Tootfinder

Exotic pet trade poses rising zoonotic disease risks in India https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/09/exotic-pet-trade-poses-rising-zoonotic-disease-risks-in-india/

Exotic pet trade poses rising zoonotic disease risks in India
In India, the exotic pet trade is increasing the risk of zoonotic disease spillovers, as close contact with imported wild animals creates repeated opportunities for dangerous pathogens to jump to humans and vice versa, reports Mongabay India’s Arathi Menon. Dr. Rina Dev, an avian and exotic animal veterinarian in Mumbai who treats imported and seized […]

India's monsoon rain depends on where air gets cleaner #India

India's monsoon rain depends on where air gets cleaner
Cleaning up pollution around the world could bring significantly more rainfall to India's monsoon than regional action alone, research from the University of Reading shows and highlights the value of international cooperation on air quality.

"Analysis: India’s power-sector emissions flat for two years due to clean-energy surge"
#India #Energy #Emissions

Analysis: India’s power-sector emissions flat for two years due to clean-energy surge - Carbon Brief
A surge in clean energy has kept carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in check across India’s power sector, with no growth from the first half of 2024 to the same period in 2026.

"A sprawling expanse of white #marble waste in #India is drawing tourists, filmmakers and social media enthusiasts to a landscape that looks more like a snow-covered valley than a dumping ground"
(h/t drsadhbh on bsky) #quarry

India marble waste dump turns unlikely tourist attraction
A sprawling expanse of white marble waste in India is drawing tourists, filmmakers and social media enthusiasts to a landscape that looks more like a snow-covered valley than a dumping ground.

"Five orangutans found in India face long road back home to Indonesia"
#Indonesia #India #Orangutans #Animals

Five orangutans found in India face long road back home to Indonesia
ACEH, Indonesia — The five infant orangutans found roaming a woodland in India’s Odisha state earlier this month may have been trafficked across several international borders — and now face a long journey home through the different legal and bureaucratic systems of India and Indonesia, conservationists say. “This starts with hunting in the wild, separating […]

Video of Waishnawa branding tradition at the start of "chaathurmaasa".
Video from Kaniyooru Matha #Udupi #India

So, I can't eat any fresh greens when I #travel home to #America next week?
This is the type of advice I used to get when traveling to places like #India or

The Himalayas are melting faster - and India's economy is 'at risk' #India

Nepal floods: The Himalayas are melting faster - and India's economy is 'at risk'
A new report warns Himalayan glaciers are melting faster, threatening India’s water, economy and communities.

"Google’s $15bn India data centre project faces water and environmental challenges"
#Google #India #Technology

Google’s $15bn India data centre project faces water and environmental challenges
Google’s planned $15bn data centre hub in Andhra Pradesh, India, is facing growing opposition from environmental activists over water use and its proximity to wildlife habitat, even as construction at the site moves ahead.

"India connects 124 million rural homes to tap water"
#India #Water #Health

India connects 124 million rural homes to tap water | The Optimist Daily
India’s Jal Jeevan Mission has connected 124 million rural households to tap water since 2019, lifting coverage from 16.7 percent to 81 percent.

One morning, when Kascitcana awoke from a nightmare of religious authoritarianism, they found themselves transformed into an enormous cockroach. They were covered in armour. They could fly. They could digest anything, and infect the body politic with revolutionary ideas. Like the gods, they had many arms and legs! It was wonderful!!!!!
#India

"Trail cameras show elephants, leopards, and more embracing India's 7-mile wildlife crossing months ahead of schedule"
#India #Animals #Nature

Elephants, leopards, and more use India's 7-mile wildlife crossing months ahead of schedule
Researchers observed over 60 instances of the elephants safely utilising the corridors beneath the six-lane highway in India.

