Latest news with #PM
Newsweek
5 hours ago
- Climate
- Newsweek
Millions of Americans Advised to Avoid Going Outside
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Millions of Americans living in states across the Midwest have been told to avoid going outside to avoid breathing in the wildfire smoke which has reached the region all the way from Canada. Wildfire season is off to a grim start this year in the Great White North. The Western province of Manitoba declared a state of emergency on Friday for the second time this year. In May, fires killed two people in Manitoba and forced 30,000 to flee their homes to neighboring Saskatchewan. More than 100 wildfires are burning across the region, over 20 of which were considered out of control as of Sunday morning, and thousands of people have been evacuated. It is a tragedy for the Canadian province, which has already reported 2.5 million acres of land burned by wildfires this year and which could soon see the most land burned since at least 1994. But as the smoke and ash from the Manitoba wildfires drifts south, the smoke has proved a problem for many Americans as well. Across The Border Wildfires in Canada are generating a cloud of toxic smoke that has made its way across the border and into the U.S, where it is affecting air quality. Roughly 22 million people in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan are currently under statewide air quality alerts which are set to last until Monday morning. The risk is from inhaling fine-particle pollution—known as PM 2.5—which state agencies say could mean "unhealthy" to "very unhealthy" levels. Some areas of Minnesota are set to briefly reach the "very unhealthy" range. In Wisconsin, forecasters expect the heaviest smoke to reach locations farther north in the state, while the lowest concentrations of fine-particle pollution are expected across the southwest. In Michigan, the smoke is expected to expand across the state on Sunday, but the highest concentration of pollutants will be in the northern parts of the state. The southwest is likely to face moderate levels of PM 2.5. Minnesota experienced the heaviest smoke on Saturday, but on Sunday the air quality should begin to improve as clean air moves in from the west. The smoke should be gone by the end of the day from most of the state, forecasters say, while a new round of smoke could be coming on Sunday night for northern Minnesota. Parts of Colorado are also under air quality alerts, though these have nothing to do with the Canada wildfires. Several fires broke out in western Colorado this week, exacerbated by hot and dry conditions. Experts Recommend Staying Indoors The National Weather Service (NWS) recommends sensitive groups—including people with heart or lung disease, children, seniors and pregnant individuals—to avoid all physical activities outdoors. Those who are likely to feel affected by the smoke should go indoors, the agency said. Individuals with asthma should follow their asthma action plan and keep quick-relief medicine at hand. People with heart disease should contact their health providers if they feel symptoms including palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue. Everyone else, the NWS said, should "keep outdoor activities shorter and less intense," even if they are not particularly vulnerable to air pollution. Residents under air quality alerts should also avoid activities that contribute to air pollution, including outdoor burning and the use of residential wood burning devices. They should also avoid vehicle trips and vehicle idling as much as possible, and keep their windows closed overnight to stop the smoke from coming into their homes. Spoiling the American Summer In a move that sparked controversy, a group of six Republican lawmakers from Minnesota and Wisconsin wrote a letter to Canada's ambassador to the U.S. Kirsten Hillman, complaining about the smoke from the wildfires burning in Manitoba preventing their constituents from enjoying the summer. "We write to you today on behalf of our constituents who have had to deal with suffocating Canadian wildfire smoke filling the air to begin the summer," wrote the group, which includes Tom Tiffany and Glenn Grothman of Wisconsin and Michelle Fischbach, Brad Finstad, Pete Stauber and Tom Emmer of Minnesota. "Our constituents have been limited in their ability to go outside and safely breathe due to the dangerous air quality the wildfire smoke has created," they said. "In our neck of the woods, summer months are the best time of the year to spend time outdoors recreating, enjoying time with family, and creating new memories, but this wildfire smoke makes it difficult to do all those things." The six members of Congress asked Hillman what her country was doing to mitigate the wildfire and "the smoke that makes its way south." The premier of Manitoba, Wab Kinew, said the letter was an attempt to "trivialize and make hay out of a wildfire season where we've lost lives in our province."
