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Express Tribune
13 hours ago
- Climate
- Express Tribune
Himalayan snow at 23-year low
Pakistan will invest $8.5 million to expand glacier monitoring stations in the Hindu Kush, Karakoram and Himalayan mountain ranges. PHOTO: REUTERS Snowfall in Asia's Hindu Kush-Himalayan mountain range has reached a 23-year low, threatening nearly two billion people dependent on snowmelt for water, scientists warned in a report. The Hindu Kush-Himalayan range, which stretches from Afghanistan to Myanmar, holds the largest reserves of ice and snow outside the Arctic and Antarctica and is a vital source of fresh water for about two billion people. Researchers found "a significant decline in seasonal snow across the Hindu Kush Himalaya region, with snow persistence (the time snow remains on the ground) 23.6 percent below normal — the lowest in 23 years," the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) said. "This trend, now in its third consecutive year, threatens water security for nearly two billion people," it said in its Snow Update Report. The study also warned of "potential lower river flows, increased groundwater reliance, and heightened drought risk". Sher Muhammad, the lead author of the ICIMOD report, told AFP that "this year the snowfall started late in January and remained low in the winter season on average". Several countries in the region have already issued drought warnings, with upcoming harvests and access to water at risk for populations already facing more frequent heatwaves. The inter-governmental ICIMOD organisation is made up of member countries Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan. It urged countries that rely on the 12 major river basins in the region to develop "improved water management, stronger drought preparedness, better early warning systems, and greater regional cooperation".
India Gazette
15 hours ago
- Health
- India Gazette
Indian Embassy in Nepal organises series of events to mark 11th International Day of Yoga
Kathmandu [Nepal], June 21 (ANI): The Indian Embassy in Nepal and the Consulate General of India in Birgunj on Saturday organised a series of engaging events across 10 cities and municipalities in Nepal, including Kathmandu, Pokhara, Lamjung, Lumbini, Janakpur, Chitwan, Birgunj, Hetauda, Rautahat and Bariyarpur to mark the 11th International Day of Yoga. In keeping with this year's theme of 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health,' the Embassy of India organised a curtain-raiser event, including a Yoga demonstration, at the revered Pashupatinath Temple on April 7, marking the 75-day lead-up to the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025. As part of the 50-day lead-up to IDY, the Embassy of India conducted a Yoga session at the ECHS Polyclinic in Kathmandu on May 2 with active participation from ex-servicemen of the Indian Army. Additionally, in the 25-day lead-up to IDY 2025, a Yoga session was held with Nepali Army personnel at the Nepal Army HQ ground in Kathmandu on May 27. The Embassy of India organised Yoga posture demonstrations at six UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Kathmandu Valley, namely: Pashupatinath Temple on April 7; Kathmandu Durbar Square on June 6; Boudhanath Stupa and Swayambhunath Stupa on June 9; Changu Narayan Temple on June 10; and Patan Durbar Square on June 14. 'These events saw active participation from Yoga enthusiasts and members of the Indian diaspora. The demonstration at Patan Durbar Square witnessed enthusiastic involvement from Nepali celebrities, local authorities, residents, and members of the Indian community,' a release from the Indian Embassy reads. 'Separately, a Yoga session with participation of more than 150 students from various schools in Kathmandu was organised at the premises of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Kathmandu on 13 June 2025. The event also featured an insightful lecture demonstration on the 'Benefits of Saatvik Aahar,' inspiring students to embrace mindful eating rooted in traditional Indian wisdom and holistic wellness,' the release adds. In addition, the Embassy of India partnered with the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) to host a Yoga session at the ICIMOD HQ in Kathmandu on June 15. The event was attended by the officials of ICIMOD and Embassy of India, Kathmandu. On June 19, a Yoga demonstration was held in the picturesque Lamjung district, in collaboration with the Madhya Nepal Municipality. In a similar spirit, the Embassy of India conducted Yoga demonstrations at three prominent landmarks in Pokhara: the Sarangkot viewpoint, renowned for its panoramic views of the Annapurna mountain range; the Shiva Temple at Pumdikot, where spiritual serenity meets breathtaking vistas; and the Shanti Stupa, gracefully located on the scenic Anadu Hill. Continuing the celebration of Yoga, the Embassy of India hosted a large-scale Yoga and meditation session on June 20 along the serene banks of Lake Phewa in Pokhara. With over 500 participants in attendance, the event highlighted Yoga's profound ability to connect human consciousness with nature. On 20 June 2025, the Embassy of India hosted a large-scale Yoga demonstration