Author: Neel Achary

Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals Draw INR 10,000 Crore in Private Capital

New Delhi, July 24: The Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal initiative has attracted approximately ₹10,000 crore in private investment, underscoring growing industry confidence in India’s logistics and infrastructure development agenda.

The substantial private sector participation is expected to accelerate the development of modern cargo terminals across the country, enhancing multimodal connectivity, improving freight efficiency, and reducing logistics costs. The investment aligns with the Government of India’s vision of building an integrated, technology-driven logistics network under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.

The expanded cargo terminal network is anticipated to strengthen rail-based freight movement, improve supply chain reliability, and support key sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, e-commerce, and exports. The initiative is also expected to generate employment opportunities while promoting sustainable and efficient transportation solutions.

Officials stated that continued collaboration between the public and private sectors remains central to transforming India’s logistics ecosystem into a globally competitive network. The strong investment response reflects confidence in ongoing policy reforms and the country’s long-term infrastructure growth strategy.

The Government remains committed to facilitating faster project implementation, encouraging private participation, and creating world-class logistics infrastructure that supports economic growth, enhances ease of doing business, and reinforces India’s position as a global manufacturing and trade hub.

Hawaiʻi Pacific University Hosts Symposium that Promotes Dialogue about Evidence-Based Evaluation of Genki Balls

(HONOLULU) – Hawaiʻi Pacific University (HPU) hosted a research symposium and panel discussion on July 17 at its Aloha Tower Marketplace campus where scientists presented the findings of a two-year field and laboratory study, conducted with the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UH Mānoa), evaluating whether Genki balls improve water quality in Hawaiʻi’s waterways. These findings were presented alongside research conducted in the Ala Wai Canal, highlighting the system’s complexity and the difficulty of attributing changes in environmental conditions to individual bioremediation efforts.

Genki balls are fermented mud balls made from mud, rice bran and molasses, combined with a commercial product called Effective Microorganisms, or EM, which is marketed as containing lactic acid bacteria, phototrophic bacteria and yeast. 

Tossed into waterways, the balls are intended to sink to the bottom, break down organic “sludge” and improve water quality. The best-known local effort, the Genki Ala Wai Project, has deployed hundreds of thousands of the balls into Honolulu’s Ala Wai Canal since 2019, supported by community volunteers and ongoing third-party monitoring. EM is produced by EMRO USA and distributed locally through partners including EM Hawaiʻi LLC.

Titled HPU Talks: Evaluating Genki Balls for Hawaiʻi’s Waterways, the symposium brought together researchers, educators, resource managers and community partners for an afternoon of evidence-based discussion. Opening remarks were delivered by HPU College of Natural and Computational Sciences Dean Brenda Jensen, Ph.D., followed by a keynote address from Grieg Steward, Ph.D., Professor of Oceanography at UH Mānoa.

Mesonet crosses 100-station mark, serves wide range of Nebraska needs

July 23: To combat the raging wildfires that swept across western Nebraska this year, firefighters and emergency management personnel repeatedly drew on information from a key resource – the Nebraska Mesonet weather station network. 

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s mesonet stations, operating throughout the state, have high value for firefighters, helping them recognize periods of elevated fire danger and adapt tactics as conditions change, said John Erixson, the Nebraska state forester. 

“The mesonet’s real-time information – including wind speed and direction, soil moisture, humidity and temperature – helps firefighters, emergency managers and the team make critical decisions about where to position crews and equipment, how fires are likely to behave and where resources are needed most,” he said.

After mesonet data indicated particularly high fire risk for the Panhandle this year, the Nebraska Wildfire Advisory Group relocated the state’s single-engine air tanker from the Ainsworth area to Scottsbluff – a move that proved crucial in responding to the South Fork Fire.

“The value of the mesonet doesn’t end when the fire is out,” Erixson said. “Those same data help inform restoration efforts; monitor changing environmental conditions; and improve preparedness, planting and recovery.” 

The mesonet network – begun in 1981 and part of the university’s School of Natural Resources – crossed the 100-station mark this year, with a total of 104 weather-monitoring sites statewide. The newest stations are near Cody, Lakeside, O’Neill and Scottsbluff.

“Agriculture is our biggest end user, but emergency managers, water managers and land managers are all using our data,” said Ruben Behnke, mesonet director.

Major institutional users include the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency, Nebraska’s 23 natural resources districts and the National Weather Service. 

