US President Joe Biden has embarked on his first trip to Asia. North Korea and China will remain in focus for Biden's Asia trip.

US President Joe Biden heads to East Asia: North Korea, China in focus for Asia trip

Asian shares are trading in red as global growth fears drag markets down. Indian markets are trading with losses. Blue chips in China fall by 1%.

Asian shares tumble: Global growth fears drag markets down

President Joe Biden will travel to South Korea and Japan from May 20-24, a visit seen as crucial for efforts to bolster regional cooperation and counter China. This is also his first Asian trip as US President.

Joe Biden to visit Japan & South Korea on his first Asian trip as US President

US President Joe Biden is all set to embark on his first Asia tour. However, there is speculation that North Korea may greet Biden with a Nuke test.

Biden on his first Asia tour: North Korea may greet US President with Nuke test

Scientists believe that a new discovery made by them proves now-extinct branch of humanity used to live in southeast Asia.

According to a new study published on Tuesday in 'Nature Communications', a child's tooth, which is at least 130,000 years old, can help scientists uncover more information about an early human cousin.

Denisovans, a cousin of Neanderthals, about which very little is known, lived between 164,000 to 131,000 years ago and were recently believed to be extinct. But now researchers believe that the new findings can provide their whereabouts.

Clement Zanolli, a paleoanthropologist and co-author of the study, concluded that "these populations' modern ancestors were 'mixed' with Denisovans in southeast Asia".

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/neanderthals-disappeared-earlier-than-previously-thought-369570/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Scientists found out that the child's tooth, found in a cave in Laos, belonged to a previously unidentified group of humans after they extracted an entire genome of the group.

Denisovan remnants can be found in current populations in southeast Asia and Oceania through interbreeding with Homo sapiens according to a jawbone found on the Tibetan Plateau.

Zanolli, who is a researcher at the French National Centre for Scientific Research told AFP, that there was no "physical proof" of their presence in this part of the Asian continent.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-we-the-modern-humans-kill-off-neanderthals-a-new-finding-may-have-answers-452031">Also read |&nbsp;Did we, the modern humans, kill off Neanderthals? A new finding may have answers</a>

He added that the child's tooth, which was found in Tam Pa Ling Cave, appeared to have a "typically human" shape is between 3.5 and 8.5 years old.

They are not the only descendants of early human cousins as Aboriginal Australians and people in Papua New Guinea have almost five percent of the ancient species' DNA.

The study's co-author and paleoanthropologist Fabrice Demeter that the girl's DNA has been badly preserved because of heat and humidity and the tooth is too old for carbon-dating.

"The proteins allowed us to identify the sex, female, and confirm its relation to the Homo species," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Watch WION's live TV here:

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Scientists believe that a new discovery made by them proves now-extinct branch of humanity used to live in southeast Asia. According to a new study published on Tuesday in 'Nature Communications', a child's tooth, which is at least 130,000 years old, can help scientists uncover more information about an early human cousin.

Scientists believe that a new discovery made by them proves now-extinct branch of humanity used to live in southeast Asia. According to a new study published on Tuesday in 'Nature Communications', a child's tooth, which is at least 130,000 years old, can help scientists uncover more information about an early human cousin. Denisovans, a cousin of Neanderthals, about which very little is known, lived between 164,000 to 131,000 years ago and were recently believed to be extinct. But now researchers believe that the new findings can provide their whereabouts. Clement Zanolli, a paleoanthropologist and co-author of the study, concluded that "these populations' modern ancestors were 'mixed' with Denisovans in southeast Asia". Scientists found out that the child's tooth, found in a cave in Laos, belonged to a previously unidentified group of humans after they extracted an entire genome of the group. Denisovan remnants can be found in current populations in southeast Asia and Oceania through interbreeding with Homo sapiens according to a jawbone found on the Tibetan Plateau. Zanolli, who is a researcher at the French National Centre for Scientific Research told AFP, that there was no "physical proof" of their presence in this part of the Asian continent. Also read | Did we, the modern humans, kill off Neanderthals? A new finding may have answers He added that the child's tooth, which was found in Tam Pa Ling Cave, appeared to have a "typically human" shape is between 3.5 and 8.5 years old. They are not the only descendants of early human cousins as Aboriginal Australians and people in Papua New Guinea have almost five percent of the ancient species' DNA. The study's co-author and paleoanthropologist Fabrice Demeter that the girl's DNA has been badly preserved because of heat and humidity and the tooth is too old for carbon-dating. "The proteins allowed us to identify the sex, female, and confirm its relation to the Homo species," he said. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

Scientists believe that this discovery proves now-extinct branch of humanity used to live in southeast Asia

Asian shares tumbled to their lowest in nearly two years on Tuesday as investors shed riskier assets on worries about higher interest rates and their impact on economic growth, while the dollar held near 20-year highs.

