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World Sparrow Day: one of human’s oldest companions, the little bird’s survival is threatened

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7 years ago

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World Sparrow Day

The little bird that used to be a common sight till a few years ago is dwindling in numbers. It is a welcome surprise to see it flitting about, chirping merrily away: that is no longer a commonplace occurrence now.

Believed to be one of the oldest companions of human beings, the sparrow (Passer domesticus) is disappearing from much of its natural range, both in the urban and rural habitats both as a result of and leading to degradation of the environment. Due to a decrease in numbers, a bird as common as the sparrow was included by the IUCN in its Red List of threatened species in 2002 alongside the glamorous snow leopard, tiger, and red panda.

This day, March 20, is observed as the World Sparrow Day, to draw attention to the need to remove threats to the bird and its habitat and conserve urban biodiversity. World Sparrow Day was first celebrated in 2010 when members of the Nature Forever Society started communicating the need to save these birds with the help of national and international organisations.

The theme for this World Sparrow Day is I LOVE Sparrows. It has been inspired by the hope that more and more of us will celebrate the relationship between People and Sparrows.World Sparrow Day

In Delhi, the sparrow was adopted as the State bird in 2012.

We need to know the detrimental effects of pollution which have caused the slow death of this avian that once co-existed with us. A media report said the population of house sparrows has seen a slight increase in the slums of Delhi, according to a survey by ecologists who also found that the birds’ numbers have increased in some pockets of slums of the city as against the planned areas.

The study said sparrows were rarely sighted in the planned areas because they have lost their natural habitat for nesting. Other factors behind the decline in their numbers include non-availability of food, use of pesticides in farmlands, electro-magnetic radiation from mobile towers, noise and air pollution.

Big birds like pigeons that multiply fast and occupy the small number of places and holes for building nests also edge out the much smaller sparrows. The blue rock pigeon is the main culprit in taking over the sparrows’ nesting areas.

A report in The Hindu, quoting ecologist and ornithologist MB Krishna, said urbanisation and loss of agricultural fields was an important factor. He said the chicks of sparrows are very tiny and feed on insects. But, the insect populations itself is going down either because there are fewer plants which attract insects or the over use of pesticides, which kills them.

“Another problem is the lack of nesting and roosting sites. What we need is incorporating greenery in modern planning,” he said.

The sparrows have adopted new sites for nesting in Delhi, according to ecologist TK Roy, as quoted by The Asian Age. “As per the study, house sparrow population has partially increased in some pockets of slum areas of the capital because of adoption of alternative nesting sites — shop shutter tops, inverted lamp sheds, ventilators, modern flyover wall holes and used hard paper board open boxes on the roof rooftops,” he said.

Most sparrows have shifted to the outskirts of Delhi, said a report in TOI, quoting birder Nikhil Devasar. “The sparrow concentration has shifted to forests and urban villages outside Delhi. The fact is urban areas now have fewer trees and greenery where the sparrows can nest. Of course, the blue rock pigeons have also colonised places where sparrows can make nests.”

Faiyaz Khudsar, scientist in charge at the Yamuna Biodiversity Park, said that non-availability of nesting space was one of the biggest reasons for the flight to the outskirts. “Today’s urban constructions are not sparrow-friendly — the bird cannot find resting space and finding food is also difficult because availability of insects and worms has reduced due to the use of insecticides and pesticides,” said Khudsar.

Experts agree that the birds could be brought back to the city if feeders and nest-boxes were provided in large numbers.

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Lenskart unveils phonic audio eyewear compatible with Android and iOS

Furthermore, the customizable nature of Phonic allows users to personalize their eyewear with either prescription lenses or sunglasses, making it adaptable to various visual needs and preferences.

Published

21 hours ago

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January 29, 2025

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Lenskart, a prominent name in the eyewear industry, unveiled its latest innovation, Phonic, on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. This groundbreaking audio eyewear seamlessly blends style and technology, offering a unique hands-free experience for the modern individual navigating a busy lifestyle. Phonic’s sleek design caters to diverse preferences, with two distinct models—Navigator and Hustlr—each available in sophisticated Shiny Blue and Matte Black finishes.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Phonic boasts a range of impressive functionalities. The integrated speakers enable crystal-clear audio for calls, music streaming, and other digital interactions, providing a seamless blend of convenience and entertainment.

Powered by Bluetooth technology, Phonic ensures effortless hands-free connectivity, allowing users to stay connected without the hassle of holding a phone. A remarkable battery life of up to seven hours ensures users remain connected throughout their day.

Compatibility with both Android and iOS voice assistants further enhances Phonic’s versatility, enabling users to effortlessly manage their digital lives through simple voice commands. Whether needing to send a quick text, set a reminder, or access information, voice assistant integration provides an intuitive and efficient hands-free solution.

Furthermore, the customizable nature of Phonic allows users to personalize their eyewear with either prescription lenses or sunglasses, making it adaptable to various visual needs and preferences.

