#flood in uttarakhand

[lunaefall]

In case you want to donate to help in the North India flooding situation:

Multiple states have been affected, including the one where I live, so it would be appreciated if this was spread around ❤️.

Here is the direct donation link, the organization is reliable.

[werindialive]

Death toll rises to 91, rescue work on full swing in Punjab, Uttarakhand on high alert

Tuesday was a disastrous day for Uttarakhand as the twin storms lashed over the state causing heavy rain. Monsoon combined with the western disturbance is causing heavy rainfall across India. In Uttarakhand on Tuesday, it killed 8 people including 3 Gangotri pilgrims from Madhya Pradesh.

Previously, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh saw the wrath of the weather but there was sunshine today delivering relief. The authorities in these states got a chance to gear up the relief, rescue, and road restoration works.

There were 21 fresh death cases reported due to the torrential rains in the region taking the death toll to 91 in the rain-affected areas.

Many new areas were added to the list of flood-hit areas in Punjab including Fazilka where Sutlej river water was released. Further, in UP, Agra & Prayagraj were placed on the flood alert map after the Yamuna and Ganga river started flowing above the danger mark.

Landslides became a common site in Uttarakhand where rocks rolled down the mountains over vehicles crushing a minibus on the highway at Gangnani in Uttarkashi district, killing three pilgrims from MP’s Dewas who were on their way back from the Gangotri shrine on Monday night. Heavy rain was recorded between Monday night and Tuesday morning in Uttarakhand “The spell will continue, particularly in the Kumaon region, , over the next 24 hours,” said Bikram Singh, director of the Met office in Dehradun.

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[news-trust-india]

Flood control works: का मुख्यमंत्री धामी ने किया स्थलीय निरीक्षण

Flood control works: का मुख्यमंत्री धामी ने किया स्थलीय निरीक्षण

देहरादून: Flood control works  मुख्यमंत्री श्री पुष्कर सिंह धामी ने शुक्रवार को टनकपुर स्थित शारदा घाट पहुंचकर सिंचाई विभाग (Flood control works) द्वारा कराए जा रहे बाढ़ नियंत्रण कार्यों का स्थलीय निरीक्षण किया। इस दौरान उन्होंने मुख्यमंत्री घोषणा के अंतर्गत आदि शक्ति मंदिर के समीप घाट निर्माण कार्य  एवं  घस्यारा मंडी के समीप निर्माणधीन तटबंध सहित विभिन्न विकास कार्यों के बारे में जानकारी प्राप्त…

[nohkalikai]

"As an environmentalist, I am very concerned about the fragile and sensitive ecosystem of Ladakh,” said Magsaysay Award-winning educationist Sonam Wangchuk, who recently concluded his 21-day hunger strike in Leh. Popularly known as 'climate fast', Wangchuk had begun observing it on 6 March, demanding constitutional safeguards for Ladakh.

On the final day of his fast on 26 March, Wangchuk said that the people of Ladakh are trying to awaken the conscience of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah so that they take suitable action to safeguard the fragile ecosystem of Himalayan mountains in Ladakh and preserve the unique indigenous tribal culture.

“We don’t like to think of Modi ji and Amit Shah ji as just politicians, we would rather think of them as statesmen but for that, they will have to show some character and farsightedness…” he posted on X.

Wangchuk had become the face of a sustained agitation in the cold desert where people are up in arms against the central government for discarding their concerns regarding land and job rights.

"Every drop of water is important here. Ladakh can't support large numbers. It will make refugees out of locals and even for those who arrive, the situation would not be any good. That's the fear people have regarding the fate of our land and our culture – finely tuned over tens or even thousands of years to survive in these mountains, now at risk of dilution and unable to sustain itself,” he added.

However, this was not the first time that Wangchuk had undertaken a climate fast:

In January 2023, he undertook a five-day climate fast at his institution, the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives (HIAL) in Ladakh at -20 degrees Celsius.

In June 2023, Wangchuk again went on a nine-day climate fast to save "Ladakh’s fragile ecology."

The Ecological Connection to Ladakh’s Demands

Ladakh is a high-altitude desert inhabited by around 3 lakh people. The region is considered ecologically fragile due to its extreme climate conditions, scarce vegetation, and limited water resources. Most people are dependent on agriculture as a means of livelihood.

A separate territory was a long-pending demand of the Ladakhis but they were expecting one with constitutional safeguards – somethingthat was categorically denied by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government earlier this month.

Their land and job rights were taken away with the Abrogation of Article 370 on 5 August 2019, and the region was thrown open to people from other states.