Asian stocks hit 2-year low, rate hike worries investors

A spike in commodity costs and slowdown in China has created significant uncertainty around the world and as a result Asian region are facing a 'stagflationary' risks. While Asia's trade and financial exposures to Russia and Ukraine are limited, the warning released by senior partners said region's economies will be affected by the crisis through higher commodity prices.

IMF warns of 'stagflationary' risks in Asia

The Sun is erupting and emitting solar flares. On Sunday, one such solar flare caused a radio blackout in Asia and Australia. What is a solar flare? How is it caused? Is it dangerous for human beings? Molly Gambhir brings you a report.

Gravitas: Solar Flare causes Radio Blackout in Asia and Australia

European&nbsp;and&nbsp;Asian&nbsp;coal&nbsp;importers are expected to join the&nbsp;scramble&nbsp;for alternative&nbsp;sources&nbsp;of the fuel as a European Union ban on Russian&nbsp;coal&nbsp;imports looms, analysts and company officials said.

But with top exporters Australia and Indonesia having already hit production limits and major producer South Africa constrained by logistical problems, some importers may struggle to maintain supply levels. The expected rush is likely to keep global&nbsp;coal&nbsp;prices elevated.

The&nbsp;EU&nbsp;ban&nbsp;is to take effect from mid-August, a month later than initially planned, according to two&nbsp;EU&nbsp;sources, following pressure from Germany to delay the measure.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-russia-conflict-borodyanka-destruction-more-horrific-than-bucha-says-zelensky-469254">Ukraine-Russia conflict: Borodyanka destruction 'more horrific' than Bucha, says Zelensky</a>

In top-10&nbsp;coal&nbsp;producer South Africa, Exxaro Resources&nbsp;told Reuters it had already received numerous requests from European countries wanting to sign supply contracts.

It said it has the right quality of&nbsp;coal&nbsp;for the&nbsp;European&nbsp;market, but that current production has already been allocated, and that South Africa's struggling rail network means miners will not be able to export more to meet the increased demand.

"South African&nbsp;coal&nbsp;producers are able to produce more&nbsp;coal, but significant work will need to be done to improve logistics in order to ramp up&nbsp;coal&nbsp;supply for export," Exxaro said.

State-owned rail company Transnet's capacity to haul mineral exports has been limited by cable theft and vandalism.

German energy company Uniper said it has taken steps to ensure its&nbsp;coal-fired power plants in&nbsp;Europe can be technically operated without&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;coal&nbsp;and decided not to extend its&nbsp;Russian supply contracts.

Toby Hassall, a lead analyst with Refinitiv, said most&nbsp;EU&nbsp;buyers' contracts for&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;coal&nbsp;would be for a year or less.

Watch |&nbsp;UK, EU impose new sanctions on Russia in response to reports of Bucha killings

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-eu-impose-new-sanctions-on-russia-in-response-to-reports-of-bucha-killings-468959/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Very limited spare capacity

Coronado Global Resources, with metallurgical&nbsp;coal&nbsp;operations in Australia and the United States, said it has received queries for&nbsp;coal&nbsp;in recent weeks from&nbsp;Europe.

It expected to be able to meet some of the&nbsp;new&nbsp;demand but said volume, destination and timeframes were confidential. Coronado expects to produce between 18 million and 19 million tonnes in 2022.

"We have plans for growth in future years beyond this," a spokesperson said in emailed comments, without elaborating.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/morning-news-brief-us-ends-normal-trade-ties-with-russia-omicron-lasts-three-days-less-than-delta-and-more-469248">Morning news brief: US ends normal trade ties with Russia, Omicron lasts three days less than Delta, and more</a>

Australian producers Whitehaven&nbsp;Coal&nbsp;and&nbsp;New&nbsp;Hope Corp said they have been approached by prospective customers but their priority was to serve existing customers.

