A new study reveals that glaciers in Ladakh's Zanskar region are moving slower than 30 years ago, indicating a significant impact of climate change. The study found that glaciers slowed by 2.4 m/year per decade and surface thinning increased from 0.22 m/year (2000-2005) to 0.57 m/year (2015-2020). This slowdown, caused by thinner ice exerting less driving force, has long-term implications for the Indus basin, which relies on glacier melt for summer river flows. While initial melting might temporarily increase runoff (peak water), a substantial decline in meltwater contributions is expected as glaciers lose stored ice, posing risks to water security, agriculture, and hydropower.
- Glaciers in Ladakh's Zanskar region are slowing down, a direct consequence of global warming.
- The pace of glacier thinning has significantly increased over the past two decades.
- Glacier slowdown impacts the Indus basin's long-term water security, despite potential temporary increases in runoff.
A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, killing at least 111 people and injuring 87. The quake, with its epicenter in San Jose Del Palmar, caused widespread destruction in rural Choco and other regions, trapping residents under collapsed buildings. Two aftershocks of magnitudes 2.8 and 4.8 followed. The tremors were also felt in neighboring Ecuador and Panama. President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a national emergency, and international aid, including Copernicus satellite services, was mobilized to support rescue and recovery efforts. The event underscores the region's high seismic risk and the need for strong disaster preparedness.
- A 7.4 magnitude earthquake caused significant casualties and destruction in western Colombia.
- The earthquake's epicenter was in San Jose Del Palmar, about 400 km west of Bogota, and was followed by two aftershocks.
- Colombia's location at the interaction of the Nazca, Caribbean, and South American Plates makes it a seismically active zone.
This review of Anisha Shekhar Mukherji's 'The Storied Life of Daryaganj' explores the rich history and cultural significance of Daryaganj, Delhi. The book traces the area's evolution from a Mughal-era settlement to a vibrant literary and commercial hub, particularly famous for its Sunday book market. It delves into the diverse communities, architectural heritage, and the unique blend of past and present that defines Daryaganj. The review praises the book's meticulous research and evocative narrative, offering readers a deep insight into Delhi's urban development and the importance of preserving historical and cultural spaces.
- Daryaganj is a historically and culturally significant area in Delhi.
- The book 'The Storied Life of Daryaganj' chronicles its evolution from Mughal times to a modern hub.
- The Sunday book market is a prominent cultural feature of Daryaganj.
Assam's recent devastating floods, which claimed 98 lives, are not solely due to extreme rainfall but are significantly intensified by human activities like mining, quarrying, deforestation, and jhum cultivation. These practices destabilise hill slopes, making them vulnerable to erosion and landslides, particularly in the upper reaches of the Dikhow River in Nagaland. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasised the need for 'national solutions' with scientific interventions, rather than merely declaring it a 'national problem.' The long-term environmental degradation has worsened the impact of the deluge, highlighting the inadequacy of current flood management strategies like embankments.
- Assam's floods are exacerbated by human activities such as deforestation and mining in upstream areas.
- Environmental degradation destabilises slopes, increasing erosion and landslides.
- The Chief Minister calls for science-backed 'national solutions' for flood management.
Human engineering and land-use changes have significantly intensified flood risks on China's Yangtze River over the past 500 years. While flood frequency peaked during the Little Ice Age (1500-1850), recent human interventions have made floods more severe. Embankments, for instance, increased the intensity of '100-year floods' by 18%, and lake reclamation contributed an 8% increase. These findings highlight how projects intended to control floods have paradoxically worsened their impact, underscoring the complex interplay between human activities and natural disasters.
- Human interventions have exacerbated flood risks on the Yangtze River over centuries.
- Embankments and lake reclamation have significantly increased flood intensity.
- Engineering projects designed for flood control have, in some cases, worsened their impact.
The West Bengal Cabinet has approved the transfer of over 33 acres of land to the Border Security Force (BSF) for border fencing and related infrastructure at nine locations, along with additional land for three new Border Outposts. This decision addresses a significant bottleneck in the long-delayed India-Bangladesh border fencing project, which has faced issues like land acquisition disputes, difficult terrain, and legal complications. West Bengal shares the longest international border with Bangladesh, making its fencing crucial for national security. The move follows a Calcutta High Court order and aims to enhance border surveillance and curb cross-border crimes, while balancing security needs with local livelihoods.
- West Bengal has approved the transfer of over 33 acres of land to the BSF for border fencing and infrastructure.
- This decision resolves a major bottleneck in the long-delayed India-Bangladesh border fencing project.
- West Bengal shares the longest border with Bangladesh, making its fencing critical for national security.
