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Why is it sweating in Shillong?

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Because temperatures in India’s biodiversity hotspot are on the rise

By Dinesh C Sharma

Sitting in the glass-and-concrete State Convention Centre in the capital of hilly state, Meghalaya, participants of a media workshop on climate change were feeling sweaty. The convention centre is not air-conditioned nor does it have ceiling fans. For the comfort of guests, some pedestal fans were plugged in.

Why are we sweating in Shillong? Asked state information technology minister Dr M Ampareen Lyngdoh. The question may sound strange for those who have read in tourist brochures and text books about the wettest places on the planet being in Meghalaya and about its round-the-year cool weather.

The answer to this question came in the form of a new study done by researchers from the Water and Climate Lab at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Gandhinagar. The study has shown that air temperature in the state is rising at the rate of 0.031 degree per year. The trend is consistent from 1981 to 2014, barring the years 1991 and 1992. This translates into 1 degree centigrade rise between 1981 and 2014, which is quite significant. Future projections indicate similar rise over next two decades.

The state has also been witnessing highly fluctuating frequencies of hot days, hot nights, cold days and cold nights. “The number of hot days and nights show an increasing trend while that of cold days and cold nights show a declining trend. These are indications of a consistently warming region,” pointed out lead author Dr Vimal Mishra while presenting results of the study commissioned by the state government. “The higher number of hot night frequencies is a matter of concern for the state.”

Based on historic and observed data as well as computer models, the study has projected changes over short-term (2013-2040), mid-term (2041-2070) and long-term (2071-2100) for the state. It is a high-resolution study in the sense that projections have been made for grids of 5 X5 km size, so as to help in vulnerability assessment for each grid and adaptation planning at local level.

Future projections show an increasing temperature rise under different scenarios. Under these projections, the rise in maximum temperature in Meghalaya in the long term ranges from 2.65 degree to 3.8 degree, while the rise in minimum temperature will be between 2 degree and 3.5 degree in the long term. The increase in temperature may result in higher number of extreme hot days and nights. Under the extreme scenario projection, the number of hot days could be as high as 100 a year. Similarly, there may be a decrease in extreme cold days and nights.

“The state has already seen a rise of temperature of 1 to 1.5 degree in the past three decades, and the projections point to a similar rise by 2040. If temperature in Meghalaya will rise by about 3 degree rise in a span of half a century, we don’t know what Meghalaya will be like in future  – West Bengal or Assam?,” wondered Dr Mishra.

There will be changes in the rainfall patterns too in future. The central plateau region is projected to experience an increase in rainfall at a higher rate than the rest of the state. The occurrence of extreme rainfall events will also show an upward trend under various projected scenarios. “The West Khasi hills which already receive very high precipitation are projected to face even higher rise in precipitation,” Dr Mishra added.

The changing climate in Meghalaya, he said, would have widespread implications for forests, water resources, biodiversity, agriculture, livestock and human health. For instance, due to significant rise in temperature, forest fires may go up while extreme rainfall events will increase risk of landslides in high altitude areas causing siltation of water bodies downstream. The rise in temperature will also threaten endemic plant species many of which are already on the verge of extinction. Rainfed agriculture in the state will be adversely hit with crop yields and production declining. Higher temperature will also induce premature breaking of insects and pests.

“Meghalaya has some of the most vulnerable districts to current climate risks and long term climate change in the region,” pointed out Prof. N.H. Ravindranath of Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. “Sectors like agriculture, forests, fisheries, horticulture are already subjected high climate risks currently and will be highly vulnerable to climate change risks in future. We need to prepare both incremental as well as transformational adaptation plans to make based on vulnerability assessments.”

The workshop was jointly organized by the Department of Science and Technology, Indian Himalayas Climate Adaptation Programme (IHCAP) and Centre for Media Studies. (India Science Wire)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Cricket news

India vs England T20 series 2025: Complete guide to matches, squads, and streaming info

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Promotional image for India vs England 2025 T20 series featuring match details

After wrapping up two months of intense Test cricket, Team India is ready to transition to the white-ball format with the much-anticipated five-match T20 series against England. This series not only offers India a chance to regroup after some challenging Test matches but also sets the stage for the upcoming three-match ODI series against the same opponent and the ICC Champions Trophy later in the year.

Series Schedule and Venues: The action begins at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata and will move through four other major cricketing venues across India. Each match promises to be a display of high-octane cricket under the lights, with start times pegged at 7 PM IST to maximize audience engagement both at the grounds and on television.

Full Schedule:

  • 22 January: 1st T20I at Eden Gardens, Kolkata
  • 25 January: 2nd T20I at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
  • 28 January: 3rd T20I at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot
  • 31 January: 4th T20I at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune
  • 2 February: 5th T20I at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

Head-to-Head Record: India and England have a competitive T20I history with India leading slightly with 13 wins to England’s 11 in 24 matches. In India, the record is also closely contested, with England winning 9 of their 17 matches on Indian soil.