In Asia, at least two utilities in Japan and South Korea have halted&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;coal&nbsp;imports. Others may have to follow suit if sanctions are expanded.

Japan, the world's third-largest&nbsp;coal&nbsp;importer, plans to reduce&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;coal&nbsp;imports gradually while looking for alternative suppliers due to the sanctions against Moscow, the country's industry minister said on Friday. He acknowledged, though, that it would be hard to find alternative suppliers immediately.

Japan's Kyushu Electric Power Co Inc stopped buying&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;coal&nbsp;as of end-March, a company spokesperson said.

Kyushu Electric, which bought 7 per cent&nbsp;of its thermal&nbsp;coal&nbsp;from&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;in the year to March 31, 2021, is procuring supplies from other regions, the spokesperson said, without specifying where.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-50-of-european-population-supports-cannabis-legalisation-report-469008">More than 50% of European population supports cannabis legalisation: Report</a>

"We have no plan to buy&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;coal&nbsp;this financial year," he said.

In South Korea, at least one unit of state utility Korea Electric Power Corp (KEPCO) began diversifying&nbsp;coal&nbsp;supply away from&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;in February, a source with knowledge of the matter said.

European and Asian coal importers are expected to join the scramble for alternative sources of the fuel as a European Union ban on Russian coal imports looms, analysts and company officials said.

European and Asian coal importers are expected to join the scramble for alternative sources of the fuel as a European Union ban on Russian coal imports looms, analysts and company officials said. But with top exporters Australia and Indonesia having already hit production limits and major producer South Africa constrained by logistical problems, some importers may struggle to maintain supply levels. The expected rush is likely to keep global coal prices elevated. The EU ban is to take effect from mid-August, a month later than initially planned, according to two EU sources, following pressure from Germany to delay the measure. Also read | Ukraine-Russia conflict: Borodyanka destruction 'more horrific' than Bucha, says Zelensky In top-10 coal producer South Africa, Exxaro Resources told Reuters it had already received numerous requests from European countries wanting to sign supply contracts. It said it has the right quality of coal for the European market, but that current production has already been allocated, and that South Africa's struggling rail network means miners will not be able to export more to meet the increased demand. "South African coal producers are able to produce more coal, but significant work will need to be done to improve logistics in order to ramp up coal supply for export," Exxaro said. State-owned rail company Transnet's capacity to haul mineral exports has been limited by cable theft and vandalism. German energy company Uniper said it has taken steps to ensure its coal-fired power plants in Europe can be technically operated without Russian coal and decided not to extend its Russian supply contracts. Toby Hassall, a lead analyst with Refinitiv, said most EU buyers' contracts for Russian coal would be for a year or less. Watch | UK, EU impose new sanctions on Russia in response to reports of Bucha killings Very limited spare capacity Coronado Global Resources, with metallurgical coal operations in Australia and the United States, said it has received queries for coal in recent weeks from Europe. It expected to be able to meet some of the new demand but said volume, destination and timeframes were confidential. Coronado expects to produce between 18 million and 19 million tonnes in 2022. "We have plans for growth in future years beyond this," a spokesperson said in emailed comments, without elaborating. Also read | Morning news brief: US ends normal trade ties with Russia, Omicron lasts three days less than Delta, and more Australian producers Whitehaven Coal and New Hope Corp said they have been approached by prospective customers but their priority was to serve existing customers. In Asia, at least two utilities in Japan and South Korea have halted Russian coal imports. Others may have to follow suit if sanctions are expanded. Japan, the world's third-largest coal importer, plans to reduce Russian coal imports gradually while looking for alternative suppliers due to the sanctions against Moscow, the country's industry minister said on Friday. He acknowledged, though, that it would be hard to find alternative suppliers immediately. Japan's Kyushu Electric Power Co Inc stopped buying Russian coal as of end-March, a company spokesperson said. Kyushu Electric, which bought 7 per cent of its thermal coal from Russia in the year to March 31, 2021, is procuring supplies from other regions, the spokesperson said, without specifying where. Also read | More than 50% of European population supports cannabis legalisation: Report "We have no plan to buy Russian coal this financial year," he said. In South Korea, at least one unit of state utility Korea Electric Power Corp (KEPCO) began diversifying coal supply away from Russia in February, a source with knowledge of the matter said.