India is highly vulnerable to landslides, especially during the monsoon season, with the Western Ghats and Himalayas being particularly susceptible. The article attributes this vulnerability to a combination of geological factors, human activities like deforestation and construction, and the impacts of climate change. It emphasizes the need for robust early warning systems, comprehensive land-use planning, and effective mitigation measures. The piece highlights that while some states have made progress, a national, integrated approach is crucial to minimize the loss of life and property from these recurring natural disasters.
- India is highly vulnerable to landslides, particularly in the Western Ghats and Himalayan regions during monsoons.
- Causes include geological factors, human activities like deforestation and construction, and climate change.
- Early warning systems and comprehensive land-use planning are crucial for mitigating landslide risks.
Europe is experiencing an unprecedented summer marked by relentless and intense wildfires, largely attributed to climate change. The article details the widespread destruction of forests and agricultural land, impacting livelihoods and ecosystems. It highlights the role of climate monitoring services like CAMS in tracking these events and the importance of international cooperation through mechanisms like the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. The situation underscores the urgent need for robust climate action, improved disaster management strategies, and cross-border collaboration to mitigate the devastating effects of extreme weather events.
- Europe is facing unprecedented wildfires, driven by the impacts of climate change and extreme weather conditions.
- The fires are causing extensive destruction to forests, agricultural land, and ecosystems.
- International cooperation and mechanisms like the EU Civil Protection Mechanism are crucial for managing these large-scale disasters.
Cross-border trade between India and China through Shipki La, an ancient Silk Route connecting India with Tibet, resumed on Saturday after a six-year gap. Himachal Pradesh Revenue and Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi flagged off 16 traders towards Shipki village in Tibet. The trade will operate on a barter system, and a modern trade mart (Chhuppan Trade Mart) was inaugurated to facilitate it. The Minister highlighted that the resumption of trade would boost the economy of border areas, create employment opportunities, and strengthen commercial activities in the region.
- Cross-border trade between India and China has resumed via Shipki La after six years.
- Shipki La is part of the ancient Silk Route connecting India with Tibet.
- The trade will primarily operate on a barter system.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted below-normal rainfall for August, with precipitation expected to be less than 94% of the long period average. This forecast also extends to the second half of the southwest monsoon season (August-September). While some parts of peninsular, central, eastern, and northwestern India might receive normal to above-normal rainfall, maximum temperatures are expected to remain above normal across most of the country. Moderate El Niño conditions are likely to strengthen, though a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) could develop in September, potentially aiding monsoon rains.
- IMD predicts below-normal rainfall for August, less than 94% of the long period average.
- The forecast also indicates below-normal rainfall for the second half of the southwest monsoon season.
- Maximum temperatures are expected to be above normal across most of the country.
Pickaxe Mountain (Kuh-e Kolang Gaz La), a geological formation in Iran's Karkas Range, is drawing international attention due to suspected nuclear program facilities. U.S. President Donald Trump recently hinted at potential strikes on this area. The mountain's volcanic geology, part of the Urumieh-Dokhtar magmatic belt, makes it a natural fortress. It consists of dense, mechanically strong volcanic rocks like andesite and rhyolite, dissected by numerous faults. This complex structure complicates both excavation and potential bombing efforts, as stress waves can scatter. The region's rugged landscape and surrounding maritime chokepoints further enhance Iran's geo-strategic position, making any ground campaign difficult.
- Pickaxe Mountain in Iran's Karkas Range is suspected to house part of Iran's nuclear program, drawing attention from the U.S.
- The mountain's volcanic geology, characterized by dense and fractured rocks, makes it a natural fortress.
- Its complex geological structure, including andesite and rhyolite rocks and numerous faults, complicates both excavation and potential military strikes.
A sudden explosion of suspected methane trapped in rocks killed 25 workers in an under-construction Head Race Tunnel (HRT) of NHPC's 500 MW Teesta Stage VI Hydropower Project in Samardung, Sikkim. Preliminary reports suggest the workers hit methane-trapping rocks during drilling, causing the flammable gas to explode upon mixing with air and encountering an ignition source. Methane deposits are common in the Himalayan belt due to ancient organic matter decomposition and geological formations. The incident underscores the fragility of the Himalayas, prone to tectonic instability, earthquakes, and landslides, exacerbated by heavy construction, tourism, and climate change. Previous projects in Sikkim have also suffered due to extreme weather events and geological instability.
- A methane explosion in the Head Race Tunnel of NHPC's Teesta Stage VI Hydropower Project in Sikkim killed 25 workers.
- The incident is attributed to workers hitting methane-trapping rocks during drilling, leading to an explosion.
- Methane deposits are found in the Himalayan belt due to ancient organic matter decomposition and fragile geological formations.
