Afsan Chowdhury

THE relentless reality of social media has begun to influence news making at several levels. Three social media elements are making these pressures so strong. (a) It reaches consumers almost instantly and in no way can professional media compete with that. (b) Content creators can mix and offer audio-visuals that cost little to produce because of phone video making and editing. (c) It has a regular and loyal fan base that circulates the content more rapidly than is possible for professional media to do so.

Response to challenges

THE result is the rise of a challenge that professional media cannot respond to adequately. Paper media has already tuned out and become dependent on government advertisements or supported by a special interest group. The problem has hit those papers more which are trying to align themselves along market lines.

One way they have responded is to open online sections apart from the e-paper versions that all have. However, problems have remained. Media outlets are national in nature and all are concentrated in Dhaka. Since the owners and editors see Dhaka as the state capital, hence national, the news is very limited in scope as well.

That means focus on the formal part of governance which is represented by the Dhaka-connected elite. Meanwhile, the rise of the peri-urban and rural societies linked through digital communication has been extensive. And this has diluted the ‘national’ platform whether in news making or other sectors.

The competition is, therefore, between interest in ‘national’ affairs and ‘local’ issues in almost every space. The growth of content-generating capacity outside Dhaka/national has also coincided with a decline in news matters far away that is now Dhaka. On top of that, this competition is counterproductive as everyone has access to ‘national’ issues leading to low exclusivity.

When this is the scenario, almost everyone is hurrying to cover the same news. Thus, all mainstream media as opposed to social media are copying each other. That has also reduced the audience niche for each outlet as the news is being shared informally on the same topic on social media. To the consumer, the brand value is depleted when all report the same topic the way and resemble each other inevitably.

Forced to diversify?

BEFORE the digital era, media outlets had several products but each had their own identity. Now, that is not the case any more. It is not the content that matters but the form as well. So, a media construct has several outlets and they basically carry the same news. From paper to social media videos, it is the same news as far as the consumer is concerned. This is being done by all the major media outlets as a result of which media content is not increasing but duplication is.

Had this problem been of one or two outlets, it would have been a manageable challenge, perhaps; but it affects all players. As a result, the same content is so common that in multiple forms it is making them repeat contents. So, the audience is looking for alternatives such as social media and it is free. Thus, branding now has lower value as the content is universal.

So, the traffic to independent content creators is rising and they are now competing with corporate media outlets. The result is greater accessing of social media content where the variety is greater.

Many professional media outlets are, thus, tempted to try an easy way out since all it needs is a copy paster and some editing top produce ‘content’. But that approach also has its limitations. Just about everyone can do it; so, the quantum of unique content has rapidly declined, making presence no longer an effective marketing approach. Hence, the dependence on ‘views’ are increasing, hoping that it will help to gain and retain consumers.

More views, less news?

NEWS as a product is becoming increasingly difficult to sell and even the term newspaper is threatening to become obsolete. One individual content creator is able to produce as much and as attractive as a corporate media body making such content-making being exclusive the biggest challenge. When everything is being known instantly, the concept of breaking news itself needs to be redone. The era of news first may be coming to an end, rapid or slowly.

Social media has, therefore, created a situation where people know what is happening but want to know what it means in terms of impact and analysis. That makes ‘views’ much more exclusive as content, hence more attractive.

A new model is clearly emerging where a series of products will be available catering to different audiences and influencing opinion will be far more algorithm based.

That makes views more attractive to consumers, hence more attractive to advertisers. If people are getting news from social media, they will turn to professionals to learn what that news means. The mixed news and views media is already facing that challenge which is likely to grow more in the future.

Afsan Chowdhury is a researcher and journalist.

– Article originally appeared on New Age.

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Stakeholders have stressed that raising awareness alone is not enough to tackle plastic pollution on the country’s only coral island, Saint Martins, and are advocating for restrictions on plastic use and penalties for non-compliance.

At a panel discussion entitled “Plastic Free St Martins” on Wednesday, they called for strict limits on plastic consumption and called for a penalty for failing to comply with the restrictions.

In the discussion held as part of World Tourism Day 2023, Shiblul Azam Koreshi, president of the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB), said, “The efforts aimed at increasing public awareness to combat plastic pollution have fallen short in effectively controlling this pressing issue. Both tourists and permanent residents on the island continue to use plastic, with inadequate measures in place for waste management. Although bins have been provided for separating plastic and compostable waste, there are no clear guidelines on who will remove them and where they will ultimately be disposed of. Besides, plastic pollution from fishing trawlers, including beverage bottles and chips packets, is further exacerbating the problem.”

