Ozone levels in 2024 have been highest since 2020. Ozone filters out UV radiation which is responsible for higher prevalence of skin cancer and cataracts.
The WMO Ozone Bulletin 2024 said lower ozone depletion was partly due to natural atmospheric factors but stressed the long-term improvement reflects the success of global action.
Asia warming faster than global average, the report said, adding that early warning systems and disaster preparedness plans, however, have saved thousands of lives.
The WMO also found a 98% chance that one of the next 5 years will be the hottest on record, surpassing 2016 which saw a global temperature impacted by about 1.3C (2.3F) of warming.
In 1st forecast since March, World Meteorological Organisation has indicated chance of EL Nino onset, likely to 'fuel higher global temperatures', is 70-80% during July-September period.
WMO said that after 3 years of La Nina weather pattern in the Pacific Ocean, there was a 60% chance that will change to El Nino, its warmer counterpart, in May-July.
While the chances of an El Niño developing early in the year are small, current forecasts say there is a 55 per cent chance it could develop between June and August.
SEBI probe concluded that purported loans and fund transfers were paid back in full and did not amount to deceptive market practices or unreported related party transactions.
Many really smart people now share the position that playing cricket with Pakistan is politically, strategically and morally wrong. It is just a poor appreciation of competitive sport.
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