The Dead Sea attracts roughly 3 million visitors annually. Situated between Jordan, Israel, and the West Bank, it offers an environment unlike any other on the planet. Tourists travel to this region not just for a holiday, but for the proven health benefits and the unusual physical properties of the water.&nbsp;<h2>The lowest land elevation on Earth</h2>&nbsp;At approximately 430 metres below sea level, the shores of the Dead Sea represent the lowest land elevation on Earth. According to a 2024 environmental monitoring report, this extreme depression creates a highly specific microclimate that benefits visitors. The air in this region has a noticeably higher concentration of oxygen compared to standard sea-level locations. Furthermore, the extra atmospheric pressure acts as a natural filter, blocking out many harmful ultraviolet sun rays. This unique natural filtration allows tourists to safely expose their skin to the sun for extended periods, which is a key part of the local health therapies.&nbsp;<h2>Effortless floating: The science behind the water</h2>The most famous feature of the Dead Sea is how easy it is to float in its waters. This happens because the water is incredibly dense. According to marine researchers, the salt concentration reaches an astonishing 34 per cent. To put this into perspective, it is almost 10 times saltier than the Mediterranean Sea. Because of this extreme salinity, the density of the water simply pushes the human body upwards. Visitors cannot sink even if they try, resulting in an effortless floating experience. The heavy concentration of dissolved minerals, including magnesium, calcium, and potassium, is what primarily creates this unusual density.<h2>Medical tourism and ancient healing traditions</h2>Beyond the novelty of floating, a large portion of visitors travel to the region specifically for medical reasons. The dark, thick mud found naturally along the banks is highly sought after for skin treatments. Clinical data indicates that applying this mineral-rich mud directly to the skin results in an 88 per cent improvement in psoriasis symptoms after a four-week treatment period. Additionally, soaking in the warm water has been shown to reduce rheumatoid arthritis symptoms by up to 75 per cent. According to historical records, people have travelled here for thousands of years to access these natural remedies, and the minerals were even used in Egyptian mummification processes.<h2>Historical and natural attractions</h2>&nbsp;The region is not solely focused on wellness and floating. It is surrounded by significant historical sites that attract global attention. Qumran National Park, located nearby, is famously known as the discovery site of the ancient Dead Sea Scrolls. Just a short distance away sits the Masada Fortress, an ancient stone complex perched on a rock plateau, which features modern hiking trails and panoramic views. On the Jordanian side, visitors frequently travel to Mount Nebo and the various eco-resorts that offer clear views of the Moab Mountains.<h2>The environmental crisis: Why the sea is receding</h2>&nbsp;Despite its popularity, the Dead Sea is facing a severe ecological crisis. Environmental researchers report that the water level is currently dropping at an alarming rate of 1.1 to 1.2 metres annually. According to data from the Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, the surface area of the sea was roughly 1,050 square kilometres in 1930. Today, it has shrunk to just 605 square kilometres. This decline is primarily due to human intervention; the Jordan River, which historically fed the sea, has been heavily diverted by surrounding countries for agricultural and domestic water usage.<h2>The threat of sinkholes and preservation efforts</h2>&nbsp;As the salty water retreats, fresh groundwater moves in to dissolve the underground salt deposits left behind. This process has led to the formation of thousands of dangerous sinkholes along the coastal plain, threatening roads, hotels, and agricultural land. To combat this slow death, extensive research and experimental water transfer projects were launched in 2024. These initiatives aim to stabilise the water levels and eventually restore the ecological balance. In the meantime, local authorities have implemented strict responsible tourism guidelines, asking visitors to conserve water and protect the fragile ecosystem.&nbsp;&nbsp;A trip to the Dead Sea offers a rare combination of geographical interest, historical depth, and proven health benefits. While environmental challenges pose a significant threat to its future, the region remains a highly specific natural environment that continues to provide immense value to those who visit responsibly.

The Dead Sea attracts millions of visitors annually due to its unique geographical features and health benefits. Situated 430 metres below sea level, its water contains 34 per cent salt, allowing effortless floating and providing mineral-rich treatments for various skin and joint conditions.