at the Lumbini Development Trust in Lumbini, drawing participation from over 500 Yoga enthusiasts. The event was graced by the presence of the Governor of Lumbini, Mr. Krishna Bahadur Gharti, and the Minister of Youth and Sports of Nepal, Mr. Teju Lal Chaudhary. In his address, the Governor of Lumbini expressed his appreciation to the Embassy of India for organising a meaningful Yoga event at the sacred birthplace of Lord Buddha, acknowledging its significance in strengthening the cultural ties between India and Nepal. Ambassador Naveen Srivastava underscored the universal appeal of Yoga and its vital role in fostering a healthy, mindful, and sustainable lifestyle. The Minister of Youth and Sports of Nepal also extended his gratitude to the Embassy of India for hosting the event and promoting the spirit of wellness and unity through Yoga. 'The main highlight of the Embassy of India's International Day of Yoga celebrations in Nepal in 2025 was a grand Yoga demonstration held at Pokhara's Rangsala Stadium on 21 June, in collaboration with the Pokhara Metropolitan City. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 7000 Yoga practitioners across the region and was graced by the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Gandaki Province, Mr. Surendra Raj Pandey, and the Mayor of Pokhara Metropolitan City, Mr. Dhana Raj Acharya,' the release stated. In his address, the Chief Minister extended his gratitude to the Embassy of India for organising the International Yoga Day celebrations in Pokhara on such a remarkable scale. He emphasised that Yoga represents an integral aspect of the enduring and deeply rooted cultural ties between India and Nepal. Ambassador Naveen Srivastava emphasised Yoga's role as a meaningful cultural bridge between the two nations and highlighted the potential of organising such events in key tourist destinations to further promote Yoga tourism in Nepal. The Mayor of Pokhara expressed appreciation for the Embassy's support in positioning Pokhara as Nepal's tourism hub through initiatives like these. The Consulate General of India also organised International Day of Yoga events in Janakpur, Chitwan, Birgunj, Hetauda, Rautahat, and Bariyarpur. The Embassy of India remains committed to fostering people-to-people connections and cultural exchanges with Nepal, grounded in the shared appreciation for Yoga and holistic approaches to health and well-being. (ANI)
The Wire
13-06-2025
- Climate
- The Wire
Disasters Loom over South Asia with Forecast of a Hotter, Wetter Monsoon
Communities across Asia's Himalayan Hindu Kush region face heightened disaster risks this monsoon season, experts warned. Photo: AFP Real journalism holds power accountable Since 2015, The Wire has done just that. But we can continue only with your support. Contribute Now Communities across Asia's Himalayan Hindu Kush region face heightened disaster risks this monsoon season with temperatures and rainfall expected to exceed normal levels, experts warned on Thursday. Temperatures are expected to be up to two degrees Celsius hotter than average across the region, with forecasts for above-average rains, according to a monsoon outlook released by Kathmandu-based International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) on Wednesday. 'Rising temperatures and more extreme rain raise the risk of water-induced disasters such as floods, landslides, and debris flows, and have longer-term impacts on glaciers, snow reserves, and permafrost,' Arun Bhakta Shrestha, a senior adviser at ICIMOD, said in a statement. The summer monsoon, which brings South Asia 70-80 percent of its annual rainfall, is vital for agriculture and therefore for the livelihoods of millions of farmers and for food security in a region that is home to around two billion people. However, it also brings destruction through landslides and floods every year. Melting glaciers add to the volume of water, while unregulated construction in flood-prone areas exacerbates the damage. 'What we have seen over the years are also cascading disasters where, for example, heavy rainfall can lead to landslides, and landslides can actually block rivers. We need to be aware about such possibilities,' Saswata Sanyal, manager of ICIMOD's Disaster Risk Reduction work, told AFP. Last year's monsoon season brought devastating landslides and floods across South Asia and killed hundreds of people, including more than 300 in Nepal. This year, Nepal has set up a monsoon response command post, led by its National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority. 'We are coordinating to stay prepared and to share data and alerts up to the local level for early response. Our security forces are on standby for rescue efforts,' said agency spokesman Ram Bahadur KC. Weather-related disasters are common during the monsoon season from June to September but experts say climate change, coupled with urbanisation, is increasing their frequency and severity. The UN's World Meteorological Organization said last year that increasingly intense floods and droughts are a 'distress signal' of what is to come as climate change makes the planet's water cycle ever more unpredictable. The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.
