Central News Hub

Category: Environment

  • UN chief calls for carbon neutrality in shipping industry

    UN chief calls for carbon neutrality in shipping industry

    The industry currently contributes nearly 3% of global emissions….reports Asian Lite News

    UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for a strategy to achieve net zero emissions in the shipping industry by 2050.

    Speaking at the International Maritime Organisation’s meeting, he emphasized the need for science-based targets by 2030 and urged consensus among member states.

    The industry currently contributes nearly 3% of global emissions.

    “I urge you to leave London having agreed a Greenhouse Gas Strategy that commits the sector to net zero emissions by 2050 at the latest,” Guterres said in a video message.

    The session aims to set carbon-neutral goals for 2050 with interim targets for 2030 and 2040. Efforts to align with the Paris Agreement target of 1.5 degrees Celsius remain a challenge, but the IMO is hopeful for progress during the meeting.

    Low emission investments in APAC

    India and China are expected to drive the investment in low carbon emissions in the Asia Pacific Region (APAC), Moody’s Investor’s Service said in a report.

    The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that India will spend $53 billion and $87 billion of average annual investment in 2021-25 and 2026-30, respectively, to achieve the Stated Policy Scenario (STEPS) trajectory of emissions reductions, while China will spend $239 billion and $210 billion during the same period, Moody’s said.

    Moody’s added that bulk of the estimated investment will be allocated to clean energy and related projects.

    Growing availability of green finance, underpinned by diversifying funding channels and manageable costs, will bolster power companies’ energy transition and support their sizable financing requirements, the credit rating agency said in the report.

    Sustainable bonds, green loans, project bonds, and green funds are common in the sustainable finance plans of APAC’s power utilities.

    “We expect the renewable energy sector will continue to steer growth in sustainable bond markets given the governments’ decarbonisation commitments. Thermal power companies with well-defined energy transition strategies can potentially tap transition finance,” Moody’s said.

    “Coal-fired companies in the region face rising carbon transition risk but funding risk will be lower for utilities with credible transition plans. In the medium term, coal fired power will remain critical to many power sectors in the region,” the report noted.

    ALSO READ: SCO SUMMIT: Modi slams ‘double standards’ on terrorism

  • Hottest June kills fishes, threatens insects in UK

    Hottest June kills fishes, threatens insects in UK

    Water experts say that rivers and reservoirs, which provide much of the UK’s drinking water, are in a healthier position than the same time last year…reports Asian Lite News

    The UK’s hottest June on record caused unprecedented deaths of fish in rivers and disturbed insects and plants, environment groups have warned.

    Nature is being “pounded by extreme weather without a chance to recover”, the Wildlife Trusts said. The Met Office will say later on Monday if the high temperatures were linked to climate change.

    People also used more water with demand increasing by 25% at peak times in some areas, said Water UK. The Met Office said last week that provisional figures for June indicate that both the overall average and the average maximum temperatures were the highest on record.

    “The reports of the number of fish death incidents in rivers for this time of year has been unprecedented. I would normally expect rivers to be affected later in the summer when it’s hotter and drier,” Mark Owen, from the Angling Trust, said.

    In one case, sea trout were found dead on the River Wear in north-east England, he said. The deaths are partly caused by less oxygen in the water as river levels decrease. Fish also die when dried-up pollutants from cars and lorries on roads wash into rivers during flash storms.

    The Environment Agency said it received more reports of dead fish than the same time last year.

    Many flowering plants, including orchids, wilted in the high temperatures, meaning insects like bees and butterflies that feed on nectar and pollen will have less to eat, Ali Morse from the Wildlife Trusts said.

    Species with short lifespans are particularly badly affected. Many butterflies are adults for only a short time, and if they cannot access food in that period, it stunts the population.

    These impacts are more surprising considering the wet and cold spring and are earlier than last year, Morse added.

    “Every month seems to be the hottest, the driest, the wettest, or whichever record-breaking event it is. If we have a one-off pollution event or a wildfire, then there is normally time for nature to bounce back, but now it seems to be continually pounded by extreme weather,” she added.