Sensing that New Delhi is not in any mood to extend the Sixth Schedule that would safeguard the region and grant limited autonomy to the tribal region, the engineer-turned-educational reformer had announced a "climate fast” back in 2023 in a bid to turn attention towards the region's delicate ecology.

Speaking to The Quint, Wangchuk said that global warming has been melting glaciers in the Himalayan region where Ladakh is located. He also added that shifting weather patterns are resulting in frequent flash floods, landslides, and droughts that are impacting the lives of people living in the sparsely populated villages of the region.

"We are protesting to safeguard the mountains of the Himalayan region from indiscriminate exploitation and mining which have already wreaked havoc in places like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and even Sikkim. All these activities are now poised to impact Ladakh,” he added.

Wangchuk’s Relentless Efforts To Save Ladakh: The ‘Third Pole’ of the Planet

Lately, the glaciers are receding fast and many sectors in Northern India rely on them.

Wangchuk said that Ladakh, which is home to an extensive glacial system, is known as the "Third pole of the planet." It feeds two billion people directly or indirectly.

"If mining industries are introduced in these areas, not only will the local communities suffer, but the entire Northern Indian plains will face water shortages. Therefore, it is crucial that we safeguard these fragile regions as sacred zones of water,” he said.

"For the local people, it's about protecting their region, customs, culture, and land –all of which are enshrined in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, as our forefathers have established 75 years ago," Wangchuk added.

Back in 2015, Wangchuk had invented the 'Ice Stupa', an artificial glacier created by piping mountain streams to tackle the water crisis in Ladakh which faces water scarcity in April-May – the peak farming season.

Since then, the farmers in Leh have benefitted from such Ice Stupas.

Not only that, in 2021, Wangchuk whose life inspired a character in the Bollywood movie 3 Idiots, developed an eco-friendly solar-heated tent that Army personnel can use in extremely cold places like Siachen and Galwan Valley in the Ladakh region.

How Will the Sixth Schedule Save Ladakh’s Ecology?

For the Sixth Schedule to be applicable, the Constitution mandates that a region's population must consist of at least 50 percent of tribal communities. In Ladakh, around 97 percent of its population are tribals.

Wangchuk asserted that they are trying to do everything possible to safeguard the mountains.

"The Sixth Schedule of Article 244, which gives safeguards to these regions, the people, and their cultures where they can determine how these places should be developed without interference from others,” he said. "This is what Ladakh has been demanding for a long time before it was made into a Union Territory (UT)," he added.

Notably, the Sixth Schedule contains provisions that grant indigenous tribes significant autonomy, enabling the establishment of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) with legislative and judicial authority. These councils are empowered to enact regulations concerning various aspects such as land, forest, water, agriculture, health, sanitation, mining, and beyond.

"That was our hope which later turned into uncertainty when the government, as generously as it granted Union Territory status to Ladakh, promised that Ladakh would be safeguarded under the Sixth Schedule but did not fulfil it,” Wangchuk said.

He further argued that if Ladakh is left free for all with no safeguards, there will be mining companies coming. "We hear often they are scouting the mountains and valleys," Wangchuk said, adding that people are apprehensive that huge hotel chains will come up, each potentially bringing in thousands of visitors, that will pose threats to the dry desert ecology of Ladakh.

'The BJP Needs To Keep Its Promise’

Wangchuk said that the BJP needs to fulfil its promise that they made during the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections regarding the “Declaration of Ladakh under the Sixth schedule of the Indian Constitution."

"It's like giving a cheque and if the cheque bounces, then we don't care. Hence, what happens to Ladakh with this promise will set a precedent to the rest of India in all elections to come whether leaders can just say anything and not care later and also get away with it,” he added.

[krishnayangaurakshala]

Embracing a Holistic Approach: The Multifaceted Activities of Shree Krishnayan Gaurakshashala

In the heart of India, Shree Krishnayan Gaurakshashala stands as a beacon of compassion and sustainability, embodying a deep commitment to the well-being of cows, community, and the environment. Through a series of dedicated initiatives, the gaushala has transformed into a multifaceted hub where spiritual, agricultural, and humanitarian efforts converge to create a positive impact on society. Here’s a closer look at the diverse activities undertaken by this remarkable institution.

Cow Protection: A Sanctuary of Hope

Home to over 21,000 stray and destitute Desi Indian cows and bulls, Shree Krishnayan Gaurakshashala provides a sanctuary where these revered creatures receive a second chance at life. Rescued through various channels, including police, government agencies, NGOs, and farmers, these gauvansh are sheltered, nourished, and cared for with utmost dedication. The gaushala’s in-house medical facility, staffed by experienced veterinarians, ensures that each cow receives timely and comprehensive healthcare, fostering their well-being and longevity.

