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Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Study reveals widespread microplastic presence in seafood along Vizag coast
Visakhapatnam: Researchers from the department of marine living resources (MLR), Andhra University, have detected widespread microplastic contamination across all examined marine life as part of a recently completed European Commission project. Their study of 100 specimens from 15 different species of fish, shrimp, crabs, and squid – each with edible value and sourced from various landing centres along the Visakhapatnam coast – revealed that microplastic particles smaller than 120µm (micrometre) were consistently found in greater quantities across all analysed tissues of these marine life, including muscle, liver, digestive tract, gonads, and kidney. The most commonly identified plastics included polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, nylon, polypropylene, and polystyrene, alongside other materials such as latex and polycarbonate. Two Indian universities, including Andhra University and the University of Kerala, participated in the EcoMarine project of the European Commission, which spans multiple countries across various continents, including Germany, Greece, Spain, and Malaysia. A compilation of scientific findings from the marine monitoring labs at these institutions was recently published online. Prof P Janakiram, Dr K Umadevi, S Geetha, and D Chandrasekhar contributed to the study from the department of MLR at Andhra University. In lower trophic-level organisms, microplastics mimic prey due to their minute size, leading to unintentional ingestion. Once consumed, these particles travel up the food chain, increasing their bioavailability within the ecosystem. For instance, microplastics transition from algae to zooplankton, then to fish, eventually entering the human food chain through seafood consumption. Leaching chemicals from plastic additives and monomers have been linked to endocrine disruption and carcinogenesis in humans. Upon exposure, microplastics can accumulate in human tissues and organs, potentially altering immune responses or leading to other clinical complications. Speaking to TOI, Prof P Janakiram, principal investigator of the EcoMarine project, said: "While the detrimental health effects of microplastics are well established, their precise impact requires further investigation. The medical fraternity can conduct extensive research to determine the exact pathways through which microplastics enter biological systems and the extent of their adverse effects on human health. " A separate study conducted by the same research team from the department of MLR has also revealed extensive plastic contamination in water samples collected from seven locations along the Visakhapatnam coast, including Kailasagiri, Rushikonda, Pedda Rushikonda, Bheemili, Pandurangapuram, the inner harbour of Visakhapatnam port, and jetty No. 11 (fishing harbour). According to Prof Janakiram, Dr Umadevi, S Geetha, and D Chandrasekhar, water samples were taken from both surface water and a depth of 10 metres. Gravimetric assessment and FTIR spectroscopy identified polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, and polypropylene as the most commonly detected plastic compositions in both surface and deeper water. The presence of these polymers is largely attributed to industrial activities around the Visakhapatnam industrial zone, as well as the dissolution of plastic waste such as PET bottles and discarded plastic items due to human-induced pollution. Based on these findings, the study urges the Pollution Control Board (PCB) to implement stringent regulatory measures on industrial wastewater discharge to curb coastal contamination.
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Time of India
2 injured as neighbours fight over bite by pet dog
Ludhiana: A fight between neighbours over a dog bite left two injured, one on the head, at Talwandi village in Ladowal. A video of the incident has surfaced and police claim to have taken preventive action. Village resident Karmjeet Singh said that the neighbour's dog bit him and he asked him to tie it up as it had a health issue and had bitten many people in the past. He claimed that this prompted the neighbours and their accomplices to attack him and his friend, Narinderpal Singh. Karmjeet said that the assailants beat him up and pulled his hair. Later, he said that they came to his house and beat him up again. He also claimed that they abused his mother. The complainant's friend, Narinderpal, said that he tried to intervene but the assailants attacked him too. Meanwhile, a video of the incident, showing the villagers coming to blows, has gone viral. Karmjeet said that they filed a complaint at Ladowal police station. He requested that the dog be removed from the village and action be taken against the assailants. SHO, Ladowal police station, sub-inspector Gurshinder Kaur, said that police took preventive action to prevent further fights between the neighbours. She added that they would proceed after receipt of MLR reports. Police officials said that both parties suffered injuries and that the owners of the dog denied that it had any health issues. Clashes over dogs Feb 26, 2024: Daba Police filed a case against a man, his wife, and other family members for attacking their neighbours after a dispute over a stray dog. The man allegedly fired in the air outside the victim's house and threatened him May 11: Sadar Police filed a case against seven persons, including five women, after a family living in Bhola Colony on Manakwal Road was allegedly assaulted by their neighbour and his aides over defecation by their pet dog. MSID:: 121249419 413 |
