<ul><li>Global IT services giant <keyword id="28721" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Cognizant">Cognizant</keyword> is joining hands with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M), The Nature Conservancy, Grundfos, and Care Earth Trust to restore the <keyword id="2685179" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sembakkam-Lake">Sembakkam Lake</keyword> in <keyword id="12864" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Chennai">Chennai</keyword>.</li><li>Cognizant will be shelling out over ₹2.7 crore alongside Grundfos’ ₹1.7 crore.</li><li>The 100-acre Sembakkam Lake flows into the <keyword id="9813268" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="pallikaranai-wetland">Pallikaranai wetland</keyword>, one the last remaining natural marshlands in the world. </li></ul>Cognizant is shelling out over ₹2.7 crore ($360,000) to try and save one of the last remaining natural marshlands in the world — the Pallikaranai wetland — by restoring the Sembakkam Lake in Chennai. Nearly 7 million litres of fresh water used to flow into the lake every day, but now the 100-acre water body is choking on the trash and aquatic weeds. “The Sembakkam Lake is one of Chennai’s 54 inter-connected lakes of the Pallikaranai watershed basin that are critical to the city’s water security and resilience to floods and droughts,” explained Cognizant’s head of Chennai operations, Muthu Kumaran. <div type="image" title="chennai lake plan" msid="77716221" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;The advantages of a wetland&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The Indian Institute of Technology - Madras (IIT-M), Chennai-based <a href="https://careearthtrust.org/wetland-restoration/sembakkam-lake-restoration-plan/">Care Earth Trust</a>, and the world’s largest conservation organisation — The Nature Conservancy (TNC) — have already been doing their part since 2018. With Cognizant’s ₹2.7 crore and Grundfos’ ₹1.7 crore ($230,00) — as well as ₹7.5 lakh ($10,00) in kind in the form of services — the hope is to finish the restoration project by the end of 2021. Simply cleaning up the lake isn’t enough Simply cleaning up Sembakkam Lake won’t solve the problems that have been building for nearly half a century. The entire water and waste management system needs to be overhauled to make the lake sustainable. Led by <a href="https://newstodaynet.com/index.php/2018/11/24/restoration-of-sembakkam-lake-in-chennai-begins/">IIT-M</a>, TNC, and Care Earth Trust started by setting up a floating barge to remove the water hyacinths. The project also involves cleaning up the inlets and outlets, improving the lake’s connectivity with upstream and downstream water bodies, building an eco-friendly wastewater treatment system, and constructing walkways and green buffer zones along the lake. By removing the solid waste, silt, and invasive plant species, the project hopes to improve Sembakkam Lake’s storage capacity by 50%, improve the water quality, and enhance groundwater recharge. Earlier this month, the Care Earth Trust <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/rejuvenation-project-at-sembakkam-lake-under-way/article32250553.ece">told media</a> that a survey had identified 189 plant species that will be helpful in lake habitat restoration and water quality improvement. An eco-friendly recreational space will be created by thematically planting native plants and herbs around and in Sembakkam lake. After the COVID-19 situation improves, Cognizant plans to run a range of community engagement and awareness initiatives through its employee-led volunteering program, Cognizant Outreach. “The support of Cognizant and Grundfos is vital to taking up the critical eco-restoration work at Sembakkam Lake. We are deploying science-based and nature-led solutions using constructed wetland systems that use minimal energy, require zero chemical additives, and are inexpensive for wastewater treatment at the lake,” said the managing director of TNC’s India Program, Seema Paul. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/news/earth-has-lost-a-staggering-28-trillion-tonnes-of-ice-to-global-warming-in-the-last-23-years-uk-scientists-find/articleshow/77704803.cms">Earth has lost a 'staggering' 28 trillion tonnes of ice to global warming in the last 23 years, UK scientists find</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/india/news/from-priyanka-gandhi-vadra-to-manmohan-singh-these-are-the-stated-views-of-congress-working-committee-members-on-sonia-gandhis-resignation/slidelist/77713740.cms">From Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to Manmohan Singh, these are the stated views of Congress Working Committee members on Sonia Gandhi's resignation</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/sharechat-acquires-hyperlocal-information-platform-which-was-started-by-its-former-employee/articleshow/77714407.cms">Sharechat acquires hyperlocal information platform which was started by its former employee</a>

Cognizant says it will spend ₹2.7 crore to restore one of India's last natural marshlands in Chennai

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_left float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/564f7ed2c28144be008b456c-1039-779/the wave, vermillion cliffs, arizona.jpg" alt="The Wave, Vermillion Cliffs, Arizona" data-mce-source="Wikimedia Commons">Wikimedia CommonsThe Wave.</img></div></div></div>The United States is a nation of spectacular natural, geological, and cultural diversity. The third largest country by size in the world, the US contains landscapes as varied as the vast white sand dunes of New Mexico and the watery wilderness formed by trees and marshland in Florida.Picking 50 wonders wasn't easy, but here are the most beautiful natural attractions in each state.Melissa Stanger and Sophie-Claire Hoeller contributed reporting to a previous version of this post.

The most breathtaking natural wonder in every state

<keyword id="1204125" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="The-Delhi-High-Court">The Delhi High Court</keyword> on Monday extended all the <keyword id="708661" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="interim-orders">interim orders</keyword> passed by it and its subordinate courts till October 31 in both criminal and civil matters pending before it. The directions were passed by a three-judge bench of <keyword id="1437962" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="The-high-court">the High Court</keyword> presided by Chief Justice D. N. Patel and <keyword id="9813392" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="justices-siddharth">Justices Siddharth</keyword> Mridul and Talwant Singh. The orders were passed keeping in view the outbreak of the <keyword id="8902449" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="covid-19-pandemic">Covid-19 pandemic</keyword>. "We will extend it till the end of October," the three-judge bench said. The interim orders include interim bail, parole, etc. While hearing the matter, Chief Justice D. N. Patel said, "We will be slowly starting the physical hearing with the consent of all." On March 25, the High Court had extended till May 15 the interim orders in all matters pending before it and all district courts in the national capital in the wake of the nationwide lockdown imposed amid the outbreak of the pandemic. While the limited functioning of the courts continued, the interim orders were given three extensions. The latest extension was set to expire on August 31. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/environment/news/cognizant-says-it-will-spend-2-7-crore-to-restore-sebakkam-lake-and-help-natural-marshland-pallikaranai-wetland/articleshow/77716094.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Cognizant says it will spend ₹2.7 crore to restore one of India's last natural marshlands in Chennai</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/eicher-motors-icici-lombard-future-retail-ril-tcs-hcl-tech-tech-mahindra-powergrid-titan-infosys-top-stock-movers-on-dalal-street-on-monday/articleshow/77713477.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Top stock movers on Dalal Street on Monday— Eicher Motors, ICICI Lombard, Future Retail, RIL, TCS, and more</a>