    More frequent and more intense periods of warm weather are putting pressure on the UK’s environment and water supplies.

    As temperatures rise, people also use more water in their homes. Last July and August water companies supplied 1.2 billion litres more water than the same months in 2021, according to Water UK.

    People in Devon, Cornwall and parts of the south-east of England are under hosepipe bans.

    Water experts say that rivers and reservoirs, which provide much of the UK’s drinking water, are in a healthier position than the same time last year.

    But the dry weather is likely to have an impact on water supplies and if warm weather continues, those supplies could be depleted quickly.

    ALSO READ-Goa to host five important G20 meets in June

  • Canada bans testing of cosmetics on animals

    Canada bans testing of cosmetics on animals

    Canada will join the European Union, Australia, the United Kingdom (UK), and South Korea in outlawing the cruel practice of animal testing for cosmetics….reports Asian Lite News

    Canada has moved to prohibit animal testing for cosmetics, joining a number of other countries and American states in doing so, CNN reported.

    The decision was revealed by the Canadian government in a news release on Tuesday this week. According to the news release, Bill C-47 changes the Food and Drugs Act to prohibit both animal testing of cosmetic items and the sale of products based on animal testing data.

    With this new development, Canada will join the European Union, Australia, the United Kingdom (UK), and South Korea in outlawing the cruel practice of animal testing for cosmetics.

    Citing Humane Society International, an organisation that promotes the human-animal bond across the globe, CNN reported that a total of 44 countries have passed laws banning cosmetic animal testing.

    Furthermore, the practice is prohibited in ten states in the United States: New York, Virginia, California, Louisiana, New Jersey, Maine, Hawaii, Nevada, Illinois, and Maryland.

    “Protecting animals, now and in the future, is something that many Canadians have been calling for, and something we can all celebrate,” CNN quoted Canadian Minister of Health Jean-Yves Duclos as saying in the release.

    “We are proud to move forward with this measure and to assure Canadians that the products they buy are cruelty-free. We will keep working with experts and international partners to explore safe, cruelty-free alternatives so no more animals suffer and die due to cosmetic testing.”

    According to the announcement, Health Canada is also attempting to identify “effective alternatives to animal testing” outside of the cosmetic industry.

    Notably, cosmetic testing included “toxicity tests” in which animals were trained to swallow or inhale specific chemicals, or to have the chemicals applied to their skin or eyes. (ANI)

    ALSO READ: Canada wildfire smoke still blankets New York

  • Severe storms pose threat to July 4 festivities across US

    Severe storms pose threat to July 4 festivities across US

    On Sunday, 51 million people in the path risk experiencing severe thunderstorms from the afternoon through the evening….reports Asian Lite News

    As the extended July Fourth holiday weekend proceeds, severe storms are set to take aim across a wide swath of the US from New York and Pennsylvania down to Arkansas.

    The strongest storms will target Kentucky and Tennessee, potentially bringing damaging wind gusts of more than 65 mph and pingpong-ball-size hail — although a tornado or two can’t be ruled out, NBC News reported.

    On Sunday, 51 million people in the path risk experiencing severe thunderstorms from the afternoon through the evening. The risk area includes Nashville and Memphis, Tennessee; Louisville, Kentucky; Philadelphia; Baltimore; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Washington, D.C.

    Flooding was reported in Clinton County, New York.

    New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said rain over the past 12 hours led to dangerous conditions in certain areas, NBC News reported.

    “I am closely monitoring the situation and have directed my team to assist local officials however necessary,” Hochul said in a statement on Sunday.

    “We have already deployed personnel with the State’s Office of Emergency Management to monitor the situation and provide support to local leaders.”

    Scattered showers will persist throughout Sunday, with the strongest storms set to begin in Kentucky and Tennessee after 2 p.m. CT. The threat will persist into the evening and overnight as the line of storms shifts into the Appalachians.

    In Chicago, heavy rain caused delays at NASCAR Street Race Weekend.

    “We are in a holding pattern for the #GrantPark220 until conditions improve,” NASCAR tweeted on Sunday evening.