News18
12 hours ago
- Business
- News18
PM Kisan Beneficiary List 2025: 20th Installment Expected Soon; Check Your Status Now
Last Updated: Millions of farmers await the 20th PM Kisan installment in July. Complete eKYC to avoid issues. Check beneficiary status and contact details on the PM Kisan portal. PM Kisan Beneficiary List 2025: Millions of farmers are awaiting for the 20th installment of the PM Kisan scheme, which is likely to be disbursed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in July. The last (19th) installment was issued in February 2025. Yet there is no official announcement regarding the disbursement of the 20th installment. Farmers are advised to complete the all process – eKYC to added in beneficiary list – involved in the PM Kisan, so they won't face any problem whenever it will be disbursed through DBT. 2. After scrolling a bit on the homepage, under the FARMERS CORNER, click on 'Beneficiary List'. 3. Enter your state, district, sub-district, block, and village. 4. Click 'Get Report' to view the list of beneficiaries in your village. 3. Enter your Aadhaar number and filling in the captcha to verify your status. Eligible beneficiaries are advised to verify their details and reach out to the correct point of contact (PoC) in case of issues such as e-KYC failure, incorrect bank details, Aadhaar mismatch, or mobile number errors. Here's how you can find your point of contact under the PM-Kisan scheme: 1. Visit PM Kisan's official website, 2. Scroll a bit and click on 'Search Your Point of Contact (POC)' 3. Select 'Search Distric Nodal'. 4. Select your state and district. Now, the name of the official, his designation, his mobile number and email-ID address will be displayed. You can contact them for any PM Kisan-related query. How To Complete e-KYC? As the installment is expected to come soon, eligible farmers are required to complete before that to avoid payment failure. e-KYC (Electronic Know Your Customer) is mandatory for all PM Kisan beneficiaries. Without it, your name may be dropped from the beneficiary list. As per the scheme's official website, 'eKYC is MANDATORY for PMKISAN Registered Farmers." You can complete e-KYC in three simple ways: OTP-Based e-KYC: If your Aadhaar is linked to your mobile number, visit PM Kisan's website and verify using the OTP. Facial Authentication: A special facility for senior citizens and physically challenged farmers is now available at CSCs, allowing e-KYC through facial recognition. view comments 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.
Mint
14 hours ago
- Business
- Mint
Amazon Prime Day sale 2025 deals on ACs: Get up to 50% off on top brands like Samsung and LG across budgets
Scorching summers call for a cool upgrade,and Amazon Prime Day 2025 is making it easier than ever to invest in a new AC. With up to 50% off on top brands like Samsung and LG, there's something for every budget and room size, whether you're looking for a compact window unit or a powerful split AC. Product Rating Price LG 1 Ton 4 Star DUAL Inverter Split AC (Copper, AI Convertible 6-in-1 with VIRAAT Mode, Faster Cooling & Energy Saving, 4 Way Swing, HD Filter with AntiVirus Protection, US-Q13JNYE, White) View Details Voltas 1 ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC (Copper, 4-in-1 Adjustable Mode, Anti-dust Filter, 123V CAE, White) View Details Lloyd 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC (5 in 1 Convertible, Copper, Anti-Viral + PM 2.5 Filter, White with Chrome Deco Strip, GLS18I3FWAGC) View Details Voltas 2 Ton, 3 Star, Inverter Split AC (Copper, 4-in-1 Adjustable Mode, Anti-dust Filter, 243V Vectra Elite, White) View Details Lloyd 2.0 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC (5 in 1 Convertible, Copper, Anti-Viral + PM 2.5 Filter, 2023 Model, White with Golden Deco Strip, GLS24I5FWGEV) View Details View More These deals mean you can enjoy advanced cooling technology, energy efficiency, and smart features without stretching your wallet, all while staying comfortable through the hottest months. Now is the time to explore the best offers and bring home reliable cooling that fits your lifestyle and space, thanks to the Amazon sale. Prime customers shopping during Amazon Prime Day can unlock a range of exclusive instant discounts and savings on eligible purchases with SBI and ICICI Bank credit or debit cards. Enjoy flat discounts from ₹ 500 up to ₹ 1,500 on transactions that meet minimum purchase values, plus additional percentage-based instant discounts up to ₹ 1,250 or ₹ 1,500 on both EMI and non-EMI transactions. Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Card users can also access extra savings, including 5% instant discounts and bonus cashback on select EMI plans. No promo code is needed - just pay with your eligible card to avail the offer. Additionally, No Cost EMI is available on select cards for orders above ₹ 3,000, making big-ticket purchases even more affordable for Prime members. Loading Suggestions... Loading Suggestions... Loading Suggestions... Loading Suggestions... Score up to 50% off on 1 ton split ACs from trusted brands like LG, Blue Star, and Voltas during the Amazon Prime Day Sale 2025. These compact, energy-efficient models are ideal for bedrooms or study spaces, offering advanced inverter technology, anti-virus filtration, and durable copper coils. Benefit from extended warranties, easy installation, and exclusive Prime-only prices - making it the perfect time to upgrade your cooling setup. Loading Suggestions... Loading Suggestions... Loading Suggestions... Loading Suggestions... Amazon Prime Day 2025 offers up to 50% off on 1.5 ton split ACs from top brands like LG, Lloyd, Voltas, and Carrier. Ideal for medium to large rooms, these ACs feature inverter technology, energy-efficient cooling, and advanced air purification. Enjoy smart controls, stabiliser-free operation, and durable copper coils. Take advantage of exclusive Prime-only prices and extended warranties to upgrade your home cooling this Amazon sale season. Loading Suggestions... Loading Suggestions... Loading Suggestions... Loading Suggestions... Upgrade to powerful cooling this Amazon Prime Day sale with up to 50% off on 2 ton split ACs from Godrej, Voltas, Lloyd, Samsung, and Carrier. Perfect for spacious living rooms or offices, these models deliver rapid, even cooling, advanced inverter efficiency, and robust copper coils for long-lasting performance. Enjoy features like air purification, smart controls, and extended warranties - making this Amazon sale the ideal time to invest in comfort and value for larger spaces. Loading Suggestions... Loading Suggestions... Loading Suggestions... Loading Suggestions... Amazon Prime Day brings major savings on 1 ton window ACs from Voltas, Carrier, Blue Star, and Godrej, perfect for compact rooms or apartments. These models deliver efficient cooling, easy installation, and reliable performance, with features like copper coils and dust filters. Take advantage of exclusive Amazon sale Prime-only prices and extended warranties to upgrade your summer comfort, all while staying within budget and enjoying trusted brand quality. Loading Suggestions... Loading Suggestions... Loading Suggestions... Loading Suggestions... Amazon Prime Day brings big savings on 1.5 ton window ACs from Lloyd, Godrej, LG, and Carrier, perfect for cooling larger rooms efficiently. These models offer robust copper coils, energy-saving features, and reliable cooling even in peak summer. Enjoy options like inverter technology, anti-dust filters, and extended warranties. With exclusive Prime-only prices, this Amazon sale is the best time to invest in a powerful window AC from a trusted brand for your home. Loading Suggestions... Loading Suggestions... Loading Suggestions... Loading Suggestions... Disclaimer: Mint has an affiliate marketing partnership, which means we may get some commission on purchases you make through the retailer sites links provided. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content, which is free from any bias or marketing pitch. We strive to provide accurate and unbiased information to help you make informed decisions. We recommend verifying details with the retailer before making a purchase.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Knowledge Nugget: Why Global Biofuels Alliance and CDRI Matter for UPSC Prep
Take a look at the essential concepts, terms, quotes, or phenomena every day and brush up on your knowledge. Here's your knowledge nugget for today on India's led alliance and initiatives. (Relevance: India-led initiatives are important from the exam perspective. In the UPSC Prelims of 2016, a question was asked on the International Solar Alliance (do check it in the post-read question). Also, these India-led global initiatives showcase India's stature on the international platform, which can be used in your Mains answer writing across the General Studies papers.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in Namibia on Wednesday (9th July), the last stop of the 5-nation tour (Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, and Brazil) that started on July 2. This was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the resource-rich southern African nation in almost three decades. PM Modi and Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah meeting ended with the announcements on launching the Digital Payment System in Namibia later this year, setting up an Entrepreneurship Development Center in Namibia, and the entry of Namibia to the global initiatives led by India, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and the Global Bio Fuel Alliance. In today's knowledge nugget, let's learn about these two India-led initiatives – CDRI and Global Bio Fuel Alliance. 