High Trans fat cause of concern

31.03.2012 20:01:13 - by sagarmedia on March 31, 2012
A little knowledge is very dangerous so is High Trans fat cause of concern a report generated from Center for Science and Environment (CSE) is shocking facts.CSE lab offered its report to selective media could be cause of concern but the manner in which it explains the cause is too is concerned for media those who understands science with respect to chemistry and physics the former is material science and later is more or less experiential and more mathematical plus operation science.Trans fat is the common name for unsaturated fat with trans-isomer E-isome fatty acids. Term refers to the configuration of a double carbon-carbon bond, hydrogen-hydrogen bonds.Trans fats are sometimes monounsaturated or polyunsaturated, but never saturated. Trans fats are rare in living nature, but can occur in food production processes.Consumption of trans fats increases the risk of coronary heart disease by raising levels of LDL cholesterol and lowering levels of "good" HDL cholesterol.

(live-PR.com) - When any lab claims to put the facts before the media it needs to adhere to some important norms of the fact it is producing.One experiments each of the sample and to conclude with some ideation of hypothesis to law can never be formulated in science. The experiments are ought to be conducted under the observation of neutral media persons
in complete know of the two sciences and test being conducted not in solo or mono test but be conducted simultaneous with multiple formats like simple titration and computerized or in mechanized along with more labs tech taking up the cause and the results are to be compared and the operational,comparative study is made with consultation of not in a day but consultative days are fixed to come to a conclusions with practical study.WHO and national norms may or may not be the same as are different in category of palatable water.
Food poisoning is cause of concern not only with adulteration but because of people in business with ignorance and poor quality of chemicals,preservatives used without adding its supplement or complement to the food.The preparation and the consumption of the food too has its own vital role to play.

Report by CSE on trans fat on fast food needs more explanation and ought to be consumed with care as the snacks but not in daily routine as even the normal food of one dish daily too spoils health food needs to be consumed in variety with season and not sticking to one category of dish.We need more labs,NGO and other people coming forward along with CSE to make it comprehensive and holistic study rather than of one's own affirmative and but produce more voluble tenable prepositions.In spite of study shortcomings it needs to ne complimented for their solo effort.

Our body has millions of minute particles in form of cells,molecules,other chemicals and ions which are allotted various functions to keep our body toned up with process of converting the food into simpler physical particles to chemical particles with electrolysis,chemically, oxidization,hydration,to a gaseous state and then in atomic and inoic formation and the even to some the sunshine is cause of concern with ozone too playing its adverse role on the body with natural radioactive particles in the environment along with modern man made communication gadgets we are using contain all types of infra and ultra rays which needs to be studied in details.

Contact information:
Sagar Media Inc



Contact Person:
Naresh Kumar Sagar
Chairman
Phone: 9810974027

Combined Medical Services Examination, 2012

Combined Medical Services Examination, 2012

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will hold  the Combined Medical Services Examination, 2012 on 17th June, 2012.  The examination will be held at various Centers across the country.             Candidates are required to apply only through online mode.  No other mode is allowed for submission of application.  For details regarding the Eligibility Conditions, Syllabus and Scheme of the examination, Centers of examination, Guidelines for filling up online application form etc., aspirants must refer to the Detailed Notice of the examination published in the Employment News/Rozgar Samachar dated  24th March, 2012  or the UPSC website  www.upsc.gov.in

Mar 31

Edit

Smriti wins seventh title:Hero Women’s Pro Tour

by sagarmedia on March 31, 2012

Mumbai, March 30: Smriti Mehra could afford to drop a lot of shots and still win by a big three-shot margin to win the 15^th and final leg of the Hero Women’s Professional Golf Tour on Friday. The veteran star shot 79, including a two bogeys and a double bogey in the last three holes, to finish the week at six-over 216.
Smriti was three clear of Nalini Singh Siwach (74), who overhauled a fast-approaching Neha Tripathi to finish second. Nalini totaled 219, while Neha (71) was third at 220.
 Shraddhanjali Singh (75) and Saaniya Sharma (77) were tied for fourth at 221. Nikki Ponappa (76) was sixth at 228 and was one of the two players to land an eagle on the final day. The other one was Neha, also on the par-5 fourth hole.
 Smriti, who began the day seven shots ahead of Saaniya, opened with six pars before finding a double bogey. She then had a triply on the par-4 ninth. On the back nine, she birdied the 10^th, but bogeyed the 11^th. Then followed four pars and a bogey on 16^th, a double on 17^th and another bogey on 18^th.
This was Smriti’s seventh title of the season from among 15 events and it also saw her finish the season on top of the Money List. Nalini Singh won three events and was second on the merit list.