A study published in Cell Genomics has revealed the existence of a previously unknown ancient Himalayan people through DNA analysis of human remains found in a Ladakh cave. The findings challenge the theory that the region was settled by a single migration from Tibet. Instead, the study suggests a more complex demographic history, with distinct genetic lineages present in the Himalayas. The remains, dating back to 2,800 years ago, show genetic links to both ancient Tibetans and early agriculturalists from the Indus Valley, indicating multiple waves of migration and intermingling. This discovery provides new insights into the peopling of the Himalayas and the genetic diversity of its inhabitants.
- Ancient DNA analysis from human remains in a Ladakh cave revealed a previously unknown Himalayan people.
- The study, published in Cell Genomics, challenges the theory of a single migration from Tibet to settle the region.
- Genetic analysis indicates a complex demographic history with links to both ancient Tibetans and early Indus Valley agriculturalists.
India dismissed Pakistan's allegations that it was deliberately causing floods in Pakistan's Punjab province by increasing water flow from the Chenab river, calling the reports "baseless." The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that India continues to share "high-flood data" with Pakistan on "humanitarian grounds," having done so 23 times in 2025 alone. MEA officials stated that the non-operational status of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) has not impacted water-related cooperation between the two countries, emphasizing India's commitment to humanitarian data sharing despite the political context.
- India refuted Pakistan's allegations of deliberately causing floods in its Punjab province.
- The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that India shares "high-flood data" with Pakistan on humanitarian grounds.
- Water-related cooperation has not been affected by the non-operational status of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).
Exceptional heavy rainfall in Gujarat, driven by a low-pressure system and a western disturbance, has virtually wiped out India's monsoon rainfall deficit for July. As of Friday, national rainfall for July matched the normal. However, cumulative monsoon rainfall from June 1 to July 24 remained 16.1% below normal nationwide, with East and Northeast India (E&NE) continuing to be the worst-performing region, experiencing a 31% deficit. IMD noted that while heavy rains occurred in the Northeast, it wasn't exceptional, as the monsoon trough was south of its normal position.
- Heavy rainfall in Gujarat has significantly reduced India's monsoon deficit for July.
- The rainfall was attributed to a low-pressure system from the Bay of Bengal and a western disturbance.
- Despite July's recovery, cumulative monsoon rainfall from June 1 to July 24 remains below normal nationally.
A report by the environmental monitoring network MapBiomas indicates that forest fires in the Brazilian Amazon fell to a historic low in 2025, after peaking the previous year. The burned area nationwide was also the smallest since 2018. This reversal from the critical situation of 2024, when an unprecedented drought and man-made fires engulfed the rainforest, is attributed to a delayed rainy season and reduced deforestation. The report also noted a "psychological factor" among communities in controlling outbreaks. While the Cerrado savanna continued to burn at similar rates, the report warns of a potential "super El Nino" this year, which could increase the risk of forest fires.
- Forest fires in the Brazilian Amazon reached a historic low in 2025, reversing the critical trend of the previous year.
- The reduction is attributed to a delayed rainy season and decreased deforestation.
- Community awareness and efforts also played a role in controlling fire outbreaks.
Manasbal Lake, Kashmir's deepest freshwater lake, is undergoing ecological recovery, evidenced by the return of migratory birds. Locals are optimistic about the increase in bird sightings between December 2025 and January 2026, prompting the Wullar-Manasbal Development Authority (WMDA) to organize a bird watching festival. Efforts to revive the lake, including removing accumulated weeds and dredging, have improved water circulation and biodiversity. The WMDA is also implementing water budgeting to manage the lake's carrying capacity and water volume scientifically, alongside a three-pronged approach to improve water quality, including a sewerage treatment plant and solid waste management plant.
- Manasbal Lake, the deepest freshwater lake in central Kashmir, is showing signs of ecological recovery.
- The return of migratory birds indicates improved environmental conditions in the lake.
- Weeding and dredging operations have significantly contributed to the lake's rejuvenation and biodiversity.
China's decades-long 'Three-North Protective Forest Program,' also known as the 'Great Green Wall,' has significantly reduced desertification across northern China. Millions of workers have used techniques like 'straw checkerboards' and irrigation systems to stabilize sand dunes and plant forests. This initiative has increased forest cover from 5% in 1978 to 14% in 2022, transforming vast regions. While measurable progress has been achieved, scientists caution that continuous efforts are necessary to sustain these gains, especially given ongoing challenges from climate change and human activities.
- China's 'Great Green Wall' project has significantly reduced desertification in northern regions.
- The program utilizes techniques like 'straw checkerboards' to stabilize sand dunes and promote plant growth.
- Forest cover in the program area has increased from 5% in 1978 to 14% in 2022.