The Dead Sea attracts roughly 3 million visitors annually. Situated between Jordan, Israel, and the West Bank, it offers an environment unlike any other on the planet. Tourists travel to this region not just for a holiday, but for the proven health benefits and the unusual physical properties of the water. The lowest land elevation on Earth At approximately 430 metres below sea level, the shores of the Dead Sea represent the lowest land elevation on Earth. According to a 2024 environmental monitoring report, this extreme depression creates a highly specific microclimate that benefits visitors. The air in this region has a noticeably higher concentration of oxygen compared to standard sea-level locations. Furthermore, the extra atmospheric pressure acts as a natural filter, blocking out many harmful ultraviolet sun rays. This unique natural filtration allows tourists to safely expose their skin to the sun for extended periods, which is a key part of the local health therapies. Effortless floating: The science behind the water The most famous feature of the Dead Sea is how easy it is to float in its waters. This happens because the water is incredibly dense. According to marine researchers, the salt concentration reaches an astonishing 34 per cent. To put this into perspective, it is almost 10 times saltier than the Mediterranean Sea. Because of this extreme salinity, the density of the water simply pushes the human body upwards. Visitors cannot sink even if they try, resulting in an effortless floating experience. The heavy concentration of dissolved minerals, including magnesium, calcium, and potassium, is what primarily creates this unusual density. Medical tourism and ancient healing traditions Beyond the novelty of floating, a large portion of visitors travel to the region specifically for medical reasons. The dark, thick mud found naturally along the banks is highly sought after for skin treatments. Clinical data indicates that applying this mineral-rich mud directly to the skin results in an 88 per cent improvement in psoriasis symptoms after a four-week treatment period. Additionally, soaking in the warm water has been shown to reduce rheumatoid arthritis symptoms by up to 75 per cent. According to historical records, people have travelled here for thousands of years to access these natural remedies, and the minerals were even used in Egyptian mummification processes. Historical and natural attractions The region is not solely focused on wellness and floating. It is surrounded by significant historical sites that attract global attention. Qumran National Park, located nearby, is famously known as the discovery site of the ancient Dead Sea Scrolls. Just a short distance away sits the Masada Fortress, an ancient stone complex perched on a rock plateau, which features modern hiking trails and panoramic views. On the Jordanian side, visitors frequently travel to Mount Nebo and the various eco-resorts that offer clear views of the Moab Mountains. The environmental crisis: Why the sea is receding Despite its popularity, the Dead Sea is facing a severe ecological crisis. Environmental researchers report that the water level is currently dropping at an alarming rate of 1.1 to 1.2 metres annually. According to data from the Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, the surface area of the sea was roughly 1,050 square kilometres in 1930. Today, it has shrunk to just 605 square kilometres. This decline is primarily due to human intervention; the Jordan River, which historically fed the sea, has been heavily diverted by surrounding countries for agricultural and domestic water usage. The threat of sinkholes and preservation efforts As the salty water retreats, fresh groundwater moves in to dissolve the underground salt deposits left behind. This process has led to the formation of thousands of dangerous sinkholes along the coastal plain, threatening roads, hotels, and agricultural land. To combat this slow death, extensive research and experimental water transfer projects were launched in 2024. These initiatives aim to stabilise the water levels and eventually restore the ecological balance. In the meantime, local authorities have implemented strict responsible tourism guidelines, asking visitors to conserve water and protect the fragile ecosystem. A trip to the Dead Sea offers a rare combination of geographical interest, historical depth, and proven health benefits. While environmental challenges pose a significant threat to its future, the region remains a highly specific natural environment that continues to provide immense value to those who visit responsibly.

The Dead Sea attracts millions of visitors annually due to its unique geographical features and health benefits. Situated 430 metres below sea level, its water contains 34 per cent salt, allowing effortless floating and providing mineral-rich treatments for various skin and joint conditions.

Why do millions of travellers visit the Dead Sea every year? Know what's special

Recognised as one of the most unique races on the global running calendar, the Dead Sea Land Marathon sawmore than 8,000 participants this year, including 32 runners from the UK, who made the dramatic descent to the lowest place on Earth for the unforgettable event. Now in its seventh edition, the marathon reached full capacity two months ahead of race day, reinforcing its status as a sought-after challenge for international endurance enthusiasts.&nbsp;What sets the race apart is its extraordinary course. For one day only, competitors are given access to areas typically off-limits to the public, including narrow gravel embankments spanning 6-8 metres wide that slice directly through the waters of the Dead Sea. Among the entrants was Yoel Levy, known as ‘The Jewish Fitness Coach’, who completed the marathon for the second time dressed as Batman in tribute to Ariel and Kfir Bibas.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/-hoping-that-we-can-get-back-to-diversity-and-equality-coco-gauff-on-ice-action-in-us-1771308833944">'Hoping that we can get back to diversity and equality': Coco Gauff on ICE action in US</a>&nbsp;A seasoned international racer, Levy described the event as one of the standout experiences of his sporting year, citing both the dramatic landscape and the warm atmosphere created by fellow runners, organisers, and spectators. The event offers six race categories designed to suit a broad range of abilities, from a beginner-friendly 5km to a 50km ultramarathon. Participants could also choose the half marathon, full marathon or the popular 15km “Around Tamar” route. Beyond the competition itself, many runners took advantage of the Dead Sea’s famed natural therapies, including its mineral-rich mud baths.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-embraces-crypto-to-evade-sanctions-1771308905591/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-embraces-crypto-to-evade-sanctions-1771308905591/embed</a>&nbsp;Michael ben Baruch, Director of the UK Ministry of Tourism, welcomed the strong international turnout. He said that events of this scale not only showcase the unique scenery of the region but also encourage visitors to explore the wider attractions Israel has to offer.

