INDIA NEPAL FLOOD AID
A powerful El Niño is here: What it could mean for your weather, region by region
A strong El Niño has been promoted to Super El Niño status, bringing significant changes to winter weather. Certain regions may experience heavier rainfall, while others are expected to enjoy warmer temperatures with fewer snow days. California and the Southwest could undergo atmospheric rivers and flooding, alleviating drought conditions. Conversely, the Midwest and Northeast might encounter milder winters along with fluctuating precipitation.
Nepal seeks better BRI terms as ruling party MPs visit China
Nepal is dispatching a group of MPs to China to negotiate potential advantages from the Belt and Road Initiative. Prime Minister Balen Shah emphasized negotiating with assurance and encouraged the MPs to meticulously examine how Nepal can benefit from Chinese projects. The talks are anticipated to cover concerns regarding financing and implementation, as the government remains vigilant about risks associated with BRI involvement.
Indian Railways approves weekly train service connecting Nepal's Janakpur Dham with Ayodhya
Indian Railways has approved a new weekly train service connecting Janakpur Dham and Ayodhya, enhancing cross-border travel. The service will operate once a week, facilitating pilgrimages and tourism associated with the Ramayana tradition. It covers approximately 604 kilometres and will include stops at significant towns in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Officials from both India and Nepal are coordinating on customs and passenger security measures for this service.
Urgent climate finance pleas at COP31 face a non-urgent response
Poor nations are calling for urgent financial support to address climate-related disasters, yet responses are sluggish. Despite past agreements, funding to vulnerable countries has not met the required targets, causing severe delays. Geopolitical issues and rising military expenditures further divert attention and resources away from climate financing.
Big polluters may muddy the waters again at COP
The report by Kick the Big Polluters Out, a global coalition of more than 450 environmental and civil society organisations, said representatives of major fossil fuel companies, Big Tech, industrial agriculture and food industries have accessed the climate talks through various routes.
SCO meet: Russia, China, Iran to attend; minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat 'hopeful' of Pakistan's participation
From November 20-22, New Delhi will be the venue for the first-ever Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Civilisational Dialogue Forum, bringing together delegates from 15 nations. This forum is designed to foster cultural exchange, focusing on the interconnectedness of art, architecture, and language among the member countries, ultimately celebrating their rich shared heritage.
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US military downs 2 Iranian attack drones as Iran claims a strike on a US radar in Bahrain
The U.S. military reported intercepting two Iranian attack drones that were approaching Bahrain without causing any damage. Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed responsibility for an alleged strike on a U.S. radar system in the kingdom. In a separate incident, the Guard stated a tanker struck a naval mine while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The situation remains tense as Iran continues to threaten maritime navigation in the region.
Beach Hazards Statements, High Surf Warning and flood advisory as storms hit Los Angeles and San Francisco
California is bracing for powerful storm systems that promise to deliver heavy rainfall and a significant drop in temperatures. Flood and high surf advisories are in effect along the coast, leading the National Weather Service to issue safety warnings. Up to half an inch of rain is expected, with gusty winds complicating travel.
"Very salient": UN climate chief backs PM Modi's remarks on clean energy cushioning India against oil price shock
UN climate chief Simon Stiell has endorsed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks that clean energy investments helped India withstand the oil price shock, calling them "very salient". Stiell also welcomed India's Green Energy Corridor, emphasising the role of renewable energy, stronger electricity grids and battery storage in protecting economies.
Connecticut restored 34 acres of damaged salt marsh in 2022; two years later, native grasses were thriving, and shorebirds were nesting on newly built mounds
A major salt marsh restoration project at Great Meadows Marsh in Connecticut is showing promising results for coastal wildlife and biodiversity. After a $4.65 million rehabilitation effort, the 34-acre wetland has seen the return of endangered saltmarsh sparrows and the growth of native marsh plants. The project highlights how wetland restoration, coastal conservation and habitat recovery can protect biodiversity, reduce flood risks and create healthier ecosystems amid rising sea levels.
4.9-magnitude moderate earthquake hits West Sikkim, mild tremors felt in Gangtok
A 4.9-magnitude earthquake occurred early Thursday morning in the Sikkim-Nepal region, affecting various areas. The tremors were felt in West Sikkim, including the state capital Gangtok and parts of East Sikkim. According to the National Centre for Seismology, the earthquake's epicentre was about 40 km northwest of Yuksom.
Nepal earthquake: 4.9 magnitude tremor recorded at a depth of 73 km
An earthquake of magnitude 4.9 struck Nepal at approximately 4:30 am on Thursday, according to the National Center for Seismology (NCS).
Climate crisis is outrunning world, UN chief Antonio Guterres warns leaders at COP31
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addressed world leaders at the COP31 summit in Turkey regarding climate change action. He warned that the slow international response threatens the planet's future and urged countries to implement clean energy solutions. Negotiators from nearly 200 nations are currently seeking agreement on enhancing electricity's role in global energy consumption. The summit occurs amid significant geopolitical challenges and alarming climate data highlighting increasing global temperatures.
UP BJP chief says upcoming election about "defeating those who want to destabilise India"
Pankaj Chaudhary condemned the opposition's recent protests, stating they aim to destabilize the country. He emphasized that the upcoming 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly election is critical for national stability. Chaudhary accused the opposition of seeking to mimic political movements seen in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. He noted the support from the youth and citizens in rejecting the opposition's efforts.
