Latest news with #Shika
News18
2 days ago
- Climate
- News18
Kerala celebrates Malayali New Year, marking the start of Chingam
Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], August 17 (ANI): Kerala welcomed the Malayalam New Year on Saturday, flocking to temples to offer prayers and celebrating the beginning of Chingam, the first month of the Malayalam calendar. Chingam, known as Kollam Varsham, is also being observed as Farmers Day, honouring the community's deep-rooted bond with soil and agriculture. This year, the Chingam festival is celebrated just 6 days before the commencement of Onam, which will be held from August 26 to September 5. Chingam, the dawn of the Malayalam New Year. For every Malayali, it is a day of new beginnings and fresh hopes for the people. Traditionally known as Ponnin Chingam (Golden Chingam), this season has faced two years of heavy Onam rains, yet people now look forward with optimism, believing this Onam will truly be a golden one. After enduring the hardships of Karkidakam, Malayalis eagerly await this day, stepping into the auspicious month. It is a time of harvest, when farmers reap the fruits of their care during the testing rainy from Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple and Pazhavangaadi Ganapathy Temple showed devotees flocking to the temples to offer their prayers, coming with family and relatives for their morning a local who visits the temple every year with family to mark the festival, told ANI, 'We come every year on this day. We start the day by visiting temple. I wish everyone a happy new year and a good life head"Shika, a kid who visited the temple, mentioned how the crowd swells every year at the temple during the festival month, with Onam fast approaching too. 'Chingam is auspicious day for every Malayali, as our festival season in nearing like Onam, I am blessed with Lord Ganesha. We wear traditional dress. We get so many visitors from outside country also," Shika told ANI. Malayalis welcome Chingam, the first month of the Malayalam New Year, with hope and devotion. As the state prepares for Onam celebrations, temples witnessed a heavy rush of devotees. (ANI)
Hans India
12-08-2025
- General
- Hans India
Kenyan farmers use bees, sesame to keep away marauding elephants
Taita Taveta (Kenya): For farmers in the Taita hills in southern Kenya, elephants are a menace: they raid crops and will occasionally injure or even kill people. Farmer Richard Shika, 68, has had some close encounters. 'One time, I was trying to chase away an elephant that was in my maize field, but it turned and charged me,' Shika remembers. 'It stopped when it was right in front of me, and I managed to jump out of the way.' He feels lucky to be alive. Almost exactly two years ago, local media reported that a 3-year-old girl had been trampled to death by an elephant in Taita Taveta county, her mother injured. The area where Shika has his farm is almost surrounded by Kenya's biggest National Park. The border of Tsavo East National Park is less than 10 kilometres to the east, and Tsavo West curves around to the north, west and south. The parks have always been unfenced, allowing animals to migrate. Increasingly, that puts them in the path of humans. 'The places and infrastructure that we humans develop hinder the migratory routes and paths which elephants used to take,' explains Yuka Luvonga, who researches human-elephant coexistence for conservation organisation Save The Elephants. Elephants eat about 150 kilograms of vegetation a day, so keeping them off farms is tricky, especially if forage is scarce elsewhere. 'Elephants are clever creatures,' says Shika. 'They will try touching a fence, and once they realise that it is not electrified, they charge through.' If farmers try to chase them off, as Shika did, the elephants will sometimes turn and defend themselves. Kenya Wildlife Service and conservation organiSations tracking human-elephant conflict estimate that 30-35 people are killed every year in elephant-related incidents across Kenya. Communities will sometimes retaliate by spearing or poisoning elephants, but there are other solutions, as farmers here have found. One of them is bees. 'Elephants don't like getting stung by bees, so they keep away from areas where hives are,' Shika says. With help from Save The Elephants, Shika is one of 50 farmers who have hung beehives from wires between poles around their farms. If an elephant touches the wire, the hives are rocked, disturbing the bees. It's an army of tiny security guards that keeps elephants well away from the farm. 'With hives acting as a fence, I can continue crop-farming and also earn a livelihood from honey,' Shika says. This year, he's made almost USD 250 selling honey. Changing crops can also make a difference. Elephants love maize and watermelons. But sesame? Blegh. Sesame plants produce a scent that actively repels elephants, so for 70-year-old Gertrude Jackim, swapping out maize and green grams for sesame was a no-brainer. 'Look at me, I'm aging, so I can't fend off the elephants or chase them away,' she says. She is one of 100 farmers who have been supported to adopt sesame seed production. The change was urgently needed, she says. 'Over the years, the elephants have become too destructive.' Farming practices that deter elephants – like beekeeping and growing sesame – have made coexistence much easier for farmers like Shika and Jackim. Conservationists hope that in the long run, this will win hearts and minds in an area where human-elephant conflict had reached worrying levels. 'We have to live harmoniously with these elephants,' says Yuka Luvonga from Save the Elephants, 'and to create awareness and sensitize the communities to change their attitudes towards the animals that we have.' Only then can both people and elephants here continue to thrive.
