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A squad full of debutants, free from past baggage will aim to ace the ultimate test of their lives when the shooting competition of the <keyword id="4833237" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Paris-Olympics" source="Orion">Paris Olympics</keyword> begins in the sleepy French town of Chateauroux on Friday. <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword> has won four Olympic medals in shooting out of its overall tally of 35 but none in the last two editions of the Summer Games, putting the additional pressure of expectations on the record 21-member Indian contingent based in central France. The national shooting federation, National Rifle Association of India (<keyword id="19910689" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="NRAI" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="NRAI" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="NRAI">NRAI</keyword>), chose current form over pedigree to pick the squad for the mega event and it will be hoping they hit the bullseye at the <keyword id="22557904" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="National-Shooting-Centre" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="National Shooting Centre" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="National Shooting Centre">National Shooting Centre</keyword> here. Even the quota winners were made to battle out in the trials with the inexperienced Sandeep Singh pipping 2022 world champion Rudranksh Patil, who had secured India's quota in the 10m air rifle. Patil wrote to NRAI proposing his selection in the team despite finishing behind Sandeep in the trials, but the federation stuck to its guns. The athletes have been training away from the hustle and bustle of <keyword id="19916613" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Paris" source="keywords">Paris</keyword> and that could work in their favour come competition day. Barring <keyword id="20241095" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="manu-bhaker" source="keywords">Manu Bhaker</keyword>, Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, Anjum Moudgil and Elavenil Valarivan, all will experience the biggest sporting stage for the first time. India will have representation in all 15 shooting events. It is not just peak performance on the day that matters in the Olympics, luck too plays a major part. The 22-year-old Bhaker, who has won a bagful of medals in world events, had a stroke of bad luck at the Tokyo Games where her weapon malfunctioned in 10m <keyword id="20105950" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="air-pistol" source="keywords">air pistol</keyword> qualification and she could not recover from that setback. She will be taking part in three disciplines - 10m air pistol, 25m pistol and 10m pistol mixed team. India's main challenge will come from China who are also fielding 21 shooters across disciplines. Another women shooter to watch out for will be Sift Kaur Samra, who won the 50m rifle three positions gold at the Asian Games. Moudgil, one of the seasoned pros in the squad, is making a comeback and will lineup alongside Sift in the women's 50m rifle three positions. Twenty-year-old Rhythm Sangwan will be participating in two events, women's 10m air pistol alongside Bhaker and the 10m air pistol mixed team. "The preparation has been going good. The range is beautiful. I was a little upset staying away from main village in Paris. It is not as I expected but I am here for the competition and win and not pass any comments on the Games Village. Olympics is the biggest stage out here," said Sangwan. Among the male participants, only Tomar has been part of the Olympics before. Tomar, member of the gold winning team at the 2023 World Championships, will be seen in the men's 50m rifle three positions alongside Swapnil Kusale. The male debutants who have a decent international experience include Anish Bhanwala, Sarabjot Singh, Arjun Babuta, Arjun Singh Cheema and Vijayveer Singh. Gagan Narang, the 2012 Olympic bronze medallist who is here as India's chef de mission, is backing the shooters to end the <keyword id="22557903" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="medal-drought" source="keywords">medal drought</keyword> in this edition. "My first Olympic experience was in 2004 and I remember at that time, we were not as confident as we are today. There is genuine belief that we are at par with the best in the world," said Narang. The biggest test of the shooters' lives awaits. Full squad Rifle: Men's 10m air rifle: Sandeep Singh, Arjun Babuta Women's 10m air rifle: Elavenil Valarivan, Ramita Jindal Women's 50m rifle 3 positions: Sift Kaur Samra, Anjum Moudgil Men's 50m rifle 3 positions: Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, Swapnil Kusale 10m air rifle mixed team: Sandeep Singh/Elavenil Valarivan, Arjun Babuta/Ramita Jindal Pistol: Men's 10m air pistol: Sarabjot Singh, Arjun Cheema Women's 10m air pistol: Manu Bhaker, Rhythm Sangwan Men's 25m rapid fire pistol: Anish Bhanwala, Vijayveer Sidhu Women's 25m pistol: Manu Bhaker, Esha Singh 10m air pistol mixed team: Sarabjot Singh/Manu Bhaker, Arjun Singh Cheema/Rhythm Sangwan Shotgun: Men's trap: Prithviraj Tondaiman Women's trap: Rajeshwari Kumari, Shreyasi Singh Men's skeet: Anantjeet Singh Naruka Women's skeet: Maheshwari Chauhan, Raiza Dhillon Skeet mixed team: Anantjeet Singh Naruka/Maheshwari Chauhan.