European, Asian coal users scramble for new sources ahead of EU Russia ban

Aggressive China has alleged that the Quad alliance between the US, India, Japan and Australia aims to create an Asian NATO.

Aggressive China takes on Quad alliance: 'Quad aims to create Asian NATO'

UK's COP26 regional ambassador for Asia-Pacific and South Asia Ken O' Flaherty said that having net-zero emission targets is not enough.

"It's impossible to say that one country is suffering more than others," he said at the first edition of WION's annual Climate Summit, the theme of which was 'Climate Calling: The last chance to answer climate emergency'.

"The increasing global temperatures are having devastating effect on ecosystems and biodiversity worldwide," he said.

He noted how in recent months the world has seen extreme climate conditions.&nbsp;

"We are also seeing problems around deforestation across Asia in particular. We are seeing coral reefs among increasingly threatened and damaged."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-climate-summit-indias-first-hydrogen-powered-car-to-be-unveiled-gadkari-462655">Also read |&nbsp;WION Climate Summit | India's first Hydrogen-powered car to be unveiled: Gadkari</a>

He further highlighted the importance of these coral reefs, stressing the most effective solutions for climate change are nature-based.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, India's Minister for Road Transport and Highways Mr Nitin Gadkari made a big announcement at the summit. He revealed that India's first Hydrogen-powered car was to be unveiled on Wednesday (March 16). The car, made as a pilot project, was kept at his residence, he said.

In his address during the summit, Gadkari said that there was a need to find alternate options for fuels like petrol and diesel.

UK's COP26 regional ambassador for Asia-Pacific and South Asia Ken O' Flaherty said that having net-zero emission targets is not enough. "It's impossible to say that one country is suffering more than others," he said at the first edition of WION's annual Climate Summit, the theme of which was 'Climate Calling: The last chance to answer climate emergency'.

UK's COP26 regional ambassador for Asia-Pacific and South Asia Ken O' Flaherty said that having net-zero emission targets is not enough. "It's impossible to say that one country is suffering more than others," he said at the first edition of WION's annual Climate Summit, the theme of which was 'Climate Calling: The last chance to answer climate emergency'. "The increasing global temperatures are having devastating effect on ecosystems and biodiversity worldwide," he said. He noted how in recent months the world has seen extreme climate conditions. "We are also seeing problems around deforestation across Asia in particular. We are seeing coral reefs among increasingly threatened and damaged." Also read | WION Climate Summit | India's first Hydrogen-powered car to be unveiled: Gadkari He further highlighted the importance of these coral reefs, stressing the most effective solutions for climate change are nature-based. Meanwhile, India's Minister for Road Transport and Highways Mr Nitin Gadkari made a big announcement at the summit. He revealed that India's first Hydrogen-powered car was to be unveiled on Wednesday (March 16). The car, made as a pilot project, was kept at his residence, he said. In his address during the summit, Gadkari said that there was a need to find alternate options for fuels like petrol and diesel.

WION Climate Summit | Deforestation is particularly affecting Asia: COP26 ambassador

The arms race in Asia is intensifying. Here is a list of defence systems several Asian countries are looking to acquire.

Why is the arms race intensifying in Asia?

Amid the ongoing tensions over Russia and Ukraine crisis, major markets in Asia opened up to losses. Surge in crude oil prices has also put Asian stocks under renewed pressure.

Asian stocks extend a global slump amid growing tensions over the Russia-Ukraine conflict

US markets closed sharply lower yesterday but today Asian stocks have regained their footing to some extent as investors are still assessing the impact of a worsening conflict in Ukraine and a new US ban on Russian oil.

Asian stocks regain their footing, Indian markets open in green

Asian stocks tumble in morning trade as the risk of stagflationary shock for world markets continue

The Asian markets have opened in the green early this morning after some reassuring comments from the federal reserve that has helped wall street to rally.

Asian shares open with gains: Concerns persist over global inflation

The&nbsp;Red&nbsp;Cross&nbsp;appealed on Tuesday for more than $270 million to help people caught up in the Ukraine conflict, fearing that millions are rapidly being plunged into extreme suffering.

