New Delhi: A day after Delhi's Najagarh baked at over 47°C to trend as the hottest place in the country, the Met department on Friday held out no immediate respite from the searing and scalding heatwave as it issued a fresh heatwave warning for the northern plains till May 21, Tuesday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast a heatwave and a severe heatwave condition across vast swathes of North India, including several parts of Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana and Delhi, between May 17 and 21. The premier weather forecasting agency said heatwave conditions were likely to prevail in parts of Uttar Pradesh from May 17-21; in isolated pockets of Gujarat between May 17 and 21; Bihar from May 17-20; Jharkhand between May 19 and 20; north Madhya Pradesh from May 18-21; Gangetic West Bengal between May 18 and 20; and Odisha on May 20 and 21. While a red alert for severe heatwave was issued for west Rajasthan, an Orange alert was also out for Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, East Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Gujarat. A yellow alert for a heatwave-like condition was issued as well for Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Gangetic West Bengal and Odisha. An area is considered to be in the grip of a heatwave if the maximum temperature at a weather station reaches at least 40°C and at least 30°C or more for hilly regions. The national capital accounted for some of the highest daytime temperatures in the country on Friday, with Najafgarh in southwest Delhi sweating at 47.4°C. Himachal's Una also recorded the season's highest temperature for the state, at 43.2°C while Agra logged the second-highest maximum temperature ever recorded in the city at 46.9°C. Chandigarh, too, continued to reel under sweltering hot weather, recording a maximum temperature of 44.5°C. It was the third-highest maximum temperature ever recorded in the city, which doubles up as the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana.
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Rajasthan's Barmer recorded a maximum temperature of 46.5°C on Friday, while Delhi's Ayanagar logged 46.2°c. Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh recorded 44.9°C while Gujarat's Surendranagar and Punjab's Patiala logged 44.7°C and 44.4°C respectively. Amid the unrelenting heatwave, special arrangements were made for animals housed at the Nahargarh Biological Park of Jaipur to cool off. "With the increasing temperatures, we have made certain special arrangements for animals at the Nahargarh Biological Park. Lions, panthers, tigers, and bears are being bathed regularly in their enclosures. The display area of their enclosures has rain guns, sprinklers, and a dripping system installed so that the temperature doesn't go beyond tolerable limits," Dr Arvind Mathur, senior wildlife veterinary officer at Nahargarh Biological and Zoological Park, told ANI. Expanding on the summer diet of the animals at Nahargarh Biological Park, Mathur said, "The diets of some the animals have also been changed on medical advice, with sloth bears being additionally given barley-based drinks and fruit ice cream. Herbivores like deer are being fed with watermelons and cucumbers. All animals are being administered electro and glucose by rotation to boost their fluid intake. They are also being dewormed and monitored 24/7 while also being administered with nutrition supplements." Similarly, sprinklers and coolers have been installed for animals in the Kanpur Zoo to bring them a semblance of respite from the prevailing heatwave. "The animals here are reeling under the prevailing severe heatwave. We have made requisite arrangements to protect them from the adverse effects of the prevailing weather. We have installed coolers and sprinklers for the animals, ensuring that the temperatures in their respective enclosures don't breach limits of tolerance. We also rung in changes to their diet. We are keeping a close watch on every single animal at the zoo," Dr Anurag Singh, the chief medical officer of Kanpur Zoo told ANI. Similar cooling arrangements have also been made for the wildlife at Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur Zoological Park, amid the disconcerting heat. "Our guests as well as visitors are feeling the effects of the prevailing heatwave. The animals are being subjected to regular medical checkups by our team of veterinarians while they are also being fed with watermelons to beat the heat. Water sprinklers have also been installed in their enclosures to help them cool off. They are also being administered with glucose from time to time," We also provide them glucose regularly...," Mahesh Abrol, the range officer of the Udhampur Wildlife Department, said.
—ANI

North India faces a severe heatwave with Delhi recording 47°C. IMD issues fresh warnings. Zoos take special measures to protect animals from the scorching heat.

Delhi’s Najafgarh trends as hottest in country, Met flags heatwave alert in North till May 21

New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a warning on Friday, for heatwave to severe heatwave conditions expected to prevail in many parts of the country on May 18. In a tweet on X, IMD said, "Heatwave to severe heatwave conditions very likely in many pockets of Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, West Rajasthan and few pockets of East Rajasthan. Heatwave conditions very likely in few/isolated pockets of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Gangetic West Bengal, Bihar, Gujarat, Saurashtra &amp; Kutch, on 18th May, 2024." Earlier in the day, while speaking to ANI, senior IMD scientist Dr Naresh Kumar said, "..From April till the last few days, continuous western disturbances were influencing Northwest India, due to which parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand experienced isolated rainfall. Due to this, the temperatures were not very high. In May, the temperature reached 45 degrees Celsius in many places. Even today, the temperature has already reached 45 degrees Celsius in Rajasthan," he said. "In Punjab and Haryana, the temperature is also near 44 degrees Celsius and the conditions of the heatwave are similar to those in Uttar Pradesh...A heatwave is likely in Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh for the next 5 days and in Madhya Pradesh and Bihar for 4 days, after which there may be mild thunderstorms, due to which the temperature may drop slightly...," Kumar added. Similarly, for the southern states, he said, "Heavy to very heavy rains are likely in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and South Karnataka in the next 5 days..."The Met department in its weather advisory has said that heat to severe heat wave conditions are likely over the plains of Northwest India and Bihar during the next 5 days and Heat wave conditions are very likely to commence over East and Central India from May 18. The Met Department further said that a wet spell with isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is very likely to continue over south Peninsular India till May 23.
—ANI

IMD warns of severe heatwave conditions in parts of India from May 18. High temperatures expected in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan.

