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AllianceBernstein Global High Income Fund, Inc. Releases Monthly Portfolio UpdateGolden Knights ride 5-goal period to 6-2 win over the CanadiensIt turns out the magic potion needed to end Aston Villa’s miserable run came in a bottle of peroxide applied to Morgan Rogers’s hair. The England midfielder went bright blond after a trip to the barbers and could not have been happier with the results – his opening goal giving Villa lift-off as they finally won a match after going eight games without victory. Rogers also provided an assist for Matty Cash after Ollie Watkins had scored from the penalty spot, with only Mikkel Damsgaard’s second-half goal making it slightly nervy after the interval. “They can do whatever they like with that but, on the field, I want them committed, working tactically and with the attitude we need to play serious and compact and disciplined,” said Unai Emery, the Villa manager. “Then he can be the protagonist, not for his hair and more for his football. Scoring like he did was fantastic, because this is the way to get confidence again.” The first 45 minutes was an emphatic answer to whether this was a mini-blip for Emery, or a more deep-rooted problem for the team who shook up the natural order in the Premier League last season by finishing in the Champions League places. Rogers has enjoyed a stunning few weeks, making his England debut last month and backing it up with a match-winning performance just when there were suggestions of Villa heading towards crisis. Such is the competitiveness of this season, victory takes Villa within sight of the European places, despite their recent run. “The message is to try and focus on each match and forget the table and how we were then and how we are now,” Emery added. “I don’t want to speak about what it does for the table. I spoke before about the top five, but now we have to keep calm and recover.” Rogers’s hair was the highlight of an opening period short on quality and desperate for somebody to stamp their mark on the game, which the Villa midfielder did by running from his own half into enemy territory and then swapping passes with Watkins before curling into the top corner. Watkins scored his seventh goal of the season with a penalty after winning the spot kick himself, getting knocked off balance by Ethan Pinnock as he ran through on goal. Young referee Lewis Smith, who made his Premier League debut last season, was backed by VAR, but it was a tight call. Rogers provided the assist for the third goal, floated to the far post, where Cash volleyed in. Emery had made a huge call dropping Pau Torres to give Tyrone Mings his first Premier League start of the season, and first since conceding a penalty against Club Brugge with a bizarre handball when he thought the ball was dead. Denmark midfielder Damsgaard pulled one back for Brentford but their run of failing to win away this season continued. All the final scores from an action-packed evening. Goal-happy Chelsea and Arsenal have cut Liverpool’s lead to seven points. Manchester City’s seven-game winless run ended without drama at the Etihad and they’re back up to fourth, nine behind Arne Slot’s men. At the bottom, Everton scored four to move up to 15th place. Wolves and Southampton, mired in the relegation zone, were on the receiving end of thrashings. Arsenal 2 Manchester United 0 Aston Villa 3 Brentford 1 Everton 4 Wolverhampton Wanderers 0 Manchester City 3 Nottingham Forest 0 Newcastle United 3 Liverpool 3 Southampton 1 Chelsea 5 Villa ran riot in the opening 35 minutes and that fierce start was more than enough to ensure all three points. They move up to seventh, passing ninth-placed Brentford. Morgan Rogers will be good for dozens more England caps, based on his influential display. Home is where the happiness is for both Villa and Brentford. They will seek to improve their away form in coming months. Arsenal reduce the deficit to leaders Liverpool to seven points. Once again, their set-pieces made the difference. Some lessons for Ruben Amorim. He never said it would be easy. United frustrated the home side in the first half, but Arsenal’s quality showed after the hour mark and the away side offered little of substance in attack. Declan Rice swings in a corner and it hits a few heads at the front post, nearly going in for another goal. No team seems able to handle Arsenal’s set-piece threat. Four minutes of stoppage time. Sharp set-piece work from Manchester United, but no cigar. That was one straight off the training pitch. Fernandes plays it to Antony on the left after shaping to shoot from a free kick. He shot hard and straight at Raya, who collected it after Kiwior chested it down to him. A few minutes left here and at Villa Park. Looks like both home teams will hold on. Every time Arsenal have a corner - and they’ve had 12 - they look capable of scoring. Tyrone Mings heads just over from a corner. Encouraging performance from the 31-year-old after a lengthy lay-out due to a knee injury. The home side look a bit less nervy. Yet another Arsenal goal from a set-piece. A Saka corner to the back post and Thomas Partey cannons a header in. It comes off Saliba’s derriere, with several United defenders crammed together on the goal-line. Thoughtless defending there, just when United had enjoyed a positive spell. A Var check briefly appears to be checking for handball, but it’s over quickly. David Raya seemed to hang in the air for seconds, diving to his left to keep out a Matthijs De Ligt header from a free kick. We’ve had some goalkeeper howlers tonight, but that is top-draw from the Spaniard. Manchester United are looking more confident and fluent as they chase an equaliser. This is an important spell in the match. Villa were cruising at 3-0 but that Damsgaard goals has made it quiet around Villa Park. Brentford could make this a very nervous second half with another goal, given the run Unai Emery’s team have been on. Twinkle-toed Rasmus Damsgaard jinks and jives around