The International Committee of the&nbsp;Red&nbsp;Cross&nbsp;(ICRC) and the International Federation of the&nbsp;Red&nbsp;Cross&nbsp;and&nbsp;Red&nbsp;Crescent Societies (IFRC) said the humanitarian situation in Ukraine is rapidly deteriorating.

"To respond to this sudden, massive need, the two organisations together are appealing for 250 million Swiss francs ($273 million, 243 million euros)," the joint movement said.

The ICRC is appealing for 150&nbsp;million Swiss francs&nbsp;for its 2022 operations in Ukraine&nbsp;and neighbouring countries.

"The escalating conflict in Ukraine is taking a devastating toll. Casualty figures keep rising&nbsp;while&nbsp;health facilities struggle&nbsp;to cope," said ICRC director-general Robert Mardini.

Meanwhile, the IFRC appealed for 100 million Swiss francs to support national&nbsp;Red&nbsp;Cross&nbsp;Societies to assist an initial two million people in need.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraines-refugee-crisis-exposes-western-medias-hypocrisy-457831">Ukraine’s refugee crisis exposes Western media's hypocrisy</a>

Red&nbsp;Cross&nbsp;teams on the ground are trying to provide life-saving help including basic aid items, medical supplies and shelter.

"The needs of the people affected by the conflict are increasing by the hour," said IFRC secretary general Jagan&nbsp;Chapagain.

"I call for global solidarity to ramp up the assistance to people suffering because of this conflict."

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Russia's Ukraine invasion: How Ukrainians are fighting back

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-russias-ukraine-invasion-how-ukrainians-are-fighting-back-457641/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;

The Red Cross appealed on Tuesday for more than $270 million to help people caught up in the Ukraine conflict, fearing that millions are rapidly being plunged into extreme suffering.

The Red Cross appealed on Tuesday for more than $270 million to help people caught up in the Ukraine conflict, fearing that millions are rapidly being plunged into extreme suffering. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) said the humanitarian situation in Ukraine is rapidly deteriorating. "To respond to this sudden, massive need, the two organisations together are appealing for 250 million Swiss francs ($273 million, 243 million euros)," the joint movement said. The ICRC is appealing for 150 million Swiss francs for its 2022 operations in Ukraine and neighbouring countries. "The escalating conflict in Ukraine is taking a devastating toll. Casualty figures keep rising while health facilities struggle to cope," said ICRC director-general Robert Mardini. Meanwhile, the IFRC appealed for 100 million Swiss francs to support national Red Cross Societies to assist an initial two million people in need. Also read | Ukraine’s refugee crisis exposes Western media's hypocrisy Red Cross teams on the ground are trying to provide life-saving help including basic aid items, medical supplies and shelter. "The needs of the people affected by the conflict are increasing by the hour," said IFRC secretary general Jagan Chapagain. "I call for global solidarity to ramp up the assistance to people suffering because of this conflict." Watch | Gravitas: Russia's Ukraine invasion: How Ukrainians are fighting back

Red Cross wants $270 million for Ukraine operations

Asia-Pacific shares have regained ground on Friday as investors assessed the Russia-Ukraine conflict following a massive comeback on Wall Street overnight.

Asia-Pacific markets rise as investors shrug off Russia-Ukraine tensions

Amid the ongoing tensions over Russia and Ukraine crisis, major markets in Asia opened up to losses. Indian markets also opened in the red.

Major Asian markets trade with losses as tensions simmer on Russia-Ukraine crisis

Asian share markets mostly eased on Monday after stunningly strong US jobs data soothed concerns about the global economy but also added to the risk of an aggressive tightening by the Federal Reserve.

Asia shares slip as US jobs data fears over global recovery

How do we tackle global warming? Some say we could cool the earth by dimming the sun's rays. Scientists say any such experiment will take a toll on Africa, Asia. Listen in to Palki Sharma

Gravitas: Group of scientists oppose dimming the sun's rays

US stocks fell sharply yesterday with NASDAQ plunging more than three percent in its biggest one-day percentage drop since February.

NASDAQ posts biggest one-day drop since February last year

New research has warned over the accelerating melting of the Himalayan glaciers, which can have a massive impact on the lives of people in Asia. Amid climate change and related crises, this study highlights an alarming trend as it revealed that Himalayan glaciers are shrinking far more rapidly than glaciers in other parts of the world. The researchers described the shrinking as "exceptional."