8,000 runners descend to Earth’s lowest point for the Dead Sea Land Marathon

Recognised as one of the most unique races on the global running calendar, the Dead Sea Land Marathon sawmore than 8,000 participants this year, including 32 runners from the UK, who made the dramatic descent to the lowest place on Earth for the unforgettable event. Now in its seventh edition, the marathon reached full capacity two months ahead of race day, reinforcing its status as a sought-after challenge for international endurance enthusiasts. What sets the race apart is its extraordinary course. For one day only, competitors are given access to areas typically off-limits to the public, including narrow gravel embankments spanning 6-8 metres wide that slice directly through the waters of the Dead Sea. Among the entrants was Yoel Levy, known as ‘The Jewish Fitness Coach’, who completed the marathon for the second time dressed as Batman in tribute to Ariel and Kfir Bibas. Also Read: 'Hoping that we can get back to diversity and equality': Coco Gauff on ICE action in US A seasoned international racer, Levy described the event as one of the standout experiences of his sporting year, citing both the dramatic landscape and the warm atmosphere created by fellow runners, organisers, and spectators. The event offers six race categories designed to suit a broad range of abilities, from a beginner-friendly 5km to a 50km ultramarathon. Participants could also choose the half marathon, full marathon or the popular 15km “Around Tamar” route. Beyond the competition itself, many runners took advantage of the Dead Sea’s famed natural therapies, including its mineral-rich mud baths. https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-embraces-crypto-to-evade-sanctions-1771308905591/embed Michael ben Baruch, Director of the UK Ministry of Tourism, welcomed the strong international turnout. He said that events of this scale not only showcase the unique scenery of the region but also encourage visitors to explore the wider attractions Israel has to offer.

8,000 runners, including 32 British people, competed in the unique Dead Sea Land Marathon, racing across exclusive dikes at the world’s lowest point

The Dead Sea – the lowest point on earth – loses an enormous 1.5 million cubic metres of water – every single day. That’s equivalent to 600 Olympic sized swimming pools. Watch this to know more.

Dead Sea loses equivalent of 600 Olympic pools every day

The Dead sea is slowly but irrevocably dying, once a hotspot for tourists it has now lost a third of its surface area since 1960. It seems the dead sea is slowly perishing.

The Dead sea is slowly perishing, both natural and human activity responsible

According to researchers, an ancient city was destroyed by a cosmic airburst.

Researchers found the city of Tall el-Hammam in the middle Bronze Age in the Jordan Valley near the Dead Sea experienced a cosmic impact which destroyed the city.

The city was apparently raised to the ground due to the "large cosmic airburst". However, researchers said there is "no scientific proof" that the destroyed city was Sodom mentioned in&nbsp;the Old Testament.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/rogue-asteroid-nuclear-bomb-safe-strategy-earth-study-418831">Also Read:&nbsp;Nuking a rogue asteroid is a safe strategy for Earth after all, says study</a>

Researchers said they found “highly unusual” materials at the Tall el-Hammam site included pottery with its outer surfaces melted into glass. The researchers detected temperatures over 2,000 degrees Celsius.

The explosion reportedly destroyed the mudbrick structure of the city as the study found fragmented skeletons.

The study group also analysed the soil content to arrive at its conclusion while finding "melted metals" at the spot.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/winds-on-jupiter-are-speeding-up-and-no-one-knows-why-416727">Also Read:&nbsp;Winds on Jupiter are speeding up and no one knows why</a>

They also reportedly found "shocked quartz" indicating an airburst near Tall el-Hammam. Also, a large concentration of salt was also found due to "high impact pressures" which researchers said may have also partly hit the Dead Sea which is rich in salt.

"The proposed airburst was larger than the 1908 explosion over Tunguska, Russia," the study said adding that it airburst demolished "4 to-5-story palace complex and the massive 4-meter thick mudbrick rampart".

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

According to researchers, an ancient city was destroyed by a cosmic airburst. Researchers found the city of Tall el-Hammam in the middle Bronze Age in the Jordan Valley near the Dead Sea experienced a cosmic impact which destroyed the city.