a few Villa defenders and hammers the ball into the net. The ball had been poorly headed away by Cash - well, more like headed into the Dane’s path, but he had a lot to do. Arsenal have a chance to reduce Liverpool’s advantage after the leaders’ all-action draw on Tyneside. Chelsea are now seven points down on Arne Slot’s players and are the top scorers in the Premier League, with 31 goals in 14 games. At the other end, it’s a priceless three points for Everton. The manner in which they did it will restore a lot of confidence and belief too. Few positives to take for Southampton, mind, who played most of the match with ten players. Everton 4 Wolverhampton Wanderers 0 Manchester City 3 Nottingham Forest 0 Newcastle United 3 Liverpool 3 Southampton 1 Chelsea 5 As it ends honours even in Newcastle, Liverpool’s title rivals Arsenal are a goal to the good. Declan Rice swung in a corner and Jurrien Timber comes through a crowded six-yard box and glances the ball home, with Onana rooted to the spot. A few suggestions of a push lead to no action from the referee. Big penalty shout in the dying embers as the ball strikes Dan Burn as he turns away. Nothing doing from the ref - good call. Meanwhile, Manchester City and Chelsea are minutes away from comfortable victories. Kelleher will be up all night thinking about that mistake. He saw a deep free kick sailing over his head and took his hands away, thinking it would go out. Big mistake. Fabian Schar slides in at the back post and converts it from an acute angle. Fine finish, but the Liverpool goalkeeper should have claimed that. They were queuing up, with five against three on the break. Jadon Sancho smashes home a rare goal, lashing in the ball. He seems to be enjoying his football again in a Chelsea shirt. Sheer quality from Mo Salah. Time seems to slow down when he takes the ball. Alexander-Arnold crosses, Salah controls it with his right leg, turns in an instant and fires the ball home with his left. No wonder Slot is pumping his fists. Salah comes very close to a winner, weaving in on the right and slamming the stanchion with his shot. Nick Pope was beaten. Alexander-Arnold and Szoboslai have revitalised Slot’s men, coming off the bench. Cole Palmer taps in from a yard out, helping on a trickling Nkunku shot which was part-blocked. It was coming. Chelsea could have had eight. After the famine comes the goal feast for Sean Dyche’s players. Dominic Calvert-Lewin marks his return to the starting XI with a goal, diving in with a header from a free-kick. More woe for Wolves and their leaky defence. Well, in fact, it was a second Craig Dawson own goal. Little quality to report from Arsenal v Manchester United so far. A very different story at Villa Park. Arsenal 0 Manchester United 0 Aston Villa 3 Brentford 0 Wolves fans are taunting Gary O’Neil and calling for his sacking. It has been like shooting practice at St Mary’s. Joao Felix miscued a headed sitter and Lumley saves well with his feet from Madueke. A dispiriting evening for the ten men of Southampton. What a response from Arne Slot’s side. Trent Alexander-Arnold, so often the assister, fired it into the near post from the byline and Mo Salah helped it into the far corner. Cute finish, passing it through Newcastle. The away side are showing their fighting spirit. Anthony Gordon gives Newcastle the lead again. Isak drew Quansah in and that was all the space the England international needed. He cut inside Gomez sharply, then hit it low past Kelleher. The keeper got a hand to it, but it was not enough. Matty Cash bags his first goal in 20 months, hitting home from a deflected Morgan Rogers cross at the back post. He got it on target from an acute angle and it had too much heat for Flekken. Villa are purring here. A Jeremy Doku special. Running from the halfway line, he bamboozles a back-tracking defender and curls the ball past Sels into the corner. Fine individual goal. It’s looking good for City and Guardiola. Ship a little steadier? That ought to be three precious points in the bag. Calvert-Lewin rises highest at the back post to head in from a corner. However, it transpires that it came off Dawson’s hands. Maybe that explains the sheepish celebration from the striker. Ollie Watkins was bundled over in the box by Ethan Pinnock and he pops up to roll the penalty into the back of the net - just. Flekken guessed right, but his hand wasn’t strong enough. On the right flank, Salah spots Curtis Jones haring into the box and picks him out perfectly. He steers it in off the crossbar on the half-volley. Pope was caught a bit flat-footed, but there was too much pace on it. New haircut, same quality from bleach-blond Morgan Rogers. He made that chance too. He drove forward, got the ball back from Watkins, opened up his body and curled the ball into the top-right corner from the edge of the 18-yard box. Classy finish. Everton deservedly ahead. Wolves will be doomed if they keep setting themselves the challenge of needing to score three a game to win. They have the capacity to create chances and might prey on home nerves as the game progresses if they can one back, but if Everton stay positive they will score more in the second half. Andre Onana nearly gave a goal away early doors by passing out to the Arsenal attack. United have barely got out of first gear, it’s all Arsenal at the moment. Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers has made an eye-catching start to the game - with his new hairstyle. The England midfielder has bleached blonde hair, which is a very different look to earlier in the season when he earned his international call-up. Chelsea could have had five or six goals and they trot off a man to the good against hapless Southampton. Everton are halfway to a precious three points and Manchester City’s seven-match winless run could be over in an hour’s time. Work to do for Arne Slot and Liverpool after Alexander Isak’s sublime finish. Everton 2 Wolverhampton Wanderers 0 Manchester City 2 Nottingham Forest 0 Newcastle United 1 Liverpool 0 Southampton 1 Chelsea 3 Wolves’ vulnerabilities exposed again as Everton finally double their lead. The visitors just aren’t tough enough defensively. This is turning into the perfect game for Dyche to relieve pressure. The two 8.15pm kick-offs are underway. You can follow Arsenal v Manchester United here - Maguire and Mount are starting, interesting - and Villa v Brentford has just started. Chelsea don’t look comfortable defensively but Southampton have gifted them two goals. The first the result of a simple failure to defend from a corner and the second, one of the unfortunate hallmarks of their season, a calamitous attempt to play out from the back. Christopher Nkunku won’t score an easier goal than that. It’s been an eventful half for Gvardiol, who is notionally a left back but spending most of this game popping up in positions you’d expect of a No. 10. He has three league goals this season and probably should have had another two tonight, heading an inviting chance wide in the 15th minute and then dragging a shot wide when one on one after being released by Haaland. In between times, he was knocked off the ball by Jota Silva, who teed up Morgan Gibbs-White for a chance Ortega pushed wide. Attacking wise Gvardiol has been a real threat, defensively he has looked less sure. It goes from bad to worse for Russell Martin and bottom-of-the-table Southampton. Jack Stephens pulls Marc Cucurella’s hair and he’s sent off. Clear as day. A silly, petulant foul. No way back for the home side now, surely. Alexander Isak with the best goal of the evening so far. He blasts an unstoppable shot from 25 yards out after wrongfooting Virgil van Dijk, which takes some doing. Impressive power and accuracy. Orel Mangala gives Everton a buffer. The ball came back to him on the edge of the box and he made no mistake, helped by a slight deflection to make it past Jose Sa. They had not scored in the Premier League since the end of October, now two goals have come along in the first 33 minutes. Noni Madueka has room on the right, cuts inside Manning and shoots past Lumley into the fast corner. His star continues to rise. And there are more goals coming... Kevin De Bruyne lashes home Manchester City’s second. Doku jinked inside and his compatriot was afforded far too much space to fire high into the corner of the net past Sels. A neatly-worked goal, it is like he has never been out of the team. Bodes well for ending the winless run, but City have thrown away bigger leads in recent weeks... Chris Wood misses when through on goal. Sloppy play from De Bruyne passing back gifted it to the prolific New Zealander who charged through. Ortega dived to his left but the ball rolled wide of the right post. That’s a big let-off for Guardiola’s men. After a prolonged VAR check, Tarkowski’s goal is disallowed for Mangala blocking Lemina during the free-kick. It’s highly contentious. It’s an escape for Wolves, but their biggest problem right now is they can’t defend. Wolves will feel a few dodgy decisions in their favour are overdue, but not even the staunchest away fan would have complained had Tarkowski’s goal stood. It looks like the kind of unnecessary intervention Howard Webb promised would stop. Lumley redeems himself a little with a smart save from Cole Palmer, palming it onto the post after the on-form Englishman was put through. From the corner, Tosin heads onto the crossbar. Southampton need to be careful or this game will quickly get away from them. It will be interesting to see how Brentford get on without their engine room. Mathias Jensen and Christian Norgaard are out injured and the central midfielders are replaced by Yehor Yarmolyuk and Vitaly Janelt from the team that defeated Leicester 4-1. City have started with a bang and that man Kevin De Bruyne’s return to the starting XI seems to have given them added impetus. He picked out Erling Haaland with a pinpoint pull back that the Norway striker lashed at Matz Sels and has just played his part in City taking the lead, firing a header goalwards from Ilkay Gundogan’s cross that Bernardo poked in on the line. James Tarkowski rises, heading a Dwight McNeil free-kick into the bottom corner to give Everton a buffer... but Var rules it out. Orel Mangala was deemed to be offside. Nevertheless, Dyche’s men have started strongly. That is an early Christmas gift. No danger at all for Southampton as the defence looks to build from the back. The goalkeeper Lumley plays it slowly towards a defender, the watchful Madueke pounces and passes it to Nkunku who taps the ball into an empty net. Joe Lumley was more like Joanna Lumley there. The home side are in front and Everton have their first goal in four Premier League matches. Ashley Young bends in a low free-kick from 25 yards out round the outside of the Wolves wall. That is his 50th Premier League and his first for 26 months. Game on at the South Coast. Walker-Peters waltzes into the area and plays a ball across and Joe Aribo makes amends, tapping it past Jorgenson. That’s just desserts for the dynamic way the relegation strugglers have started. Bernardo Silva pinches the opener. Gundogan made a late run and sent a well-judged dink to the back post where Kevin De Bruyne threw himself at it. His effort was goalbound, but Bernardo Silva got the final touch about 50 centimetres from the goal line. He’s nabbed that one. Just the start Pep Guardiola wanted. Axel Disasi nods home Enzo Fernandez’s corner at the front post. The Southampton defence were like statues. Having had a gilt-edged chance of their own, the home side are already a goal down. Guardiola has taken a leaf out of Lee Carsley’s book by starting Jack Grealish in midfield alongside De Bruyne and Gundogan. Grealish hasn’t scored in the league this season and City could really do with the England midfielder finding some form. Joe Aribo has missed an absolute sitter from ten yards out. Well-stopped by Jorgenson but it should have been tucked well out of his reach. Goals have been hard to come by for Russell Martin’s