    The storm system will target the Carolinas and the mid-Atlantic region on Monday, affecting 29 million people in Philadelphia; Baltimore; and Charlotte and Raleigh, North Carolina. Damaging wind, large hail and a tornado or two will be possible, NBC News reported.

    As the July Fourth holiday approaches, the Northeast and the Southeast can expect scattered showers and temperatures in the 80s and the 90s, respectively.

    Around 63 million people coast to coast remained under heat alerts Sunday afternoon, including those living in Raleigh; Charlotte; Atlanta; Tallahassee, Florida; Montgomery, Alabama; New Orleans; Corpus Christi, Texas; Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona; Bakersfield and Sacramento, California; and Portland, Oregon.

    ALSO READ:

  • ‘Balochistan vulnerable to climate-induced disasters’

    ‘Balochistan vulnerable to climate-induced disasters’

    Wheat, cotton, and vegetables like peppers, garlic, and onions were among the crops that were devastated by the unusually high rains and hail…reports Asian Lite News

    In terms of climate-induced disasters, Balochistan remains one of the areas which is most susceptible to natural calamities, and also has one of the worst defences against those, reported The News International.

    Another period of heavy rain and violent hailstorms arrived before those impacted by the floods and torrential rains brought on by climate change in 2022 could begin to recover. Those affected by the 2022 floods and torrential rains triggered by climate change had yet to be rehabilitated when another spell of heavy rainfall and fierce hailstorms hit Pakistan.

    The hail destroyed a solar panel set on a tubewell in the Khuzdar district of Wadh, fractured a PVC pipe, and cracked windows on cars and stores.

    Several districts in Balochistan’s standing crops that were ready to be harvested were negatively impacted; they include the Khuzdar area of Wadh, Loralai, Zhob, Qilla Saifullah, Muslim Bagh, Ziarat, and Harnai, according to The News International.

    Wheat, cotton, and vegetables like peppers, garlic, and onions were among the crops that were devastated by the unusually high rains and hail. Additionally devastated were fruit crops like those of grapes, pomegranates, cherries, and apricots.

    A resident of Wadh, 55-year-old Ghulam Nabi, is a small land-holding farmer, and his only source of livelihood is farming on a few hectares.

    He said he has never seen such a hailstorm in his life and that, “This is the second year all our cotton and vegetable crops have been destroyed by unexpected rain and heavy hail,” he said.

    Nabi said the farmers should receive compensation from the provincial government and that there will be a food scarcity if this doesn’t happen, he added.

    In Balochistan, the flash floods of 2022 caused widespread devastation. There were 336 rain-related fatalities between June 1 and October 30, 2022, according to data from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA). 187 more people suffered injuries. 475,721.434,424 animals died as a result of flash floods that affected 3 acres of agricultural land, according to The News International.

    According to United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) more than 116,000 people in Balochistan are still registered as displaced. (ANI)

    ALSO READ: Balochistan on alert again

  • Heatwave kills 17 in Southern US

    Heatwave kills 17 in Southern US

    It is unknown whether the bodies are those of migrants…reports Asian Lite News

    At least 17 people have died from heat-related illnesses as a severe heat wave continued in Texas while spreading into other parts of the southern US.

    In Webb County, southern Texas, medical examiner Corinne Stern said that 11 residents over the age of 60 have died due to the abnormal heat, reports Xinhua news agency.

    “This is heat like we’ve not seen here before,” said Stern,

    “Deaths due to heat stroke are ruled as accidents, and accidents, by definition, are preventable deaths. All these deaths could have been prevented.”

    A 14-year-old boy from Florida died of heat-related fatigue in Big Bend National Park in Texas, when temperatures there rose to 48 degrees Celsius, the second-highest mark ever recorded in the state.

    Also among the confirmed victims were a 17-year-old hiker, a utility lineman, a postal worker all from Texas and two residents in the coastal state of Louisiana, local media reported.

    A Texas Tribune report said that since the heat wave gripped the state, at least nine inmates, including two men in their 30s, have died of heart attacks or unknown causes in prisons lacking air conditioning.

    It has been 11 years since the state’s prison system last classified a death as heat-related.