POSCO Judgment of National Green Tribunal

by sagarmedia on March 31, 2012

On March 30, 2012, the National Green Tribunal held in Prafulla Samantra and Anr. vs Union of India and Ors. that the 31.1.2011 final order of the Environment Ministry – permitting the POSCO project to go ahead with certain conditions – should be suspended until a full review of the project can be undertaken (by specialists with fresh terms of reference). The NGT Bench consisted of Justice C.V. Ramulu, Judicial Member, and Dr. Devendra Kumar Agarwal, Expert Member.

The tribunal has observed that, “A close scrutiny of the entire scheme … reveals that a project of this magnitude particularly in partnership with a foreign country has been dealt with casually, without there being any comprehensive scientific data regarding the possible environmental impacts. No meticulous scientific study was made on each and every aspect of the matter leaving lingering and threatening environmental and ecological doubts un-answered.” (para 7, page 22)

It has also seriously questioned the appointment of Ms. Meena Gupta as the chairperson of the review committee which was set up by the MoEF in 2010. The judgement states that Ms. Gupta’s appointment was “definitely hit by personal / official / departmental bias, in other words, she supported the decision made by her earlier. This is in gross violation of principles of natural justice.” (para 6.9 page 22)

Key Directions of the Green Tribunal

The Tribunal has directed a “fresh review of the Project” (para 8.1) that has to look at the problems noted in this judgment as well as the majority and minority reports of the earlier Enquiry Committee (see list of dates), etc. In particular it has to look at:

Land and infrastructure: The clearance was given for a 4 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) steel plant, but the land, water etc. were allocated for a 12 MTPA project (which has been POSCO’s stated plan). The judgment directs MoEF to “consider optimizing the total land requirement for 4 MTPA steel plant proportionately.”(para 8.5) Moreover, the impacts of other infrastructure for the plant have not been assessed at all, even though they were planned for a 12 MTPA plant.

Issues that should have been done now, but which MoEF left for future studies: On several points highlighted by the review committee, the MoEF just said future studies should be done and ignored the issue. The Tribunal finds this deeply unsatisfactory, and notes the following among other issues:

Water: The Tribunal said that “We are all aware that … the drinking water is becoming scarce commodity and at every level precaution needs to be taken for protecting the drinking water supply to human habitation and preventing from utilizing such water for industrial use … alternative water source for the present project, like creating/ constructing a small barrage or augmenting any other existing source at the cost of project proponent to avoid the utilizing the water meant for Cuttack city… could be examined.” (para 7.4, page 29)

Pollution: The plant’s discharge was also left for future study by MoEF. The Tribunal says this is a “serious environmental concern.” (para 7.4, page 30)

Impact on surrounding wetlands and mangroves, as well as cyclone risk: This was left for vague future studies without any time frame or modus operandi. In addition, the Ministry has to frame a policy to ensure large projects are assessed in full for a single clearance (rather than being allowed to get piecemeal clearances for each component, as in this case) and for their full capacity at the start (paras 8.7,8.9). It also has to do a strategic assessment of the ports in Orissa. (para 8.8)

POSCO and the government sought to argue that the case cannot be filed as the original clearances were given in 2007 (and, incidentally, will expire in May/July this year). The Tribunal held that the 2011 order can still be looked at even if the 2007 ones cannot be; it therefore directed review and suspension of the 2011 order.

POSCO and/or the government can appeal this decision in the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, MoEF has to constitute a review committee of subject specialists (para 8.3), define timelines for compliance with conditions (para 8.4), establish a committee for monitoring compliance with these conditions (para 8.4). No work can start on the project until the review process is over.

The case was argued by Sr. Adv. Raj Punjwani, Adv. Ritwick Dutta and Adv. Rahul Choudhary for the petitioners.

