Latest news with #POPs
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Neeri's giant leap with Global South Network for eco sustainability
Nagpur: The CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) is set to establish a Global South Network to collaborate with institutes across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Middle East on environmental sustainability. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now A key focus of this initiative is to address critical challenges affecting these regions. In an exclusive interview with TOI on Wednesday, CSIR-NEERI director Dr S Venkata Mohan, an Abdul Kalam Technology Innovation National Fellow, emphasized the network's goal of tackling region-specific environmental issues. "The Global South faces unique challenges, and this platform will amplify our voice to address them collaboratively," he said. The network aims to create a charter, facilitating annual engagements across member countries to develop tailored solutions. "India represents a significant population, and our contributions will carry substantial weight globally," Dr Venkata Mohan added. NEERI also hosts a regional centre for the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), in partnership with the ministry of environment, forest and climate change (MoEFCC). The Stockholm Convention targets chemicals that persist in the environment, spread globally, and accumulate in fatty tissues, posing risks to human health and ecosystems. "We are developing methods to monitor and phase out particulate organic carbon (POC) and other POPs," Dr Venkata Mohan said, highlighting NEERI's role as a recognized regional centre. The Global South Network, an independent initiative, will strengthen NEERI's leadership in environmental research, fostering sustainable development across member nations. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Also, CSIR-NEERI is in discussion to establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in collaboration with IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute to advance water and wastewater treatment and energy recovery technologies. "A recent Sweden delegation formalized to drive Indo-Swedish sustainability goals," he said. The CoE, to be established at NEERI's Nagpur campus, will serve as a hub for innovative water management solutions, aligning with global circular economy practices. Last year, the Swedish Innovation Agency Vinnova commissioned IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute to conduct a pre-feasibility study for establishing a Sweden-India Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Sustainable Cities. The study was led by Rupali Deshmukh (Karangale), a native of Nagpur now based in Sweden, who serves as Country Manager for India and CEO of IVL India. IVL has now been tasked with hammering out a detailed feasibility study focusing on water, wastewater, sludge, and energy.
The Citizen
13-05-2025
- The Citizen
Aserie Ndlovu, Zodwa Mdhluli case: Three more suspects arrested amid wait for DNA results
The three suspects are expected to appear in court this week. Public Order Police (POPs) members at the Tshwane Police Training Academy on 15 June 2024. Picture: Gallo Images/Frennie Shivambu Three additional suspects have been arrested in connection with the disappearance of journalist Sibusiso Aserie Ndlovu and his partner, Zodwa Precious Mdhuli. They were apprehended in the early hours of Tuesday morning, according to the South African Police Service (Saps). This follows a public alert issued over the weekend, in which authorities asked for assistance in locating Thato David Madisha and Sello 'Skhalo' Uoane. Sibusiso Aserie Ndlovu case: More suspects nabbed The police have now confirmed the arrests of Madisha and Uoane. The two men, aged 24 and 43 respectively, were found at a hideout in Nokaneng near Rust De Winter, along with a third unidentified individual. Mpumalanga police spokesperson Jabu Ndubane confirmed that the three suspects are expected to appear at the KwaMhlanga Magistrate's Court on Wednesday. They face charges of kidnapping, hijacking, and house robbery. ALSO READ: Missing KZN teen recounts alleged abduction after two-week ordeal National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola praised both the investigative team and members of the public for their role in the arrests. 'We thank the people of South Africa, particularly Mpumalanga, who have assisted our investigating team in tracing these suspects,' Masemola said in a statement. 'The social media community must also be appreciated for sharing the pictures of these suspects far and wide. 'Together, we can do more with the cooperation of communities in fighting crime and apprehending dangerous criminals.' Investigation continues into Sibusiso Aserie Ndlovu's disappearance Mpumalanga Acting Police Commissioner Zeph Mkhwanazi echoed the sentiment, describing the arrests as a major breakthrough. 'We are utilising all available resources to uncover the truth behind what has transpired to the two victims. 'We are encouraged by the team's diligent efforts, which are yielding positive results,' he said. Mkhwanazi added that investigations remain ongoing, and police are committed to holding all responsible parties accountable. READ MORE: Police rescue two businessmen in Midrand after kidnapping ordeal The arrests follow the discovery of human remains near Rust De Winter, believed to belong to the missing couple. Forensic testing is currently underway to confirm the identities, with results still pending. 'A DNA matching process is already underway to match the human remains found with the DNA of close family members,' national police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said on Tuesday. Ndlovu and Mdhluli were last seen on 18 February, driving in a white Volkswagen Citi Golf. Total arrests rise to eight The total number of suspects arrested in the case has now risen to eight. Previously, five individuals were apprehended in various villages around KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga. They face multiple charges, including kidnapping, carjacking, house robbery, possession of suspected stolen property, possession of a suspected stolen vehicle, and drug possession. Among them is a 17-year-old minor who was released into the custody of his parents. The others remain in custody and had already appeared in court as of last week. READ MORE: Man allegedly holds ex captive for 13 days before she escapes The first suspect arrested in connection with the case, Samuel Mogongwe, was reportedly the last person seen with the missing couple before their disappearance. The 41-year-old was well known to the victims and their families, having worked as their taxi driver. The police have recovered two VW Citi Golfs, allegedly fitted with parts suspected to be from Ndlovu's vehicle. In addition, several home appliances, including a fridge, stove, and microwave, believed to have been stolen from the couple's residence, have also been retrieved.
Iraqi News
27-02-2025
- Business
- Iraqi News
Iraq launches $18.5 million project to tackle chemical pollution
Baghdad ( – The World Bank Board of Executive Directors has approved an $18.5 million initiative aimed at supporting Iraq's efforts to reduce environmental and health risks associated with Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and other chemical pollution hotspots. The Integrated Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and Chemical Hotspots Project is co-financed by a $13.49 million grant from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and a $5 million grant from the Iraq Reform, Recovery and Reconstruction Fund (I3RF). Recognizing the urgent need to address pollution, the Iraqi government has taken significant regulatory and institutional steps, including the passage of key environmental legislations and the establishment of monitoring and assessment departments within the Ministry of Environment. This new project will further bolster these efforts by enhancing policy frameworks, strengthening regulatory institutions, and building capacity for effective POPs management. This project represents a significant step forward in Iraq's commitment to sustainable environmental management and public health protection.