Heatwave alert issued for several states on May 18 by IMD

New Delhi: Eastern India experienced its hottest April on record as heatwaves scorched parts of the country amid the Lok Sabha elections, killing at least nine people, with the weather office on Wednesday forecasting above normal temperatures for May too.
Searing heat has been cited by political analysts as one of the reasons for low voter turnout in the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections that began on April 19, with results due on June 4.  Heatwave conditions are, however, forecast to abate gradually in the coming days.
The mean temperature in eastern India was 28.12 degrees Celsius in April, the warmest since records began in 1901, with experts blaming a combination of factors.  "In an El Nino year, you get more heating," said Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, chief of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), referring to a climate pattern that typically leads to hot and dry weather in Asia and heavier rains in parts of the Americas.  He said fewer thunderstorms and an anti-cyclonic circulation near the southeastern coast were causing heatwaves. "Wind blows from land towards the sea during an anti-cyclone.., so land becomes warmer and temperature rises".  In April, West Bengal recorded the most number of heatwave days for the month in the last 15 years, followed by neighbouring Odisha where heat conditions were the worst in nine years.  Authorities have also declared a rare heatwave in Kerala, where at least 2 deaths have been recorded due to soaring temperatures.  Central and northwestern parts of the country, which includes major wheat producing states that typically witness heatwaves this time of the year, have been largely spared due to intermittent thundershowers last month, Mohapatra said.  The weather office said rainfall in May is likely to be normal and that it expects more showers during the second half of the monsoon season in August and September as compared to June and July due to the La Nina climate pattern, which typically brings higher rainfall.  Monsoon is the lifeblood of our economy, delivering 70% of the rain needed to water crops and recharge reservoirs, and the MET department has predicted that India will receive above normal monsoon rainfall in 2024.
—Reuters

April scorches Eastern India with record heat amid Lok Sabha elections. IMD predicts sustained high temperatures. Low turnout blamed on heat.

Parts of India record hottest April as heatwave kills nine

New Delhi (The Hawk): The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India, through the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), will host the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46) and the 26th Meeting of the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP 26) from May 20 to 30, 2024, in Kochi, Kerala. This is in line with India’s poise to facilitate constructive global dialogue on environmental stewardship, scientific collaboration, and cooperation in Antarctica. The ATCM and meetings of the CEP are pivotal in the international community's ongoing efforts to safeguard Antarctica's fragile ecosystem and promote scientific research in the region. Convened annually under the Antarctic Treaty System, these meetings serve as forums for Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties and other stakeholders to address Antarctica's pressing environmental, scientific, and governance issues. The Antarctic Treaty, signed in 1959 and entered into force in 1961, established Antarctica as a region dedicated to peaceful purposes, scientific cooperation, and environmental protection. Over the years, the Treaty has garnered widespread support, with 56 countries currently party to it. The CEP was established under the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (the Madrid Protocol) in 1991. The CEP advises the ATCM on environmental protection and conservation in Antarctica. India has been a Consultative Party to the Antarctic Treaty since 1983. It participates in the decision-making process along with other 28 Consultative Parties to the Antarctic Treaty to date. India’s first Antarctic research station, Dakshin Gangotri, was established in 1983. At present, India operates two year-round research stations: Maitri (1989) and Bharati (2012). The permanent research stations facilitate Indian Scientific Expeditions to Antarctica, which have been ongoing annually since 1981. In 2022, India enacted the Antarctic Act, reaffirming its commitment to the Antarctic Treaty.  As a signatory to the Antarctic Treaty, India remains dedicated to environmental protection, scientific cooperation, and peaceful operations in Antarctica. Dr M Ravichandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, highlighted the importance of India hosting the ATCM and CEP meetings in 2024. He said, “We look forward as a country to fostering meaningful exchanges of knowledge and expertise to advance the shared goals of environmental conservation and scientific research in the Antarctic region.” The Antarctic Treaty Secretariat (ATS) serves as the administrative hub for the Antarctic Treaty System. Established in 2004, the ATS coordinates the ATCM and CEP meetings, reposits and disseminates information, and facilitates diplomatic communication, exchanges, and negotiations related to Antarctic governance and management. It also monitors compliance with Antarctic Treaty provisions and agreements and provides assistance and guidance to Antarctic Treaty Parties on treaty implementation and enforcement matters. Key items on the 46th ATCM agenda include strategic planning for sustainable management of Antarctica and its resources; policy, legal, and institutional operations; biodiversity prospecting; inspections and exchange of information and data; research, collaboration, capacity building and cooperation; addressing climate change impacts; development of tourism framework; and promoting awareness. Lectures of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research will also be conducted. The 26th CEP agenda focuses on Antarctic environment evaluation, impact assessment, management, and reporting; climate change response; area protection and management plans including marine spatial protection; and conservation of Antarctic biodiversity. The hosting of the 46th ATCM and 26th CEP meeting reflects India's growing role as a responsible global stakeholder in efforts to preserve Antarctica for future generations. Through open dialogue, collaboration, and consensus-building, India remains committed to upholding the principles of the Antarctic Treaty and contributing to the sustainable management of one of Earth's last pristine wilderness areas. India’s scientific and strategic endeavours in the polar regions (the Arctic and Antarctic), the Himalayas, and the Southern Ocean are under the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) in Goa. NCPOR is an esteemed autonomous institution under MoES, Government of India. MoES has set up a Host Country Secretariat with Dr Vijay Kumar, Scientist G &amp; Adviser, as Head at MoES HQ to successfully coordinate and organise the event. India has proposed the name of Ambassador Pankaj Saran, a distinguished former Deputy National Security Advisor, to chair the 46th ATCM. Participation in the ATCM and CEP meetings is restricted to delegates designated by Parties, Observers and invited Experts. Over 350 delegates from 60+ countries are expected to attend the 46th ATCM and 26th CEP this year hosted by NCPOR, MoES at Lulu Bolgatty International Convention Centre (LBICC) in Kochi, India. More details are available at https://www.atcm46india.in/ and https://www.ats.aq/devAS/Meetings/Upcoming/97/

