Joshua Bregman, a 34-year-old British daredevil, has set a new Guinness World Record for the highest altitude ski-BASE jump, leaping 18,753 feet from Mera Peak in Nepal. Bregman’s jump surpasses the previous record by over 4,000 feet. The extreme sport, which combines skiing with BASE jumping, required Bregman and his team to overcome significant challenges, including altitude acclimation and site preparation. Their efforts were aided by a light snowfall that improved conditions. Beyond the thrill of the jump, Bregman’s attempt aimed to raise awareness about human trafficking in Nepal and support child victims with the funds raised.

A puzzling issue in the Colorado River Basin—where snowpack water isn't reaching the river as expected—has been largely explained by recent research from the University of Washington. The study attributes nearly 70% of the water discrepancy to warmer, drier springs, which reduce streamflow by causing plants to absorb more snowmelt and increasing soil evaporation. This new insight suggests that April water forecasts need to incorporate spring rainfall data to improve accuracy. The findings emphasize the growing importance of understanding and predicting spring weather patterns amid ongoing drought conditions.

The Indian student team achieved remarkable success at the 17th International Earth Sciences Olympiad (IESO) held in Beijing from August 8-16, 2024. Comprising students from Gujarat, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan, the team secured three gold medals, three bronze medals, and two silver medals across three categories: Theory and Practical, Earth System Project, and International Team Field Investigation. The competition, which featured teams from 35 countries, aims to promote awareness of earth sciences. Indian officials, including Dr. Jitendra Singh and Dr. M Ravichandran, praised the students’ achievements and highlighted the IESO’s role in advancing earth science education. The Indian National Earth Science Olympiad (INESO) serves as a precursor to the IESO, with support from the Ministry of Earth Sciences under the REACHOUT scheme.

Astronomers have developed a new technique for predicting the strength of future solar cycles using over a century of data from the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory. The research, conducted by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, identifies a significant correlation between the width of supergranular lanes and the number of sunspots in future solar cycles. This correlation, observed during solar minimum periods, allows for forecasts about 4–5 years in advance. The advancement is expected to improve space weather predictions, benefiting communication systems, power grids, and astronaut safety.

The Panama Canal is grappling with the effects of a historic drought that significantly reduced the number of crossings, especially for liquefied natural gas (LNG) and dry bulk ships. Despite a drop in transit numbers, the canal's revenue increased by 15% due to higher bidding for limited slots. As climate change continues to threaten water supplies, the canal is less attractive for lower-value goods, leading businesses to explore alternative routes. Panama’s new government is working on a long-term solution, including the construction of a new reservoir, but faces political and logistical challenges.

As we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, these foundational rules of war remain both crucial and challenged. Despite their universal adoption, the conventions are often violated amidst the approximately 120 ongoing armed conflicts worldwide. This milestone also coincides with the grim anniversaries of the Yazidi genocide and the decade-long conflict in Ukraine, underscoring the rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the South China Sea. The evolving nature of warfare, including the use of modern technologies, questions the conventions' adequacy in addressing current and future conflicts. While the Geneva Conventions have successfully expanded to cover a range of issues, such as civil wars and chemical weapons, some of their provisions appear outdated, sparking debate on their effectiveness. Moving forward, nations must reinforce collective responsibility, avoid exploiting legal loopholes, and uphold the core humanitarian principles of the conventions to minimize war's devastation and preserve human dignity.

On August 11, Sajeeb Wazed, son of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, publicly denounced…

In New Delhi, Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri C.R. Paatil, unveiled Version 2.0 of the 'FloodWatch India' mobile application, developed by the Central Water Commission (CWC). The updated app expands its flood monitoring capabilities by including data from 392 additional stations, bringing the total to 592. It now also features information on the storage positions of 150 major reservoirs, improving users' ability to assess potential flood risks. Utilizing advanced technologies such as satellite data analysis and real-time monitoring, the app provides accurate flood forecasts in both English and Hindi. Available for free on Android and iOS devices, the app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. The launch event was attended by senior officials including Ms. Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary (Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation), and Shri Kushvinder Vohra, Chairman of the CWC.

Tantalum, a rare and corrosion-resistant metal, is crucial for electronic components like capacitors and resistors. Major tantalum deposits are found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Australia, Brazil, Canada, and Thailand. The metal is extracted through mining and processed for various applications in electronics, aerospace, and medical devices. While tantalum mining significantly contributes to the economies of deposit-rich countries, it also poses environmental challenges such as habitat destruction. The global tantalum industry faces both economic importance and market volatility.