    According to Stern, the number of heat-related deaths also rose near the US-Mexico border in the past few weeks.

    Five bodies have been found since last week in a desert close to the Mexican border and near human smuggling zones in the Sunland Park area, New Mexico, the El Paso Times reported.

    It is unknown whether the bodies are those of migrants.

    The US National Weather Service forecast temperatures will likely reach 43 to 46 degrees on Thursday and Friday in Texas as the heat spreads into Arkansas, Louisiana, Kansas and Oklahoma.

    More than 150 heat records could be broken during the next six days.

    Power use in Texas hit an all-time high on Tuesday and is expected to set a new record in the coming days, said the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which is in charge of the state’s grid.

    More than 120 million people in the US were under various heat safety alerts on Wednesday, according to heat.gov, the web portal for the country’s National Integrated Heat Health Information System.

    Climate change is widely blamed for causing heat waves to be more intense, longer-lasting and more frequent. 

    ALSO READ-Europe’s heatwave is a strong warning

  • Heavy rainfall lashes parts of Mumbai, 2 killed

    Heavy rainfall lashes parts of Mumbai, 2 killed

    The BMC Disaster Control reported 22 instances of tree crashes, including two with fatalities (as above), 4 complaints of short-circuits, and six minor house-crashes in the city…reports Asian Lite News

    At least two persons were killed in rain-related incidents as Mumbai and surrounding districts were clobbered with torrential rains since Tuesday night, even as the road, rail and air traffic were largely unaffected, officials said on Wednesday.

    According to Mumbai Police, a 38-year-old man Kaushal Doshi was killed when a massive tree crashed on him at Mamledarwadi in Malad west.

    Another tree collapse was reported at Mithanagar in Goregaon west and 30-year-old Premlal Nirmal was killed, it said.

    In a shocker, a landslide occurred on a portion of the road near the Mumbai Metro Magathane station, near Borivali, causing minor damage but there were no casualties.

    The Western Railway, Central Railway and the Harbour Lines functioned normally despite heavy rains and reported no water logging on the train tracks on the entire suburban sections, officials said.

    According to the IMD, Mumbai city and suburbs notched a total of 77 mm rains each till 6 p.m. on Wednesday.

    The BMC’s weather stations have recorded 32 mm in the city, 84 mm in eastern suburbs and 83 mm in the western suburbs till 6 p.m.

    The incessant downpour resulted in waterlogging in many low-lying areas of the city and suburbs, ranging from ankle-deep to knee deep water, leading to massive traffic snarls reported across Mumbai.

    The BMC Disaster Control reported 22 instances of tree crashes, including two with fatalities (as above), 4 complaints of short-circuits, and six minor house-crashes in the city.

    A 17-year-old youth Rehan Shaikh was injured in a house wall collapse in Govandi and has been admitted to the Shatabdi Hospital. In Vikhroli, the BMC and police evacuated over two dozen slumdwellers after a landslide and mudslide due to the downpour and they shifted to their relatives’ homes though a private school was kept ready to house them.

    Facing flak from various quarters, the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) teams swung into action to clear the water but their efforts were hampered by the high tide in the Arabian Sea this evening at 7 p.m. with waves reaching 3.48 metres that pushed back the drainage water.

    Sporting an orange raincoat, BMC Commissioner Dr. I.S. Chahal and his team of officials stepped into the field for a spot assessment of the rainfall situation in several areas, including a portion of the Mithi River, the pumping station at Hindmata and underground water storage tanks.

    The downpour notwithstanding, the BMC has announced a 10 per cent water cut in the city from July 1, while Navi Mumbai will be slapped with a 15 per cent water cuts, said officials.

    A compound wall crash in an NRI complex in Navi Mumbai flattened around a dozen vehicles parked besides, including some high-end cars, and the rescue officials were deployed for the clearing operations.

    Large areas of Thane city – the hometown of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Badlapur, Bhiwandi, Kalyan, Dombivali and other towns – witnessed heavy rains with flooding in low-lying areas. The police, fire brigade, disaster teams and home guards were kept in readiness for quick deployment in any emergency as rains continue to pound Mumbai and surrounding districts.