#Coincidence: I rarely visit Mysore India, but I visited there both this year and the last, that too in the same month and week; just two days apart.
Plus, both years, I returned to Udupi on exactly the same month and day. 🤓
#travel #India

Visitors often get "prasaad(a/am)" at Hindu temples and the Thirupathi "laddu" is very popular in #India. That temple sells 10 million laddus *each month*. 😲🛕
The laddus are huge and tasty, but you're to eat just a little. Still, check out its ingredients and #nutrition info.📋
https://www.deccanherald.com/india/andhra-pradesh/tirumala-laddu-sales-hits-all-time-high-in-may-4026158

"India fuels worldwide jump in planned coal production"
#India #FossilFuels #Energy #Climate

India fuels worldwide jump in planned coal production
Rise in new mine proposals, mainly in states of Odisha and Jharkhand, comes despite plateau in global demand

🇺🇦 #NowPlaying on BBCRadio3's #RoundMidnight
INDIA BLUE & Josef Akin:
🎵 Fallen
#INDIABLUE #JosefAkin
https://open.spotify.com/track/0FqLXFUHpe7heyE8s7qxJj

"Introduced fish thrive amid Kasmir’s freshwater habitat degradation"
#India #Fish #Animals

Introduced fish thrive amid Kasmir’s freshwater habitat degradation
Native fish in the lakes and rivers of India’s Kashmir Valley are under increasing pressure from pollution, habitat loss, dam construction and other human activities, a recent review finds. These same threats are also likely giving exotic fish introduced to these freshwater habitats an edge, researchers say. “Our indigenous fishes are becoming vulnerable, endangered and […]

Cat(s) of Udupi Krishna Matha. 🐈
#caturday #cats #sleeping #India

Today is the start of "chaathurmaasa" in the Hindu luni-solar calendar. It's a 4-month period with prescriptions and proscriptions on food to be eaten and rituals to be performed.
On the first day, in addition to fasting, some Waishnawa sects have a tradition of branding their body ("mudraadhaarane") with icons of Wishnu's chakra (disc) and shankha (conch) to show their commitment to the faith:
1. Preparing branding "irons" (at Puthige Matha)
2. Branding a devotee (at Krishna Matha)
3. Chakra (disc) on right arm (a few hours after branding)
4. Shankha (conch) on left arm
Video 👇
#Hindu #tradition #branding #ritual #India

🇺🇦 #NowPlaying on #BBC6Music's #6MusicsRaveForever
India & Tito Puente, Jr.:
🎵 Oye Como Va (Joey Musaphia Main Mix)
#India #TitoPuente #Jr

"India adds 6.6 GW of rooftop solar in H1"
#India #SolarPower #Energy #Renewables

India adds 6.6 GW of rooftop solar in H1 - pv magazine Global
Q2 installations reached 3.8 GW, up 41% quarter-on-quarter and 136% year-on-year

A bit too green but otherwise nice tree art. 🖼️🍂🦚🐦
(The text says West Central Railways, but I found this art displayed in a Southern Railways passenger car)
#India #art #tree #birds #peacock #railways #ThickTrunkTuesday #photography

A visitor drew these mandalas: by hand, letting out mandala powder ("rangoli") between index and middle fingers; a technique quite common in the southern states of #India.
Description in alt text.
#art #skill #mandala #drawing #icons #symbols #Hindu #tradition

Pots painted at a contest celebrating Krishna's birthday at Udupi Krishna Matha. 🎨
Pic 4 is closeup of the bottom of the pot closest to you in pic 3. It shows "Anantha Padmanaabha", Wishsnu laying on a coiled "unending" serpent, consort Lakshmee by his feet, a lotus from his navel, Brahma inside the lotus. 🐍 🪷
(shot Sep. 12, 2026 at Shirooru Matha; posting today because it is "Anantha Chathurdashi", the day celebrating Anantha Padmanaabha)
#photography #art #pottery #painting #India #celebration

RE: #gratitude #ama #India

I've 884 pics from Aug. 2024 alone from #India visit. Already reviewed most of them but dropping a third would still leave me 583. At least a half of those are worth publicly sharing, but I doubt I'll ever get around to sharing even 100.
So much beauty will stay unshared. 😥
#photography #dilemma

Threshold symbols in #Udupi (and elsewhere) #India: simple and elaborate versions, both shown as they appear from inside a home. The triangular parts invite in Lakshmee, goddess of prosperity (to place her feet there). The vertical lines prohibit entry to evil.
#art #symbolism #tradition #kolam #rangoli #Hindu