Shelter and Nourishment: Building a Safe Haven

The gaushala boasts expansive shelters, meticulously designed to accommodate the growing number of protected cows. These shelters provide a comfortable and dignified living environment, reflecting the institution’s commitment to creating a holy and safe space for gauvansh. Nourishment is another cornerstone of care at the gaushala, where a balanced diet of dry fodder, green fodder, grains, mustard cake, and jaggery is carefully prepared and served twice daily. This holistic approach to feeding ensures that the cows remain healthy, strong, and vibrant.

Medical Care: Ensuring Health and Well-Being

Around-the-clock medical care is a priority at Shree Krishnayan Gaurakshashala. With a fully equipped medical facility on-site, the gaushala is prepared to handle any health concerns that may arise. From routine check-ups to emergency care, the dedicated team of veterinarians and support staff work tirelessly to maintain the health and well-being of the gauvansh. Ample stocks of medicines and vaccinations are maintained to prevent and treat illnesses, ensuring that each cow receives the best possible care.

Breeding and Training: Promoting Indigenous Cows

The gaushala is actively involved in research and breeding programs aimed at enhancing the genetic traits of indigenous cows. By focusing on disease resistance, adaptability, and milk production, the institution seeks to create a sustainable ecosystem where farmers are encouraged to keep Desi cows. Additionally, vocational training programs are offered to farmers, educating them on the importance of organic farming and the benefits of desi cows and bulls. These initiatives aim to preserve cultural heritage and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Renewable Energy and Organic Farming: Pioneering Sustainability

Shree Krishnayan Gaurakshashala is a model of sustainability, harnessing renewable energy through biogas plants and solar power systems. The gaushala’s BIO CNG plant, powered by ONGC, converts 25,000 kg of cow dung daily into CNG gas and manure, contributing to a cleaner environment and the production of organic fertilizers. The institution also promotes organic farming, encouraging pesticide-free crops and eco-friendly practices, with a mission to convert surrounding villages into organic lands.

Humanitarian Efforts: Serving Communities in Need

Beyond its work with cows, Shree Krishnayan Gaurakshashala extends its compassion to human communities, especially during times of calamity. From providing relief during floods in Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand to distributing food during the COVID-19 pandemic, the gaushala’s humanitarian efforts have touched countless lives. The institution regularly sends truckloads of supplies to remote regions and runs food camps, ensuring that those in need receive essential nourishment and support.

Spiritual and Cultural Initiatives: Nurturing the Soul

The gaushala is also a center for spiritual and cultural enrichment. The magnificent yagya mandap, situated on the serene banks of the Ganga, hosts various sacred rituals, including Yagyas, Pujas, and Japas. These spiritual endeavors are conducted by accomplished Vedic Brahmins, creating an atmosphere of divine grace and positive energy. The institution’s yoga center, in collaboration with Jhanvi Yoga Dhyan Sevashram Trust, offers yoga, meditation, and Ayurvedic treatments, promoting holistic well-being and spiritual growth.

Conclusion

Shree Krishnayan Gaurakshashala is more than just a shelter for cows; it is a sanctuary where compassion, sustainability, and spirituality intersect. Through its diverse activities, the gaushala not only protects and nurtures Desi cows but also uplifts communities, promotes environmental stewardship, and fosters spiritual growth. It is a shining example of how dedicated efforts can create a ripple effect of positive change, benefiting both the present and future generations.

[camillasgirl]

Queen Camilla’s Patronages

The Brooke Hospital for Animals (President from 01.11.2006)

Brooke is an international charity that protects and improves the lives of horses, donkeys and mules which give people in the developing world the opportunity to work their way out of poverty. We believe that animal suffering is preventable and that good animal welfare protects human livelihoods. For 600 million people in some of the poorest places in the world, 100 million of these animals are the backbone of communities and their best means of making a living. Without healthy working horses, donkeys and mules, they wouldn’t be able to put food on their tables, send their children to school or build better futures for themselves and their families. We work with owners, communities and policy makers to bring about lasting improvements to the lives of working animals. Brooke works hard to deliver significant and lasting change, even in some of the world’s most challenging areas. We use our expertise to train and support owners of horses, donkeys and mules, local vets, farriers, harness makers and animal traders to improve standards of care. 