Moreover, he pointed out a significant issue regarding the resorts on St Martin’s, with around 250 resorts operating without valid licences. He noted that residents in these resorts regularly use plastic, and there is a lack of proper directions on how to handle and store plastics. He stressed the need for specific policies and laws to be enforced to address these concerns effectively.

Tanvir Shakil Joy, a member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, emphasised the urgent need for improved coordination in waste management. He stressed the importance of adopting a holistic approach and even suggested considering a ban on plastic in St Martin’s.

He pointed out that the government cannot sustain waste management solely through subsidies and highlighted the potential for profitability in waste collection and recycling. He also highlighted the importance of strengthening regulations related to waste management.

Cox’s Bazar-2 Member of Parliament (MP) Asheq Ullah Rafiq proposed the introduction of travel permits for St Martin’s every two or three years to alleviate the pressure on the island. He suggested that the government take the lead in establishing a landfill on the island to effectively manage waste. He also called for regulations mandating plastic product manufacturers to label their items for recycling and proper disposal.

“Sonadia Island should be developed as an alternative tourist destination to St Martin’s,” he added, acknowledging the challenges in curbing repeated trips to St Martin’s despite efforts from the Prime Minister’s Office.

During the opening ceremony, speaker Shirin Sharmin highlighted the importance of promoting tourism while preserving ecological balance. She emphasised showcasing the natural beauty of the country to attract tourists, with initiatives to make St Martin’s and Cox’s Bazar beaches plastic-free.

She also emphasized the importance of effective implementation of government plans and their direct impact on economic growth.

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Nearly 100 pilot whales stranded on a beach in Western Australia on Tuesday. Australian officials said 51 pilot whales had died as of Wednesday.

The 51 long-finned pilot whales were part of a pod of almost 100 spotted off Cheynes Beach near Albany, about 400km south-east of Perth on Tuesday.

Experts from the Western Australia Parks and Wildlife Service and volunteers worked through the night, braving cold temperatures to monitor the whales.

The service said it was working with volunteers to save the remaining 46 whales, with plans to guide them to deeper water during the course of the day.

Footage from the scene showed volunteers, many of them wearing wetsuits, trying to help the thrashing mammals on the beach.

A representative for the Parks and Wildlife Service said it had been “overwhelmed with hundreds of offers of help” but that it had enough volunteers and the public should stay away from the beach for safety reasons.

“The priority focus of the incident management team is to ensure the safety of staff and volunteers and the welfare of the whales,” the service representative said.

“The response zone has a range of hazards, including large, distressed and potentially sick whales, sharks, waves, heavy machinery and vessels.”

Mass strandings of pilot whales – which can grow to more than six metres in length – are not uncommon in Australia and New Zealand.

Last October, about 500 pilot whales died when they beached on the remote Chatham Islands in New Zealand.

Drone footage released by Western Australia’s Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions showed the whales clustering and forming into a heart shape on Tuesday morning before stranding themselves on the beach.

Macquarie University wildlife scientist Vanessa Pirotta said the drone footage could suggest the whales had become disoriented.

“The fact that they were in one area, very huddled, and doing really interesting behaviours, and looking around at times, suggests that something else is going on that we just don’t know,” she said.

Scientists do not fully understand why mass strandings occur, but pilot whales are highly sociable, so they may follow pod-mates who stray into danger.

Bec Wellard, a marine mammal scientist at Project Orca, said that because of the pilot whales’ “strong family bonds”, it was important to try to refloat them together.

But she added that, if the surviving whales’ health is compromised, an assessment needs to be made as to whether efforts to refloat them “could just be prolonging their suffering”.

Reece Whitby, Western Australia’s environment minister, said the mass stranding was particularly frustrating because it is not known why the phenomenon occurs.

“What we’re seeing is utterly heartbreaking and distressing,” he said. “It’s just a terrible, terrible tragedy to see these dead pilot whales on the beach.”

– Input from Agencies was used in this article.