🇺🇦 #NowPlaying on #BBC6Music's #ThePeoplesParty with #FemiKoleoso
India.Arie:
🎵 Strength Courage & Wisdom
#IndiaArie
https://sonnishine.bandcamp.com/track/strength-courage-wisdom-india-arie
https://open.spotify.com/track/2kIZPLtqtmDh3dX6HuAfD0

Had the best seat to view the entire 90 mins of the annual ritual bathing of the idols at Kaniyooru Matha #Udupi #India. I chose not to take my own pictures during the ritual so I can be there fully in the moment. I did take some pictures after 👇.
The pictures here are from the matha, just to give an idea.
Video: #Hindu #temple #ritual

Wednesday: Superb day trip to Mysuru #India to participate in "chaaturmaasa" observance by Kaniyooru Swamiji and junior Adamaaru Swamiji. 🙇‍♂️
Adamaaru service pics: As in other mathas, the altar starts simple and progressively enriches. Last pic (not mine) is of the main idol "the 4-armed Krishna subduing the Kaalinga serpent".
More pics 👇
#photography #FotoMontag #PhotoMonday #Hindu #ritual #art #sculpture #travel

Achievement Unlocked: Finally a smiley on the hygrometer indoor. 😀💦
#humidity #Udupi #India

A thousand dollars if you manage to find and purchase a ticket on the Indian Railways website without having to log in at least twice (more likely thrice). 😒
#travel #India #RailTravel #rail

RE: #Udupi #India yesterday, where I'm most content these days. A welcome breakfast from a local friend, then caught a "yakshagaana" play.
Today saw this presentation of Krishna and had 1-1 with two swamijis. Also met many people who've accepted me as their own. Even picked up some goodies. ☺️😋
Like I said, #content. 🙇‍♂️

A school in India likes to register a .edu.in domain (2nd level edu) and like to find a registrar. I already tried Hostinger and they don't do it.
How do I find which registrars support .edu.in?
Please #help with comments, boosts,... 💭 🔄️ 🙏
Solved: ERNET seems to (be the only registrar to) support .edu.in (2nd level edu)
#technology #webdev #domainRegistration #education #India

This huge bull is really just a cat on the inside. Stroke its face and it offers its neck and back, and doesn't want us to stop stroking. Try to leave and it blocks our path and reposition its back in front of us. 🐂 😀
#animal #bull #India

RE: #India

A "pile" of calves at Krishna Matha #Udupi. 🐮🐮
BTW how many calves do you see here?
#India #cows #calves #cowCalves

A Japanese man's ordeal in India after he rage-hit someone. The story takes weird turns.
#India #Bangalore #Japan #immigration #ordeal

Mandalas at the original site of Puthige Matha (near #Udupi #India). 🪷
Witnessed a wonderful and intimate evening service. Then light refreshments made with devotion and love by students there. Warm conversations with everyone we met. Three hours well spent. 🙇‍♂️
#photography #amateur #art #mandala

RE: #India. It seems this #sculpture has been at this spot forever, but I noticed it only last night. (The wavy light strips behind create a moving effect.) 🧘‍♂️
The sculpture is modeled after the main deity of Kaniyooru Matha (which owns the guest house). 👇
PS: I don't know in which order your client shows the sculpture and the quoted post, but to clarify: The large bronze sculpture under lights is the object of this post (and I took that picture last night). The picture of a similar but much smaller sculpture with red flowers around belongs to the quoted post (which I posted 3 months ago).
#photography #PhotoMonday #FotoMontag #art #ama #yoga

Lodging is a big concern visiting Mantralaya #India but turns out we had the best: Clean, large, AC suite ~100m from temple entry; just walk without footwear. It's also their most expensive lodging but worth it, esp. because it sleeps 4.
Bonus that the lodge gave me some nice pictures. 📷
PS: Shiva at lodge entry is odd given the temple's faith, but 😐
#travel #lodging #photography #amateur

Fresh amaranth leaves. Almost "farm to table". 🌿
#photography #amateur #PhotoMonday #FotoMontag #greens #produce #India

Got this just now at Krishna Matha #Udupi #India.
Traditionally, this is an invitation from the paryaaya Swamiji to receive "prasaada" along with the main meal.
#tradition #blessing

