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Kuwait Times
17-05-2025
- Science
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait Society for Geosciences eyes UNESCO Global Geoparks Network listing for key sites
Establishing geological parks aligns with sustainable development objectives KUWAIT: Chairman of the Kuwait Society for Geosciences Dr Mubarak Al-Hajri affirmed that Kuwait is home to several significant geological sites that are eligible for inclusion in the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network. In remarks to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Saturday, Dr Al-Hajri stressed that establishing geological parks in the country aligns with sustainable development objectives, serves as a potential source of national income, and supports the tourism sector. Dr Al-Hajri noted that listing local geological sites under the Global Geoparks Network is a strategic goal for the Society and a vital step in preserving the country's natural and cultural heritage. He emphasized that the initiative could be realized through cooperation with relevant government bodies. Explaining the nature of geological parks, he said they are geographically defined areas known for their unique and diverse geological features, and are managed comprehensively to protect their heritage while promoting sustainable development. These parks support education, tourism, local community participation, and job creation. Subiya geological site that mimics the surface of Mars. Natural laboratories open to students and researchers to study Earth sciences. An attractive site for visitors interested in nature, contributing to strengthening the local economy and raising environmental awareness. 'Geological parks serve as open-air laboratories for students and researchers to explore earth sciences, biodiversity, and climatic history,' he stated. 'They are also attractive destinations for nature enthusiasts, thereby contributing to the local economy and fostering environmental awareness.' Citing international examples, Dr Al-Hajri said many countries have successfully leveraged geological parks to reduce disaster risks and raise public awareness on seismic and volcanic hazards. These parks also serve as sanctuaries for rare ecosystems, helping to safeguard biodiversity. Outlining the Society's vision, Dr Al-Hajri described the project as a national endeavor that requires the collaboration of government entities, private sector partners, civil society organizations, and academic institutions. He highlighted the importance of incorporating cultural and heritage components such as traditional crafts, local cuisine, and community-led activities that support sustainability while protecting fragile sites from neglect or misuse. Among the sites identified for the initial phase of the project is Al-Subiya, which Dr Al-Hajri described as one of the most promising candidates due to its historical significance, links to the ancient Ubaid civilization, and its rich environmental and ecological diversity. He explained that the implementation process involves several stages, including evaluating candidate sites based on their geological, environmental, and cultural value; ensuring connectivity among them to form a cohesive geological network; and developing necessary infrastructure such as visitor trails, signage, and information centers. Certain areas would be open to visitors while others would be protected to maintain ecological balance. The plan also includes forming a multidisciplinary site management team comprising geologists, environmentalists, cultural experts, and tourism professionals, in addition to establishing monitoring systems to prevent environmental violations or degradation. Future phases will involve launching educational and training programs, organizing tourism-related activities, collaborating with international geoparks, and utilizing digital technologies to enhance site promotion and accessibility through media platforms. Dr Al-Hajri reiterated that the initiative reflects Kuwait's broader commitment to developing its tourism sector as a key pillar of the 'New Kuwait 2035' vision, which aims to diversify income sources and promote sustainable growth. He also noted Kuwait's readiness to host the 52nd meeting of the UN World Tourism Organization's Regional Commission for the Middle East next year, under the chairmanship of Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi. The UNESCO Global Geoparks designation, launched in 2015, is awarded to geographic areas with internationally significant geological heritage and managed under a holistic model integrating conservation, education, and sustainable development. The designation is valid for four years and subject to periodic reevaluation to ensure continued compliance with UNESCO standards.— KUNA
Arab Times
17-05-2025
- Science
- Arab Times
Kuwait has several sites fit for UNESCO Geoparks status: official
KUWAIT CITY, May 17: Dr. Mubarak Al-Hajri, Chairman of the Kuwait Society for Earth Sciences, affirmed that Kuwait possesses several significant geological sites that could be eligible for inclusion in the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network. In an interview with the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Saturday, Al-Hajri stated that geological parks are increasingly seen as integral to sustainable development strategies. They offer not only economic benefits but also contribute to tourism and the preservation of cultural heritage. He emphasized that integrating Kuwaiti sites into the UNESCO Geoparks Network is a strategic objective of the society, which seeks to preserve the country's geological heritage in collaboration with relevant government entities. Al-Hajri explained that geological parks are areas of unique and diverse geological significance managed under a framework that promotes both conservation and sustainable development. These parks serve as educational platforms, research hubs, and tourist attractions, fostering environmental awareness and supporting local economies through job creation and community engagement. 