basement dwellers and they might be made to rue that. Here are the 7.30pm kick-offs about to get underway. Christmas anthems are pumping at stadiums around the country and opponents’ hands are being limply shaken: Everton v Wolverhampton Wanderers Manchester City v Nottingham Forest Newcastle United v Liverpool Southampton v Chelsea The great Beto renaissance lasted just one game, sadly for the Everton striker. Dominic Calvert-Lewin returns with Sean Dyche demanding more from him. Calvert-Lewin might be entitled to demand more service to oblige the request. Everton desperately need a win given their schedule. Wolves will sense a chance to prove they are in a false position. Joao Felix, Nkunku and Madueke are up top among seven changes made by Enzo Maresca. Only Cucurella is retained at the back, while Filip Jorgensen makes his first Premier League start in goal. Well, Chelsea do have the strength-in-depth to make these kind of wholesale changes and still come out on top. For the home side, Harwood-Bellis, Downes and Dibling are all suspended, in come Bree, Wood, Aribo and Ryan Fraser. Southampton: Lumley; Walker-Peters, Bree, Stephens, Wood, Manning; Fernandes, Aribo; Armstrong, Archer, Fraser. Substitutes: McCarthy, Edwards. Sugawara, Taylor, Cornet, O’Brien-Whitmarsh, Amo-Ameyaw, Brereton Diaz, Kamaldeen. Chelsea: Jorgensen; Gusto, Disasi, Tosin, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Joao Felix; Nkunku. Substitutes: Sanchez, Badiashile, Colwill, Veiga, Dewsbury-Hall, Lavia, Neto, Sancho, Jackson. Tyrone Mings and Leon Bailey start in place of Pau Torres and Jaden Philogene for the home side. A pair of tweaks for Brentford too, as Yehor Yarmoliuk and Vitaly Janelt slot in for Christian Norsgaard and Mathias Jensen. Kick off is at 8.15pm. Gabriel is out injured, alongside defensive partner Riccardo Calafiori. Zinchenko and Kiwior come in at the back, while Thomas Partey gets the call ahead of Leandro Trossard on the wing. Mikel Arteta’s fourth change to their five-goal shellacking of West Ham is opting for Thomas Partey ahead of Jorginho. Ruben Amorim said he would rotate the squad and he has made six amendments to the starting team who won with similar comfort against Everton at the weekend. Maguire and Ugarte are in for the suspended Martinez and Mainoo. Amad makes way for Malacia. Mount, Garnacho and Hojlund come in, with weekend scorers Rashford and Zirkzee on the bench. Arsenal: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Zinchenko, Partey, Rice, Odegaard, Martinelli, Saka, Havertz. Substitutes: Neto, Tierney, Heaven, Jorginho, Merino, Nwaneri, Trossard, Sterling, Jesus. Manchester United: Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Maguire; Dalot, Ugarte, Fernandes, Malacia, Mount, Garnacho, Hojlund. Substitutes: Bayindir, Kukonki, Yoro, Casemiro, Eriksen, Amad, Antony, Rashford, Zirkzee. Here it is in good old black-and-white. One change for Eddie Howe’s side, as Jacob Murphy replaces Joe Willock. Alexander Isak is fit and starts. Three for Liverpool, as Jarrell Quansah, Curtis Jones and Darwin Nunez come into the line-up. Luis Diaz, Dominik Szoboszlai and Trent Alexander-Arnold start on the bench. Newcastle United: Pope, Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall, Tonali, Guimaraes, Murphy, Joelinton, Isak, Gordon. Subs: Dubravka, Wilson, Barnes, Targett, Osula, Almiron, Kelly, Willock, Longstaff. Liverpool: Kelleher, Gomez, Van Dijk, Quansah, Robertson, Mac Allister, Jones, Gravenberch, Salah, Gakpo, Nunez. Substitutes: Jaros, Endo, Diaz, Szoboszlai, Elliott, Nallo, Alexander-Arnold, Morton, Nyoni. Kevin De Bruyne is back and pulling on the captain’s (rainbow, I expect) armband today for his first start in nearly three months. The experienced Belgian midfield magician is one of four changes to City’s starting XI in their 2-0 defeat against Liverpool. Josko Gvardiol, Jeremy Doku and Jack Grealish are also starting. Doku gave them a little more energy and penetration when he came on in the second-half at Anfield. Anthony Elanga is one of three changes made by Nuno Espirito Santo for Forest, alongside Dominguez and Moreno. Manchester City: Ortega; Gvardiol, Dias, Akanji, Ake; Grealish, Doku, De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Gundogan, Haaland. Substitutes: Ederson, Carson, Walker, Savinho, Nunes, Wright, O’Reilly, Lewis, McAtee. Nottingham Forest: Sels, Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Moreno; Yates, Dominguez, Jota Silva, Gibbs-White, Elanga, Wood. Substitutes: Carlos Miguel, Morato, Williams, Anderson, Awoniyi, Hudson-Odoi, Da Silva Moreira, Ward-Prowse, Sosa. Good evening and welcome to Telegraph Sport ’s live, minute-by-minute Premier League clockwatch. There are six matches to get stuck into on a busy Wednesday night of action, four kicking off at 7.30pm and a brace at 8.15pm. League leaders Liverpool are away to Newcastle United. It’s an opportune time to be visiting, as Eddie Howe’s side are experiencing an inconsistent patch of form. Can they show their best and slow down Slot and company’s saunter to the title? In stark contrast, defending champions Manchester City have not won in seven matches, which has never happened under Pep Guardiola’s guardianship. The aura has gone, their defence has looked nervy and leaky, but surely the free-fall will end - and there will not be a seven-finger salute from their manager to away fans tonight. “We don’t have a squad [due to injuries],” Guardiola said. Rodri and John Stones are still crocked; Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake were previously out for a significant period of time. They go up against a very game Nottingham Forest outfit who will move ahead of them if they win at the Etihad. Who would have thought that possible four months ago? Unbeaten in five, Enzo Maresca’s free-scoring Chelsea have an opportunity to move into second place tonight, as the Londoners travel to bottom side Southampton. Wesley Fofana is out, nursing a hamstring injury sustained in Sunday’s win over