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In a decisive move to protect South Africa’s fragile marine ecosystems, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has published a second draft of regulations aimed at curbing environmental risks from offshore fuel transfers specifically ship-to-ship (STS) bunkering operations. The updated draft introduces a risk-based management framework to reduce oil spill incidents and safeguard biodiversity in coastal hotspots like Algoa Bay. Since offshore bunkering began in Algoa Bay in 2016, four oil spills have been recorded, threatening over 260 endangered African Penguins and numerous other marine species. The bay, a UNESCO-recognized biodiversity hotspot, hosts the world’s largest breeding colony of African Penguins, whose populations have seen a steep decline. Annou...

The International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Lise Meitner Programme (LMP) has achieved a major milestone with a two-week educational and leadership-focused visit to Japan, empowering 15 early- to mid-career women professionals from 13 countries to step into leadership roles in the nuclear sector. Held from June 9 to 20, 2025, the visit marks a crucial step in narrowing the gender gap in nuclear science and technology. Hands-On Learning in a Global Nuclear Powerhouse Hosted jointly by the University of Tokyo, the Japan Atomic Energy Commission, and the Cabinet Office of Japan with support from the IAEA Peaceful Uses Initiative the programme immersed participants in advanced nuclear engineering topics, from fuel design to radiation protection. Beyond technical knowledge, participant...

In a landmark development that brings closure to a long-standing environmental and public health crisis, 337 tons of toxic waste from the defunct Union Carbide factory in Bhopal have been incinerated at a specialized facility in Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh. This marks the formal disposal of the last remaining industrial remnants of the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy, which claimed thousands of lives and left countless others suffering chronic health effects. The incineration took place following directives from the Madhya Pradesh High Court, and six months after the waste was transported to the Pithampur plant. Despite initial resistance from local communities, fearing toxic emissions and long-term health impacts, the disposal was carried out under strict environmental monitoring. Officials conf...

India has started nationwide testing of a new Cell Broadcast-based public alert system to strengthen disaster response and emergency communication. The initiative, led by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), is aimed at delivering real-time warnings directly to mobile users during natural and man-made emergencies. Developed by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), the system uses mobile towers to broadcast alerts to all phones within a defined geographical area. Unlike traditional SMS alerts, which often face delays during high network traffic, Cell Broadcast messages reach all devices instantly, even when mobile networks are congested. The new system builds on the foundation of SACHET, India’s SMS-based emergen...

A major new report has revealed how the spread of misinformation about climate change is derailing efforts to combat the climate crisis. Released by the International Panel on the Information Environment (IPIE), Information Integrity about Climate Science: A Systematic Review warns that misleading narratives are delaying global progress on reducing emissions and building climate resilience. The report is the result of a decade-long systematic review of over 300 academic studies conducted between 2015 and 2025. It concludes that climate misinformation often pushed by fossil fuel giants, political actors, and even state institutions is not just targeting the science of climate change, but also undermining proposed solutions and policy measures. Fossil Fuel Industry at the Core of Disin...

A powerful cloudburst in the Silai Band area of Uttarkashi district has triggered flash floods and widespread destruction, leaving at least 89 workers missing and forcing the suspension of the Char Dham Yatra. The disaster which struck the Barkot-Yamunotri Marg, caused severe damage to an under-construction hotel and cut off access along the rain-battered route. The incident unfolded amidst relentless rainfall, turning the construction site into a disaster zone. Rescue operations are being led by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), with local administration working around the clock to locate the missing workers and clear the debris-clogged roadways. District Magistrate Prashant Arya confirmed that the Yamunotri Marg has suffered exten...

In a first for the national capital, Delhi is preparing to launch artificial rain operations through cloud seeding between July 4 and 11, aimed at reducing air pollution levels. The initiative, led by the city’s Environment Department under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, represents a significant move in urban pollution control. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced that IIT Kanpur has submitted the flight plan for the seeding operation to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Pune for technical coordination. Weather conditions are currently unsuitable for seeding until July 3, but the proposed flight window may open shortly after. An additional request has been made to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to allow an alternate window if weather remains unf...

In a major step toward addressing its persistent water challenges Chennai has become the first Indian city to adopt a German-style rainwater harvesting method aiming to reduce flooding and improve water availability during dry spells. The Greater Chennai Corporation is leading this initiative, which features the use of specially designed 'catch-pits' underground chambers built into the city’s drainage systems that capture and hold stormwater to prevent blockages and urban flooding. According to a report by Thanthi TV a single catch-pit can hold up to 40 million litres of rainwater over an area as small as eight grounds. The method is now being integrated into the city’s broader urban planning strategy. As part of this, 770 parks across Chennai are being fitted with underground rainwa...

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast active monsoon conditions across large parts of northwest central and eastern India for the coming week with widespread rain expected to continue through the first week of July. According to the IMD’s latest bulletin issued on June 30, very heavy rainfall is likely at isolated locations today in Uttarakhand, West Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Gangetic West Bengal, and Jharkhand. Several central and eastern states including East and West Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, and Odisha are also expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall on multiple days this week. Delhi is likely to remain generally cloudy with light to moderate showers and thunderstorms through July 3. Daytime temperatures in the capital ...

The 2025 Bonn Climate Conference concluded with little progress, revealing a growing strain on international climate cooperation. Despite mounting climate impacts and global instability, the negotiations were marked by familiar standoffs between developed and developing countries. The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), which observed the talks, described the outcome as a sign of weakened multilateralism, with developed nations showing little commitment to equitable climate action. One area of modest progress came under the UAE-led Just Transition Work Programme, where negotiators managed to produce a draft text focused on economic-wide approaches to energy transition. It recognized the need for diverse pathways and proposed universal access to sustainable energy. Civil society co...