Friday, August 1News That Matters

Breaking News

Mild Heatwave Sweeps Across Bangladesh Amid Rising Temperatures

Mild Heatwave Sweeps Across Bangladesh Amid Rising Temperatures

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters
As temperatures continue to soar across the country following a period of continuous rains earlier this month, a mild heatwave has gripped over 58 districts, with the potential to spread further in the coming days. The Department of Meteorology has issued a two-day heatwave warning or 'heat alert' in response to the escalating temperatures. Meanwhile, meteorologists have raised concerns about a potential cyclonic formation in the South Bay of Bengal after May 20, with the risk of down pressure in the sea that could intensify into a cyclone. Meteorologist Dr. Muhammad Abul Kalam Mallick warned of the likelihood of a cyclone forming in the South Bay of Bengal after the 21st, based on observations from various cyclone models. While the trajectory and intensity of the potential cyclone, ...
Intense Cyclone Forming in Bay of Bengal, Set to Impact Multiple Indian States

Intense Cyclone Forming in Bay of Bengal, Set to Impact Multiple Indian States

Breaking News, Disasters
An intense cyclone is currently forming in the Bay of Bengal and is anticipated to impact the Indian states of Odisha, Maharashtra, and Gujarat between May 23 and May 27, according to Mumbai Nowcast. Meteorological models predict heavy rains in Gujarat and Mumbai around May 28. The cyclone, gaining strength, is expected to make landfall on the eastern coast before moving westward, affecting a broad area of the country. While the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has not yet issued an official announcement on the cyclone, it has noted the likelihood of heatwave conditions in isolated pockets over Gangetic West Bengal on May 18 and 19, Odisha from May 19 to 21, and Gujarat from May 17 to 18. Similar heatwave conditions are expected to prevail in Bihar from May 17 to 19 and Jharkhan...
Climate Change Worsens Symptoms of Brain Conditions, Study Finds

Climate Change Worsens Symptoms of Brain Conditions, Study Finds

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Learning & Developments
Climate change is exacerbating the symptoms of various brain conditions, according to a new review. Conditions such as stroke, migraines, meningitis, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease are particularly vulnerable to rising temperatures and humidity levels. Our brains are designed to manage environmental challenges, including temperature and humidity changes. Neurons in the brain, which function like learning, adapting computers, are sensitive to temperature variations and operate optimally within a narrow temperature range. However, climate change is pushing environmental conditions beyond these ranges, causing the brain's temperature regulation mechanisms to falter. Human bodies are generally comfortable between 20˚C to 26˚C wit...
Assam Launches DRIMS: A Digital Solution for Disaster Management in collaboration with Unicef

Assam Launches DRIMS: A Digital Solution for Disaster Management in collaboration with Unicef

Breaking News, Disasters, Idea & Innovations
In anticipation of potential floods, Assam has introduced the Disaster Reporting and Information Management System (DRIMS), a digital platform aimed at facilitating online reporting of damages incurred during various disasters. Developed by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) in collaboration with Unicef, DRIMS enables accurate reporting and assessment of damages caused by disasters, expediting aid disbursal to affected individuals. The platform efficiently captures critical impact indicators, facilitating the rapid delivery of relief and rehabilitation grants to beneficiaries. It also tracks damages to crops, loss of livestock, and other essential factors, accelerating post-disaster restoration efforts. Chief Secretary Ravi Kota, after launching DRIMS, also unveile...
Unexpected Winter Strikes Chile as Autumn Weather Takes a Dramatic Turn

Unexpected Winter Strikes Chile as Autumn Weather Takes a Dramatic Turn

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment
Chile's capital, Santiago, was in the midst of autumn when an unexpected and extreme weather event occurred, signaling the abrupt onset of winter. Within hours, temperatures plummeted, breaking a 74-year record and catching residents off guard. Climatologists, like Raul Cordero from the University of Santiago, noted that such a rapid shift in weather during the autumn season has not been witnessed since 1950, marking an unprecedented and prolonged winter season. On Thursday morning, the mercury dropped to a chilling one degree Celsius in Santiago, with snow blanketing the surrounding mountains, further emphasizing the severity of the weather anomaly. This sudden change has left scientists worldwide astonished, highlighting it as a dangerous manifestation of climate change and categorizi...
India’s Strategic Vision for Green Hydrogen Unveiled at World Hydrogen Summit 2024

