Aboul Gheit said that migration to and from the Arab region contributes to shaping the social and economic reality of the region…reports Asian Lite News
Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, affirmed that the Arab world is one of the regions directly affected by the major threats of climate change and natural disasters.
He noted that Arab and global awareness of environmental migration issues has increased over the past decade, which was reflected in the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration.
Aboul Gheit highlighted the valued Arab efforts and initiatives presented during the last two sessions of the Conference of Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which were held in the Arab region, specifically in Egypt and the UAE.
He said this in his speech during the Second Regional Review Conference of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration in the Arab region, held today at the headquarters of the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States. The conference was attended by Amy Pope, Coordinator of the United Nations Network on Migration and Director-General of the International Organisation for Migration, and Rola Dashti, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA).
Aboul Gheit said that migration to and from the Arab region contributes to shaping the social and economic reality of the region, its neighbourhood, and the world as a whole. It also gains special importance today more than ever in this region which hosts an estimated 41.4 million migrants and refugees and the origin of around 32.8 million migrants and refugees.
According to ASDMA officials, the flood also inundated over 39,451 hectares of crop areas in 2,800 villages….reports Asian Lite News
The flood situation in the northeastern state of Assam has further deteriorated as eight fresh deaths were reported, taking the toll to 46, an official said on Wednesday, adding over 15 lakh people have been affected so far.
An Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) official said that on Wednesday, two persons died in Sonitpur district and one each died in Dibrugarh, Darrang, Golaghat, Biswanath, Tinsukia and Morigaon districts.
According to ASDMA officials, the flood also inundated over 39,451 hectares of crop areas in 2,800 villages.
Over 11.20 lakh domestic animals were also badly affected in the current flood.
The Brahmaputra, Barak, and all their tributaries are flowing above the danger level in many places. The flood damaged 74 roads, 14 embankments, and 6 bridges.
The state government has opened 515 relief camps where around 26,000 people took shelter, while 359 more relief distribution centres are also functioning in different districts.
Many national and state disaster response forces teams have also been deployed for rescue and relief operations.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reviewed the flood scenario in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve on Tuesday.
The park authorities issued traffic diversions to ensure the safety of animals. The movement of heavy commercial vehicles through the park has been restricted.
Sarma also visited the flood-affected Golaghat district.
He said that several battalions of NDRF and SDRF were working to deal with the situation.
“We have taken help from the Indian Air force wherever required. We have decided to carry out a damage assessment and provide relief to the flood affected people by August 15,” the Chief Minister said.
He said: “To carry out this exercise, ministers will fan out in different districts and camp for three days. I will go to Barak Valley for a couple of days. In September-October, we will be able to allocate funds for the damaged infrastructure and get the same repaired by March next year.”
Heat-related deaths in the U.S. reached over 2,300 last year, likely an undercount…reports Asian Lite News
California sweltered on Tuesday, with heat alerts affecting nearly 90 million people across the U.S. during the Fourth of July holiday week. The National Weather Service attributed the extreme heat to high-pressure ridges off the West Coast and from Kansas to the Gulf Coast. Sacramento faced an excessive heat warning, expecting temperatures between 105-115°F (40.5-46.1°C) until Sunday, media reported.
In Butte County, about 70 miles north of Sacramento, crews battled the Thompson Fire amid scorching conditions, forcing 13,000 people to evacuate. The wildfire quickly grew to over 3 square miles with zero containment, as firefighters and helicopters worked to protect homes. Federal funding and state resources were mobilized to support firefighting efforts.
According to Associated Press report, residents struggled to cope with the intense heat. John Mendoza, 35, described it as a “firehose of heat,” resorting to frequent dips in the pool. Katherine Powers, a homeless woman in Sacramento, sought shade in Cathedral Square, finding it challenging to transport her belongings to cooling centers. Fairfield resident Darlene Crumedy relied on fans to stay cool, avoiding costly air conditioning.
Heat-related deaths in the U.S. reached over 2,300 last year, likely an undercount, according to an Associated Press analysis. Dr. Arthur Jey from Sutter Health emphasized the importance of avoiding heat stroke by staying hydrated, wearing loose clothing, and recognizing symptoms like severe headaches and profuse sweating.
