river water,' he said. Dr Azam also said that black carbon from the Indo-Gangetic Plain is carried by winds and deposited on glaciers. 'This darkens the snow surface, reducing albedo, and accelerates heat absorption,' he added. Some studies estimate that the additional radiation absorbed due to darkened snow is equivalent to 14–15 volts per square kilometre. The study found a strong positive correlation between black carbon and snow surface temperature and a negative correlation with snow depth, even when controlling for temperature, indicating a direct impact of black carbon on snowpack. 'Reducing black carbon, especially from cookstoves, crop burning, and transport, can offer quick wins for climate and water security,' said Aarti Khosla, Director, Climate Trends. The report advocates targeted policy interventions in the Indo-Gangetic region to mitigate black carbon emissions. Dr Azam added that signs of climatic impact are evident in increased avalanches, shifting agricultural zones, and glacier loss, including the near disappearance of Yala Glacier in Nepal. 'In 2022 alone, glaciers experienced up to four times the normal mass loss, equivalent to 2 metres of ice from Chhota Shigri Glacier,' he said. The report concludes that cutting black carbon emissions can yield short-term regional cooling and help slow glacial retreat.
Forbes
5 days ago
- Health
- Forbes
Yet Another Study Warns That Consuming Alcohol Raises Cancer Rates
Dr. Chinmay Jani, the chief fellow in Hematology and Oncology at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer ... More Center in Miami, led a study connecting drinking alcohol to coming down with cancer Before people in the U.S. in the 1960's stopped smoking in great numbers, they needed to hear how it caused cancer, not once, but in several studies. In 2025, the same thing is happening with research that shows that drinking alcohol increases the rates of cancer. The latest study 'Escalating Impact of Alcohol-Related Cancer Mortality in the U..S.: A Call for Action,' published in the American Society of Clinical Oncology in May 2025, reinforces what has been written about before: consumption of alcohol greatly heightens the chances of being diagnosed with cancer. The study was written by cancer doctors from the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami, Fl.. Indeed it cites that already the U.S. Surgeon General in January 2025 recommended adding cancer risk warning labels to alcoholic beverages, just as cigarette packets carry these labels. But the latest study uncovers new ground by analyzing mortality rates and showing that drinking alcohol not only leads to liver cancer, but to breast, colorectal, and lip-oral cavity cancer. The results revealed that in the U.S. from 1990 to 2021 alcohol-related deaths doubled. The 55-plus age group showed a significantly higher mortality rate than those aged 20-54. To improve this situation in the future, it recommended 'targeted prevention efforts, public health policies, and increased awareness to address the rising impact of alcohol consumption on cancer-related mortality.' Alcohol consumption is down, but negligibly. A Northwell Health report said in 2022 American's alcohol consumption decreased by 1.2% from the previous year. When Jurgen Rehm, a senior scientist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, was asked in a NY Times 'Ask Well' column which type of alcohol is least harmful, he replied, 'Alcohol is alcohol,' suggesting all alcohol is harmful. Here's what Dr. Chinmay Jani, the lead author of the 'Escalating Impact' study and a clinical fellow at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami, specializing in hematology and oncology, said about it in a Q&A. Question: This is the second or third study linking alcohol consumption to cancer and yet bars are packed, liquor sales are down but minimally. Why isn't the U.S. getting the message that drinking alcohol is dangerous? Dr. Jani: First and foremost, awareness is not there enough. This is the second or third study, and our study showed that drinking alcohol is linked to multiple cancers and not just liver cancer. Any time we want to deliver that message, we need more and more evidence. Until we have more evidence to deliver that message strongly, the awareness, even by the doctors, won't be strong enough., Question: What is the status of the Surgeon General's recommendation that a warning label be placed be placed on alcohol beverages? Dr. Jani: That gave us an idea to look into that data and that's how we did the study. There aren't enough warning labels on liquor bottles because people aren't receptive unless we create more evidence and do further studies. Question: Your study relied on mortality death rates. Why? Dr. Jani: First and foremost, that was the data that was available. Once we have the data, the next step is to do a prospective study, where we can see direct impact on the patients. Question: Based on this study, what would you recommend most people do about consuming alcohol? Dr. Jani: My main recommendation is that whenever you're drinking alcohol, it is a carcinogen, a chemical that can lead to cancer. The data is coming out more and more showcasing that alcohol can have a harmful effect similar to tobacco. Question: Would you recommend cutting down or cutting out alcohol? Dr. Jani: Cutting down on alcohol. We don't yet know the quantative impact of alcohol on cancer. We don't yet know the exact number of how much alcohol is safe to drink. Whether you're drinking every day or abstaining for 5 days, and then suddenly drinking, alcohol is harmful for you. Question: