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Hans India
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
MP approves Rs 47 crore human-elephant conflict mitigation plan
Bhopal: To reduce the recurring conflicts between humans and elephants, especially in southern Madhya Pradesh, where these animals frequently traverse a specific forest corridor and raid farmland, rural properties, and houses in the state, the government has come up with a Rs 47 crore Human-Elephant Conflict Mitigation plan. The state cabinet approved the plan on Tuesday. As part of this initiative, local farmers and rural communities in areas prone to elephant encounters will be trained in effective strategies to handle sudden attacks. They will learn techniques to safely drive elephants away from farms and minimise losses related to crops, property, and livelihoods, Urban Development Minister and government spokesperson Kailash Vijayvargiya said. According to forest officials, over 150 wild elephants regularly inhabit the Bandhavgarh and Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserves. These elephants often migrate from neighbouring Chhattisgarh and enter human settlements, particularly tribal villages, increasing the risk of confrontation, crop losses, property damage, and safety concerns. The project combines traditional and innovative methods, including chili-based deterrents, citrus plantations, trip alarms, and bee-hive fences. Led by the Forest Department, it promotes coexistence by reducing conflict while ensuring both human and elephant welfare. A recent incident highlighted the urgency of managing this conflict. Six months ago, 11 elephants perished after consuming a fungus-infected Kodo crop, allegedly cultivated by farmers. In retaliation, an enraged elephant trampled two individuals to death. Following this tragedy, the state initiated discussions on implementing effective elephant management strategies. 'The state is implementing tech-based measures such as radio bulletins, WhatsApp alerts, and a dedicated control room to inform villagers about elephant movements and guide them on handling encounters safely,' the Minister said. The plan will also include the use of AI or satellite-based monitoring of elephant movements so that farmers can be alerted in advance. Additional elephant populations have been identified in the forested regions of Rewa and Shahdol divisions, further underscoring the need for proactive Conflict, Madhya Pradesh, Rs 47 Crore Plan, Elephant Mitigation, Wildlife Management, Forest Department
The Mainichi
12-05-2025
- Business
- The Mainichi
Tokyo stocks end higher on optimism over US-China trade talks
TOKYO (Kodo) -- Tokyo stocks ended higher Monday, backed by hopes for easing trade tensions between the United States and China following their first ministerial-level talks since U.S. President Donald Trump imposed steep tariffs on imports. The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended up 140.93 points, or 0.38 percent, from Friday at 37,644.26. The broader Topix index finished 8.59 points, or 0.31 percent, higher at 2,742.08. On the top-tier Prime Market, gainers were led by warehousing and harbor transportation service, mining and securities house issues. The U.S. dollar remained firm against the yen in Tokyo, rising to above 147 yen later in the afternoon, as the Japanese currency, seen as a safe-haven asset, was sold on receding fears of an intensified trade conflict between the world's two largest economies, dealers said. Tokyo stocks opened higher after China's official media reported that Beijing agreed with Washington during weekend trade talks in Geneva to establish an economic and trade mechanism. But they fell at one point into negative territory as some investors locked in gains following sharp advances on Friday, brokers said. "While details of the meeting remain unknown, the development can be taken relatively positively as there seems to be a conciliatory mood," said Makoto Sengoku, senior equity market analyst at Tokai Tokyo Intelligence Laboratory Co. Export-linked auto and machinery shares were supported by a weak yen, which increases exporters' overseas profits when repatriated.