Record shooting contingent out to end India's 12-year medal drought

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Sicily, Italy, is in a state of emergency over the worst drought the country has seen in 20 years.</li><li>Water rations are so strict that hotel and inn owners are turning tourists away.</li></ul>An extreme drought in Sicily is the worst the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/things-to-know-change-trip-to-sicily-italy-2023-5">Italian island</a> has seen in 20 years, and it's so bad it's threatening the region's economy.The drought in Sicily has caused the local climate to mirror that of Ethiopia, UK outlet Sky News reported, causing a state of emergency, drying up lakes, and prompting officials to implement strict water rations.The rations are so strict — with some <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/californians-sicily-italy-one-euro-homes-expensive-properties-true-cost-2024-1">residents</a> being asked to cut their water use by as much as 45% — it's prompting some hotel and inn owners to turn guests away because they cannot guarantee showers will run or toilets will flush, CNN reported."Rightly, people ask us for reassurances before coming, but we don't know what to say," Giovanni Lopez, who owns the Le Cinque Novelle bed and breakfast (B&amp;B) in central Agrigento, told CNN. "The situation is quickly impacting the entire tourist accommodation sector, which risks serious economic consequences, given that tourism is a sector almost everyone in this part of Sicily relies on."The economic impact is impossible to ignore — between empty reservoirs and livestock that have died due to the drought, CNN reported the region has lost more than a billion Euros, or nearly 1.1 billion USD.Representatives for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mistakes-tourists-make-in-rome-italy-local-tips-2023-2">Italy's Ministry of Tourism</a> did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider. However, CNN reported that Italy's tourism minister, Daniela Santanchè, suggested in April that Sicily should attempt to expand its tourism beyond summer to address the region's worsening water crisis.In addition to the drought, numerous regions of Italy, including <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/californians-sicily-italy-one-euro-homes-expensive-properties-true-cost-2024-1">Sicily,</a> are also facing population destabilization, prompting officials to offer <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/italy-pays-to-move-tuscany-residence-in-mountains-2024-6">incentives to relocate</a> to its rural regions in hopes that new residents will help stabilize the population levels.

Massive drought in Italy threatens to destroy Sicilian tourism

<keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword> on Tuesday named a tried and tested squad for the <keyword id="21536718" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Womens-T20-World-Cup" source="keywords">Women's T20 World Cup</keyword> under the leadership of <keyword id="19939186" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Harmanpreet-Kaur" source="keywords">Harmanpreet Kaur</keyword>, hoping the experienced bunch takes the team to an elusive ICC trophy. Barring Uma Chetry, all the squad members who were part of an unsuccessful Asia Cup campaign in July have been retained for the marquee event beginning in the UAE from October 3. The competition was shifted to the UAE from Bangladesh following unrest in the South Asian nation owing to a students' protest. Spin all-rounder Shreyanka Patil and top-order batter Yastika Bhatia have been included in the squad subject to fitness. Shreyanka had fractured her finger during the Asia Cup game against Pakistan while Bhatia is recovering from a knee injury. Following the loss to Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup final, Kaur will be under pressure to lead her team to the coveted title. The men were finally to able get the monkey off their back and win an ICC title after an 11 year gap back in June. The women, who too have all the resources at their disposal, would be expected to cross the finishing line on this occasion. Kaur first captained the team in the 2018 edition and since then India have reached one final but it has largely been a story of missed opportunities. Their biggest challenge will be to beat Australia as usual. Both teams are in the same group which also includes Pakistan and Sri Lanka. On expected lines, the squad is loaded with spinners including Deepti Sharma, Asha Sobhana and Radha Yadav. The two specialist pacers are Renuka Singh and Arundhati Reddy while Pooja Vastrakar is the sole fast bowling all-rounder. Titas Sadhu is a notable name missing in the pace department. "Given the players we have it's a good squad. Hope Yastika and Sheyanka get fit," former India captain Diana Edulji told PTI. Star batter Smriti Mandhana has been named Kaur's deputy and like always will be the key at the top of the order. Besides the thin fast bowling resources, India are also not a side full of power-hitters. Kaur and Richa Ghosh will be responsible for producing the big hits in the middle overs phase of the game. India will open their campaign against New Zealand on October 4. India's squad for Women's <keyword id="19921630" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="T20-World-Cup" source="keywords">T20 World Cup</keyword>: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Yastika Bhatia (wk)*, Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh Thakur, Dayalan Hemalatha, Asha Sobhana, Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil*, Sajana Sajeevan. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/apple-iphone-16-to-be-launched-on-september-9-heres-everything-we-know-so-far/articleshow/112828818.cms">Apple iPhone 16 to be launched on September 9 – here’s everything we know so far</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/a-company-with-8-employees-looking-to-raise-12-crore-ended-up-getting-applications-worth-over-4700-crore/articleshow/112824522.cms">Delhi firm with just 8 employees seeks ₹12 crore via IPO, gets ₹4,700 crore worth of investor applications!</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/telegram-comes-under-the-scanner-in-india-for-extortion-and-gambling-will-it-be-banned-in-india/articleshow/112807370.cms">Telegram comes under the scanner in India for extortion and gambling – will it be banned in India?</a>

Harmanpreet to lead tried and tested bunch at T20 World Cup as India look to end title drought