News18
12-08-2025
- General
- News18
Kenyan farmers use bees, sesame to keep away marauding elephants
Last Updated: Taita Taveta (Kenya), Aug 12 (AP) For farmers in the Taita hills in southern Kenya, elephants are a menace: they raid crops and will occasionally injure or even kill people. Farmer Richard Shika, 68, has had some close encounters. 'One time, I was trying to chase away an elephant that was in my maize field, but it turned and charged me," Shika remembers. 'It stopped when it was right in front of me, and I managed to jump out of the way." He feels lucky to be alive. Almost exactly two years ago, local media reported that a 3-year-old girl had been trampled to death by an elephant in Taita Taveta county, her mother injured. The area where Shika has his farm is almost surrounded by Kenya's biggest National Park. The border of Tsavo East National Park is less than 10 kilometres to the east, and Tsavo West curves around to the north, west and south. The parks have always been unfenced, allowing animals to migrate. Increasingly, that puts them in the path of humans. 'The places and infrastructure that we humans develop hinder the migratory routes and paths which elephants used to take," explains Yuka Luvonga, who researches human-elephant coexistence for conservation organisation Save The Elephants. Elephants eat about 150 kilograms of vegetation a day, so keeping them off farms is tricky, especially if forage is scarce elsewhere. 'Elephants are clever creatures," says Shika. 'They will try touching a fence, and once they realise that it is not electrified, they charge through." If farmers try to chase them off, as Shika did, the elephants will sometimes turn and defend themselves. Kenya Wildlife Service and conservation organiSations tracking human-elephant conflict estimate that 30-35 people are killed every year in elephant-related incidents across Kenya. Communities will sometimes retaliate by spearing or poisoning elephants, but there are other solutions, as farmers here have found. One of them is bees. 'Elephants don't like getting stung by bees, so they keep away from areas where hives are," Shika says. With help from Save The Elephants, Shika is one of 50 farmers who have hung beehives from wires between poles around their farms. If an elephant touches the wire, the hives are rocked, disturbing the bees. It's an army of tiny security guards that keeps elephants well away from the farm. 'With hives acting as a fence, I can continue crop-farming and also earn a livelihood from honey," Shika says. This year, he's made almost USD 250 selling honey. Changing crops can also make a difference. Elephants love maize and watermelons. But sesame? Blegh. Sesame plants produce a scent that actively repels elephants, so for 70-year-old Gertrude Jackim, swapping out maize and green grams for sesame was a no-brainer. 'Look at me, I'm aging, so I can't fend off the elephants or chase them away," she says. She is one of 100 farmers who have been supported to adopt sesame seed production. The change was urgently needed, she says. 'Over the years, the elephants have become too destructive." Farming practices that deter elephants – like beekeeping and growing sesame – have made coexistence much easier for farmers like Shika and Jackim. Conservationists hope that in the long run, this will win hearts and minds in an area where human-elephant conflict had reached worrying levels. 'We have to live harmoniously with these elephants," says Yuka Luvonga from Save the Elephants, 'and to create awareness and sensitize the communities to change their attitudes towards the animals that we have." Only then can both people and elephants here continue to thrive. (AP) GRS GRS view comments First Published: August 12, 2025, 09:45 IST News agency-feeds Kenyan farmers use bees, sesame to keep away marauding elephants 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.
