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<p>Recent figures released by UNICEF indicate a concerning 15 per cent rise in the number of girls and women subjected to female genital mutilation (FGM) over the past eight years.</p>

<p>The data reveals that more than 230 million individuals currently alive have experienced FGM, compared to 200 million in 2016.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-female-genital-mutilation-regressive-practice-that-killed-young-girls-in-sierra-leone-686426" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-female-genital-mutilation-regressive-practice-that-killed-young-girls-in-sierra-leone-686426&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjXsc3S4eSEAxXnna8BHQfrC-8QFnoECAMQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1d-yD8WsRE8W_0VyFaC8zU" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-female-genital-mutilation-regressive-practice-that-killed-young-girls-in-sierra-leone-686426" target="_blank">What is&nbsp;<b>Female Genital Mutilation</b></a></p>

<p>UNICEF's executive director, Catherine Russell, highlights the urgent need for stronger efforts to combat this harmful practice. UNICEF warns that progress toward eliminating FGM by the UN's 2030 target date needs to happen 27 times faster than the current rate.</p>

<p>FGM, involving the partial or total removal of external female genitalia, is a severe violation of human rights. Although global prevalence is not increasing, the rise is attributed to a higher number of births in FGM-practicing countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Approximately 60 per cent of FGM cases (144 million) occur in Africa, followed by 80 million in Asia and 6 million in the Middle East.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-125000-women-have-undergone-female-genital-mutilation-fgm-in-france-report-559687">Nearly 125,000 women have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM) in France: Report</a></p>

<p>Countries with the highest prevalence rates include Somalia, Guinea, Djibouti, Egypt, Sudan and Mali, where other challenges like conflict, climate shocks and food insecurity complicate intervention efforts.</p>

<p>While some African nations have seen a decline in FGM over the years, progress has stalled or reversed in certain regions. In the Gambia, a recent bill to repeal the FGM ban has sparked a contentious debate over rights, religion, and culture.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sierra Leone still allows the practice despite mounting pressure for criminalisation, with three girls dying during cutting ceremonies earlier this year. Kenya, which criminalised FGM in 2011, has seen progress, but concerns persist, especially in regions experiencing the brunt of the climate crisis.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-denounces-female-genital-mutilation-calls-for-ending-practice-451027" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-denounces-female-genital-mutilation-calls-for-ending-practice-451027&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjXsc3S4eSEAxXnna8BHQfrC-8QFnoECAgQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw2OZKr3sEkcYIvL-sYxSbeD" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-denounces-female-genital-mutilation-calls-for-ending-practice-451027" target="_blank">Pope Francis denounces&nbsp;<b>female genital mutilation</b></a></p>

<p>Campaigners also note a troubling shift toward the medicalisation of FGM, making it harder to detect as health practitioners replace traditional cutters. The practice is increasingly conducted in hospitals or homes, presenting challenges for detection and prevention.&nbsp;</p>

<p>UNICEF emphasises the need to address the trend of families opting for earlier age cuts, sometimes as early as two years old, to reduce physical harm and psychological trauma. Grassroots organisations fighting against FGM require increased funding to combat this deeply harmful practice.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Recent figures released by UNICEF indicate a concerning 15 per cent rise in the number of girls and women subjected to female genital mutilation (FGM) over the past eight years.

Recent figures released by UNICEF indicate a concerning 15 per cent rise in the number of girls and women subjected to female genital mutilation (FGM) over the past eight years. The data reveals that more than 230 million individuals currently alive have experienced FGM, compared to 200 million in 2016. Also read: What is Female Genital Mutilation UNICEF's executive director, Catherine Russell, highlights the urgent need for stronger efforts to combat this harmful practice. UNICEF warns that progress toward eliminating FGM by the UN's 2030 target date needs to happen 27 times faster than the current rate. FGM, involving the partial or total removal of external female genitalia, is a severe violation of human rights. Although global prevalence is not increasing, the rise is attributed to a higher number of births in FGM-practicing countries. Approximately 60 per cent of FGM cases (144 million) occur in Africa, followed by 80 million in Asia and 6 million in the Middle East. Also read: Nearly 125,000 women have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM) in France: Report Countries with the highest prevalence rates include Somalia, Guinea, Djibouti, Egypt, Sudan and Mali, where other challenges like conflict, climate shocks and food insecurity complicate intervention efforts. While some African nations have seen a decline in FGM over the years, progress has stalled or reversed in certain regions. In the Gambia, a recent bill to repeal the FGM ban has sparked a contentious debate over rights, religion, and culture. Sierra Leone still allows the practice despite mounting pressure for criminalisation, with three girls dying during cutting ceremonies earlier this year. Kenya, which criminalised FGM in 2011, has seen progress, but concerns persist, especially in regions experiencing the brunt of the climate crisis. Also read: Pope Francis denounces female genital mutilation Campaigners also note a troubling shift toward the medicalisation of FGM, making it harder to detect as health practitioners replace traditional cutters. The practice is increasingly conducted in hospitals or homes, presenting challenges for detection and prevention. UNICEF emphasises the need to address the trend of families opting for earlier age cuts, sometimes as early as two years old, to reduce physical harm and psychological trauma. Grassroots organisations fighting against FGM require increased funding to combat this deeply harmful practice. (With inputs from agencies)