Key Events

• June 2005: POSCO, Orissa government sign MoU for 12 million tonne steel plant, private port and captive iron ore mines. Protests begin in steel plant area and area is cordoned off by peaceful protesters.
• May 2007: Environmental clearance for port granted by Environment Ministry, then under A. Raja.
• July 2007: Environmental clearance for plant granted by Environment Ministry, then under PM. Secretary is Meena Gupta. Protests continue in the face of violent attacks and numerous arrests.
• December 2009: Forest clearance granted for taking over forest land by Environment Ministry, then under Jairam Ramesh.
• August 2010: Forest clearance suspended following complaints of violations of law, and Enquiry Committee constituted under Meena Gupta.
• October 2010: Three member majority of enquiry committee gives report saying environmental and forest clearances illegal. Meena Gupta dissents, holds clearances legal but recommends additional study and time to ensure compliance.
• January 31, 2011: Environment Ministry disregards both majority and minority reports, upholds environment and forest clearances, while prescribing some additional conditions (mostly consisting of additional studies to be done in future).
• June 2011: Prafulla Samantray challenges final order in National Green Tribunal.
• March 31, 2012: Green Tribunal judgment.

For further information:

Prafulla Samantray, activist and petitioner in this case, 09437259005

Prashant Paikray, POSCO Pratirodh Sangram Samiti, 09437571547

Kanchi Kohli, activist, 9811903112, kanchikohli@gmail.com

Shankar Gopalakrishnan, Campaign for Survival and Dignity, 9873657844, shankargopal@myfastmail.com

Fonterra charted over 100 projects in S America,Africa,China,Asean,MiddleEast

With demand of milk outstripping supply among aspiring middle classes in China, Asia and Latin America, the Fonterra company has formulated a strategy to invest overseas to expand its footprint. Sharing details of its "Group Strategy Refresh", which aims to grow volumes and value by focusing more tightly on emerging markets and products that meet growing consumer demand for dairy nutrition, Spierings said.

"Strong economic and population growth in emerging markets is driving a situation where global demand for milk is forecast to grow by more than 100 billion litres by 2020, with New Zealand expected to contribute only 5 billion litres of additional supply by that date," he said.

Stressing on raising volumes to protect its position as the world's leading dairy exporter, the company has charted over 100 projects - many of which are already underway. World's largest dairy exporter Fonterra Cooperative Group Ltd. is planning overseas expansion to focus more strongly on fast growing markets in China, ASEAN, Latin America, Middle East and Africa. Fonterra already has established businesses in these regions, so it is a case of really building on these and driving growth with greater intensity, Fonterra chief executive Theo Spierings said Thursday releasing the interim results.

Spierings said global dairy prices remained relatively strong despite a recent slide as more milk production by rivals reached markets.

SC gives time to Centre to decide on nat monument status for Ram Setu

SC gives time to Centre to decide on nat monument status for Ram Setu

The Centre was granted more time by the Supreme Court to decide whether the mythological Ram Setu could be declared a national monument.

Appearing before a bench headed by Justice H L Dattu on Thursday, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Haren Raval submitted that consultation was needed on the issue with the competent authority and sought more time to file an affidavit on it.

"Take a decision whether or not to", the bench said, while granting the government two weeks time to take a decision. The bench then posted the matter for further hearing on 19^th April.

The bench was hearing a petition filed by Janata Party President Subramanian Swamy seeking the court's direction to declare Ram Setu a national monument.

Earlier, the bench had on 27^th March directed the government to file an affidavit regarding its decision within two days.

"If you say you don't want to file counter affidavit, we can go ahead with the arguments in the case," the bench had said.

The case relating to Ram Setu came under judicial scrutiny after a batch of petitions were filed in the apex court challenging the ambitious Sethusamudram project, which was alleged to cause damage to the mythological bridge.

Sethusamudram project is aimed at constructing a shorter navigational route around India's southern tip by breaching the mythological Ram Setu, said to have been built by Lord Rama's army of monkeys and bears to the demon king Ravana's kingdom Lanka.

As per the Sethusamudram project, the shipping channel is proposed to be 30 metres wide, 12 metres deep and 167 kms long.

