Latest news with #Sejong
News18
05-08-2025
- General
- News18
What world can learn from Korea's 15th-century rain gauge
Seoul, Aug 5 (The Conversation) Droughts and floods are becoming more frequent and more severe across the globe. The cause is often rain — either too little or too much. The monsoon regions of the world, where societies have weathered cycles of drought and deluge for thousands of years, hold essential lessons about rainwater monitoring and conservation. In Korea, one such lesson dates back to the 15th century. In 1441, during the reign of King Sejong, Korea established the world's first official rain gauge (cheugugi) — a cylindrical copper instrument — and also created a state-administered rain monitoring network. This wasn't just a technical invention; it was part of a wider policy. On September 3 of that year, according to the Annals of the Choson Dynasty (a UNESCO Memory of the World record), local magistrates across the country were ordered to measure rainfall regularly and report it to the central government. This system represented one of the earliest forms of climate data governance and set a precedent for valuing rain as a measurable, manageable and fairly governed resource — a public good to be shared and respected. It also reflected a philosophical tradition in Korea of respecting rain not as a curse, but as a gift — one that must be understood, welcomed and shared. India too has a rich tradition of rainwater harvesting, spanning from the Vedic period and the Indus–Sarasvati Valley civilisation (3,000–1,500BC) to the 19th century. Throughout diverse ecological zones, Indian communities developed decentralised systems to capture and store rainwater. The archaeological site of Dholavira in Gujarat, for example, featured sophisticated reservoirs designed to collect monsoon runoff. Historical records, including ancient inscriptions, temple documents and folk traditions, indicate that these systems were not only engineered but also governed, with established rules for sharing, maintaining and investing in water as a communal resource. In some regions of India, every third house had its well. Although these practices declined during colonial rule, they are now being revived by local communities, government initiatives, and non-governmental organisations. The revival of traditional wells is gaining momentum, particularly in urban areas facing water scarcity. For example, in the city of Bengaluru in southern India, local communities and organisations are using age-old well-digging techniques to tap into shallow aquifers. These efforts are often supported by the state or central government, as well as specialists and organisations, including the Biome Environmental Trust, Aga Khan Trust for Culture, Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage, and the Centre for Science and Environment. India's current prime minister has also launched a campaign called Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain as part of a nationwide effort to restore and promote community-led rainwater harvesting. Reviving ancient wisdom In Korea, there's also been a resurgence of this ancient wisdom in modern contexts. Although urban initiatives like the Star City rainwater management system show promise, the movement towards reviving old practices like rainwater harvesting is still growing. Meanwhile, in Cambodia, the Rain School Initiative empowers students and teachers to manage rainwater for drinking and climate education. Rainwater is not just a technical solution — it is a cultural key to resilience. It offers autonomy, sustainability and hope. That is why we propose to establish UN Rain Day on September 3, in recognition of Korea's historical contribution and in celebration of global rain literacy. It is a symbolic date that reminds us how rain has shaped civilisations and how it can shape our future — if only we choose to listen to the wisdom of water. Designating international days has proven effective in raising awareness and catalysing global action. For instance, World Water Day (March 22) has spurred international cooperation and policymaking on water issues since its establishment in 1993. World Toilet Day (November 19) has elevated the global conversation around sanitation and public health. A UN Rain Day would spotlight rain as a vital yet often overlooked resource. This is something that's especially crucial for climate adaptation in monsoon regions and beyond. (The Conversation) SKS GSP (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments First Published: August 05, 2025, 11:15 IST News agency-feeds What world can learn from Korea's 15th-century rain gauge Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Yahoo
24-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
POSCO Enters Agreement to Supply Graphite Anodes for EV Batteries
POSCO's PKX unit, POSCO Future M, has entered into an agreement with a battery company from Japan to supply natural graphite anode materials. PKX's unit will produce the materials at its Sejong plant and supply them to the battery company for the manufacture of electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Through this venture, POSCO is expanding its global market presence. Although the partner, duration and scale of the agreement are not disclosed, the addition of a new customer helps diversify its customer base. POSCO Future M has been continually building expertise in the development of various natural graphite and artificial graphite anode materials tailored to the requirements of its customers. Its pursuit of commercializing silicon anode materials and forming a self-sufficient system for graphite ore and intermediate materials has been catching momentum in the global markets. POSCO Future M is steadfast in establishing a supply chain covering everything from raw materials to material production. This is in response to supply-chain diversification efforts and trade regulations in countries including the United States and the European Union. POSCO Future M will progress to broaden its portfolio and introduce differentiated technology to enhance competitiveness in the industry. PKX stock has lost 7.7% over the past year compared with the industry's 21.4% decline. