Tag Archives: Climate Change

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Hyderabad Braces for Unusually Warm Makar Sankranti

Hyderabad Swaps Bonfires for Breezers: Unusually Warm Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti, a festival traditionally associated with bonfires and winter chills, is taking an unexpected turn in Hyderabad this year. The city is bracing for unusually warm weather, with temperatures significantly higher than the typical winter norms.

A Stark Contrast to the Past

Residents are accustomed to bundling up during Makar Sankranti, which marks the sun’s entry into the Capricorn zodiac sign. However, the past few days have seen above-average maximum and minimum temperatures, and meteorologists predict this trend will continue for the next five days.

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IMD’s Forecast: Hot and Misty

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts an average minimum temperature of around 19 degrees Celsius over the next five days, with highs exceeding 30 degrees Celsius. This is a significant departure from the usual Makar Sankranti weather, which is typically marked by chilly mornings and pleasant afternoons.

Saturday’s Scorcher Sets the Tone

On Saturday, Hyderabad experienced a minimum temperature of 19.4 degrees Celsius, surpassing the typical mark of 16.2 degrees Celsius. The day remained hot and humid, with a maximum temperature of 30.7 degrees Celsius and a relative humidity of 75%.

Similar Conditions Expected in Neighboring Districts

The unusual warmth is not limited to Hyderabad. Neighboring districts are also expected to experience above-average temperatures for the next five days.

What Does This Mean for Makar Sankranti Celebrations?

The unusually warm weather may dampen some of the traditional Makar Sankranti festivities. Bonfires, a popular way to ward off the winter chill, may be less appealing in the current conditions. However, residents can still enjoy other aspects of the festival, such as kite flying and feasting on traditional sweets.

Possible Reasons for the Warmth

The exact reasons for the unusual warmth are still being studied by meteorologists. However, it is likely that a combination of factors, such as El Niño and changes in atmospheric circulation patterns, are playing a role.

Impact on Agriculture and Public Health

The warm weather may have implications for agriculture and public health. Farmers may need to adjust their planting schedules, and people should take precautions to stay cool and hydrated.

Overall, the unusually warm Makar Sankranti in Hyderabad is a reminder of the changing climate. While it may disrupt some traditional festivities, it is also an opportunity to adapt and find new ways to celebrate this important festival.

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Kerala Reports 90% Fresh Covid-19 Cases In India

Kerala Witnesses Alarming Surge: 90% of India’s Fresh Covid-19 Cases; Omicron Variant Detected | Latest Updates and Implications

New Delhi: There has been a sudden spike in the number of COVID-19 cases in Kerala, with two deaths from the virus reported this month. According to official figures, the state reported 470 cases in November, and 825 new ones within the first ten days of this month, the highest in India.

Rising Cases in Kerala

The state of Kerala has witnessed a significant surge in COVID-19 cases, with 90% of the fresh cases in India being reported from the region. The numbers have escalated from 470 cases in November to a concerning 825 new cases in the first ten days of December, making it the highest in the country.

Underlying Causes

Patients admitted to hospitals with respiratory symptoms are testing negative for H1N1 but positive for Covid-19, according to Dr. Sunny P. Orathel, the state hospital medical superintendent. He notes that, in some cases, symptoms persist for a month or two, and the current aggravation might be linked to atmospheric pollution and climate change.

Severity and Vulnerability

While the majority of cases are not severe, individuals with existing comorbidities and low immunity remain vulnerable. Health experts emphasize the need for continuous monitoring of the virus despite the relatively low severity of cases.

Omicron Variant Concerns

Recent reports suggest the detection of the JN.1 sub-variant of the Omicron variant in Kerala, sparking fresh concerns. Authorities stress the importance of vigilance and continuous monitoring as the situation unfolds. If the cases continue to rise, the Kerala government may consider imposing restrictions and preventive measures in sensitive areas.

