Latest news with #Forest
Hans India
a day ago
- Hans India
India's first electric safari bus launched at Bannerghatta: Minister
Bengaluru: India's first electric safari bus was virtually flagged off on Wednesday by Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar B Khandre at Bannerghatta Biological Park, marking a major step toward sustainable wildlife tourism. Speaking on the occasion, Minister Khandre revealed that within the next 4 to 5 months, Bannerghatta will welcome a host of exotic wildlife species including the hunting cheetah and capuchin monkeys from South America. In 2026, chimpanzees, jaguars, and pumas (North American mountain lions) are also expected to be introduced, bringing the total to 10 new exotic animals. The newly launched electric safari bus is equipped with 22 seats and a 100 kWh battery capacity. Currently, only one such bus is operational as a pilot project, but the minister stated that by 2027, Bannerghatta park aims to become a fossil fuel-free zone (excluding utility vehicles like tractors). Safari tours currently use diesel vehicles, which contribute to pollution. The electric bus initiative is expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions and enhance the eco-friendliness of the park's operations. Bannerghatta Biological Park has seen record footfall, with over 2.85 lakh visitors in May 2025 alone. The leopard safari has become a major attraction, drawing wildlife enthusiasts and tourists alike. To accommodate the growing number of visitors, the government plans to implement a smart parking system, with tenders to be invited soon. Additionally, a massive public aquarium is planned as a new attraction, and a detailed project report is being prepared. The park, which houses 7 lakes within its premises, will source additional water from the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) to support both animal and visitor needs, including the upcoming aquarium. Referring to the recent deaths of a zebra and a nilgai at the park, the minister termed it 'deeply unfortunate' and stated that an inquiry has been ordered. The Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) has been instructed to submit a detailed report, and strict measures will be put in place to prevent such incidents in the future. In an effort to expand wildlife tourism across regions, Minister Khandre announced that a new zoo is under construction in Kalaburagi (Gulbarga) in the Kalyana Karnataka region. The project is expected to be completed by December 2025.
Time Business News
2 days ago
- Business
- Time Business News
15 Psychological Principles That Make Productivity Apps Work
In 2025, productivity apps are more popular than ever, but have you ever wondered why they work so well? It's not just about digital checklists or reminders. The real reason lies in psychology. Today's top remote work productivity tools—from time tracking to habit builders, tap into our brains using science-backed principles. These apps don't just help you organize your day—they're designed to motivate you, reduce decision fatigue, and boost accountability. Whether you use tools like Todoist, Trello, Notion, or wAnywhere's productivity monitoring system, each one leans on subtle psychological triggers to drive behavior. Understanding this psychology can help both users and businesses choose the right tools—and use them more effectively. In this blog, we'll break down 15 psychological principles behind the world's most popular productivity apps. You'll learn how these techniques work and how to apply them in your daily workflow or employee monitoring system. Brief: Clear goals motivate action. Productivity apps turn vague plans into specific, actionable steps. Why it works: According to psychologist Edwin Locke's Goal Setting Theory, we're more likely to succeed when we have specific, challenging goals. Apps like Todoist or break big objectives into daily tasks, helping users stay focused and committed. Example: A project management app sends reminders for weekly milestones. This builds momentum, helping users feel progress regularly. Dopamine and Instant Rewards Brief: Humans love rewards. Apps use gamification to offer quick hits of satisfaction. Why it works: Checking off a task or earning a badge triggers dopamine release; the 'feel-good' brain chemical. Productivity apps like Habitica and Forest use this to reward task completion, encouraging consistency. Example: Every time you finish a task, the Forest app grows a tree—turning focus into a visual reward. Brief: Too much information overwhelms you. Good apps reduce mental clutter. Why it works: Our brains can only handle so much at once. Productivity apps simplify task management through minimalist design, daily planners, or drag-and-drop features. This helps users focus on priorities without overloading the brain. Example: Trello uses cards and columns to visually organize work, reducing decision fatigue. Brief: People remember unfinished tasks better. Apps keep those tasks visible. Why it works: The Zeigarnik Effect explains why unresolved tasks linger in our minds. Productivity apps use this by showing to-do lists and notifications, keeping users mentally engaged until the task is complete. Example: A time tracking tool like wAnywhere reminds remote workers to log hours or complete unfinished tasks. Time Blocking and Parkinson's Law Brief: Work expands to fill the time given. Time blocking limits this. Why it works: Productivity apps with calendar features help users schedule work in blocks. This leverages Parkinson's Law, which states that if you give yourself all day to finish a task, it will take all day. Short, defined slots drive focus. Example: Google Calendar lets you allocate 30-minute focus windows, increasing urgency and reducing procrastination. Brief: We're more likely to follow through if we commit in advance. Why it works: Commitment devices lock us into future behavior. Apps that set recurring tasks, countdowns, or public goals use this principle. They create a sense of accountability, especially in shared workspaces. Example: Apps like StickK let users commit to goals and even pledge money, increasing follow-through rates. Brief: Positive feedback makes habits stick. Why it works: When users get praise or visual rewards after completing tasks, it reinforces the behavior. This behavioral principle—rooted in B.F. Skinner's operant