<ul class="summary-list"><li>California has spent decades battling droughts and water insecurity.</li><li>Startups like Epic Cleantec are innovating with on-site water reuse.</li></ul>Despite enduring droughts for <a target="_blank" href="https://ca.water.usgs.gov/california-drought/california-drought-runoff.html">much of the past 15 years</a>, California continues to lead the nation in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.usgs.gov/special-topics/water-science-school/science/water-qa-which-states-use-most-water">water consumption</a>.During these <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/california-drought-could-impact-agriculture-tourism-wildlife-2021-6">dry periods</a>, some of the state's local governments began to look for ways to <a target="_blank" href="https://andthewest.stanford.edu/2023/in-times-of-scarcity-californias-best-new-source-of-water-reuse/">diversify their water supplies</a> away from lengthy pipelines and expensive, out-of-state sources.In 2012, San Francisco's Public Utilities Commission began developing the Onsite Water Reuse Program to investigate whether water reuse, also known as water recycling, in buildings could be a solution to California's water problem."There weren't any state or national regulations," Paula Kehoe, the director of water resources at the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, told Business Insider. Kehoe and her team created a permitting program to streamline the adoption of on-site water-reuse systems developed by private businesses.As the US faces a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/articles/2023/09/25/more-federal-funding-needed-to-improve-drinking-water-epa-study-finds#:~:text=Water%20utilities%20throughout%20the%20United,Environmental%20Protection%20Agency%20(EPA).">$625 billion cost to address the nation's need to repair drinking- and clean-water infrastructure</a>, on-site water reuse is quickly becoming a strong alternative to the historically slow and expensive process of building large water-recycling plants.With droughts predicted to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://apnews.com/article/california-droughts-gavin-newsom-recycling-c22de8f25b9d6a2bf69277a7185abc0f">reduce California's water supply by 10%</a> over the next 20 years, the success of these systems could lay the foundation for how the state sources its water over several decades.<h2 id="8b14ae19-3316-4bcf-9798-263a2b1e1e25">Silicon Valley is investing in on-site water recycling</h2>In 2015, during the height of California's drought and after three years of development, San Francisco unveiled the Onsite Water Reuse Program requiring all new buildings of 250,000 square feet or more to install an on-site water-treatment system for nonpotable uses, a cap that was lowered to 100,000 square feet in 2021.The city's tech background and proximity to Silicon Valley gave some <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gradiant-water-startup-helps-businesses-recycle-water-2023-7">startups an opportunity</a> to enter the market. In 2019, Epic Cleantec, a maker of on-site water-reuse systems, emerged to meet the necessary demand for new large buildings.Aaron Tartakovsky, Epic Cleantec's cofounder and CEO, developed the company to address the water-reuse needs of large city buildings.He told BI he took inspiration from the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/solar-careers-in-demand-workforce-shortage-2024-7">solar industry</a>, which he said had turned to local installation projects after prioritizing large-scale solar-panel farms. "Can we do the same thing for water and wastewater?" Tartakovsky said. "Can this be water's solar moment?"<div type="image" title="Aaron Tartovsky, founder of epic cleantec" height="2268" width="3024" msid="111870886" hostid="261" sizebytes="137524"></div>Epic Cleantec's on-site systems can recycle building gray water for nonpotable uses, including toilet flushing and irrigation, through their filtration and disinfection process. The company's systems also incorporate an energy-saving mechanism to limit the amount of wasted heat."We have big tanks in these buildings that are collecting all this heated wastewater," Tartakovsky said. "Rather than just sending all that heat away, we are using heat exchangers to take all of that energy from the water and then to reuse that energy within the building."Epic Cleantec has six active projects in California, including a recent system in San Francisco's Salesforce Tower that the company says is the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://epiccleantec.com/projects/salesforce">largest on-site water-reuse system in a US commercial high-rise</a>.The company has also entered the hotel sector with a recycling system in the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Beverly Hills. Recycled water is being used for on-site irrigation.In a drought-conscious state, Tartakovsky said the on-site recycling systems had become more appealing to tenants looking for ways to contribute to the state's water-conservation mindset.The adoption of on-site water reuse can also be a sensible decision for developers. "They're not working with us just because it's a nice thing to do and it's good for the planet," he said. "They're doing it because it makes business sense — it saves them a lot of money to incorporate technologies like ours into these projects."<h2 id="075e558b-3852-4981-bc08-a5e2095ce6fb">Water reuse to overcome hurdles</h2>While large plants and on-site water systems in major buildings have been California's <a target="_blank" href="https://andthewest.stanford.edu/2023/in-times-of-scarcity-californias-best-new-source-of-water-reuse/">more established methods</a> of water reuse, the state's biggest hurdle is retrofitting systems for existing buildings.As part of San Francisco's water-recycling initiative, the city published a list of 30 vendors that provide on-site systems that can be installed in existing buildings and new constructions to collect different types of water, including rainwater, gray water, and black water.While most of the vendors offer reuse systems and water management for new constructions, some companies, such as <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bioclere.co.uk/bioclere.php">Bioclere</a>, Phoenix's <a target="_blank" href="https://dewater.com/markets/aquacell-water-recycling/">Aquacell</a>, and <a target="_blank" href="https://innovatreat.com/">Innovatreat</a>, make systems designed to be retrofitted into existing buildings and community infrastructure.<div type="image" title="Epic Cleantec One Water system installed" height="2626" width="1751" msid="111870887" hostid="261" sizebytes="125772"></div>Erik Porse, the director and associate cooperative extension specialist at the California Institute for Water Resources, told BI these retrofits are more difficult to install because of the limitations of size and existing water pipes. "If you have a larger facility, like more area, then you can think about on-site treatment of some sort," he said. "But if you're kind of working in an existing building, like a small building, it can be kind of tough to integrate in lots of treatments."California's <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/california-central-valley-farms-groundwater-dought-2023-7">agriculture sector</a> also relies on water-reuse systems for nonpotable water — a key part of crop irrigation. Since the state has the highest agricultural output in the country, recycled water is important for maintaining crops, especially in times of drought. California is the leader in <a target="_blank" href="https://watereuse.org/educate/water-reuse-101/agricultural-reuse/">using reused water for agriculture</a> across the US.However, the extent to which recycled water is used in agriculture depends on a state's guidelines, many of which are underdeveloped. For example, Iowa is one of the highest producers of crops but does not have any regulations for the use of reused water in agriculture. Instead, the state is experimenting with <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cals.iastate.edu/inrc/news/2024/new-report-shares-latest-research-potential-ag-drainage-water-recycling">drainage-water recycling</a>, or collecting water from farming, and local infrastructure that captures used drainage and rainfall for reuse in on-site irrigation.Nonpotable water can also help in one of the country's newest sources of water loss: data centers. States like <a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsweek.com/why-ai-so-thirsty-data-centers-use-massive-amounts-water-1882374">Iowa</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://grist.org/technology/surging-demand-data-guzzling-water-ai/">Virginia</a> have seen massive strains on their <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ai-data-energy-centers-water-energy-land-2023-10">water supplies</a> due to the increased construction of these facilities. "Those data centers use huge amounts of water to cool themselves," Tartakovsky said.Tartakovsky hopes Epic Cleantec's recent expansions to states such as Texas, Florida, and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hawaii-water-crisis-climate-change/">Hawaii</a> can help in ways beyond water scarcity. "A lot of people think you only need it in the Western states, but in places like the East Coast, a lot of times what they have is wastewater-infrastructure issues," he said. "We have pipes and sewers that were put in place anywhere from 30 to 100 years ago."<h2 id="8d5654cd-d3b7-4f2e-89c8-d5d9a678cdde">Rethinking our relationship with water</h2>To help promote the safety of its recycled water, Epic Cleantec partnered with a brewery near San Francisco, Devil's Canyon Brewing Co., to make a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/half-moon-bay-brewery-california-recycled-wastewater-nasa-astronauts-2023-7">safe-to-drink beer</a> out of its nonpotable water. The beer could not be sold commercially since the state has not cleared nonpotable water for drinking, but Tartakovsky credits the campaign with highlighting the company's purification process.Other states could learn from the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.gov.ca.gov/2022/04/14/state-expands-save-our-water-public-awareness-campaign-as-drought-intensifies/">public-awareness campaigns</a> California has promoted for several decades to help residents embrace water reuse. During times of drought, the state has encouraged water conservation and water recycling, such as the use of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2022-06-21/gardening-with-recycled-water">recycled water for plants</a>. "We've seen a pretty big evolution in California cities, especially in Southern California, that folks understand that water reuse is a treatment technology that we use in the state, and it's important, and it provides supply resilience," Porse said.In Texas, a fellow drought-prone state, the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://takecareoftexas.org/water">Take Care of Texas </a>campaign similarly encourages community support for water conservation so the state can survive in times of water scarcity.Porse told BI that in California as public support grows, so will government regulations. In 2023, California made progress toward establishing recycled water for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/press_room/press_releases/2023/pr20231219-dpr-regulations-adoption.pdf">direct potable reuse</a> and allowing recycled water to be used in the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/california-drinking-toilet-water-sewage-waste-drought-climate-crisis-solution-2023-12">state's drinking-water supply</a>.For Kehoe, the key to creating stronger water infrastructure is a partnership between communities that endures beyond times of scarcity."We always talk about water conservation as a way of life," Kehoe said. "It's not just during the drought."