1. On the sidelines of the G20 summit hosted by India in 2023, the Global Bio Fuel Alliance was launched. The alliance is aimed at facilitating international cooperation and intensifying the use of sustainable biofuels, along with facilitating global biofuels trade and technical support for national biofuel programmes. 2. The GBA, the effort for which was spearheaded by India, the United States, and Brazil, was launched with nine initiating members–India, the US, Brazil, Argentina, Bangladesh, Italy, Mauritius, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates–while Canada and Singapore are observer countries. According to the official site of the Global Bio Fuel Alliance, as of July 2025, there are 29 countries and 14 international organisations that are members of this alliance. 3. Biofuels refer to renewable fuels derived from biomass, from plants or agricultural, animal, domestic, and industrial biowaste. Biofuels are significantly cleaner than conventional fossil fuels. The two most common types of biofuels in use today are ethanol and biodiesel, both of which represent the first generation of biofuel technology. 4. A whitepaper was published by the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) in February 2025 on the global non-grain-based (NGB) biofuels market, which is creating an attractive opportunity for the Indian NGB biofuels sector. 'NGB biofuels are defined based on feedstock, and refer to biofuels produced from lignocellulosic feedstocks (e.g., agricultural and forestry residues), industrial wastes and residue streams, and other feedstocks which do not compete with food crops for land use,' mentions the paper. 5. According to the International Energy Agency's Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario (NZE), sustainable biofuels play an important role in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the transportation sector, along with electric vehicles, more efficient engines, changes in transport modes and other clean fuels such as hydrogen. 6. The CDRI is an international organisation launched by PM Modi at the U.N. Climate Action Summit in September 2019. It is a partnership of national governments, UN agencies and programmes, multilateral development banks and financing mechanisms, the private sector, and knowledge institutions that aims to promote the resilience of new and existing infrastructure systems to climate and disaster risks in support of sustainable development. 7. In simple words, CDRI is an attempt to bring countries together to share and learn from the experiences of one another to protect their key infrastructure — highways, railways, power stations, communication lines, water channels, even housing — against disasters. It promotes the resilience of infrastructure systems to climate and disaster risks, thereby ensuring sustainable development. 8. Headquartered in New Delhi, India, the mission is to drive US$10 trillion of new and existing infrastructure investments and services to be resilient to natural hazards and climate change, and overall well-being for more than 3 billion people worldwide by 2050. 9. The ten major initiatives as outlined by the CDRI focus on: Small Island Developing States; enhancing data and early warning systems; urban resilience; finance and governance, critical and social infrastructure; mountain regions; Africa; major events; research; and capacity building. 10. The Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS) was launched by PM Modi under CDRI during the COP26 held in 2021. Climate change and extreme weather events such as sea level rise, coastal flooding and erosion, tsunamis, and storm surges have made the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) highly prone to disasters. IRIS aims to equip SIDS with the knowledge, tools, and partnerships needed to achieve disaster and climate-resilient infrastructure. These are some of the important India-led initiatives that have been at the forefront. 1. International Solar Alliance (ISA): It was established following the Paris Declaration at the UN Climate Change Conference on November 30, 2015. It was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then French President Francois Hollande. It aimed at uniting efforts to combat climate change by implementing solar energy solutions. Its mission is to unlock $1 trillion in solar investments by 2030 while reducing technology and financing costs. As of July 2025, 106 countries are members of the ISA. 2. International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA): Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the IBCA in April 2023 during the 50th year celebrations of Project Tiger. It is an India-led initiative to focus on global conservation of seven big cats —the tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, puma, jaguar, and cheetah. On June 16, the first Assembly of the IBCA was held in New Delhi. It aims 'to facilitate collaboration and synergy among stakeholders, consolidating successful conservation practices and expertise and replicating them in range countries.' 