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research PKX's Zacks Rank & Key Picks PKX currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Some better-ranked stocks in the Basic Materials space are Royal Gold, Inc. RGLD,Coeur Mining, Inc. CDE and Carpenter Technology Corporation CRS. While RGLD and CDE currently sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) each, CRS carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for RGLD's current-year earnings is pegged at $7.47 per share, indicating a 42% year-over-year earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, with an average surprise of 9%. RGLD's shares have gained 15.6% in the past year. The consensus estimate for CDE's current-year earnings is pegged at 69 cents per share, implying a 283.3% year-over-year increase. Its earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the trailing four quarters while missing once, with an average surprise of 136.2%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CRS' fiscal 2025 earnings is pegged at $7.28 per share, indicating a rise of 53.6% from year-ago level. The company's earnings beat the consensus estimate in each of the trailing four quarters. Its shares have gained 120.8% in the past year. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report POSCO (PKX) : Free Stock Analysis Report Carpenter Technology Corporation (CRS) : Free Stock Analysis Report Coeur Mining, Inc. (CDE) : Free Stock Analysis Report Royal Gold, Inc. (RGLD) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
South Korea says seeking extension to US 90-day tariff pause
SEJONG, South Korea (Reuters) -South Korea will seek an extension to the 90-day pause in U.S. tariffs that is set to expire next week, as negotiations are likely to continue past the deadline set between Seoul and Washington, a senior South Korean trade official said on Monday. South Korea's new administration held its first senior-level trade talks with the U.S. last week, and a third round of working-level technical discussions since the two countries agreed in late April to craft a trade package reducing U.S. tariffs before the U.S. 90-day pause ends on July 9. "It seems some countries will reach a deal by July 8, some might be granted an extension to continue negotiations, while others will decide if they want to continue negotiating under tariffs or not," the official told a briefing. "We will do our best to be granted by July 8 an extension to continue negotiations," the official said, adding that the U.S. is expected to make a decision on a further extension on the day. During the talks last week, the U.S. mainly raised issues related to South Korea's non-tariff barriers, as South Korea already imposes nearly zero tariffs on U.S. imports under a free trade agreement, the official said. Other issues of foreign exchange rates and defence costs are being discussed via separate channels, the official said. Some 28,500 U.S. troops are stationed in South Korea as a deterrence to North Korea and U.S. President Donald Trump has often complained about the cost-sharing arrangement. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Reuters
30-06-2025
- Business
- Reuters
South Korea says seeking extension to US 90-day tariff pause
SEJONG, South Korea, June 30 (Reuters) - South Korea will seek an extension to the 90-day pause in U.S. tariffs that is set to expire next week, as negotiations are likely to continue past the deadline set between Seoul and Washington, a senior South Korean trade official said on Monday. South Korea's new administration held its first senior-level trade talks with the U.S. last week, and a third round of working-level technical discussions since the two countries agreed in late April to craft a trade package reducing U.S. tariffs before the U.S. 90-day pause ends on July 9. "It seems some countries will reach a deal by July 8, some might be granted an extension to continue negotiations, while others will decide if they want to continue negotiating under tariffs or not," the official told a briefing. "We will do our best to be granted by July 8 an extension to continue negotiations," the official said, adding that the U.S. is expected to make a decision on a further extension on the day. During the talks last week, the U.S. mainly raised issues related to South Korea's non-tariff barriers, as South Korea already imposes nearly zero tariffs on U.S. imports under a free trade agreement, the official said. Other issues of foreign exchange rates and defence costs are being discussed via separate channels, the official said. Some 28,500 U.S. troops are stationed in South Korea as a deterrence to North Korea and U.S. President Donald Trump has often complained about the cost-sharing arrangement.
Korea Herald
25-06-2025
- Science
- Korea Herald
Sejong University earns global recognition, ranks third domestically
Sejong University has been ranked third among Korean universities in the recent global university rankings, which evaluated over 2,250 institutions worldwide based on research output and international competitiveness. The Seoul-based university placed 238th overall, following Seoul National University and Yonsei University, which ranked 122nd and 234th, respectively. The rankings were compiled by US News & World Report, an American publication that annually evaluates universities across 13 indicators, including research reputation, publication and citation performance, and the extent of international collaboration. This marks the second consecutive year that Sejong has held the No. 3 position among Korean institutions in the assessment, while rising three places in the global ranking from the previous year. Specifically, Sejong University ranked 38th globally for the proportion of top 10 percent most-cited papers, and 89th for the share of top 1 percent most-cited papers. Its level of collaboration with international institutions was also highly rated. Sejong also earned global recognition for its academic departments, with water resources engineering ranked 35th, mathematics 51st, electrical and electronic engineering 70th, and artificial intelligence 99th. Sejong University President Um Jong-hwa attributed the results to the university's longstanding focus on strengthening its research capacity and global engagement. 'This outcome reflects our commitment to a research-driven education model, continued investment in research, and expansion of international collaboration,' Um said. 'We will continue to grow as a leading global research university that delivers academic excellence and social contributions.'