“As President of this unique charity, I am proud to tell you that the Brooke reaches more working horses, donkeys and mules than any other animal welfare charity. For over 80 years, the Brooke has been sharing its experience and expertise to improve the welfare of working equines around the world. I have witnessed the Brooke’s work for myself in Petra, Jordan and in 2013 I was able to meet and personally thank Brooke staff in India for their role in Uttarakhand, where the Brooke India team provided emergency relief to stranded equines in various pockets of the flooding disaster affected area.” - Queen Camilla

[helalokithor]

For everyone in India:

1. NATIONAL EMERGENCY NUMBER 112

2. POLICE 100 or 112

3. FIRE 101

4. AMBULANCE 102

5. Disaster Management Services 108

6. Women Helpline 1091

7. Women Helpline - ( Domestic Abuse ) 181

8. Air Ambulance 9540161344

9. Aids Helpline 1097

10. Anti Poison ( New Delhi ) 1066 or 011-1066

11. Disaster Management ( N.D.M.A ) :1078, 01126701728

12. EARTHQUAKE / FLOOD / DISASTER ( N.D.R.F Headquaters ) NDRF HELPLINE NO :011-24363260 9711077372

13. Deputy Commissioner Of Police – Missing Child And Women 1094

14. Railway Enquiry 139

15. Senior Citizen Helpline 14567

16. Medical Helpline in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat,Uttarakhand,Goa,Tamil Nadu,Rajasthan,Karnataka,Assam,Meghalaya, M.P and U.P - 108

17. Railway Accident Emergency Service 1072

18. Road Accident Emergency Service 1073

19. Road Accident Emergency Service On National Highway For Private Operators 1033

20. ORBO Centre, AIIMS (For Donation Of Organ) Delhi 1060

21. Kisan Call Centre 18001801551

22. Relief Commissioner For Natural Calamities 1070

23. Children In Difficult Situation 1098

24. National Poisions Information Centre - AIIMS NEW DELHI ( 24*7 ) 1800116117 , 011-26593677, 26589391

25. Poision Information Centre ( CMC , Vellore ) 18004251213

26. Tourist Helpline 1363 or 1800111363

27. LPG Leak Helpline 1906

28. KIRAN MENTAL HEALTH Helpline 18005990019

29. CYBER CRIME HELPLINE 155620

30. COVID 19 HELPLINE : 011-23978046 OR 1075

For additional details:-

[brookstonalmanac]

Events 6.16 (after 1910)

1911 – IBM founded as the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company in Endicott, New York. 1922 – General election in the Irish Free State: The pro-Treaty Sinn Féin party wins a large majority. 1925 – Artek, the most famous Young Pioneer camp of the Soviet Union, is established. 1930 – Sovnarkom establishes decree time in the USSR. 1933 – The National Industrial Recovery Act is passed in the United States, allowing businesses to avoid antitrust prosecution if they establish voluntary wage, price, and working condition regulations on an industry-wide basis. 1940 – World War II: Marshal Henri Philippe Pétain becomes Chief of State of Vichy France (Chef de l'État Français). 1940 – A Communist government is installed in Lithuania. 1948 – Members of the Malayan Communist Party kill three British plantation managers in Sungai Siput; in response, British Malaya declares a state of emergency. 1955 – In a futile effort to topple Argentine President Juan Perón, rogue aircraft pilots of the Argentine Navy drop several bombs upon an unarmed crowd demonstrating in favor of Perón in Buenos Aires, killing 364 and injuring at least 800. At the same time on the ground, some soldiers attempt to stage a coup but are suppressed by loyal forces. 1958 – Imre Nagy, Pál Maléter and other leaders of the 1956 Hungarian Uprising are executed. 1961 – While on tour with the Kirov Ballet in Paris, Rudolf Nureyev defects from the Soviet Union. 1963 – Soviet Space Program: Vostok 6 mission: Cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova becomes the first woman in space. 1963 – In an attempt to resolve the Buddhist crisis in South Vietnam, a Joint Communique was signed between President Ngo Dinh Diem and Buddhist leaders. 1972 – The largest single-site hydroelectric power project in Canada is inaugurated at Churchill Falls Generating Station. 1976 – Soweto uprising: A non-violent march by 15,000 students in Soweto, South Africa, turns into days of rioting when police open fire on the crowd. 1977 – Oracle Corporation is incorporated in Redwood Shores, California, as Software Development Laboratories (SDL), by Larry Ellison, Bob Miner and Ed Oates. 1981 – US President Ronald Reagan awards the Congressional Gold Medal to Ken Taylor, Canada's former ambassador to Iran, for helping six Americans escape from Iran during the hostage crisis of 1979–81; he is the first foreign citizen bestowed the honor. 1989 – Revolutions of 1989: Imre Nagy, the former Hungarian prime minister, is reburied in Budapest following the collapse of Communism in Hungary. 1997 – Fifty people are killed in the Daïat Labguer (M'sila) massacre in Algeria. 2000 – The Secretary-General of the UN reports that Israel has complied with United Nations Security Council Resolution 425, 22 years after its issuance, and completely withdrew from Lebanon. The Resolution does not encompass the Shebaa farms, which is claimed by Israel, Syria and Lebanon. 2002 – Padre Pio is canonized by the Roman Catholic Church. 2010 – Bhutan becomes the first country to institute a total ban on tobacco. 2012 – China successfully launches its Shenzhou 9 spacecraft, carrying three astronauts, including the first female Chinese astronaut Liu Yang, to the Tiangong-1 orbital module. 2012 – The United States Air Force's robotic Boeing X-37B spaceplane returns to Earth after a classified 469-day orbital mission. 2013 – A multi-day cloudburst, centered on the North Indian state of Uttarakhand, causes devastating floods and landslides, becoming the country's worst natural disaster since the 2004 tsunami. 2015 – American businessman Donald Trump announces his campaign to run for President of the United States in the upcoming election. 2016 – Shanghai Disneyland Park, the first Disney Park in Mainland China, opens to the public. 2019 – Upwards of 2,000,000 people participate in the 2019–20 Hong Kong protests, the largest in Hong Kong's history.