The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India, through the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR)

India To Host 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting This Month

Tel Aviv (Israel): In a discovery akin to stepping back into the ancient world, Israeli scientists uncovered a new species of flea preserved in amber. This remarkable find offers a rare glimpse into the distant past, approximately 99 million years ago, when dinosaurs roamed the Earth alongside a diverse array of insects. The study, led by Dolav Fabrikant from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Tanya (Tatiana) Novoselsky from the Steinhardt Museum of Natural History at Tel Aviv University, has been published in the peer-reviewed Israel Journal of Entomology. Named Miropictopallium coloradmonens, this flea stands out from its ancient counterparts due to its vivid and distinct coloration. While most ancient insects preserved in amber exhibit muted, yellowish-brown hues, this flea boasts striking colors that likely served as a form of predator deterrent, akin to a natural superhero cape. "The new insect enriches our comprehension of the present world by providing insights into a significant transitional era in the history of life on land. Its era was marked by a surge in biological diversity and the inception of what would become modern ecosystems," Fabrikant said. The discovery of Miropictopallium coloradmonens was facilitated by a piece of amber that surfaced at a public sale, shedding light not only on scientific breakthroughs but also on the commercial pathways of ancient relics. This flea's presence in Myanmar amber raises questions about its historical range and distribution, hinting at a broader understanding of prehistoric ecosystems. The mid-Cretaceous period, characterized by hot and humid conditions, witnessed an explosion in insect diversity. This era provided fertile ground for the evolution of countless species, including the colorful Miropictopallium coloradmonens. However, as climates changed and competition intensified, many of these species disappeared, leaving behind only traces preserved in amber for future generations to uncover. Amber, a fossilized tree resin, provides an exceptional medium for preserving organisms due to its unique properties. Amber starts as resin exuded from certain trees, such as conifers, in response to injury or disease. When the resin flows from the tree, it can trap small organisms like insects, spiders, or even small vertebrates that happen to be in the vicinity. Over time, the resin hardens and solidifies into amber. This process can take millions of years as the substance's volatile components evaporate, leaving behind a hardened structure. Moreover, the resin has antimicrobial properties, which inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi that normally break down organic matter. If the amber encasing is airtight, oxygen, a major catalyst for decay, cannot enter. "This newly discovered insect opens a fascinating chapter on flea evolution and offers fresh perspectives on life during the mid-Cretaceous period," said Novoselsky. —ANI

In a discovery akin to stepping back into the ancient world, Israeli scientists uncovered a new species of flea preserved in amber