    The IMD has sounded rainfall alerts of varying degrees for Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg in the coastal Konkan region over the next three days.

    ALSO READ-Lulu Group all set to enter Telangana 

  • Monsoon covers entire country, alerts issued

    Monsoon covers entire country, alerts issued

    Tomato prices have also skyrocketed in the southern state of Karnataka and its capital city Bengaluru as incessant rains have damaged the crop and made transportation difficult…reports Asian Lite News

    India Meteorological Department on Tuesday said that Monsoon has almost impacted the entire country and issued Orange, Yellow alerts for various parts of the country.

    While speaking to ANI, IMD scientist Soma Sen said,” The monsoon is active currently with its rapid advancement in the last 4-5 days. Leaving some parts of northwest India, the monsoon has impacted almost the entire country. Entire Gujarat and south-east Rajasthan have been covered by the monsoon. In the next two days, it is expected that south Punjab, Haryana and the remaining parts of Rajasthan will be covered.” The incessant rains have led to a flood-like situation in the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh which has disrupted the normal life of people.

    Earlier today, there is a possibility of rains for the next five days in Himachal Pradesh, and some places may receive heavy rains, said India Meteorological Department (IMD).

    “There is a possibility of rain for the next 5 days. Heavy rain alert continues at some places of the state,” said Sandeep Kumar Sharma, IMD scientist, Shimla.

    “It has been raining heavily and we are stuck inside the hotel rooms. Due to the rain, we could not go anywhere outside,” said Rahul, a tourist from Punjab.

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) also issued an orange alert for heavy rains in Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Nashik, Pune and Satara.

    Also, heavy rains lashed parts of Delhi on Tuesday.

    The downpour brought respite to common people from the sweltering heat. Heavy rain was witnessed at New Delhi’s ITO and other areas.

    The weather department had issued a yellow alert for Tuesday.

    Due to incessant rainfalls Tomato prices have recently shot up in the markets across the country from Rs 10-20 per kg to a price of Rs 80-100 per kg.

    Ajay Kedia, a Mumbai-based commodity market expert and head of Kedia Advisory said, “This year, for a variety of reasons, fewer tomatoes were sown than in prior years. As the price of beans surged last year, many farmers switched to growing beans this year. However, a lack of monsoon rains has caused the crops to dry out and wilt. The limited supply of vegetables, particularly tomatoes are due to crop damage caused by heavy rainfall and extreme heat.”

    Tomato prices have also skyrocketed in the southern state of Karnataka and its capital city Bengaluru as incessant rains have damaged the crop and made transportation difficult.

    The price of tomatoes touched Rs 100 per kg in a market in Bengaluru and traders said that due to heavy rain, the crops have been damaged.

    Tomato, sold at Rs 40 to 50 per kg a week ago in the UP’s Kanpur market is now being sold at Rs 100 per kg while in Delhi it is being sold at Rs 80 per Kg.

    In Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur, the acute shortage of essential vegetables is burning holes in common people’s pockets. The wholesale prices range from Rs 80-90 per kg, and the retail shops are selling tomatoes for Rs 100 per kg.

    According to vegetable vendors of a market in Kanpur, Karnataka, a major tomato supplier, saw heavy rains that destroyed the crops. The prices soared in just 10 days and are likely to increase further, the vendors added.

    According to the database maintained by the Price Monitoring Division under the Department of Consumer Affairs, per kilo tomato on average rose from Rs 25 to Rs 41 in retail markets. Maximum prices of tomatoes in retail markets were in the range between Rs 80-113.

    The rates of staple vegetables were in tune with the rise in their prices in wholesale markets, which jumped about 60-70 per cent on average in June. (ANI)

    ALSO READ-Monsoon arrives in Northern, Western parts; heavy rainfall likely

  • Monsoon arrives in Northern, Western parts; heavy rainfall likely

    Monsoon arrives in Northern, Western parts; heavy rainfall likely

    Conditions are favourable for further advance of Southwest Monsoon into some more parts of Gujarat, Rajasthan, remaining parts of Haryana and Punjab during the next 2 days…reports Asian Lite News

    As the monsoon reached the Northern and Western parts of the country, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday issued an alert for heavy rainfall in most parts of the country.