The South African
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- The South African
SIX appeal: Mazda CX-60 3.3D AWD Takumi review
The Mazda CX-60 is not exactly a brand-new car. Due to the vagaries of global automotive supply chains, the one-million-Rand SUV has been around since 2023 in other markets. However, don't let that dissuade you. Because, as you'll see, this sophisticated family SUV might actually be worth the tall pile of cash needed to purchase one … Principle to the argument is Mazda's ever-evolving 'Kodo' design language. Genuinely, the Mazda CX-60 is something to behold in the metal. Cover up the badges fore and aft, and I believe it could pass for a similarly sized Jaguar, Alfa Romeo or Maserati even. It's handsome in a familiar, yet understated way. Like that person at a party drawing everyone's attention purely because they exude a quiet confidence. Try and tell me this couldn't be an SUV from Jag, Maser or Alfa? Image: Mazda Press This particular test unit is absolutely brand new, with barely 1 000 km on the clock when we began our road test. The Takumi trim adds premium touches like the 20-inch machined alloy wheels, wrapped in Japanese Toyo tyres, 360-degree cameras and a slick double sunroof. Beneath the bonnet of the Mazda CX-60 is its much-talked about party piece – a silky-smooth 3.3-litre inline six-cylinder turbodiesel engine with 48V mild-hybrid wizardry. On the move, this Japanese SUV has an uncanny 'BMWness' to it. Like Mazda's engineers went to Bavaria and kidnapped a BMW powertrain designer. Then engineered something even better … The result is an engine that purrs like a contented cat when you're cruising, but snarls like a tiger when you bury your foot and go for an overtake. The claimed zero to 100 km/h sprint time is in the seven-second range. However, tractability from 80 km/h to 120 km/h is simply exemplary. That's thanks to 187 kW and 550 Nm of turbodiesel power with that 48V get up and go. On the surface the cabin may seem a little bland, we call it intuitive and user-friendly. Image: Ray Leathern Climb inside, and you're greeted by what can only be described as a solid if slightly austere Japanese interior. As someone familiar with the great CX-5 and other classing-leading Mazdas, I think it's well judged. Ergonomically, everything falls easily to hand. However, new-money buyers courting tech-heavy Chinese cars might find the cabin a little 'old school.' Craftsmanship and fit and finish are top notch though. Japanese cars have a particularly good new-car smell. And despite being so new, there was not a squeak or a rattle to be heard. There may not be extra-wide dual touchscreens or a thousand ambient lighting themes that are so popular nowadays, but it's great place to spend extended periods of time. Likewise, true to brand, the Mazda CX-60 is unerringly practical. For our Southern Cape long-weekend getaway, we made full use of the 477-litre luggage volume and 1 148-litre utility space with the rear seats folded flat. The Mazda CX-60 3.3D AWD Takumi is the flagship model in the range, retailing for R1 085 100. Image: Mazda Press On the open road to the Garden Route, it's apparent that the six-cylinder turbodiesel sets it apart from its competitors. Interestingly, the Mazda CX-60 doesn't fixate on all the Eco gimmicks that are so popular nowadays. In fact, it's three driving modes are: Sport, Normal and Off-Road, that's it … Nevertheless, the 48V mild-hybrid system with i-Stop slips in and out of assistance with the subtlety of a double agent at a black-tie dinner. Only when you navigate to the powertrain energy display will you catch some semblance of it in the act. It's always helping reduce fuel where possible by switching off the engine completely, even on the move. The claimed economy is 4.9 l/100 km. But that's on a mixed cycle with a lot of stop-start driving. While our test route was mostly steady open road that returned a still impressive frugality of 6.5 l/100 km. Even more impressive is the mild-hybrid boost to aid overtaking when the battery is full. Let's put it this way. When passed many vehicles on the highway and only had to cede to one overtake. And that vehicle was on its way to compete in the Simola Hillclimb! 177 mm of ground clearance is sufficient for steep Garden Route driveways and occasional gravel travel detours. Image: Ray Leathern There's something pleasingly familiar and old-school about the Mazda CX-60. Perhaps this is because it's effectively a two-year old car. But during the test period it proved itself to have thoroughly premium tendencies. Nothing was out of place and it wasn't found wanting in any situation. Chassis balance is excellent, the steering feel is direct and well-weighted. And the ride quality, while firm, finds an excellent balance between comfort and sportiness. As mentioned, any number of premium brands could wish to build a family SUV as well as the CX-60. My only gripe is the size of the fuel tank. It must only be in a 40-litre reservoir (despite Mazda's own brochure). Because something as frugal as the 3.3D should deliver well over 1 000-km range, but we were out by 800 km. So, you'll be pulling into a forecourt more regularly on your holiday, but that's no hardship in this million-rand Mazda. Take a test drive and you'll see it delivers a genuinely premium experience that stands toe-to-toe with established luxury brands. The Mazda CX-60 deserves to find its way into many driveways – assuming those driveways belong to people who value substance over anything else … Mazda CX-60 3.3D AWD Takumi Price: R1 085 100 R1 085 100 Engine: 3.3-litre inline six-cylinder turbodiesel (+MHEV48) 3.3-litre inline six-cylinder turbodiesel (+MHEV48) Power: 187 kW and 550 Nm 187 kW and 550 Nm Fuel consumption: 4.9 l/100 km (claimed) and 6.5 l/100 km (tested) 4.9 l/100 km (claimed) and 6.5 l/100 km (tested) Performance: 0-100 km/h in 7.3 sec (claimed) and top speed 219 km/h Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