The heat wave was expected to spread from north to south California, with interior areas like the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys facing the brunt. San Francisco saw highs in the upper 80s downtown but cooler temperatures at Ocean Beach.
PG&E implemented power shutoffs in parts of 10 counties to prevent wildfire risks from downed electrical wires, affecting about 12,000 customers. The Basin Fire in the Sierra National Forest, the largest current blaze, was 17% contained after burning over 21 square miles since June 26.
This surge in wildfires presents a challenge for President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s administration, as the number of fires rises despite a decline in deforestation….reports Asian Lite News
The Brazilian Amazon recorded 13,489 wildfires in the first half of this year, the worst figure in 20 years, according to satellite data released Monday, media reported.
This marks a 61 percent increase from the 8,344 fires detected during the same period last year, attributed to a historic drought that impacted the world’s largest tropical rainforest, AFP reported.
Since Brazil’s National Institute for Space Research began tracking this data in 1998, only 2003 (17,143) and 2004 (17,340) have seen more wildfires from January to June.
This surge in wildfires presents a challenge for President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s administration, as the number of fires rises despite a decline in deforestation.
Record-breaking wildfire numbers were also observed in two other biodiverse ecosystems south of the Amazon: the Pantanal and the Cerrado savanna.
The Pantanal, known for its rich wildlife including caimans, parrots, giant otters, and the world’s highest density of jaguars, recorded 3,538 wildfires in the first half of 2024 — a more than 2,000 percent increase from last year.
The Cerrado experienced almost as many fires as the Amazon during this period, with 13,229 wildfires recorded, it was reported.
The extreme heat has claimed the lives of at least six people, with another 87 deaths under investigation for potential heat-related causes…reports Asian Lite News
An intensive heat wave continued to grip much of the United States this weekend, triggering record-breaking temperatures and placing millions of people under heat alerts.
“A heat wave will continue over much of the eastern US south of a quasi-stationary boundary,” the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) said on Saturday.
“These temperatures remain the most anomalous and dangerous for early summer over portions of the Midwest/Ohio Valley east to the Mid-Atlantic,” the WPC said, according to Xinhua news agency.
“Conditions will remain hot from central to southern California,” it said, adding that “Highs on Sunday and Monday will range in the mid to upper 100s (degrees Fahrenheit).”
More than 115 million people across the United States are currently under active National Weather Service (NWS) extreme heat alerts, according to the National Integrated Heat Health Information System on Saturday.
A heat dome, caused by a high-pressure system trapping hot air near the ground, has settled over the Midwest and Northeast early this week, causing record-breaking temperatures in several cities. Phoenix, the capital of Arizona, has already experienced its hottest days of 2024 so far, with temperatures soaring to 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 degrees Celsius) this week. The first 19 days of June are the hottest on record for Phoenix. The average temperature in the city is 95.1 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius) this year, the hottest year out of 129 years of records, according to local news outlet Arizona’s Family.
This extreme heat has claimed the lives of at least six people, with another 87 deaths under investigation for potential heat-related causes, said the Maricopa County Public Health Department in the latest heat surveillance report on June 15.
Last year, Maricopa County, where Phoenix is located, experienced a devastating 645 heat-related deaths, a sharp increase from the 425 confirmed deaths for 2022, according to the county’s 2023 heat-related death report.
Much of California is also under heat advisories. These soaring temperatures will affect major cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco.
The NWS issued a heat advisory for Southern California, which is in effect till Sunday night. The advisory warns that temperatures are expected to reach up 90 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit (32.2 degrees Celsius to 37.8 degrees Celsius) and “hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses.”
The agency also noted that the temperature in Northern California’s Sacramento Valley could reach 107 degrees Fahrenheit (41.7 degrees Celsius). This heat wave exacerbates the already challenging wildfire season in California, where dry and windy conditions have fueled several large fires. Despite progress in containing some blazes, the forecast high temperatures for the weekend are expected to hinder ongoing efforts to combat wildfires that have already burned thousands of acres across the state, reported Xinhua news agency.
Wildfires have burned over 99,000 acres (about 400 square km) so far this year in California, according to the current emergency incidents data of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
On the eastern side, New York City is bracing for potentially the longest stretch of 90-degree Fahrenheit (about 32-degree Celsius) days in June on record, prompting the NWS to issue a heat advisory which is in effect till Sunday night.