All bails and paroles expiring this week have been extended till October 31

In yet another innovation during Covid-19 times, <keyword id="46013" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kotak-Mahindra-Bank">Kotak Mahindra Bank</keyword> (Kotak) on Monday launched the Cardless Cash Withdrawal Facility through ATMs. Under this unique facility, Kotak account holders can make cash withdrawals as well as remit money to beneficiaries across India without using a physical debit card. Using their registered mobile number with the bank, Kotak customers can initiate the transaction through the Kotak Net Banking or Mobile Banking platform. The beneficiary need not be a Kotak customer and need not even have an account with any bank. The cash can be withdrawn by the beneficiary from any Kotak ATM in India. To withdraw cash, all that a registered beneficiary would need to do is to enter his/her mobile number, sender and SMS codes and the exact cash amount. This would immediately trigger cash withdrawal from a Kotak Bank ATM. An account holder can also withdraw cash using similar feature. "As a digital-first bank, enhancing customer experience is a continuous process. The cardless cash withdrawal facility is simple, secure and convenient to use; and frees customers from having to carry their debit cards with them all the time. "Further, in a country as diverse as India, cash continues to play an important role and this facility will enable our customers to seamlessly remit cash to their friends, family and other beneficiaries," said Puneet Kapoor, President - Products, Alternate Channels and Customer Experience Delivery, Kotak Mahindra Bank. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/india/news/from-priyanka-gandhi-vadra-to-manmohan-singh-these-are-the-stated-views-of-congress-working-committee-members-on-sonia-gandhis-resignation/slidelist/77713740.cms">From Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to Manmohan Singh, these are the stated views of Congress Working Committee members on Sonia Gandhi's resignation</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/india/news/congress-working-committee-cwc-meeting-updates-decision-on-congress-new-president-sonia-gandhi-or-rahul-gandhi/articleshow/77717675.cms">Sonia Gandhi offers to quit, Manmohan Singh holds her back and Rahul Gandhi questions party leaders — the CWC meeting reveals the cracks in Congress</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/environment/news/cognizant-says-it-will-spend-2-7-crore-to-restore-sebakkam-lake-and-help-natural-marshland-pallikaranai-wetland/articleshow/77716094.cms">Cognizant says it will spend ₹2.7 crore to restore one of India's last natural marshlands in Chennai</a>

You can now withdraw cash from Kotak Mahindra Bank ATMs without physical debit card

<keyword id="431538" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Astrosat">AstroSat</keyword>, Indias first multi- wavelength satellite, has detected an extreme ultraviolet (UV) light from a galaxy which is 9.3 billion light-years away from Earth, the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) said on Monday. A release from the Pune-based Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics said a global team led by IUCAA scientists have achieved the major breakthrough. "Indias first multi-wavelength satellite, which has five unique X-ray and ultraviolet telescopes working in tandem, AstroSat, has detected extreme-UV light from a galaxy, called AUDFs01, 9.3 billion light-yearsaway from Earth," said it said. The discovery was made by an international team of astronomers led by Dr Kanak Saha, associate professor of astronomy at the IUCAA, and published on August 24 by 'Nature Astronomy', the release said. This team comprised scientists from India, France, Switzerland, the USA, Japan and The Netherlands. Saha and his team observed the galaxy, which is located in the <keyword id="9818101" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="hubble-extreme-deep-field">Hubble Extreme Deep field</keyword>, through AstroSat. These observations lasted for more than 28 hours in October 2016, the release stated. But it took nearly two years since then to carefully analyse the data to ascertain that the emission is indeed from the galaxy. Since UV radiation is absorbed by Earths atmosphere, it has to be observed from space, it said. Earlier, NASAs Hubble Space Telescope (HST), a significantly larger than UVIT (UV imaging telescope), did not detect any UV emission (with energygreater than 13.6 eV) from this galaxy because it is too faint, it said. AstroSat/UVIT was able to achieve this unique feat because the background noise in the UVITdetector is much less than the ones on HST," said the release quoting Saha. Saha said they knew it would be an uphill task to convince the international community that UVIT has recorded extreme-UV emission from this galaxy when more powerful HST has not. Dr Somak Raychaudhury, Director of IUCAA, said, "This is a very important clue to how the dark ages of the universe ended and there was light in the universe. "We need to know when this started, but it has been very hard to find the earliest sources of light. I am very proud that my colleagues have made such an important discovery." SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/india/news/congress-working-committee-cwc-meeting-updates-decision-on-congress-new-president-sonia-gandhi-or-rahul-gandhi/articleshow/77717675.cms">Sonia Gandhi offers to quit, Manmohan Singh holds her back and Rahul Gandhi questions party leaders — the CWC meeting reveals the cracks in Congress</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/environment/news/cognizant-says-it-will-spend-2-7-crore-to-restore-sebakkam-lake-and-help-natural-marshland-pallikaranai-wetland/articleshow/77716094.cms">Cognizant says it will spend ₹2.7 crore to restore one of India's last natural marshlands in Chennai</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/banks/news/axis-bank-trims-its-investment-in-max-life-insurance-from-30-to-18/articleshow/77721249.cms">Axis Bank trims its investment in Max Life Insurance from 30% to 18%</a>

India's first multi-wavelength satellite detects galaxy 9.3 billion light years away