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By AKM Mahmudul Haque

WATER, the essence of life, is a precious resource that sustains our planet and its inhabitants. Yet, despite the vastness of our oceans, only a small portion of the water is potable. Recent studies have revealed alarming statistics that approximately 80 per cent of the water supplied in cities and towns remains untreated, posing serious health risks to millions. However, despite this challenge, there are signs of hope. According to the World Bank, Bangladesh has made commendable improvements to its water supply systems. About 85 per cent of the world’s population now has access to a water supply because of the combined efforts of international organisations like WHO and UNICEF. Although 2.7 billion people globally experience water scarcity for at least one month every year, 1.1 billion still lack access to safe drinking water.

As we confront the global water crisis, it is essential to recognise the scale of the challenge we face. Even though 70 per cent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water, only 3 per cent is drinkable. Even more striking is the fact that Lake Baikal in Russian Siberia, which contains 23 per cent of this potable water, remains largely inaccessible due to its frozen state. This leaves the remaining 2.2 per cent of the Earth’s surface for the 7 billion people to share. The scarcity and preciousness of water necessitate urgent action and a paradigm shift in our approach to water management.

While the World Bank recognises Bangladesh’s commitment to improving the lives of its citizens through effective water management, it also underscores the urgent need to address the inadequate treatment of water in urban areas. It is imperative that the government and stakeholders prioritise investments in water treatment infrastructure, technology, and capacity-building initiatives. By ensuring that water is treated properly, we can safeguard public health and prevent the spread of waterborne diseases that disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society.

The achievements highlighted by WHO and UNICEF demonstrate that progress is possible, but there is much work left to be done. We must confront the sad reality that more than one billion people across the world still lack access to safe water, a basic human right. When we look at the numbers, a distressing reality emerges. In Bangladesh, especially in urban areas, the reality is also distressing. Sylhet, a city known for its scenic beauty and cultural heritage, grapples with water safety issues. Research funded by BANBEIS of the Ministry of Education under the GARE programme reveals that only a meagre 9.4 per cent of its residents expressed high satisfaction with the water supply, while a staggering 38 per cent reported being unsatisfied. Barisal, an important economic hub, faces a similar predicament, with 17.7 per cent of its residents expressing dissatisfaction and 9.9 per cent claiming to be completely unsatisfied with the water supply. These figures should serve as a wake-up call for city authorities, urging them to address the shortcomings in their water management systems.

One crucial aspect that demands immediate attention is the personal purification system. Shockingly, a significant portion of the population in both cities does not possess such systems, with 27.1 per cent in Sylhet and a staggering 67.7 per cent in Barisal lacking access to personal purification methods. This situation exposes individuals to potential health hazards and places an unnecessary burden on public utilities. It is imperative for city authorities to launch comprehensive awareness campaigns, encouraging residents to invest in personal purification systems, and also to ensure people’s access to affordable personal purification systems.

Moreover, the absence of systems for water reuse is deeply concerning. Both cities have a distressing statistic of 0 per cent when it comes to reusing water, indicating a missed opportunity to mitigate water scarcity and reduce the strain on freshwater sources. Implementing water reuse systems could play a pivotal role in conserving water and addressing the challenges posed by rapid urbanisation and population growth. City corporations must collaborate with relevant stakeholders to develop and implement effective strategies for recycling and reusing water, enabling a sustainable and efficient water management framework.

Another critical factor contributing to the current water crisis is the lack of initiative and supervision from city authorities. Astonishingly, research reveals a complete absence of authority-led initiatives and supervision for water reuse in urban Bangladesh. Such inaction perpetuates a sense of complacency and undermines the urgency of the situation. City corporations must step up and take the lead in promoting sustainable water management practices, investing in research and development, and implementing policies that encourage innovation and responsible water usage. Only through proactive and decisive measures can we secure a future where water resources are harnessed and preserved responsibly.

The challenges ahead are daunting, but not impossible. The city corporations have the potential, but appear to lack the will, to ensure sustainable water management, setting an example for other cities grappling with similar issues. City authorities must seize this opportunity to invest in modern infrastructure, foster community engagement, and prioritise the preservation and equitable distribution of water resources. By embracing sustainable water management practices, these cities can build resilience, enhance their livability index, and safeguard the well-being of their residents for generations to come.

The global water crisis requires a concerted effort to secure water for a sustainable future. While progress has been made, the challenges we face remain significant. By prioritising proper water treatment, investing in infrastructure, and fostering international cooperation, we can work towards a world where every individual has access to safe and clean water. Let us unite in this vital endeavour and embark on a journey towards a future where water scarcity becomes a thing of the past, ensuring the well-being and prosperity of all.

