Thursday, September 19News That Matters

Thoughts & Talks

Japan’s Obayashi Corporation Aims for 2050 Completion of Space Elevator to Revolutionize Space Travel

Japan’s Obayashi Corporation Aims for 2050 Completion of Space Elevator to Revolutionize Space Travel

Breaking News, Space, Thoughts & Talks
Imagine a long tether linking Earth to space, launching us to orbit at a fraction of the cost and slingshotting us to other worlds at record speed. That's the basic idea behind a space elevator. Instead of taking six to eight months to reach Mars, scientists have estimated a space elevator could get us there in three to four months or even as quickly as 40 days. The concept isn't new, but engineering such a structure is a monumental challenge, and many issues beyond technology stand in the way. Japan's Ambitious Plan The Japan-based Obayashi Corporation, known for constructing the world's tallest tower, the Tokyo Skytree, announced in 2012 its goal to build a space elevator. The company projected that construction on the $100-billion project would begin by 2025, with operations st...
Farmers in Manipur Turn to Climate-Resilient Millets Amid Agricultural Challenges

Farmers in Manipur Turn to Climate-Resilient Millets Amid Agricultural Challenges

Breaking News, Environment, Thoughts & Talks
As climate change continues to pose serious threats to agricultural production and destabilize farmers' livelihoods, communities in Manipur's Ukhrul district are turning to a more resilient crop: millets. The close affinity our forefathers shared with nature is making more sense now as traditional crops like paddy have witnessed significant declines in yield. Last year, paddy production in the region fell by 45 to 50 percent, causing immense hardship for local farmers. One such farmer, 67-year-old K. Shangam from Chingjaroi village, has shifted his focus to cultivating millet crops. Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic about the potential of millets, which are not as affected by climate changes. Shangam has relied on selling his agricultural products at local markets, where the...
India Endures Record Heatwave as IMD Predicts ‘Above Normal’ Monsoon and its relation with Economy

India Endures Record Heatwave as IMD Predicts ‘Above Normal’ Monsoon and its relation with Economy

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Opinions, Thoughts & Talks
In a significant development, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted 'above normal' monsoon rainfall for the country, particularly in the monsoon core zone crucial for rain-fed agriculture. This forecast comes amid an extreme heatwave that has gripped several parts of India, including Rajasthan's Phalodi, which recently recorded a blistering 50 degrees Celsius. This is the highest temperature recorded since June 1, 2019, when Churu, also in Rajasthan, reached 50.8 degrees Celsius. The scorching temperatures have turned daily life into a test of endurance, especially for those participating in the ongoing elections. In Delhi, the IMD has issued a red alert as Mungeshpur baked at 48.3 degrees Celsius, with the feel-like heat touching 49 degrees. The heatwave alert has bee...
How Climate Change Escalating Risk of Extreme Heat stress Amid National Elections in India

How Climate Change Escalating Risk of Extreme Heat stress Amid National Elections in India

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Opinions, Thoughts & Talks
India is experiencing searing heat earlier than usual for the third consecutive summer, with extensive regions suffering from humid conditions. Scientists warn that climate change is increasing the frequency, duration, and severity of heatwaves, potentially endangering more than a billion lives. As national elections progress, the impact of this heatwave is more acute compared to 2023, the hottest year on record. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted an unusually high number of heatwave days from April to June. Defining Heatwaves and New Indices There is no global standard for defining heatwaves, but the IMD considers temperatures above 40°C in low-lying areas or 30°C in mountainous regions as heatwave conditions. The IMD has introduced a Heat Index that factors in ...
Heatwave Vs Human Body:  How Heatwaves Affect the Human Body and Mind

Heatwave Vs Human Body: How Heatwaves Affect the Human Body and Mind

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Thoughts & Talks
Heatwaves, characterized by prolonged periods of excessively high temperatures, are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. These extreme weather events can have profound impacts on human health, affecting both the body and mind. Understanding these effects is crucial for mitigating risks and protecting public health. Physical Health Impacts Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke Heat exhaustion occurs when the body loses excessive water and salt through sweating. Symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and headache. If untreated, heat exhaustion can progress to heatstroke, a life-threatening condition where the body's temperature regulation fails, leading to a core body temperature above 104°F (40°C). Heatstroke can cause confusion, seizures, an...
India Launches Pilot Projects for Green Hydrogen in Shipping Sector

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...
How Climate Change is shaping the geographies: A Looming Challenge for India

How Climate Change is shaping the geographies: A Looming Challenge for India

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Thoughts & Talks
India, a land of vibrant diversity and ancient wisdom, stands today at a crossroads. While it races towards economic progress and global prominence, it also grapples with a formidable foe – climate change. This essay delves into the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change to India, exploring its impact on various sectors and the urgent need for action. The Scorching Grip of Changes in various dimensions: India's climate, characterized by monsoons and diverse ecosystems, is already witnessing a worrying shift. Rising temperatures, with some regions recording spikes of 5°C above normal, are disrupting weather patterns. Erratic rainfall, with intense bursts followed by prolonged dry spells, threatens agricultural productivity and water security. The melting glaciers of the Himalayas...
Supply Chain Management – A Crucial Partner In Disaster Management

Supply Chain Management – A Crucial Partner In Disaster Management

Breaking News, Idea & Innovations, Thoughts & Talks
Supply chain management plays a crucial role in disaster management by ensuring the efficient and effective flow of goods, services, and information before, during, and after a disaster. Here are some key reasons highlighting the importance of supply chain management in disaster management: Timely Response and Recovery: Efficient supply chain management allows for a quick and coordinated response to disasters. Rapid deployment of essential resources such as food, water, medical supplies, and equipment is critical for saving lives and minimising the impact of a disaster. Coordination and Collaboration: Supply chain management involves the coordination of various stakeholders, including suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and logistics providers. This collaboration is ess...
Is Flood Hazards one of the man created Disasters?: Lets Understand and Analyze

Is Flood Hazards one of the man created Disasters?: Lets Understand and Analyze

Breaking News, Disasters, Thoughts & Talks
Flood disasters have profound impacts on communities, causing widespread devastation and posing significant challenges for both immediate response and long-term recovery. These natural disasters occur when water exceeds normal levels, inundating land and infrastructure. The consequences of floods range from loss of lives and displacement of populations to damage to homes, agriculture, and vital services. One of the primary causes of floods is heavy rainfall, often exacerbated by factors like deforestation, urbanization, and poor land management. Additionally, storm surges, melting snow, and dam failures can contribute to the escalation of flooding events. The aftermath of floods includes the destruction of homes, displacement of families, and disruptions to critical infrastructure such ...
Unprecedented Geological Changes Unveiled by Drone Footage due to recent Japan 7.5 Magnitude Earthquake: Massive Ground Uplift observed

Unprecedented Geological Changes Unveiled by Drone Footage due to recent Japan 7.5 Magnitude Earthquake: Massive Ground Uplift observed

Breaking News, Disasters, Thoughts & Talks
In the wake of the catastrophic 7.5 magnitude earthquake that jolted Japan on January 1, 2024, shocking drone footage has emerged, exposing a harrowing reality. The ground in various locations across Japan has risen, reaching staggering heights of up to 13 feet. Watch the drone footage here to witness the dramatic transformation of the landscape. Earlier reports detailed the substantial shift of Japan's coasts by more than 800 feet after the seismic event struck the Noto Peninsula. The earthquake's impact is now vividly displayed in the drone footage, revealing raised land and altered topography. Satellite images captured the stark changes in the affected areas, showcasing a significant retreat of the sea by 820 feet. This retreat has led to the emergence of once-submerged land, r...