<ul><li>Five months into lockdown, with work from home becoming as strenuous as ever, people are getting tired of cooking and resorting to DIY kits and <keyword id="2372964" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="ready-to-cook">ready-to-cook</keyword> meals.</li><li>Foodtech unicorn <keyword id="6358977" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="swiggy">Swiggy</keyword> has been experimenting with DIY food kits.</li><li>Meanwhile, popular sauce brand <keyword id="3746319" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="veeba">Veeba</keyword> has just announced its ready-to-cook gravy in a bottle. </li></ul>When the lockdown began, everyone turned into a home chef. From Dalgona coffee to biryani and even rasgullas being made at home, images of home-cooked meals were shared, instagram posts with recipes were uploaded while parents wondered about the hidden cooking skill of their child. But five months into lockdown, with work from home becoming as strenuous as ever, many people are tired of cooking and it's back to “Can we just have maggi today?”. And this has led to DIY and readymade products filling the market from new players. Readymade meals for quick fixes With the interest to cook for a longer time wearing off and people looking at more and more quick fixes without having to order from restaurants, another market claimer is the readymade food segment. Popular sauce brand Veeba has just announced its ready-to-cook gravy in a bottle. The founder claimed that the gravy will bring restaurant-like taste to the food. <div type="twitter" handle="VirajBahl" handlename="Viraj Bahl" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/733302348139892737/Xmy3KbYs_normal.jpg" favoritecount="42" retweetcount="0" status="I’m very proud to be announcing the launch of Veeba Chef to you. A range of 10 delicious Ready to Cook, restaurant… https://t.co/sb04h2nIH6" createdat="1598250621000" id="1297783287062999041"></div> The new flavour – DIY The Do-It-Yourself market has seen many new entrants. Foodtech unicorn Swiggy has been experimenting with DIY food kits. Recently, the startup partnered with the gourmet festival World on a plate and was delivering <keyword id="2527156" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="DIY-meal-kits">DIY Meal kits</keyword> across Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. Sequoia-backed Rebel Foods had also introduced a range of readymade meals and DIY kits. I think there'll be a natural tendency towards more at-home cooking and consumption...We are creating an umbrella under a program called Eat.Sure and giving this platform for other food entrepreneurs to come on board and build brands around ready-to-cook, ready-to-eat, ready-to-use, and so on,” its CEO Jaydeep Barman had told ET in an <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/startups/newsbuzz/rebel-foods-to-expand-beyond-cooked-meal-brands-brews-a-new-food-kits-plan/articleshow/75990006.cms?from=mdr">interview.</a> According to an <a href="https://entrackr.com/2020/07/rebel-foods-valuation-soars-to-820-mn-with-latest-tranche-from-coatue/">Entrackr</a> report, to fuel these expansion plans Rebel Foods has also secured more funding which has hiked its valuation to $820 million, just a little short of being a part of the unicorn club. Meanwhile, the Riyaaz Amlani led Impresario Handmade Restaurants, which had also launched a food ordering app, has also been offering <a href="https://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/2020/aug/02/restaurateurs-come-out-with-diy-meal-kits-with-step-by-step-instructions-to-make-your-favourites-at-home-2177002.html">DIY kits</a>, which also offer step-by-step instructions from chefs. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/environment/news/cognizant-says-it-will-spend-2-7-crore-to-restore-sebakkam-lake-and-help-natural-marshland-pallikaranai-wetland/articleshow/77716094.cms">Cognizant says it will spend ₹2.7 crore to restore one of India's last natural marshlands in Chennai</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/future-retail-shares-tank-as-a-crucial-payment-deadline-expires/articleshow/77713123.cms">Future Retail shares tank as a crucial payment deadline is set to expire</a>

From Swiggy to Veeba⁠— food companies bet DIY and readymade products will conquer kitchens as home chefs get tired of cooking

<ul><li>India’s third-largest private sector lender, <keyword id="6355975" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="axis-bank">Axis Bank</keyword>’s first foray into insurance has been trimmed by 12%. </li><li>Instead of increasing its ownership within <keyword id="6374257" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="max-life-insurance">Max Life Insurance</keyword> to 30%, Axis Bank now only plans to acquire 17% of equity share capital, which will result in 18% ownership. </li><li>The development comes after the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (<keyword id="635172" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="IRDAI">IRDAI</keyword>) reportedly raised concerns over some of the clauses in the agreement, which were subsequently done away with. </li></ul>Axis Bank is cutting back on how much it’s willing to invest in Max Life Insurance. What was earlier a deal to acquire one-third of the insurance company as a 70:30 joint venture, is now being pared down to acquiring 17% of equity share capital, according to the bank’s filings with the <a href="https://www.bseindia.com/xml-data/corpfiling/AttachLive/f275e7d5-0393-417e-a4dd-421dca9714a3.pdf">Indian stock exchange</a>. “Axis Bank now proposes to acquire 17.002% of the equity share capital of Max Life, resulting in total ownership of 18.0% post the transaction,” it said. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="77128780" title="Axis Bank finalises Max Life Insurance investment and is closer to raising more funds" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> The development comes after the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) raised concerns over four of the clauses in the joint venture agreement between the companies as per <a href="https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/max-life-axis-bank-tweak-insurance-jv-pact-11598234913943.html">LiveMint</a>. Axis Bank-Max life Insurance modify agreement clauses <a href="https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/max-life-axis-bank-tweak-insurance-jv-pact-11598234913943.html">LiveMint</a> reported that both companies have removed four troublesome clauses in order to go ahead with the deal. One, which proposed listing of Max Life Insurance after it was merged with its listed parent, MFS, was removed as it violated Section 35 of the Insurance Act 1938. The clause which said that Axis Bank would be permitted to appoint an observer on Max life Insurance’s board has also been scrapped as well as another give gave the right to one of the two parties to appoint auditors in Max Life Insurance. Within the revised deal, both parties will have equal rights, according to the report. This investment is Axis Bank’s foray into insurance to bring it at par with its peers — including HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank and others — who already have a significant holding in their respective insurance companies. The private lender was lauded by analysts for its asset quality in the first quarter of the current financial year with nearly $900 million set aside for provisions and contingencies. Its plans to raise $1.3 billion through share sale are also moving forward. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/india/news/from-priyanka-gandhi-vadra-to-manmohan-singh-these-are-the-stated-views-of-congress-working-committee-members-on-sonia-gandhis-resignation/slidelist/77713740.cms">From Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to Manmohan Singh, these are the stated views of Congress Working Committee members on Sonia Gandhi's resignation</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/india/news/congress-working-committee-cwc-meeting-updates-decision-on-congress-new-president-sonia-gandhi-or-rahul-gandhi/articleshow/77717675.cms">Sonia Gandhi offers to quit, Manmohan Singh holds her back and Rahul Gandhi questions party leaders — the CWC meeting reveals the cracks in Congress</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/environment/news/cognizant-says-it-will-spend-2-7-crore-to-restore-sebakkam-lake-and-help-natural-marshland-pallikaranai-wetland/articleshow/77716094.cms">Cognizant says it will spend ₹2.7 crore to restore one of India's last natural marshlands in Chennai</a>