[magical-xirl-4]

There is horrible flash flooding happening in India now, if anyone is able to donate to help out please do!! Sharing supports this as well!

[atharvyogshala]

A revered temple, it is dedicated to Dhari Devi (a form of Goddess Kali), who is considered to be the guardian deity of Uttarakhand and is worshipped as the protector of the Char Dhams. According to mythology, a severe flood once washed away a temple and the idol of Dhari Devi was trapped against a rock near the Dharo village. The local residents claim to have heard wails and a divine voice directed them to install the idol there.

Local lore also has it that the idol of the deity changes appearance throughout the day – a girl child in the morning, a young woman in the afternoon and an old woman in the evening.

It is said that Goddess Dhari Devi has two parts. Her body’s upper half appeared at Dhari Devi temple while her lower half appeared at Kalimath temple, where she is worshipped as Maa Kali. According to the legend, Dhari Devi’s idol can’t be kept under any roof. So, that portion is always kept open towards the sky.

The temple is located between Srinagar and Rudraprayag on the banks of River Alaknanda and can be reached by a one-km cement pathway.

[bollywood143114]

Uproar over picture of shirtless Akshay Kumar, back tattoo instead of wife's name; see

Viral Akshay Kumar Tattoo: Bollywood star Akshay Kumar is very busy these days with the shooting of his upcoming film. Let me tell you that the shooting of his film was going on in Dev Bhoomi, Uttarakhand, where he himself visited four dhams during the shoot. Meanwhile, many pictures of Akshay Kumar are going viral on social media, in which he is seen performing puja with sandal garland on his forehead. A video of his puja aarti is also going viral. In this video, Akshay Kumar is worshiping Mahadev at Jageshwar Dham. Akshay Kumar's tattoo picture has gone viral This time, apart from the Pooja Aarti pictures and videos, one more picture of Akshay Kumar is going viral on social media, shared by Akshay Kumar himself. Akshay Kumar is seen in a shirtless avatar in this picture. He wears a rudraksha necklace around his neck and has a tattoo on his back. Please tell that this tattoo is not in the name of his wife but in the name of his son Arav. In this situation, this tattoo of son's name is clearly revealed in this picture of Akshay Kumar. Akshay Kumar shared this photo and captioned it – Amazing shoot done in Sera Bhoomi, Uttarakhand love you... I hope to be back soon. As soon as Akshay Kumar shared this picture on social media, commenters flooded in. During this time, many of his fans from the Bollywood industry commented on this and praised Akshay's style. Akshay Kumar not only has his son's name tattooed on his body, he also has a tattoo of his daughter's name on his right shoulder with Nitara's name written on it. He has a tattoo of his wife Twinkle Khanna's name on his left shoulder. Where Tina is written. What is Akshay Kumar's next film? Talking about Akshay Kumar's work front, Akshay's next film Shankara is all set to release soon. Tiger Shroff and Ananya Pandey will be seen in the lead roles with Akshay in this film. Besides, he will also be seen in Bade Mia Chhota Mia film. DISCLAIMER Thanks For Visit Our Site www.bollywoodofindia.com . We’ve taken all measures to insure that the information handed in this composition and on our social media platform is believable, vindicated and sourced from other Big media Houses. For any feedback or complaint, reach out to us at bollywoodofindiaa@gmail.com Read the full article

[edonascriticaldesign]

CHIPKO ANDOLAN – a movement of village women A key example of an ecofeminist movement is the Chipko Andolan in India in early 1973. Chipko was a forest conservation movement in India led by both male and female activists and leaders such as Indian environmentalists, Chandi Prasat Bhatt and Sunderlal Bahuguna, and the indigenous women of the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand in the Chamoli district, then part of Uttar Pradesh.