Residents of border villages in Ladakh have informed a parliamentary panel that they have lost access to their traditional grazing grounds along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) since border tensions with China escalated in 2020. They emphasized that the continued presence of local communities in these frontier regions is vital for national security and requested controlled access to these lands. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) has built fortified structures and a moratorium on patrolling, following the violent Galwan clashes in 2020, has restricted access, severely impacting the livelihoods of nomadic pastoralists who depend on these grounds.
- Ladakh villagers reported losing access to traditional grazing lands along the LAC since 2020 border tensions.
- They highlighted that local communities' presence is crucial for national security in frontier regions.
- Chinese PLA's fortified structures and patrolling moratorium have restricted access.
A new study by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, reveals that nearly a quarter of the rain falling over the north Western Ghats during the southwest monsoon evaporates mid-air. This is the first observational estimate of raindrop evaporation over India, with the actual amount varying from 4%-61% daily. The evaporation process cools the sub-cloud layer, feeds downdrafts, and creates cold pools, reshaping convection and affecting rainfall predictions. Researchers used isotope ratios in rainwater and atmospheric vapour, read by a laser spectrometer, and a one-dimensional Below Cloud Interaction Model to calculate the evaporation rate. This finding is crucial for refining climate and monsoon models.
- Approximately 25% of monsoon rain over the north Western Ghats evaporates mid-air, according to an IITM Pune study.
- This is the first observational estimate of raindrop evaporation in India, with daily variations from 4% to 61%.
- Mid-air evaporation impacts atmospheric convection, cooling the sub-cloud layer, and influencing rainfall patterns.
The southwest monsoon has officially covered the entire country as of Thursday, July 9, a day later than its normal date. This nationwide coverage came 35 days after its arrival in Kerala on June 5. While the advance was slower than recent years, the July 9 date is not historically unusual. Despite a recent acceleration in progress and widespread heavy rainfall, the IMD forecasts below-normal rainfall for July, which is crucial for agriculture. India's current monsoon rainfall deficit stands at 15%, a significant improvement from 38% on June 30.
- The southwest monsoon covered the entire country on July 9, 2026, one day later than its normal date.
- The monsoon's progress accelerated in the past week, bringing heavy rains to many parts, including Delhi.
- IMD forecasts below-normal rainfall for July, a critical month for agriculture.
The Assam Forest Department released a special booklet highlighting the rich butterfly diversity in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR). The BTR, spanning 3,653 sq. km., boasts 346 of Assam's 620 recorded butterfly species, including rare, endemic, and threatened taxa. It serves as a unique ecological corridor where species from the Eastern Himalayas, Indo-Malayan region, and Indo-Gangetic plains converge. The booklet also notes the cultural significance of butterflies, inspiring traditional folklore and the Bodo community's "Bagurumba" butterfly dance, which is believed to be inspired by the colorful mud-puddling congregations.
- Assam's Forest Department released a booklet on the butterfly diversity in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR).
- The BTR is a significant biodiversity hotspot, home to 346 of Assam's 620 recorded butterfly species, including rare and endemic ones.
- It acts as a unique ecological corridor where different biogeographic zones meet.
The article highlights the Tungabhadra dam as a significant example of inter-State cooperation, following the recent inauguration of its spillway gates by Chief Ministers of Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and the Union Jal Shakti Minister. The dam is vital for irrigating 16.4 lakh acres across these three southern states. Despite a history of established water-sharing, new challenges are emerging, such as the Upper Bhadra project, which has become an irritant for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Additionally, excessive siltation has drastically reduced the dam's storage capacity, necessitating urgent measures for silt removal and rehabilitation, with the Union government assuring its commitment to monitor these projects for dam safety.
- The Tungabhadra dam exemplifies inter-State cooperation, crucial for irrigation in Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.
- It provides irrigation to a vast area of 16.4 lakh acres across the three southern states.
- New projects like the Upper Bhadra have emerged as irritants, potentially challenging existing water-sharing agreements.
A new dispute has arisen over transit routes in the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warning vessels to use only officially designated Iranian routes. This follows a unilateral announcement by certain authorities, without Tehran's consultation, of a new shipping route. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) had announced an evacuation plan based on an Oman-led plan, which Iran has disclaimed. The IRGC Navy described the new route as "unacceptable and extremely dangerous." While traffic has picked up since a ceasefire, with ships using both northern (Iranian) and southern (Oman/U.S. Navy coordinated) routes, experts hope for eventual cooperation between Oman and Iran, given Oman's historical role as a peacemaker.
- A fresh dispute has emerged regarding transit routes in the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran asserting control over officially designated paths.
- Iran's IRGC has warned against using a newly announced shipping route, calling it "unacceptable and extremely dangerous" due to lack of consultation with Tehran.
- The IMO had previously announced an evacuation plan based on an Oman-led initiative, which Iran has now disclaimed.