In 2024, the top 10 climate disasters inflicted over $288 billion in damages and claimed over 2,000 lives globally, with the US bearing nearly half the financial burden. South-east Asia accounted for over 40% of the casualties. The report highlights the disproportionate impact on lower-income countries and underscores the urgent need to transition away from fossil fuels.
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World leaders mourned the death of former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, recognizing his contributions to India's economic reforms and global diplomatic relations. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other international dignitaries praised Singh's role in enhancing partnerships and fostering bilateral ties, expressing profound grief and extending heartfelt condolences.
Airport police in Pune have filed a case against a Lohegaon cafe owner after a chocolate shake ordered online contained a dead mouse. The shake was consumed by a student who discovered the mouse at the bottom and sought medical attention. The cafe's staff is suspected of inadvertently blending the mouse into the shake.
The 97th Academy Awards nominations were announced today, with 'Emilia Perez' leading the charge with 14 nominations, including key categories like Best Cinematography and Best Supporting Actress. Other notable contenders include 'Conclave' with several major nominations and 'Wicked' receiving multiple nods, highlighting a competitive Oscar race this year.
Two activists from Just Stop Oil defaced Charles Darwin’s grave at Westminster Abbey to highlight the climate crisis, marking the grave with '1.5 is dead' after global temperatures surpassed the 1.5°C threshold. Alyson Lee and Di Bligh were arrested, stressing the urgency for the UK government to phase out fossil fuels. The damage was temporary.
Survivors of the coal mine disaster on the Assam-Meghalaya border recount traumatic encounters, while relatives mourn the loss of their primary earners. An ongoing recovery operation has retrieved four bodies, but many are still missing. The perilous conditions and allure of higher daily wages compel workers to these illegal and dangerous mines.
Donald Trump’s first joint address to Congress highlighted his administration's swift actions and bipartisanship, symbolized by a dark purple tie. Despite facing opposition protests and economic challenges, he emphasized his strong Republican support and controversial foreign policy decisions, notably freezing military aid to Ukraine.
​The meetings were held in secrecy between US presidential envoy for hostage affairs Adam Boehler and Hamas officials. Israel was not informed of what was discussed at these direct meetings as the Axios report said that Israel learnt "about aspects of the talks through other channels". However, the Trump administration consulted with Israel about the possibility of engaging with Hamas, the report added.
Army commanders initiated a four-day conference to review the security situation at the borders with China and Pakistan. The conference, led by General Upendra Dwivedi, focuses on operational priorities and the modernization of the large force, particularly in context of slow troop de-escalation at the LAC with China.
Three men in Nadiad town, Kheda died after consuming jeera soda on Sunday evening. Authorities excluded the possibility of spurious liquor, suspecting poisoning or a failed concoction experiment. Forensic analysis revealed ethanol in their bodies, and further tests will determine the next steps in the investigation.
JSW Steel has become the world's highest-valued steelmaker, surpassing a market capitalisation of $30 billion. The company's valuation has outpaced other leading international and Indian steel producers.