“The mesonet is an exceptional example of how Nebraska’s industries, communities and agricultural producers benefit every day from information provided by SNR and (Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources) programs and research centers,” said Larkin Powell, professor and SNR director. “That work supports decisions that drive our economy while protecting our natural resources.” 

Ken Herz, a farmer and rancher in south-central Nebraska and former president of Nebraska Cattlemen, said the mesonet system provides information of practical everyday use for his operations. 

“The raw, real‑time data it provides is used by me and numerous agencies that, in turn, deliver me timely and critical information about weather, drought, wildfire risk and other conditions that directly affect my land, livestock and crops,” Herz said. “This system isn’t just helpful — it’s a foundational tool that supports safe, efficient and responsible agricultural management across our state.”

Mesonet data plays a crucial role in irrigation scheduling, helping farmers optimize water use by providing precise, real-time soil moisture and weather information.

“This enables efficient irrigation practices that conserve water, a vital natural resource, while maintaining crop health and yield,” Herz said. 

In winter, Nebraska emergency management personnel find great value in data from the mesonet’s snow depth sensors.

“Our new precipitation gauges actually measure snow water equivalent,” Behnke said. “That helps land and water managers and emergency managers understand how much water is available to flood once the snow melts.” 

Throughout the year, mesonet data are important in helping understand statewide drought conditions. The network “is a source of weather information for Nebraska that allows the National Drought Mitigation Center to create a detailed drought map for every corner of the state,” Powell said. “That’s critical for decisions made by Nebraska’s industries, communities and agricultural producers.”

Herz noted that governmental disaster aid programs often rely on data from the U.S. Drought Monitor, which incorporates mesonet information to assess drought severity and allocate resources effectively.

“This means that accurate, localized drought data helps secure timely financial assistance and support for affected agricultural communities, ensuring resilience and recovery during challenging conditions,” he said.

Grant funding is crucial for maintaining and adding to the Mesonet. In 2025, the system added 21 stations thanks to $1.48 million in funding from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency, and Lower Loup and Upper Elkhorn Natural Resources Districts. 

This year, $904,936 in funding from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers enabled installation of 10 additional stations, and $390,000 from NOAA will be awarded during the fall to support station maintenance and upkeep. 

Achieving more regular funding support for grants as well as state funding is a central need for the system. That support can help the mesonet continue to fill in coverage gaps through additional stations and meet the system’s significant maintenance responsibilities. 

A robust mesonet system clearly serves the public interest in multiple ways, Erixson said. 

Firefighters and emergency management personnel have a particular appreciation, he said, because “every mesonet station we add strengthens our ability to support first responders, protect communities and build a more resilient Nebraska.”

Centre Keeps Ethanol Blending Target at 20 pc, No Decision on Further Increase

New Delhi, July 23: The Central Government has clarified that there is no decision yet to increase ethanol blending in petrol beyond 20 per cent, maintaining the current blending target under the country’s biofuel policy.

The government said the existing 20 per cent ethanol blending programme will continue, with focus on strengthening fuel security, reducing dependence on crude oil imports, and promoting cleaner energy alternatives.

Officials stated that any future revision to the blending target would require detailed evaluation of factors such as fuel availability, vehicle compatibility, production capacity, and technical feasibility.

India’s ethanol blending initiative has supported the growth of the biofuel sector while providing additional opportunities for farmers and related industries. The programme is also aimed at reducing carbon emissions and encouraging sustainable energy solutions.

The government reiterated that decisions regarding higher ethanol blending will be taken after assessing all relevant aspects and in consultation with stakeholders.

PM Modi Monitors Gujarat Floods, Additional NDRF Teams Airlifted

New Delhi, July 23: The Central Government has intensified its response to the flood situation in Gujarat after Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the impact of heavy rainfall and directed authorities to expedite rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts in the affected regions.

To strengthen ongoing operations, two additional teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been airlifted from New Delhi to Gujarat, reinforcing the emergency response on the ground.

During the review meeting, the Prime Minister assessed the flood situation, the progress of rescue operations, and the preparedness of both Central and State agencies. He stressed the importance of coordinated action to ensure the safety of residents and the timely delivery of relief to affected communities.

The deployment of additional NDRF personnel is expected to enhance search-and-rescue operations, support evacuations, and assist local authorities in providing essential services in flood-hit areas.

The Centre has assured the Gujarat Government of all necessary assistance, with disaster response agencies remaining on high alert as heavy rainfall continues to affect several parts of the state.

Officials said continuous monitoring of the weather and flood situation is underway to ensure prompt action wherever required and to minimise the impact on lives and property.