As the summer heat intensifies, India and Sri Lanka have both been hit hard by soaring temperatures. In India, nearly 25,000 cases of suspected heatstroke have been reported, with 56 fatalities. The situation has been exacerbated by the recent general election, which saw at least 33 deaths among election officials. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka is struggling with extreme weather conditions, including flooding and landslides, which have claimed the lives of 15 people so far. This devastating impact of the heat and monsoon season serves as a grim reminder of the effects of climate change in South Asia.
Heat Wave Ravages India and Sri Lanka: A Climate Change Catastrophe
As the summer sun beats down relentlessly, South Asia is reeling under an unprecedented heat wave that has claimed hundreds of lives in India and Sri Lanka.
India: A Deadly Toll
India has recorded nearly 25,000 suspected cases of heatstroke, with a staggering 56 fatalities. In the western state of Rajasthan, the mercury has soared to a record-breaking 51 degrees Celsius (124 Fahrenheit), making it one of the hottest places on Earth. The unrelenting heat has crippled infrastructure, caused power outages, and disrupted transportation across the country.
Sri Lanka: Extreme Conditions
Sri Lanka is also battling extreme weather conditions, including heavy monsoon rains and landslides. The combination of heat and precipitation has led to flash floods that have killed at least 15 people and displaced thousands from their homes. Many areas are still submerged, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Background: A Legacy of Climate Change
This heat wave is the latest in a series of extreme weather events that have plagued South Asia in recent years. Climate change has intensified the frequency and severity of heat waves, droughts, and floods in the region. Scientists have warned that rising global temperatures will continue to drive more frequent and devastating climate events.
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Conclusion
The devastating heat wave in India and Sri Lanka is a wake-up call for urgent climate action. As global temperatures continue to rise, we can expect more extreme weather events that will have a profound impact on human life and well-being. It is imperative that governments, businesses, and individuals work together to address the climate crisis and build a more resilient future.
The NCERT has released a new social science textbook for Class 8 that delves into the darker periods of Indian history, particularly the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire, known for their religious intolerance and brutal conquests. The textbook aims to educate students about the rise and fall of these empires, highlighting their attacks on temples and other religious places, as well as their exploitation of non-Muslim subjects. This shift in focus comes as the NCERT aims to provide a more balanced and accurate portrayal of these historical events.
On July 18th each year, people around the world come together to celebrate the remarkable legacy of Nelson Mandela, South Africa's first democratically elected president. This day of commemoration marks Mandela's 67 years of selfless public service and his unwavering commitment to fighting against discrimination and injustice. Through initiatives such as the 46664 concerts and the Nelson Mandela foundations, the message of peace, reconciliation, and equality continue to be spread globally.
On July 18, 2025, people all over the globe will celebrate the Nelson Mandela International Day in honor of the former South African president who dedicated 67 years of his life to public service. This day is a recognition of Mandela's remarkable legacy, as he led a nonviolent and resilient resistance against the oppressive apartheid regime, promoting freedom, justice, and human rights. In 2009, the United Nations officially declared this day to highlight Mandela's contribution to the culture of peace and freedom. Today, this day also serves as a reminder to promote the values of peace, reconciliation, and equality.
India's first indigenously built diving support vessel, Nistar, was commissioned into the Indian Navy on Friday. This marks a significant step in enhancing India's submarine rescue capabilities and establishes it as a preferred partner in this field globally. The vessel has state-of-the-art technology and can rescue and evacuate personnel from up to 300 meters deep, making it a valuable addition to the Indian Navy's fleet. The commissioning ceremony was attended by top naval officials and the Minister of State for Defence, who highlighted the vessel's importance in showcasing India's growing prowess as a naval power.
In a strong affirmation of India-US counter-terrorism cooperation, the US State Department has designated the Resistance Front (TRF), a shadow outfit of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). This move makes financing, aiding, advising, and helping TRF a crime under US law. The Indian government has welcomed this decision and acknowledges the leadership of Secretary of State Marco Rubio. TRF has been involved in various terror activities, including the deadly attack on civilians in Pahalgam, for which it has claimed responsibility twice. This action shows the Trump administration's commitment to enforcing justice for the Pahalgam attack and protecting national security interests.
In a significant development for India's maritime prowess, the country's first indigenous Diving Support Vessel, INS Nistar, has been commissioned by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi. With advanced dive systems and rescue capabilities, Nistar is set to position India as a preferred partner for submarine rescue globally. Its name, which means "liberation" in Sanskrit, reflects its purpose as a lifeline for deep-sea divers, and with its cutting-edge equipment, Nistar is poised to lead the charge in the marine-based industry.
India's first indigenous diving support vessel, INS Nistar, will be officially commissioned in Visakhapatnam on July 18th. The vessel, built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited, is a significant milestone in India's pursuit of self-reliance. With over 80% indigenous content, the vessel showcases India's ability to design and develop complex defence platforms. Equipped with advanced systems and capabilities, INS Nistar will provide crucial support to deep sea diving and submarine rescue operations in the Indian Navy's Eastern Naval Command.
The US Department of State has designated The Resistance Front (TRF) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). Indian Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar praised the move, which is seen as a further strengthening of India-US counter-terrorism cooperation. The TRF is an offshoot of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and has been involved in propaganda, recruitment, infiltration, and smuggling of weapons and narcotics from Pakistan into Jammu and Kashmir. The group gained attention in 2020 after multiple clashes with Indian security forces. The designation comes after the Indian government declared the TRF a terrorist organization in 2023 following the revocation of Kashmir's special status and the LeT's decline in 2018.
The United States has expressed disapproval over Israeli airstrikes in Syria, which have caused casualties and heightened tensions in the region. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce called for dialogue between the two countries and a ceasefire to be reached. Meanwhile, the Israeli military claims their actions were to protect their citizens and the Druze minority, with the situation further complicated by armed clashes between local tribes and the Syrian government. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that a resolution has been reached between Israel and Syria, hopefully bringing an end to the crisis.
As Israeli fighter jets launched waves of airstrikes over Damascus, tensions between Israel and Syria increased, with the conflict now infiltrating the heart of Syria's capital. The airstrikes were aimed at halting the advance of Syrian forces in the southern province of Sweida, a region at the center of the country's Druse minority. Amidst the chaos and panic, at least one civilian was killed and 18 others injured, while eyewitnesses described extensive damage in the government district. Israel has also confirmed strikes in Sweida itself, targeting Syrian soldiers and military infrastructure. The region is a stronghold of Syria's Druse community, causing concern for their safety as clashes break out.