The research, which was published in Scientific Reports, stated that over recent decades the Himalayan glaciers have lost ice "ten times more quickly" as compared to average since the last major glacier expansion 400-700 years ago, a period known as the 'Little Ice Age'.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-surprised-as-abundant-animal-life-found-deep-under-antarctica-ice-sheet-438736">Scientists surprised as abundant animal life found deep under Antarctica ice sheet</a>

The researchers calculated that the glaciers have lost around 40 per cent of their area and the release of water resulting from the melting of glaciers will increase the sea level.&nbsp;

Dr Jonathan Carrivick, who is the corresponding author and Deputy Head of the University of Leeds School of Geography, said, "Our findings clearly show that ice is now being lost from Himalayan glaciers at a rate that is at least ten times higher than the average rate over past centuries."

He added, "This acceleration in the rate of loss has only emerged within the last few decades, and coincides with human-induced climate change."

&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/this-ice-shelf-the-size-of-uk-is-melting-so-fast-it-could-raise-sea-levels-by-over-2-feet-436750">This ice shelf the size of UK is melting so fast it could raise sea levels by over 2 feet</a>

Impact on Aisa

For those who don't know, the Himalayan mountain range is home to the world's third-largest amount of glacier ice, after Antarctica and the Arctic. Some even call it 'the Third Pole'.

However, the melting of glaciers has a significant impact on hundreds of millions of people who depend on Asia's major river systems for food and energy. These rivers include the Brahmaputra, Ganges and Indus.&nbsp;

Carrivick said: "While we must act urgently to reduce and mitigate the impact of human-made climate change on the glaciers and meltwater-fed rivers, the modelling of that impact on glaciers must also take account of the role of factors such as lakes and debris."

New research has warned over the accelerating melting of the Himalayan glaciers, which can have a massive impact on the lives of people in Asia. Amid climate change and related crises, this study highlights an alarming trend as it revealed that Himalayan glaciers are shrinking far more rapidly than glaciers in other parts of the world.

New research has warned over the accelerating melting of the Himalayan glaciers, which can have a massive impact on the lives of people in Asia. Amid climate change and related crises, this study highlights an alarming trend as it revealed that Himalayan glaciers are shrinking far more rapidly than glaciers in other parts of the world. The researchers described the shrinking as "exceptional." The research, which was published in Scientific Reports, stated that over recent decades the Himalayan glaciers have lost ice "ten times more quickly" as compared to average since the last major glacier expansion 400-700 years ago, a period known as the 'Little Ice Age'. ALSO READ | Scientists surprised as abundant animal life found deep under Antarctica ice sheet The researchers calculated that the glaciers have lost around 40 per cent of their area and the release of water resulting from the melting of glaciers will increase the sea level. Dr Jonathan Carrivick, who is the corresponding author and Deputy Head of the University of Leeds School of Geography, said, "Our findings clearly show that ice is now being lost from Himalayan glaciers at a rate that is at least ten times higher than the average rate over past centuries." He added, "This acceleration in the rate of loss has only emerged within the last few decades, and coincides with human-induced climate change." ALSO READ | This ice shelf the size of UK is melting so fast it could raise sea levels by over 2 feet Impact on Aisa For those who don't know, the Himalayan mountain range is home to the world's third-largest amount of glacier ice, after Antarctica and the Arctic. Some even call it 'the Third Pole'. However, the melting of glaciers has a significant impact on hundreds of millions of people who depend on Asia's major river systems for food and energy. These rivers include the Brahmaputra, Ganges and Indus. Carrivick said: "While we must act urgently to reduce and mitigate the impact of human-made climate change on the glaciers and meltwater-fed rivers, the modelling of that impact on glaciers must also take account of the role of factors such as lakes and debris."

Research warns Himalayan glaciers melting at 'exceptional rate'

European markets closed sharply lower amid the rapid spread of the omicron Covid-19 variant which triggers stricter containment measures across the continent.

European, Asian markets close lower as omicron worries intensify

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken cut short a trip to Southeast Asia on Wednesday after a member of his delegation contracted the COVID-19.