'These natural areas serve as open-air laboratories for students and researchers studying earth sciences, biodiversity, and climate history,' he said. 'They are also appealing destinations for nature enthusiasts and eco-tourists.' He noted that geological parks have proven successful in other countries, particularly in promoting disaster risk awareness and supporting biodiversity through the conservation of unique ecosystems. They also play a role in educating the public on the dangers of earthquakes and volcanic activity. Describing the society's vision, Al-Hajri said the initiative is a national project that requires close collaboration between the government and private sectors, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions. The parks would also showcase traditional crafts, local cuisine, and cultural activities, all aligned with sustainable development goals and aimed at protecting rare sites from neglect or misuse. He highlighted Al-Subiya as one of the primary candidates for the initial phase of the project. The area is rich in historical and environmental value, having once hosted the Ubaid civilization, and features diverse wildlife and ecosystems that support its potential as a designated geopark. Al-Hajri outlined a phased approach for the project's completion. This includes evaluating geological, environmental, and cultural significance; ensuring site connectivity to form an integrated geopark network; and developing essential infrastructure such as trails, signage, and visitor centers. He stressed the importance of identifying areas accessible to the public and those that must remain protected. The project will also require the establishment of a dedicated management team comprising specialists in geology, environmental science, culture, and tourism, as well as a monitoring system to safeguard against encroachments and damage. Development plans include creating educational programs, organizing tourism activities, and building international partnerships with other geoparks. Digital tools will also be used for promotion and visitor engagement. Al-Hajri said the initiative aligns with Kuwait's broader development goals under the "New Kuwait 2035" vision, which aims to diversify the national economy and promote sustainable growth. He noted that Kuwait's commitment to developing its tourism sector is further reflected in its upcoming hosting of the 52nd meeting of the UN Tourism Organization's Regional Commission for the Middle East, to be chaired by Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi. UNESCO Global Geoparks are defined as unified geographical areas of international geological significance managed with a holistic approach that integrates conservation, education, and sustainable development. The designation, introduced in 2015, is valid for four years and subject to periodic review.
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Time of India
Drug ring busted in Bengaluru after peddlers mistake engineers for police
Bengaluru: It was a textbook case of guilty conscience gone wrong: In a comedy of errors on the outskirts of the city, four drug peddlers from Kerala mistook a group of apartment building engineers and supervisors for undercover cops and tried to flee. In the melee, one of them leaped from the second floor of the building and ended up with a fractured the 'real' policemen entered the picture to ascertain why the four had tried to flee, they ended up busting a drug racket: 160kg of ganja, nearly 1kg of hydro-ganja, and around 800 grams of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) crystals — all worth over Rs 75 lakh — were seized from flat where the accused resided. A senior cop said the three suspects on the run are Sanju, Ubaid, and Rashid; the injured accused is Sachin Thomas, 25. All four are from Palakkad in high-voltage drama unfolded in a partially occupied apartment building near Anekal in Bengaluru Rural district Friday morning when a group of civil engineers and their subordinates inspected the unfinished apartment and were making note of the measures to be taken to complete the construction. The apartment project, spread across 18.5 acres of land, has 16 towers with over 1,280 flats. Bengaluru Rural district superintendent of police CK Baba said: "Since the apartment is semi-finished, a group of people, including engineers and maintenance staff, inspected the complex between 8.15am and 8.45am Friday. A person, who saw the inspection team and assumed them to be cops, alerted the accused stating police were on their way to their flat. The four peddlers, staying in flat number 109 on the second floor, panicked. Three of them managed to escape using the stairs and other ways, while one jumped from the second floor and ended up injuring his leg."The inspection team, who watched the accused fleeing, were baffled. Sensing something amiss, they alerted police, who rushed to the spot and detained the injured man. Cops seized 75 packets of ganja, totalling 160kg and loaded in two four-wheelers. Later, police searched the flat rented by the accused and found around 1kg of hydro-ganja and 800 grams of MDMA. Baba said: "The quality of the seized drugs is being ascertained. A case has been registered under NDPS Act at Anekal police station. Three special teams have been formed to nab the absconding accused. Further probe will ascertain how long the accused were operating and who else is involved." Drugs were meant to be sold in HampiA senior officer supervising the investigation told TOI that the drugs were procured from Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh and were meant to be sold to peddlers in Hampi in Vijayanagara district. They had loaded the 75 packs of ganja into two four-wheelers (an SUV and a car) and were about to take it to Hampi later on Friday, but their luck ran out. The accused were allegedly operating between Bengaluru and Hampi for the past four months and their clients included foreign tourists visiting the heritage site.