Philadelphia, the largest city in Pennsylvania, has extended a heat health emergency through midnight on Sunday, according to the city’s Department of Public Health. Washington DC is also facing a heat emergency, with temperatures expected to exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit (about 38 degrees Celsius) on Sunday. It would surpass the previous record set in the 1980s and be the first time the district has reached triple digits since 2016, according to AccuWeather.
The Monsoon’s progress has been delayed, particularly between June 12 and 18, extending the period of high temperatures in northern India….reports Asian Lite News
The northern and eastern parts of India are enduring an extended and intense heat wave, significantly increasing the number of heat stroke cases and prompting the Centre to advise hospitals to establish special units for such patients, media reported. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a western disturbance might provide some relief in the coming days, though it is expected to be minimal.
The Monsoon’s progress has been delayed, particularly between June 12 and 18, extending the period of high temperatures in northern India. Temperatures have been soaring, with maximums ranging from 43 to 45 degrees Celsius in parts of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and north Rajasthan.
In Delhi, hospitals have seen a sharp rise in heat stroke and heat exhaustion cases, alongside several fatalities over the past two days. A senior police officer reported discovering 50 bodies of people from underprivileged backgrounds across the capital within the last 48 hours, though the exact cause of death remains unconfirmed. Delhi’s maximum temperature hit 43.6 degrees Celsius, exceeding the normal by over four degrees, while the minimum temperature was 35.2 degrees Celsius, the highest for June since 1969.
The Centre-run RML Hospital received 22 patients in the last two days, resulting in five deaths and 12 patients on ventilator support. At Safdarjung Hospital, 60 heatstroke cases were reported, including 42 admissions and six fatalities. LNJP Hospital authorities reported four suspected heatstroke deaths in the same period.
Union Health Minister JP Nadda reviewed the heatwave situation, directing central government hospitals to start special heatwave units. The Union Health Ministry’s advisory to states included guidelines for preparing health facilities and instructed state Nodal Officers under the National Programme for Climate Change and Human Health (NPCCHH) to submit daily data on heatstroke cases and deaths from March 1, 2024. The advisory emphasized maintaining digital records of heatstroke cases and deaths at health facility levels and investigating suspected heat-related deaths.
The IMD reported that heatwave to severe heatwave conditions prevailed across Uttar Pradesh, south Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Punjab, and parts of Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, and Jammu. A fresh western disturbance is anticipated to bring slight relief to the northern region, with potential light rainfall in Delhi on June 20. Light showers in Dehradun and thunderstorms in Shimla provided some respite in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.
Haryana saw Nuh recording 45.3 degrees Celsius, Faridabad 45 degrees Celsius, and Gurugram 43.6 degrees Celsius. Chandigarh experienced a maximum temperature of 43.1 degrees Celsius, while Punjab’s Sangrur and Pathankot recorded 44.8 and 44.3 degrees Celsius, respectively.
The intense heat has caused water shortages, with storage levels in reservoirs and rivers hitting record lows, affecting agricultural irrigation. Power grids are under severe strain, with an increase in short circuits and fires. The Northern Regional Load Despatch Centre (NRLDC) reported multiple tripping incidents on Monday, as power demand surged to 89.4 gigawatts (GW), leading to a supply gap of 16.5 GW in Haryana, Delhi, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Jammu & Kashmir.
Delhi’s peak power demand reached an all-time high of 8656 MW on Wednesday afternoon due to the massive use of air conditioners and other cooling appliances amid the relentless heat wave. The city has experienced temperatures above 40 degrees since May 12, with 16 days seeing the mercury reach or exceed 45 degrees.
The water crisis, exacerbated by the heat wave, led Delhi Water Minister Atishi to seek Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s intervention, threatening an indefinite hunger strike from June 21 if the issue remains unresolved. IMD officials highlighted that high minimum temperatures, or warm nights, worsen the impact of the heat wave, preventing the body from cooling down and leading to more nighttime fatalities.
India is facing one of its hottest summers, with multiple heat waves pushing millions to their limits and numerous states reporting heat-related deaths. The IMD noted that about 40 percent of the country has recorded twice the usual number of heat wave days. Rajasthan has reached 50 degrees Celsius twice recently, and Delhi has maintained temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius for 36 consecutive days.