Dr AKM Mahmudul Haque is a professor of political science at Rajshahi University and governing council member at the Centre for Social Innovation and Sustainability, Rajshahi University.

– Article originally appeared on New Age.

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Views

Md Nuruzzaman Khan

World Population Day, which has been observed on July 11 every year since 1989, holds significant importance in addressing critical population-related issues. This year, the focus is on gender equality, symbolised by the theme of “Unleashing the power of gender equality: Uplifting the voices of women and girls to unlock our world’s infinite possibilities.”

The theme strongly resonates with Bangladesh, which ranks 71st out of 146 countries in the 2022 Global Gender Gap analysis. Despite this position, Bangladesh still has the highest level of gender parity in South Asia. However, there is still much progress to be made in several key indicators of gender inequality, including early marriage, violence against women, and women’s empowerment.

It is important to note that these indicators are central to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5, which prioritises gender equality and women’s empowerment. Furthermore, they have indirect implications for other SDG indicators, such as universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services and the reduction of maternal and under-five mortality. Consequently, unless greater priority is given to reducing gender inequality, Bangladesh faces the risk of not achieving several SDGs by 2030.

Ensuring gender equality in Bangladesh poses significant challenges, particularly when addressing deep-rooted social norms. These norms, shaped by cultural and traditional beliefs, often perpetuate gender disparities and hinder progress towards achieving equality. One major challenge is the prevalence of early marriage, with 51 percent of women being married off before the age of 18, as per Unicef data. This higher occurrence is reported despite the country having strong laws against child marriage, a practice that is influenced by community-level norms endorsing early marriage, such as previous generations also being married at a young age. These norms restrict women’s education, limit job opportunities, and contribute to a cycle of inequality. Additionally, community norms in Bangladesh reinforce male superiority, leading to the acceptance of gender-based violence and discrimination. For instance, one in every four women and girls in Bangladesh experiences physical and sexual violence from her partner. Underreporting of such violence is common due to social norms that discourage discussions on such matters. Furthermore, societal expectations prioritise women’s roles as wives and mothers over their need to pursue education and careers, thus limiting their personal growth and professional development. Traditional gender roles dictating women’s submissiveness and subordination further restrict their decision-making power and autonomy.

Overcoming these deeply ingrained community norms is crucial for achieving gender equality in Bangladesh, and it calls for a multi-faceted approach that raises awareness, challenges traditional beliefs, and empowers women and girls. Improving the quality of education and actively engaging parental generations can play an effective role in achieving these goals. However, it is important to acknowledge that the country still faces challenges in both aspects.

Bangladesh has made significant progress in reducing the gender gap in education. The primary education enrolment rate is around 98 percent, with a higher female-to-male ratio. This achievement is due to the government’s comprehensive efforts for universal education, including initiatives such as stipends, mid-day meals, and free textbooks distribution. However, disparities in educational completion become evident as we move up the degrees of education, with women experiencing a lower completion rate compared to men. Additionally, women’s participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is much lower than that of men, which limits their access to managerial and senior positions. These disparities are primarily influenced by challenges in the education system, cultural norms, and the patriarchal nature of communities.

The education system in Bangladesh can effectively address these challenges by implementing initiatives to ensure education completion. These may include monitoring school attendance, promoting girls’ participation in STEM fields with additional support, and creating a strong foundation among women to discourage early marriage by building awareness. However, these measures are often lacking as the education system tends to prioritise grades and certificates over providing a holistic education that prepares students for life. Furthermore, the current practice of recruiting for employment through exams in subjects unrelated to higher education discourages women from continuing their education and contributes to early marriages. This is because the lengthy preparation period for these exams, which can last three to four years or longer, makes it difficult for women to sustain after completing their education, leading to a lack of hope and motivation to continue their studies instead of getting married.

Bangladesh is currently undergoing a rapid cultural transformation, which also poses challenges to women’s education and empowerment. One significant aspect of this transformation is the increasing interaction between male and female students facilitated by advancements in technology, including the role of social media. However, many parents still hold negative views about these interactions, even if they are not of an intimate nature. Consequently, in such cases, parents may opt to arrange marriages for their daughters instead of allowing them to pursue higher education.