Villa, but Southampton have a swathe of players banned or on the treatment table. They’ll be missing Tyler Dibling and Taylor Harwood-Bellis, whose bookings in their last match mean they are suspended tonight. In a match between fellow relegation fighters, Everton play Wolves. The home team hasn’t won in five and pressure is building on Sean Dyche. If the visitors take three points, they will move above their opponents and out of the relegation zone. The pick of the lot is 8.15pm kick-off, as Arsenal go up against rivals Manchester United. After Ipswich, Bodo/Glimt and Everton, this is Ruben Amorim’s first big test. Lisandro Martinez and Kobbie Mainoo are suspended, though the side are unbeaten in seven games. Nevertheless, coming away from London with anything will be a big ask. Mikel Arteta’s men will be brimming with confidence after putting five past their last two opponents and United have lost seven of their last nine at the Emirates. “I have to say it again: the storm will come,” said Amorim yesterday, who warned after the match against Ipswich that United are “going to suffer for a long period”. “We know that we are in a different point, if you compare to Arsenal. We will try to win it and we go with confidence to win but we know that we need to play very well to win the next football match.” Rounding out the night’s action, in a mid-table clash, eighth-placed Brentford travel to Aston Villa (12th) in the other 8.15pm GMT kick-off. Team news coming imminently.Trump picks former congressman Billy Long as IRS commissioner
The Global Nature Conservation Index (NCI) 2024 has sparked significant debate regarding its credibility and methodology, particularly in the case of India’s ranking. Positioned 176th out of 180 countries, India’s placement starkly contrasts with its globally acknowledged achievements in biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and sustainable development. The NCI’s reliance on secondary sources and its disregard for India’s critical contributions to domestic and international environmental initiatives undermine the index’s validity. This article highlights the flaws in the NCI’s evaluation approach, showcasing India’s robust conservation efforts, from legislative frameworks to landmark initiatives like Project Tiger, the Namami Gange Programme, and Mission LiFE. Additionally, the NCI has completely ignored India’s pivotal role in international environmental initiatives, such as the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), the International Solar Alliance (ISA), and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). These initiatives underscore India’s leadership and commitment to fostering global cooperation on biodiversity conservation and climate change. By neglecting these contributions, the report diminishes India’s accomplishments and fails to provide a balanced perspective on its global environmental stewardship. Domestically, India has implemented robust legislative frameworks and measures to safeguard its biodiversity. The enactment of the Biological Diversity Act (2002) and its amendment in 2023, along with associated rules, represents a comprehensive effort to regulate and conserve biological resources. Provisions such as the establishment of Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs), the notification of Biodiversity Heritage Sites, and protections for threatened species highlight India’s commitment to addressing biodiversity challenges. Furthermore, the empowerment of State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) to oversee access to resources and implement conservation measures underscores the country’s proactive approach. The omission of these efforts from the NCI is a glaring oversight that calls into question the robustness of its evaluation criteria. While the NCI aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of global conservation efforts, its reliance on flawed methodologies and exclusion of critical national achievements undermine its relevance and credibility. For such indices to contribute meaningfully to global conservation discourse, they must incorporate accurate, context-specific data and acknowledge the efforts of nations like India in both domestic and international arenas. Without these improvements, the NCI risks being dismissed as an inadequate and biased tool for evaluating global conservation performance. India has made remarkable strides in forest conservation and environmental protection. The country boasts 1,022 Protected Areas covering 178,640 square kilometers, which constitutes approximately 5.43 per cent of its total geographical area. Furthermore, the nation’s forest cover has shown consistent growth, rising from 21.23 per cent in 2013 to 21.71 per cent in 2021. According to the FAO’s Global Forest Resource Assessment 2020, India possesses 72.16 lakh hectares of forest cover, placing it among the top ten forest-rich countries globally. These achievements underscore India’s dedication to preserving its natural heritage and contributing to global ecological balance. India’s commitment to preserving its ecological diversity is reflected in the establishment of Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) around 487 protected areas. These zones act as transition regions between areas of high conservation value and those that are more developed. By regulating activities like mining, deforestation, and industrial expansion, ESZs ensure the integrity of protected habitats. The zones not only shield wildlife from external pressures but also promote eco-friendly practices and livelihoods for communities living near these areas. Such measures reinforce India’s resolve to maintain a balance between economic development and environmental sustainability. The number of Ramsar sites, recognised wetlands of international importance, has grown remarkably in India, from 26 in 2014 to 85 in 2024. Wetlands serve as critical ecosystems that provide water filtration, flood control, and habitats for migratory birds and aquatic