Breaking News Archives - Page 248 of 254

Feb102024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Exploring the Dynamic Evolution of Oceanic Plateaus Through Cutting-Edge Research: Unveiling Earth’s Submerged Mysteries

Breaking News, Disasters, Idea & Innovations

The journey toward the acceptance of plate tectonics theory has been long and filled with challenges, yet even now, it continues to evolve. A recent study focusing on four plateaus in the western Pacific Ocean sheds new light on the dynamics of Earth's crust, suggesting that these expansive areas are not rigid slabs as previously thought but rather weak spots being pulled apart by distant forces at the plate's edge. Led by University of Toronto geophysicist Russell Pysklywec and earth scientist Erkan Gün, the study challenges the traditional view that large sections of oceanic plates remain rigid as they drift atop the mantle. By analyzing existing data on oceanic plateaus such as the Shatsky Rise, Hess Rise, Ontong Java Plateau, and Manihiki Plateau, the researchers found evidence of d...

Feb102024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

ISRO Set to Launch INSAT-3DS Satellite for Enhanced Meteorological Observations

Breaking News, Environment, Learning & Developments

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is gearing up for the launch of its latest meteorological satellite, INSAT-3DS, on February 17. Scheduled to be deployed aboard a Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle F14 (GSLV F14), the mission aims to bolster meteorological observations, leading to improved weather forecasting and disaster warning capabilities. In a statement released on Thursday, ISRO announced that the GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS mission is set to lift off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR at Sriharikota at 5:30 pm. This mission marks the 16th flight of the GSLV and is intended to place the INSAT-3DS meteorological satellite into the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). Subsequent maneuvers will position the satellite into a Geo-Stationary Orbit. Designed t...

Feb92024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

India Develops State-of-the-Art Earth System Model for Climate Change Assessment

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Learning & Developments

In a significant stride towards climate research and assessment, India has successfully developed its first indigenous Earth System Model (ESM) known as the IITM-ESM. This cutting-edge model was developed at the Centre for Climate Change Research (CCCR), Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. The IITM-ESM marks a milestone in India's climate science capabilities and has played a crucial role in the latest Sixth Assessment Report prepared by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). It provides valuable insights into climate change dynamics, enabling policymakers and researchers to make informed decisions. Supported by an allocation of Rs. 192.28 crores under the Monsoon Convection, Clouds and Climate Change (MC4) sub-scheme ...

Feb82024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Tragedy Strikes: MP Harda Factory Fire Updates: 11 Killed, 200 Injured in Explosive Unit Blasts; 3 Held

Breaking News, Disasters

Madhya Pradesh's Harda district was engulfed in tragedy as a series of explosions rocked a fireworks factory on Tuesday, claiming the lives of at least 11 individuals and leaving nearly 200 others wounded. The harrowing incident unfolded with terrifying intensity, captured in videos circulating on social media, depicting flames leaping skyward and plumes of smoke billowing as explosions reverberated through the area. NDRF, SDRF Efforts Continue Amidst Devastation In the aftermath of the blasts, teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) sprang into action, tirelessly working to clear debris and render aid to the injured. Despite the challenging conditions, their efforts remained steadfast as they navigated the chaos to provide assi...

Feb82024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Study Calls for New Category 6 Classification as Hurricanes Grow Stronger Amid Climate Crisis

Breaking News, Disasters

As hurricanes become increasingly powerful due to the climate crisis, scientists are urging for the expansion of the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale to include a new category 6 designation, capable of encompassing storms with sustained winds exceeding 192mph. Researchers, led by Michael Wehner of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and James Kossin of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, have proposed this new classification in response to the escalating intensity of hurricanes fueled by global heating. Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the study argues that the existing scale, developed in the 1970s, fails to adequately capture the extreme ferocity of these mega-hurricanes, which pose unprecedented threats to life and property. While hurricanes ha...

Feb52024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Deadly Forest Fires Ravage Chile, Leaving Dozens Dead and Thousands Displaced

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment

In a devastating turn of events, Chile finds itself engulfed in a state of emergency as raging forest fires tear through the central regions of the country, claiming lives, destroying homes, and prompting widespread evacuations. With the death toll climbing and thousands displaced, authorities scramble to contain the infernos amid a sweltering heatwave exacerbating the crisis. The toll of the infernos is harrowing, with at least 64 lives lost and fears mounting that the number will soar as the blazes continue to ravage swathes of land. President Gabriel Boric, addressing the nation, grimly acknowledged, "We know that figure is going to grow, it’s going to grow significantly," underscoring the gravity of the situation. Amidst a Heatwave The fires, ignited two days ago, coincide wit...

Feb42024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

India Launches Pilot Projects for Green Hydrogen in Shipping Sector

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Learning & Developments, Thoughts & Talks

In a significant move towards sustainable maritime transport, the Government of India has unveiled guidelines for pilot projects aimed at integrating green hydrogen into the shipping sector. Issued under the National Green Hydrogen Mission by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) on February 1, 2024, these guidelines mark a pivotal step towards reducing carbon emissions and promoting clean energy in maritime transportation. Under the ambit of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, the MNRE will spearhead pilot projects in collaboration with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) and designated implementing agencies. With a total budgetary outlay of Rs. 115 crores until the fiscal year 2025-26, these projects will focus on two key areas: retrofitting existing shi...

Feb42024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

How Earthquakes Disproportionately Impact Minority Communities in Los Angeles, Revealed by Groundbreaking Study

Breaking News, Disasters, Idea & Innovations

The bustling city of Los Angeles is synonymous with seismic activity, where the looming threat of earthquakes is an ever-present concern. While earthquakes pose a collective risk to all residents, a recent study sheds light on the stark reality that certain communities, particularly those inhabited by minorities, are disproportionately vulnerable to the aftermath of seismic events. Understanding Social Vulnerability Authored by Charles Huyck and Yajie Lee from ImageCat, a leading catastrophe modeling company, the study delves into the social vulnerability often overlooked by traditional catastrophe models. By combining census tract data with seismic modeling, the researchers aimed to assess the financial repercussions of a major earthquake, revealing an alarming disparity in the impa...

Jan252024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Delhi’s Air Quality Crosses 400-mark, Centre Monitors Situation Before Imposing Stricter Measures

Breaking News, Environment

January 25, 2024 Delhi's average air quality index (AQI) breached the 400-mark on Wednesday, signaling very poor air quality, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The AQI categories range from 'good' (0-100) to 'severe' (400-500 or above). While the very poor air quality prevailed, the Centre decided to monitor the situation for a day or more before considering stricter measures under Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The sub-committee of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) reviewed the current air quality scenario, meteorological conditions, and forecasts by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM). Based on the projections that Delhi's average AQI is likely to improve, the sub-com...

Jan232024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

7.2 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Southern Xinjiang in China, Triggers Tremors in Delhi-NCR

Breaking News, Disasters

January 23, 2024 Location: Southern Xinjiang, China: A powerful earthquake measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale struck China's Southern Xinjiang region on Monday night, sending strong tremors across the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR). The earthquake occurred at 23:39 IST, with its epicenter located at a latitude of 40.96 and longitude 78.30, at a depth of 80 kilometers, as reported by the National Center for Seismology. In the aftermath of the seismic activity, numerous injuries were reported, and some houses collapsed along the Kyrgyzstan-Xinjiang border. The Xinjiang railway department promptly suspended operations, affecting 27 trains following the quake. Chinese authorities activated emergency response services to coordinate relief efforts. As many as 14 aftershocks, measuring...