Axis Bank trims its investment in Max Life Insurance from 30% to 18%

Activist-lawyer <keyword id="6368850" type="DEFINITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="prashant-bhushan">Prashant Bhushan</keyword> refused to offer an apology to the <keyword id="6354977" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Supreme-Court">Supreme Court</keyword> on Monday for his two tweets against the judiciary saying what he expressed represented his bona fide belief which he continued to hold. An insincere apology would amount to the contempt of my conscience and of an institution, Bhushan said in his supplementary statement filed in the suo motu contempt case against him by the top court. An apology for expression of his beliefs, conditional or unconditional, would be insincere, he said. Bhushan said as an officer of court he believes as a duty to speak up when he believe there is a deviation from its sterling record. "Therefore I expressed myself in good faith, not to malign the Supreme Court or any particular Chief Justice, but to offer constructive criticism so that the court can arrest any drift away from its long-standing role as a guardian of the Constitution and custodian of peoples' rights," he said. He said, "My tweets represented this bona fide belief that I continue to hold. Public expression of these beliefs was I believe, in line with my higher obligations as a citizen and a loyal officer of this court. Therefore, an apology for expression of these beliefs, conditional or unconditional, would be insincere." Bhushan further said that an apology cannot be a mere incantation and any apology has to, as the court has itself put it, be sincerely made. "This is especially so when I have made the statements bona fide and pleaded truths with full details, which have not been dealt with by the Court. If I retract a statement before this court that I otherwise believe to be true or offer an insincere apology that in my eyes would amount to the contempt of my conscience and of an institution that I hold in highest esteem," he said. On August 20, the top court had granted time till August 24 to Bhushan to reconsider his "defiant statement" refusing to apologise and tender "unconditional apology" for contemptuous tweets against the judiciary and rejected his submission that quantum of punishment be decided by another bench. The apex court, on August 14, had held Bhushan guilty of criminal contempt for his two derogatory tweets against the judiciary saying they cannot be said to be a fair criticism of the functioning of the judiciary made in the public interest. He faces simple imprisonment of up to six months or with a fine of up to Rs 2,000 or with both as punishment. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/india/news/from-priyanka-gandhi-vadra-to-manmohan-singh-these-are-the-stated-views-of-congress-working-committee-members-on-sonia-gandhis-resignation/slidelist/77713740.cms">From Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to Manmohan Singh, these are the stated views of Congress Working Committee members on Sonia Gandhi's resignation</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/india/news/congress-working-committee-cwc-meeting-updates-decision-on-congress-new-president-sonia-gandhi-or-rahul-gandhi/articleshow/77717675.cms">Sonia Gandhi offers to quit, Manmohan Singh holds her back and Rahul Gandhi questions party leaders — the CWC meeting reveals the cracks in Congress</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/environment/news/cognizant-says-it-will-spend-2-7-crore-to-restore-sebakkam-lake-and-help-natural-marshland-pallikaranai-wetland/articleshow/77716094.cms">Cognizant says it will spend ₹2.7 crore to restore one of India's last natural marshlands in Chennai</a>

Prashant Bhushan refuses to apologise to India's top court — 'An insincere apology would amount to the contempt of my conscience'

<keyword id="150671" type="POSITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="chief-of-defence-staff">Chief of Defence Staff</keyword> General <keyword id="2496903" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bipin-Rawat">Bipin Rawat</keyword> said on Monday that if diplomatic talks with China over the border issue fail, then military options are on the table. "The military option to deal with the transgressions by the Chinese is still on but will be considered only if the talks at the diplomatic and military level fail," said General Bipin Rawat. He however, refused to share what military options India is looking upon. The Chinese <keyword id="6358624" type="DEFINITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="peoples-liberation-army">People's Liberation Army</keyword> (PLA) troops are sitting at various disputed and friction points along the <keyword id="49399" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Line-of-Actual-Control">Line of Actual Control</keyword> (LAC). They have refused to disengage since mid-July and have started construction work on those disputed junctions. Apart from that they have been raising unacceptable points before India. To deal with the emerging situation, Defence Minister <keyword id="6355121" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rajnath-Singh">Rajnath Singh</keyword> on Saturday held a meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and the top military brass to discuss the situation at the border with China. Talks between India and China remain deadlocked. India has to move around three additional formations to reinforce the border. Singh held the review meeting with Doval, Rawat and the three service chiefs on the prevailing situation at the LAC in Eastern Ladakh where Chinese troops are still camping. "The meeting happened for almost one-and-a-half-hours in South Block," said a source. The de-escalation of troops at the LAC has stopped for now as the disengagement talks between India and China have hit a roadblock. China has refused to move back from its present military position north of the Pangong Tso and Depsang. The PL) has refused to pull back eastwards from the 8-km stretch it has occupied from Finger-4 to Finger-8 by building scores of new fortifications there since early May. The mountain spurs jutting into the lake are referred to as Fingers in military parlance. China has also increased its troop deployment at Lipulekh, the place that became a trigger for strained relations between New Delhi and Kathmandu. Lipulekh is a tri-junction between India, Nepal and China situated atop the Kalapani Valley. China has changed the status quo on the LAC at various places. India has objected to it and is taking up the matter with China at all levels. Both the countries are locked in a more than three-month-long standoff at multiple points, hitherto unprecedented, along the border. During the meeting, it was also discussed that Beijing has started troop and material build-up in depth areas across the 3,488-km LAC. India has found that China has deployed troops, artillery and armour in three sectors of the LAC -- western (Ladakh), middle (Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh) and eastern (Sikkim, Arunachal). SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/india/news/from-priyanka-gandhi-vadra-to-manmohan-singh-these-are-the-stated-views-of-congress-working-committee-members-on-sonia-gandhis-resignation/slidelist/77713740.cms">From Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to Manmohan Singh, these are the stated views of Congress Working Committee members on Sonia Gandhi's resignation</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/india/news/congress-working-committee-cwc-meeting-updates-decision-on-congress-new-president-sonia-gandhi-or-rahul-gandhi/articleshow/77717675.cms">Sonia Gandhi offers to quit, Manmohan Singh holds her back and Rahul Gandhi questions party leaders — the CWC meeting reveals the cracks in Congress</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/environment/news/cognizant-says-it-will-spend-2-7-crore-to-restore-sebakkam-lake-and-help-natural-marshland-pallikaranai-wetland/articleshow/77716094.cms">Cognizant says it will spend ₹2.7 crore to restore one of India's last natural marshlands in Chennai</a>