The story of the Chipko movement in 1973 follows how a contractor was given the right from the state to fell trees for a sports manufacturing company. The area, already denuded, was subjected to landslides and floods due to rapid deforestation from commercial logging. Women also had to trek further for fuel, fodder, and water.

When the loggers arrived at the village, they were met by the womenfolk who formed a circle around the trees, linked arms, and embraced the trees to prevent the men from cutting them down.

[playwords]

Ever experienced a sinking feeling in your stomach when your grades fell way below your expectations or when your dream vacation plan got cancelled at the last minute? Well people, the sinking emotions you experienced are too trivial compared to what the inhabitants of Joshimath, Uttarakhand are going through at the moment starting from December 27, 2022 till date as their homes and livelihoods are actually sinking into the soil- something that we call land subsistence. Like it's been going on for the past few decades, man has started to pay for his constant and merciless interference with nature with events like increasing temperature and melting glaciers popping up faster then bullet trains, this unfortunate tragedy is once again the result of overpopulation, over construction and what we would say the neglect of the environment who decided to teach us a thing or two, once and for all. The news is fast gripping the nation and of course a great deal of pressure is mounting upon the state of Uttarakhand, whose government and forest officials are working round the clock to rescue as many people as possible from the ever sinking Joshimath. The city, closest to the shrine of Lord Badrinath and undoubtedly a popular pilgrim destination, has sunk an unbelievably 5.4 cm in a mere 12 days. This apparently has been happening since April 2022 but has now shown its true colors. Cracks have started to show up as deep as chasms, panicking every resident as their homes do not serve as the safe abode they once were. The widening of the National Highway and innumerable hydroelectric projects though a necessity for the ever growing population have rendered a certain instability in the mountainous areas. Hotels opened up for the frequent travelers are now being demolished as they show danger of colliding with their neighbouring buildings. An inevitable flash flood and heavy rain October 2021 is being given as the reason for the sudden sinking of the holy town but people, the fact remains that our continued degradation of our own resources without a second thought as to what their consequences might be will lead to our doom- the death of innocent civilians and the end of thriving cities. The 2013 Kedarnath flood, the 2015 Nepal earthquake, the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami are proof enough that Nature comes first because the day she decides to exploit us the way we do, that will be the finish of our 'constructed' world. What we need now is not more industries and factories to manufacture our comforts but rather a little love for this Earth which is offering us room on itself without asking for anything in return. The least we can do is keep it clean and happy the way we would do to our homes because before that four walled structure which we claim as our houses, it is this planet which has given us everything. The sinking of land in Joshimath ought to slap us awake and shove the reality of our actions in front of our faces, that if things go on like this the future for the generations to come is surely going to be a difficult one.

[newstfionline]

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Election results could take days (NYT) Counting the votes will extend beyond election night on Tuesday, and determining the outcome of the presidential race could, too. Even in states that count their ballots relatively quickly, if the race is as close as the polls say, it could take days before a winner can be projected (election results are never official until final certification). In 2020, a record number of people voted by mail because of the pandemic, and many states were processing large numbers of mail ballots for the first time. While mail voting has dropped off in many states and others have made changes to speed up counting, these types of ballots are still more time consuming to count. Democrats have been more likely to cast mail ballots, and variations in timing for counting them can contribute to so-called “mirages” in the reported results—cases in which the type of ballots reported first favor one party in a way that is unrepresentative of the eventual result.

Fears of Civil Unrest Stalk the Markets (NYT) Wall Street strategists say their meetings with portfolio managers have taken a dark turn lately. All but gone are investors’ fears of a hard landing, replaced by a deeper anxiety that things could go very badly around Election Day. Investors are not just concerned about their investment portfolios or retirement funds. They’re worried about democracy. As in … will it hold up if the result of the election between Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris is contested? “The general consensus is that, one, it will take time to find the winner—so we might have to wait for weeks until the many contests and court challenges have played out,” Joachim Klement, the head of investment strategy at the investment bank Liberum, told DealBook. “And two, no matter who wins, there will be civil unrest.”

NYC declares a drought watch and asks residents to conserve water (AP) New York City Mayor Eric Adams issued a drought watch yesterday and urged residents to conserve water by taking shorter showers, fixing dripping faucets, sweeping sidewalks instead of hosing them down, turning off the tap while brushing teeth, and other measures. He also ordered all city agencies to get ready to implement their water conservation plans. Just 0.01 inches of rain fell last month on the city’s Central Park, whereas a normal October sees about 4.4 inches of precipitation, National Weather Service records show, making it the driest October in 150 years.