Droughts are threatening California's water supply. The state is racing to save what's left. 

<keyword id="19953873" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Agartala" source="keywords">Agartala</keyword> (Tripura) [India], June 5 (ANI): Spear Corps of the <keyword id="19908736" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Army" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Indian Army" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Indian Army">Indian Army</keyword> launched a campaign encompassing a series of events focusing on <keyword id="21935323" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Land-Restoration" source="keywords">Land Restoration</keyword> and <keyword id="21946537" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Drought-Resilience" source="keywords">Drought Resilience</keyword> under the slogan, "Our Land, Our Future, We are Generation Restoration". The events were conducted at Agartala from May 28 to June 1 this year. On May 28, a children's painting competition was organised with the theme "Painting a Green Future" in which a total of 33 children unleashed their creativity to showcase their messages of "Saving Mother Earth". A special cleanliness event was also conducted in and around the cantonment including 'Amrit Sarovar' lake which drew a huge participation. Indian Army has been actively involved in conducting cleanliness drives as part of their community outreach and social responsibility efforts. In continuation of the campaign, an awareness drive was also organised including the screening of the movie "Learn To Care" on May 30 for military personnel and their dependents. Lectures and demonstrations on segregation of waste, recycling &amp; reuse of materials were also conducted on May 31 and June 1, 2024. Highlighting the importance of environmental sustainability, more than 250 saplings were planted by soldiers, ladies and children on the occasion of <keyword id="20974707" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="World-Environment-Day" source="keywords">World Environment Day</keyword>. "Spear Corps warriors will continue to conduct such campaigns to increase awareness and contribute to the society and the nation," stated an official release. World Environment Day, observed on June 5, marks the start of the 1972 Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. This year's theme is "Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience". The World Environment day has grown into a major campaign involving over 150 countries, with each year focusing on a specific theme to address critical environmental challenges. The day serves as a call to action for governments, businesses, and individuals to engage in sustainable practices and make positive changes to protect our planet. Activities range from local clean-ups and tree planting to educational events and policy advocacy, all aimed at fostering a deeper connection to the environment and promoting a collective responsibility towards its preservation.

World Environment Day: Indian Army launches environmental campaign themed "Our land Our future" in Agartala