99 Million-Year-Old Amber Yields Fossil Surprise

New Delhi: Around 196 fossil fuel and chemical industry lobbyists, including 11 from India, have registered for the United Nations negotiations on the first global treaty to curb plastic pollution in Ottawa, according to an analysis by the Centre for International Environmental Law (CIEL), a nonprofit law group. It is a 37 per cent increase from the 143 lobbyists registered at INC-3. The Centre for International Environmental Law (CIEL) analysed UNEP's Provisional List of Participants at INC-4 in Ottawa. The fourth round of talks on the Global Plastics Treaty (INC-4) is taking place in Ottawa, Canada, from April 23-29, 2024. The analysis finds that 196 lobbyists for the fossil fuel and chemical industry registered for the plastics treaty talks, a 37% increase from the 143 lobbyists registered at INC-3, the CIEL said. "The total number of fossil fuel and chemical industry lobbyists registered is three times greater than the 58 independent scientists from the Scientists' Coalition for An Effective Plastic Treaty and seven times greater than the 28 representatives of the Indigenous Peoples Caucus. 16 lobbyists for the fossil fuel and chemical industry registered across nine different country delegations, including four in Malaysia, three in Thailand, two in Iran and the Dominican Republic, and one each in China, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Turkey, and Uganda," CIEL, which used registration data provided by the UN Environment Programme, which is overseeing the talks, said. Fossil fuel and chemical industry lobbyists outnumber the combined 180 representatives of the European Union delegations. The total number of fossil fuel and chemical industry lobbyists registered is three times greater than the 58 independent scientists from the Scientists' Coalition for An Effective Plastic Treaty and seven times greater than the 28 representatives of the Indigenous Peoples Caucus. As many 16 lobbyists for the fossil fuel and chemical industry registered across nine different country delegations, including four in Malaysia, three in Thailand, two in Iran and the Dominican Republic, and one each in China, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Turkey, and Uganda. The fossil fuel and chemical industry registered more representatives than the smallest 87 country delegations combined. The Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) collectively registered 73 representatives, meaning they are outnumbered more than two to one compared to the fossil fuel and chemical industry lobbyists. Around. 99 per cent of plastics are derived from fossil fuels, and the fossil fuel industry continues to clutch plastics and petrochemicals as a lifeline. The chemical and fossil fuel industries oppose cuts to plastic production, falsely claiming that the plastics crisis is not a plastic problem, but a waste problem. "The outcome of these talks is of critical importance to countries and communities around the world, and it is vital to expose and confront the role of corporations whose agendas are fundamentally in conflict with the global public interest. Access to the negotiations is just one piece of the puzzle. Some may argue that everyone enjoys equal access, but that is simply not true. Lobbyists are appearing on country delegations and are gaining privileged access to Member State-only sessions, where sensitive discussions unfold behind closed doors. Beyond the troubling number of lobbyists present at the negotiation talks, behind-the-scenes industry lobbying activities and events take place around the world in the months leading up to negotiations," said Delphine Levi Alvares, Global Petrochemical Campaign Coordinator at the Center for International Environmental Law. —ANI

Around 196 fossil fuel and chemical industry lobbyists, including 11 from India, have registered for the United Nations negotiations on the first global treaty 

37% Spike In Fossil Fuel Lobbyists At UN Talks To Curb Plastic Pollution: CIEL

Pithoragarh (The Hawk): In the last two days, Pithoragarh and its neighboring areas, Dharchula and Munsiyari, have experienced significant weather changes. Amidst the ongoing heatwaves affecting the plains, the higher regions of the Himalayas saw unexpected snowfall, providing much-needed relief from the heat in lower areas through rain. Local reports from Monday indicate that the day started with sunshine across the district headquarters and surrounding locales. However, by the afternoon, conditions shifted dramatically as the sky filled with clouds, leading to heavy rainfall accompanied by thunder starting around 4 PM. This sudden downpour prompted shoppers in the market to hurry back to their homes. The snowfall in the high-altitude villages of the Vyas and Darma valleys has introduced a chill in the air, much to the delight of tourists enjoying continuous snowfall in these regions. "Strong winds have been persistent since Tuesday morning, and snowfall has been ongoing in the villages of the Darma and Vyas valleys since the afternoon," commented Hitesh Dataal, a homestay operator from the village of Dantu. He noted that 14 villages in the Darma area have been experiencing snowfall since noon. Visitors to the iconic Panchachuli peaks found themselves reveling in the snowy conditions. Lakhan Nabiyal, a resident of Nabi in the Vyas Valley, remarked on the significant drop in temperature, saying, "The cold has increased noticeably due to snowfall in all seven villages of the Vyas Valley." Additionally, the recent weather has also brought relief to the local forest department, grappling with forest fires throughout the frontier district. "The rain has not only controlled the fire to some extent but also cleared up the fog that had been pervading the atmosphere," a forest department official reported. Snowfall was recorded in the high peaks of Munsiyari, including Panchachuli, Hansling, Rajrambha, and Chiplakedar, while lower regions experienced rainfall, easing the conditions and reducing the risk of further fires.

 In the last two days, Pithoragarh and its neighboring areas, Dharchula and Munsiyari, have experienced significant weather changes

Recent Weather Changes Bring Relief To Pithoragarh Region

New Delhi: Thick plumes of smoke still rose skywards from Ghazipur landfill on Monday, hours after a major fire broke out there.
According to the Delhi Fire Service, the landfill witnessed a big fire Sunday evening due to the gases produced in the massive mountain of waste.  Complaints of throat and breathing irritation were received from several residents who live close to the landfill.
"Our teams are there and are working to douse flames completely. The fire call was received on Sunday evening at 5.22 pm. Initially we had sent two fire engines, but later eight fire engines were pressed into service," said an official of the DFS.
—PTI

Massive fire at Ghazipur landfill prompts urgent response from Delhi Fire Service. Residents report health issues as smoke continues to billow from the site.