Experts attribute the severe heat to climate change and the naturally occurring El Niño phenomenon, which involves unusual warming of the ocean surface in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. While heat waves are typical in India during April and May, climate change has intensified their frequency and severity. Data indicates that 12 of the warmest years in India have occurred since 2006, with 2016 being the hottest year on record. The World Weather Attribution Group stated that similar heatwaves, previously occurring every 30 years, have become about 45 times more likely due to climate change.
Nadda directs govt hospitals to set up heatwave units
Union Health Minister JP Nadda reviewed the heatwave situation across the country on Wednesday and instructed the establishment of special heatwave units in central government hospitals.
“Union Health Minister JP Nadda reviewed the heatwave situation across the country and preparedness of hospitals to deal with heatwave with senior officials of the Health Ministry, here today. The Health Minister has directed officials to ensure all that hospitals are prepared to provide the best healthcare to those affected by the heatwave. Nadda also directed for special heatwave units to be started in the central government hospitals,” as per a Ministry of Health and Family Welfare press release.
Under the direction of the Union Health Minister, an advisory has also been issued by the Health Ministry on Wednesday.
The heatwave situation and surge in heatstroke cases in the national capital have prompted an emergency response from Delhi and Central govt.
As per IMD, the maximum temperature of 43.6 degrees Celsius was recorded in the national capital on Wednesday.
Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj has directed all major hospitals to increase their bed capacity for patients suffering from heat-related illnesses.
Bharadwaj on Wednesday chaired an emergency meeting with heads of all major hospitals amid heatwave conditions and a surge in heatstroke cases in the national capital.
During the meeting, the Delhi Health Minister directed all major hospitals in the national capital to scale up their beds for patients with heat-related illnesses.
heatwave.
“Delhi Health Minister today chaired an emergency meeting with heads of all major hospitals amid heatwave conditions. He directed the hospitals to scale up their beds for patients with heat-related illnesses,” as per the Health Minister’s Office.
The Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) on Wednesday issued dos and don’ts to help citizens minimise the impact of the heat wave and prevent serious ailments or even death due to heatstroke.
As per the DDMA, citizens have been advised to avoid going out in the sun, particularly between 12 noon and 3 pm, which is when the sun’s rays are most intense.
The DDMA also recommends drinking plenty of water regularly, even if one does not feel thirsty, to stay hydrated.DDMA has also suggested wearing lightweight, light-coloured, loose, and porous cotton clothes to keep cool and using protective gear such as goggles, umbrellas or hats, and shoes or chappals while venturing out in the sun.DDMA has advised people to avoid strenuous activities when the outside temperature is high and to avoid outdoor work between 12 noon and 3 pm.
The DDMA has also advised people to carry water while traveling.
As the city battles the heatwave, the national capital’s peak power demand reached an all-time high of 8,656 MW at 3:06 pm, the highest ever in the history of the national capital, the State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC) data stated on Wednesday.
The national capital’s peak power demand clocked 8000 MW for the first time on May 22, 2024. Since then, Delhi’s peak power demand has crossed the 8000 MW mark on nine occasions.
Lok Nayak Hospital has reported that nine patients were admitted during the last one week due to heatstroke.
Out of these nine patients, four are currently on ventilator support due to critical conditions and multi-organ failure caused by heatstroke. He added that on June 16, a patient died due to heatstroke.
“Currently, 9 patients are admitted in LNJP hospital. Out of the 9 patients, 4 patients are on ventilator support due to their critical condition and multi-organ failure due to heatstroke. On June 16, a patient died due to heatstroke,” Medical Director of Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital, Suresh Kumar, told ANI.
According to Dr Ajay Shukla, Medical Superintendent of RML Hospital, 11 people were admitted to the hospital on Tuesday with heat stroke, the highest reported in a single day this season.
He said that since the beginning of the heatwave about a month or so ago at least 45 people have been admitted with heat-related ailments till date.
“A total of 22 patients have been admitted to the hospital and five have lost their lives due to suspected heatstroke. 12 patients are on ventilators and in critical situation. The majority of patients are labourers who work in extreme conditions,” the hospital official said.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department anticipates the arrival of the Monsoon around June 30, offering some respite from the extreme weather conditions.