species. India’s focus on expanding Ramsar sites highlights its acknowledgement of wetlands’ ecological and economic value. These sites also contribute to climate resilience by acting as carbon sinks and preserving biodiversity. This expansion aligns with global commitments under the Ramsar Convention, showcasing India’s proactive role in wetland conservation. India, home to more than 70% of the global tiger population, has made extraordinary progress in tiger conservation. The number of tiger reserves has increased to 55, with the tiger population growing from 2,226 in 2014 to 3,682 in 2022. This success is attributed to initiatives under Project Tiger, including habitat restoration, anti-poaching measures, and community participation. India’s efforts are not just a national achievement but a global model of large carnivore conservation. The consistent rise in tiger numbers demonstrates the effectiveness of scientific management and strong policy frameworks. India’s Project Lion has been instrumental in ensuring the survival and growth of the endangered Asiatic lion population in the Gir Landscape. From a mere 284 individuals in 1990, their numbers have increased to 674 in 2020. This remarkable recovery is the result of habitat management, prey base augmentation, and stringent anti-poaching measures. The project also emphasises coexistence by involving local communities and reducing human-lion conflicts. The conservation of Asiatic lions not only safeguards a keystone species but also enhances the ecological integrity of the Gir ecosystem. A historic milestone in global wildlife conservation is India’s reintroduction of cheetahs into their natural habitat through the world’s first inter-continental large carnivore translocation project. Extinct in India since 1952, cheetahs are now being reintroduced from Africa into carefully chosen habitats. This ambitious project symbolises India’s determination to restore ecological balance and revive its natural heritage. It also opens avenues for ecotourism, biodiversity conservation, and research, marking a new chapter in India’s conservation efforts. India hosts the largest population of wild Asian elephants, with approximately 30,000 individuals spread across 33 Elephant Reserves. These reserves serve as critical habitats for elephants, ensuring their survival and reducing human-elephant conflicts. Conservation efforts include the establishment of corridors for safe migration, anti-poaching measures, and initiatives like Project Elephant. These steps not only protect elephants but also preserve the forests they inhabit, which are vital for water security and climate regulation. India’s commitment to elephant conservation reflects its broader goal of sustaining its rich biodiversity. India’s leopard population, estimated at 13,874 individuals in 2022, reflects stability compared to 12,852 in 2018. This consistency highlights the effectiveness of conservation measures such as habitat protection, anti-poaching efforts, and public awareness campaigns. Leopards, being apex predators, play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. Their stable population is a positive indicator of healthy forest ecosystems. India’s efforts ensure that leopards, often overshadowed by tigers and lions, receive the attention and protection necessary for their continued survival in the wild. The Namami Gange Programme, aimed at rejuvenating the River Ganga and its tributaries, has been honoured as a World Restoration Flagship Project by the United Nations. This prestigious recognition underscores the Indian government’s steadfast commitment to conserving and rejuvenating natural ecosystems while ensuring their sustainable development. Namami Gange focuses on restoring the ecological health of the Ganga basin through integrated river management, pollution abatement, and community engagement. The program’s success highlights India’s leadership in promoting environmental restoration and enhancing the ecosystem services that benefit millions who depend on these vital waterways. India’s NBSAP, submitted on October 31, 2024, to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Portal, aligns with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). This plan focuses on protecting terrestrial and marine biodiversity, restoring degraded ecosystems, and mitigating biodiversity threats through measures such as pollution control and invasive species management. A strong emphasis is placed on species conservation, sustainable resource use, and enhancing wildlife corridors to reduce habitat fragmentation. India’s approach underscores community engagement in biodiversity governance, fostering inclusive and participatory conservation efforts. India submitted its National Biodiversity Targets on September 10, 2024, ensuring full alignment with KMGBF goals. These targets reflect India’s commitment to implementing biodiversity actions in accordance with national circumstances, priorities, and capabilities. The targets address critical aspects of biodiversity preservation, including ecosystem restoration and sustainable use of natural resources. In November 2022, India submitted its LT-LEDS to the UNFCCC, highlighting a strategic pathway for reducing greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring equitable and fair participation in the Global Carbon Budget. The strategy includes key components such as: Transitioning to low-carbon electricity systems. Developing an efficient and inclusive low-carbon transport network. Promoting climate-resilient urban development through energy-efficient building designs and sustainable urbanisation. Decoupling economic growth from emissions by fostering low-emission industrial practices. Enhancing forest cover and promoting CO2 removal technologies. Programs like the Smart Cities Mission and the National Action Plan on Climate Change are integral to these efforts, aiming to build a climate-resilient and sustainable future. India’s Adaptation Communication, submitted to the