China’s Glacier Area Shrinks by 26% Over Six Decades

Reuters,

A recent report reveals that China’s glacier area has diminished by 26% since 1960, leading to the disappearance of approximately 7,000 small glaciers and an accelerated retreat of existing ones. Notably, the past three years have seen the most significant global glacial mass loss. This unprecedented reduction is attributed to rapid global warming, posing risks such as diminished freshwater supplies and heightened threats of natural disasters. China’s glaciers are primarily located in regions like Tibet, Xinjiang, Sichuan, Yunnan, Gansu, and Qinghai. In 2020, the total glacier area was recorded at 46,000 square kilometers with about 69,000 glaciers, a decline from 59,000 square kilometers with 46,000 glaciers between 1960 and 1980. Efforts, including the use of snow blankets and artificial snow systems, are underway to mitigate the melting. A UNESCO report warns that ongoing climate change, driven by fossil fuel consumption, could exacerbate global issues related to rising sea levels and dwindling water resources.

South Korea Wildfires Claim 24 Lives and Destroy Historic Temple

NPR,

Severe wildfires have erupted across central and southern South Korea, resulting in at least 24 fatalities, including three firefighters and one government employee, and displacing over 23,000 residents. The fires have destroyed approximately 37,860 hectares of land and led to the destruction of a 1,300-year-old Buddhist temple, along with numerous homes and factories. The blazes began in Sancheong County and rapidly spread due to strong winds and dry conditions, prompting widespread evacuations and mobilization of extensive firefighting resources. The national government has designated several affected provinces as disaster zones. Investigations suggest that some fires may have been accidentally ignited by individuals tending to family grave sites.

Israeli Military Relocates Detainees Amid Allegations of Continued Abuse

Associated Press,

Under pressure from Israel’s Supreme Court to improve conditions in a notorious detention facility, the Israeli military transferred detainees from Gaza to newly established camps in the West Bank. However, rights groups report that alleged abuses, including beatings, excessive handcuffing, and inadequate healthcare and nutrition, have persisted in these new locations. Detainees describe enduring harsh conditions and arbitrary punishments. The military denies systematic abuse, asserting compliance with international laws and claiming that detainees have access to necessary healthcare and sufficient daily nutrition. Nonetheless, newly released accounts from detainees and ongoing legal pressure underscore the urgent need for genuine reform to ensure humane treatment

IndusInd Bank’s Accounting Discrepancies Highlight Governance Risks

Reuters,

IndusInd Bank, India’s fifth-largest private-sector lender, has disclosed significant accounting discrepancies that have unsettled investors and highlighted risks associated with inadequate governance. The issues stem from unauthorized internal derivatives trades that were not accounted for following a prohibition by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). These errors are expected to reduce the bank’s net worth by 2.35%, approximately $175 million, leading to a 25% drop in the bank’s market value, equating to around $2 billion. The RBI has assured that the bank’s solvency remains intact, but the incident emphasizes the need for stronger oversight in the banking sector. The bank’s board governance and risk management practices are under scrutiny, with Grant Thornton engaged to investigate potential fraud. This situation echoes past governance lapses in Indian banks, underscoring persistent issues despite recent profit successes.

U.S. Secretary of State Rubio to Visit Jamaica, Guyana, and Suriname

Reuters,

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to visit Jamaica, Guyana, and Suriname on March 26-27. The State Department announced that the trip aims to discuss bilateral relations with Caribbean nations and address issues related to illegal immigration and crime. This visit underscores the U.S. commitment to strengthening partnerships in the Caribbean region and collaborating on mutual concerns.