Military options on the table if India-China talks fail says Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat

<ul class="summary-list"><li>There's a wealth of adventures to embark on when visiting Washington, DC.</li><li>To get you started on your DC explorations, Insider created a list of must-do activities.</li></ul>It's no surprise that our nation's capital has lots to do. From history aficionados and epicureans to outdoor enthusiasts and city slickers, Washington has something to pique every traveler's interests. However, if you're looking for experiences that are a step above the typical tourist to-do list and showcase a side of the city most first-timers miss, there are many noteworthy activities and sights that you should add to your agenda.I've spent time in DC regularly for the past decade and curated the following list of hidden gems, under-the-radar spaces, and fascinating places that should be visited in tandem with any stop along the National Mall or photo in front of the White House. Keep reading for my picks of must-see spots and things to do.<div type="image" title="View of the Potomac River and the verdant green forest of Theodore Roosevelt Island from the Rock Creek Parkway in Georgetown. The gleaming highrises of Rosslyn, Virginia, peek over the treetops." height="2994" width="3992" msid="87284389" hostid="261"></div>Kayak the Potomac River to Theodore Roosevelt IslandFor a unique vantage point of some of the district's most famous monuments, take to DC's waterways. I like to spend the day <a href="https://boatingindc.com/dc-activities/tours/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">paddling down the Potomac River</a> toward the Tidal Basin before heading back up to explore Theodore Roosevelt Island. This secluded oasis offers several scenic trails through forest, swamp, and marshland, as well as a memorial to the US's 26 th president.<div type="image" title="Side-by-side of three images with an exterior shot of the National Arboretum where trees surround one of the entry points and different plants on display." height="750" width="1500" msid="87285588" hostid="261"></div>US National ArboretumThe sprawling 446-acre grounds of the <a href="https://www.usna.usda.gov/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">US National Arboretum</a> offer an immersive nature experience of marked trails, lush evergreen conifer, and bonsai groves without ever having to leave the district lines. If you visit in the spring, be sure to check out the cherry blossom trees that surround the former sandstone Corinthian columns of the US Capitol.<div type="image" title="A wall with a railing that has &quot;Dupont Underground&quot; spray painted in pink and blue colors and bubble font" height="2661" width="3992" msid="87284392" hostid="261"></div>Dupont UndergroundHoused in an abandoned streetcar station, <a href="https://dupontunderground.org/events" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Dupont Underground</a> is an eclectic 15,000-square-foot art space situated directly under Dupont Circle. Events include interactive art showcases, poetry readings, and comedy shows. Once a month, the space also plays host to a flea market featuring one-of-a-kind goods by local artisans.<div type="image" title="Side-by-side of three outdoor shots U Street with business signs and people crossing a street." height="1250" width="2500" msid="87284530" hostid="261"></div>U Street Food and History Walking TourA <a href="https://www.blueferntravel.com/fork-tours/u-street-tour/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">food tour through the U Street Corridor</a>, one of the city's most historic and lively neighborhoods, is a great way to experience DC's burgeoning dining scene. Knowledgeable guides explain the history behind the area, once famously known as Black Broadway, while you sample some of the district's signature flavors like mambo sauce, chili, and spicy half-smokes.<div type="image" title="The exterior of The Reach at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC, USA." height="3840" width="5119" msid="90967825" hostid="261"></div>The Reach at the Kennedy CenterPlaying host to contemporary art exhibits, live concerts and film screenings, the <a href="https://www.kennedy-center.org/reach/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Reach at the Kennedy Center</a> is an expansive new indoor-outdoor venue at the Kennedy Center. With an estimated 69,000 square feet of landscaped roof gardens, a grove of ginkgo trees, and a tranquil reflecting pool, the Reach is worth a visit even if you don't have a performance to attend.<div type="image" title="A glass of red wine sits on a barrel in a wine cellar filled with more barrels. The wine glass says &quot;District Winery&quot;" height="3929" width="5239" msid="90967827" hostid="261"></div>Taste local craft beer and wineDC seems to have no shortage of dives, hidden speakeasies, and cocktail bars, alongside a thriving post-work happy hour culture. The past couple of years, in particular, have ushered in a community of craft breweries (there are currently 15 in DC), wine bars, and local wineries who aren't afraid to get inventive with their pours and ales.For the oenophiles, DC's first winery, <a href="https://districtwinery.com/tours" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">District Winery</a> in Navy Yard offers wine tastings — I love their rosé — while woman-owned <a href="https://www.rightproperbrewing.com/brookland-beer" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Right Proper Brewing</a>'s Northeast DC location houses a tasting room and offers brewery tours. And don't miss a chance to sip on three of the district's Black-owned beer labels: <a href="https://www.sankofabeer.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Sankofa Beer Company</a>, <a href="https://soulmega.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Soul Mega</a>, and <a href="https://www.urbangardenbrewing.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Urban Garden Brewing</a>.<div type="image" title="A sprawling stone staircase behind a green lake and trees turning fall colors surrounding park area" height="2020" width="2697" msid="90967829" hostid="261"></div>Malcolm X (Meridian Hill) ParkKnown as <a href="https://historicsites.dcpreservation.org/items/show/494" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Malcolm X Park</a> by locals — a rename originally <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/is-it-meridian-hill-park-or-malcolm-x-park-your-answer-is-meaningful/2018/11/02/610af0e2-d07e-11e8-b2d2-f397227b43f0_story.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">suggested by activist Angela Davis</a> during a 1969 rally — Meridian Hill Park's history as a site for political rallies dates back to the 1960s when it served as an important gathering spot for Black activists.Straddling the Adams Morgan, U Street, and Columbia Heights neighborhoods, this 12-acre park is also home to the country's largest cascading fountain and a statue of Joan of Arc, the district's only equestrian statue with a woman.Adding to the appeal is a family-friendly drum circle that happens every Sunday afternoon. It's been a great way for me to meet locals since moving to DC.<div type="image" title="The Library of Congress view from balcony. A circular desk surrounded by smaller work desks arranged in a circular pattern with red walls and stone archways" height="3750" width="5000" msid="90967833" hostid="261"></div>The Library of CongressHome to over 171 million documents, including more than 40 million cataloged books, The <a href="https://www.loc.gov/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Library of Congress</a> currently stands as the world's largest library.While you'll need to register for a valid Reader ID card to access the catalogs in the public reading rooms, a free tour — <a href="https://loc.usedirect.com/LOC/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">reservations</a> are a must and are released 30 days in advance — of the impressive building, built in a Beaux-Arts style, allows access to the Great Hall with Roman murals and ornate pairs of Corinthian columns.The musically inclined should make their way to the <a href="https://www.loc.gov/visit/maps-and-floor-plans/special-events-spaces/whittall-pavilion/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Whittall Pavilion</a>. Available by prior appointment with the library's music division, the pavilion houses an extensive collection of rare musical instruments, including Stradivari violins and the world's largest collection of flutes.<div type="image" title="Interior of the Hirshhorn Museum with windows along wall and circular seating area" height="1520" width="2027" msid="90967836" hostid="261"></div>Museum hopping on the National MallIn addition to the famous monuments and memorials, the National Mall is also home to several Smithsonian museums, which draw visitors from around the world. Crowds flock to the two most-visited museums on the Mall, the National Portrait Gallery, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum, but for fewer crowds and equally intriguing exhibits, I head to two of my favorites: the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden to capture kitschy, Instagram-worthy shots at the newest <a href="https://hirshhorn.si.edu/exhibitions/one-with-eternity-yayoi-kusama-in-the-hirshhorn-collection/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Yayoi Kusama exhibit</a>, and the National Museum of the American Indian where an immersive storytelling exhibit tells the <a href="https://americanindian.si.edu/explore/exhibitions/item?id=976" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">indigenous story of Raven</a>. With over 155 million artifacts in the Smithsonian's collection, there's something for every kind of art lover to enjoy.<div type="image" title="Lake with bridge in background with forrest on a sunny day" height="1190" width="1586" msid="90967839" hostid="261"></div>Rock Creek ParkSituated within the city on over 1,800 acres is <a href="https://www.nps.gov/rocr/index.htm" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Rock Creek Park</a>, a lush oasis with 32 miles of hiking trails, bike tracks, and historic sites.Whether you choose to spend the day exploring Civil War sites or horseback riding — there are 13 acres of gravel and dirt bridle paths throughout the park — you'll quickly forget you're within the confines of a major city.When the weather warms, there's nothing locals like me love more than spending the afternoon <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/250005" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">picnicking in the park</a> with friends.<a href="https://www.insider.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-traveling-to-washington-dc-2021-10" target="_blank" rel="noopener">View Insider's comprehensive guide to visiting Washington, DC.</a>