“Monsoon is expected to hit Delhi-NCR around June 30. Even today, we can expect dust storms and light-intensity rainfall activity in Delhi,” IMD scientist Dr Naresh Kumar told ANI.
The heatwave has also impacted flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport, causing delays.
A senior official in the Ministry of Civil Aviation said that flight operations have been impacted because of high temperatures and following safety guidelines. Flights get delayed sometimes or wait for the wind speed to settle down.
Another senior official with a domestic airline said that during high temperatures, the air becomes thin.
Aircraft require lift to take off and lift is affected by the density of the surrounding air. The effects of hot air are felt most during takeoff and the initial climb. Sometimes passengers might feel mid-air turbulence due to this reason.
“In extreme weather conditions like high temperatures and wind speeds, we proceed only after clearance from the Air Traffic Control, (ATC),” said the official.
As per the IMD, heat waves are a period of unusually high temperatures as compared to what is normally expected over a region. Heatwave is considered if the maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40 degrees Celsius or more for plains and at least 30 degrees Celcius or more for Hilly regions.
Meanwhile, the flood situation in Assam’s Karimganj district is still grim as over 1.53 lakh people have been affected in the district.
The water levels of three major rivers of the district Kushiyara, Longai and Singla are flowing above the danger level mark and the flood waters submerged 225 villages in the district.
Mridul Yadav, District Commissioner of Karimganj district told ANI that, over 1.50 lakh people and 225 villages of the district have been affected by the deluge.
“Nearly 40 relief camps have set up in different revenue circles areas where around 12,000 people are taking shelter. Around 54,000 animals have also been affected and the flood waters submerged crop areas also,” Mridul Yadav said. (ANI)
Delhi’s peak power demand first hit 8000 MW on May 22, 2024, and has surpassed this mark 8 times since…reports Asian Lite News
The extreme heatwave continues to push Delhi’s power demand northwards. According to the State Load Dispatch Centre data, at 3:22 PM on Tuesday, Delhi’s peak power demand clocked 8,647 MW. It is the highest ever in the history of the national capital.
Delhi’s peak power demand clocked 8000 MW for the first time on May 22, 2024. Since then, Delhi’s peak power demand has crossed the 8000 MW mark on 8 occasions.
Before the records of 2024, Delhi’s previous high of 7695 MW was recorded on June 29, 2022.
Last year, Delhi’s peak power demand was 7438 MW. Tuesday marks the 30th day in a row when Delhi’s peak power demand has crossed the 7000 MW mark. Delhi’s peak power demand never crossed 7000 MW during the month of May 2023 and crossed the 7000 MW mark in May only once in 2022.
It is also important to remember that barring last year, when Delhi’s demand peaked in August, it usually peaks during late June and early July. But the trend has changed this year. The surge in power demand can be attributed to weather conditions that led residents to use more air conditioning and coolers, leading to an increase in electricity consumption.
The Ministry of Power has also undertaken comprehensive measures to meet the highest ever peak national power demand of 250 GW during the ongoing summer season, amidst challenging weather conditions across the country.
According to a Ministry of Power press release, on June 17, 2024, the Northern Region alone recorded its highest peak demand of 89 GW, which was successfully met despite the prevailing heatwave.
The unprecedented demand in the Northern Region, exacerbated by a prolonged heatwave since mid-May, prompted the Ministry to implement a strategic approach to ensure uninterrupted power supply. Notably, the region managed to meet its peak demand by leveraging inter-regional power imports, accounting for 25 to 30 per cent of the total requirement. (ANI)
Power ministry asks utilities to be on alert
Ministry of Power has undertaken comprehensive measures to meet the highest ever peak power demand of 250 GW during the ongoing summer season, amidst challenging weather conditions across the country.
According to Ministry of Power press release, on June 17, 2024, the Northern Region alone recorded its highest peak demand of 89 GW, which was successfully met despite the prevailing heat wave.
The unprecedented demand in the Northern Region, exacerbated by a prolonged heat wave since mid-May, prompted the Ministry to implement a strategic approach to ensure uninterrupted power supply.
Notably, the region managed to meet its peak demand by leveraging inter-regional power imports, accounting for 25 to 30% of the total requirement.
Directives have been issued to Imported Coal Based (ICB) plants to maintain continuous generation support. This measure is to stabilize power availability by utilizing coal resources efficiently.
