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  Researchers at the University of Bristol have conducted the UK’s first major earthquake simulation on a 3D-printed concrete building, aiming to understand how this emerging construction technology performs under seismic stress. The experiment used the country’s largest shaking table to mimic the effects of a medium-magnitude earthquake. 3D-printed concrete is gaining global interest for its potential to build strong, affordable, and sustainable structures quickly. However, its earthquake resistance remains largely untested. Unlike traditional concrete which has well-understood seismic properties—3D printing introduces new design features such as layered construction, unique material behavior, and non-standard geometries. These differences may affect how such buildings resp...

across the world. Amnesty points out that 2024 was the hottest year ever recorded, with deadly heatwaves, wildfires, floods, and food shortages hitting millions. The world has already crossed the key 1.5°C warming limit set in the Paris Climate Agreement, raising fears of irreversible damage. Amnesty also criticized governments for continuing to fund fossil fuel industries, which are the main drivers of this crisis. It warned that such actions put basic rights like life, food, water, and housing at risk. Vulnerable Communities Face the Worst The report highlights that the poorest and lowest-emitting nations suffer the most. Indigenous groups, small farmers, island nations, and those living near fossil fuel plants are at greater risk. For example, Pakistan emits less than 1% of ...

In a novel approach to sustainable waste management, Austin-based startup Hiro Technologies has introduced 'MycoDigestible Diapers' disposable diapers integrated with fungi designed to break down plastic materials. This innovation offers a potential solution to the long-standing environmental challenge posed by diaper waste. Disposable diapers are a significant contributor to landfill waste, with approximately 4 million tons discarded annually in the United States. Conventional diapers can take several centuries to decompose, making them a persistent environmental concern. Hiro Technologies aims to mitigate this issue by using fungi capable of breaking down plastic even in the absence of oxygen, a concept inspired by research on fungi’s natural plastic-degrading abilities. Founded by...

Residents of Delhi and nearby NCR areas experienced a sudden change in weather as a dust storm followed by thunderstorms swept across the region, offering temporary relief from the intense heatwave. Earlier, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued an alert predicting dust storms with gusty winds ranging from 30 to 60 km/h, along with light to moderate rain and lightning. The forecast covered several parts of Delhi including Narela, Alipur, Burari, Badli, Model Town, Karawal Nagar, Azadpur, Pitampura, Delhi University, Civil Lines, Dwarka, Palam, IGI Airport, Vasant Kunj, Mehrauli, Chhattarpur, and Ayanagar. Areas in the National Capital Region such as Gurugram and Manesar were also under the weather watch. The sudden weather shift brought momentary relief for the cit...

In a major step to reduce pollution in the Yamuna River, the Delhi government has announced plans to set up 27 new Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) in the city’s redevelopment areas by the end of this year. These plants are expected to stop untreated industrial waste and sewage from reaching the river. At present, Delhi has 13 CETPs serving 17 industrial zones, treating about 200 million litres of wastewater daily. However, many of these plants have failed to meet pollution standards, especially in removing toxic heavy metals that flow into stormwater drains and eventually pollute the Yamuna. The decision to build new CETPs was made after a meeting between central and state officials, who raised concerns over the poor condition of the river. Environmental activist Varun G...

In the heart of Mehrauli, South Delhi, an ancient reservoir is finding new life. Hauz-i-Shamsi, built in 1230 CE by Sultan Shamsuddin Iltutmish of the Delhi Sultanate, has been restored by local residents, turning this forgotten water body into a natural climate buffer and a sanctuary for birds. For years, this medieval lake near Jahaz Mahal stood neglected filled with garbage, choked by weeds, and fed by dirty wastewater. Residents like Zaida Zehra, who moved to the area 18 years ago, remember the frustration of seeing the lake become a mosquito-infested drain. “We felt helpless watching our beautiful talab die,” she said. But change began in 2023 when the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) partnered with SEEDS India, a non-profit working on ecological solutions. Together with Meh...

  India southwest monsoon is moving fast this year and is likely to reach Delhi by June 22-23, earlier than its usual arrival, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The monsoon began early in Kerala on May 24, spreading quickly across central Maharashtra and the northeast. However, it briefly stalled in late May before picking up again in early June. This delay contributed to severe heatwave conditions in parts of the country due to a lack of rainfall. The early arrival of the monsoon is seen as a good sign for Indian agriculture and water supply, offering hope to farmers and regions that rely on monsoon rains for crop planting and replenishing reservoirs. However, experts note that an early start does not guarantee higher total rainfall for the season. E...

The monsoon has revived in Maharashtra, bringing widespread heavy rainfall across several regions, including Mumbai. After a brief lull, intense showers returned from Friday onward, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting continued rain activity until at least June 18. Mumbai witnessed renewed showers over the weekend, with the Santacruz observatory recording 19 mm and the Colaba station registering 34 mm of rainfall between Saturday and Sunday morning. A yellow alert has been issued for the city, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall expected to persist until Tuesday morning. The IMD has also raised a red alert for the Raigad and Ratnagiri districts due to the likelihood of extremely heavy rainfall on Monday. An orange alert remains in place for these regions un...

As the global demand for technology rises, the cumulative impact of electrical gadgets on indoor and outdoor temperatures is becoming a significant but often overlooked factor in urban climate dynamics. While large-scale contributors to global warming such as industries, automobiles, and air conditioners are well known, the smaller yet widespread heat emissions from daily-use electronics also add considerably to the environmental thermal load. Devices like laptops, smartphones, refrigerators, and televisions continuously release heat during operation. A typical laptop emits between 15 and 45 watts of heat when used, and in an office with around 50 employees, this translates to approximately 2.25 kilowatts—equivalent to a small room heater operating throughout working hours. Smartphon...

Fireflies, once a common sight lighting up summer nights, are rapidly disappearing from landscapes worldwide, prompting warnings from researchers that the current generation may be the last to witness their enchanting glow. Fireflies, scientifically classified under the Lampyridae family, include over 2,000 species known for their bioluminescent displays used primarily during mating rituals. Their soft, glowing light has long fascinated humans and holds cultural significance in regions such as Japan, where dedicated parks protect their habitats. However, these remarkable insects are now facing severe survival threats. Habitat loss remains one of the primary factors driving their decline. Fireflies thrive in damp woodlands, marshes, and wetlands, where their larvae develop beneath soi...