According to researchers, an ancient city was destroyed by a cosmic airburst. Researchers found the city of Tall el-Hammam in the middle Bronze Age in the Jordan Valley near the Dead Sea experienced a cosmic impact which destroyed the city. The city was apparently raised to the ground due to the "large cosmic airburst". However, researchers said there is "no scientific proof" that the destroyed city was Sodom mentioned in the Old Testament. Also Read: Nuking a rogue asteroid is a safe strategy for Earth after all, says study Researchers said they found “highly unusual” materials at the Tall el-Hammam site included pottery with its outer surfaces melted into glass. The researchers detected temperatures over 2,000 degrees Celsius. The explosion reportedly destroyed the mudbrick structure of the city as the study found fragmented skeletons. The study group also analysed the soil content to arrive at its conclusion while finding "melted metals" at the spot. Also Read: Winds on Jupiter are speeding up and no one knows why They also reportedly found "shocked quartz" indicating an airburst near Tall el-Hammam. Also, a large concentration of salt was also found due to "high impact pressures" which researchers said may have also partly hit the Dead Sea which is rich in salt. "The proposed airburst was larger than the 1908 explosion over Tunguska, Russia," the study said adding that it airburst demolished "4 to-5-story palace complex and the massive 4-meter thick mudbrick rampart". (With inputs from Agencies)

How an airburst destroyed an ancient city in Jordan Valley

Santa Claus visited the Dead Sea on Sunday (November 15) ahead of the Christmas season. It was part of a campaign by Israel's Tourism Ministry to bring some Christmas cheer during a global pandemic that has kept Christian pilgrims away from the Holy Land.

Santa brings Christmas cheer, and a tree, to the Dead Sea

Palestinians are worried their restricted access to the salty waters of the Dead Sea and its mineral-rich beaches could be cut further if Israel annexes land in the occupied West Bank.

Israel, citing support from U.S. President Donald Trump, has announced plans to extend sovereignty over parts of the West Bank - including the Jordan Valley, which partly borders the Dead Sea. Palestinians have voiced outrage at the proposal.

The Dead Sea is a popular destination where bathers float in hypersaline waters and use the nutrient-rich mud on their skin. Its shores border Israel, Jordan and the West Bank.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-thousands-march-against-pm-benjamin-netanyahus-plans-303958">Also read|&nbsp;Israel: Thousands march against PM Benjamin Netanyahu's plans</a>

"This place is a blessing for all Palestinians, but if there will be annexation it will be hard for them to reach here. They may need permits," said Musa Farah, a lifeguard at one of the small, Israeli-run resorts that dot the Dead Sea`s West Bank coast.

Even some owners of Israeli resorts - set up after Israel captured the West Bank in the 1967 Middle East war - are concerned they could lose customers under the annexation plan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-netanyahu-mulls-two-phase-west-bank-annexation-306513">Also read|&nbsp;Israel's Netanyahu mulls two-phase West Bank annexation</a>

"My business will be very much affected," said Dina Dagan, owner of the Biankini Village Resort. "The Israeli government should know that my business depends on the Palestinians who visit here. This place is open for Jews and Arabs."

During peace talks - stalled since 2014 - the Palestinians have sought to gain some control over part of the Dead Sea coastline and set up resorts, which they see as a potential boon for their economy.

The Palestinians have long sought a state in the West Bank and Gaza, with East Jerusalem as its capital. 
Most countries view Israeli settlements in occupied territory as illegal. Israel rejects this.

Palestinians are worried their restricted access to the salty waters of the Dead Sea and its mineral-rich beaches could be cut further if Israel annexes land in the occupied West Bank.

Palestinians are worried their restricted access to the salty waters of the Dead Sea and its mineral-rich beaches could be cut further if Israel annexes land in the occupied West Bank. Israel, citing support from U.S. President Donald Trump, has announced plans to extend sovereignty over parts of the West Bank - including the Jordan Valley, which partly borders the Dead Sea. Palestinians have voiced outrage at the proposal. The Dead Sea is a popular destination where bathers float in hypersaline waters and use the nutrient-rich mud on their skin. Its shores border Israel, Jordan and the West Bank. Also read| Israel: Thousands march against PM Benjamin Netanyahu's plans "This place is a blessing for all Palestinians, but if there will be annexation it will be hard for them to reach here. They may need permits," said Musa Farah, a lifeguard at one of the small, Israeli-run resorts that dot the Dead Sea`s West Bank coast. Even some owners of Israeli resorts - set up after Israel captured the West Bank in the 1967 Middle East war - are concerned they could lose customers under the annexation plan. Also read| Israel's Netanyahu mulls two-phase West Bank annexation "My business will be very much affected," said Dina Dagan, owner of the Biankini Village Resort. "The Israeli government should know that my business depends on the Palestinians who visit here. This place is open for Jews and Arabs." During peace talks - stalled since 2014 - the Palestinians have sought to gain some control over part of the Dead Sea coastline and set up resorts, which they see as a potential boon for their economy. The Palestinians have long sought a state in the West Bank and Gaza, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Most countries view Israeli settlements in occupied territory as illegal. Israel rejects this.

