The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) in the UAE has issued a weather alert, predicting rain and dust storms in the eastern coastal regions, including Fujairah, Al Ain, and parts of Ras Al Khaimah. The alert covers a period from August 19th to 23rd, advising residents and travelers to exercise caution due to potential travel disruptions, reduced visibility, and fluctuating temperatures.
Harrison Ford’s iconic brown fedora from ‘Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom’ has sold for a record-breaking $630,000, more than doubling its pre-auction estimate. The fedora, a coveted piece of movie memorabilia, was part of the late stunt performer Dean Ferrandini’s collection and was used on set during filming.
Malaysia has revised its plan to gift orangutans to palm oil-buying countries, opting instead for an adoption program that keeps the endangered apes in their natural habitat. The new plan, inspired by China’s ‘panda diplomacy’, aims to raise funds for orangutan conservation through ‘sponsorship’ by palm oil importers.
A year ago, Southern California experienced a rare double whammy of natural disasters. A 5.1 magnitude earthquake shook Ventura County while Hurricane Hilary, downgraded to a tropical storm, brought heavy rainfall and flooding to the region.
The Citizen Consumer and Civic Action Group (CAG) in Chennai is hosting its annual zero-waste carnival, focusing on educating youth about sustainable practices and reducing plastic waste. The event includes workshops, stalls, and performances to promote a plastic-free environment and highlight the challenges of waste management in the city.
Hurricane Debby’s destructive path through the Southeast left behind more than just damage; it also brought to light a significant drug smuggling operation. Authorities discovered over 100 pounds of cocaine along Florida’s coastline, highlighting the lengths smugglers go to evade detection and the unpredictable nature of drug trafficking.
Environmental activists from Extinction Rebellion blocked the entry of a cruise ship into the Port of Amsterdam by tying themselves to a lock. The group is calling for an end to cruise ships in the city due to their high pollution levels. This is the second such action in a week, highlighting the growing concerns about the environmental impact of cruise tourism.
The National Capital Region (NCR) is experiencing the longest continuous spell of rain in 13 years, with downpours lasting 14 days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts more rain in the coming days, attributing the heavy rainfall to a combination of factors including the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) returning to neutral and the La Niña phase expected to develop later this month. The IMD forecasts indicate that the monsoon will be above normal for the remaining months, with September likely to see more rainfall than August.
The European seed industry is facing a growing threat from patents, particularly in the area of new genetic editing techniques (NGTs). This could lead to increased corporate control over seeds, reduced genetic diversity, and potential risks to Europe’s food security.
Bamako, the capital of Mali, faces a growing waste management crisis. The city’s rapid population growth has outpaced its infrastructure, leaving streets littered with garbage. Donkey carts, often overburdened and neglected, are used to collect trash, highlighting the desperate need for a sustainable solution. While the World Bank has pledged funding for landfill improvements, the city’s waste management struggles persist, with residents often resorting to dumping their trash directly into the streets.
