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Safety first, safari next
The recent video clip that went viral on social media of a tourist woman and her minor daughter falling accidentally in front of a charging rhino during a jeep safari inside the world heritage site Kaziranga National Park, for reasons best known to the Park management, has shocked and angered every viewer. In fact, this is not the only such case. Very often, one comes across some unbelievable events when safari vehicles facilitate tourists in capturing videos and photos of animals inside some sanctuaries of the country. Now, the question arises whether such activities are permissible as they disturb the wildlife in their protected areas. The answer is NO. The editorial, 'On the rule of Kaziranga safari,' published in your most popular and esteemed daily on January 10, has rightly said that although KNP recorded the highest-ever tourist footfall this year, boosting revenue generation, this doesn't mean that the Park authorities will allow a fleet of jeeps carrying as many tourists as possible, moving bumper to bumper during safaris in Kaziranga, not only visibly disturbing animals, more particularly the rhinos of the national park, but also endangering the lives of the tourists, is indeed a worrying trend for the world heritage site. The authorities of Kaziranga and Manas need to strictly follow norms on the carrying capacity of vehicles inside the iconic tourism sites, apart from prioritizing tourist safety. There should not be any laxity on the part of authorities since the World Heritage Site tag of the sanctuaries is a global recognition of its conservation success and the commitment of the government to protect the park animals and its rich diversity. The management needs to keep in mind that a single incident of tourist safety concern due to negligence on the part of tourism stakeholders will attract negative publicity while affecting the morale of park staff. Educating the tourist vehicle owners, drivers, and visitors about the strict adherence of park rules is therefore an all-time need, along with incorporating necessary amendments of rules for park visitors to prevent recurrence of such an unfortunate incident or irresponsible behaviour by any individual or safari operators in the future. It is the collective responsibility of every stakeholder to preserve the glory of the world heritage sites for making the wildlife and biodiversity conservation efforts sustainable. Let us hope that such unpleasant happenings will not occur in the days to come.
Iqbal Saikia,
Guwahati.
Support for the vulnerable in Winter
I am writing to highlight a matter of urgent concern that affects vulnerable individuals across Assam, particularly during the harsh winter months. While many of us may find some comfort in the cold weather, it presents a dire challenge for those without shelter—such as the homeless, beggars, and other marginalized people who are forced to endure the cold in public spaces. Across various cities in Assam, including urban and rural areas, many elderly people, pregnant women, and children are forced to sleep on the streets, near bus stations, railway platforms, and busy markets, struggling to stay warm. These individuals often face not only the cold but also a lack of food, basic necessities, and safety. It is heart-wrenching to witness this suffering, and it is our collective responsibility to offer help in whatever way we can. While we may not be able to provide everything these individuals need, offering essentials such as food, blankets, and winter clothing can make a significant difference in their survival and well-being. I kindly urge the concerned authorities and citizens to come together and extend their support to these vulnerable individuals during this difficult time. Let us ensure that no one has to face the harshness of winter without hope or help.
Dristi Buragohain
Cotton University
Needless melodrama
Television reality shows boomed at the fag end of the 1990s and the early 2000s. India emulated the West almost at the same time to offer a wide range of reality programs, which really began with talent-hunting song shows. Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), Bigg Boss, and Indian Idol were success stories in varied measures. However, a few "reality" shows have now become the laughing stock of viewers, and others have been accused of "fixing" the entire series, from day one. The problem with the reality shows began the day they transgressed from their definition: unscripted, real-life situations with unknown participants. Scripted, pre-planned, stage-managed, and rigged are the common words used by audiences to pan the shows.
Unnecessary melodrama has taken the genuine stuff out of these shows. Past histories of several participants are needlessly raked up to pump the show with emotional overload. There are also reports on how some stories about contestants are fabricated to increase the Television Rating Point (TRP). Talent-hunting should concentrate only on one aspect of a participant: aptitude. Socio-economic constraints cannot be highlighted to garner empathy towards the contenders and, thereby, votes. Reality events should be moulded differently to retain spectator interest. Transparency should be liberally infused into the shows so that the creative side of the contenders is brought to the fore.
Dr Ganapathi Bhat
(gbhat13@gmail.com)
AI and plant science
Artificial Intelligence is an unprecedented branch of modern technology, whose applications are now being deeply noticed in the field of botany. Botany is the branch of science that specializes in the growth, research, and production of plants. Artificial intelligence has created a unique possibility to increase data analysis, diagnosis, and production capacity in plants. This has made it possible to advise farmers for more weather-tolerant and high-quality production. The combination of AI and plant science is ushering in a new era, which is a revolutionary step to address food and environmental issues.
Technological uses of AI in plant science: The use of AI in plant science is mainly in data analysis and monitoring. For example, AI-based drones and sensors help in monitoring the soil and weather conditions in the case of plants. Machine learning has made it easier to identify plant diseases. A major achievement of AI is to identify pathogenic attacks on plants and take necessary measures in advance. In addition, AI plays an important role in increasing production in modern methods such as Hydroponics and Aeroponics. This technology has already opened up a promising direction for farmers in developed countries.
The Impact of AI on Food Safety and the Environment: Artificial intelligence has played a crucial role in the world's food crisis and environmental crisis. For example, AI-based monitoring systems have improved the entire process of agriculture, including fertility conservation, water management, and field production. The application of AI in plant science will lead to further cost savings as well as long-term food security. However, it is essential to consider ethical and environmental aspects along with technology in this regard.
Future prospects of AI in plant science: In the future, artificial intelligence is likely to be more robustly associated with plant science. For example, AI-based gene editing technologies will produce high-yielding and disease-resistant plants. It is also possible to develop proper testing systems with the help of artificial intelligence by capturing the role of plants in environmental protection. Based on data analysis, the productivity of plants in agriculture will be further increased. The immense potential of AI in plant science will play a far-reaching role in solving the global food crisis and protecting the environment.
The combination of artificial intelligence and plant science is the beginning of a new era. It has paved the way for a revolutionary change in the global food crisis, environmental protection, and the development of farmers. With the right technology and policies, artificial intelligence will further develop plant science and pave the way for human welfare.
A.R. Rohman
B. Borooah college
HMPV
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus that causes a mild infection similar to a common cold or respiratory syncytial virus infection. Symptoms include cough, fever, runny or blocked nose, headache, and tiredness.
Cough, fever, nasal congestion, shortness of breath, and sore throat are a few symptoms of HMPV. These symptoms usually show up three to six days after the person has been exposed to the virus. Severe illness due to HMPV may require hospitalisation. While anyone can contract HMPV, this virus may be deadly for people with underlying health conditions and young children under the age of five years, particularly those born prematurely.
Jubel D'Cruz,
(jubeldcruz@yahoo.com)