Environment

Early Surge and Weather ChallengesOver the first five days of this year’s Amarnath Yatra, more than 40,000 devotees have braved continuous heavy rainfall to reach the 3,888‑metre-high cave shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva in Jammu and Kashmir’s Himalayas. Despite monsoon-induced adversities across the trekking routes, the faith-driven pilgrimage has seen a spectacular surge of participants…

Scorching Heat Redefines Kashmir’s ClimateKashmir, once a serene summer haven, is enduring an unprecedented heatwave that has shattered temperature records. Srinagar recorded highs of nearly 35.5°C, marking the hottest June day in two decades, with minimums climbing to record levels as well. The Valley’s usual mid‑20s range has been replaced by a relentless summer environment,…

EIA Downplays Seismic ThreatsThe Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) for the ₹72,000-crore Great Nicobar Infrastructure Project, aimed at building a transhipment port, airport, power plant, and township, has significantly underplayed the region’s seismic vulnerabilities. Despite the Andaman and Nicobar Islands being located in high-risk seismic zone V, the EIA report presents minimal analysis of potential earthquake-triggered…

Sudden Deluge Strikes Before DawnIn the early hours of July 4, south-central Texas, part of the scenic Hill Country northwest of San Antonio, was hit by a catastrophic flash flood when intense thunderstorms dropped up to 10 inches (250 mm) of rain in mere hours. The swollen Guadalupe River surged more than 22 feet in about two hours,…

Relentless Rains Devastate the HillsHimachal Pradesh has been battered by an intense monsoon spell that began in mid-June, with heavy rains escalating since June 20. The downpours, punctuated by cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides, have left the state grappling with loss of life and massive destruction. Official records indicate at least 37 people have died,…

A Heatwave Like No OtherEurope is currently grappling with an intense, record-breaking heatwave that has swept across the continent since late May 2025, driven by a persistent high-pressure “heat dome.” Temperatures have climbed well past 40 °C in countries unaccustomed to such heat, with Spain hitting 46.6 °C in Mora on June 29 and France reaching highs of…

Heatwave with Deadly PotentialA scorching heatwave sweeping across England and Wales this week is projected to prematurely claim almost 600 lives, according to real-time scientific analysis. The toll, anticipated between Thursday and Sunday, is driven mainly by soaring temperatures that increase health risks for the elderly and vulnerable populations. London and the West Midlands are…

A Game-Changing InvestmentDelhi’s Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has launched a sweeping ₹8,000 crore plan to rejuvenate the Yamuna River and overhaul the city’s sewage and drainage infrastructure. The initiative is part of the 2025–26 Delhi Budget, reflecting what officials describe as a “multi-pronged mission” to ensure clean water, modern sewage systems, and ecological revival along…

Unrelenting Heatwave Across North India North India is enduring an intense heatwave, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing red alerts for Delhi, Punjab, and Rajasthan. Temperatures have soared to hazardous levels, causing widespread discomfort and health concerns. In Delhi, the mercury has reached 45°C, with the heat index making it feel as high as…

A Green Tribute to Mothers On June 5, 2025, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched the second phase of the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign in New Delhi, coinciding with World Environment Day. This initiative encourages citizens across India to plant a tree in honour of their mothers, combining environmental conservation with personal tribute. The…