<ul class="summary-list"><li>California approved a measure allowing it to convert wastewater into drinking water.</li><li>The measure comes as the region has battled<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/satellite-images-show-california-mega-drought-drying-up-lakes-forest-2021-7"> severe drought </a>over the past few years.</li></ul>Californians could soon have sewage waste coming out of their taps — purified, of course.California's State Water Resources Control Board recently approved regulations allowing water systems to convert wastewater, like sewage and toilet water, into purified water that <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/orange-county-purest-drinking-water-filtered-sewage-2019-10">Californians can drink</a>.According to the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/press_room/press_releases/2023/pr20231219-dpr-regulations-adoption.pdf">board's</a> December 19 press release, the measure would give California the "most advanced standards in the nation" to repurpose wastewater in a way that meets drinking standards. The process, known as direct potable reuse, would allow water systems to add millions of gallons of drinking water to their supplies while reducing the amount of waste that flows into oceans."This is an exciting development in the state's ongoing efforts to find innovative solutions to the challenges of extreme weather driven by climate change," E. Joaquin Esquivel, chair of the Water Resources Control Board, said in a statement."On top of helping us build drought-resilient water supplies, direct potable reuse offers energy savings and environmental benefits," he continued. "And most importantly, these regulations ensure that the water produced is not only safe, but purer than many drinking water sources we now rely on."<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/california-drought-aerial-photos-dried-lakes-reservoirs-2021-7">California has experienced the driest period in its history</a> over the past few years. While heavy rainfall this year led the US Drought Monitor to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/21/us/california-drought-hilary.html">declare</a> most of the state drought-free in August, the ongoing climate crisis continues to exacerbate water scarcity concerns.And while California's latest regulations are new, drinking converted wastewater isn't. Texas, for example, started employing the method in 2013, a brewery in California's Half Moon Bay <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/half-moon-bay-brewery-california-recycled-wastewater-nasa-astronauts-2023-7">switched to recycled wastewater</a> to combat drought over the summer, and Colorado's water board approved the process last year.California's water board wrote in its press release that once the new regulations are finalized by the Office of Administrative Law next year, water systems in the state can start submitting plans to begin purifying wastewater."We want to just use it as much as we can," Rebecca Kimitch, press office manager for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, <a target="_blank" href="https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/4362918-california-toilet-to-tap-water-direct-potable-reuse-proposal-what-to-know/">told</a> The Hill. "Using it once and then sending it to the ocean — that's not being as efficient and as sustainable as we can be."

Purified toilet water could soon be flowing through Californians' taps as the state battles drought

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="842188" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="robusta-coffee" source="Orion">Robusta coffee</keyword> futures hit a 16-year high because of a prolonged <keyword id="21439405" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="drought-in-Vietnam" source="keywords">drought in Vietnam</keyword>.</li><li><keyword id="20004319" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="vietnam" source="keywords">Vietnam</keyword> and Brazil, the top robusta producers, face climate issues affecting harvest and supply.</li></ul>Lattes may get pricier, as a key indicator for the price of the bean in espresso just hit a record high. The robusta coffee variety is the basis for both espresso and <keyword id="957954" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="instant-coffee" source="Orion">instant coffee</keyword>. Vietnam makes the most robusta, followed by Brazil. A long, El Niño-induced drought in Vietnam pushed up the price of robusta futures on Wednesday to the highest in at least 16 years, Bloomberg <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-04-25/pricey-coffee-here-to-stay-as-hoarding-heat-hit-vietnam-supply">reported</a>. Vietnam produces more than a third of the world's robusta, per the <a target="_blank" href="https://apps.fas.usda.gov/psdonline/circulars/coffee.pdf">US Department of Agriculture</a>. In December, the agency predicted Brazil would harvest less robusta this year because of climate issues, while Vietnam would export less because of lower total supplies from last year. This year's drought in Vietnam could continue the low-supply cycle, hurting next year's production. Last month, Vietnam's coffee association said exports could decline as much as 20% in the 12 months ending in September, compared with the same period last year. "We can't tell when prices will peak," Tran Thi Lan Anh, deputy director of Vietnamese exporter Vinh Hiep Co., told Bloomberg. She said farmers and brokers think the cost of the beans could rise 15% per kilogram from current prices. Robusta's price has also been pushed up by hoarding. Some Vietnamese farmers aren't selling their coffee beans, holding onto as much as 13% of this year's harvest in hopes of selling the beans for more later, Bloomberg <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-01-16/coffee-hoarding-set-to-squeeze-vietnamese-exports-even-further">reported</a>. Vietnam is increasingly importing cheaper robusta from Brazil to satisfy soaring local demand from coffee drinkers, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-03-02/coffee-craze-at-home-transforms-big-asian-exporters-into-buyers">Bloomberg reported</a> in March. And as disposable income rises across Asia, consumers are buying more coffee, too. Asian countries consumed 15% more coffee last year than in 2018 — the largest jump of any region — but still much less than Europe consumed, per data from the<a target="_blank" href="https://icocoffee.org/documents/cy2023-24/Coffee_Report_and_Outlook_December_2023_ICO.pdf"> International Coffee Organization</a>. Higher bean prices will take a while to reach consumers — so the cost of your <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-iced-coffee-and-tea-at-starbucks-former-barista#you-cant-go-wrong-with-any-of-the-frappuccinos-but-the-mocha-cookie-crumble-is-a-highlight-2">mocha</a> is safe for now.

Vietnam's coffee bean production is hit by drought, could lead to rise in coffee prices globally

The <keyword id="56000" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="unicef" source="Orion">Unicef</keyword> has revealed that more than 43 million children have been displaced from their homes by floods, storms, droughts and wildfires over the six years between 2016 and 2021. According to the new Unicef report, titled <keyword id="19048208" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="children-displaced" source="Orion">Children Displaced</keyword> in a <keyword id="599921" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="changing-climate" source="Orion">Changing Climate</keyword>, the figure works out to 20,000 children displaced every single day due to extreme weather fueled by climate change. According to the analysis, China and the Philippines are among the countries that recorded the highest absolute numbers of child displacements, due to their exposure to extreme weather, large child populations and progress made on early warning and evacuation capacities. However, relative to the size of the child population, children living in small island states, such as Dominica and Vanuatu, were most affected by storms, while children in Somalia and <keyword id="294553" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="south-sudan" source="Orion">South Sudan</keyword> were most affected by floods. Floods and storms accounted for 40.9 million, or 95 per cent, of recorded child displacements between 2016 and 2021. Meanwhile, droughts triggered more than 1.3 million internal displacements of children - with Somalia again among the most affected, while wildfires triggered 810,000 child displacements, with more than a third occurring in 2020 alone. Canada, Israel and the US recorded the most. The report also said that riverine floods have the potential to displace almost 96 million children over the next 30 years, based on current climate data, while cyclonic winds and storm surges have the potential to displace 10.3 million and 7.2 million children respectively, over the same period. "It is terrifying for any child when a ferocious wildfire, storm or flood barrels into their community," said Unicef Executive Director <keyword id="2045127" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="catherine-russell" source="Orion">Catherine Russell</keyword>. "For those who are forced to flee, the fear and impact can be especially devastating, with worry of whether they will return home, resume school, or be forced to move again."