Stated simply, why does alcohol increase the chances of getting cancer? Dr. Jani: One mechanism is that alcohol gets converted into acetaldehyde, or is broken into different chemicals because it is a toxic carcinogen and damaging to the DNA in our body. Alcohol can also modulate hormonal pathways especially in estrogen and metabolism, which can increase alcohol's impact on cancer in females. Question: Most people who drink are considered cool, and most who don't are viewed as straight-laced or teetotalers. What's wrong with this picture? Dr. Jani: One thing I would say, healthy lifestyles is a boon to health. More and more people are becoming conscious of their mental health. All of these different addictions are extremely harmful to people. And with people who are health-conscious, the amount of alcohol or any other addiction is extremely low. Question: Smoking, for most people, is considered risky and dangerous and increasing your chances of getting cancer and reducing longevity. Should alcohol be viewed in the same way? Dr. Jani: When data came in that tobacco is a risk factor, it took almost a decade to get it out to the public. Hence, we need more data about alcohol's effect. Question: What would you tell your son or daughter about drinking alcohol? Dr. Jani: In our study, elderly people have 7 times the risk of alcohol inducing cancer than younger people. The more you drink, the effects will come later at older age. Question: The people who drink in excess like 3 or 4 beers or glasses of wine a night when going to dinner or a bar. What would you say to them? Dr. Jani: That you're inviting cancer into your life. Question: Bottom-line, what's your best scientific recommendation to people who can't resist drinking alcohol? Dr. Jani: Alcohol leads to cancer. I'll stop there.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Impact Instagram Account Was Started By Gen Z, for Gen Z. Here's How It Became a Crucial Source for News.
Photos by Marissa Alper; collage by Liz Coulbourn Teen Vogue' Stay up-to-date with the politics team. Sign up for the Teen Vogue Take In 2013, the summer after eighth grade, Tim Chau told Michelle Andrews they wanted to open an Instagram account. Something content-focused, something fun to work on while the cousins, who grew up close together in the Bay Area, were out of school. Thrown into the fits of tweenage boredom together, Andrews had only one recommendation. 'She told me to make a One Direction account,' Chau, now 25, tells Teen Vogue. And so they did. It quickly grew to 30,000 followers. This story is a familiar one for anyone Gen Z. Chau and Andrews, like most of our generation, have spent much of their lives online: Andrews mainlining the depths of Tumblr, Instagram, YouTube, falling down the rabbit hole of One Direction videos; Chau starting and running an increasingly complex network of Instagram accounts focused on different subjects that mattered to them — science, astrology, memes, growing each to millions of followers. But it wasn't until five years later, in 2018, when they decided to merge their internet prowess and focus on running an account together that covered social issues. Instagram activism was still in its nascent stages, thanks to the invention of the 10-image carousel with users creating pastel-tinged graphics to advocate for causes they believed in. This first account grew quickly to 400,000 followers. And in 2020, in the throes of the first COVID-19 lockdown, mass Black Lives Matter protests, and extreme climate disasters, Chau and Andrews collaborated on a new account, to share even more news and background information about topics they cared deeply about — an account called Impact, which now boasts 2.5 million followers on Instagram and has evolved into a media property in its own right with a team of 12 working on brand partnerships, IRL event appearances, and video, editorial, and social content. 'Impact was really born out of, for me personally, looking at the media landscape and then looking at myself,' Chau says. 'I am a queer person, I'm Asian, my parents are refugees and immigrants. And my stories, and not just my stories, but the way I view the world and the way media companies are reaching me, isn't connecting or resonating with me or my peers. Because of that, we wanted to create a media company that actually reflected the generation that we live in.' It was important for both Chau and Andrews, who now helm Impact's team as chief executive officer and chief content officer, respectively, to form a space where they could talk about current events in a way that felt true to how they consumed media, that is, online, unpretentious, and well-designed in a way that entices users to hit that repost button. 'I knew that there were people out there like me who wanted to be a part of these conversations in a way that felt accessible to them,' says 24-year-old Andrews. 'Through short-form, bite-sized content on the various topics, we found ways to connect with people and educate them in ways that are different from what we traditionally were taught.' Impact's coverage is broad, but the content is presented with a cohesive visual identity: bright colors, sans serif text, collaged images, and a moody grain. The account, recognizable for its kaleidoscope of news explainers and commentary-focused coverage, reigns supreme in the media diet for many Gen Zers. Chau says they've begun to think of it as a magazine for the people who never got the chance to enjoy the heyday of print media. With Impact, readers get culture, current events, and commentary all in one tightly designed package, like one would in a teen magazine, just adjusted for the Instagram-bred reader. 