[Newsbits] 1-7.11.2024: Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR, Census 2025 & more

Heart disease is increasingly affecting younger women in India, with atypical symptoms often delaying diagnosis. Common risk factors include obesity, poor diet, inactivity, diabetes, and hypertension. Lifestyle habits like smoking, alcohol, and stress also play significant roles, while hormonal factors such as estrogen and birth control influence heart health. Women typically exhibit symptoms like fatigue and shortness of breath, which can lead to delayed care. Preventive measures, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and health screenings from age 20, are essential in managing heart disease risks among women.

Kerala’s recently approved Coastal Zone Management Plans (CZMPs) align with the 2019 Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) guidelines, easing restrictions on coastal development in ten districts. This change benefits residents by reducing No Development Zones (NDZ) from 100m to 50m, allowing greater residential and commercial development. However, the shift has raised environmental concerns, particularly around mangrove ecosystems, as protective buffers have been decreased. While CZMPs aim to balance development with conservation, they underscore the need for careful management to avoid compromising Kerala’s coastal ecosystem and biodiversity.

The upcoming GEO-7 report, developed by UNEP with contributions from 300 scientists, is set to present a comprehensive assessment of global environmental challenges at the UNEA-7 in December 2025. GEO-7 is structured around integrated solutions and emphasizes long-term planning with future outlooks for 2050 and 2100. Policymakers and stakeholders are closely involved, supported by targeted summaries and outreach to engage a broad audience. The report, UNEP’s flagship environmental publication, aims to influence sustainable policymaking and encourage proactive responses to global ecological issues, ensuring an informed approach to protecting environmental health and resources.

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued guidelines to curb greenwashing in advertisements, mandating scientific evidence or third-party certification for environmental claims. Aimed at transparency, these guidelines target misleading eco-friendly terms like “natural” and “sustainable.” Startups, particularly in consumer sectors, are seeking legal guidance to ensure compliance with these new requirements, focusing on reliable claims and revising marketing strategies. The guidelines help build consumer trust, attract sustainability-focused investors, and position companies positively. By emphasizing authentic eco-friendly practices, the guidelines are expected to enhance accountability and support accurate environmental claims.

The Madras High Court has intensified efforts to remove invasive species like Senna spectabilis and Lantana camara from Tamil Nadu’s forests by October 2025. This initiative aims to restore local ecosystems and includes measures like state-led briquetting to repurpose removed biomass. The court mandates regular oversight, focusing on environmental conservation and sustainable tourism in ecologically sensitive areas such as the Nilgiris and Kodaikanal.

The Nagaland government recently elevated Meluri to district status, making it the state’s 17th district. This transformation aligns with the state’s trend toward creating districts, aiming to improve local governance. Meluri, which borders Myanmar, is primarily inhabited by the Pochury Naga tribe and benefits from a new, centralized administration structure. Expected benefits include enhanced public services, infrastructure investment, and local economic growth, with residents welcoming this step. The geopolitical location also facilitates better border management. The move underscores Nagaland’s broader decentralization strategy to bring governance closer to the people.