Palestinians fear Israeli annexation could further limit Dead Sea access

For decades, it was believed that the&nbsp;fragments from the ancient Dead Sea Scrolls were blank. These were stored carefully at the University of Manchester, but only because such authentic fragments of the scrolls have been hard to come by.

However, it has been recently discovered that four out of 51 fragments actually have&nbsp;readable Hebrew/Aramaic text on them.

These fragments may have text related to the biblical book of Ezekiel (46:1-3), and only needed a special camera to see it.

"The most substantial fragment has the remains of four lines of text with 15-16 letters, most of which are only partially preserved, but the word Shabbat (Sabbath) can be clearly read," the University of Manchester said in a statement.

For decades, scientists have tried to&nbsp;gain a better understanding of the Dead Sea Scrolls, which are some of the oldest versions of the Hebrew Bible and other religious texts. These texts date back to the time of Jesus, and can help in better understanding of these texts.

The discovery was recently made after decades as Professor Joan Taylor of King's College, London started examining the fragments for a new study. She photographed all these fragments using&nbsp;multispectral imaging after she thought that there was a slight possibility that one of the fragments contained a letter.

The process revealed text that was invisible to the naked eye.

"With new techniques for revealing ancient texts now available, I felt we had to know if these letters could be exposed. There are only a few on each fragment, but they are like missing pieces of a jigsaw puzzle you find under a sofa," she said in a statement.

In recent times, few Dead Sea Scroll fragments were proved fake. However, these had been excavated when the Dead Sea Scrolls were first discovered in the West Bank's Qumran Caves. These were later, in 1950, gifted&nbsp;by the Jordanian government to Ronald Reed, a leather expert at the University of Leeds.&nbsp;Ronald Reed published his findings, but did not report finding any text on these fragments.

These fragments were later donated to&nbsp;The University of Manchester in 1997, where they were preserved, but not being extensively researched upon, until recently.

More developments about this will be published in a report as the researchers continue their investigations.

For decades, it was believed that the fragments from the ancient Dead Sea Scrolls were blank. These were stored carefully at the University of Manchester, but only because such authentic fragments of the scrolls have been hard to come by.

For decades, it was believed that the fragments from the ancient Dead Sea Scrolls were blank. These were stored carefully at the University of Manchester, but only because such authentic fragments of the scrolls have been hard to come by. However, it has been recently discovered that four out of 51 fragments actually have readable Hebrew/Aramaic text on them. These fragments may have text related to the biblical book of Ezekiel (46:1-3), and only needed a special camera to see it. "The most substantial fragment has the remains of four lines of text with 15-16 letters, most of which are only partially preserved, but the word Shabbat (Sabbath) can be clearly read," the University of Manchester said in a statement. For decades, scientists have tried to gain a better understanding of the Dead Sea Scrolls, which are some of the oldest versions of the Hebrew Bible and other religious texts. These texts date back to the time of Jesus, and can help in better understanding of these texts. The discovery was recently made after decades as Professor Joan Taylor of King's College, London started examining the fragments for a new study. She photographed all these fragments using multispectral imaging after she thought that there was a slight possibility that one of the fragments contained a letter. The process revealed text that was invisible to the naked eye. "With new techniques for revealing ancient texts now available, I felt we had to know if these letters could be exposed. There are only a few on each fragment, but they are like missing pieces of a jigsaw puzzle you find under a sofa," she said in a statement. In recent times, few Dead Sea Scroll fragments were proved fake. However, these had been excavated when the Dead Sea Scrolls were first discovered in the West Bank's Qumran Caves. These were later, in 1950, gifted by the Jordanian government to Ronald Reed, a leather expert at the University of Leeds. Ronald Reed published his findings, but did not report finding any text on these fragments. These fragments were later donated to The University of Manchester in 1997, where they were preserved, but not being extensively researched upon, until recently. More developments about this will be published in a report as the researchers continue their investigations.

Scientists discover fragments of Dead Sea Scrolls contain Hebrew text invisible to naked eye

Soaring temperatures sent Israelis to beaches across the country on Sunday (May 17) with many violating the coronavirus restrictions. Some areas in the country and Israeli-occupied West Bank exceeded 40 degrees Celsius in the country's first seasonal heatwave.