Sharp surge in female genital mutilation cases, latest data shows

<p dir="ltr">It was the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo when Tom Daley, UK’s ace diver, not only won his country a gold medal but also charmed the audience with his nimble public display of crocheting that was snapped up by shutterbugs.</p>

<p>Daley became an unlikely champion of crocheting,&nbsp;which uses a hook - croc in French means hook - to create textiles from strands of yarn, thread, or other fabric material.<br />
<br />
Wherever you caught sight of Daley—whether lounging on the benches, poolside, or watching other people’s games, you could see him with his crochet needles, working with great dexterity.&nbsp;He even made&nbsp;a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CR0ciqMIOIJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;ig_rid=4f68927a-831b-4203-80fb-5af840875b6a">tiny sleeve for his gold medal</a>, earned with partner Matty Lee in the men’s 10-metre synchronised dive.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Daley inadvertently forced the world to sit up and take notice of an art and craft once associated with&nbsp;elderly women, challenging an entire gamut of gender stereotypes along the way.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr"><img alt="picture" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bf7dc40d-c95b-4133-9a2b-0b0bc9f7b708" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/The%20battle%20for%20Kyiv%20-%202024-03-08T001259.450.jpg" /></p>

<p dir="ltr"><em><strong>British diver, Tom Daley crocheting on the stands during Tokyo Olympics 2021</strong></em></p>

<p dir="ltr">Hop skip to 2024 in India: a set of young entrepreneurs are launching small-scale crochet businesses and harnessing the power of social media to build their brand and customer base.</p>

<p>For 24-year-old Kunal Chourasia, a Mumbai-based full-time crocheter, crocheting wasn’t always a readily available career choice. Starting off as an IT professional in a multinational firm and later a marketing firm, Chourasia&nbsp;found his crochet calling only during the Covid pandemic&nbsp;lockdown.</p>

<p>“I started experimenting with designs during the lockdown phase. I used to create different shapes, different patterns, and so on. There was a point where I just thought of starting something of my own, and that is when I launched my Instagram page to put up my creations. And eventually, I started getting orders once the lockdown eased off,” he said.</p>

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<p>Today, he deftly runs his own business off Instagram, which his parents were once completely against.</p>

<p>“The day I left my full-time marketing job, my parents asked me to leave the house, which I did. But we reconciled after 15 days, and since then there has been no looking back.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Back in January 2023, he would get around 20-30 orders every month, and now the orders have gone up to over 60-100 a month.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The income now is roughly five-six times more than my IT job.”</p>

<p>The experience resonates with 28-year-old Aishwarya Bysani from Bengaluru, who goes by the moniker <a href="https://www.instagram.com/curlycrochet95?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D">Curly Crochet</a> on Instagram.</p>

<p>She also picked up crocheting during the lockdown and has since transitioned to becoming a full-time crocheter on Instagram, primarily focusing on wearable items such as sweaters and caps.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Moving beyond the conventional recommendations of journaling and meditation, therapist Ketaki&nbsp;Mhatre&nbsp;suggests that taking up activities like knitting and crocheting can significantly benefit our mental health.</p>

<p dir="ltr">“The repetitive motions, the focus involved, and the fact that you are physically and emotionally engaged with a tool is a great mental exercise,” she said.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Mhatre&nbsp;believes that when people experience anxiety or nervousness, repetitive actions or 'actions that loop in a way' help the nervous system find a rhythm to calm down.</p>

<p>While the majority of evidence supporting this claim is based on personal accounts, a study carried out by the&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0" href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32245337/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">University of Wollongong</a>&nbsp;found that participants reported feeling happier, more in control, and had a greater sense of usefulness after crocheting.</p>