Ghazipur fire: Smoke still coming from landfill; residents complain of breathing issues

Washington: Warner Bros Pictures Animation is set to take audiences on wild adventure with the adaptation of Animal Planet's beloved documentary series 'Meerkat Manor' into a feature film. Drawing inspiration from the success of franchises like 'Happy Feet', the studio aims to bring the charming meerkats of the Kalahari Desert to life in a whole new way, Deadline has confirmed. Originally aired on Discovery's Animal Planet in 2005, 'Meerkat Manor' quickly became a fan favourite, captivating audiences with the trials and triumphs of the Whiskers family. With its storytelling and cinematography, the Emmy-nominated documentary series reached millions of households worldwide. According to a report by Deadline, the upcoming animated adaptation will utilize photoreal animation techniques to recreate the magic of the original series, providing audiences with a visually stunning and immersive experience. The film is being produced by Seth Green and Tracy Falco of The Green Room, with original series creator Caroline Hawkins and Clare Birks of Oxford Scientific Films serving as executive producers. Bill Damaschke, President of Warner Bros Pictures Animation, expressed his excitement about the project in an interview obtained by Deadline. "We look forward to creating a photoreal animated family adventure for the next generation and seeing our meerkat friends make their feature film debut in a way they've never been seen before," he stated. With production underway and anticipation building, creator Caroline Hawkins shared her delight at the prospect of seeing her beloved characters on the big screen "Warner Bros is the natural home for this movie, and I am delighted to be partnering with Tracy, Seth, and Bill whose visionary expertise is second to none." —ANI

Warner Bros Pictures Animation is set to take audiences on wild adventure with the adaptation of Animal Planet's beloved documentary series 'Meerkat Manor' 

Warner Bros To Adapt Emmy-Nominated Series 'Meerkat Manor' Into Animated Feature

Mandi (The Hawk): A research team from the Indian Institute of Technology Mandi has achieved a significant breakthrough in sustainable agriculture with the development of natural polymer-based multifunctional smart microgels. These microgels are engineered for the slow release of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizers over an extended period, presenting a promising solution to enhance crop nutrition while minimizing environmental impact. As global populations surge towards an estimated 10 billion by 2050, ensuring food security becomes increasingly critical. Agriculture plays a pivotal role in meeting this demand, with fertilizers playing a significant role in boosting crop productivity. However, the inefficiency of traditional nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizers, with absorption rates as low as 30% to 50% and 10% to 25%, respectively, poses challenges in optimizing agricultural output while minimizing environmental impact. Modern agriculture heavily relies on fertilizer applications to meet the escalating food demand of a growing population. While fertilizers are essential for providing nutrients to plants and improving crop yields, their effectiveness is often compromised by factors such as gaseous volatilization and leaching. Consequently, excessive fertilizer application not only leads to high costs but also has adverse effects on the environment, including groundwater and soil contamination, as well as human health hazards. Therefore, developing technological alternatives that prolong fertilizer release is imperative to facilitate a shift towards sustainable agriculture practices. The findings of this comprehensive research have been published in the prestigious journal ACS Applied Materials &amp; Interfaces from American Chemical Society. The research work was led by Dr. Garima Agrawal along with her team including Ms. Ankita Dhiman, Mr. Piyush Thaper and Ms. Dimpy Bhardwaj from School of Chemical Sciences, IIT Mandi. The research was funded by the Science and Engineering Research Board, Government of India and the Department of Science &amp; Technology, Government of India. Explaining the motive of the study, Dr. Garima Agrawal, Assistant Professor, School of Chemical Sciences, IIT Mandi, said, “We have developed natural polymer-based multifunctional smart microgels for the slow release of urea over a longer period. These microgels also act as a potential source of phosphorus for plants and are cost effective, biodegradable and environment friendly.” Further Dr. Agrawal added, “The microgel formulation is eco-friendly and biodegradable, as it is made with natural polymers. It can be applied by mixing it into the soil or by spraying it on plant leaves. Recent studies with maize plants have shown that our formulation greatly improves maize seed germination and overall plant growth compared to pure urea fertilizer. This sustained release of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers helps crops thrive while cutting down on fertilizer use.” These findings pave the way for sustainable agriculture, offering a promising solution to optimize nutrient supply, enhance crop yields, and mitigate environmental challenges associated with traditional fertilizers.

 A research team from the Indian Institute of Technology Mandi has achieved a significant breakthrough in sustainable agriculture 

IIT Mandi Researchers Develop Biodegradable Polymeric Microgels For Sustainable Agriculture

Brussels: The world just experienced its warmest March on record, capping a 10-month streak in which every month set a new temperature record, the European Union's climate change monitoring service said on Tuesday.
Each of the last 10 months ranked as the world's hottest on record, compared with the corresponding month in previous years, the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) said in a monthly bulletin.  The 12 months ending with March also ranked as the planet's hottest ever recorded 12-month period, C3S said. From April 2023 to March 2024, the global average temperature was 1.58 degrees Celsius above the average in the 1850-1900 pre-industrial period.  "It's the long-term trend with exceptional records that has us very concerned," C3S Deputy Director Samantha Burgess told Reuters.  "Seeing records like this - month in, month out - really shows us that our climate is changing, is changing rapidly," she added.  C3S' dataset goes back to 1940, which the scientists cross-checked with other data to confirm that last month was the hottest March since the pre-industrial period.
Already, 2023 was the planet's hottest year in global records going back to 1850. Extreme weather and exceptional temperatures have wreaked havoc this year.  Climate change-driven drought in the Amazon rainforest region unleashed a record number of wildfires in Venezuela from January-March, while drought in Southern Africa has wiped out crops and left millions of people facing hunger.  Marine scientists also warned last month a mass coral bleaching event is likely unfolding in the Southern Hemisphere, driven by warming waters, and could be the worst in the planet's history.  The primary cause of the exceptional heat were human-caused greenhouse gas emissions, C3S said. Other factors pushing up temperatures include El Nino, the weather pattern that warms the surface waters in the eastern Pacific Ocean.  El Nino peaked in December-January and is now weakening, which may help to break the hot streak toward the end of the year.  But despite El Nino easing in March, the world's average sea surface temperature hit a record high, for any month on record, and marine air temperatures remained unusually high, C3S said.
"The main driver of the warming is fossil fuel emissions," said Friederike Otto, a climate scientist at Imperial College London's Grantham Institute.  Failure to reduce these emissions will continue to drive the warming of the planet, resulting in more intense droughts, fires, heatwaves and heavy rainfall, Otto said.
—Reuters