UNFCCC in 2023, outlines an integrated approach to tackling climate risks. It prioritises food security, energy efficiency, and water resource management. These strategies are implemented through comprehensive policies that address multiple challenges simultaneously, ensuring sustainable and resilient development for vulnerable sectors and communities. India’s climate strategies are rooted in the principles of Climate Justice, ensuring fair access to the Global Carbon Budget while addressing developmental needs. This approach underscores India’s commitment to balancing environmental sustainability with socio-economic equity, reflecting its vision for an inclusive and sustainable future. The National Action Plan on Climate Change serves as India’s overarching framework to address climate change through an inclusive and sustainable development strategy. One of its key principles is protecting poor and vulnerable communities while promoting adaptation measures that enhance resilience. The NAPCC comprises nine national missions focusing on areas such as solar energy, enhanced energy efficiency, sustainable habitat, water, agriculture, Himalayan ecosystems, human health, green India, and strategic climate knowledge. State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCCs): In alignment with the NAPCC, 34 States and Union Territories have developed their State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCCs). These plans emphasize state-specific strategies across sectors like water, health, agriculture, biodiversity, and energy, ensuring consistency with national objectives and fostering a localised approach to climate resilience. Under the Paris Agreement, India has committed to creating an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent by 2030. This ambitious target is being achieved through afforestation, forest restoration, and community-based conservation initiatives, including active participation by Joint Forest Management Committees. Collaborative efforts across ministries and stakeholders, including state governments, are essential to meet these commitments. The National Mission for a Green India (GIM) aims to protect, restore, and enhance India’s forest cover. The program is implemented through Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) in the participating States and Union Territories. Under this initiative, Rs. 944.48 crore has been released to 17 States and 1 Union Territory for activities such as plantation creation and eco-restoration. The Nagar Van Yojana (NVY) focuses on developing green spaces in urban and peri-urban areas. The scheme is executed through State/UT Forest Departments and Urban Local Bodies. A total of 546 projects across 31 States and Union Territories have been sanctioned, with Rs. 431.77 crore allocated for this purpose. The School Nursery Yojana (SNY) aims to raise awareness among students about the significance of plants and motivate them to appreciate nature. This initiative is implemented in recognised public and private schools. Under the scheme, 743 projects in 19 States and Union Territories have been sanctioned with an outlay of Rs. 4.80 crore. The MISHTI scheme has been introduced to restore and promote mangroves as unique and sustainable coastal ecosystems. It ensures the preservation and enhancement of coastal habitats. So far, Rs. 17.96 crore has been released for this initiative across Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala, Odisha, West Bengal, and the Union Territory of Puducherry. Under the National Coastal Mission, the Ministry has provided financial support to coastal States and Union Territories for conserving mangroves and coral reefs. This initiative has benefited nine coastal States and one Union Territory, ensuring sustainable management of these critical ecosystems. The “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, launched by Prime Minister on June 5, 2024, draws a symbolic parallel between Mother Earth nurturing nature and mothers nurturing human lives. Citizens are encouraged to plant trees as a gesture of love, respect, and honour for their mothers. The campaign promotes pledges to protect both trees and Mother Earth. The Ministry is implementing the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA) for the conservation and management of wetlands across the country. The scheme is carried out on a cost-sharing basis between the Central Government and respective State Governments to ensure the protection of these vital ecosystems. Funds under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) are used to compensate for the loss of forests and ecosystem services caused by the diversion of forest land for non-forestry purposes. The scheme is implemented as per the provisions of the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980. The Ministry sets annual afforestation targets under the Twenty Point Programme, which are collectively achieved by States and Union Territories. These targets are fulfilled through Central and State Government schemes, as well as plantation efforts by NGOs, private organisations, and civil societies. The Ministry promotes mass tree plantations and awareness about forest conservation on occasions like International Day of Forests, World Environment Day, Van Mahotsav, and Wildlife Week. Knowledge dissemination occurs through conferences, workshops, brochures, and signboards. Additionally, forest, mangrove, and wetland conservation is ensured by strictly enforcing relevant Acts, rules, and court orders. As per India’s third National Communication to the UNFCCC in 2023, the country has achieved an additional carbon sink of 1.97 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent between 2005 and 2019. This milestone reflects India’s commitment to combating climate change through targeted afforestation and restoration initiatives. India has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and sustainable development, supported by comprehensive policies, innovative initiatives, and global partnerships. Despite its low ranking in the NCI 2024, India’s achievements, including its leadership in global coalitions and the success of domestic projects like Project Lion and the restoration of wetlands, are globally recognised. Moving forward, conservation indices like the NCI must adopt transparent, context-sensitive methodologies that accurately reflect national contributions. Only then can such evaluations serve as effective tools to foster global conservation efforts and acknowledge the strides made by countries like India in safeguarding the planet’s ecological future.PlayStation VR2 is cheapest-ever price in Amazon's Black Friday sale