Radio Park, Udupi India. #SilentSunday
#photography #park #India #tower #octagon

Wonderful #experience yesterday at Mantralaya #India. Skipping personal details, participated in the evening processions (1), then sat mere feet from the "brindaawana" (2, shrine) of Shree Raaghawaendra Swami during final service. 🙇‍♂️
Plus, good food. 😋
PS: Pic 1 is mine; 2 is official release (not mine)
#travel #ama

Aug. 8: Lucky to attend the main service at Sripadaraja ("shree-paada-raaja") Matha, Bengaluru #India. The service is (must be) performed by the Swamiji himself.
1. An assistant prepares the altar
2. Swamiji places idols on the altar
3. Rituals enrich the altar
4. Service ends with the grand "aarathi" (showing flame).
#photography #amateur #photoMontag #FotoMonday #Hindu #ritual

My wife took this picture today from the balcony of our rental. 🌴
#photography #NotMine #amateur #SilentSunday #Udupi #India #trees #coconut

I found this #painting today at Krishna Matha #Udupi. Someone (most likely the artist themselves) left it outside the Swamiji's room as their offering.
🖼️ 🌳 🦚 🪈 🐄
(see alt text)
#photography #amateur #PhotoMonday #FotoMontag #art #found #India

Industrial-strength windshield wiper. 🚎⚙️💪
(Aug. 25, 2024, Shimoga #India)
#WindowFriday #FensterFreitag #Window #rain #bus #travel #photography #video

RE: #India I attended a "Gana Homa" which is an offering into fire to invoke Ganesha to seek his blessings. (Gana ≈ gaNa; see the earlier post. Similarly, Homa ≈ hoama.)
Some pictures and videos from today's hoama. 👇
(there was also a feast but no pictures).
#photography #ritual #festival #ama

My wife and I went to a "Yakshagaana" #play today in #Udupi #India. It was only the second play we've ever sat through fully (our first was just last week).
I've so much to say about the experience but don't know where to begin, except say it was mind blowing and wish all #theater was this masterful.
🤯😊🙇‍♂️
#review

I avoid grains in my #diet, even in Udupi #India where anyone not eating rice stands out, like a lot. So much that a friend introduced me to an influential Swamiji with "he does not eat rice; only veggies". Then the Swamiji's face said "poor thing" and I knew this's what the Swamiji will remember me as forever. 😟
#FirstImpressions #image #introductions

A homemade South Indian crepe ("doase") which I'm told¹ is actually a cat. 😽
¹ By the 4-year old, who is clearly an authority in these matters.
#Caturday #India #food #crepe #shape

An illustrative video showing thick smoke during the homa.
The pancha kajjaaya offering to the fire asks Ganesha for "kshipra prasaada" (quick result).
#photography #fire #smoke #ritual #Hindu #India

An illustrative video showing blazing fire during the homa. This was towards the end by when a lot of ghee had been added.
PS: The entire homa is performed *indoors*.
#photography #fire #smoke #ritual #Hindu #India

German honey waits to be of use in #Udupi India. 🐝🍯
(Illmünster, Germany to be specific)
#honey #Germany #India #stillLife #jar

An expert in gana homa was the main priest. (A very nice and an exceptionally tall man.) First order of business, he "swore" us in to be the main performers of the homa.
The proportion of fire and smoke changes throughout the ritual depending on what's being added to the fire pit. In these pictures, it's mostly fire, thanks to ghee.
*"Swearing in" is actually done through a process called "sankalpa". #ama
#photography #fire #ritual #Hindu #India

My second time in Mantralayam #India. The first was over 4 decades ago, and I've virtually no memory of that visit.
I know the kind of great experiences that can be had here, but I've to set low expectations and let things come to me over the next three days. 🙇‍♂️
"raayariddaare" as they say in these parts.
#photography #amateur #FotoMontag #PhotoMonday #travel

Sep. 3, *2024*: On the way to and at Bengaluru airport, returning home to the US, completely oblivious to the (awesome) changes to come my life's way; changes because of a just-concluded 3-day road-trip. 🙇‍♂️ 😊
(see alt text)
#photography #India #travel #airport #throwback #throwbackThursday #tbt #life #bliss