Antony Blinken cuts short Asia trip due to COVID-19 case among travelling US delegation group

Amid ongoing tensions with China, US secretary of state Antony Blinken embarks on a Southeast Asia trip. It is his first trip since he took over the office.

US secretary of state Antony Blinken delivers remarks on Indo-Pacific

Amid ongoing tensions with China, US secretary of state Anthony Blinken embarks on a Southeast Asia trip. It is his first trip since he took over the office.

US secretary of state Anthony Blinken on Southeast Asia trip

India's Republic Day celebrations in 2022 will see five Central Asian countries' presence. New Delhi will host a foreign ministers meeting.

India's Republic Day celebrations: 5 Central Asian countries to attend

India's Prof. Patel who has been elected to the international law commission has called for regional voices from Africa and Asia in the international law-making process. He has been elected for a period of 5 year starting first of January 2023. Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, he said, "Until and unless, due importance to regional voices, be it Africa, Asia are given to international law making, international law can hardly have the appeal or the utility to international community as a whole." He got overwhelming support during the election, with 163 votes in 192 members present and voting. India topped in the Asia Pacific group. International Law Commission which holds its session in Geneva has 34 members from 34 countries. The commission deals with codification of international law and law like the Rome statute, UNCLOS owe origin to proposals by the commission. The professor explained that, "There is huge revival and importance of international law in the international law making and realizing the importance of international law is not just for development of law, but for security, economic development ".

WION Exclusive: Need Asian, African voices at International law making, says Prof Bimal Patel

Asia's manufacturing activity has grown in the month of October as emerging economies saw COVID-19 infections subside, but rising input costs, material shortages, and slowing Chinese growth cloud the outlook.

Asian factories shake off lockdown blues, now face supply headaches

The United Nations said on Tuesday said that Asia suffered its hottest year on record in 2020. The statement has been made just ahead of the COP26 summit due to take place in Glasgow. UN said that the temperature rise and extreme weather are taking a heavy toll on continent's development.

UN's World Meteorological Organisation in its annual "State of the Climate in Asia" report has said that every part of the region had been affected.

"Extreme weather and climate change impacts across Asia in 2020 caused the loss of life of thousands of people, displaced millions of others and cost hundreds of billions of dollars, while wreaking a heavy toll on infrastructure and ecosystems," the WMO said.

"Sustainable development is threatened, with food and water insecurity, health risks and environmental degradation on the rise."

The report has come just days before COP26, the UN Climate Change Conference. The conference is due to be held in Glasgow from Sunday to November 12.

The report also mentioned total annual average losses suffered by Asian countries due to climate related hazards.

China suffered an estimated $238 billion, followed by India at $87 billion, Japan with $83 billion and South Korea on $24 billion.

But when the size of the economy is considered, the average annual losses are expected to be as high as 7.9 percent of gross domestic product for Tajikistan, 5.9 percent for Cambodia and 5.8 percent for Laos.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United Nations said on Tuesday said that Asia suffered its hottest year on record in 2020. The statement has been made just ahead of the COP26 summit due to take place in Glasgow.

The United Nations said on Tuesday said that Asia suffered its hottest year on record in 2020. The statement has been made just ahead of the COP26 summit due to take place in Glasgow. UN said that the temperature rise and extreme weather are taking a heavy toll on continent's development. UN's World Meteorological Organisation in its annual "State of the Climate in Asia" report has said that every part of the region had been affected. "Extreme weather and climate change impacts across Asia in 2020 caused the loss of life of thousands of people, displaced millions of others and cost hundreds of billions of dollars, while wreaking a heavy toll on infrastructure and ecosystems," the WMO said. "Sustainable development is threatened, with food and water insecurity, health risks and environmental degradation on the rise." The report has come just days before COP26, the UN Climate Change Conference. The conference is due to be held in Glasgow from Sunday to November 12. The report also mentioned total annual average losses suffered by Asian countries due to climate related hazards. China suffered an estimated $238 billion, followed by India at $87 billion, Japan with $83 billion and South Korea on $24 billion. But when the size of the economy is considered, the average annual losses are expected to be as high as 7.9 percent of gross domestic product for Tajikistan, 5.9 percent for Cambodia and 5.8 percent for Laos. (With inputs from agencies)

In 2020, Asia suffered hottest year on record: UN

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