India emerges as second largest beef exporter in the world
New Delhi: An investigation conducted by the environmental and human rights group Global Witness, and first reported by the BBC, has implicated three of the world's leading meat producers—JBS, Minerva, and Marfrig—in illegal deforestation in Brazil's Cerrado plains. The companies, however, deny any wrongdoing. The inquiry, which focused on the state of Mato Grosso within the expansive Cerrado region, revealed that much of the deforested land for ranching owned by the three entities lacked the necessary permits, suggesting illegal activities.
This revelation comes amid the approaching deadline for companies to comply with the European Union's (EU) new regulation, the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The law, effective December 30, 2024 (June 30, 2025, for micro or small businesses), requires companies selling goods to the EU to prove that their produce was not grown on land deforested after 2020, under the threat of substantial fines. Critics argue that this legislation may disproportionately impact smallholder farmers who lack the resources to provide the required data, potentially disrupting crucial revenue streams.
Products such as beef, coffee, palm oil, and soy will be among those affected by the EUDR. However, campaigners from Global Witness contend that the law falls short as it does not fully encompass the Cerrado plains, unlike the Amazon.
As of 2023, Brazil holds the position of the largest beef exporter globally, according to data from the US Department of Agriculture. Predictions from April 2023 anticipated Brazil's beef exports to surpass 3 million tons that year. Other significant players in beef exports in 2023 included India (water buffalo meat), the United States, and Australia. However, when considering countries with the highest beef production, the order differs, with the US leading due to a substantial portion of its beef being consumed domestically.
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BMRCL to begin rolling stock tests on Pink Line from Jan 11
Bengaluru (PTI): BMRCL on Saturday said it would begin rolling stock tests on the under-construction Pink Line corridor, a key step towards its commissioning.
The tests will be carried out on the Kalena Agrahara-Tavarekere stretch, spanning 7.5 km, and aim to validate train performance and system integration under real field conditions as part of the statutory approval process.
"The rolling stock type tests on the Pink Line corridor between Kalena Agrahara and Tavarekere, covering a stretch of 7.5 km, will be conducted from January 11, and are expected to be completed by mid-April 2026," the BMRCL said in a statement.
Rolling stock tests assess trains and key components, including bogies, brakes, and electronics, to ensure safety, performance, and regulatory compliance before they are cleared for operation.
According to the statement, the main line testing will include traction and brake type tests, oscillation trials at various speeds, and integration tests with signalling, power, and telecommunication systems.
The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited said the exercise marks steady progress towards a key milestone and reiterated that it "remains committed to ensuring the highest standards of safety and reliability before the line opening for public service."
The Pink Line (Reach 6) is under construction as part of the Namma Metro phase 2 expansion. This 21.25 km line will connect Kalena Agrahara in the south to Nagawara in the north.