'I think a lot of it is informed by the platforms that we were on. Everything had that feeling and visual tied to it, and I think our generation just grew up with that being something ingrained in them,' Andrews says. 'The fact that [our account] grew so quickly really highlighted that this was a type of audience that people weren't reaching, and that's why we were able to grow so fast.' In the way that outlets like Vice Media and BuzzFeed allowed millennials to share millennial cultural and political coverage in a format that felt true to their generation, Impact is trying to do the same thing for the next age of internet users by letting Gen Zers talk about Gen Z culture. 'I think everyone at Impact is a big 'stan' and I think it's what makes us successful, because we get internet culture,' Chau says. Most of their team, primarily BIPOC women under the age of 30, came up online as Directioner forum personalities, Barbz account moderators, and K-pop alt account followers. This shared history gives the brand an intrinsic metronome to what feels best for their audience, what's cool, what's cringe, what feels more like a repost, infographic, editorial, video, or nothing at all. Medium is everything, of course. Both founders talk about 'meeting people where they're at,' the North Star of many media brands, who are trying to figure out how to communicate with young readers who are consuming their news on social media feeds. 'I think what differentiates us on social media is that shareability aspect,' Chau says. 'People on social want to perceive others and want to be portrayed in a certain way. We want to control the way that we are viewed, and through certain stories, certain aesthetics, your beliefs, sharing that on your platform that you have control over is how you can shape that.' For many, this is the code that needs to be hacked: how to approach young readers and their thirst for coolness without an air of, How do you do, fellow kids? But for people who spent their formative years hashtagging #follow4follow #shoutout4shoutout #f4f #s4s on their images of Louis Tomlinson and Harry Styles, it's a native language. 'Our generation has grown up on very external digital, social-facing platforms like Tumblr, Instagram, Vine, TikTok,' Chau says. 'A part of how you express yourself is through what you share and repost..… And it's the smallest things, right? One word can make or break the corniness level of the piece.' So right now, Impact is moving with their audience in whatever way feels best for their internal digital compass. Part of that is about bringing in more long-form pieces, simply because Andrews says they are trying to grow up with their audience. 'We now want to help them think more about their everyday interactions and consumption in a different light, rather than solely focusing on helping them understand certain concepts or certain issues,' she explains. 'That's the kind of information that we want to center.' The other part is that as fatigue over short-form prompts the reentry of long-form content once more (longer TikToks, the rise of Substack), there's also a desire for more nuance, especially as people who have been online for a long time grow up and demand more thoughtful conversations. 'They were first in high school or college, and now they've graduated college,' Chau adds. 'They're a couple of years into their career. They are growing in terms of how they view the world. It's not as cut and dry anymore. There's a lot more nuance to these larger decisions around life, around finances, around the entertainment they consume. And we want to be that launchpad for them to dig deeper into the things they talk about, things they care about, the things they're conversing with their friends about.' But their core DNA, which is focused on bringing clear, digestible, aesthetic coverage to Gen Z, by Gen Z, remains strongly intact. In a world where subcultures are crackling and shifting by the nanosecond, aesthetics are splintering into fraying threads, and old guard media companies are struggling to define their identity in the internet era, Impact seems to know exactly what voice it wants to have: 'Audiences are evolving, media consumption is always evolving, trends are always evolving, everything is always changing,' Andrews says. 'It's never always the same, and I think that's something that's really fulfilling.' Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue More great activism coverage from Teen Vogue: 'Young Activist' Label Can Be a Burden for Youth Organizers Economic Disobedience: What Is It and How Does It Work? The Jewish Teens Who Fought Back Against Hitler The 13 Best Protest Songs Of All Time
India Gazette
26-05-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Women Can Achieve Autonomy Through Financial Empowerment: Rekha Gupta, CM, Delhi at Women Leadership Series