To effectively address these issues, it is crucial to engage parents within the mainstream education system and establish a life-oriented educational approach that prioritises girls’ empowerment and holistic development. As of now, it is evident that the country’s response to these challenges remains insufficient.

Dr Md Nuruzzaman Khan is an assistant professor at the Department of Population Science of Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University in Mymensingh, Bangladesh.

– Article originally appeared on The Daily Star.

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Mohammad Ehsanul Islam Khan

Education empowers and shapes nations. Increased enrollment and reading levels in Bangladesh have also enhanced education access. But the focus on quantity has overtaken the drive for quality education, leaving only a handful with access to top-notch universities.

According to Dr John Dewey, “Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” This remark captures the transformational nature of education. Quality education develops essential skills for both personal and societal growth.

Addressing the scarcity of trained teachers is crucial for providing quality education for all. Education policy expert Dr Linda Darling-Hammond once stated that the quality of an education system cannot exceed the quality of its teachers. To provide high-quality instruction, proper teacher recruitment and training programmes are essential.

Enhancing education quality also requires improving infrastructure. Malala Yousafzai, the youngest Nobel Prize laureate, stressed that inadequate classrooms, water and sanitary facilities, and lack of learning tools hinder education. A favourable learning environment that encourages students’ concentration and academic success requires adequate infrastructural development, including classrooms, furniture, electricity, and access to clean water.

Educational inequality must also be addressed. Dr Paulo Freire, a Brazilian educator and philosopher, says, “Education either functions as an instrument which is used to facilitate the integration of the younger generation into the logic of the present system and bring about conformity or it becomes the practice of freedom…” To close the gap between private and public schools, public-private partnerships must promote public education. NGOs, for-profit, and charitable partnerships can improve the state of education in poorer communities.

Additionally, teachers’ professional development is crucial. Dr Andy Hargreaves, a world-renowned education researcher, says, “High-quality professional learning enhances teacher effectiveness and student achievement.” Continuous training, mentorship, and competitive remuneration help attract and retain exceptional teachers, thus improving education.

Technology in the classroom can improve education and close the achievement gap. Education technology researcher Professor Sugata Mitra says, “Technology is just a tool. In terms of getting the kids working together and motivating them, the teacher is the most important.” Digital technologies and e-learning platforms can help students learn important skills and access resources, especially in places with a shortage of teachers.

The Bangladeshi school admission process has traditionally resembled a rat race. The new lottery-based admittance system raises problems about the right to education. It’s sad to see a system that renders our children powerless and leaves their destiny to chance. On the other hand, attending well-equipped schools in Bangladesh is too expensive. As a result, it might be financially challenging for students from working- or middle-class homes to afford a quality education. These pupils face a barrier to enrolment in schools with superior facilities and resources because of the affordability gap. Thus, educational opportunities are reduced, which hinders social mobility and keeps inequality in its cycle. To provide equitable access to high-quality education for all pupils in Bangladesh, efforts to solve this issue are essential.

Therefore, reevaluating the school system has become a necessity. If required, the education system must be amended, and not only in terms of admission procedures. As such, some key reforms are required.

Curriculum reform

The curriculum must be updated to meet society’s requirements and global norms. Practical and skill-based disciplines equip students for the modern workforce and help foster critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

Teacher support

Teachers need constant professional growth. Training should include subject knowledge, innovative teaching methods, classroom management skills, and student-centred learning. Mentoring and peer support can boost teachers’ performance and job satisfaction.

Resource distribution

Distributing textbooks, learning materials, and technology evenly across schools is crucial. Addressing the gaps between well-equipped urban schools and resource-deficient rural schools demands strategic planning and funding.

Community engagement

Involving parents, local communities, and stakeholders in education encourages ownership and accountability. Dialogue and collaboration platforms can foster innovation, overall school improvement, and inclusive education.

Strengthening school infrastructure

Building and renovating school buildings, libraries, labs, and other amenities makes for a good learning environment. Safe and accessible schools also increase student involvement and improve learning.

Leveraging technology

Technology in education can increase access to quality learning resources, especially in rural and underprivileged areas. Internet access, updated devices, and e-learning platforms can help students gain digital literacy.

Monitoring and evaluation

Accountability and continuous improvement require the monitoring of education quality and evaluation systems. Standardised tests, school inspections, and feedback mechanisms can assist with improving education and ensure its efficacy.

