Agriculture / The Times of India
The deaths of 1,300 pilgrims during the hajj in Saudi Arabia last year underscored the urgent need to mitigate dangers posed by extreme heat, with crowd management an essential first step, analysts say. - 'Extreme danger' - Authorities were pursuing heat-mitigation measures at holy sites long before last year's deaths.
Earth's average temperature in 2024 reached a record high, surpassing the 1.5 degrees Celsius limit set by the Paris Agreement. This increase, linked to fossil fuel emissions and El Nino impacts, is the first full-year breach of this benchmark. Experts warn about the long-term implications, emphasizing urgent action against climate change.
At least five people have died and over 1,000 structures have been destroyed by wildfires in the Los Angeles area. Fueled by Santa Ana winds, the fires led to extensive evacuations and poor air quality. The Palisades Fire is notably the most destructive in LA history, burning 25 square miles and affecting many homes and businesses.
DarkSky International acknowledges Franklin Mountain Energy's efforts in reducing light pollution at oil sites in New Mexico, including Carlsbad Caverns National Park. The lighting retrofits improve workplace safety and reduce electricity consumption. New Mexico is updating its 1999 law to combat increasing light pollution and protect night skies.
A powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake strikes near the Tibet-Nepal border, killing at least nine people. It causes building collapses and shakes regions across Bihar and North India. The quake's epicentre is in Tibet, about 93 km from Lobuche, Nepal. Two aftershocks were also recorded.
An orca named Tahlequah was seen carrying her dead newborn calf in Puget Sound, Seattle. This is the second time she has exhibited such behavior, previously doing so in 2018 for 17 days. This recent loss marks the second of her four documented calves. Another healthy calf has joined her endangered pod of about 70 members.
Canada Environment has issued a snow squall warning for Sault Ste Marie and St Joseph Island through Thursday, expecting heavy snowfall and reduced visibility. Predicted snowfall could reach up to 40 centimetres by Thursday night, with gusting winds worsening conditions. Motorists are advised to exercise caution due to hazardous travel conditions.
Some fascinating animals, including cephalopods like octopuses and squids, thrive without the ability to hear. Instead, they rely on their exceptional eyesight and sensitivity to water pressure changes to detect threats and prey. This adaptation demonstrates natures innovative ways of surviving and flourishing in diverse environments, proving that silence can be powerful.