I've lived in DC for 10 years &mdash; here's my list of under-the-radar spaces and fascinating places that most tourists miss

The opposition Congress-led <keyword id="204591" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="United-Democratic-Front">United Democratic Front</keyword> (UDF) Monday moved a no-confidence motion against the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left government in Kerala, raising a slew of allegations including the <keyword id="1888344" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="gold-smuggling-case">gold smuggling case</keyword>. Congress legislator V D Satheeshan moved the motion, saying the Chief Minister's office was "hijacked" by the gold smuggling gang. "While the Chief Minister was attending the press conference and saying that everything was fine with the government and was ready to face any probe, his former principal secretary was being questioned by investigating agenciesfor hours," Satheeshan said. He said the ministers and the chief minister were trying to "put all the blame in the gold smuggling matter on the shoulders of suspended senior IAS officer and former IT Secretary M Sivashankar". The state government has been facing severe criticism from the opposition Congress and the BJP, who alleged links of the gold smuggling case accused with the Chief Minister's Office. The state government had earlier suspended Sivashankar, for his alleged links with Swapna Suresh, a key accused in the gold smuggling case involving diplomatic baggage addressed to the UAE consulate here. The Speaker P Sreeramakrishnan has allotted five hours for the discussion on the no-confidence motion, the first against the four-year-old <keyword id="6356705" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="pinarayi-vijayan">Pinarayi Vijayan</keyword> government. Adhering to strict COVID-19 protocols, the Kerala Assembly convened for a day on Monday and passed the Finance Bill 2020-21, which could not be passed after the state budget in February as the House was adjourned sine die on March 13 due to the coronavirus scare. The opposition has been attacking the government on various issues, including the gold smuggling case and Life Mission housing project for the poor since the past few days. In the 140-member house, LDF has 91 members and UDF 45. A no-confidence motion against the government is being brought after 15 years. In 2005, then CPI(M) MLA Kodiyeri Balakrishnan had moved a motion alleging corruption against the Oommen Chandy government. However, the UDF, is in aquagmire as the Jose K Mani faction of its ally Kerala Congress has decided to stay away from the motion owing to a factional feud. The Kerala Congress party has five members, three belonging to party chairman P J Joseph and two of Jose Mani faction. P C George, an independent member, has said he will vote for the motion. BJP has one member-- O Rajagopal. The by-election to the Rajya Sabha seat which fell vacant after the death of sitting member 83-year-old M P Veerendra Kumar, a media baron and veteran socialist, on May 28, is progressing in the Assembly today. The session was to have been held on July 27, but was postponed due to the COVID-19 situation. A medical team conducted rapid antigen tests on the members early in the morning and social distancing in seating arrangements have also been ensured. However, visitors were not allowed for the session. Each member will have a separate seat for the session, and provided with a sanitiser, mask and a pair of gloves and those entering the assembly complex were subjected to thermal scanning. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/india/news/from-priyanka-gandhi-vadra-to-manmohan-singh-these-are-the-stated-views-of-congress-working-committee-members-on-sonia-gandhis-resignation/slidelist/77713740.cms">From Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to Manmohan Singh, these are the stated views of Congress Working Committee members on Sonia Gandhi's resignation</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/india/news/congress-working-committee-cwc-meeting-updates-decision-on-congress-new-president-sonia-gandhi-or-rahul-gandhi/articleshow/77717675.cms">Sonia Gandhi offers to quit, Manmohan Singh holds her back and Rahul Gandhi questions party leaders — the CWC meeting reveals the cracks in Congress</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/environment/news/cognizant-says-it-will-spend-2-7-crore-to-restore-sebakkam-lake-and-help-natural-marshland-pallikaranai-wetland/articleshow/77716094.cms">Cognizant says it will spend ₹2.7 crore to restore one of India's last natural marshlands in Chennai</a>

Gold smuggling, housing projects and other allegations against Pinarayi Vijayan government leads to no-confidence motion by Congress-led opposition