People flock to beaches as Israel, West Bank bake in heatwave

Our modern-day Indiana Jones' imposters seek the holy grail in Petra – Jordan's wonder of the world. In Wadi Rum, a vast desert expanse immortalised on film, Johan reprises Matt Damon's solo act in The Martian, while Meraj has a 'Lawrence of Arabia' moment.

WION Traveller S4 Episode 2 - Jordan: The lost city of Petra

In Jordan's cosmopolitan capital, Meraj and Johan are swept up into a whirl of culinary, shopping, and cultural experiences. They meet people, listen to live music, sample the city's famous shwarma, and even catch a Gypsy Kings tribute band in action. Jordan's epic landscape, significant history and vibrant scene makes a larger-than-life impact on our diminutive heroes.

WION Traveller S4 Episode 1 - Jordan: Flying high in Amman

In the 59th edition of his monthly radio address 'Mann ki Baat' on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined the issue of plastic waste flooding the water bodies and narrated an example of how a large amount of such waste was cleaned by a group of motivated scuba divers.

He also stated that a plastic-free India could be an example for the whole world.

"I was reading a story about a group of scuba divers in Vishakhapatnam, who were returning towards the seashore on Mangamaripeta beach when they encountered several plastic bottles and pouches in the water," he said.

He stated that after considering the situation as very serious, the group of divers started an initiative to clean out the garbage from the water bodies.

"In around two weeks, they took out nearly 4000 kg of plastic waste from the water," he said.

The Prime Minister further added that this small initiative was slowly becoming a large movement, which has already garnered the support of the local people and fishermen.

He also urged the citizens to take inspiration from the group of scuba divers and start getting rid of plastic waste from their surroundings.

"If we resolve to eliminate plastic waste from our own surroundings, a plastic-free India will be possible, that can set an example before the entire world," he added.

In the 59th edition of his monthly radio address 'Mann ki Baat' on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined the issue of plastic waste flooding the water bodies and narrated an example of how a large amount of such waste was cleaned by a group of motivated scuba divers.

In the 59th edition of his monthly radio address 'Mann ki Baat' on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined the issue of plastic waste flooding the water bodies and narrated an example of how a large amount of such waste was cleaned by a group of motivated scuba divers. He also stated that a plastic-free India could be an example for the whole world. "I was reading a story about a group of scuba divers in Vishakhapatnam, who were returning towards the seashore on Mangamaripeta beach when they encountered several plastic bottles and pouches in the water," he said. He stated that after considering the situation as very serious, the group of divers started an initiative to clean out the garbage from the water bodies. "In around two weeks, they took out nearly 4000 kg of plastic waste from the water," he said. The Prime Minister further added that this small initiative was slowly becoming a large movement, which has already garnered the support of the local people and fishermen. He also urged the citizens to take inspiration from the group of scuba divers and start getting rid of plastic waste from their surroundings. "If we resolve to eliminate plastic waste from our own surroundings, a plastic-free India will be possible, that can set an example before the entire world," he added.

PM Modi lauds scuba divers for cleaning plastic waste from deep sea

The Dead Sea's lonely sailor

Young Nepalis created a map of the Dead Sea with used plastic bags Wednesday in a bid to set a new international record and raise awareness about the vast volumes polluting the world's oceans.

Volunteers tied 100,000 colourful used plastic bags on a metal grid 20 metres (65 feet) long and five metres (16 feet) tall, shaped like the Dead Sea, on open ground in Kathmandu's city centre.

The record attempt was organised with a slogan "One Dead Sea is enough for us".

"We decided to tie plastic bags and make a sculpture of the Dead Sea to spread awareness over the world to minimise waste of plastic," Surgeon BC of Stem Foundation Nepal, the group that organised the event, told AFP.

Global plastic production has grown rapidly and is currently more than 400 million tonnes per year.&nbsp;

It is estimated that two to five per cent of plastics wind up in the oceans, where much of it breaks down into tiny particles that harm marine life.

"We hope this effort will help to keep seas clean and not let them become another dead sea," he said.

Over 150 volunteers worked for months to collect and sort used plastic bags from schools and public areas.

Among the participants was 20-year-old environment student Prakriti Pandey.

"I had heard the news that plastic was found inside a dead whale, so I felt I should join this initiative to spread awareness around the world and in my country," she said.&nbsp;

The current record for the world's largest sculpture of plastic bags was set in April 2012 when over 200 Singaporean volunteers shaped 68,000 plastic bags in the shape of an octopus, according to Guinness World Records.

The Nepalese group said it will now submit its claim with video evidence for a new record to Guinness.&nbsp;

Young Nepalis created a map of the Dead Sea with used plastic bags Wednesday in a bid to set a new international record and raise awareness about the vast volumes polluting the world's oceans.