Over 43 million children displaced by floods, storms, droughts, wildfires between 2016-2021

By <keyword id="17954793" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="ester-salimun" source="Orion">Ester Salimun</keyword>, National University of Malaysia Kuala Lumpur, Jul 10 (360info) The dry weather could result in prolonged droughts and haze affecting millions across the region as it did in 2015. Malaysia and the rest of <keyword id="53564" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="southeast-asia" source="Orion">Southeast Asia</keyword> face heightened risks of haze, drought and water shortages if an <keyword id="51549" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="el-nino" source="Orion">El Nino</keyword> weather phenomenon is declared this year. The onset of dry conditions can typically last a year beginning in either July or August. The region was last hit by an El Nino in 2015/16 when several countries were blanketed by a transboundary haze resulting in cancelled flights, closed schools and a sharp increase in respiratory ailments and deaths. Water rationing was also introduced due to drought. The <keyword id="2607044" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="us-national-oceanic-and-atmospheric-administration" source="Orion">US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration</keyword> agency says that an El Nino will strengthen toward the end of 2023 with a 56 per cent chance of it peaking as a strong event and an 84 per cent likelihood of at least a moderate event. A strong El Nino would have considerable impact on Sumatra, <keyword id="708552" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="java-island" source="Orion">Java Island</keyword>, Sulawesi and southern Borneo with drier conditions from September to November. Northern Borneo and the southern Philippines could experience dry spells from December to February. And if there is extensive open burning or forest fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan, a transboundary haze may result when the southwest monsoon sweeps the particles towards Singapore and Malaysia. The 1997/98 El Nino event is an example of an El Nino-induced drought and transboundary haze disaster. It is considered the most severe Southeast Asian haze event of all time, lasting three months causing billions of dollars in losses due to disrupted air travel and business activities plus increased healthcare expenditures. Thousands died. It also caused droughts and flooding in other parts of the world with extreme rainfall in Africa and North America and one of Indonesia's worst droughts on record. The year 1998 ultimately became one of the warmest years on record. The El Nino and La Nina weather patterns result from complex interactions between the atmosphere and the ocean with significant warming or cooling occurring in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. These interactions disturb air flows in the lower atmosphere and lead to localised air-sea interactions that impact weather across the globe. The drier-than-normal conditions are influenced by two anticyclonic systems active over the southern Indian Ocean and the north-western Pacific Ocean. These systems act as controlling mechanisms, shaping the movement and intensity of dry conditions across regions. While air-sea interactions shape local impacts of an El Nino, monsoonal winds also help, strengthening it during the summer months (June to August) and weakening it during winter (December to February). In the summer months in Southeast Asia, southerly winds prevail, blowing northward from Kalimantan and Sumatra. These winds enhance the southwesterly monsoon winds which can blow the smoke-haze from Sumatra and Kalimantan towards Singapore, Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak, Brunei and Sabah. During autumn (September to November), the southern part of Southeast Asia (Sumatra and Kalimantan) continues to experience reduced rainfall while conditions in Peninsular Malaysia return to normal. However, in Borneo, the area of reduced rainfall expands northwards, covering the entire island. This dry weather aids large-scale forest fire outbreaks in southern Sumatra and Kalimantan which result in the haze. Southeast Asia's geographical location between the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean exposes the region to the influence of both El Nino in the Pacific and the Indian Ocean Dipole occurrence. The dipole is a climate pattern characterised by temperature differences between the western and eastern parts of the Indian Ocean. Similar to El Nino, it affects air-sea weather patterns and ruffles the southern part of Southeast Asia. If these two climate phenomena occur together, they can bring out the worst in each other causing disaster-scale droughts and haze, especially during the summer and autumn seasons. The various phases of an El Nino phenomenon, spanning its origin to its influence on regional atmospheric and oceanic processes, is a complex interplay between anti-cyclonic circulations, monsoonal winds, sea surface temperatures and other atmospheric variables. These interactions collectively shape the drier-than-normal conditions over Southeast Asia during El Nino events. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of these dynamics is essential for accurately predicting and managing the impacts of El Nino on our climate and associated socio-economic sectors. To mitigate the effects of haze episodes, proactive measures that encompass monitoring and controlling human activities contributing to fire outbreaks are important to ensure the well-being and sustainability of affected regions. (360info.org) GRS GRS