India for avoiding political disruptions that hit trade flow

India has pitched for avoiding political disruptions that create volatilities in global energy markets affecting trade flow as the BRICS Summit began in New Delhi to discuss ways to enhance intra-BRICS trade and review the situation in the region. Addressing the fourth BRICS Summit, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh also said that the grouping has agreed to examine in "greater detail" a proposal to set up a South-South Development bank, funded and managed by BRICS and other developing countries. He also urged member countries to speak in one voice on key issues such as UNSC reforms. The Summit is being attended by Brazilian president Dilma Roussef, Chinese president Hu Jintao, South African president Jacob Zuma and Russian president Dmitry Medvedev besides Singh. The BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) represent over 40 per cent of the world's population and the leaders of the five countries discussed ways to enhance intra-BRICS trade and review the situation in the region. "We must avoid political disruptions that create volatilities in global energy markets and affect trade flow... We must ensure policy coordination to revive economic growth," he said. On UNSC reforms, Dr. Singh suggested that BRICS countries should speak in one voice on issues such as reforms of the international body. He also said in their restricted session, the grouping also discussed the ongoing turmoil in West Asia and agreed to work together for a peaceful resolution of the crisis. Touching upon the issue of terrorism, Dr. Singh said the countries should enhance cooperation against terrorism and other developing threats such as piracy, particularly emanating from Somalia. Emphasising that the global situation presents a mixed picture, Dr. Singh said responses to these challenges by different countries may be different, "but there is much common interest that binds us together". "We are all affected by the global economic slowdown, the volatility in food and energy prices, the challenge of reconciling growth with environmental objectives, the political uncertainty in West Asia and the rise of terrorism and extremism." “Our responses to these challenges may be different, but there is much common interest that binds us together," he said. He cited ten specific issues which he believed concerned all the member countries including creating jobs, energy and food security, revival of global growth, breathing life to Doha round of trade negotitions and facilitation of funds for infrastructure development. Commenting on India's need to generate 8-10 million jobs every year in the next decade, Dr. Singh said India would like to learn from the experiences of other BRICS countries on how they are dealing with these problems. He also sought "room to cooperate internationally" on issues like energy, food and water security, saying "it is clear that constraints such as the availability of energy and food for countries that account for more than 40% of the world population can impede the entire story." "Water is another critical area of scarcity which needs much greater attention than it has received thus far. We have much to learn from each other in how to handle these problems, and there is also room to cooperate internationally," Dr. Singh said. He also urged the member countries as members of G-20 that they must together ensure that appropriate solutions are found to help Europe help itself and to ensure policy coordination that can revive global growth. "As large and diverse economies, we should make a special effort to find ways to exploit intra-BRICS complementarities. We should promote greater interaction amongst our business communities. Issues such as easier business visas must be prioritised. As large trading countries, BRICS have a strong interest in removing barriers to trade and investment flows and avoiding protectionist measures," Dr. Singh said. "To revive global demand and growth, developing countries need access to capital, particularly for infrastructure development. We must address the important issue of expanding the capital base of the World Bank and other Multilateral Development Banks to enable these institutions to perform their appropriate role in financing infrastructure development," Dr. Singh said. Seeking improvement in global governance, the Prime Minister said BRICS should speak with one voice on important issues such as the reform of the UN Security Council. "BRICS countries must also work together to address deficiencies in global governance. Institutions of global political and economic governance created more than six decades ago have not kept pace with the changing world. While some progress has been made in international financial institutions, there is lack of movement on the political side," Dr. Singh said. He emphasised on the need to reduce energy intensity of GDP by promoting energy efficiency and developing clean energy sources. This calls for greater investments in research and development, sharing of best practices, and encouraging transfer of technology, he said. The BRICS nations had during their last summit in Sanya in China signed a framework agreement to enable them to grant credit in local currencies. Though the BRICS countries have sharply varying political systems, they share some common geopolitical, economic and trading interests. BRICS has no fixed agenda, but on certain issues like reform of the United Nations; greater representation in Bretton Woods institutions; managing global financial crisis and boosting intra-BRICS trade and cooperation, they mostly have common positions. BRICS account for 26 per cent of the world's landmass and 42 per cent of the global population, including India and China, two of the world's most populous countries. It accounts for 40 per cent of global GDP (USD 18.486 trillion) and its proportion is rapidly increasing. The first BRICS Summit was held in Yekaterinburg, Russia (2009), followed by Brasilia (2010) and Sanya, China (2011).

DAILY POLL

Chilean President Sebastian Pinera calls on Japan to join TPP

 

Chilean President Sebastian Pinera has emphasized the benefits of Japan’s full participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade deal.The visiting president spoke to NHK in Tokyo. Chile is one of the 4 countries that first proposed the TPP.
Pinera said Japan’s participation not only has great significance for itself, but also for all countries involved in the TPP. The President said it is better for Japan to get involved before members agree on a framework because it can discuss and negotiate the outline of the trade deal’s structure.
Pinera also said it’s uncertain whether the 9 countries currently in the negotiations can reach a broad agreement to strike a deal this year.He said that differences remain in areas such as intellectual property and service trade.

Syria accepts Annan's six-point proposal

Syria accepts Annan's six-point proposal to end violence

Syria has accepted joint UN- Arab League envoy Kofi Annan's six-point peace proposal to end the violence, a move which the former UN chief described as an "important initial step" to begin an inclusive process of political dialogue in the country hit by deadly protests.