<p>Crocheting turned into a refuge for Prabhal Mehta, a 29-year-old aspiring surgeon from Hyderabad, after his heartbreak. At first, he saw it as a way to take a break, but soon it became his safe space, helping him focus better on his studies.</p>

<p>Mehta said, "When I got into crocheting, it felt like I was stepping into a peaceful zone, just following the flow of my hands."</p>

<p>Encouraged by his mother, who's quite skilled at crocheting herself, Mehta grabbed a yarn ball and a crochet needle as a means to heal and discover himself.</p>

<p>"In this process I realised crocheting wasn't just about keeping my hands busy; it was also about finding beauty in the details, which I found really aligned with the precision needed in surgery," he said.</p>

<p>From every perspective, the traditional stereotype of handcrafting, typically tied to an elderly woman bent over her needles and yarn, has undergone a remarkable shift. Now, it's become a source of both financial empowerment and mental nourishment for today's young adults.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


It was the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo when Tom Daley, UK’s ace diver, not only won his country a gold medal but also charmed the audience with his nimble public display of crocheting that was snapped up by shutterbugs.

It was the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo when Tom Daley, UK’s ace diver, not only won his country a gold medal but also charmed the audience with his nimble public display of crocheting that was snapped up by shutterbugs. Daley became an unlikely champion of crocheting, which uses a hook - croc in French means hook - to create textiles from strands of yarn, thread, or other fabric material. Wherever you caught sight of Daley—whether lounging on the benches, poolside, or watching other people’s games, you could see him with his crochet needles, working with great dexterity. He even made a tiny sleeve for his gold medal, earned with partner Matty Lee in the men’s 10-metre synchronised dive. Daley inadvertently forced the world to sit up and take notice of an art and craft once associated with elderly women, challenging an entire gamut of gender stereotypes along the way. British diver, Tom Daley crocheting on the stands during Tokyo Olympics 2021 Hop skip to 2024 in India: a set of young entrepreneurs are launching small-scale crochet businesses and harnessing the power of social media to build their brand and customer base. For 24-year-old Kunal Chourasia, a Mumbai-based full-time crocheter, crocheting wasn’t always a readily available career choice. Starting off as an IT professional in a multinational firm and later a marketing firm, Chourasia found his crochet calling only during the Covid pandemic lockdown. “I started experimenting with designs during the lockdown phase. I used to create different shapes, different patterns, and so on. There was a point where I just thought of starting something of my own, and that is when I launched my Instagram page to put up my creations. And eventually, I started getting orders once the lockdown eased off,” he said. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Crochet by Kunal (@crochet_by_kunal) × Today, he deftly runs his own business off Instagram, which his parents were once completely against. “The day I left my full-time marketing job, my parents asked me to leave the house, which I did. But we reconciled after 15 days, and since then there has been no looking back.” Back in January 2023, he would get around 20-30 orders every month, and now the orders have gone up to over 60-100 a month. “The income now is roughly five-six times more than my IT job.” The experience resonates with 28-year-old Aishwarya Bysani from Bengaluru, who goes by the moniker Curly Crochet on Instagram. She also picked up crocheting during the lockdown and has since transitioned to becoming a full-time crocheter on Instagram, primarily focusing on wearable items such as sweaters and caps. Moving beyond the conventional recommendations of journaling and meditation, therapist Ketaki Mhatre suggests that taking up activities like knitting and crocheting can significantly benefit our mental health. “The repetitive motions, the focus involved, and the fact that you are physically and emotionally engaged with a tool is a great mental exercise,” she said. Mhatre believes that when people experience anxiety or nervousness, repetitive actions or 'actions that loop in a way' help the nervous system find a rhythm to calm down. While the majority of evidence supporting this claim is based on personal accounts, a study carried out by the University of Wollongong found that participants reported feeling happier, more in control, and had a greater sense of usefulness after crocheting. Crocheting turned into a refuge for Prabhal Mehta, a 29-year-old aspiring surgeon from Hyderabad, after his heartbreak. At first, he saw it as a way to take a break, but soon it became his safe space, helping him focus better on his studies. Mehta said, "When I got into crocheting, it felt like I was stepping into a peaceful zone, just following the flow of my hands." Encouraged by his mother, who's quite skilled at crocheting herself, Mehta grabbed a yarn ball and a crochet needle as a means to heal and discover himself. "In this process I realised crocheting wasn't just about keeping my hands busy; it was also about finding beauty in the details, which I found really aligned with the precision needed in surgery," he said. From every perspective, the traditional stereotype of handcrafting, typically tied to an elderly woman bent over her needles and yarn, has undergone a remarkable shift. Now, it's become a source of both financial empowerment and mental nourishment for today's young adults.