<ul class="summary-list"><li>"<keyword id="11423345" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="al-mudhif">Al-Mudhif</keyword> - A Confluence," is an art project by Sarah Kavage and Yaroub Al-Obaidi.</li><li>Artists and volunteers are constructing a traditional Iraqi building out of <keyword id="6485914" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="reeds">reeds</keyword>, or <keyword id="6652807" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Phragmites">phragmites</keyword>.</li><li>It is believed to be one of the first such buildings in North America.</li></ul><keyword id="36219" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Philadelphia">PHILADELPHIA</keyword> - Twenty-odd minutes from the main road, past a baseball field and down a winding dirt trail, a team of volunteers is building a home out of reeds in a clearing surrounded by the lush spring foliage of ancestral Lenni-Lenape land. One of the first of its kind in America, it's a design that's been around for thousands of years in Mesopotamia. Here, it's made possible thanks to an <keyword id="1616462" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="invasive-species">invasive species</keyword>, the initiative and know-how of a war refugee, and a chance meeting at a lecture on the eve of a pandemic."There's lots of lessons to be learned about how we value things, or don't, in our society: plants, people, and how we sort of demonize the 'invader," Sarah Kavage, a Seattle-based visual artist and urban planner, said on a Monday morning in June. <div type="image" title="IMG_8927" height="2666" width="4000" msid="83418623" hostid="261"></div>Just before lockdowns became a part of life, Kavage was in Philadelphia to talk about nonnative phragmites, or reeds, which took root on the Eastern Seaboard sometime in the 19th century and have since spread across the continent. Kavage's work tries to get people to see and appreciate what is around them; it's meant to be interacted with and, like life itself, is "ephemeral," she said.So what does that have to do with an invasive species?"Most people in this area are like, 'This plant is annoying - it's terrible,'" Kavage said. But it's also not going anywhere. Therein lies the appeal: that it's a fact of life. And we must deal with those.Kavage's lecture, hosted in January 2020 at the Moore College of Art &amp; Design in Philadelphia, sought to cast the lowly reed in a new light. Where it came from, she noted, this terribly annoying plant had been put to a constructive use: providing shelter.<div type="image" title="IMG_8959" height="2666" width="4000" msid="83418626" hostid="261"></div>During her research, Kavage had discovered the mudhif, a style of building popular in southern <keyword id="6355112" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Iraq">Iraq</keyword>. While in Europe it was not uncommon to build a thatched roof out of reeds, the mudhif is built from the ground up with phragmites. "It was," Kavage recalled, "one of the most beautiful and just fascinating uses that I found."But it wasn't a new discovery to all in attendance.Yaroub Al-Obaidi, a former lecturer on industrial design at the University of Baghdad, had recently graduated from Moore College and had been intrigued by Kavage's presentation. Before coming to the US as a refugee in 2016, he had worked with reeds himself and seen firsthand the mudhifs common in his native country, where they were often used as a ceremonial space for community gatherings.<div type="image" title="IMG_8934" height="2666" width="4000" msid="83418634" hostid="261"></div>Al-Obaidi approached Kavage after the lecture."I know what you were talking about with the mudhif," he told her. "And I think we are going to build one here.<div type="image" title="IMG_8903" height="2666" width="4000" msid="83418641" hostid="261"></div>There are not many people of Iraqi descent in the Philadelphia area, where Al-Obaidi was ultimately resettled after fleeing Iraq following the 2003 US invasion (after stops in Syria and Malaysia). Building a mudhif came to him as a way to bring part of Iraq here. He just didn't know, until he met Kavage, that he was surrounded by the raw material.Their meeting that January led to the <a href="https://www.schuylkillcenter.org/art/?ha_exhibit=al-mudhif-a-confluence">Al-Mudhif project</a>. For the last couple weeks, Kavage, Al-Obaidi, and a group of volunteers have been constructing the traditional Iraqi building as part of an initiative, <a href="https://www.lenapehoking-watershed-art.com/our-story">Lenapehoking </a><a href="https://www.lenapehoking-watershed-art.com/our-story">~ Watershed</a>, hosted by the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education and nearly two dozen other nonprofit nature preserves. The initiative is intended to honor the land's indigenous inhabitants, the name itself a nod to what the area was called before settlers dubbed it the "Delaware," and spark reflections on our interactions with this habitat.Using material gathered by volunteers at the Schuylkill Center and from the nearby marshlands of the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge - about 1,400 pounds of phragmites, total - the idea is to combine the cultural with the natural world in a way that creates a living, breathing space.<div type="image" title="IMG_8869" height="2666" width="4000" msid="83418647" hostid="261"></div>"We wanted to do a project that can be a networking opportunity for the centers, with each other, but also with the surrounding communities and build more relationships and constituencies around them," Tina Plokarz, director of environmental art at the Schuylkill Center, explained.Another mission, as Al-Obaidi tells it, is "to make this a space for everyone to heal."<div type="image" title="IMG_8918" height="2666" width="4000" msid="83418654" hostid="261"></div>In 2017, Al-Obaidi took part in a project sponsored by Mural Arts Philadelphia, <a href="https://www.muralarts.org/blog/tune-dial-radio-silence/">Radio Silence</a>, that brought together US veterans of the war in Iraq and local members of the Iraqi diaspora for a 90-minute performance on Independence Mall. Both groups were invited to share their experiences of the war, as well as the years before and since, to bridge the divide between groups that come to view the other with trepidation, if not hostility.Al-Obaidi's hope is the completed structure can serve as a gathering place for Iraqis like him and Iraq war veterans alike - people like Lawrence Davidson, a soldier whose military base in Diyala, outside Baghdad, was just two miles from his family's residence. The two met during the 2017 project and are now good friends, having dinner at each other's homes.<div type="image" title="IMG_8910" height="2666" width="4000" msid="83418657" hostid="261"></div>Still, "We all need a space -- a symbolic space," he said. "I think meeting here will be much more exciting for us both. This is something from my country of origin, my tradition, and they feel this also related to them," he said. "This is the connection we'll start from."The intent is not to forget, but to move on."We have memories, of course - some bad memories - but if we [are stuck] on those memories we cannot move," Al-Obaidi said. "We are all survivors. We survived the war, either Iraqis or the veterans. So to continue our life, we need to be open to each other, to create friendships."Today, after all, "we are all in the same place, same city."<div type="image" title="IMG_8914" height="2666" width="4000" msid="83418658" hostid="261"></div>A piece of Iraqi <keyword id="24504" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="culture">culture</keyword> in Philadelphia also serves as a lesson and point of pride for the children of refugees. Al-Obaidi recalled one Iraqi family that volunteered to harvest reeds for Al-Mudhif and came back to help assemble it. "And [the father] said to me yesterday, 'Do you know that my kids are still talking about that Monday?' It's very nice for them to see their culture here."Others who have come to volunteer have no connection to Iraq. That's also the point: to be a unique intersection for people of various backgrounds with varying interests.<div type="image" title="IMG_8900" height="2666" width="4000" msid="83418659" hostid="261"></div>Mia Hoppel, 17, is a homeschooler who lives nearby. She helped dig the holes for the base of the building and, on this stiflingly hot Monday, was weaving together the reeds that will be used for the roof."They said that it was one of the first ones of these houses in the country, and it seemed like a really neat opportunity to work on it," Hoppel said. As a lover of nature, she was also intrigued by the idea of employing a foreign species that is often viewed as an enemy of local wildlife."It's important to sort of find ways to use invasive plants," she said. "They are kind of everywhere."<div type="image" title="IMG_8915 2" height="2666" width="4000" msid="83418661" hostid="261"></div>Already, then, Al-Mudhif is achieving one of its creators' goals - and that, before it has opened. Later this month, there will be a ceremony with food and drink. The hope is that, for the next three to five years (or however long it can last in the harsh and wet Mid-Atlantic), the building will continue to be a gathering place.Kavage hopes it also serves as inspiration."In the art world, there's a certain sort of cultural language that environmental art seems to take - it takes the form of guilt," she said. "It feels really important to shift into the language of just sort of experience: of doing and making, being together, sharing space together. It has a joy to it that's really special."Have a news tip? Email this reporter: <a href="mailto:cdavis@insider.com">cdavis@insider.com</a>