After Spain’s Floods, a Surge of Volunteers, and of Rage (NYT) They came by bus, by tractor or on foot. They waded through mud hoping to help clean up neighborhoods washed away by floodwaters that have killed at least 214 people. Thousands of Spanish citizens made their way to flood-ravaged Valencia over the weekend after the country’s worst natural disaster in recent history left the nation shocked by images of overturned cars and brick homes torn apart by furious water. The devastation has become a political flashpoint. On Sunday morning, as King Felipe VI walked through a crowd in Paiporta, a town in Valencia where more than 60 people died, angry protesters shouted and threw mud. And there was frustration that resources were being used for an official walk-through, while emergency workers were still racing to try to find survivors.

At least 36 dead after overcrowded and dilapidated bus skids into a deep gorge in northern India (AP) A poorly maintained and overcrowded bus veered off the road and plunged into a deep gorge in northern India on Monday in northern India on Monday, killing at least 36 people and injuring several others, officials said. The accident occurred in Almora district in the mountainous state of Uttarakhand. The bus was carrying around 60 people, and more than 20 have been injured, said Deepak Rawat, a senior state government official. India has some of the highest road death rates in the world, with hundreds of thousands of people killed and injured annually. Most crashes are blamed on reckless driving, poorly maintained roads and aging vehicles.

Fixing China’s economic crisis (Die Zeit/Germany) What does China’s party leadership do when it cannot get a persistent economic crisis under control? For example, it makes sure that economists who point out the seriousness of the situation “disappear.” This is exactly what happened with Zhu Hengpeng, vice director of the Economics Institute of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. In April, Zhu was believed to have made derogatory comments about the state of the Chinese economy and the economic expertise of party leader Xi Jinping in a private chat group. Since then, the scientist has not appeared in public, and his academy no longer lists him as an employee. As Stalin once said: Man gone, problem gone. Well, at least for the time being. Zhu is not an isolated case: the party is said to have recently urged other economists, in friendly or less friendly ways, to put the current economic situation in a positive light. However, this is becoming increasingly difficult.

A robot retrieves the first melted fuel from Fukushima nuclear reactor (AP) A robot has successfully made it into the core of one of the three damaged reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. The robot is the first of hopefully many to journey into the facility which suffered a meltdown in 2011 following a tsunami strike. The bot recovered a piece of radioactive slag as big as 5 millimeters from a mound of molten fuel debris. The sample will be analyzed, and what they find out will direct the plans for a 30- to 40-year cleanup of the 880 tons of radioactive molten fuel and decommissioning of the plant.

Netanyahu in fresh storm over Gaza hostages after arrests linked to alleged leak (Guardian) Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has found itself embroiled in yet another scandal. According to multiple sources, officials working on behalf of the prime minister’s office were involved in a plot to release doctored documents during ceasefire talks held this September. The faked documents supposedly revealed a Hamas plot to smuggle Israeli hostages out of Gaza and into Egypt, where they would be brought to Iran or Yemen. After leaking the edited documents to the press, Netanyahu then came to the negotiating table with a new demand—to keep Israeli troops posted on the Gaza-Egypt border—which Hamas rejected, leading to the talks quickly breaking down. Now, as the plot has been revealed to the Israeli public, the families of Israeli hostages and opposition leaders have criticized Netanyahu for tanking the hostage negotiations in an attempt to extend his war with Hamas and keep himself in power.

Israel ends agreement with U.N. agency for Palestinians (Washington Post) Israel informed the United Nations on Monday that it has terminated the decades-old agreement legally recognizing the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, which provides a humanitarian lifeline for people in the Gaza Strip. The move comes a week after Israel’s Knesset passed two laws that would severely imperil UNRWA’s activities and diplomatic privileges by blocking any activity on Israeli territory and forbidding government authorities from directly communicating with the agency. Israel has long been critical of UNRWA and accused it of being infiltrated by Hamas, a claim the agency has denied. UNRWA says it distributes food aid to more than a million Palestinians in Gaza who depend on humanitarian aid.

Israeli forces used civilians as human shields in Gaza, Palestinians and soldiers say (Washington Post) For two weeks in late July and early August, said Mohammed Saad, 20, he and two other Palestinian men were forced by an Israeli army unit in Gaza to enter buildings feared to contain explosives and photograph every inch before troops were given the all clear to enter. When the soldiers were done with him, he said, someone shot him in the back. Saad was among four Palestinian men who spoke on the record to provide vivid accounts of what they described as Israel employing detained Palestinians as human shields in Gaza—defined by the Geneva Conventions as using civilians or other detainees to shield military operations from attack—in this case, by forcing them to carry out life-threatening tasks to reduce risk to Israeli soldiers. Their nearly contemporaneous accounts are detailed, corroborated by other witnesses, and consistent with testimony by an Israeli soldier. “This wasn’t something that happened just here and there but rather on a large scale throughout a number of different units, at different times, throughout the war and in different places,” said Joel Carmel, advocacy director of Breaking the Silence, an organization that collects and verifies testimonies from troops who have served in the occupied Palestinian territories.