Record-breaking March caps a 10-month streak of unparalleled global warmth, signaling urgent climate change concerns. Scientists warn of intensifying extreme weather.

March marks yet another record in global heat

Nilgiris (Tamil Nadu): Fear gripped residents in the Yelenahalli town of Ooty after a bear and a leopard strayed into the residential area of the city in the early hours of Saturday. The CCTV footage of the residential area shows the leopard and bear straying into the premises.
After the development, villagers have demanded that the forest department officials track the animals and cage them.
The hill district of the Nilgiris has 65 per cent of forest area, populated with many wild animals including elephants, tigers, leopards, bears, and bison. Poultry farms in and around these localities attract leopards in nearby forests who venture into the residential areas and also hunt the dogs and goats of the village.  Footage of the wild animals has created fear amongst the villagers who are now afraid to come out of their homes in the evenings.
—ANI

Residents of Yelenahalli, Ooty on edge as bear and leopard sightings raise safety concerns. Calls for action from forest department.

Tamil Nadu: Bear, leopard spotted in residential area of Nilgiris

Mariana Islands [Northern Mariana Islands]: An earthquake of magnitude 6.7 on the Richter scale was recorded in Mariana Islands on Friday, National Center for Seismology (NCS) said. According to the NCS, the tremors were felt at 16:33:20 Indian Standard Time (IST). The depth of the quake was at the depth of 266 km.
<a href="https://twitter.com/NCS_Earthquake/status/1776209579560652866?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1776209579560652866%7Ctwgr%5E74d20c44803dd753d400e9145058e47c2930cbff%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.aninews.in%2Fnews%2Fworld%2Fothers%2Fearthquake-of-magnitude-67-strikes-mariana-islands20240405180444" target="_self">https://twitter.com/NCS_Earthquake/status/1776209579560652866?</a>
"Earthquake of Magnitude:6.7, Occurred on 05-04-2024, 16:33:20 IST, Lat: 19.03 &amp; Long: 145.44, Depth: 266 Km, Location: Mariana Islands," NCS posted on X.
—ANI

NCS reports magnitude 6.7 earthquake in Mariana Islands at 16:33:20 IST with tremors felt at 266 km depth.

Earthquake of magnitude 6.7 strikes Mariana Islands

Antananarivo: A tropical cyclone that swept across the island of Madagascar this week killed at least 11 people and displaced thousands more, according to the country's disaster management office.
Tropical cyclone Gamane, which crossed the northeast of Madagascar on Wednesday and Thursday, displaced more than 18,000 people with three others still missing, the National Bureau of Risk and Disaster Management (BNGRC) said in a report late on Thursday.  Gamane made landfall north of Vohémar in northeast Madagascar on Wednesday morning with average winds of 150 km per hour and gusts of 210 km per hour, BNGRC said.
It slowly dissipated on Thursday afternoon while still over land, the disaster management office said, having dumped heavy rain and caused flooding in many localities.  Roads and bridges collapsed in the north of Madagascar, BNRGC said.  Photographs posted on the disaster management office's Facebook page showed its personnel wading in knee-deep water as they helped residents retrieve belongings from their flooded homes.
Gamane is the first this year in Madagascar's cyclone and storm season.  Early last year, cyclone Freddy and tropical storm Cheneso killed at least 37 people and forced thousands from their homes.
—Reuters

Cyclone Gamane hits Madagascar, causing 11 fatalities, thousands displaced, and significant damage.

