WARNING BELLS
   Date :27-Dec-2019

Time and Tide_1 &nbs
 
 
THAT humans should be so negligent about prudent use and conservation of as precious a natural resource for survival as water, is an irony. Scientists, experts in the field of ground water conservation, management and governance at global level have raised the spectre of this precious, non-renewable natural resource getting scarcer by the day if it is not taken care of immediately. According to them groundwater forms the source for 99 pc of fresh water on Earth. Apart most parts of the world warning bells are ringing in several parts of India over depleting ground water. The causes are many and some of them relate to unchecked urbanisation, loss of biodiversity, contamination of ground water. If we lose this precious life-sustaining resource it will be at humanity’s peril because it is not just that water provides sustenance to the human race but it also is an elixir for the entire living being. The UNO has laid stress on conservation of water as one of the top most priorities for governments under its Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) programme.
 
LEE’S LAST ROAR
 
AWESOME, amazing, awe-inspiring... epithets pound on the tennis circuit like rasping aces while describing India’s timeless champion Leander Paes. His legacy is endearing for a thankful nation and also enduring for any future tennis player who seeks to chart Paes’ course in international arena. The tireless champ has now decided to call curtains on his illustrious career in the coming year. But the steel he has used to blaze courts for last three decades will not let Paes walk into the shadows before taking a mighty shot at the Tokyo Olympics. If he achieves that milestone, it will be historic in many ways, adding a different halo to Leander Vece Paes’ incredible sporting journey. The tricolour embossed on his heart, Paes has served India with unmatched grace and dignity in a sport where India has found its stars few and far between. The records of Davis Cup appearances and Grand Slam doubles titles will not be easy to match for any player. But matching Paes’ fighting spirit will be a tribute to him.