To enhance power generation capacity during peak demand periods, the Ministry has optimized maintenance schedules for generating units.
Efforts are focused on minimizing forced and partial outages across thermal and hydro power stations to ensure maximum operational uptime.
Hydroelectric stations have been advised to conserve water during peak solar hours and maximize generation during non-solar hours.
This strategic management aims to balance the grid load effectively and sustain power availability throughout the day.
In a bid to augment power supply, gas-based power plants have been directed to provide continuous grid support under Section 11 of the Electricity Act, 2003.
Additionally, approximately 860 MW of additional non-NTPC gas-based capacity has been secured through competitive bidding specifically for the summer season.
The National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) has also readied around 5000 MW of its gas-based capacity to meet immediate system requirements.
To optimize surplus power availability, un-requisitioned power from generating stations is being made available through market mechanisms.
Furthermore, states have been encouraged to utilize the PUShP portal to tie up with surplus power capacities available in other regions, ensuring efficient utilization of resources.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Power remains vigilant as heat wave conditions in North-West India are forecasted to ease from 20th June onwards, potentially alleviating strain on power demand.
However, the strategic measures implemented during this period are expected to strengthen the resilience of India’s power infrastructure against future climatic challenges. (ANI)
A newly-constructed bailey bridge at Sangkalang collapsed, severing the connection between Mangan and the towns of Dzongu and Chungthang. …reports Asian Lite News
At least six people have been killed and 1,500 tourists stranded due to massive landslides triggered by incessant rainfall in northern Sikkim’s Mangan district, officials reported on Thursday.
A newly-constructed bailey bridge at Sangkalang collapsed, severing the connection between Mangan and the towns of Dzongu and Chungthang. The landslides have blocked roads, inundated or damaged houses, and swept away electricity poles.
Towns such as Dzongu, Chungthang, Lachen, and Lachung, known for tourist attractions like Gurudongmar Lake and Yumthang Valley, have been cut off from the rest of the country.
“Three persons each died in Pakshep and Ambhithang villages,” said Mangan District Magistrate Hem Kumar Chettri.
Several houses in Geythang and Nampathang were also damaged. A relief camp has been set up in Pakshep for displaced residents, Chettri added.
Chettri held a meeting with officials to assess the situation and instructed them to carry out rescue and relief operations. Mobile network services in North Sikkim were affected, and a request has been made for an SDRF team to bring rations to Mangan.
The collapsed bridge at Sangkalang was constructed after the major flood in the Teesta river in October last year. Authorities have advised stranded tourists to stay where they are until alternative road connections can be established. Efforts to construct a bridge at Phidang to restore connectivity are underway.
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, who is currently in Arunachal Pradesh, has directed local authorities to ensure a swift response to the disaster. “Efforts are underway to provide every possible support to the victims and affected families, including recovery assistance, temporary settlement, and the provision of basic needs,” Tamang said. He pledged the state government’s full support to those affected and will return to Sikkim to oversee the rescue and relief efforts personally.
Meanwhile, the Teesta river is rising, posing a threat to low-lying areas such as Singtam town. In Namchi district, the river’s surge has marooned the Melli stadium. Nearly 50 people were killed in the flash flood that hit Sikkim last October.
The progress in renewable energy is further underscored by the increase in its share within India’s power capacity mix, which reached around 43 per cent by the end of fiscal 2024…reports Asian Lite News
India is experiencing a transformative wave of investments in its infrastructure, driven by strong economic growth and robust government support. According to recent reports from Moody’s Ratings and ICRA, the country is set to witness substantial capital inflows into both the energy and transportation sectors, reinforcing its commitment to a sustainable and well-connected future.
Moody’s Ratings has highlighted the immense financial commitment required for India’s energy transition. The nation aims to significantly expand its renewable energy capacity, targeting an impressive 500 gigawatts (GW) by 2030.
To achieve this, Moody’s estimates that an investment ranging from USD 190 billion to USD 215 billion will be necessary over the next seven years.
Furthermore, an additional USD 150 billion to USD 170 billion will be required for upgrades in electricity transmission, distribution, and energy storage.