NoneNoneTEHRAN – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian conducted an impromptu inspection of the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development headquarters on Saturday, meeting with key ministry officials to assess ongoing national projects. During the meeting, Roads and Urban Development Minister Farzaneh Sadegh Malvajerd and senior staff presented detailed briefings on the ministry's current initiatives and future plans. The discussions centered on critical infrastructure developments, including comprehensive evaluations of the country's rail transportation system, highway networks, and aviation infrastructure. President Pezeshkian emphasized his administration's dedication to ensuring equitable access to transportation services throughout all regions of the country, highlighting the importance of completing existing transport network projects. In his directive to ministry officials, Pezeshkian stressed the urgency of addressing public concerns and fulfilling the ministry's mandated responsibilities. The surprise inspection came amid a busy schedule for the president, who later visited the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology ahead of Iran's upcoming Student Day celebrations on December 7.
Texas and Georgia are battling for recruiting supremacy before duking it out for a Southeastern Conference title. Alabama, which also appears to be headed to the playoffs, is right behind them. The two Atlanta-bound and presumably playoff-bound SEC powers are leading the way in recruiting league-wide and nationally during the early signing period that started Wednesday. They'll meet Saturday in the SEC championship game in Mercedes-Benz Stadium. They're currently No. 1 (Texas) and No. 2 (Georgia) nationally, but the SEC holds a sweep of the top three with the Crimson Tide ranked third in Kalen DeBoer's first full recruiting cycle. The league holds eight of the top 11 spots. The final rankings are pending the decision of the nation's top uncommitted prospect, defensive tackle Justus Terry, who is expected to choose among three SEC schools: Georgia, Texas and Auburn. The Longhorns landed four five-star prospects, per the 247Sports composite rankings of recruiting sites. They also picked up No. 1-ranked athlete Michael Terry III on signing day when he chose Texas over Nebraska. Steve Sarkisian's Longhorns class is led by five-star safety Jonah Williams of Galveston, Texas, the nation’s No. 8 overall prospect, according to the composite rankings. They signed five-star wide receivers Kaliq Lockett and Jaime Ffrench, along with edge rusher Lance Jackson. Only Florida’s Ffrench was from out of state. Georgia had pledges from five five-star prospects entering signing day, led by No. 3 overall recruit defensive lineman Elijah Griffin, edge rusher Isaiah Gibson and linebacker Zayden Walker. Alabama got a potential successor to quarterback Jalen Milroe. Keelon Russell of Duncanville, Texas, is rated as the No. 2 quarterback and overall prospect per the composite rankings. Auburn coach Hugh Freeze has been touting his recruiting success frequently as building a solid foundation amid losing records in his first two seasons. The Tigers are currently at No. 6 and landed a much-needed quarterback in five-star Deuce Knight from Lucedale, Mississippi. LSU had the eighth-ranked class, a group led by five-star prospects in cornerback DJ Pickett, running back Harlem Berry and offensive lineman Solomon Thomas. Texas A&M stands at No. 9 after late flips in five-star signees in wide receiver Jerome Myles (from USC) and offensive tackle Lamont Rogers (Missouri). The Aggies are followed in order by LSU, Tennessee and Florida. The Volunteers were still awaiting the letter-of-intent from top-five prospect offensive tackle David Sanders Jr., who has been committed since August but is reportedly considering Ohio State. The Gators' class was highlighted by five-star receiver Vernell Brown III. Ole Miss wide receiver signee Caleb Cunningham is too highly rated to be truly under the radar for most programs. But Lane Kiffin has built the Rebels into an SEC contender largely with transfers, not blue-chip high school recruits. Cunningham, who de-committed from Alabama on Nov. 13, is rated as the No. 2 receiver and 18th-best player in the class. Ole Miss is looking for a replacement to star receiver Tre Harris. Alabama's Russell was the highest-rated recruit and plays at the most prized position. The 6-foot-3, 175-pounder led Duncanville High School to state championships in 2022 and 2023 and was MVP of the Elite 11 quarterback competition this year. Alabama returns Ty Simpson and Austin Mack at quarterback, so there may not be a pressing need for an immediate impact. Myles was a big addition to the Aggies at a position of need. The nation's No. 5 receiver and 23rd-rated recruit had decommitted from USC after visiting College Station last weekend. Texas A&M coach Mike Elko's team is down to five scholarship receivers entering the postseason. Billy Napier and Florida flipped four-star safety Lagonza Hayward from rival Tennessee. Hayward ranks as the No. 9 safety in the country and had decommitted from the Vols on Sunday. Get poll alerts and updates on AP Top 25 football throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football
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