Kasaragod: Little Brothers Kokkechal mark third annual 'Christmas Fiesta'
Manjeshwara(Mangalpady): Little Brothers Kokkechal, a registered cultural club celebrated its third annual 'Christmas Fiesta' at Kokkechal junction here on Monday(Dec 25). The event was graced by the presence of chief guest Moosa Kunhi, Principal Manavatti Beevi English School, Dharmanagara and Baby Shetty, former Block Panchayat Member and social worker.
The organisation's president, Prakash, extended a warm welcome to all attendees, highlighting the spirit of unity and inclusivity in his inaugural speech.
Addressing the gathering, Former Block Panchayat member, Baby Shetty highlighted the significance of the organisation's activities in the town and stressed on Jesus Christ's message of spreading love, regardless of religions. She further stated that," Christmas Fiesta serves as a platform for people of all faiths to come together and celebrate Christmas."
Moosa Kunhi D, speaking about the unity in diversity in India said, "India is like a beautiful flower garden with many varieties of flowers. Unlike other countries who have a state religion, India is diverse."
Avinash Machado, Congress Leader and Panchayat Member, commending the organization's contributions, remarked, "The club has played a significant role in the development of this region."
Various programs, including carol singing, dance and a Tulu Drama by 'Amma Kalavider Kudla,' added vibrancy to the festivities.
Sketch titled 'Ammer' performed by 'Amma Kalavider Kudla' (Courtesy:Peter Dsouza)
Adding glamour to the celebration, Several renowned Tulu Cinema Actors, including Kantara movie fame Deepak Rai Panaje also performed in the drama.
Other dignitaries who graced the occasion included, Fr. Vishal Monis (Parish Preist, Christ King Church Kayyar), Sr. Jasmine Lewis (Superior, Vijaya Jesuraj Convent Kayyar), Avinash Machado (Paivailike Panchayat Member), Roshan Dsouza and Zeena Dsouza (Parish Pastoral Parishad, Christ King Church Kayyar).
Image Courtesy: Peter Dsouza
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Groundwater depletion causes Earth's axis to shift by 31.5 inches: Study
A recent study has uncovered a significant impact of human activity on the planet: Earth's axis has shifted by 31.5 inches (nearly 80 centimeters) due to extensive groundwater extraction. Published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, the research highlights how large-scale pumping of groundwater has changed the distribution of Earth's mass, affecting its rotation and contributing to sea-level rise. The shift in Earth's tilt is linked to a sea-level increase of 0.24 inches, according to Popular Mechanics.
Lead researcher Ki-Weon Seo, a geophysicist at Seoul National University, explained that among climate-related factors, the redistribution of groundwater has had the most significant effect on the movement of Earth's rotational pole. The planet's tilt, or axial precession, is influenced by changes in mass distribution. As glaciers and polar ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica melt, water migrates towards the equator, shifting the planet's balance—a phenomenon comparable to how a figure skater’s spin changes when they alter their body position.
The study examined data from 1993 to 2010, revealing that approximately 2,150 gigatons of groundwater were pumped out during this time, largely for agricultural and human consumption. This large-scale extraction has contributed to a shift in Earth's axis of about 31.5 inches.
Groundwater, which is water stored underground in soil and rock, plays a crucial role in the hydrological cycle. It originates from precipitation that seeps into the earth, replenishing natural aquifers. These aquifers are vital freshwater resources, supporting drinking water supplies, agriculture, and industry. The availability and quality of groundwater depend on natural factors like recharge rates and human activity.
While the 31.5-inch shift in Earth's axis might seem minor, the consequences could be far-reaching over geological timescales. Changes in water distribution can lead to varying sea-level changes across regions, affecting coastal areas differently. Additionally, shifts in Earth's tilt can influence its internal systems, such as the magnetic field, which acts as a shield against harmful solar radiation.