Madagascar cyclone Gamane kills at least 11, displaces thousands: Officials

Apart from humans and animals, trees and forests also have a very important contribution in maintaining ecological balance. In fact, forests are the natural habitat for many species of animals as well as a source of food. Oxygen is the most essential element for life on earth. It is the forests on earth which absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in large quantities and convert it into oxygen. Forests provide rainfall, control temperature, prevent soil erosion and protect biodiversity.They are helpful in preserving and in fact the biodiversity found on earth is due to forests. Forests play an important role in controlling the earth's temperature. However, due to indiscriminate deforestation across the world, the forests on Earth and the habitats of the animals living in them have reduced significantly. Due to the fires that occur every year, millions of hectares of forest and many species of animals are destroyed. According to a United Nations report, about one billion acres of forest area has been lost worldwide in the last three decades.R has been destroyed. Till a few decades ago, about fifty percent of the earth's land area was covered by forests, now it is reduced to only thirty percent. If forests continue to be destroyed at this pace, it will decrease further. According to environmental experts, decreasing number of forests will have a direct impact on biodiversity. While this will have a deep impact on the water cycle, soil conservation and biosphere in the times to come, there will also be a threat to the habitat of animals and the irregular weather will have dire consequences. Due to indiscriminate cutting of forests on earth,Along with 'global warming' the intensity of natural disasters is continuously increasing. Forests act like the lungs of the earth, which absorb pollutant gases like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, ammonia, ozone etc. from the atmosphere and release vital air into the atmosphere. This is the reason why 'International Forest Day' or 'World Forestry Day' is celebrated every year at the global level with the aim of making people aware of the importance of forests, getting society's contribution for their conservation and promoting tree plantation.Is. For this, a theme is determined every year by the United Nations General Assembly, which is chosen by the Collaborative Partnership on Forests. This year its theme has been set as 'Forest and Innovation'. This theme highlights the important role of technology and creative approaches in protecting, managing and restoring forests and places special emphasis on the important role played by innovation. If we look at the contents from the beginning till now, between 2014 and 2021 the international forestThe themes of the day are 'Our Forests, Our Future', 'Forests, Climate Change', 'Forests and Water', 'Forests and Energy', 'Forests and Cities', 'Forests and Education', 'Forests and Biodiversity' respectively. ', 'Forest Restoration: Pathway to Recovery and Well-Being' and 'Forests and Sustainable Production and Consumption' have been put forward. India mainly has evergreen forests, mangrove forests, coniferous forests, deciduous forests, temperate forests. Evergreen forests are also called rain forests, which are found in high rainfall areas in India like the Western Ghats, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and North-East India.Are. In these areas, trees grow together and form such a roof that sunlight cannot reach the ground and hence a large number of trees and plants grow on the ground. Mangrove forests grow in deltaic areas and along the banks of rivers and grow easily in salty and fresh water along with soil carried by the rivers. Coniferous forests with fairly straight and tall trees with pointed leaves are found mostly in low temperature areas such as the Himalayan Mountains. of these treesThe branches are inclined downwards, so snow cannot remain on their branches. Deciduous forests are found in areas with moderate rainfall, where rainfall occurs only for a few months. When monsoon arrives, when there is heavy rain and sunlight reaches the ground, these forests grow rapidly and they grow densely during the monsoon itself. The leaves of these trees fall during summer and winter seasons and new leaves start growing on them in the month of Chaitra. Plants like date palm, cactus, hawthorn and small, thick and waxy plants.Thorny forests with thick leaves are found in areas with low moisture, whose fibrous roots are deeply embedded in the soil. In these forests, thorny trees are located far apart, which conserve water. Tropical forests are found near the equator, while temperate forests are found at medium altitudes and boreal forests near the poles. Since 1987, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate publishes a report every two years taking stock of the status of forests and trees in the country. After 2019 in 2022In the 'Seventeenth India Forest Status Report 2021' released by the Ministry, it was said that the area of ​​forest and tree covered land across the country would increase by 2261 square kilometers in the two years between 2019 and 2021. Although an increase of 5188 square kilometers was recorded in forest and tree cover in 2019 as compared to 2017, in that respect the increase between 2019 and 2021 was quite less. According to the report, the forest covered area in the country has now reached 809537 square kilometers. According to the new survey report, now 24.6% of the total geographical area of ​​the country2 percent of the land area is covered with forests and trees, whereas in the National Forest Policy - 1988, a target was set to cover 33 percent of the total land area of ​​the country under forest cover, that is, we are still far away from the target. At the 2021 Glasgow Climate Conference, more than a hundred countries had pledged to impose a complete ban on deforestation by the year 2030. Due to indiscriminate deforestation and increasing pollution, many glaciers around the world are now on the verge of extinction and the threat of 'global warming' is continuously increasing, due to which in the last few yearsBig changes are being seen in the weather all over the world. This is the reason why the whole world has started feeling the dire need to unite and take meaningful initiatives to stop the destruction of forests.&nbsp;
 —Vijay Garg

Dive into the critical importance of forests for ecological balance, oxygen generation, and biodiversity.

Challenge of saving forests

Erode, Tamil Nadu: A 74-year-old man was trampled to death by a wild elephant in the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve here on Tuesday morning, forest officials said.
According to villagers of Diginarai in Thalavady forest range located within Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR) here, Mathiya (74) of Geerahalli area, went to a private land on Monday night to carry out his duties as a watchman of the land to prevent the entry of wild animals which would damage the standing crops.
Early today morning, he noticed an adult elephant entering the land, and burst crackers to scare it. However, the tusker retaliated and trampled him to death on the spot, forest officials said.  Hearing the elephant's trumpet and Mathiya's cries, the locals rushed to the spot where they found him motionless with injuries from the trampling.  They immediately contacted the forest officials, who rushed to the spot. Further details are awaited.
—PTI

74-year-old man tragically killed by a wild elephant in Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve while trying to protect crops.