Disaster warning systems race to keep pace with galloping climate risks
Twice a day during the rainy season, Raquel Izarra climbs to the roof of her home in the eastern Lima suburb of Santa Ines Bajo and measures how much rain has fallen using a homemade gauge, before
India drawing up list of export snags in South Asia
India is identifying regulatory and market-access barriers in seven South Asian countries to expand exports and reach its $1-trillion target. Merchandise exports to these markets fell 1.3% to $25.7 billion in FY26. The government is examining certification delays, tariffs and product standards while exploring opportunities in chemicals, pharmaceuticals and textiles.
World's largest climate summit COP31 opens as climate and geopolitical pressures mount
The UN climate talks are set to begin in Antalya, where rising temperatures create an urgent need for global cooperation. More than 100,000 attendees from nearly 200 countries are expected to discuss climate action and funding for developing nations. The ongoing geopolitical tensions complicate negotiations, especially regarding fossil fuel transitions. Additionally, developing countries are advocating for increased adaptation finance to combat climate impacts.
COP31 a 'moment of truth': UN chief Guterres urges world leaders to act now on climate change
António Guterres has urged global leaders to take immediate action against climate change ahead of the COP31 summit. He emphasizes that responsibility should not be shifted and that everyone must commit to change now. Guterres highlights the worsening impact of climate disasters and the interplay between climate change and other global challenges. Additionally, he believes that fossil fuel companies should contribute by being taxed on their profits.
Climate finance, trade likely to be on COP31 table
COP31, scheduled to occur in Antalya from November 9-20, will address significant climate finance and trade issues. Discussions include the funding developed countries owe to developing nations for climate change adaptation. The African Group aims to formalize financial support strategies and assess funding needs for climate initiatives. Additionally, proposals regarding the impact of climate-related trade measures on developing countries have been put forward.
Nepal PM seeks $2B package ahead of visit
Nepal is preparing to request a $2 billion economic package from India during Prime Minister Balen Shah's upcoming visit. The package includes $1 billion in credit for infrastructure projects and $1 billion in grants for highway upgrades and post-flood reconstruction. Additionally, Nepal will advocate for new air routes between the two countries during the visit.
Emami bets on winter demand as inflation keeps a lid on growth
Emami Ltd announced a 36% increase in consolidated revenue for the second quarter, reaching Rs 1,088 crore. Despite rising input costs, the company has seen positive trends in its winter portfolio and rural demand. The net profit declined by 3% due to changes in the effective tax rate. Emami has implemented price hikes to offset raw material inflation while focusing on cost-efficiency.
Govt eases passport, visa rules for foreign nationals residing in India
The Union home ministry has announced relaxed passport and visa requirements for certain foreign nationals. These amendments apply to individuals including Pakistani citizens and minority refugees. Exemptions also cover members of religious communities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan on humanitarian grounds. Registered Sri Lankan Tamils and Tibetans who entered India under specific permits are included in the amendments.
India ready to help Nepal rebuild flood-hit infra, deepen energy ties
India's foreign secretary Vikram Misri communicated support for Nepal's infrastructure rebuilding after the recent floods. During meetings in Kathmandu, Nepal's PM Balen Shah thanked India for its disaster response assistance. Discussions also focused on expanding energy cooperation, with Nepal seeking new investments in various sectors. Several India-funded projects are set to be inaugurated during Shah's upcoming visit to India. This visit marks Shah's first bilateral overseas engagement as Prime Minister.
India, Nepal reaffirm commitment to all-round enhancement of partnership as FS Misri meets PM Shah
India and Nepal have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties as Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Prime Minister Balendra Shah in Kathmandu ahead of his expected visit to Delhi later this month. Discussions covered trade, energy, connectivity, sports and new areas of cooperation, including AI and digital connectivity.
SJVN holds talks with Nepal government to expedite 1,569-MW hydropower projects
SJVN Ltd chairman Bhupender Gupta met various Nepal government officials to expedite hydropower projects. The discussions focused on the Arun-3 project and the challenges it faces, including land issues. Necessary approvals were also discussed for the pre-construction activities of the Lower Arun project. SJVN aims to strengthen energy security and promote sustainable power generation in Nepal.
NHAI will dig up rivers to build highways: 1,078 lakh cubic metres of silt identified to tackle Bihar floods & speed up roadwork
The Centre and Bihar government have launched the 'Nadi Sanjivani' initiative to tackle recurring floods through river desilting while supporting highway construction. Under the agreement, NHAI will use 1,078 lakh cubic metres of excavated silt and sand in ongoing and upcoming national highway projects. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said the initiative could serve as a model for other states.
Road ministry signs MoU with Bihar to use river silt for national highways construction
The ministry of road transport and highways signed an MoU with the Bihar government for river desilting. This initiative aims to use excavated silt in ongoing and future National Highway construction projects. A total of 1,078 lakh cubic metres of silt is planned for utilization in 43 highway projects in Bihar.
Foreign funding must be probed, but it cannot brush aside local concerns over the Siang dam
CBI is examining alleged foreign funding concerning protests against the Siang Upper Multipurpose hydropower project. Local communities have opposed the project for nearly two decades due to various concerns. These concerns encompass displacement, loss of ancestral land, and cultural identity. Recent natural disasters highlight the risks associated with large hydropower projects in fragile environments. Addressing these concerns requires transparency and public scrutiny rather than mere speculation about foreign influence.
Foreign secretary Vikram Misri to prepare ground for Nepal PM's India trip
Foreign secretary Vikram Misri is scheduled to visit Kathmandu to prepare for Balendra Shah's visit to India. Shah's visit will mark his first trip abroad as Prime Minister of Nepal, occurring in late November. Several India-funded projects are expected to be inaugurated, and new projects will be launched during this visit. Nepal is likely to request additional Indian investments in various sectors, including hydropower and hospitality.
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