New York Times
16-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Antoine Dupont, France captain, joins Rugby Football Club Los Angeles ownership group
France captain Antoine Dupont, widely regarded as one of the best rugby union players of his era, has joined the ownership group of Rugby Football Club Los Angeles (RFCLA). Dupont, 28, joins the Major League Rugby franchise with his company, Ouest Coast, and will guide the club's 'performance, branding, and commercial development' with the aim of growing the popularity of the sport in the U.S. Advertisement The French scrum-half joins the club ahead of a significant five years for rugby union in the U.S, with it set to host the 2028 Olympic Games, before the 2031 Men's Rugby World Cup, and 2033 Women's Rugby World Cup. 'Rugby is more than just a sport; it's a community with strong values,' Dupont said in a statement issued on Friday. 'Beyond competitive success on the pitch for RFCLA, I am excited by the opportunity to grow rugby's popularity in the States and establish an energetic hub of rugby culture that attracts players, fans, teams, and partners from around the world. 'Los Angeles is a unique place, combining the best of sports, entertainment, fashion, and culture – I can't think of any other place that provides such opportunities for youth development, high performance, and commercial success to go hand-in-hand.' Rugby Football Club Los Angeles is proud to welcome @Dupont9A into the ownership group of the franchise. MEDIA (English) — Rugby Football Club Los Angeles (@RugbyFCLA) May 16, 2025 Dupont is set to be sidelined for an extended period after rupturing his knee ligaments during France's 42-27 win over Ireland in this year's Six Nations in March. His nation went on to win the final match of their campaign against Scotland to lift the title a week later. The 2021 World Player of the Year has also led his club, Stade Toulousain, to four Top 14 titles — the top-flight of French rugby — in the past five seasons (excluding 2019/2020, which was abandoned due to Covid-19), alongside two European Champions Cup triumphs. Dupont's France won gold in the Rugby 7s event at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris with a 28-7 win over Fiji in the final at the Stade de France. 'We feel very privileged that Antoine has chosen RFCLA as the pathway to inspire new rugby players and fans and to join us in growing a global rugby brand,' RFCLA CEO Pete Sickle said. 'He is as dedicated to expanding the rugby community as he is to competing on the pitch and his vision for integrating the athleticism and core values of rugby will prove invaluable to building a bright future for rugby in LA and throughout the U.S.' ()
CNA
16-05-2025
- Business
- CNA
France captain Dupont joins RFCLA ownership in boost for US game
PARIS :France captain Antoine Dupont, widely regarded as the best rugby player of his generation, has taken an ownership stake in Rugby Football Club Los Angeles, the Major League Rugby franchise said on Thursday. The 28-year-old scrumhalf joins RFCLA's ownership group alongside his company, Ouest Coast. The move marks a significant milestone for rugby in the United States ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and before the men's and women's Rugby World Cups in 2031 and 2033 respectively. Dupont, who has been named World Rugby Player of the Year and captained club and country to major titles in 15-a-side and sevens competitions, said he was drawn by the opportunity to help grow the sport's profile in the U.S. "Rugby is more than just a sport; it's a community with strong values," Dupont said in a statement. "I'm excited by the opportunity to grow rugby's popularity in the States and establish an energetic hub of rugby culture that attracts players, fans, teams, and partners from around the world." The move is a coup for RFCLA, currently in its second season in MLR, a fast-growing league founded in 2017 as the first professional rugby competition in North America. The franchise sees Dupont's involvement as a catalyst for its ambitions in high-performance rugby and commercial development. "We feel very privileged that Antoine has chosen RFCLA as the pathway to inspire new rugby players and fans," said RFCLA CEO Pete Sickle.
