Neighbourhood Scan: Corals show early signs of death

Bangladesh
Corals show early signs of death

Different species of corals are showing early signs of bleaching — death — in the Bay of Bengal. Bangladesh’s only coral-rich island is Saint Martin’s Island, with around 66 different types of corals. However, more than 67 per cent of it has already been bleached as the island is on the verge of losing its rich biodiversity due to lack of protective measures. Furthering the death of corals, which are a dominant source of essential nutrients for marine food chains, are over-exploitation, tourist pressure, uncontrolled pollution in the Bay and the biggest threat of all — global warming. — The Daily Star

Singapore
Singaporeans less happy than before

Singaporeans have become less happy over the past decade but those who embrace family and traditions, care about society and the environment, and have some money and social status — without overemphasising any one area — were generally more satisfied with life, the 2022 Quality of Life Survey has revealed. The latest edition of the survey, which has been conducted roughly every five years since 1996, polled 1,905 Singaporeans aged 21 and older. The findings were presented on January 11 by academics from the National University of Singapore Business School. The country ranked 25th in the World Happiness Report 2023. — The Straits Times

Sri Lanka
Leprosy cases on the rise

There’s been a significant increase in leprosy cases in the country. A total of 1,550 cases were logged in 2023 with 173 cases being reported among schoolchildren. According to the Anti-Leprosy Campaign, the majority of cases have been recorded from Colombo district with 315 cases while 168 and 151 cases have been reported from Gampaha and Kalutara districts, respectively. In light of the uptick, a nationwide programme was initiated at the school level to detect infections. Of the total cases detected, 60 per cent were classified as communicable, indicating a potential higher risk of transmission. — Daily Mirror

Thailand
‘Doraemon’ wins hearts of Thais

Among cartoons aired in Thailand on TV and online, Japanese animation ‘Doraemon’ is the only one that has won the hearts of Thai people of all ages. This cartoon is available on state-owned public broadcaster MCOT Pcl’s TV programme featuring a variety of animation series running over the past 42 years since 1982. MCOT is working on its running event “Doraemon RUN Thailand”, scheduled to be launched this year in Bangkok, Chonburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Phuket and Chiang Mai provinces. The first event is scheduled to kick off at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal in Bangkok on March 24. — The Nation