Young Nepalis created a map of the Dead Sea with used plastic bags Wednesday in a bid to set a new international record and raise awareness about the vast volumes polluting the world's oceans. Volunteers tied 100,000 colourful used plastic bags on a metal grid 20 metres (65 feet) long and five metres (16 feet) tall, shaped like the Dead Sea, on open ground in Kathmandu's city centre. The record attempt was organised with a slogan "One Dead Sea is enough for us". "We decided to tie plastic bags and make a sculpture of the Dead Sea to spread awareness over the world to minimise waste of plastic," Surgeon BC of Stem Foundation Nepal, the group that organised the event, told AFP. Global plastic production has grown rapidly and is currently more than 400 million tonnes per year. It is estimated that two to five per cent of plastics wind up in the oceans, where much of it breaks down into tiny particles that harm marine life. "We hope this effort will help to keep seas clean and not let them become another dead sea," he said. Over 150 volunteers worked for months to collect and sort used plastic bags from schools and public areas. Among the participants was 20-year-old environment student Prakriti Pandey. "I had heard the news that plastic was found inside a dead whale, so I felt I should join this initiative to spread awareness around the world and in my country," she said. The current record for the world's largest sculpture of plastic bags was set in April 2012 when over 200 Singaporean volunteers shaped 68,000 plastic bags in the shape of an octopus, according to Guinness World Records. The Nepalese group said it will now submit its claim with video evidence for a new record to Guinness.

Nepal attempts record with a Dead Sea of plastic bags

"Shortly before dawn, Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake... 
when the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified 
'it's a ghost' they said, and cried out in fear... 
but Jesus immediately told them: 'take courage, it is I. Don't be afraid'."

It is a passage from the Holy Bible, Matthew 14:22-36. It tells the story of one of Jesus's most famous miracles.

Some 2,000 years ago, Jesus walked across the Sea of Galilee - the water body between Israel and the occupied Golan heights - according to the Bible. Today, that doesn't require a miracle.

The Sea of Galilee, one of the holiest places in Christianity, is Israel's largest freshwater reserve. But long periods of drought and over-pumping have brought the lake low. A reedy island has materialised at its southern edge, and will soon be a peninsula. Holiday-makers and fishermen teeter over expanding boggy beaches to reach the waterline.

"Because last years we did not have enough rain and also we have a big exploitation water, the water is going slowly down, down, down and we don't know where it will stop," said Meir Sternberg, a local.

<img alt="galilee" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a95813a7-23c8-43d7-aa25-98bb0886324c" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/sea-of-galilee-rocks-reuters.jpg" />

Rocks are seen above the low-water level of the Sea of Galilee. (Reuters)

The Sea of Galilee was last full in 2004. Today, its shores are six metres wider, just two centimetres from the lowest level ever recorded. If the lake shrinks too much, its water would become saltier and negatively affect animals and plants relying on it.

It is a largely man-made disaster. Drought and overpumping have hit the Sea of Galilee hard.

Israel sees a solution in desalination, in which it is a world leader. It plans to double the amount of Mediterranean seawater it processes and pipe half of it 75 kilometers (47 miles) to the Sea of Galilee.

"(We) are doing it in order to save our nature, to fight global warming, I mean to prevent the effect, the devastating effect of global warming on the Sea of Galilee and also to create a very significant water storage for the entire state of Israel for time of emergencies," said Yuval Steinitz, Israeli energy and water minister.

"If he (Jesus) is coming back, we will make sure that he will have to make a real effort to walk on the water once more," Steinitz joked.

The project requires an investment of more than $600 million.

The problem is larger than Israel - all the fresh water reserves in the region are currently at a 100-year lows.

Finding a common solution is imperative.

<img alt="island-galilee" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5a8714b9-2b83-495c-acff-6f1edd528483" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/sea-of-galilee-island.jpg" />

Man walks towards an island that has materialised at the southern edge of the Sea of Galilee. (Reuters)

The Sea of Galilee is not isolated, it is part of a water basin comprising the Jordan River and the Dead Sea, too. If it shrinks, everything else shrinks faster.

"We need this water, not only for us but also for the Jordanians, because they are in a very very tough conditions now from the water problems point of view," said Giora Shaham, Israel's Water Authority Director.

Until now, desalination and water recycling have been enough to keep the situation under control.

But as Israel enters the sixth year of drought and temperatures keep rising, new efforts are required. Israel's meteorological data shows that the country has become warmer by two degree celsius since the 1980s. When it rains, it rains too little, and the dry and cracked land finds it difficult to absorb rainfall.

Preserving the lake would free Israel to offer Jordan more water under a 1994 peace treaty.