conditioning—encourages consistent app usage. Example: Notion lets you customize progress bars and dashboards that celebrate completed goals. Brief: People change behavior when they know they're being watched. Why it works: In team productivity apps or free employee monitoring software like wAnywhere, users become more productive simply because they know performance is tracked. This awareness boosts engagement and reduces idle time. Example: Time tracking tools show employees their activity stats, encouraging them to stay focused. Decision Fatigue Reduction Brief: Fewer decisions mean more energy for important work. Why it works: Apps like Todoist, TickTick, and Asana reduce choice overload by prioritizing tasks, suggesting daily plans, and offering templates. This preserves willpower for deep work. Example: A user opens the app and sees only today's top 3 tasks—not the whole week's chaos. Brief: Small prompts nudge us into action. Why it works: Whether it's a mobile notification or visual cue, behavioral triggers drive habit loops. Productivity apps use smart notifications to prompt check-ins, breaks, or the next steps. Example: Focus apps buzz every 25 minutes (Pomodoro technique) to cue breaks and prevent burnout. Brief: New habits form faster when linked to existing routines. Why it works: Apps encourage users to integrate tasks into daily life, like logging work hours right after starting their day. This builds a loop, making productivity a habit instead of a chore. Example: After your first Zoom call, a prompt reminds you to log that meeting time entry. Brief: We follow what others are doing. Why it works: Many apps show leaderboards, shared goals, or team progress. Seeing colleagues finish tasks or hit goals builds a culture of productivity. Example: A sales team using a shared dashboard sees everyone's performance, spurring friendly competition. Brief: Fear of losing is stronger than desire to gain. Why it works: Apps like HabitBull use streaks. Missing one day means losing progress, which many people work hard to avoid. Example: A 21-day productivity streak creates emotional investment. Users stay consistent to avoid breaking it. Brief: Initial inputs shape expectations. Why it works: Apps set benchmarks or default goals. For example, 'Plan your day with 5 tasks' becomes the mental anchor, even if you hadn't planned anything. This helps users take action faster. Example: Notion templates with pre-filled goals guide users into planning their day efficiently. Self-Determination Theory Brief: People are motivated by autonomy, competence, and connection. Why it works: Great productivity apps support independence (custom workflows), mastery (goal tracking), and community (shared tasks or chats). When users feel in control and skilled, motivation increases. Example: Tools like ClickUp and wAnywhere allow employees to manage how they track work, while leaders still get insights into overall performance. Whether you're an individual user or a company managing remote teams, understanding the psychology behind productivity apps can change the game. These tools aren't just digital planners—they're built around how our brains work. Features like goal setting, instant rewards, and social accountability aren't just convenient—they're strategically engineered to keep you on track. If you manage a team, pick tools that encourage positive behaviors, like habit-building, self-discipline, and transparency. If you're a solo user, look for apps that suit your brain's needs: do you crave visual structure? Try Trello. Prefer clean checklists? Go with Todoist. By aligning your workflow with these principles, you're not just getting organized—you're rewiring your brain to be more productive. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Hans India
2 days ago
- Hans India
India's First Electric Safari Bus Launched at Bannerghatta: Minister Eshwar Khandre
Bengaluru: India's first electric safari bus was virtually flagged off today by Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar B Khandre at Bannerghatta Biological Park, marking a major step toward sustainable wildlife tourism. Speaking on the occasion, Minister Khandre revealed that within the next 4 to 5 months, Bannerghatta will welcome a host of exotic wildlife species including the hunting cheetah and capuchin monkeys from South America. In 2026, chimpanzees, jaguars, and pumas (North American mountain lions) are also expected to be introduced, bringing the total to 10 new exotic animals. The newly launched electric safari bus is equipped with 22 seats and a 100 kWh battery capacity. Currently, only one such bus is operational as a pilot project, but the minister stated that by 2027, Bannerghatta park aims to become a fossil fuel-free zone (excluding utility vehicles like tractors). Safari tours currently use diesel vehicles, which contribute to pollution. The electric bus initiative is expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions and enhance the eco-friendliness of the park's operations. Surge in Visitor Numbers and New Attractions Bannerghatta Biological Park has seen record footfall, with over 2.85 lakh visitors in May 2025 alone. The leopard safari has become a major attraction, drawing wildlife enthusiasts and tourists alike. To accommodate the growing number of visitors, the government plans to implement a smart parking system, with tenders to be invited soon. Additionally, a massive public aquarium is planned as a new attraction, and a detailed project report is being prepared. Water Supply and Infrastructure The park, which houses 7 lakes within its premises, will source additional water from the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) to support both animal and visitor needs, including the upcoming aquarium. Investigation Into Animal Deaths Referring to the recent deaths of a zebra and a nilgai at the park, the minister termed it 'deeply unfortunate' and stated that an inquiry has been ordered. The Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) has been instructed to submit a detailed report, and strict measures will be put in place to prevent such incidents in the future. New Zoo in Kalaburagi In an effort to expand wildlife tourism across regions, Minister Khandre announced that a new zoo is under construction in Kalaburagi (Gulbarga) in the Kalyana Karnataka region. The project is expected to be completed by December 2025.