The intuitive smart button navigation system adds another layer of user-friendliness. Users can effortlessly switch between functions with a simple press of a button, ensuring a seamless and frustration-free experience. Priced affordably at ₹4,000, Phonic offers exceptional value for its advanced features and stylish design. Available for purchase both online and at select offline stores across India, Phonic promises to redefine the way individuals stay connected and experience the world around them.

Lenskart CEO and Founder Peyush Bansal expressed his enthusiasm for this new product, stating, “Phonic is for everyone who juggles multiple roles daily—whether it’s professionals in noisy offices, frequent drivers, or commuters who need hands-free convenience.

Phonic empowers users to stay connected, productive, and stylish, without adding complexity to their lives.” Phonic represents a significant leap forward in the world of audio eyewear, seamlessly merging functionality, fashion, and affordability to provide an unparalleled user experience.

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Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max: A comparative look at prices and specs in India

Published

7 days ago

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January 23, 2025

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Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra with car crash detection feature

Samsung has introduced its latest high-end flagship, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, in India, igniting a new chapter in its ongoing rivalry with Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max. Both phones represent the pinnacle of smartphone technology, but they come at distinct price points and offer different specifications that cater to various user preferences.

Price comparison in India

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is available in three variants: the base model with 256GB of storage is priced at Rs 1,29,999; the 512GB model at Rs 1,49,999; and the 1TB version at Rs 1,65,999. These variants are offered in four color options: Titanium Silver Blue, Titanium Gray, Titanium White, and Titanium Black.

In contrast, the iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at Rs 1,44,900 for the 256GB model, with the 512GB and 1TB versions priced at Rs 1,64,900 and Rs 1,84,900, respectively. Samsung’s offerings are notably less expensive across similar storage options, with the 1TB model being nearly Rs 19,000 cheaper than its Apple counterpart.

Specifications face-off

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra boasts a 6.9-inch display, slightly larger than its predecessor, and features a more contemporary design with rounded edges. Despite its larger size, it maintains a lightweight feel at only 218 grams and includes a robust 5,000mAh battery. The camera setup has been significantly upgraded, featuring a 200-megapixel primary sensor paired with a 50-megapixel ultra-wide and a 50-megapixel telephoto lens. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, enhancing both efficiency and performance.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max, also with a 6.9-inch display, utilizes Apple’s Super Retina XDR technology with Always-On and ProMotion features for a superior viewing experience. It includes a new gold color option and a novel Camera Control button, adding functionality exclusive to the Pro models. The device is equipped with the A18 Pro chipset and features a redesigned camera system with a 48-megapixel primary sensor and advanced video recording capabilities.

Performance and functionality

Both the Galaxy S25 Ultra and the iPhone 16 Pro Max are designed to offer top-tier performance. Samsung’s flagship includes 12GB of RAM, compared to the iPhone’s 8GB, potentially offering a smoother multitasking experience. The iPhone, however, continues to impress with its integration of hardware and software, leading to efficient performance in real-life usage scenarios.

This detailed examination highlights the strengths of each device, allowing consumers to make an informed decision based on their specific needs and preferences. Whether prioritizing camera technology, display features, or price, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max cater to all facets of premium smartphone requirements.

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Oppo Find N5 set to launch with 50W wireless charging and IPX9 water resistance

Published

1 week ago

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January 21, 2025

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Oppo Find N5 being tested underwater to showcase its IPX9 water resistance rating.

Oppo has officially confirmed that its latest innovation, the Find N5, will support 50W wireless charging and feature an IPX9 water resistance rating. The announcement comes as part of a series of teases highlighting the capabilities of this next-generation foldable smartphone, set to launch in February.

According to recent leaks, the Find N5 will be the first smartphone to incorporate the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, signaling significant performance enhancements. Pete Lau, Oppo’s Chief Product Officer, has touted the device as the “thinnest foldable phone,” positioning it against leading competitors like the latest iPhone in terms of sleek design.

Zhou Yibao, head of the Oppo Find series, shared insights via Weibo about the Find N5’s advanced features. The device not only matches the wireless charging speeds of newly released models like the Oppo Find X8 Pro and OnePlus 13 but also integrates seamlessly with in-car systems from major electric vehicle brands such as BYD and NIO.

In a compelling demonstration of its durability, a recent video posted by Yibao showed the Find N5 being submerged underwater, showcasing its capability to withstand significant water exposure, evidenced by its IPX9 rating. This test included recording underwater videos, highlighting the phone’s versatile camera capabilities in extreme conditions.

The Find N5 also sports a refined design with slimmer borders and a larger overall form factor compared to its predecessors, which could attract users looking for a sleek yet robust foldable phone.

As anticipation builds, Oppo has begun sharing images of the Find N5, revealing a foldable design as thin as a USB-C port when opened. This device promises to merge aesthetic appeal with functional excellence, setting a new benchmark in the evolving foldable phone market.

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