Septuagenarian trampled to death by wild elephant in Tamil Nadu's Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve

Brussels (Belgium): In a serious concern for the world, ocean temperatures hit a record high and marked the warmest February on record globally, Al Jazeera reported, quoting scientists in the European Union. According to the report, the average global sea surface temperature stood at 21.06 degrees Celsius (69.91 degrees Fahrenheit) in February, surpassing the previous record of 20.98 C (69.77F) set in August 2023, in a dataset that goes back to 1979, the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) said on Thursday. The average air temperature in February was 13.54 C (56.4F), 1.77C (3.18F) warmer than the pre-industrial average for the month. It marked the ninth consecutive month that was the warmest on record for the respective month of the year. Earlier, January had also been recorded as the warmest first month of the year, surpassing the previous warmest January in 2020, as per C3S's records going back to 1950. Last month, after scientists warned of the hottest January on record as the world continued a run of exceptional heat fuelled by climate change, C3S Deputy Director Samantha Burgess said, "Rapid reductions in greenhouse gas emissions are the only way to stop global temperatures increasing." Al Jazeera reported that the C3S scientists said while the El Nino climate pattern continued to weaken in the equatorial Pacific in February, marine air temperatures remained at an unusually high level. Marine scientists warned this week that a fourth global mass coral bleaching event is likely unfolding in the Southern Hemisphere, driven by warming waters and possibly the worst in the planet's history. Corals bleach under heat stress, expelling the colourful, helpful algae that live in their tissues, leaving behind a pale skeleton. This makes them vulnerable to starvation and disease, and many die. This can lead to the collapse of fragile reef ecosystems, with coastlines left unprotected from erosion and storms and fisheries falling short. El Nino, borne out of warmer than usual surface waters in the Eastern Pacific, alongside human-caused climate change, is fueling the extra heat. "What is more surprising is that sea surface temperatures are at record levels over regions far away from the centre of the El Nino action, such as the tropical Atlantic and Indian Ocean," said climate scientist Richard Allan of the University of Reading. This, he said, pointed to the strong influence of rising greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere, Al Jazeera reported. While the global average sea surface temperature record excludes the polar oceans, things are in bad shape there, too. Antarctic sea ice reached its annual minimum extent in February, registering its third-lowest extent on record at 28 percent below average. —ANI

In a serious concern for the world, ocean temperatures hit a record high and marked the warmest February on record globally

Global Hot Streak Continues: Oceans Break High-Temperature Record In February

Mindanao [Philippines]: An earthquake of magnitude 6.0 on the Richter scale struck Mindanao in Philippines on Friday, the National Centre for Seismology said. The depth of the earthquake was measured at 140 km.
According to the NCS, the tremors were felt at about 14:41:47 IST. "Earthquake of Magnitude:6.0, Occurred on 08-03-2024, 14:41:47 IST, Lat: 5.81 &amp; Long: 126.90, Depth: 140 Km, Location: Mindanao, Philippines," the NCS said in a post on social media.
—ANI

Magnitude 6.0 earthquake strikes Mindanao, Philippines on March 8, 2024. Depth: 140 km. NCS confirms tremors felt widely.

Earthquake of magnitude 6.0 strikes Mindanao in Philippines

Qinghai [China]: The National Center for Seismology (NCS) reported a magnitude-5.0 earthquake striking the Qinghai region of China. Following the event, the NCS took to Twitter (@NCS_Earthquake) to issue an official alert, urging individuals to stay informed and take necessary precautions. The tweet provided essential details about the earthquake.
<a href="https://twitter.com/NCS_Earthquake/status/1765686810775040425" target="_self">https://twitter.com/NCS_Earthquake/status/1765686810775040425</a>&nbsp;
In an official post on X, the National Center for Seismology tweeted, "Earthquake of Magnitude: 5.0, Occurred on 07-03-2024, 15:36:32 IST, Lat: 33.73 &amp; Long: 93.34, Depth: 180 km, Region: Qinghai, China. @KirenRijiju @Ravi_MoES @Dr_Mishra1966 @ndmaindia @Indiametdept @moesgoi," Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating response efforts to address any potential aftermath.
—ANI

5.0 magnitude earthquake hits Qinghai, China. NCS issues alert with details and calls for precautions.

China: Earthquake of magnitude 5 hits Qinghai, National Center for Seismology urges for necessary precautions

New Delhi (The Hawk): The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 (53 of 1972), provides the legal framework for the protection of various species of wild animals, management of their habitat and also for the regulation and control of trade in the products derived from various parts of wild animals. The Act was last amended in 2022. The Wild life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022 has come into force since 1st April 2023. Section 49 M of the Act provides for registration of possession, transfer and birth and reporting of death of living scheduled animal species which are listed in the Appendices of CITES and as such listed in the Schedule IV of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has noti?ed the Rules for the purposes of Section 49 M vide Gazette Noti?cation dated 28th February 2024. All persons possessing a living specimen of an such animal species are required to apply for registrations of such possession within a period of six months from the date of commencement of these rules and thereafter within thirty days of possession of such animal species to the concerned State Chief Wild Life Warden, through the PARIVESH 2.0 portal (https://parivesh.nic.in/parivesh-ua/#/). Further, any transfer of possession and birth of o?springs of such specimen(s) shall also be registered and death of such specimen(s) shall be reported, to the concerned Chief Wild Life Warden through the said PARIVESH 2.0 portal in accordance with these Rules.

The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 (53 of 1972), provides the legal framework for the protection of various species of wild animals

Environment

Delhi’s Najafgarh trends as hottest in country, Met flags heatwave alert in North till May 21

The Hawk

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