No homa is always nice fire (think moisture). At some point, we added a food item called "pancha kajjaaya" [Kannada] to the fire which caused much smoke. Teary eyes and coughs ensued, but everything smelled good.
(We added about 36 bowls of pancha kajjaaya to the fire.)
After the homa, we offered "puje" (service) to a clay idol of Ganesha. The puje was simple; not elaborate as it tends to be in the "plains" part of Karnataka.
Videos 👇
#photography #fire #smoke #ritual #Hindu #India #sculpture

I realize local road travel, especially taxi, is always more expensive (time and money) than long distance rail travel, but this #atrocity in and around #Bengaluru #India: 😒
Train, long distance: 386kms, 4.5 hrs, ₹1980 for two.
Taxi, home to station: 30kms, 1.5 hrs, ₹1100 for two.
#travel #rail

It's that time of the year to savor snacks made for Krishna's birthday ("Janmaashtami", which was on the 4th). In Udupi, every matha, and almost every home, gives them out as "prasaada". 🙇‍♂️ 😋
1, 2: Krishna Matha gives out tens of thousands of packets
3. From Adamaaru Matha. The small brown round is very potent (thanks ginger)
4. From a friend's home
#food #snacks #blessing #India #photography

Pomelo. Not a fruit I like eating but it makes good pictures.
(Today at a store in #Udupi #India)
#FotoMontag #photoMonday #photography #amateur #fruit #pomelo

Udupi "Witla Pindi" last Saturday (Sep. 5). 🪅
Luckily had exclusive use of a window on an upper floor. 1000s of people packed in a ~220m stretch made an awesome sight. 😲
(I have more pics to share from that event but later.)
#photography #WindowFriday #FensterFreitag #window #India #festival

Paarijaata flowers ("night jasmine") are pretty and very fragrant. They fall off the tree at the slightest breeze, and you often find 10-30-50 around the tree by 6am. No surprise they are the only flowers that may be picked off the floor and still be offered to Hindu gods.
The orange stem gives strings of these flowers a unique look and are very popular in presentations at Wishnu temples. E.g., Picture 4.
The flowers in Pictures 1-3 are from my sister's garden.
Picture 4 is from: #photography #amateur #flowers #bloomscrolling #India

Today, the 4th day of Shraawana month in the Hindu lunar calendar, is Naaga Chathurthi; tomorrow Naaga Panchami. Both days honor serpents (and snakes) with prayers made to the lord of serpents.🐍
In some traditions, women visit brothers on Panchami and get presents.🎁

#photography #amateur #Hindu #India #snake #serpent #mandala #tradition #ama

Storing produce and still saving space. 🍌🤓
#photography #amateur #WindowFriday #FensterFreitag #produce #melon #bananas #India

An electric fan in interesting colors bolted to a nearly 300-year old wooden ceiling (recently polished). Check out that handcrafted woodwork.
(Shirooru Matha #Udupi #India)
#photography #amateur #architecture #carpentry #wood #appliance

If only this "best astrologer in Bangalore" could also *prevent* all my problems.😆
#marketing #dubious #astrologer #Bengaluru #Bangalore #India

Oh what a wonderful #Saturday it has been. Literally from 12am to now bed time: Did, saw, heard, and received so many nice, new, beautiful things; and met so many nice people. 🙇‍♂️
And so many nice pictures, and most importantly great memories. 📸 😊
#Grateful #India #life #content

Supremely accomplished, highly principled, truth seeking, quiet, humble, kind, generous. A true teacher and model. 🙇‍♂️
To live in a time and place where such people (still) live. 🙇‍♂️ 🙇‍♂️
(July 18 2026, Udupi #India)
#photography #FotoMontag #PhotoMonday #MonochromeMonday #teacher

Just a mango tree in the neighborhood showing off its wares. 🥭
See if you can spot a ripe fruit. 🔍
#mango #tree #nature #Bengaluru #India

RE: #Udupi #India.
The picture shows a presentation of the idol of Waradharaaja ("king among wish granters") consecrated in Kanchi, #Tamilnadu.
PS: An interesting tidbit about that Kanchi temple 👇
#portrait #art #temple