    “Active monsoon conditions are likely to continue over East-central, Northwest and West India over the next 4-5 days and the Southwest monsoon is likely to advance further into some more parts of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and the remaining parts of the Western Himalayan Region today, June 26,” the IMD said. In a press release, the agency stated further, ‘The Southwest Monsoon has further advanced into some more parts of north Arabian Sea, some more parts of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab, remaining parts of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, today, the 26th June’.

    Conditions are favourable for further advance of Southwest Monsoon into some more parts of Gujarat, Rajasthan, remaining parts of Haryana and Punjab during the next 2 days, IMD added.

    “For East and adjoining Northeast India, Fairly widespread to widespread light/moderate rainfall with isolated thunderstorms and lightning is very likely to continue over the region during the next 5 days. Isolated Heavy to Very Heavy falls are very likely over Odisha on 26th; over Assam & Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh on the 29th and 30th of June. Isolated heavy rainfall is also likely over parts of East India during the next 2 days and over northeast India during the next 5 days,” the Met agency said in a release.

    “For Northwest India, Light/moderate fairly widespread to widespread rainfall with isolated heavy falls is very likely over Western Himalayan Region and over the plains of northwest India during the next 5 days. Isolated Heavy to Very Heavy rainfall with Extremely Heavy Falls is very likely over East Rajasthan on 29th June, and heavy to very heavy rainfall on June 26, 27 & 28. Isolated heavy/heavy to very heavy rainfall very likely over Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh on 26th & 27th; over West Uttar Pradesh on June 26,” it added in the release.

    “For Central India, Light/moderate fairly widespread to widespread rainfall with isolated heavy/very heavy falls, thunderstorm & lightning over the region (Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh & Vidarbha) during next 3-4 days. Isolated extremely heavy rainfall very likely over Chhattisgarh on 26th; East Madhya Pradesh on 26th & 27th; West Madhya Pradesh on 27th and 28th and over Vidarbha on June 27,” it added.

    “For South India, Light/moderate scattered to fairly widespread rainfall during the next 5 days and isolated thunderstorms and lightning are very likely over the region during next 2 days. Isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is also likely over Kerala & Mahe on the 27th June. Isolated heavy rainfall also likely over Telangana on 26th; Coastal Karnataka during 26th to 30th; South Interior Karnataka on 29th & 30th June,” it stated.

    “For West India, light/moderate fairly widespread to widespread rainfall is very likely over the region during the next 5 days. Isolated Heavy to very Heavy rainfall is likely over Konkan and Goa, Gujarat State and Ghat areas of Madhya Maharashtra on June 26 to 30,” it added.

    IMD also issued Agromet advisories for rainfall, thunderstorms/gusty winds and heatwave over several parts of the country.

    The release further stated, “Make arrangements for draining out excess water from crop fields to avoid water stagnation in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Coastal Karnataka, Telangana and North Eastern States and provide staking to vegetables.”

    “Impact and Action Suggested due to extremely heavy/very heavy rainfall over Madhya Pradesh East Rajasthan during 26th-29th; Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand on 26th and 27th; West Uttar Pradesh and Haryana on 26th; Gujarat Region on 27th; Konkan & Goa, Madhya Maharashtra during 26th-28th June,” the IMD stated in its press release.

    Earlier today, due to the heavy rainfall experienced in various parts of Himachal Pradesh, the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation, urges tourists to prioritize their safety when planning a visit to the state.

    RS Bali, Cabinet Minister Rank and Chairman of Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Coorporation appealed to the tourists to go through the State Disaster Management Authority website before planning a visit.

    “The past 24 hours have witnessed substantial rainfall in HP, resulting in landslides on multiple routes leading to tourist destinations. As a result, tourists are advised to check the website of the State Disaster Management

    He further advised tourists to strictly follow guided trek routes as traffic congestion may eventually clear, the primary concern lies with tourists venturing onto unguided trek routes.