Business Recorder
04-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
‘Nepra is delaying MLR on cold storage tariff decision'
ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) is reportedly sitting on a Motion for Leave for Review (MLR) on its decision regarding tariff for Cold Storages filed by a citizen of Karachi as the decision of Nepra Appellate Tribunal has also put the Regulator in a difficult position in which the latter has been directed to rehear the case. Arif Bilwani had filed his MLR on December 30, 2024 under Rule 3(2) of the Nepra (Review Procedure) Regulations, 2009 against the decision in the matter of application of tariff category for Cold Storages. In a recent letter to Registrar Nepra, Bilwani referred to the issue wherein the Authority accepted his MLR after a lapse of eight weeks through a letter of February 13, 2025. However, since then, there has been no update or progress communicated by the Authority. Classification of cold storage facilities: Nepra faces legal challenges following decision of appellate forum 'It is difficult to comprehend the continued delay in scheduling the hearing, despite more than four months having passed since the acceptance of the MLR. Subsequent to the said decision of the Authority, the Ministry of Industries & Production, the Federal Cabinet, and the ECC have all formally recognised Cold Storages as an industrial activity. The relevant approvals, meeting minutes, and official clarifications were duly submitted to Nepra on March 05, 2025,' said Bilwani in his letter. He requested the Authority to conduct the hearing on the MLR without any further delay as Cold Storages are incurring significant financial losses due to the imposition of an incorrect Commercial Tariff—stemming from the flawed decision currently under review. In MLR of December 30, 2024, he referred to the Authority's decision which was made through a casting vote by the Chair, despite dissenting notes from two learned members, including the Member Legal. He added that this approach raises significant concerns about the fairness and rationale of the decision. In objections to the decision he referred to Section 5(3) of the Nepra's Act regarding compliance with Section 5(3) of the Act which states: 'The member shall have reasonable notice of the time and place of the meeting and the matters on which a decision by the Authority shall be taken in such meeting.' Arif Bilwani argued that it is unclear whether reasonable notice was served to the Member Tariff, whose input was critical given the nature of this issue. The Member Tariff actively participated in all prior deliberations on this matter over the last two years. His absence from the final meeting raises questions about procedural compliance and the validity of the decision-making process. He further stated that he had regularly attended Nepra's public hearings, including those held in 2023 for various Discos (PESCO, TESCO, GEPCO, and MEPCO). During these hearings, he had presented detailed arguments distinguishing modern cold storage facilities from traditional ones. Bilwani argued that modern cold storages, which use controlled temperature and humidity systems, provide critical value-added services to industrial and commercial sectors. These services play a pivotal role in food security, health security, and export facilitation. His recorded views on this subject are available with the Authority in audio/video format. Bilwani further maintained that the dissenting opinions of the Member Legal and Member Technical align with his arguments. These members articulated well-founded positions based on technical, legal, and global practices. Overruling such expert insights in favour of concerns about circular debt or subsidy implications undermines the integrity of the decision-making process. He also challenged the understanding of the Authority about the modern Cold Storage industry and its operations, saying that the Authority's reasoning in paragraphs 10–12 of its decision reflects a narrow understanding of value addition. Categorising modern cold storages as merely providing a 'service to grocery chains, food distributors, restaurants, and other retail businesses' disregards their complex and highly technical operations, he said. Modern cold storage facilities involve significant investments and employ advanced electromechanical processes to: (i) preserve the physical, chemical, and nutritional properties of products; (ii) extend the shelf life of perishable goods through precise temperature and humidity controls; and (iii) support critical industries like pharmaceuticals, where the controlled storage of active ingredients is essential for life-saving drug production. He said that such facilities are distinctly industrial in nature and contribute significantly to the economy. According to Bilwani, categorising modern cold storages as commercial consumers will increase electricity costs, disproportionately affecting industries relying on these services. Exporters, in particular, will face higher costs, reducing their competitiveness in both local and international markets. Another major sector which avails this facility is the Pharma sector which manufactures hordes of Pharma products including many life saving and other critical medicines whose active ingredients need specialized storage facilities which the controlled temperature Cold Storage facility provides. As the Pharma sector cannot take risk of any hurdle, shortage or scarcity of these critical active ingredients they always keep them readily available in bulk by availing the aforesaid facility. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