Refugees and war veterans are building a piece of Iraq in Philadelphia

The Louisiana <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/climate-change-could-destroy-new-orleans-2015-6">Gulf Coast and the city of New Orleans are in trouble</a>. Land there is sinking below sea level rapidly, faster than anywhere else in the world, at rates that scientists predict the rest of the world will see only at the end of this century.This erosion has been going on since the Mississippi was re-routed in 1932 to protect communities from the river's seasonal flooding - but those same floods used to carry sediment that restored land washed out to sea by erosion and storms.About 2,000 square miles of Louisiana have disappeared from the coast already. Climate change and the more frequent powerful storms that are expected as result, along with <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/bizarre-property-of-water-is-flooding-coastal-cities-like-new-orleans-2015-6">rising sea levels</a>, are expected to exacerbate these problems.Fortunately, there is a <a href="http://coastal.la.gov/a-common-vision/2012-coastal-master-plan/">master plan in place to save the Gulf Coast</a>. But it's a 50-year, $50 billion plan, and so far, the money is not there.Here's the official plan to save the coast:<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table full click-to-enlarge"><div><div class="image"><a title_source="Louisiana's 2012 Coastal Master Plan" title_caption="" class="zoomin" href="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/55707a5169bedd27368e9229-960/screen shot 2015-06-04 at 12.05.27 pm.png"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/55707a5169bedd27368e9229-1349-746/screen shot 2015-06-04 at 12.05.27 pm.png" alt="Louisiana's 2012 Coastal Master Plan overview" data-mce-source="Louisiana's 2012 Coastal Master Plan" /></a>Louisiana's 2012 Coastal Master Plan</div></div></div>In the southwest part of the state, there's an emphasis on marsh restoration - marshland absorbs floods and can be a barrier to land loss.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table full click-to-enlarge"><div><div class="image"><a title_source="Louisiana's 2012 Coastal Master Plan" title_caption="" class="zoomin" href="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/55707a92eab8eae73ac67cd3-960/screen shot 2015-06-04 at 12.07.27 pm.png"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/55707a92eab8eae73ac67cd3-1363-821/screen shot 2015-06-04 at 12.07.27 pm.png" alt="Louisiana's 2012 Coastal Master Plan Southwest" data-mce-source="Louisiana's 2012 Coastal Master Plan" /></a>Louisiana's 2012 Coastal Master Plan</div></div></div>The center of the Louisiana coast will require artificial protections like levees and natural barriers to land loss like oyster reefs.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table full click-to-enlarge"><div><div class="image"><a title_source="Louisiana's 2012 Coastal Master Plan" title_caption="" class="zoomin" href="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/55707aa7ecad045e66c67cd2-960/screen shot 2015-06-04 at 12.07.46 pm.png"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/55707aa7ecad045e66c67cd2-1361-822/screen shot 2015-06-04 at 12.07.46 pm.png" alt="Louisiana's 2012 Coastal Master Plan Central" data-mce-source="Louisiana's 2012 Coastal Master Plan" /></a>Louisiana's 2012 Coastal Master Plan</div></div></div>Protecting New Orleans and the surrounding area will be particularly challenging, requiring barriers to block storm surges and the restoration of natural features.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table full click-to-enlarge"><div><div class="image"><a title_source="Louisiana's 2012 Coastal Master Plan" title_caption="" class="zoomin" href="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/55707abc6bb3f77f08c67cd0-960/screen shot 2015-06-04 at 12.07.59 pm.png"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/55707abc6bb3f77f08c67cd0-1373-837/screen shot 2015-06-04 at 12.07.59 pm.png" alt="Louisiana's 2012 Coastal Master Plan Southeast" data-mce-source="Louisiana's 2012 Coastal Master Plan" /></a>Louisiana's 2012 Coastal Master Plan</div></div></div> <div class="margin-top"> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/cryotherapy-treatment-kryolife-lebron-james-cristiano-ronaldo-2015-5">We tried cryotherapy - the super-cold treatment LeBron James swears by </a></h3> <div> <div> <script src="http://player.ooyala.com/v3/6e12e8b3387a44daacfb73afba25a76e"></script> <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="8xNDkzdTrPhZVTXsVcbxX5djyJzBD3lz" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div> <script> if (typeof RunFunctions === 'undefined') { var RunFunctions = []; } RunFunctions.push(function() { var ooyalapopvideo = OO.Player.create('ooyalaplayer_popvideo', '8xNDkzdTrPhZVTXsVcbxX5djyJzBD3lz',{ autoplay: 'false' }); }); </script> <noscript><div>Please enable Javascript to watch this video</div></noscript></div> </div> <script>(function() { function createPlayer() { OO.ready(function() { RunFunctions.forEach(function(ooyalaFunction) { ooyalaFunction(); }); RunFunctions = [];}); } createPlayer(); }()); </script> </div>

You Searched For "natural marshland" and got 14 results

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