Abhishek Tyagi, Vice President and Senior Credit Officer at Moody’s, said, “The sizeable pipeline of announced projects will keep the financial leverage of renewable power companies rated by Moody’s high over the next 2-3 years, a credit negative, but the leverage of government-related issuers will remain moderate over the same period, given their relatively strong balance sheets.”
He also noted that while coal will continue to play a significant role in electricity generation over the next decade, the robust pipeline of projects and stable government policies will support the credit quality of energy companies, particularly those related to the government, which will maintain moderate leverage due to strong balance sheets.
“We expect the strong growth in India’s renewable energy capacity to continue, although coal will remain a major source of electricity generation over the next 8-10 years,” Tyagi said.
The progress in renewable energy is further underscored by the increase in its share within India’s power capacity mix, which reached around 43 per cent by the end of fiscal 2024.
The sustained policy support is crucial for India to achieve its 2030 transition targets and the ambitious goal of net-zero emissions by 2070.
ICRA, an affiliate of Moody’s in India, has forecasted a substantial rise in investments across various transportation infrastructures, including roads, ports, and airports.
This surge is expected to be fueled by solid government backing, escalating capital expenditures, and a broad pipeline of upcoming projects.
The Ministry of Roads, Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has significantly increased its budgetary allocation for the road sector, which now stands at Rs 2.7 lac crore for fiscal 2025, marking an over eightfold increase in the past decade with a 22 per cent compound annual growth rate.
Girishkumar Kadam, Senior Vice President and Group Head of Corporate Ratings at ICRA, predicted that road construction would grow by 5 per cent to 8 per cent, reaching 12,500 km to 13,000 km in fiscal 2025, following a robust 20 per cent expansion in fiscal 2024.
Kadam said, “India’s road construction will likely grow 5 per cent-8 per cent to 12,500 km-13,000 km in fiscal 2025, following a robust expansion of around 20 per cent in fiscal 2024. This pace of execution will be supported by a healthy pipeline of projects, increased government capital outlay and greater focus on project completion by MoRTH.”
India’s maritime infrastructure is also set for substantial growth under the Maritime India Vision 2030. The plan aims to enhance port capacity and infrastructure over the next decade, though it may lead to increased competition and pricing pressures due to potential supply-demand mismatches in some regions.
ICRA anticipates a 6 per cent to 8 per cent increase in cargo volumes in the current fiscal year, driven by healthy growth in the container and coal segments, despite potential challenges from slower global trade and geopolitical tensions.
Airport infrastructure is another critical area of focus, with anticipated investments of Rs 55,000 crore to Rs 60,000 crore over the next three to four years.
These investments will fund projects like new greenfield airports, brownfield developments, and expansions of existing airports under the Airports Authority of India.
This development is expected to boost passenger traffic by 8 per cent to 11 per cent, reaching around 407 million to 418 million passengers in fiscal 2025, supported by increased leisure and business travel, improved connectivity, and a rise in international travel.
Additionally, ICRA foresees significant investments in data centers, driven by rapid digitalization and favorable policy measures.
An estimated Rs 1.5 lac crore will be invested in this sector over the next five to six years. However, ICRA cautions that the addition of large capacities and growing competition could moderate returns for companies in the sector. (ANI)
Officials said the reopening follows a significant cleanup operation, where crews extracted approximately 50,000 tonnes of steel and concrete from the Patapsco River…reports Asian Lite News
US authorities have completely reopened the primary shipping route to the Port of Baltimore following an extensive cleanup endeavour, a few months after the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which killed six workers.
In a news release on Monday evening, officials said the reopening follows a significant cleanup operation, where crews extracted approximately 50,000 tonnes of steel and concrete from the Patapsco River, reports Xinhua news agency.
On March 26, a container ship collided with one of the bridge’s support columns, causing six road workers who were on their overnight shift to fill potholes on the bridge to fall to their deaths.
The cargo ship that hit and destroyed the bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, had experienced a loss of electrical power and propulsion before the incident, according to a preliminary report released by the US National Transportation Safety Board in May.
The US Coast Guard classified the accident as a major marine casualty.
The Port of Baltimore, known for handling the highest volume of cars and agricultural machinery in the nation, remained practically shut down for several weeks during the removal of the wreckage.
In recent weeks, crews managed to gradually reopen sections of the deep-draft channel, allowing for the resumption of some commercial traffic.
