Farmers in Punjab\, Haryana to be given machines at a discount to check pollution

New Delhi: Air pollution from burning of harvest residue in Punjab and Haryana is likely to fall this year as authorities are aiming to provide more machines for fields at discounted rates.

The paddy harvest, which begins by the end of this month, has been a major source of pollution in northern India, which has even triggered medical emergencies. This year, the concerns are higher as some studies have suggested that air pollution may be associated with the spread of Covid-19, and may aggravate the symptoms of the disease.

Farm fires in Haryana fell 60% last year, and the target is to eliminate the practice completely this year, said Vijay Singh Dahiya, director general, agriculture department, Haryana. "This year, there is micro-level planning and we are using satellite data to pinpoint zones where there were increased incidences of crop burning in 2019. Emphasis is to add in more custom hiring centres, give subsidy for machines to farmers and create awareness programmes," he said.

In Haryana, 841 custom hiring centres will be added and subsidy will be given to 2,741 individual farmers.

Farmers in Punjab\, Haryana to be given machines at a discount to check pollution

#BicycleDiaries: Twin city residents opt for a safe and healthy commute | Bhubaneswar News - Times of India

#BicycleDiaries: Twin city residents opt for a safe and healthy commute

Cycling has become the new buzzword for people in the twin cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar. It started during the nationwide lockdown when there were restrictions on vehicular movement. That’s when most people wiped off the dust from their bicycles and rode out to the neighbourhood grocery store. As the unlock started, more and more people started opting for cycles to get from A to B, the primary reason being the social distance it offers by default and of course, the promise of fitness after months of sitting idle.

Sanjib Biswal, an entrepreneur, said, “During the lockdown, authorities were not allowing vehicles. So, during the first phase of unlock, I bought myself a bicycle. It helped me go out to buy stuff and enjoy a ride in the free air.”
For some, like banker Abinash Bairiganjan, a bicycle is the perfect way to keep a safe distance from others while travelling to work. “Since my office is nearby, I prefer to take a cycle ride every other day. It’s safe since you don’t come in contact with anyone else during the journey. Had it been winter, I would have loved to cycle to office every day,” he said.

All for fitness and health
People were restricted indoors for months together during the lockdown and many gained weight in the process. So, as soon as the lockdown eased, many rushed to buy bicycles to ensure that they get enough exercise. “Staying indoors for a long time and not hitting gym had its effect on me. The moment things eased down, I invested in a bicycle. Now, I make sure I cycle for around 30 minutes to an hour every day. And the positive effects of this practice are already showing,” said Rakesh Padhan, a content analyst.
“Since it is safe to communicate by cycle and it is also a healthy practice, I bought a cycle recently. The coronavirus pandemic really changed the way we live,” said Debasis Nayak, a private firm employee.

Cycle sales have gone up
The increased demand for cycles has pushed up sales. “In May and June, our cycle sales doubled. Now, the demand is so high that cycle brands are finding it difficult to meet it. After all, even the cycle factories were closed for two-three months. We are hopeful that by November, we will get enough stock to meet the demand,” said Ajay Nanda, a cyclist and trader.
Cycling enthusiasts are back in action
Cyclists, who often ride out in groups to explore areas around the city, are also back in action. “Once the unlock started, we resumed cycling either individually or in small groups,” said Piyush Ranjan Rout, a cyclist, adding that wearing a mask is an issue while cycling, but they are managing.

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    Farmers in Punjab\, Haryana to be given machines at a discount to check pollution

    After Retrieving His Missing Phone, Man Finds It Full Of Monkey 'Selfies'

    After Retrieving His Missing Phone, Man Finds It Full Of Monkey 'Selfies'

    Zackrydz Rodzi found the phone in a jungle behind his house - and discovered that it was full of monkey selfies.

    After Retrieving His Missing Phone, Man Finds It Full Of Monkey 'Selfies'

    A student from Malaysia found a series of monkey pics on his missing phone.

    A student from Malaysia was stunned to discover a series of monkey 'selfies' on the phone he lost. Zackrydz Rodzi told BBC News that he thought his phone had been stolen while he was sleeping. The 20-year-old student from the town of Batu Pahat reportedly went to sleep on Friday with his phone next to him. On Saturday, he woke up to find that his phone had gone missing.

    "There was no sign of robbery. The only thing on my mind was is it some kind of sorcery," said the final year computer science student. 

    Mr Rodzi eventually tracked the device to a jungle behind his house on Sunday afternoon. He says his father kept calling his phone until, on Sunday, he heard it ringing from the jungle and found it beneath a palm tree.

    When his uncle joked that he might find a picture of the thief on his phone, Mr Rodzi opened the gallery and discovered a series of monkey pictures and videos. One video - which he shared with the BBC - even shows the monkey trying to eat his phone.  

    According to the Daily Mail, Mr Rodzi said he showed the photos to friends and family who 'couldn't believe it', before posting them on Twitter. "Something that you might see once in a century," he tweeted on Sunday.

    The pictures have garnered over 2.5 lakh views and hundreds of amused comments on the microblogging platform. 

    Zackrydz Rodzi suspects that the monkey may have entered their house through an open window and made off with the phone before dropping it in the jungle.

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