OP Jindal University New Delhi [India], May 26: 'It is essential for women to be financially empowered. It is possible for women to achieve autonomy, financial access and become leaders by enhancing and increasing their own potential to reach a position which enables them to make their own decisions.' said Rekha Gupta, the Chief Minister of Delhi, at the inaugural lecture of the Women's Leadership Series titled 'From Access to Autonomy - The Impact of Financial Independence on Women Leadership'. The event also included Georgia Varisco, Chief of YuWaah at UNICEF, as a distinguished speaker and Vaishnavi Jain, Global Woman Foundation (GWF). The lecture was organised as part of the Women's Leadership Series by the Global Woman Foundation in partnership with O.P. Jindal Global University and the Centre for Advancing Research in Management & Law (CARML). 'We have seen in the past that 'power' was often associated with the primary earner in the family, as it was often men who had that role and women were dependent on them. This discussion is meant to show that path to women. As a leader, I need to assist women in our state towards that goal and strengthen their resolve. India has been enriched with social reformers who have supported the cause of women empowerment. We have overcome barriers like female infanticide and resistance towards widow remarriage or even access to education for women. We have supported the cause of promoting girls towards growth, progress and development. Today, women are rising in every field and this has not been achieved without a struggle and it has taken time to alter the social and cultural mindset. To make the goal of the Leadership Series a success, we need to collectively work towards removing impediments that curb the progress and advancement of women,' the distinguished Chief Minister said as part of the address. O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) and the Global Women Foundation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at advancing academic collaboration, research, and leadership opportunities for women. This strategic partnership is designed to foster the exchange of research personnel, facilitate live projects, provide student internships, and organize joint conferences, symposiums, and workshops. By combining JGU's global academic reach with the Global Women Foundation's commitment to women's empowerment, the collaboration seeks to create a dynamic platform for innovation, leadership training, and cross-sectoral dialogue. The partnership will also see the organization of high-impact conferences and symposiums, bringing together thought leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss pressing issues and share best practices. Workshops and leadership series events, such as this inaugural lecture, will provide ongoing opportunities for capacity building and mentorship, focusing on nurturing the next generation of women leaders. Lauding the pioneering initiative, Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, the Founding Vice Chancellor, O.P. Jindal Global University, said, 'As we discuss the impact of financial independence on women's leadership, our Chief Guest, Smt. Rekha Gupta, epitomizes the vision of women's empowerment by holding positions of responsibility and leadership. At the heart of a pluralistic, egalitarian, and inclusive society lies the issue of women's rights and how we contribute to their empowerment. We have witnessed extraordinary developments in the framework of legislative interventions, including the Equal Remuneration Act of 1976; the Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act of 2005, which advocated for equal inheritance rights for daughters; the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act of 2017; and, of course, the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act of 2013. Public policy plays a catalytic role in advancing women's financial empowerment, and the Government of India has undertaken significant efforts to advance the rights of women, including the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana; loans for SC/ST and women entrepreneurs; Mahila e-Haat, an online platform for women-led enterprises; the Mudra Yojana for women's micro-enterprises; and one-stop centres focused on providing legal, psychological, and economic support for survivors of violence. This event underscores the need to build a society where women are empowered to engage in meaningful employment and have a strong foundation in education. We must envisage a future where every woman can start her own business, own land or a home, and lead in politics, law, medicine, and technology--making decisions in courts, companies, and communities--not as exceptions, but as equals. Autonomy is not just about personal freedom; it is about shared power, structural change, and social justice.' In her introductory remarks, Professor Dipika Jain, Executive Dean of Jindal Global Law School, said: 'A woman who lacks control over her finances remains subject to the decisions of others--whether within her family, community, or workplace. Financial independence is not merely about having money; it is about the autonomy to make choices, the dignity to chart one's path, and the strength to walk away from violence, exploitation, or neglect. At Jindal Global Law School, we view the law not only as an instrument of justice but also as a powerful agent of transformation. Over the years, we have made a deliberate effort to foreground women's leadership--not just in our discourse but in our research, pedagogy, and institutional framework. We take pride in our numerous research centres led by women scholars, and 70% of our leadership positions are held by women'. Vaishnavi Jain, Global Woman Foundation (GWF) said, 'We are here to celebrate the strength, resilience and potential of women worldwide and it is our mission to turn challenges into opportunities and dreams into reality. At GWF, we are leaders, collaborators and decision makers. Our mission is to grow and learn together: be it mastering financial literacy, launching new ventures, climbing the leadership ladder or advancing careers. Our capacity building programme is here to support every aspiration. At GWF, we help women by fostering a sense of community