Southeast Asia braces for more droughts and haze with El Nino in the horizon

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Turkey's Lake Van has been drying up due to rising temperatures and drought. </li><li>The retreating water line is exposing stinky, polluted mud and killing off birds in droves. </li></ul>Lake Van, the largest body of water in Turkey and the second largest in the Middle East, is drying up — and its retreating water line is leaving behind stinky, polluted mud and causing a "bird massacre," <a href="https://news.yahoo.com/animals-thirsty-dust-bones-turkeys-051545094.html?guccounter=1&amp;guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly90LmNvL213dW5JWTdCMzU&amp;guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAJCt6sPWPI7SfwqIsThfmbrfRUnQeheuqnr-fJsdi9uL-r49JLWJIAqgGvPDw4lt4og1I7pkuwWwXdBHeIRv45OsdHJ9GkqiZL3enyQ6TbiYSQsln4iVSchyRuoh6W1fH4KCDBHN1dj1oolQ6Mw4xEvlP4KL7FctP3oX5oHTWBc6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">locals told the Agence France-Press</a>. An <a href="https://www.insider.com/texas-afghanistan-bolivia-all-facing-the-effects-of-brutal-droughts-2023-8">intensifying drought</a> in the region and rising temperatures are largely to blame, the AFP reported.The saltwater lake has lost 1.5% of its total surface area in recent years, a "terribly large amount of water," Faruk Alaeddinoğlu, a professor at Van Yuzuncu Yil University, which sits on the lake's shore, told AFT. Alaeddinoğlu told AFP that the lake's water evaporates at nearly three times the rate that rainfall can replenish it. And all that newly exposed barren land is dredging up years of pollution.<div type="image" title="image of dried up shore of Lake Van" height="3712" width="5568" msid="103071935" hostid="261"></div>"Large patches of slime mixed with mud give off a bad smell and make human pollution more evident," Orhan Deniz, another professor at Yuzuncu Yil University, told the AFP."In the 1990s, we would swim during lunch break and then go back to university," he added. "Now it's not possible to step in the water, let alone swim in it."Drought in the region has also caused a type of fish called pearl mullets to migrate away from the area earlier than usual — and as a result, the gulls that feed on the mullets have been dying in droves, littering the lake's shores with bones and carcasses, AFP reported. <div type="image" title="man holding up a dead seagull on the dried-up shore" height="3712" width="5568" msid="103071936" hostid="261"></div>"In the past, the seagulls would follow us while we were swimming. Now look, it's a bird massacre," Necmettin Nebioglu, a local villager, told the AFP.Some sections of the lake have been drying up faster than others — the Celebibagi neighborhood on the northern shore, for example, has already lost almost two and a half miles of shoreline, the AFP reported. "Now it's a barren land without a living thing," local environmentalist Ali Kalcik told the AFP.The drought is also bringing microbialites — sedimentary deposits made of mud — to the surface as the lake dries up, <a href="https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/fairy-chimneys-appear-in-lake-van-due-to-drought-179796" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the Hurriyet Daily News reported</a> in January.<div type="image" title="man pointing out dried up shoreline" height="3712" width="5568" msid="103071937" hostid="261"></div>The formations, referred to by some locals as "underwater fairy chimneys," resemble <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-bring-coral-reefs-back-to-life-2018-8">fragile coral reefs</a>, the Hurriyet Daily News reported.<a href="https://www.dailysabah.com/turkey/drought-continues-to-unveil-underwater-fairy-chimneys-in-lake-van/news">The Daily Sabah</a> reported that the structures date back some 800,000 years, and, in years past, been a source of diving tourism for the region. And without water, the microbialites turn in to rocky structures that can easily crumble. And Lake Van is not alone — other bodies of <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/drought-hit-mississippi-river-reveals-a-shipwreck-and-human-remains-2022-10">water around the world have been drying</a> up as a result of <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/climate-change-is-killing-off-vital-atlantic-ocean-current-system-2023-7">climate change</a>.Nevada's <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/more-human-remains-found-lake-mead-drought-water-levels-2022-7">Lake Mead lost a chunk of its water</a> last summer thanks to rising temperatures and drought — so far exposing at least three long-lost dead bodies.Forensic anthropologists say more skeleton remains could turn up as <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/more-human-remains-found-lake-mead-drought-water-levels-2022-7">Lake Mead continues to recede</a>.

Turkey's largest lake is drying up because of drought, leaving behind stinky, polluted mud and causing a 'bird massacre'