Crocheting is helping young adults grow financially and emotionally, one stitch at a time

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited a military base in the western region of the country to inspect the field training of troops and has ordered 'heightened readiness for war'.

North Korea checks war-readiness amid South Korea-US military drills

Pope Francis remains unwell, for the second time this week health issues forced him to cut short his public address and on Thursday his speech was read by an aid. Watch to know more!

Pope Francis still unable to recover from ill health

At least 287 people were taken hostage by gunmen on Thursday, March 7, when they broke into a school in the northwest of the country, according to the headmaster, who informed authorities that this was the country's second mass kidnapping in less than a week.

Nigeria: Gunmen attack school in Northwest Nigeria | School abductions a source of concern

Donation are now pouring in for the UK's political parties received $119 million in donations last year almost double what they got in 2022. The Labour Party got its highest-ever amount of private donations across 2023.

UK: Labour party calls for early election in the UK, maintains double-digit lead

Police in Ottawa, Canada, confirmed on Thursday that six Sri Lankans, including a mother and four little children, had been fatally stabbed with knives late on Wednesday. This shocking incident occurred in a nation where mass killings are uncommon.

Six Sri Lankans found dead in Ottawa Justin Trudeau reacts

In his third State of Union address, President Biden attempted to take a defiant political tone aimed at the gridlock on Congress, never missing an oppurtunity to criticise his Opposition, Trump.

President Biden's State of Union Address: Biden slams Trump over January 6 Capitol riots

US State of Union Address: US President Joe Biden gives a clear message to Russian President Putin

The UN Security Council will meet in private to discuss the worsening circumstances in Haiti. The Caribbean nation's city, Port-au-Prince, has seen severe gang violence recently. This is related to an attempt by a gang leader to remove current prime minister Ariel Henry from office while he was out of the country.

Haiti tensions escalate: Haiti gang leader warns of 'civil war'

On Thursday, March 7, Chinese President Xi Jinping called on the military to plan ahead for naval battles, defend the nation's maritime interests and rights, and advance the marine industry.

Xi Jinping urges Chinese military to prepare for military conflicts & protect maritime rights

<p>In a significant development, the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) has found a substantial reserve of oil in the energy-rich waters of the South China Sea. The oil field, estimated at 100 million tonnes, is situated in the Pearl River Basin near Guangdong Province, as revealed in a recent press release by the state-owned CNOOC.</p>

<p>This discovery holds immense strategic importance for China, which is the world's largest net importer and second-largest consumer of oil. As China aims to enhance its energy independence and assert its influence in the region, the find in the Kaiping South oilfield signifies a substantial step forward.</p>

<h2><strong>Nature of the discovery</strong></h2>

<p>The oil found in the Kaiping South oilfield is classified as light crude, a highly desirable variant that yields a greater proportion of gasoline and diesel upon refinement.</p>

<p>The newly established well is projected to yield a remarkable daily output of 7,680 barrels of light crude oil alongside 520,000 cubic feet of natural gas, indicating significant potential for resource exploitation.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-china-sea-philippines-slams-china-for-stirring-up-trouble-697395">Also read |&nbsp;South China Sea: Philippines slams China for 'stirring up trouble'</a></p>

<p>Xu Changgui, Deputy Chief Exploration Officer at CNOOC, called the discovery as groundbreaking, saying it has&nbsp;implications for future exploration endeavours in the deep-water regions of the South China Sea. This find augments the resource base for CNOOC's sustainable development initiatives.</p>

<p>CEO Zhou Xinhuai stressed on&nbsp;CNOOC's commitment to exploring and developing the energy resources of the South China Sea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The South China Sea, a vital conduit for global trade, contains major reserves of oil and natural gas, estimated by the US&nbsp;Energy Information Agency. However, overlapping territorial claims among neighbouring countries have engendered friction and periodic confrontations.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Xi urges preparation for military conflict | South-China sea can face Chinese aggression?</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/xi-urges-preparation-for-military-conflict-south-china-sea-can-face-chinese-aggression-697854/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>China's expansive claims in the South China Sea have led to confrontations with neighbouring states, notably Vietnam and the Philippines. Incidents such as the 2014 standoff between CNOOC and Vietnam over oil exploration exemplify the volatility of the region.</p>

<p>Recent clashes between the Chinese coast guard and Philippine vessels underscore the heightened tensions in the region.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a significant development, the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) has found a substantial reserve of oil in the energy-rich waters of the South China Sea.

