As a record heatwave grips northwest and central India, with Delhi reaching a scorching 52.9 degrees Celsius, the demand for cooling has skyrocketed. This unprecedented demand has led to record-breaking power consumption, with Delhi alone reaching a peak demand of 8,302 MW. Despite this, Earth Sciences Minister Kiren Rijiju claims that such extreme temperatures are unlikely to occur.
Background:
North India has been experiencing an intense heatwave since late April, with temperatures soaring to record highs. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alerts for several states, including Rajasthan, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh.
Current Situation:
The national capital, Delhi, recorded a scorching 52.9 degrees Celsius (127.2 degrees Fahrenheit) on Saturday, May 28, breaking the previous record of 49.2 degrees Celsius set in 2014. The neighboring state of Rajasthan has also been witnessing extreme heat, with Churu district recording a temperature of 50.3 degrees Celsius.
Causes:
The heatwave is primarily attributed to a combination of factors, including:
Impacts:
The heatwave has severe consequences for the population, including:
Government Response:
The government has issued several advisories to the public, including:
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
1. Is the current heatwave unprecedented? Yes, the current heatwave is one of the most intense on record, with temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius in several locations.
2. What is causing the heatwave? A combination of factors, including lack of rainfall, hot westerly winds, and climate change.
3. What are the risks of extreme heat? Heat-related illnesses, such as heatstroke, dehydration, and cramps.
4. What should people do to stay safe during the heatwave? Stay indoors during peak hours, drink plenty of fluids, and wear loose, light-colored clothing.
5. What is the government doing to address the situation? The government has issued advisories, increased power generation, and provided water supply relief.
Conclusion:
The intense heatwave in Rajasthan and Delhi is a stark reminder of the growing threat of climate change. The government and the public must take urgent measures to adapt and mitigate the impacts of future extreme weather events.
The city of Delhi continues to struggle with severe air pollution, leading to an alarming rise in toxicity levels. The worsening weather conditions and reduced visibility are causing disruptions in daily life, with flight delays and slower road traffic. The authorities have implemented a new plan to combat the pollution, including school closures and advisories for residents. Stay updated on the latest news and weather updates through various media outlets and be prepared to take precautions to protect your health.
A string of tragic incidents in Delhi involving speeding water tankers has left several people dead and injured. From a 40-year-old man being mowed down in a busy market to a teenage physiotherapy student dying in a car crash, these accidents serve as a reminder of the dangers of reckless driving. Authorities are being urged to take action to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
People for Cattle in India (PFCI), a Chennai-based animal welfare NGO, has called for immediate action against the custodians and mahouts of a temple elephant housed in Srivilliputhur, Tamil Nadu. The NGO has requested authorities to take action following disturbing video footage that shows the elephant being controlled through intimidation and threats, using banned iron ankushes. PFCI has highlighted the elephant's history of abuse and stressed the urgent need for her rescue and rehabilitation. The organisation has also drawn attention to ongoing welfare failures in the elephant's care and insists on accountability for those responsible. Captive elephants under extreme stress can become unpredictable and pose a threat to both the elephant and the community, making this a critical issue for humane management.
After decades of dormancy, Resumed Excavation at Ratnagiri Buddhist Monastery in Jajpur district is expected to shed light on previously unknown aspects of the historic site. Led by ASI officer Debala Mitra, previous excavations in the 1960s yielded thousands of rare artifacts, establishing Ratnagiri as an ancient Buddhist university. With renewed efforts beginning on November 20 and the participation of students from prestigious universities, the mysteries of Ratnagiri may finally be revealed. However, logistical challenges and lack of on-site facilities for workers and researchers are causing some concerns. Nevertheless, this venture promises to greatly expand our knowledge of Buddhist heritage in the region and contribute to further studies.
As winter sets in, North India is facing a hazardous rise in air pollution, with several cities recording ‘severe’ and ‘very poor’ air quality. Delhi, the nation’s capital, is currently covered in thick smog, causing the Air Quality Index (AQI) to reach dangerous levels. In response, the Delhi administration has implemented anti-pollution measures and advised vulnerable populations to limit outdoor activities. While some cities, such as Patna and Lucknow, also faced ‘very poor’ air quality, others like Pune, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad saw ‘moderate’ or even ‘satisfactory’ levels.
The Delhi Traffic Police has started cracking down on violators of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) III in the national capital. On the first day of the ban on BS III petrol and BS IV diesel vehicles, around 550 challans were issued with a total fine of over Rs 1 crore. Additionally, 4,855 vehicles were also fined for not having a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC). The ban also extends to inter-state buses from NCR cities into Delhi. Traffic police have intensified checking and returned over 300 prohibited vehicles, prosecuting those without PUCC certificates. This comes as the city faces severe air pollution levels and the Delhi government implements restrictions under stage III of the GRAP.
A Roman Catholic priest named Christopher Lee was stabbed inside a church in Singapore by a Singaporean attacker. The priest was in stable condition and the attacker has been arrested. Despite the rarity of violent crimes in Singapore, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong expressed shock and sadness over the incident and reminded that violence has no place in the city. Preliminary investigations suggest that the attack was not an act of terrorism and the suspect, a 37-year-old Christian from the local Sinhalese community, acted alone. Masses at the church will continue as scheduled despite the incident.
Delhi experienced a cold and breezy evening on Thursday, accompanied by dense fog that resulted in low visibility and added to the chill in the air. The city recorded its second-lowest daytime temperature of the season at 29.4 degrees Celsius. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the maximum temperature on Wednesday was the lowest of the winter season so far. Visibility was also significantly affected, measuring at 200 metres at Safdarjung and Palam.
As Delhi's air quality reaches hazardous levels, Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan has been activated, leading to shifts in daily routines for residents. The Commission for Air Quality Management announced that all students except for those in Classes 10 and 12 will switch to online classes until further notice. With the AQI exceeding 450, authorities are urging vulnerable groups to stay indoors and take precautions to protect their health.
A CCTV footage from Rajasthan's Mount Abu capturing a leopard attacking a pet dog has gone viral, sparking safety concerns for tourists visiting the region. The alarming encounter shows the intense struggle between the big cat and the Labrador Retriever, with the dog eventually escaping after the leopard is distracted by a woman's screams. This incident serves as a reminder for visitors to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines in areas known for wild animals.