Israel's Netanyahu says Gaza war ‘not over’ after Hamas' top leader Sinwar’s alleged killing
Tel Aviv: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday asserted that the war in Gaza is “not over” following the alleged killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, noting that the task before them is not yet complete.
Netanyahu remarked that Israel would continue the war in Gaza until its hostages were returned. "To the dear hostage families, I say: this is an important moment in the war. We will continue full force until all your loved ones, our loved ones, are home,” he said in a recorded video statement.
Hamas has not yet confirmed or commented on Sinwar’s alleged death.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden issued a statement on X on Friday, stating that it “is a good day for Israel, for the United States, and for the world.” He mentioned he would speak with Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders “to congratulate them, to discuss the pathway for bringing the hostages home to their families, and ending this war once and for all.”
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Bihar govt to engage scientists to curb arsenic concentration in leafy, root vegetables
Patna (PTI): The Bihar government has decided to involve scientists and officials of various departments to tackle rising arsenic levels in leafy and root vegetables in some districts, officials said on Sunday.
The state government is also planning to launch an awareness campaign for farmers in affected areas to inform them about measures being taken by the government, Agriculture Minister Ram Kripal Yadav told PTI.
“There is no doubt that arsenic-contaminated groundwater has led to higher concentrations in leafy vegetables, root vegetables including potatoes, and other agricultural produce in certain parts of the state. It is a matter of serious concern,” Yadav said.
He said that scientists and officials from the Public Health and Engineering (PHED), Health, and Minor Water Resources departments will be engaged to curb arsenic concentration in vegetables.
According to Bihar Agriculture Department officials, arsenic concentration has been recorded at 0.1 mg per kg in leafy vegetables, 0.3 mg per kg in root vegetables including potatoes, and 1.0 mg per kg in paddy crops.
Bihar PHED Minister Sanjay Kumar Singh had recently told the state assembly that arsenic was detected in groundwater in 14 districts, fluoride in 11 districts, and iron in 12 districts.
He said in some areas, nitrate levels also exceeded prescribed standards, prompting the marking of hand pumps with red paint to warn residents against using the water for drinking purposes.
Singh told PTI that the state government is providing safe drinking water under the ‘Har Ghar Nal ka Jal’ scheme, and planning alternative measures to supply safe water to farmers for agriculture.
Regular water quality tests are being conducted, and toll-free and WhatsApp numbers have been issued to address complaints related to drinking water supply.
“The permissible limit of arsenic is 0.01 mg per litre and fluoride 1.0 mg per litre. Exceeding these limits can cause health issues like bone fluorosis and tooth decay. Arsenic purification equipment has been installed in 4,709 wards to ensure safe water,” Singh added.