A ceremonial ride. 🌼🌹🌼
Aug. 19, 2026. Krishna Dhaama, Mysore #India. The carriage is made of wood which is then silver clad. The idol nestled inside is of Krishna.
#photography #FotoMontag #PhotoMonday #carriage #Hindu #ceremonial

Seahorse?
Seen at a beach resort named "Scylla", near Udupi #India.
#photography #WindowFriday #FensterFreitag #seahorse #sculpture

A peacock's elegant dance; a nightingale's sweet sound (volume up). 🦚 🎵
This was yesterday on a rooftop in #Bengaluru #India. Someone in the neighborhood filmed and shared it.
#peacock #nightingale #dance #nature #video

"Upon reflection" I think I got a good deal on these copper and bronze tumblers. 🤓
#photography #amateur #India #tumblers #copper #bronze #reflection #pun #photoMonday #FotoMontag

Vivid colors and beauty almost everywhere you look. Feels good to be back in #India, hopefully for a long-ish stay this time. 🚜
(Zoom in and you'll see there's so much going on in just the front of that tractor.)
#Bengaluru #photography #amateur #tractor #vehicle

Even James Bond seeks Lord Shreeniwaasa's blessings on Saturdays. 🙇‍♂️ 😉
Today morning in #Bengaluru. The markings at the top of the altar entrance is common in Shreeniwaasa temple, especially those operated by the "Iyengaar" sect.
(Interesting name on the man's jersey BTW. #iykyk)
#humor #India #Saturday

Visited Udupi Krishna Matha in the evening and look what came home with me. 🙇‍♂️ 😋
*South Indian dish "doase", a crepe-like thing made from fermented batter of rice (or substitute) plus lentils.
#food #dinner #stack #India #blessing #photography

Arabian Sea roaring at Yarmal Beach near Udupi #India. 🌊
(The scene immediately behind the Buddha ☝️)
#photography #sea #beach #ArabianSea #waves

"Respect for good traits. Kingly respect for money."
- A bumper sticker
The sticker is in #Kannada, the local language in #Bengaluru #India. The word in red is misspelled (says "raajaa" instead of "raaja") but still 🫡
#lesson #bumperSticker

Went to hear a lecture at a beach town and happened on a most serene Buddha. 🪷
Can't think of a more contrasting installation for the location. 🌊 👇
(Yarmal Beach near Udupi #India)
#photography #beach #Buddha #peace #art #sculpture

Happened on these cleaned pots and pans today at the "chauki" kitchen (where they prepare the offerings) in #Udupi Krishna Matha. Some of the pots, especially the copper ones, are decades old. 🍯
#photography #amateur #FotoMontag #PhotoMonday #pots #India #kitchen

#throwback Aug. 25, 2024: Beautiful teak entry door at Swarnawalli Matha, Sonda #India. Very heavy; at least 8ft tall.
BTW very serene both inside and outside the temple. 🛕
Also, very generous people. I remember they gave us nice tea and evening snacks. ☺️
#photography #tbt #throwbackThursday #doorsDay #door

Stopped at a storefront to stay out of rain and spotted this beautiful home across from the store. 🏠
Love the intense blue, the contrasting brown trims, and the falling rain drops. 💦
#photography #amateur #PhotoMonday #FotoMontag #Udupi #India #rain

"Don't you dare come near me." ⚠️ 🐕
#throwback Aug. 19, 2024 #Bangalore #India
#photography #dog #strayDog #tbt #throwbackThursday

Peered in to admire the bright rainbow umbrella. 🌈 ☂️
PS: A temple gate. The sign on the gate stands for the #Sanskrit word "swasthi" which means "well being". No other symbol is represented.
#photography #amateur #PhotoMonday #FotoMontag #umbrella #rainbow #temple #Udupi #India

A unique and beautiful interior balcony. Love the woodwork, the skylight, and the colors, but I wonder what that window opens to. 🪟
Spotted today at Palimaru Matha #Udupi #India. Lucky to have gone inside while I waited out the rain.
#photography #amateur #FensterFreitag #WindowFriday #window #skylight #balcony #sculpture #art

RE: #photography #life #experience #travel #roadTrip #gratitude #Udupi #India #river #windmill #temple #ama