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On this year International Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, new findings from western Rajasthan show a surprising transformation underway in India’s driest region. The once water-scarce Thar Desert is now seeing more rainfall, fewer dust storms, and expanding farmlands a change reshaping its landscape, agriculture, and environment. The northwest part of India, especially the 12 districts of western Rajasthan, has always been known for its extreme dryness, shifting sand dunes, and scattered vegetation. It is home to 27 million people and 26 million livestock, making it the most densely populated desert in the world. But things are changing fast. The desert’s distinctive terrain formed by ancient rivers, sand dunes of all sizes, and dry lake beds was shaped by centuries of we...

Ahmedabad, one of India’s hottest cities, is implementing innovative measures such as cool roofs, misting bus stops, and heat insurance to tackle the worsening impacts of extreme heat. However, the benefits of these solutions remain limited, especially for low-income residents. After a deadly heatwave in 2010 that killed 1,344 people, Ahmedabad became the first Indian city to introduce a Heat Action Plan (HAP). The plan aims to protect residents from rising temperatures, but the challenges of implementation persist, particularly in the city’s informal settlements. A study by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) shows that over 95% of Ahmedabad’s land is heat-stressed, with surface temperatures crossing 45°C regularly. Areas like Odhav, where informal settlements have grow...

Ahmedabad one of India’s hottest cities, is implementing innovative measures such as cool roofs, misting bus stops, and heat insurance to tackle the worsening impacts of extreme heat. However, the benefits of these solutions remain limited, especially for low-income residents. After a deadly heatwave in 2010 that killed 1,344 people, Ahmedabad became the first Indian city to introduce a Heat Action Plan (HAP). The plan aims to protect residents from rising temperatures, but the challenges of implementation persist, particularly in the city’s informal settlements. A study by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) shows that over 95% of Ahmedabad’s land is heat-stressed, with surface temperatures crossing 45°C regularly. Areas like Odhav, where informal settlements have grown und...

With the number of satellites in orbit rising fast from just 1,000 a few years ago to nearly 6,000 today experts warn of growing risks from space weather. More than 100,000 new satellites are expected to launch in the next five years, increasing the importance of protecting space technology from harmful solar activity. Many new satellites are built using off-the-shelf parts, making them less durable than older, larger spacecraft. This means they are more vulnerable to space weather natural disturbances caused by solar activity that can affect satellites, communications, navigation systems, and even power grids on Earth. Space weather can damage satellites through radiation, disrupt GPS signals by disturbing the ionosphere, and cause unexpected changes in the Earth’s upper atmosph...

  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...