"If there is irreversible damage done to the Sea of Galilee, to the Jordan, to this whole ecosystem, Israel's enemies could use it against her," said David Parsons, vice president of the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem, which oversees evangelical outreach to Israel.

"It could also affect Christian tourism to the land. It's very good to see Israel taking responsible steps now to address this, finally."

<img alt="sea-of-galilee" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fff09637-35c7-4d1b-86cc-e197a2bccf7a" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/sea-of-galelee-shells-reuters.jpg" />

Mussels and shells are seen on the ground at a shore of the Sea of Galilee in northern Israel. (Reuters)

Israel's plan provides for piping in 120 million cubic metres annually. Steinitz hopes to see that almost tripled in a cabinet vote next month. Such capacity, he said, would replenish the Galilee by 2026.

He predicted a small bump to consumers' water tariffs, to help defray the $622 million infrastructure cost.

Still, with a national election due in 2019 and an unusually wet winter looming, some worry the Sea of Galilee could be again neglected.

"Shortly before dawn, Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake... when the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified 'it's a ghost' they said, and cried out in fear.

"Shortly before dawn, Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake... when the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified 'it's a ghost' they said, and cried out in fear... but Jesus immediately told them: 'take courage, it is I. Don't be afraid'." It is a passage from the Holy Bible, Matthew 14:22-36. It tells the story of one of Jesus's most famous miracles. Some 2,000 years ago, Jesus walked across the Sea of Galilee - the water body between Israel and the occupied Golan heights - according to the Bible. Today, that doesn't require a miracle. The Sea of Galilee, one of the holiest places in Christianity, is Israel's largest freshwater reserve. But long periods of drought and over-pumping have brought the lake low. A reedy island has materialised at its southern edge, and will soon be a peninsula. Holiday-makers and fishermen teeter over expanding boggy beaches to reach the waterline. "Because last years we did not have enough rain and also we have a big exploitation water, the water is going slowly down, down, down and we don't know where it will stop," said Meir Sternberg, a local. Rocks are seen above the low-water level of the Sea of Galilee. (Reuters) The Sea of Galilee was last full in 2004. Today, its shores are six metres wider, just two centimetres from the lowest level ever recorded. If the lake shrinks too much, its water would become saltier and negatively affect animals and plants relying on it. It is a largely man-made disaster. Drought and overpumping have hit the Sea of Galilee hard. Israel sees a solution in desalination, in which it is a world leader. It plans to double the amount of Mediterranean seawater it processes and pipe half of it 75 kilometers (47 miles) to the Sea of Galilee. "(We) are doing it in order to save our nature, to fight global warming, I mean to prevent the effect, the devastating effect of global warming on the Sea of Galilee and also to create a very significant water storage for the entire state of Israel for time of emergencies," said Yuval Steinitz, Israeli energy and water minister. "If he (Jesus) is coming back, we will make sure that he will have to make a real effort to walk on the water once more," Steinitz joked. The project requires an investment of more than $600 million. The problem is larger than Israel - all the fresh water reserves in the region are currently at a 100-year lows. Finding a common solution is imperative. Man walks towards an island that has materialised at the southern edge of the Sea of Galilee. (Reuters) The Sea of Galilee is not isolated, it is part of a water basin comprising the Jordan River and the Dead Sea, too. If it shrinks, everything else shrinks faster. "We need this water, not only for us but also for the Jordanians, because they are in a very very tough conditions now from the water problems point of view," said Giora Shaham, Israel's Water Authority Director. Until now, desalination and water recycling have been enough to keep the situation under control. But as Israel enters the sixth year of drought and temperatures keep rising, new efforts are required. Israel's meteorological data shows that the country has become warmer by two degree celsius since the 1980s. When it rains, it rains too little, and the dry and cracked land finds it difficult to absorb rainfall. Preserving the lake would free Israel to offer Jordan more water under a 1994 peace treaty. "If there is irreversible damage done to the Sea of Galilee, to the Jordan, to this whole ecosystem, Israel's enemies could use it against her," said David Parsons, vice president of the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem, which oversees evangelical outreach to Israel. "It could also affect Christian tourism to the land. It's very good to see Israel taking responsible steps now to address this, finally." Mussels and shells are seen on the ground at a shore of the Sea of Galilee in northern Israel. (Reuters) Israel's plan provides for piping in 120 million cubic metres annually. Steinitz hopes to see that almost tripled in a cabinet vote next month. Such capacity, he said, would replenish the Galilee by 2026. He predicted a small bump to consumers' water tariffs, to help defray the $622 million infrastructure cost. Still, with a national election due in 2019 and an unusually wet winter looming, some worry the Sea of Galilee could be again neglected.

Jesus walked on this biblical lake - now it needs a saviour

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