Thailand’s geographical proximity and affordability, along with its platter of delectable food, historical sites, pristine beaches and lively atmosphere, holds a particular appeal for Indian travellers. While tourists from India were forced to limit their travels to the Island country to a 15-day stay under a visa-on-arrival scheme until recently, the Thailand government is now extending its arms wider for us. Thailand's tourism sector has been strategically easing <keyword id="20166202" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="visa-regulations" source="keywords">visa regulations</keyword> to attract visitors from key markets like China and Russia. And now, the country has extended its visa exemption program, allowing visitors from these countries to vacation visa-free for up to 30 days until November 11, 2024. This move aims to revitalise its tourism industry, a key driver of the nation's economy. This is no doubt great news for those wanting to spend more time in the bustling city of Bangkok or immerse themselves in the rich culture and calm of its gorgeous temples. However, there are some rather glaring problems that Thailand is facing, thanks to climate change and the <keyword id="21610692" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="El-Nio-event" source="keywords">El Niño event</keyword> — that impacted India as well. <h4>Water shortage hits <keyword id="21610693" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Phi-Phi-islands" source="keywords">Phi Phi islands</keyword> </h4> For instance, the idyllic islands of Koh Phi Phi, which attract many Indians every year, are facing a real-life challenge that's anything but relaxing — a severe water shortage after a scorching heatwave gripped Asia. The private company supplying water may have to cut off service entirely, according to Wichupan Phukaoluan Srisanya, president of the Krabi Hotel Association. Island authorities are scrambling for solutions, considering bringing in water from the mainland if the dry spell persists. However, they remain optimistic that the upcoming wet season in May will bring relief, and Wichupan insists that tourists planning trips shouldn't be deterred, claiming they can manage the situation. But whispers of trouble are already reaching potential visitors. Online forums and travel reviews are buzzing with warnings from returning tourists urging others to "check if their accommodation has fresh water" before booking. Some reports even detail tap water running dry in April. While Koh Phi Phi takes centre stage, the heatwave's impact isn't isolated. <keyword id="21563893" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="koh-samui" source="keywords">Koh Samui</keyword>, another popular Thai island, has also experienced dry and scorching conditions. Although the tourism board there assures visitors haven't been affected, the island reportedly relies on water trucks, significantly increasing operational costs for hotels. <h4>Island closure due to coral bleaching </h4> A popular island in southern Thailand, <keyword id="21605630" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Pling-Island" source="keywords">Pling Island</keyword>, has been hit with a temporary closure due to extensive coral bleaching. This drastic measure by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) highlights the growing threat climate change poses to our underwater wonders. Pling Island recently witnessed intense heatwaves along with many other islands across Thailand and Asia. Due to ocean warming and acidification, corals expel the algae living within them, leaving them pale and vulnerable — a process referred to as coral bleaching. Thailand’s pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs are a major draw for visitors, generating millions in revenue. However, unregulated tourism also puts a strain on these delicate ecosystems. Thailand's proactive approach in closing Pling Island demonstrates a commitment to striking a balance between economic prosperity and environmental sustainability. While natural phenomena like El Niño contribute to warmer temperatures, scientists point to human-induced climate change as the bigger culprit. Warmer oceans are the new normal, with Asia experiencing a faster-than-average rise in temperatures. Pling Island's closure and Phi Phi’s water crisis serve as a stark reminder of that every system has a carrying capacity and we must honour it. It sends the powerful message that even paradise needs a break once in a while to ensure its future remains dazzling. While the tourism-reliant industry of Thailand could greatly benefit from more visitors, mindful travel would help secure the future of the countrymen.

Thailand is now welcoming Indians with open arms, but are its drought-hit islands really prepared for a tourism influx?

Imagine dense rainforests teeming with life, lush plains rippling under a warm breeze, and a vibrant symphony of ancient creatures echoing through the air: this was what <keyword id="20050746" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="east-asia" source="keywords">East Asia</keyword> looked like during the last interglacial period, around 125,000 years ago. Fueled by powerful monsoons, the region became a veritable Edenic oasis, beckoning to all sorts of creatures. And our human ancestors were no exceptions. The Homo sapiens, who were primarily settled in <keyword id="19924003" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="africa" source="keywords">Africa</keyword>, couldn’t resist the verdant allure of East Asia and began to migrate there as well, say scientists. Recently, a team of researchers ventured deep into the Chinese Loess Plateau. These towering cliffs, composed of wind-blown silt, are like giant time capsules, each layer whispering secrets about the ancient monsoons. By meticulously collecting and analysing over 2,000 samples from these loess cliffs, they were able to reconstruct the Asian summer <keyword id="6358301" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="monsoon" source="Orion">monsoon</keyword>'s dance over the past 280,000 years. They discovered a fascinating tango between incoming solar energy, the Earth's internal greenhouse gas concentrations, and the monsoon's ever-shifting rhythms. But their study didn’t end there. The researchers cleverly compared their monsoon map with another crucial piece of the puzzle: the movement of early Homo sapiens across Asia. And guess what, the strengthening of the monsoon perfectly coincided with the first human footprints appearing in East Asia! However, the decision to migrate wasn't solely driven by the allure of East Asia's bounty. Back in Southeast Africa, where our ancestors initially called home, things were getting rough. Drying landscapes and dwindling resources painted a grim picture, making East Asia's lush embrace even more tempting. The researchers call this a "push-pull" effect: the monsoon pulling our ancestors towards greener pastures in the East, while the harsh conditions in Africa gave them a gentle nudge from behind. Meanwhile, to add another layer of evidence to their monsoon migration theory, the researchers employed some high-tech wizardry. They used computer simulations to model potential Homo sapiens habitats under different climate scenarios. And when they simulated a strengthening monsoon, the model spat out habitable areas that eerily mirrored the actual archaeological record of human occupation in East Asia. It's like the climate itself was leaving behind a trail of breadcrumbs for our ancestors to follow.

You Searched For "drought" and got 12 results

Record shooting contingent out to end India's 12-year medal drought

PTI

Massive drought in Italy threatens to destroy Sicilian tourism

Katherine Tangalakis-Lippert

Harmanpreet to lead tried and tested bunch at T20 World Cup as India look to end title drought

PTI

Droughts are threatening California's water supply. The state is racing to save what's left.

Leila Jordan

World Environment Day: Indian Army launches environmental campaign themed "Our land Our future" in Agartala

ANI

Purified toilet water could soon be flowing through Californians' taps as the state battles drought

Ayelet Sheffey

Vietnam's coffee bean production is hit by drought, could lead to rise in coffee prices globally

Meghan Morris

Over 43 million children displaced by floods, storms, droughts, wildfires between 2016-2021

IANS

Southeast Asia braces for more droughts and haze with El Nino in the horizon

PTI

Turkey's largest lake is drying up because of drought, leaving behind stinky, polluted mud and causing a 'bird massacre'

Grace Eliza Goodwin

Thailand is now welcoming Indians with open arms, but are its drought-hit islands really prepared for a tourism influx?

Ashmita Gupta

Strengthening monsoons might have enticed early humans to migrate from Africa to East Asia: study

Ankush Banerjee

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