Regional and Global Impact

The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) has confirmed the presence of the JN.1 variant in Kerala. This variant has also been detected in Southeast Asian countries like Singapore and Indonesia, where authorities are responding by making masks mandatory at airports.

 

Covid-19 Cases in India

 

According to the latest data from the Union Health Ministry, India recorded 237 new coronavirus infections on Friday, with active cases increasing to 1,296. The total death toll stands at 5,33,310, and the national recovery rate is reported at 98.81%. While the overall recovery is promising, the recent single-day rise of 252 new infections marks the highest since June 2 this year.

 

Symptoms of COVID-19 to Watch Out For

 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights common symptoms of COVID-19, including fever or chills, cough, breathlessness, fatigue, and muscle or body aches. Individuals may also experience less common but serious symptoms like pink eyes, swollen eyes, fainting, and more. It’s crucial to remain vigilant and seek medical attention if any symptoms arise.

 

As the situation unfolds, health authorities are urging the public to adhere to safety measures and stay informed about the evolving nature of the pandemic.

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President Droupadi Murmu’s address at the presentation of National Energy Conservation Awards on National Energy Conservation Day at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi

President Droupadi Murmu urges the adoption of an eco-friendly lifestyle at National Energy Conservation Day

New Delhi, Dec 14: The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, presented the National Energy Conservation Awards, National Energy Efficiency Innovation Awards, and National Painting Competition prizes at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, on the occasion of National Energy Conservation Day today.

She also launched the ‘EV-Yatra Portal’, a web-based platform developed by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency to facilitate in-vehicle navigation to the nearest public EV charger.

In her address, the President said that ensuring a pollution-free environment, healthy living, and progress for future generations is a top priority for all of us. She said that breathing in clean air is a basic human right and by protecting the environment, we can protect many human rights.

The President said that energy conservation is a global as well as national priority, as the world faces the challenges of climate change and global warming. She said that India, as a responsible country, is contributing significantly to environmental protection, despite having per capita carbon emissions and greenhouse gas emissions that are less than one-third of the world average.

The President said that India, in COP-26, had given the message of ‘Lifestyle For Environment’ i.e. LiFE, urging the world community to adopt an eco-friendly lifestyle. She said that Indian culture and tradition have always been consistent with the message of life, which entails respecting nature, not wasting natural resources, and taking measures to enhance natural wealth. She said that India is making efforts to move the entire world community towards the adoption of such a lifestyle.

Referring to India’s Presidency of G-20, the President said that G-20 countries contribute 85 percent to the world’s total GDP, 75 percent to international trade, and 60 percent to the world’s population. She said that India, during its Presidency, has adopted the theme of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’, according to the idea of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and is disseminating it on the world stage.

The President appreciated all the award winners, especially the children who participated in the National Painting Competition. She also commended the winners of the National Energy Efficiency Innovation Awards for their innovative thinking and methodology. She said that their innovations should be widely used so that more and more people could get inspired and develop new methods for environmental protection.

She urged all to take a resolution that whatever we do would always be in favor of nature, never against nature. She said that human welfare lies in maintaining the balance between nature and development.

The function was attended by the Minister of Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri R.K. Singh, the Minister of State for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Krishan Pal Gurjar, the Secretary of Power, Shri Alok Kumar, the Director General of Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Shri Abhay Bakre and other dignitaries.

The National Energy Conservation Awards are given annually by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency under the Ministry of Power to recognize the best energy management practices in various sectors. This year, 56 awards were given in 15 sectors, covering industry, transport, buildings and municipalities. The National Energy Efficiency Innovation Awards are given to individuals and organizations for their innovative ideas and solutions in the field of energy efficiency.

This year, 10 awards were given in four categories, covering technology, policy, finance and awareness. The National Painting Competition is organized by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency to create awareness among school children about energy conservation and efficiency. This year, over 1.5 crore students from across the country participated in the competition and 12 national winners were selected.

Source: Press Information Bureau, President of India, PIB Delhi