Collaboration and partnerships

International organisations, NGOs, and private sector companies can provide expertise, resources, and new solutions to improve education. Public-private collaborations can boost infrastructure, teacher training programmes, and technological integration.

The government, legislators, educators, parents, and society must commit long-term to quality education for all. Bangladesh can construct an education system that develops every child’s potential and gives them the skills to succeed in a changing world by prioritising access to quality education. Nelson Mandela had said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

Bangladesh can unlock its people’s potential and create a thriving, inclusive future by providing quality education for all.

Mohammad Ehsanul Islam Khan is a teacher, researcher, poet and the president of Hello-Teen, a government-approved non-profit organisation in Bangladesh.

– Article originally appeared on The Daily Star.

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World Chocolate Day, celebrated on July 7 each year, is a delightful occasion that brings people together.

On World Chocolate Day, people indulge in a wide array of chocolate-infused delights, ranging from chocolate milk and hot chocolate to candy bars, cakes, and brownies.

It is a time to revel in the heavenly flavours and irresistible allure of chocolate, appreciating the craftsmanship and artistry that goes into creating these delightful treats.

History of World Chocolate Day

There is no proper information available on who started the celebration of World Chocolate Day. However, the first Chocolate Day celebration was held on July 7, 2009, to commemorate the date on which chocolate was first brought to Europe in 1550.

Before 1550, chocolate was primarily available in specific countries across South and Central America, such as Mexico. However, foreign explorers desired to bring this special treat to the European continent. In 1519, Spanish explorer Hernan Cortes was presented with a chocolate-based drink called Xocolatl by the Aztec emperor.

Cortes brought the beverage back to Europe and added sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon to make it sweeter. In the 1800s, solid chocolates became popular. This led to the spread of chocolate’s popularity throughout Europe, and it eventually became the beloved treat we know today.

Nowadays, Africa leads in cacao tree production. The seeds of the tree have a bitter taste and undergo fermentation to develop their delicious flavour.

Significance of World Chocolate Day

On the occasion of World Chocolate Day, chocolate lovers all over the world indulge in their favorite chocolate treat. The day celebrates the deliciousness of chocolate and other scrumptious delicacies made from it such as chocolate milk, hot chocolate, chocolate candy, chocolate cake, brownies, mousse, and all other kinds of desserts.

Whether it is white chocolate, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or any other kind, Chocolate Day celebrates chocolate in its every type and flavor. Apart from this, the day also celebrates the several health benefits of consuming chocolates.

World Chocolate Day celebrations?

There are very simple ways in which one can observe World Chocolate Day. You can organize a chocolate-themed party where you can invite your friends and family for delicious chocolate treats.

You can also host a movie night and watch movies such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Chocolat, Romantics Anonymous, and others.

Sending chocolate gifts to your loved ones who live far away is also a great way of celebrating this day.

Going out to a bakery for some chocolate shopping and tasting is another way of spending the day.

If you are not in the mood for a party, you can prepare and savor the chocolate dish yourself too.

In case some chocolate companies or dessert factory is organizing any chocolate-y event, try to be a part of the festivity.

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Deforestation in Brazil’s Amazon fell by 33.6% in the first six months of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s term compared with the same period in 2022, the government says.

Its suggests the rainforest shrank by 2,649 sq km this January-June, down from 3,988 sq km in those six months last year under President Bolsonaro.

The released government satellite data has not been independently verified. Lula has pledged to end deforestation, or forest clearance, by 2030.

But he faces a huge challenge to achieve this target, as the area of rainforest still reported to be lost under his rule is more than three times the size of New York City.

The past few years have seen an alarming rise in deforestation. The Amazon rainforest is a crucial buffer in the global fight against climate change.

The new satellite data was presented by Brazil’s National Institute of Space Research (Inpe) on Thursday.

“We have reached a steady downward trend in deforestation of the Amazon,” Environment Minister Marina Silva told reporters.

Inpe singled out June as the month that saw a record 41% drop in forest clearance compared with the same period last year.

Lula, who took office in January, has vowed to reverse policies of his far-right predecessor Jair Bolsonaro, who promoted mining in indigenous lands in the Amazon.

Earlier this year, Lula decreed six new indigenous reserves, banning mining and restricting commercial farming there.

Indigenous leaders welcomed the move – but stressed that more areas needed protection.

And while deforestation was reported to have fallen, fires were up in the statistics.

In June alone, satellite monitoring detected 3,075 fires in the Amazon – the highest number since 2007.