IOL News
09-06-2025
- IOL News
Youth Month: Constable Shika's innovative approach to community safety in Limpopo
The SAPS in Limpopo said Constable Veronica Shika's innovative anti-bullying campaign across Westenburg schools has measurably reduced bullying incidents, creating safer learning environments where young minds can flourish. Image: SAPS From academic excellence to community transformation, Constable Mogalakwena Veronica Shika embodies the spirit of youth leadership that Youth Month in South Africa celebrates. Shika's journey began in the halls of the University of Limpopo, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Psychology in 2018, and Honours in Criminology and Criminal Justice in 2019, laying the foundation for a career dedicated to justice and community safety. 'Constable Shika's path to service began as a Crime Information Management and Analysis Centre (CIMAC) intern with SAPS from 2020-2021, officially joining the force as a constable on April 1, 2022,' said Limpopo provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba. 'What sets her apart is not just her badge, it is her unwavering commitment to preventive policing and community engagement." As a social crime prevention coordinator since July 2023, at SAPS Westenburg in the Capricorn District, Mashaba said the 30-year-old constable has become a catalyst for change. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Constable Veronica Shika interacting with some learners and parents. Image: SAPS 'Her innovative anti-bullying campaign across Westenburg schools has measurably reduced bullying incidents, creating safer learning environments where young minds can flourish,' said Mashaba. Coordinating over 30 youth crime prevention members, Shika has built a network of young leaders committed to community safety and positive change. 'Her coordination of one of the district's most active spiritual crime prevention programs demonstrates her holistic approach to community wellness,' said Mashaba. He said Shika's dedication extends beyond daily duties, with her mastery of the SAPS Code of Conduct, which she performed from memory at the official opening of SAPS Phaudi police station and the safer festive season campaign launch at Lebowakgomo last year, showcases her commitment to the values she serves. In her own words, Shika said she does not regard her policing work as a job but a calling. "For me, wearing the badge is not just a job, it is a calling. Success doesn't come from the uniform you wear, but from the integrity, courage, and discipline you carry inside it. The future needs strong, honest leaders and that leader can be you,' she said. Constable Mogalakwena Veronica Shika embodies the spirit of youth leadership that Youth Month celebrates. Image: SAPS As South Africa marks Youth Month, the South African Police Service in Limpopo said Shika represents the power of young South Africans to drive meaningful change. Provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has saluted Shika and other young police officers in the province, saying they prove that leadership is not about age, it is about vision, dedication, and the courage to serve with aplomb and distinction. 'Her story reminds us that every young person has the potential to become a community catalyst, a protector and a leader who shapes tomorrow's South Africa. Provincial police commissioner in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe Image: SAPS
Al Bawaba
13-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Bawaba
Egyptian footballer Ibrahim Shika dies after battling cancer
ALBAWABA - Former Egyptian football player for Zamalek, Ibrahim Shika, tragically passed away on Saturday after battling cancer. Shika's death was announced by his sister Batool on Instagram. The football player first sparked concern after posting a series of images on Instagram looking thin and tired next to his loved ones. In one of the posts, he thanked his wife, whom he calls "my pillar in life," for staying by his side despite all the odds. On Shika's journey to recovery, several Egyptian celebrities visited him to show support, including Mohamed Ramadan and Tamer Hosny. Ibrahim Shika's perseverance was evident on his 34,000-follower Instagram account, where he shared his therapy journey with fans by posting pictures of himself alongside his loving wife and family. His persistence in improving before passing away touched the hearts of many people on social media. Upon his passing, many fans took to Shika's official account and swarmed the comment sections with condolences. An Instagram user wrote, "Rest in peace, Ibrahim." Another added, "May your beautiful soul rest in peace and may God give patience to your family."
