Monday, February 23News That Matters

Environment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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...
What Do Insects Do All Winter?

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...
Dense Fog Envelops Delhi IMD Issues Yellow Alert

Dense Fog Envelops Delhi IMD Issues Yellow Alert

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Environment
New Delhi: On Thursday morning, a blanket of dense fog shrouded parts of Delhi, with the minimum temperature dipping to 7°C, as per the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Despite the reduced visibility, flight operations at Delhi Airport remained unaffected, thanks to established low-visibility management protocols. The IMD has issued a yellow alert, predicting moderate to dense fog throughout the morning and night. Light to very light rainfall is also expected in some areas of the city. Safdarjung: 3mm rainfall recorded between Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning. Ayanagar: 6mm rainfall during the same period. In response to worsening air quality, the Supreme Court has mandated that the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) enforce Stage-III restrictions if the Ai...
Shimla Manali Turn into White Wonderland as Fresh Snowfall Delights on Christmas Eve

Shimla Manali Turn into White Wonderland as Fresh Snowfall Delights on Christmas Eve

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment
Popular tourist destinations Shimla and Manali in Himachal Pradesh, along with parts of Jammu and Kashmir, have been transformed into stunning snowy landscapes, bringing festive cheer for visitors celebrating Christmas. However, the heavy snowfall has also caused disruptions, including road closures and accidents. Shimla, Manali, and surrounding regions have been receiving snowfall, creating picturesque views that have flooded social media. The weather has delighted tourists seeking a ‘white Christmas,’ a rare and cherished experience. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast rain and snow at isolated locations in Himachal Pradesh, with the heaviest snowfall expected between Friday evening and Sunday afternoon. The heavy snow has resulted in the closure of over 200 roads...
Tamil Nadu Prepares for Heavy Rains Ahead of Christmas, Holiday Plans at Risk

Tamil Nadu Prepares for Heavy Rains Ahead of Christmas, Holiday Plans at Risk

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment
Tamil Nadu, which has already recorded an impressive Northeast monsoon season with excess rainfall, is now bracing for another spell of precipitation that could disrupt Christmas celebrations across the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported that a well-marked low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, along with an associated cyclonic circulation, is advancing toward North Tamil Nadu. Currently positioned near the South Andhra coast, the system is expected to bring moderate to heavy rainfall to the region starting Tuesday, December 24, and continuing through Thursday, December 26. North coastal districts, including Chennai, are likely to see widespread rains during this period, with heavy downpours forecast in isolated pockets of Chengalpattu, Viluppuram, and...