Many of the blazes – releasing vast amounts of carbon emissions – have been linked to the clearing of previously deforested areas.

Lula, who previously served as Brazil’s president in 2003-2010, has also been pushing for the world’s richest nations to pay for various initiatives aimed at saving the rainforest.

In April, research by Global Forest Watch monitoring network showed that an area of tropical forest the size of Switzerland was lost last year around the world as tree clearance surged.

It said that some 11 football pitches of forest were lost every minute in 2022, with Brazil dominating the destruction.

It suggested that a political pledge to end deforestation made by world leaders at the UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in 2021 was well off track.

The Amazon is the largest rainforest in the world, and 60% of it is in Brazil.

Due to the large number of trees growing there, it is often called “the lungs of the planet” on account of how the trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen.

– Article originally appeared on BBC

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The annual Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a time of deep spiritual reflection for millions of Muslims. One of the most significant rituals during Hajj is the stoning at Jamarat, where pilgrims throw pebbles at three pillars, symbolising the rejection of evil.

With over 1.84 million pilgrims participating this year, a staggering total of over 100 million pebbles were used in the ritual. Where do all these pebbles go after the ritual is completed?

As the valley of Mina and Jamarat become empty once again after the Hajj pilgrimage, the answer to the question lies in the meticulous and scientific arrangements put in place by the Saudi government.

The stoning ritual begins on the Day of Sacrifice, Dhul Hijjah 10, when pilgrims throw pebbles at one of the pillars, Jamarat Al Aqaba.

During the following two or three days, known as Ayyam Al Tashreeq, they throw seven stones at each of the three pillars – Jamarat Al Sugra (small pillar), Jamarat Al Wusta (medium pillar), and Jamarat Al Aqaba (largest pillar). Each pilgrim uses a total of 49 pebbles if they perform the ritual over three days, and 70 pebbles if they stay for a fourth day.

Once the ritual is completed, the pebbles, which are thrown at the three pillars, fall vertically downwards and settle in the basement of the Jamarat facility, which has a depth of up to 15 meters. A series of conveyor belts are then employed to collect the pebbles. These pebbles undergo a sieving process during which they are sprayed with water to remove any dust and dirt.

The cleaned pebbles are then transferred to vehicles and taken to specific areas for storage, where they are managed further after the end of the Hajj season.

Additionally, the Mecca-based Hajj & Mu’tamer’s Gift Charitable Association, in partnership with the Kedana Company, plays a vital role in serving the pilgrims. Last year, the organisation supplied over 80,000 bags of pebbles for the stoning ritual and distributed them at over 300 contact points for pilgrims in Muzdalifah, in addition to the Jamarat Bridge facility in Mina.

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Originally from South America, the Humboldt penguin lives on the coasts of Peru and Chile. Its closest relatives are the African penguin, the Magellanic penguin and the Galpagos penguin. Humboldt penguins are extremely sociable, inquisitive and communicative birds, some would even say they are the friendliest of them all.

These birds are excellent swimmers. Their torpedo-shaped bodies can shoot through the water at speeds of 30 miles an hour. And they can dive up to 500 feet underwater in search of snacks such as fish, shrimp, and squid.

Humboldt penguins form a strong bond and remain with the same partner for their entire lives. Before mating the animals undergo a moulting period, during which they do not go out to sea and have to starve. By the end of the moult, they venture into the sea to forage and then come back to their breeding grounds. Commonly 1-2 eggs are laid and incubated for an estimated 40 days. Both the male and female take turns to incubate their eggs.

Since 1988, The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed the penguins on its vulnerable list, and Humboldt hunting has been illegal since 1995. Scientists consider the Humboldt penguin to be vulnerable to extinction due to Natural climate variation, human-induced climate change and overfishing of their preferred prey species.

Fun facts about penguins
o The Welsh word for penguin is pengwin. Pen means ‘head’ and gwyn means ‘white’.
o Penguins have waterproof feathers. Their own built-in wetsuit!
o Penguins have a protective lens that covers their eyes when they go underwater. Their own built-in goggles!
o Emperor penguins are the biggest of them all, at nearly four feet tall. Little penguins are the, well, littlest, at just 16 inches.
o Penguins have very distinctive calls and can recognise each other among a whole bunch of noisy penguins.
o A penguin’s tongue is covered with spines, which help it catch and hold onto its prey.

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