In a significant development, the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) has found a substantial reserve of oil in the energy-rich waters of the South China Sea. The oil field, estimated at 100 million tonnes, is situated in the Pearl River Basin near Guangdong Province, as revealed in a recent press release by the state-owned CNOOC. This discovery holds immense strategic importance for China, which is the world's largest net importer and second-largest consumer of oil. As China aims to enhance its energy independence and assert its influence in the region, the find in the Kaiping South oilfield signifies a substantial step forward. Nature of the discovery The oil found in the Kaiping South oilfield is classified as light crude, a highly desirable variant that yields a greater proportion of gasoline and diesel upon refinement. The newly established well is projected to yield a remarkable daily output of 7,680 barrels of light crude oil alongside 520,000 cubic feet of natural gas, indicating significant potential for resource exploitation. Also read | South China Sea: Philippines slams China for 'stirring up trouble' Xu Changgui, Deputy Chief Exploration Officer at CNOOC, called the discovery as groundbreaking, saying it has implications for future exploration endeavours in the deep-water regions of the South China Sea. This find augments the resource base for CNOOC's sustainable development initiatives. CEO Zhou Xinhuai stressed on CNOOC's commitment to exploring and developing the energy resources of the South China Sea. The South China Sea, a vital conduit for global trade, contains major reserves of oil and natural gas, estimated by the US Energy Information Agency. However, overlapping territorial claims among neighbouring countries have engendered friction and periodic confrontations. Also watch | Xi urges preparation for military conflict | South-China sea can face Chinese aggression? China's expansive claims in the South China Sea have led to confrontations with neighbouring states, notably Vietnam and the Philippines. Incidents such as the 2014 standoff between CNOOC and Vietnam over oil exploration exemplify the volatility of the region. Recent clashes between the Chinese coast guard and Philippine vessels underscore the heightened tensions in the region. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese energy giant CNOOC discovers new massive oilfield in South China Sea

Sweden officially joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization on Thursday. Sweden is now a NATO member State making it the newest member of the military Alliance. Watch to know more!

Sweden officially joins NATO alliance

This morning, US President Joe Biden will give his third and last State of the Union address as he prepares to face off against former President Donald Trump, a Republican. The yearly speech will be broadcast nationwide and in front of a rare combined session of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

US President Joe Biden delivers annual State of the Union address

Women have always been skilled and inventive; they have just faced numerous obstacles in getting recognition and credit for their creations. Here is our tribute to some women who were not afraid to stand up for the respect and credit they rightfully deserved.

International Womens Day: Inventions by women the world can't live without

Donation are now puring in for the UK's political parties recieved $119 million in donations last year almost double what they got in 2022. The labour party got its highest-ever amount of private donations across 2023.

UK: Labour Party raises over $16 million from private companies & indivisuals

<p>Australia's iconic Great Barrier Reef faces yet another mass bleaching episode. Officials confirm widespread damage in the UNESCO World Heritage Site as urgent climate action is emphasised</p>

<p>The Great Barrier Reef, a globally renowned natural wonder, is grappling with another significant mass bleaching event, marking the fifth occurrence in the past eight years, according to official reports.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-a-snake-like-amphibian-that-produces-milk-for-its-young-698014">Scientists discover a snake-like amphibian that produces milk for its young</a></p>

<p>This phenomenon, triggered by heat-stressed corals expelling vital algae, underscores the escalating threat to the UNESCO World Heritage site. Scientists emphasise the pressing need for immediate climate action to ensure the survival of the reef, highlighting the alarming increase in the frequency and scale of these bleaching events.</p>

<p>Greenpeace Australia's David Ritter expressed concern, stating, "The frequency and scale at which these mass bleaching events are now occurring is frightening - every summer we're holding our breath."</p>

<p>He criticised Australia's commitment to the reef's health, pointing out contradictions in supporting the coal and gas industry amid ongoing environmental challenges.</p>

<p>"The Reef is literally cooking," added the Climate Council's Simon Bradshaw. The current episode follows only two recorded mass bleaching events until 2016, signaling a growing ecological crisis that demands urgent attention.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ancient-love-preserved-termites-found-frozen-in-amber-while-mating-38mn-years-ago-697969">Ancient love preserved: Termites found frozen in amber while mating 38mn years ago</a></p>