From The Middle East, All American Presidents Look The Same (Daraj/Lebanon. Opinion) On the eve of the U.S. elections, after months of blatant lies and empty promises, the whole world is anxiously waiting and wanting to know who will be the American president for the next four years. It’s the same old farce. Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, if she wins, will continue her party’s policies that have supported genocide in Gaza. Or if he wins, Republican candidate Donald Trump will return to the White House to continue his destructive policies that he began in his previous term. For decades, the Middle East has suffered from being the object of American policy, as a chess piece in a power game not about freedom or democracy, but about domination, exploitation, and, above all, hypocrisy. It is a grotesque theater of the absurd where from one administration to the next, whether Democratic or Republican, the tone remains the same: unwavering support for authoritarian regimes, military interventions disguised as humanitarian efforts, and unwavering loyalty to the Israeli occupation. Successive American presidents have been complicit in enabling Israel's apartheid policies, from the occupation of the West Bank to the repeated massacres in Gaza. Year after year, administration after administration, the United States continues to pump billions in military aid to Israel, while turning a blind eye to Palestinian suffering, whether through direct complicity or passive silence.

29 Nigerian children may be sentenced to death for protesting against cost-of-living crisis (AP) Twenty-nine children could be facing the death penalty in Nigeria after they were arraigned Friday for participating in a protest against the country’s record cost-of-living crisis. Four of them collapsed in court due to exhaustion before they could enter a plea. A total of 76 protesters were charged with 10 felony counts, including treason, destruction of property, public disturbance and mutiny, according to the charge sheet seen by The Associated Press. According to the charge sheet, the minors ranged in age from 14 to 17 years old. Frustration over the cost-of-living crisis has led to several mass protests in recent months. In August, at least 20 people were shot dead and hundreds more were arrested at a protest demanding better opportunities and jobs for young people.

Infinite Monkeys (BBC) A new study sought to actually figure out how right the adage is that if given an infinite amount of time, a monkey on a typewriter will eventually write the complete works of William Shakespeare. In yet another instance of “infinity is really very hard to contemplate,” the study found that a random primate at a keyboard clicking one key per second only has a 5 percent chance of writing the word “bananas” within its own lifetime, and anything more sophisticated like “I chimp, therefore I am” has a chance of one in 10 million billion billion. Indeed, the paper argues, the global population of 200,000 chimpanzees grinding at the problem would almost certainly experience the heat death of the universe before pulling off that brief five-word sentence.

[mrchetankapoor]

What Is Cloud Bursting?😳| Badal Ka Fatna ⚡️| Chetan Kapoor

You’ve probably heard of floods and heavy rains, but what exactly is cloud bursting, and why does it cause such destruction? 🌩️

In this video, I’ll break down the science behind cloud bursts, how they happen, why they occur in certain areas, and what happens when they strike.

Is it really like a water bomb from the sky? We’ll explore how geography and weather patterns contribute to this sudden outpouring of water, leading to flash floods, landslides, and devastation.

Key topics covered:

🌩️ What is a cloud burst? (Badal Ka Fatna Explained)

🌧️ How do cloud bursts occur, and what makes them so dangerous?

🌍 Where do cloud bursts happen the most in India and around the world?

🚨 The aftermath of cloud bursts: from flash floods to massive destruction.

I will also share some real-life examples of cloud bursting in India, especially in mountainous regions like Uttarakhand, where such events have been disastrous. Stay tuned to learn not just the science but also the environmental and human impacts of cloud bursts.

If you're curious about extreme weather conditions and natural disasters, this video will give you valuable insights into how our environment can turn chaotic in just minutes.

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for more videos that make complex natural phenomena easy to understand! If you have any questions or want to know about other weather events, drop them in the comments below! Let’s learn together!

[hindustanmorning]

Indian and UK researchers work together to analyze the impact of Chamoli disaster in light of climate change

Researchers from India and the United Kingdom are collaborating to gain a deeper insight into the consequences of the devastating ice-rock mass avalanche in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand in 2021, which led to a rapid debris-filled flood claiming the lives of 200 individuals and causing extensive damage. The project, worth Rs 110 million and supported by the Natural Environment Research Council…