Time of India
06-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Not many takers, govt taps schools on tetanus and diphtheria vaccine
Noida: The health department has seen a low uptake of TD (tetanus and diphtheria) vaccination for senior students, prompting the health department to ask all private and public schools to encourage Class 10 students (16 years) to take the medication. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Last year, the department had a total target of 24,192 vaccinations, including 15,389 students aged 10 years in Class 5 and 8,803 students aged 16 years in Class 10. However, only 32% of the 16-year-old target has been achieved so far. While younger students showed better participation, the department reported low turnout among older students. "Vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect yourself and your community. We urge all Class 10 students to get vaccinated at the earliest," said Dr Ubaid, district immunization officer of GB Nagar. The TD vaccine helps prevent tetanus, a severe bacterial disease that enters the body through wounds and causes painful muscle stiffness, and diphtheria, a potentially deadly infection that forms a white membrane in the throat and may lead to heart failure or paralysis. Given intramuscularly in the left upper arm, the vaccine is part of the universal immunization programme and is used in over 130 countries. Side effects are usually minor, like temporary pain or swelling at the injection site. The department is working with schools to educate students and parents. Teachers have been asked to share class lists, discuss the vaccine in assemblies and PTMs. Schools must also submit lists of students who missed the vaccine.
NDTV
24-04-2025
- Sport
- NDTV
Naseem Shah's Brother Accidentally Hits Teammate During PSL Match. Viral Video Has Internet On Overdrive
Multan Sultans pacer Ubaid Shah accidentally slapped teammate Usman Khan during their Pakistan Super League (PSL) match against Lahore Qalandars on Tuesday. The moment unfolded after Ubaid dismissed Sam Billings on the final of the 15th over with the Qalandars chasing 229 for the win in Multan. It was crucial wicket for Ubaid and the Sultans as Billings was playing a blinder, having already smashed 43 off 22 balls, striking at almost 200, before his dismissal. Ubaid celebrated with too much exuberance as he accidentally hit wicketkeeper Usman on the head with an open palm. Since Usman was not wearing a helmet, he felt the full flow of the lanky pacer's arm. However, a quick medical check confirmed he could continue, and the player too gave a big thumbs up to reaffirm he is fine. Update: Everyone is ok Khel Khel main #HBLPSLX l #ApnaXHai l #MSvLQ — PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) April 22, 2025 Meanwhile, Multan Sultans registered their first win of PSL 10 with a convincing 33-run victory over Lahore Qalandars. After losing their first three matches, the Sultans bounced back strongly thanks to a stunning half-century by Yasir Khan and a three-wicket haul from Ubaid. Batting first, Multan posted a massive total of 228 runs for the loss of five wickets, with Yasir blasting a brilliant 87 off 44 deliveries, smashing six fours and six sixes. He added 89 runs with captain Mohammad Rizwan in just seven overs for the opening stand. Rizwan scored a quick 32 off 17 balls before being cleaned up be Asif Afridi. Usman too contributed, scoring 39 off 24 balls, while Iftikhar Ahmed 's late fireworks added 40 runs from just 18 balls to boost the total. In reply, Qalandars kept losing wickets at regular intervals, leaving Billings and Sikandar Raza as the final hopes for Qalandars. Raza top-scored with an unbeaten 50 off 27 deliveries, hitting five boundaries and three sixes, but his knock went in vain.