<p>The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is conducting in-water examinations to assess the severity and extent of the damage across the 2,300km stretch off Australia's north east coast. Aerial surveys covering 320 reefs revealed prevalent bleaching, with the southern zone experiencing the worst in nearly two decades. However, Chief Scientist Roger Beeden suggested that recovery is possible if conditions improve.</p>

<p>Over the past decade, the reef has demonstrated resilience, recovering from various challenges, including mass bleaching events, cyclones, and outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish. The recent global rise in sea temperatures has also led to bleaching events in other regions, including the southern-most reef at Lord Howe Island in Australian waters.</p>

<p>Despite its UNESCO heritage status for over 40 years, the Great Barrier Reef is deemed under "serious threat" from warming seas and pollution. The Australian government faces scrutiny as it seeks to prevent the declaration of the reef as "in danger," with the decision up for review in July.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-oldest-dead-galaxy-ever-found-in-our-universe-697623">Scientists discover oldest 'dead' galaxy ever found in our universe</a></p>

<p>Environment&nbsp;Minister Tanya Plibersek acknowledged climate change as the primary threat, highlighting increased funding for reef conservation and stronger emissions-reduction targets. The UN's latest climate change report underscores the need for reducing global emissions in order&nbsp;to mitigate the risk of future mass bleaching events.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Australia's iconic Great Barrier Reef faces yet another mass bleaching episode. Officials confirm widespread damage in the UNESCO World Heritage Site as urgent climate action is emphasised The Great Barrier Reef, a globally renowned natural wonder, is grappling with another significant mass bleaching event, marking the fifth occurrence in the past eight years, according to official reports.

Australia's iconic Great Barrier Reef faces yet another mass bleaching episode. Officials confirm widespread damage in the UNESCO World Heritage Site as urgent climate action is emphasised The Great Barrier Reef, a globally renowned natural wonder, is grappling with another significant mass bleaching event, marking the fifth occurrence in the past eight years, according to official reports. Also read: Scientists discover a snake-like amphibian that produces milk for its young This phenomenon, triggered by heat-stressed corals expelling vital algae, underscores the escalating threat to the UNESCO World Heritage site. Scientists emphasise the pressing need for immediate climate action to ensure the survival of the reef, highlighting the alarming increase in the frequency and scale of these bleaching events. Greenpeace Australia's David Ritter expressed concern, stating, "The frequency and scale at which these mass bleaching events are now occurring is frightening - every summer we're holding our breath." He criticised Australia's commitment to the reef's health, pointing out contradictions in supporting the coal and gas industry amid ongoing environmental challenges. "The Reef is literally cooking," added the Climate Council's Simon Bradshaw. The current episode follows only two recorded mass bleaching events until 2016, signaling a growing ecological crisis that demands urgent attention. Also read: Ancient love preserved: Termites found frozen in amber while mating 38mn years ago The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is conducting in-water examinations to assess the severity and extent of the damage across the 2,300km stretch off Australia's north east coast. Aerial surveys covering 320 reefs revealed prevalent bleaching, with the southern zone experiencing the worst in nearly two decades. However, Chief Scientist Roger Beeden suggested that recovery is possible if conditions improve. Over the past decade, the reef has demonstrated resilience, recovering from various challenges, including mass bleaching events, cyclones, and outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish. The recent global rise in sea temperatures has also led to bleaching events in other regions, including the southern-most reef at Lord Howe Island in Australian waters. Despite its UNESCO heritage status for over 40 years, the Great Barrier Reef is deemed under "serious threat" from warming seas and pollution. The Australian government faces scrutiny as it seeks to prevent the declaration of the reef as "in danger," with the decision up for review in July. Also read: Scientists discover oldest 'dead' galaxy ever found in our universe Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek acknowledged climate change as the primary threat, highlighting increased funding for reef conservation and stronger emissions-reduction targets. The UN's latest climate change report underscores the need for reducing global emissions in order to mitigate the risk of future mass bleaching events. (With inputs from agencies)

Mass coral bleaching strikes Australia's Great Barrier Reef again

Israel will push on with its offensive against Hamas, including into the southern Gaza city of Rafah, despite growing international pressure to stop, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday.

Israel war | Israeli PM: Israel will go ahead with Rafah assault

US President Joe Biden delivered his annual State of the Union address to US Congress. Biden started his State of the Union Address with a focus on defending democracy economic recovery and Reproductive Rights but before any of this was brought up he attacked Russian President Putin for the Ukraine war. Biden warned Putin that he will not back down.

US President Biden's State of the Union Address; says, 'Political violence has no place in US'

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