Environment Archives - Page 26 of 45

Jan42025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

India Forest Cover Growth Comes at a Cost: Biodiversity Hotspots Face Decline

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

The India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, released by the Forest Survey of India, paints a picture of paradoxical progress. While India's total forest and tree cover has shown a marginal increase, the ecological cost is hard to ignore. Biodiversity-rich areas, which are critical for sustaining ecosystems, continue to see worrying declines. India's forest and tree cover now stands at 8,27,357 square kilometres, covering 25.17% of the country's geographical area. Forests account for 21.76% (7,15,343 sq km), while tree cover constitutes 3.41% (1,12,014 sq km). Since the last report in 2021, forest and tree cover has grown by 1,446 sq km, with a modest 0.2% rise in forest cover and a 1.16% jump in tree cover. However, deeper analysis reveals a troubling reality: several states with r...

Jan22025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

The Sea That Vanished: The Tragic Fall of the Aral Sea

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

Once a vast expanse of shimmering blue the Aral Sea was the pride of Central Asia. Straddling Kazakhstan to the north and Uzbekistan to the south, it was the world’s fourth-largest inland water body. It was a lifeline for the region, teeming with fish, bustling ports, and vibrant communities thriving along its shores. But the mid-20th century marked the beginning of its decline. As part of Soviet-era irrigation projects, the waters of the Syr Darya and Amu Darya rivers once the Aral’s lifeblood were diverted to grow cotton and other crops. The Aral began to shrink rapidly, leaving behind parched landscapes and ghostly shipwrecks marooned in desert sands. By the early 21st century, it was a shadow of its former self, its once-abundant ecosystem shattered and its communities struggling to...

Dec312024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Each Cigarette Costs Men 17 Minutes, Women 22 Minutes of Life: Study

Breaking News, Environment, Learning & Developments

London: Smoking takes a far greater toll on life expectancy than previously believed, a new study from University College London (UCL) reveals. For men, each cigarette smoked shortens life by 17 minutes, while for women, the cost is even higher at 22 minutes per cigarette. These figures surpass earlier estimates, which suggested an 11-minute loss per cigarette. Commissioned by the UK’s Department for Health and Social Care, the study urges smokers to make quitting their top resolution for the New Year. The research concludes that a pack of 20 cigarettes robs an average smoker of nearly seven hours of life. Over a lifetime, smokers who don’t quit lose approximately a decade of life, according to Dr. Sarah Jackson, a principal research fellow at UCL. “Smokers lose about the same num...

Dec312024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Toddler Narrowly Escapes 400-Foot Plunge into Kilauea Volcano at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment

Hawaii: A family visiting the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park experienced a harrowing moment last week when their toddler wandered away and nearly fell into the heart of the active volcano. According to report, the quick reflexes of the boy’s mother saved him “just in the nick of time,” preventing what could have been a tragic accident. The toddler had split from his family and ran straight toward the edge of Kilauea's 400-foot caldera a massive crater formed by volcanic activity. Park officials confirmed that the child would not have survived the fall had he plunged into the caldera. Incident in a Restricted Area The family was reportedly visiting a closed area behind the post-and-cable barrier at the Kilauea Overlook when the incident occurred. National park of...

Dec302024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

What Is a Black Moon and How You Can Experience This Rare Phenomenon

Breaking News, Environment, Fact Check

As the year comes to a close, skywatchers have the chance to witness a unique celestial event known as the "black moon." This term, though not officially recognized in astronomy, refers to the rare occurrence of a second new moon within a single calendar month. Popular among stargazers and amateur astronomers, the black moon offers a fascinating opportunity to observe the night sky under optimal conditions. When and Where to See It The black moon will occur on December 30 at 5:27 PM ET (2227 GMT) for those in the Americas. For viewers in Europe, Africa, and Asia, the event will take place on December 31, with observers in India able to witness the phenomenon at approximately 3:57 AM on the same day. How Does a Black Moon Happen? A new moon occurs when the moon and the sun share...

Dec302024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Cold Wave to Sweep North India as Temperatures Plummet, Dense Fog Predicted

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment

North India is bracing for a spell of intense cold and dense fog, with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting a significant drop in temperatures over the coming days. Nighttime temperatures in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan are expected to dip by 3-4°C, beginning Monday, as the region experiences the full force of winter. The IMD has issued cold wave warnings for parts of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, with conditions likely to persist into the New Year. Punjab and Haryana are expected to face severe cold from December 31 to January 2, while Rajasthan may experience biting cold from December 30 through January 2. Daytime temperatures are predicted to range between 12°C and 16°C, even under clear skies, providing little relief from the icy conditions. For the n...

Dec282024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Season First Major Snowfall in Srinagar Disrupts Air Travel, Cancels All Flights

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment

Srinagar experienced its first major snowfall of the season on Friday, bringing picturesque views to the Valley but causing significant disruptions at Srinagar International Airport. Heavy snow accumulation and reduced visibility led to the cancellation of all flights, leaving passengers stranded. Operations at the airport began smoothly but were soon halted due to snow buildup on the runway and dense cloud cover. “So far, five flights have been cancelled. I urge passengers to check the status as the ongoing snowfall is affecting operations,” said the airport director. An airport spokesperson added, “The safety of passengers and crew remains our top priority, and operations are heavily dependent on weather conditions.” Passengers expressed mixed emotions about the delays. While so...

Dec272024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Delhi experiences rain and foggy morning, slight relief from pollution but air quality remains very poor

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Environment

Delhi witnessed light rain and dense fog early Friday, creating a refreshing yet chilly atmosphere across the city. However, air quality remained in the 'very poor' category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 371 recorded at 7 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The India Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded a minimum temperature of 12°C, with highs expected to reach 20°C. A "thunderstorm with rain" has been forecast for Friday and Saturday, signaling more showers over the weekend. Residents embraced the weather change, calling it a welcome relief. “It feels like Kashmir,” said Deepak Pandey, a local resident. Tourists also appreciated the pleasant weather, with Raman Kushwaha from Madhya Pradesh saying it was ideal for sightseeing despite the chill. ...

Dec262024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Does Yoga Really Hold the Secret to Longevity? A Closer Look

Breaking News, Environment, Fact Check, Thoughts & Talks

Yoga with its centuries-old roots is widely praised for its health benefits. But could it also be the secret to a long life? Centenarian Daisy Taylor of Chelmsford, England, believes so. On her 105th birthday, Taylor credited her enduring physical and mental health to yoga, optimism, and cherishing life's simple joys. Remarkably, Taylor still practices yoga, though now more often from a chair than a mat. Her story echoes those of other notable yoga practitioners, like B.K.S. Iyengar, who lived to 95 despite severe childhood illnesses, and Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, the founder of vinyasa yoga, who reached 100. These anecdotes suggest a connection between yoga and longevity but what does science say? Yoga’s Role in Ageing and Longevity Physical and Mental Health Benefits Yoga ha...

Dec262024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

What Do Insects Do All Winter?

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

As winter envelops forests in snow and icy temperatures the familiar buzz of insects disappears. Yet, contrary to appearances, insects don’t vanish they hibernate, hidden in the bark of trees, buried in the soil, or nestled under the insulating blanket of snow. This incredible survival strategy, known as diapause, allows these cold-blooded creatures to endure months of freezing conditions. Not all insects hibernate instinctively. While some species naturally enter diapause every year, others rely on environmental cues, particularly day length, to prepare for winter. For example, the speckled wood butterfly senses shorter days during its larval stage, triggering it to gain weight and transition into a hibernating pupa. This timing is crucial misjudging winter’s arrival could result in...