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- General
- New Indian Express
Odisha to conduct fresh survey to identify new habitats for gharials
BHUBANESWAR: Celebrating 50 years of 'Project Crocodile' in the state, the Odisha government on Tuesday announced to conduct a fresh survey to identity new potential habitats for gharial species of the reptile, population of which has been revived from the brink of extinction in the Mahanadi river system, after decades of struggle. The report 'Back from the brink - Conserving the Gharials of Mahanadi', released by the Forest, Environment and Climate Change department on the day as part of the celebration, stated that the comprehensive survey is proposed to re-evaluate existing threats, assess changes in river physiography, and identify potential new habitats for gharials. Study of wild gharials - both adults and hatchlings - is also necessary to monitor their breeding dynamics, courtship, nesting, hatchling behaviour, maternal guarding, and dispersal patterns, the report underlined. Genetic study is also crucial for long-term survival of gharials in the Mahanadi river, it added. Forest and Environment minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia said, Odisha has successfully revived and sustained crocodile populations in the state over the last 50 years. 'Our state is home to all three species of Indian crocodiles - saltwater, mugger and gharial, and currently, we are focusing on maximising the population of the critically endangered gharial in the Mahanadi through a dedicated Species Recovery Programme,' he added.
Metro
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Metro
Another e-bike brand is set to launch in London this summer
A new e-bike brand is launching in London this summer, promising not to 'add to the problem' around e-bike parking. Whether you love them or hate them, e-bikes are here to stay,and you will be hard pressed to find a street in central London without a single e-bike in sight. Soon there will be more of them after ride-hailing app Bolt revealed it will launch e-bikes in London soon. They will be available on the same app as its cars when the e-bikes launch in August, the taxi app said. E-bikes have become controversial in London after reports of blocked pavements and erratic riding. The capital already boasts 50,000 e-bikes, Bolt said. The company said its fleet will be different Lime and Forest bikes as riders can opt for distance-based pricing instead of being charged by time. This will make rides 'safer as people don't feel they need to rush from A to B to save money,' according to Bolt. Bolt said it will ensure responsible parking by educating users, with AI and enforcement. People who don't park correctly, 'will be fined,' the operator said. 'Users will also have a score that will go up or down depending on how well they park,' it said. The operator admitted there is a 'problem' in London around e-bike parking. 'Bolt's AI powered parking system and geofencing will ensure users cannot park outside mandatory parking zones. The Bolt app will also direct users to the nearest available parking spot, and if they have not parked appropriately, they will be provided with relevant instructions. 'These measures aim to keep pavements clear and ensure Bolt contributes positively to the urban landscape, and doesn't add to the problem.' Bolt's testing shows that users charged on distance ride 9% slower than those charged on time, which reduces 'the risk of falls and collisions.' It vowed the new pricing model will reduce collisions by 90%. Will Norman, London's Walking and Cycling Commissioner, said: 'I'm pleased Bolt will be launching e-bikes in our city this summer, providing Londoners with even more sustainable and convenient ways to get around. 'Integrating e-bikes with ride hailing in a single app will give people more choice and flexibility when choosing how to get around, strengthening our network and helping to reduce congestion. 'I'm also pleased to see that Bolt will be prioritising responsible parking and safety, to ensure the scheme works for everyone. The Mayor and I welcome Government plans to give cities powers to better manage dockless e-bike schemes. It is vital improved safety sits at the heart of any future regulation so these schemes work well for everyone and the industry thrives.' Some London boroughs have taken action to target irresponsible e-bike parking, which has caused grey hairs to disabled people and pedestrians across the capital. More Trending More painted parking bays and docking areas have been introduced in response to the backlash. TfL said it has issued hundreds of fines to Lime and Forest after abandoned bikes. London Mayor Sadiq Khan told the London Assembly last week that TfL began issuing warning letters to the operators, and as of May 15, it had sent out 190 such letters. By mid-May, it had issued 333 FPNs to Lime and Forest, each fine worth £100 or reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Dad left 'in misery' after ceiling collapses three times in London home MORE: Traffic delays on M25 after multi-vehicle crash MORE: Mum suing Cineworld after horror film trailers played before Lilo & Stitch