Viewing Options: Fans can catch all the live action on the Star Sports Network, and streaming is available on Disney Plus Hotstar. This accessibility ensures that fans won’t miss a moment of this enthralling series.

Detailed Squad Information:

India’s Squad:

  • Suryakumar Yadav (Captain): The dynamic batsman leads the team, known for his innovative stroke play.
  • Sanju Samson (Wicketkeeper): A versatile player known for his aggressive batting and sharp wicketkeeping skills.
  • Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Nitish Kumar Reddy: Young talents who have shown promise in domestic circuits.
  • Hardik Pandya: An all-rounder known for his ability to change the game with both bat and ball.
  • Axar Patel, Washington Sundar: Skilled spinners who can also contribute with the bat.
  • Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh: Emerging fast bowlers expected to bring energy and pace.
  • Mohammad Shami, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi: Experienced in their roles, crucial for their bowling attack.
  • Dhruv Jurel (Wicketkeeper): Another young wicketkeeper with impressive domestic performances.

England’s Squad:

  • Jos Buttler (Captain): The explosive wicketkeeper-batsman leads the English side with his aggressive play.
  • Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Phil Salt, Jamie Smith: Formidable batters known for their fast scoring.
  • Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Jamie Overton, Rehan Ahmed: Young players who bring fresh energy and skills.
  • Liam Livingstone: A powerful all-rounder known for hitting long sixes and bowling effective spin.
  • Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Saqib Mahmood, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood: A strong bowling lineup with a mix of pace and spin, crucial for T20 format.

With both teams featuring a blend of seasoned internationals and exciting new talent, the T20 series is expected to be a closely contested affair. As the squads gear up for this high-profile series, the cricketing world eagerly awaits to see if India can maintain their formidable form in T20s or if England can disrupt their winning streak on Indian soil.

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Oppo Find N5 set to launch with 50W wireless charging and IPX9 water resistance

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Oppo Find N5 being tested underwater to showcase its IPX9 water resistance rating.

Oppo has officially confirmed that its latest innovation, the Find N5, will support 50W wireless charging and feature an IPX9 water resistance rating. The announcement comes as part of a series of teases highlighting the capabilities of this next-generation foldable smartphone, set to launch in February.

According to recent leaks, the Find N5 will be the first smartphone to incorporate the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, signaling significant performance enhancements. Pete Lau, Oppo’s Chief Product Officer, has touted the device as the “thinnest foldable phone,” positioning it against leading competitors like the latest iPhone in terms of sleek design.

Zhou Yibao, head of the Oppo Find series, shared insights via Weibo about the Find N5’s advanced features. The device not only matches the wireless charging speeds of newly released models like the Oppo Find X8 Pro and OnePlus 13 but also integrates seamlessly with in-car systems from major electric vehicle brands such as BYD and NIO.

In a compelling demonstration of its durability, a recent video posted by Yibao showed the Find N5 being submerged underwater, showcasing its capability to withstand significant water exposure, evidenced by its IPX9 rating. This test included recording underwater videos, highlighting the phone’s versatile camera capabilities in extreme conditions.

The Find N5 also sports a refined design with slimmer borders and a larger overall form factor compared to its predecessors, which could attract users looking for a sleek yet robust foldable phone.

As anticipation builds, Oppo has begun sharing images of the Find N5, revealing a foldable design as thin as a USB-C port when opened. This device promises to merge aesthetic appeal with functional excellence, setting a new benchmark in the evolving foldable phone market.

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India News

Saif Ali Khan out of hospital six days after stabbing at his residence

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Detained individual linked to the stabbing of Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan being escorted by police.

Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan has returned to his home after being discharged from the hospital, where he was treated for injuries sustained from a stabbing incident at his residence last week. The actor, known for his roles in films such as “Dil Chahta Hai” and “Tanhaji,” was reportedly attacked unexpectedly in his home, leading to his hospitalization.

The incident, which sent shockwaves through the Bollywood community and his fanbase, occurred late at night and resulted in multiple injuries for Khan. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he received immediate medical attention. The specifics of the incident, including the motive and the identity of the assailant, have not been publicly disclosed by the authorities.

During his stay at the hospital, Khan was under constant medical supervision and underwent several treatments to address his injuries. His discharge comes after a six-day period of intensive care, indicating a stable recovery.

Family members and representatives of Khan have expressed their gratitude to the medical team for their efforts and to fans for their support and well wishes during this challenging time. While the actor has been released from the hospital, he is expected to continue his recovery at home under the guidance of his personal doctors.

The Mumbai Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, and further details are expected to be released as the investigation progresses.

This troubling event has sparked a conversation about the safety of public figures and the pressures they face. As Khan recuperates at home, the film industry and his supporters worldwide hope for his full recovery and return to the silver screen.

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