After the strongest solar storm in more than 20 years, the northern lights adorned the skies, giving the entire planet a beautiful show. Due to a strong G4 geomagnetic storm, weather journalist Nahel Belgherze reported hundreds of reports of Northern Lights across Europe. Experts explained this remarkable phenomenon as the result of an "extreme" geomagnetic storm that struck Earth, leading to safety measures to prevent possible disruptions to electrical systems, satellites, and aeroplanes. With 6.7 million views, the breathtaking auroras—which could be seen all the way to northern Ita
Alok Shukla's lifelong dedication to preventing coal mining in the lush forests of central India was a result of his strong ties to these regions. Shukla was awarded the esteemed Goldman Environmental Prize. His small victories and unwavering determination have characterised his journey. The 657-square-mile Hasdeo Aranya forest was in imminent danger due to coal mining, putting precious animals and native tribes at risk. Shukla responded with determination and speed. He educated the neighbourhood's residents about their legal rights and established the Save Hasdeo Aranya Resistance Committ
India surpassed Japan to become the third-largest generator of solar electricity globally in 2023 as a result of its rapid deployment. Following the global trend of solar energy growth, 5.8% of India's electricity came from solar energy in 2023, up from 0.5% in 2015. According to Ember's report, solar power has outpaced coal as the fastest-growing electricity source globally for the 19th year. In terms of the increase in solar generation worldwide in 2023, India ranked fourth. 75% of this growth came from the top four nations, which are Brazil, the US, China, and the US. Globally, solar
Renowned designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee made history by becoming the first Indian to grace the Met Gala carpet, showcasing his signature style and Indian heritage. His unforgettable performance highlighted both his brilliance and his commitment to culture. He looked well put together and elegant in an embroidered cotton duster coat from his Sabyasachi Resort 2024 line, worn with a white shirt and fitted beige trousers. He wore brown loafers, sunglasses, a matching belt, and jewels from his High Jewellery line, which included tourmaline, pearls, emeralds, and diamonds. The official Sabyas
India and its allies aim to regulate tourism in the Antarctic due to growing worries about its impact on the environment. The 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Conference (ATCM) and the 26th Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP) conference, which are both focused on this issue, will be held in Kochi, Kerala, from May 20 to May 30, at the Ministry of Earth Sciences. The Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Ravichandran, emphasised the pressing need for regulation and outlined the difficulties associated with uncontrolled tourism. India suggests more stringent regulations to
On Monday, the government of India announced its decision to permit the export of 14,000 metric tonnes of non-basmati white rice to Mauritius. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) informed people about this export allowance via a notification through the National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL). Although exports of non-basmati white rice have been prohibited since July 20, 2023, exceptions are granted to some nations with government clearance, mainly to meet their requests for food security. This is done to support domestic supplies. Following the announcement's protocol, NCE
Britain is embarking on a significant endeavour, investing £200 million to establish Europe’s first high-assay, low-enriched uranium (HALEU) production facility. This plant is essential to future nuclear energy initiatives that seek to improve energy security and achieve climate goals. Britain is establishing itself as a pioneer in nuclear energy innovation with a targeted nuclear power capacity of 24 gigawatts by 2050, which would account for a quarter of projected electricity consumption. By 2031, the HALEU factory in Cheshire should be operational and able to meet both domestic an
Scientists have uncovered Mexico’s Taam Ja’ Blue Hole (TJBH) as the world's deepest, reaching 1,380 feet below sea level. This discovery, revealed in Frontiers in Marine Science, is located in Chetumal Bay off the Yucatan Peninsula and surpasses the previous record-holder, the Dragon Hole in the South China Sea, by 480 feet. These incredibly deep Karst formations, which are the result of soluble bedrock dissolving, present a challenge to scientific research and push the bounds of knowledge. Blue holes are vertical marine caves that were left over from glacial discharge during the Ice A
Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams was all set for her third space voyage aboard the Boeing Starliner, scheduled for May 7. A technical issue has caused the launch to be delayed; however, no new date has been announced. Williams, born on September 19, 1965, has spent 322 days in space throughout two space missions since 1998. Known for her calm demeanour, she expressed a mix of excitement and readiness for the upcoming mission despite flying in a new spacecraft. Williams was chosen for NASA's commercial crew programme, which aims to certify the Starliner for future crew transport to t
New Zealand's Antarctic agency recently inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Germany's prestigious Alfred Wegener Institute, marking a significant stride in fostering cooperation in polar science. The foreign minister of New Zealand, Winston Peters, sought to strengthen links between polar and marine science institutions by highlighting Antarctica's growing geostrategic and scientific importance. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding took place during German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock's official visit to New Zealand, highlighting the significance of cooperation b