"The Syrian government has written to the Joint Special Envoy Kofi Annan accepting his six point plan, endorsed by the United Nations Security Council," Annan's spokesman Ahmad Fawzi said in a statement.
Annan in turn has written to President Bashar Al-Assad urging the Syrian government to put its commitments into immediate effect.
Annan "views this as an important initial step that could bring an end to the violence and the bloodshed, provide aid to the suffering, and create an environment conducive to a political dialogue that would fulfil the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people," his spokesman added.
Last week, the UN Security Council had supported Annan's six-point proposal, which he had submitted during his visit to Damascus earlier this month, and had called on both Syria's government and opposition to immediately implement it.
The proposal seeks to stop the violence and the killing, give access to humanitarian agencies, release detainees, and start an inclusive political dialogue to address the legitimate aspirations and concerns of the Syrian people.
Annan has stressed that implementation of the proposal will be key, not only for the Syrian people who are caught in the middle of the crisis, but also for the region and the international community.
"As the Syrian government acts on its commitments, Annan will move urgently to work with all parties to secure implementation of the plan at all levels," the spokesman said

Posted just now by Nksagar

Row between Army Chief, Govt worsens; uproar in Rajya Sabha

The row between Army Chief and Government worsened on Wednesday with Defence Minister A K Antony saying "appropriate action" would be taken for leakage of a letter written by Gen V K Singh to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh amid demands by political parties for his dismissal. The issue of the contents of the letter appearing in the media rocked Rajya Sabha with members terming it as "disturbing" and "serious" and demanding that the government should take action against those responsible "whatever position he holds". Responding to concerns expressed by members, Antony said, "I have made serious note of the observations... After consulting the Prime Minister and colleagues, we will take appropriate action." He confirmed that the Army Chief had written to the Prime Minister on March 12 drawing his "attention to issues related to national defence and security." He said "these issues are under the consideration of the Ministry of Defence. By very nature of these issues, they cannot be a matter of public debate." Earlier, Antony met the Prime Minister over the issue. Home Minister P Chidambaram and Defence Secretary Shashikant Sharma were also present at the meeting. According to a newspaper report, the Army Chief has contended in the letter that the entire tank fleet is "devoid of critical ammunition to defeat enemy tanks", the air defence is "97 per cent obsolete" and the infantry is crippled with "deficiencies of crew served weapon" and lacks "night fighting" capabilities. Gen Singh has also alleged that there is "hollowness" in the procedures and processing time for procurements as well as legal impediments by vendors.

H-1B visa applications to be accepted from April 2: US

Applications for the most sought after H-1B work visa used extensively by Indian IT professionals for the fiscal beginning October 1, would be accepted beginning April 2, a federal immigration agency announced on Tuesday.

The congressionally mandated numerical limitation on H-1B petitions for the fiscal year 2012-13 is 65,000, as has been in the previous years.
Additionally, the first 20,000 H-1B petitions filed on behalf of individuals who have earned a US masters degree or higher are exempt from the fiscal year cap.
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said H1B applications will be considered accepted on the date it takes possession of a properly filed petition with correct fee and not the date on which it was sent.
"If the number of applications received exceeds the numerical cap, USCIS will randomly select the number of petitions required to reach the numerical limit from the pool of petitions received on the final receipt date," USCIS said in a statement, adding that it will reject cap-subject petitions that are not selected, as well as those received after the final receipt date.
Petitions for new H-1B employment are exempt from the annual cap if the beneficiaries will work at institutions of higher education or related or affiliated non-profit entities, non-profit research organisations or governmental research organisations, USCIS said