through our various projects. GWF provides a platform for members to connect, inspire and work towards collective success and join our mission to create a safe, inclusive environment where every voice matters.' Giorgia Varisco, Chief of Yuwaah (Youth & Adolescent), UNICEF gave the keynote address and said, 'The effort in convening such a diverse and influential group of leaders, activists and thinkers reflect your unwavering commitment to gender equality and social transformation. It's a gathering where ideas, experience, and purpose intersect to remind us what is possible when we act collectively. Financial independence is not just about earning money, it's about the power to choose, influence and stand on your own feet and to lead. With financial independence comes a new role within the families and community. The shift from being invisible to becoming agents of influence is what true empowerment looks like. While progress is undeniable, there is still work to be done to ensure that every woman has a fair chance to lead. Women, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, continue to face barriers from limited access to formal financial systems, gender norms, or limited mobility.' Prof. (Dr.) Manmeet Kaur, Associate Professor at Jindal Global Law School, highlighted that the theme 'From Access to Autonomy: The Impact of Financial Independence on Women's Leadership' underscores financial independence as a powerful catalyst for women's empowerment, enhancing confidence, decision-making, leadership, and unlocking their full potential. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by OP Jindal University. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
The Courier
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Courier
'Other Murray brother' Duncan's 5 favourite places in Dunblane
Duncan Murray has lived in Dunblane all his life and knows his hometown like the back of his hand. No gallivanting across the globe (say to France, Australia or Wimbledon) for Duncan. He's Dunblane through and through. He's also fictional – the unfortunate 'other Murray brother' who couldn't play tennis, made up by Scottish comedian Chris Forbes. Judy Murray, mother of Sir Andy and Jamie, got in on the joke in 2019, and the result was so convincing, lots of people still don't realise it's a joke. 'Duncan' has gone on to perform live with Judy and become beloved in his own right. He may be a character but he's larger than life, so we at The Courier asked him to choose his five favourite places in Dunblane and tell us why he loves them. Duncan's first tip is to visit a certain postbox in Dunblane town centre. 'Just to be clear – no, I don't mean my brother's gold postbox on the High Street,' he says. 'To be honest I think the colour of that one makes it look a bit tacky. 'Andy's box gets enough attention as it is. I feel bad for the overlooked classic red wall box, which is just as valuable and just as useful as its golden counterpart. 'Sure, no one wants their photo with the older box, and it might not be as exciting. But I think we are both worthy of love. 'The postboxes are both worthy, I mean. I'm definitely just talking about postboxes.' A well-known lover of the arts and performing, Duncan has a special place in his heart for Rubber Chicken Theatre on the High Street. He calls it 'one of the most culturally and artistically important performing arts centres, not just in Dunblane, but in the whole world.' Duncan explains: 'Mum and I rehearsed here for our live shows. 'I think, in time, people from all around the globe will travel here like a pilgrimage, in the same way people visit Abbey Road or the Globe theatre, keen to get a glimpse of where such an iconic duo like me and Mum once graced the humble floorboards.' Yards away from Dunblane Sports Club, where Andy and Jamie first played tennis, Duncan forged his own legacy – at the Scout hall. 'I always loved my time here, even though being a Cub was much more challenging than I expected,' he admits. 'Some of the badges were practically impossible to earn. 'I managed to get my Home Help, Hobbies, and Collector badges, but I'm actually still trying to earn my Athletics, Community Impact, and Local Knowledge awards. 'Maybe this article will help me with that last one. 'Technically, as I'm still active in my quest for badges, I am the longest serving Cub in Dunblane history.' The lush, green Ochlochy Park is a hidden gem, particularly on a sunny day. 'I spent a lot of time in this park as a kid,' says Duncan. 'Mostly because my mum would drop me off here on her way to the tennis centre with Andy and Jamie. 'At first, they would bring me along to act as a ball boy. But once it became clear that I had no talent at catching, throwing, or even holding the balls (they're all fuzzy and feel funny), Ochlochy Park became my daily hangout. 'I loved wandering aimlessly, feeding the ducks, and chasing squirrels. 'I'd play my own games, like hide-and-seek and tig. Admittedly, harder to play by yourself, but at least no one was yelling about double faults and forearm smashes.' If you're a local, you've probably spotted Duncan in his final favourite Dunblane spot before. And if you're an M&S staff member, you've probably tactfully tried to get him to leave a few times. 'Sometimes I spend hours and hours in here and I don't even like tea or coffee,' he reveals. 'But if I wait in here long enough, sometimes I get lucky and see my mum pop in for her shopping, and then I can plead with her to come and join me for a catch-up. 'She often refuses at first, but eventually I wear her down with the promise of cake.'