3. Green Credits Initiative: It was launched by PM Modi on the sidelines of COP 28 as an initiative within the government's Lifestyle for Environment or LIFE movement. It focuses on generating Green Credits through the plantation on degraded wasteland. It encourages taking voluntary environment-positive actions that result in the issuance of green credits. It is independent of the carbon credit under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme 2023. Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2016) 1. The International Solar Alliance was launched at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2015. 2. The Alliance includes all the member countries of the United Nations. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (Source: Modi, President Ndaitwah hold talks: Namibia to roll out UPI, World Biofuel Day – All you need to know for UPSC Prelims and Mains, Why is Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) important for UPSC exam?, UPSC Special- How India's biofuel potential complements its leadership in sustainable aviation fuel) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for June 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Khushboo Kumari is a Deputy Copy Editor with The Indian Express. She has done her graduation and post-graduation in History from the University of Delhi. At The Indian Express, she writes for the UPSC section. She holds experience in UPSC-related content development. You can contact her via email: ... Read More
India Gazette
3 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
"10,000 people gather to watch a JCB...": Punjab CM takes jibe at PM Modi's visit to countries with tiny populations
Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], July 10 (ANI): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's return to India, making a sarcastic remark that questioned the significance of his trips to countries with small populations. Mann jokingly mentioned that PM Modi might be visiting countries like 'Magnesia,' 'Galveaisa,' or 'Tarvesia,' highlighting his perception that these visits are not substantial. Mann questioned the relevance of PM Modi's visits to countries with tiny populations, contrasting them with the large population of India. 'PM has gone somewhere. I think it is Ghana. He is going to be back and he is welcome. God knows which countries he keeps visiting, 'Magnesia', 'Galveaisa', 'Tarvesia'. He does not stay in a country with 140 crore people. He is visiting countries where the population is 10,000 and he is getting the 'highest awards' there. Here, 10,000 people gather to watch a JCB... What has he gotten himself into!...,' said Mann. PM Modi recently concluded a landmark five-nation tour, visiting Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia from July 2 to 9, 2025. This tour marked his longest foreign trip in a decade, spanning two continents and strengthening India's ties with key nations in the Global South. PM Modi's visit to Ghana focused on enhancing cooperation in investment, energy, health, security, and development. He addressed the Ghanaian Parliament and was conferred with the country's top civilian honour, 'Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana'. Both nations agreed to upgrade ties to a Comprehensive Partnership and signed MoUs in fintech and traditional medicine. Trinidad and Tobago visit marked the first time an Indian Prime Minister had visited the country since 1999. PM Modi addressed a joint session of Parliament, extended OCI card eligibility to the sixth generation of the diaspora, and donated 2,000 laptops to schools. He was awarded the country's highest honour, 'The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago'. PM Modi's visit to Argentina was the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 57 years. Discussions with President Javier Milei covered critical minerals, shale energy, defense, and pharmaceuticals. Argentina expressed interest in adopting India's UPI platform and vaccines. During the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, PM Modi held bilateral talks with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, focusing on defense cooperation, renewable energy, and digital public infrastructure. He was conferred with Brazil's highest civilian honor, the 'Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross.' In the final leg of his tour, PM Modi met with Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, discussing development cooperation, energy, health, and education. Namibia signed a licensing agreement to adopt India's UPI platform, becoming the first country globally to do so. PM Modi addressed a joint session of the Namibian Parliament and was awarded the 'Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis.' (ANI)
