Namibia faces a severe drought, leading to the culling of hundreds of wild animals to alleviate food insecurity and reduce grazing pressure. The meat from these animals will be distributed to vulnerable communities. The decision has sparked controversy, highlighting the complex challenges posed by drought and wildlife management in the region.
The Mint Sustainability Summit 2024 will bring together leading experts from government, industry, and academia to discuss India’s progress towards sustainability, with a particular focus on renewable energy, water crisis, forest cover, and climate change adaptation. The summit will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, and case studies, providing insights into the challenges and opportunities facing India’s sustainability journey.
A recent survey by the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has revealed that over one-third of the city’s speed breakers are substandard and fail to meet Indian Roads Congress (IRC) safety norms. The survey identified 1,089 defective speed breakers across 15 zones, with Thiruvottiyur zone having only 4 out of 126 adhering to standards. GCC has initiated measures to rectify the situation, including a mandatory 15-meter radius and 0.10-meter height for speed breakers.
American Battery Technology Company (ABTC) has appointed Steven Wu as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). Wu brings extensive experience in scaling innovative technologies into high-volume manufacturing operations, a crucial skillset as ABTC progresses its commercialization efforts and builds a resilient battery metals supply chain for North America.
A massive diamond, the largest discovered in over a century, has been unearthed in Botswana. President Mokgweetsi Masisi showcased the fist-sized gem at a special ceremony, highlighting the significance of this discovery for the country’s mining industry.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings of heavy rainfall across parts of Gujarat, Goa, and Maharashtra over the next few days. The rains are attributed to a depression intensifying over northwest Madhya Pradesh and adjoining east Rajasthan. The IMD has also issued alerts for strong winds and rough sea conditions, advising fishermen to avoid venturing out in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal.
Chennai is gearing up for the Northeast monsoon by deploying advanced technology to clean its beaches and canals. The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has introduced robotic excavators and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) to enhance monitoring, enforcement, and cleanup efforts. The initiative aims to improve hygiene, enforce anti-littering regulations, and protect the city from the impact of the monsoon.
Brazil is deploying military aircraft to combat raging wildfires in Sao Paulo state, with over 40 cities on high alert. The fires, fueled by prolonged drought, have caused widespread damage, including fatalities and forced evacuations. Rain is expected to offer relief, but the situation remains dire.
An unexpected cold front from the Gulf of Alaska brought unseasonal snow to the mountains of California and the Pacific Northwest on Saturday, disrupting summer activities and even closing parts of Lassen Volcanic National Park. While surprising for August, the snow was welcomed by ski resorts as a hint of winter to come. The cold front also brought rain and fire danger, with a flash flood watch issued for the burn scar of California’s largest wildfire this year.
Tropical Storm Hone is approaching Hawaii, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to the Big Island, potentially causing flooding and wind damage. A red flag warning has been issued for the leeward sides of all islands due to increased wildfire risk. While the storm is expected to strengthen into a Category 1 hurricane, authorities are urging visitors to postpone outdoor activities but not to cancel their trips.