    The HPTDC Chief added, “Furthermore, tourists already in the state are cautioned against approaching rivers and hilly areas. Tourists should also gather information regarding road conditions before visiting their desired tourist spots”.

    Additionally, Bali emphasized that the tourists must ensure that the GPS function on their mobile phones is enabled at all times, allowing their location to be tracked throughout their journey.

    He advised them to avoid driving in conditions of mist, rain, and fog and make the most of their stay and travel experiences in the hills while also showing respect for the mountains’ sacredness.

    Meanwhile, due to the bad weather, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami issued instructions in view of rain and snowfall during the Char Dham Yatra and directed officials to be extra vigilant.

    “The government has stopped the Char Dham Yatra due to bad weather conditions en route. snowfall, rains and landslides have occurred at various places and traffic has been disrupted because of the same. We appeal to the travellers coming for Char Dham Yatra to continue their journey once the weather clears up,” said Pushkar Singh Dhami.

    The forecast by the Met Centre stated, “Heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places in Dehradun and Tehri Garhwal districts of Uttarakhand in next 24 hours. Thunderstorms and lightning will accompany the rains”.

    CM Dhami obtained information from the Disaster Control Room about the present weather condition, rain situation, water-logging and damages caused due to rain in the state. Haridwar received 78 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours, followed by Dehradun (33.2) and Uttarkashi (27.7), as per the India Meteorological Department.

    Instructing the officers, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that the districts under the state where heavy rains are continuing and there is a possibility of heavy rains further.

    Moreover, the bad weather has also affected Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Lalpur and Pakaria in Shahdol district in Madhya Pradesh.

    Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that PM Modi’s visit to Lalpur and Pakaria in Shahdol district has been postponed due to the possibility of heavy rains on Tuesday (June 27).

    Speaking to ANI, CM Chouhan on Monday said, “Due to the possibility of heavy rains tomorrow (June 27), PM Modi’s program scheduled in Lalpur and Pakaria in Shahdol district has been postponed. The program has not been cancelled, soon the new date of his visit will be decided according to the weather conditions. The arrangements for the program will also continue in Lalpur. PM Modi’s programs in Bhopal will remain the same.”

    According to the schedule, PM Modi is to visit the state on Tuesday to launch five Vande Bharat trains.

    Meanwhile, the approach road of a bridge connecting Meerut’s Hastinapur and Bijnor has washed away in the Ganges owing to the strong flow of water caused due to heavy rains. As a result, traffic in several villages has come to a standstill.

    Earlier today, six people have died and around 10 people have been injured in heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh that triggered landslides and flash floods in several places in the State, according to official estimates.

    Onkar Chand Sharma, Principal Secretary, Disaster Management, Himachal Pradesh today said, “Six people have died till now and around 10 people are injured. A total of 303 animals have died. The complete report is still awaited.”

    “The loss due to rain is expected to be Rs 3 crore. Meanwhile, 124 roads have been damaged which includes two national highways,” the senior Disaster Management official said.

    Long queues of vehicles were seen on the Chandigarh-Manali highway at 7 Mile in Mandi. Aerial shots showed vehicles moving at a snail’s pace or at standstill further ahead.

    Owing to severe weather conditions with incessant rain on Sunday, the Mandi-Kullu National Highway (NH) was blocked by the Mandi police. The alternative route of the Mandi-Joginder Nagar Highway was also blocked on Sunday by the local police.

    Meanwhile, District administration Ramban of Jammu and Kashmir has ordered for closure of all schools, upto class 10 for the day amid ongoing heavy rains across the district.

    Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ramban, Mussarat Islam ordered the closure of the schools up to class 10.

    “In view of heavy rains and the warning of flash floods, all schools up to the secondary level (Class 10) shall remain closed in Ramban district today (June 26). Teachers will attend to their duties,” Mussarat Islam said.

    A Meteorological Department (MeT) official said that from June 25 to 28, generally cloudy weather with intermittent light to moderate thunderstorms was expected in many places.

    Updating on the Monsoon in several states of India, IMD on Sunday informed that Southwest Monsoon has covered several states of India.

    Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of IMD said that the monsoon would move forward in the next two days.

    “Southwest monsoon is active now. It has covered the whole of Maharashtra including Mumbai. Monsoon has also arrived in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and parts of Haryana, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab and Jammu. It will move forward in the next 2 days and will cover other parts also,” Mohapatra said.

    “Southwest monsoon is active now. It has covered the whole of Maharashtra including Mumbai. Monsoon has also arrived in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and parts of Haryana, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab and Jammu. It will move forward in the next 2 days and will cover other parts also,” Mohapatra said.

    Earlier in the day, Monsoon arrived in Madhya Pradesh and an alert for heavy rains has been issued in some parts of the state.

    “Monsoon has arrived in Madhya Pradesh. There is a possibility of heavy rains in Bhopal, Katni, Raisen, Vidisha, Narmadapuram, Jabalpur, Shahdol, Seoni, Sagar, Sehore, Chhindwara, Balaghat and Betul on Monday,” said Pramendra Kumar, Meteorologist, IMD Bhopal.

    According to the met office, Betul recorded the highest rainfall of 120.6 mm while Gwalior recorded the minimum rainfall which is 0.1mm in the last 24 hours.

    Significantly, rains have been lashing several parts of the state resulting in heavy damage to the infrastructure. It also caused the blockage of several roads and highways. Due to incessant heavy rainfall in Gujarat’s Nadiad, it has also affected normal life. (ANI)

    ALSO READ: India summons Pak diplomat over attacks on Sikhs

  • SMEs key to climate goals: COP28 Prez

    SMEs key to climate goals: COP28 Prez

    Al Jaber highlighted the importance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in creating technologies…reports Asian Lite News

    Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and COP28 President-Designate, highlighted the importance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in creating technologies that create lasting positive change in vulnerable and remote communities, while helping to meet our climate ambitions and keep 1.5°C within reach.

    This was during a visit to M-KOPA, one of Africa’s fastest growing fintech platforms. M-KOPA is one of 106 past winners of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, the UAE’s pioneering award that recognises groundbreaking contributions across the fields of health, food, energy, water and climate action.

    During his visit, Dr. Al Jaber also met with former winner in the Prize’s Global High Schools category and current CEO of Mazi Mobility, Jesse Forrester, who updated the COP28 President-Designate on his e-mobility company, which operates a fleet of electric motorbikes and tuk-tuks.

    Dr. Al Jaber said, “The Global High Schools category was launched to inspire youth to realise their potential and encourage them to pursue careers in the field of sustainability. To see this come to fruition through one of our previous winners speaks volumes on the transformative impact of the Prize. Seeing first-hand what Jesse has built is truly inspiring and should serve as a model for other young entrepreneurs who want to change the world.”

    “Climate change poses a challenge across health, food, energy, and water, amongst other issues, and only by adopting an ‘all of the above’ approach can we hope to ensure a just transition that leaves nobody behind. SMEs represent 80% of global GDP but the vast majority have not even started their net-zero journeys.

    The Zayed Sustainability Prize is determined to empower those who strive to create value in the energy transition and demonstrate that climate action can lead to sustainable development. As we approach COP28, I am determined to empower the voices and perspectives of young entrepreneurs, like Jesse, and to ensure that we deliver practical solutions that can change the lives of millions more like him.”

    David Damberger, Managing Director of M-KOPA, said, “It was a privilege to receive Dr. Sultan Al Jaber today and showcasing the remarkable impact we have made through our sustainable solutions.”

    “Receiving the Zayed Sustainability Prize, marked a pivotal moment in our journey, and we are deeply grateful for the recognition,” he added.

    In its 15th year, the Zayed Sustainability Prize has transformed the lives of over 378 million people around the world by empowering 106 past winners to make a difference. Each winner in the Health, Food, Energy, Water and Climate Action categories receives US$600,000 to expand the scope and scale of their sustainability solutions. Six winners in the Global High Schools category each receive up to US$100,000. By empowering entrepreneurs to build their solutions, the Prize has to date awarded US$3.6 million.

    ALSO READ: UAE celebrates Yoga Day