Check out more  from Nourishing the  Planet!   Order your copy of State of the World 2011              Read our blog, updated daily Research in Real Time   Dear Naresh,    Today, the Worldwatch Institute released Vital Signs 2012, a compendium of all the Vital Signs trends we posted online over the last year from our Vital Signs Online. From organic farming to global meat production and consumption, Vital Signs 2012 documents 24 trends that are shaping our future in concise analysis and clear tables and graphs. Click here to purchase a copy today. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, roughly a third of all food produced for human consumption----approximately 1.3 billion tons----is lost or wasted each year. With nearly 1 billion people suffering from hunger, this amount of wastage is unacceptable.  Luckily, organizations, such as Love Food, Hate Waste and Practical Action, are working with consumers and farmers to reduce that waste. But we want to know, what you are doing to reduce food waste? What are steps that we all can take to reduce food waste? Email me and let me know your thoughts! We will highlight some of your suggestions on Nourishing the Planet.  All the best, Danielle Nierenberg Nourishing the Planet Project Director Worldwatch Institute www.nourishingtheplanet.org Please connect with us on Facebook!     Here are some highlights from the week: Nourishing the Planet TV: Improving the Harvest, From the Soil to the Market Our Nourishing the Planet TV episode this week discusses a program that is helping farmers in Tanzania work together to increase their incomes, while healing the land. CARE International's Equitable Payment for Watershed Management program encourages, and works closely with, smallholder farmers to use intercropping and terraces to help restore soil.      Italian Power Company Partners with World Food Programme to Combat Hunger and Climate Change   The United Nations' World Food Programme (WFP) and Italian energy company Enel are teaming up in an effort to address food security and climate change by providing green cook stoves and solar panels to communities. Enel Trade has committed support to WFP's Safe Access to Firewood and Alternative Energy in Humanitarian Settings Initiative, which provides high-efficiency cooking stoves to schools, community centers, and poor households for use in cooking WFP food rations.        Knowing is Saving: a Water Impact Calculator to Help Indian Farmers Conserve Water   In this guest post, Marketing Communication and Multi-media Specialist with the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Jerome Bossuet discusses a new pilot project in the Indian states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh. Led by the Water and Agriculture Working Group and run by ICRISAT, the project seeks to scale up the adoption of water-saving irrigation practices via the development of a simple, farmer-friendly irrigation decision-making tool. The project is developing a Simple Water Impact Calculator for farmers, which estimates the impact of their current practices on water conservation, and explores ways to use water more efficiently.       Introduction to First Peoples Worldwide In this post, we discussedFirst Peoples Worldwide (FPW), an indigenous-led organization that aims to strengthen indigenous communities through the restoration of control over their assets. FPW advocates on behalf of Indigenous Peoples with governments, economic development institutions, and funders. It calls for U.S. and foreign governments to work directly with Indigenous Peoples in establishing mutually beneficial agreements.       Changing the Way We Eat: Raising Pigs & Problems  In this TedxManhattan talk, "Raising Pigs & Problems: Saying No to Antibiotics in Animal Feed," the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy's Dr. Wallinga explains that producers in the large-scale meat production industry often incorporate antibiotics into their animal feed in an attempt to ward off disease, which can spread rapidly among animals kept confined in close quarters. But widespread use of antibiotics can actually create antibiotic resistance, making it harder to fight illness among animals and humans alike. Antibiotics that are present in animal waste leach into the environment and contaminate water and food crops, posing a serious threat to public health.           Fighting Striga In this guest post, Agro-Insight Director, Paul Van Mele discussed his organization's partnership with theInternational Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropicsto create a comprehensive series of 10 farmer-to-farmer videos to combat Striga, one of the world's most troublesome weeds. The "Fighting Striga" videos have been shown in farmer exchange visits and discussed at open-air evening screenings. They are effective because they are made according to the zooming-in, zooming-out (ZIZO) method, which relies on strong interactions with farmers. The ZIZO method results in regionally relevant and locally appropriate farmer-to-farmer training videos and can be applied to many topics.          Researchers Detail Humanity's Water Footprint Check out this National Geographic article, written by Worldwatch senior fellow and Freshwater Fellow of the National Geographic Society, Sandra Postel, which discusses a new study on humanity's water consumption, or its water footprint. Many everyday items contain surprisingly high water footprints----it takes 2,700 liters (713 gallons) to make a cotton t-shirt and 2,400 liters (634 gallons) to make a hamburger. The study alerts consumers and producers to areas where they can contribute to decreasing our global water footprint.          State of the World 2012 Launches in Washington, D.C. The Worldwatch Institute's 16th Annual State of the World Symposium will take place on April 11 and will be hosted at the Woman's National Democratic Club in Washington, D.C. Worldwatch President Robert Engelman and senior researchers Michael Renner and Erik Assadourian will speak at the event, where they will officially release State of the World 2012: Moving Toward Sustainable Prosperity. State of the World 2012 includes sustainability discussions that range from agriculture to biodiversity, green jobs to economic degrowth, communications technologies to sustainable buildings, and local politics to global governance. Click here for more information and here if you would like to register for the event.         What did you think of this newsletter? Please give us your feedback...we will use your comments to constantly improve our work. Write Danielle Nierenberg, Senior Researcher and Project Director of Nourishing the Planet, at dnierenberg@worldwatch.org.

Forward email