Wildfires in the United States and Canada have become so severe that they are generating rare pyrocumulonimbus clouds. These clouds, capable of producing thunder and sparking additional fires, have seen a marked increase in frequency. Before 2023, an average of 102 of these clouds were recorded globally each year, with 50 occurring in Canada. However, last year alone saw 140 such clouds in Canada. Pyrocumulonimbus clouds form under extreme heat from wildfires or volcanic eruptions, evolving from pyrocumulus clouds as hot air rises and cools. Although they produce lightning, they generate little rain, leading to the potential for new wildfires and stronger, unpredictable winds. The increased occurrence of these clouds is believed to be linked to climate change, which drives more frequent and intense wildfires.

On Thursday, a 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck southern Japan, prompting the country’s meteorological agency to issue its first-ever “megaquake advisory.” This advisory warns of a heightened risk of a larger earthquake and tsunami in the coming week, particularly along the Nankai Trough, a subduction zone known for its potential to produce magnitude 8 or 9 earthquakes. The Nankai Trough has historically generated major earthquakes every 100 to 150 years, with the latest advisory reflecting advancements in forecasting risk rather than predicting specific events. Residents are urged to prepare by reviewing evacuation plans and staying informed about potential future warnings.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) concluded Exercise Udara Shakti 2024 and returned to India on 10 August 2024. Held from 5 to 9 August 2024 at Kuantan, Malaysia, the joint air exercise with the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) featured IAF's Su-30MKI fighter jets. During the exercise, the IAF and RMAF engaged in air combat missions together, enhancing their operational familiarity and interoperability. The exercise also included a technical exchange aimed at improving maintenance practices and operational efficiency for both air forces.

A new study has found that water temperatures around Australia's Great Barrier Reef have surged to their highest levels in 400 years over the past decade, posing a severe threat to the world's largest living ecosystem. The research, published recently, highlights the impact of human-induced climate change on the reef. Utilizing historical data from coral cores and modern records, scientists observed significant warming trends beginning in the early 20th century. The Great Barrier Reef has experienced five major coral bleaching events since 2016, aligning with the warmest years in four centuries. This environmental crisis threatens not only the reef’s biodiversity but also its substantial economic contribution to Australia. The United Nations has recommended listing the reef as a world heritage site in danger, a suggestion resisted by Australia due to potential tourism impacts. The study underscores the need for enhanced climate action and global cooperation to protect this crucial natural asset.

Next week, the Indian Army and Sri Lankan Army will launch the 10th edition of their joint exercise, "Mitra Shakti," in Maduruoya, Sri Lanka. Running from August 12 to August 25, 2024, the exercise will involve 120 soldiers from the Indian Army’s Rajputana Rifles and an equal number from the Sri Lankan Army’s Gajaba Regiment. This year’s focus is on joint operations in semi-urban environments, in alignment with Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. The exercise aims to enhance operational proficiency, address contemporary security challenges, and strengthen defense ties between the two nations. The previous edition was held in Pune, India, and included various advanced military activities.

Researchers have unearthed an intriguing unfinished clay figurine from Lake Bolsena, Italy, dating back to the 10th-9th centuries BC. Found at the underwater archaeological site of Gran Carro di Bolsena, this palm-sized, feminine-looking artifact remains incomplete but provides valuable insights into Iron Age life. The figurine's well-preserved state, including visible fingerprints and fabric imprints, suggests it was once dressed and may have had ritualistic or domestic significance. The discovery, credited to the Underwater Archaeology Service and Italian Cultural Property Restoration teams, adds to the rich historical tapestry of the region, known for its volcanic activity and ancient settlements.

Lake Turkana, Africa’s fourth-largest lake and the world’s largest permanent desert lake, is the focus of a new 10-year project funded by the Dutch Government and implemented by the World Food Programme (WFP) and UNESCO, in collaboration with local Kenyan entities. Despite its significant biodiversity and cultural value, the lake remains one of the least studied in Africa, with its semi-saline waters and fluctuating levels posing challenges for sustainable development.

Earlier this week, a rare incursion by Ukrainian forces into the Russian border region of Kursk led to the evacuation of thousands of residents and the declaration of a state of emergency. The Russian Defense Ministry reported significant Ukrainian losses, including troops and armored vehicles, as Russian forces continued to engage in military operations. The incursion has heightened tensions, with Russian President Vladimir Putin accusing Ukraine of a "large-scale provocation." Ukrainian officials have remained silent on the operation, while analysts suggest the move may be a strategic attempt to divert Russian forces from eastern Ukraine. The situation has drawn international attention, with the U.S. confirming it was not forewarned of the Ukrainian action.