Kuwait Times
13-06-2025
- Climate
- Kuwait Times
Disasters loom over South Asia with forecast of hotter, wetter monsoon
Disasters loom over South Asia with forecast of hotter, wetter monsoon Rising temperatures, rain raise risk of water-induced disasters KATHMANDU: Communities across Asia's Himalayan Hindu Kush region face heightened disaster risks this monsoon season with temperatures and rainfall expected to exceed normal levels, experts warned on Thursday. Temperatures are expected to be up to two degrees Celsius hotter than average across the region, with forecasts for above-average rains, according to a monsoon outlook released by Kathmandu-based International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) on Wednesday. 'Rising temperatures and more extreme rain raise the risk of water-induced disasters such as floods, landslides, and debris flows, and have longer-term impacts on glaciers, snow reserves, and permafrost,' Arun Bhakta Shrestha, a senior adviser at ICIMOD, said in a statement. The summer monsoon, which brings South Asia 70-80 percent of its annual rainfall, is vital for agriculture and therefore for the livelihoods of millions of farmers and for food security in a region that is home to around two billion people. However, it also brings destruction through landslides and floods every year. Melting glaciers add to the volume of water, while unregulated construction in flood-prone areas exacerbates the damage. 'What we have seen over the years are also cascading disasters where, for example, heavy rainfall can lead to landslides, and landslides can actually block rivers. We need to be aware about such possibilities,' Saswata Sanyal, manager of ICIMOD's Disaster Risk Reduction work, told AFP. Last year's monsoon season brought devastating landslides and floods across South Asia and killed hundreds of people, including more than 300 in Nepal. This year, Nepal has set up a monsoon response command post, led by its National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority. 'We are coordinating to stay prepared and to share data and alerts up to the local level for early response. Our security forces are on standby for rescue efforts,' said agency spokesman Ram Bahadur KC. Weather-related disasters are common during the monsoon season from June to September but experts say climate change, coupled with urbanization, is increasing their frequency and severity. The UN's World Meteorological Organization said last year that increasingly intense floods and droughts are a 'distress signal' of what is to come as climate change makes the planet's water cycle ever more unpredictable. — AFP
Time of India
12-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
King Cobra sightings at 9k ft in Everest region startles scientists
1 2 Dehradun: Ten King Cobras were recently spotted at elevations between 1,000 and 2,700 metres in the Everest region of Nepal, sparking concern among scientists who said the sightings could be linked to shifting climate patterns. The reptiles, typically found in lowland tropical habitats, appeared in areas including Gopaleshwor, Bhanjyang, Sokhol and Fulchowk in what experts described as an unusual development. Bishnu Pandey of the Institute of Forestry in Nepal said the sightings were a "recent phenomenon". He said, "We found King Cobra eggs in the Gauri Shankar Range just before the Covid-19 pandemic. Similarly, cobras were sighted in Jiri municipality, which lies between 1,600m and over 5,000m." He added that the snakes found in these areas were the same species as those seen in Nepal's Terai region and suggested climate change as the most likely cause of their movement to higher altitudes. Ramesh Chinnasamy, a scientist at the Wildlife Institute of India, said King Cobras typically inhabit rainforests and are naturally shy. He said, "While we cannot directly attribute this shift in distribution to climate change without a detailed scientific study, rising temperatures do tend to extend the active periods of King Cobras and other reptiles, potentially prompting them to expand their habitat range. Systematic research is needed to assess whether the sightings mark a broader ecological change or are isolated events." Wildlife biologist and King Cobra researcher Jignasu Dolia, based in Nainital, confirmed similar high-altitude sightings in Uttarakhand. He said, "King Cobras have been seen in parts of Kumaon, including Mukteshwar, which lies above 2,000 metres. Generally, cobra sightings diminish with increasing altitude, so these sightings are uncommon but not unusual." He added that long-term studies were vital to understanding how the species is responding to changing climate conditions. Meanwhile, a recent study has shown that King Cobras — the world's longest venomous snakes — are not a single species. Genetic data now reveals they comprise four distinct species, challenging the earlier classification under Ophiophagus hannah. Sanjiv Chaturvedi, chief conservator of forests (research), Uttarakhand forest department, acknowledged their adaptability. "Though they are native to rainforests, King Cobras show remarkable adaptability. In Corbett Tiger Reserve, for instance, they are found at elevations ranging from 300 to over 2,000 metres," he said. Supporting the climate shift theory, a recent ICIMOD study warned that temperatures across the eight countries of the Hindu Kush Himalayan region, including Nepal and India, are expected to remain 0.5°C to 2°C above long-term averages. Nepal has also recorded an increase in extreme weather events, and its maximum temperature is rising by an average of 0.05°C per year. Experts said such changes could be altering local ecosystems and influencing animal distribution. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