India’s Strategic Vision for Green Hydrogen Unveiled at World Hydrogen Summit 2024

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment
Rotterdam, Netherlands – On May 15, 2024, Shri Bhupinder Singh Bhalla, Secretary of the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Government of India, addressed the World Hydrogen Summit 2024, outlining India's strategic vision and capabilities in renewable energy and green hydrogen production. In his keynote address, Secretary Bhalla emphasized the comprehensive scope of India's National Green Hydrogen Mission, highlighting its components including pilot projects, research and development (R&D) initiatives, and skill development programs. “This holistic approach reflects the government's commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration, and capacity-building across the hydrogen value chain. Moreover, the Mission's focus on piloting projects and advancing R&D underscores India...
First Cow-to-Human Transmission of Bird Flu A(H5N1) Confirmed in US

First Cow-to-Human Transmission of Bird Flu A(H5N1) Confirmed in US

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment
The transmission of the highly pathogenic bird flu A(H5N1) from a cow to a dairy farmer in the US marks a significant development in our understanding of the virus's behavior and potential risks to public health. This event, the first confirmed cow-to-human transmission of the virus, sheds light on its ability to jump from birds to mammals and underscores the importance of monitoring livestock for signs of infection. The case, which manifested as inflammation in the eye rather than respiratory symptoms, was swiftly identified and reported. This prompt response, coupled with the unique presentation of the virus in humans, provides valuable insights into its transmission dynamics and potential impact on human health. The identification of a specific genetic change in the virus associat...
Monsoon Expected to Arrive in Kerala on May 31, Predicts IMD

Monsoon Expected to Arrive in Kerala on May 31, Predicts IMD

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted the onset of the southwest monsoon in mainland India for May 31, a day ahead of the usual schedule. This announcement holds significant implications for the country's agricultural sector, food inflation, and rural economy. The forecast suggests that this year's monsoon is likely to be "above normal" at 106% of the long-period average (LPA). The monsoon's arrival is crucial for sustaining nearly 70% of the country's rainfall between June and September. IMD's operational forecasts have been historically accurate, with last year being an exception. Experts attribute this year's forecast to the possibility of the La Nina phenomenon, which typically leads to above-average monsoon rains in India. With 51% of India's farmed area and 4...
Sun Unleashes Monster Solar Flare, Radio Blackouts Expected On Earth

Sun Unleashes Monster Solar Flare, Radio Blackouts Expected On Earth

Breaking News, Environment, Space
The Sun has emitted its strongest flare of the current solar cycle, a category X8.7 storm, sending a powerful surge of energized particles hurtling towards Earth. The flare, originating from sunspot AR3664, is anticipated to cause radio blackouts upon impact, particularly affecting regions such as the United States. In a dramatic display of solar activity, the Sun has unleashed its most potent flare of the current solar cycle, sending shockwaves of energized particles hurtling towards Earth. Originating from an active sunspot designated AR3664, the flare, classified as a category X8.7 storm, represents a significant escalation in solar activity. According to reports from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the sunspot responsible for the flare is situated at t...
Scientists Warn of Impending Solar Storm After Recent Sun Eruptions

Scientists Warn of Impending Solar Storm After Recent Sun Eruptions

Breaking News, Environment, Space
Scientists have issued a warning about a potent solar storm expected to strike Earth this week following powerful eruptions from the Sun. With a 60 percent chance of impact on Tuesday, the storm could cause geomagnetic disruptions and pose risks to power grids and astronauts in space. Despite concerns, no major disruptions have been reported so far. Recent eruptions from the Sun have raised concerns among scientists about the potential impact of an upcoming solar storm on Earth. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a warning, indicating a 60 percent likelihood of the solar storm hitting Earth on Tuesday, with a lower possibility on Wednesday. The X handle of NASA Sun and Space also confirmed the occurrence of a M6.6-class solar flare on May 13, although ...