Amid increasing global warming and heat-related deaths worldwide, a new study has shown that expanding urban vegetation cover by 30 per cent could save over one-third of all deaths caused due to heat, saving up to 1.16 million lives globally.

Researchers from Monash University in Australia showed that increasing vegetation levels by 10 per cent, 20 per cent, and 30 per cent would decrease the global population-weighted warm-season mean temperature by 0.08 degrees Celsius, 0.14 degrees Celsius, and 0.19 degrees Celsius, respectively.

It can also prevent 0.86, 1.02, and 1.16 million deaths, respectively.

While increasing greenness has been proposed as a heat-related death mitigation strategy, “this is the first modelling study to estimate both the cooling and modifying effects of greenness, providing a more comprehensive assessment of its benefits in mitigating heat-related mortality,” said Professor Yuming Guo from the varsity.

As the series “Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar” turned 1 on Thursday, actress Manisha Koirala took a trip down memory lane and recalled that playing the character of the fiery Mallikajaan was about fully understanding a strong woman.

Manisha, who played the chief courtesan of Shahi Mahal Mallikajaan, took to Instagram, where she shared a still from the series, which marked the OTT debut of Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

“Playing Mallikajaan in #Heeramandi was more than just acting. It was about fully understanding a strong woman who leads with determination and holds everything together with an iron will,” Manisha wrote in the caption section.

She talked about the experience of exploring the character.

A massive wildfire raging through Israel has triggered a national emergency in the nation, forcing the evacuation of thousands and casting dense plumes of smoke over Jerusalem.

Authorities have described the blaze as one of the most severe in the nation's history, erupting on Wednesday -- coinciding with Israel's Memorial Day for fallen soldiers -- and spreading swiftly due to strong winds and parched conditions.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sounded the alarm, warning that the fast-advancing fire could reach Jerusalem itself.

"This is a national emergency, not just a local one," he said.

Emphasising the urgency, Netanyahu added, "The priority right now is defending Jerusalem," and called for additional fire engines and the creation of firebreaks.

At 17 years and 291 days old Lamine Yamal became the youngest player in FC Barcelona history to play 100 competitive games.

Yamal achieved the feat in the UEFA Champions League semifinals first leg against Inter Milan at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Thursday (IST). Furthermore, the teenager marked the occasion with a brilliant goal and hit the woodwork twice in the 3-3 draw against the Italians.

"He showed us the way because making it 2-1 was really important. He's a fantastic player and you see his quality in big games. It's great to have him here," Barca coach Hansi Flick said of Yamal.

The Spaniard has broken his teammate Gavi's record, who did the same aged 19 years and 29 days. The top 5 is rounded out by Bojan (19 years, 2 months, 24 days), Pedri (20 years, 2 months, 4 days), and Ansu Fati (20 years, 5 months, 15 days).

The milestone came after a game when the blaugranes were crowned Copa del Rey champions for the 32nd time after the grand final against Real Madrid at the La Cartuja stadium in Seville (3-2).

In a crackdown on Iranian exports, the US has sanctioned four United Arab Emirates-based companies that have trade links with Indian companies for allegedly trading in Iranian petroleum products.

"So long as Iran attempts to generate oil and petrochemical revenues to fund its destabilising activities and support its terrorist activities and proxies, the United States will take steps to hold both Iran and all its partners engaged in sanctions evasion accountable," US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday.

The State Department said that it was imposing sanctions on those companies "for knowingly engaging in a significant transaction for the purchase, acquisition, sale, transport, or marketing of petrochemical products from Iran."

It said the four companies "generated hundreds of millions of dollars in illicit funds for Iran's destabilising activities" by exporting Iranian products to third countries, which it did not name.

Young adults across the world between the ages of 18 and 29 are struggling, not only with happiness but also with their physical and mental health, according to a new study.

The study showed that young adults are struggling with perceptions of their own character, finding meaning in life, the quality of their relationships, and their financial security, news agency reported.

The data, collected by Gallup primarily in 2023, was derived from self-reported surveys of more than 200,000 people in over 20 countries and published in the journal Nature Mental Health.

The study was one of a collection of papers based on the inaugural wave of data from the Global Flourishing Study, a collaboration between researchers at Harvard and Baylor University.

Piyush Goyal, who concluded his productive visit to Norway which is the first by a Commerce and Industry Minister from India in over 25 years, stressed that ties between the two nations are set to enter a new phase of trust and growth.

Commerce Minister held separate meetings with Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide and the Scandinavian country’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Cecilie Myrseth, to discuss the implementation of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement and strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries.

“Concluded my productive visit to Norway, the first by a Commerce and Industry Minister from India in over 25 years,” said the minister on X social media platform.

“My engagements with the political and business leadership in the country give me immense confidence that our ties are set to enter a new phase of trust and growth,” he added.

Barcelona FC came from 0-2 and 2-3 down to earn an epic 3-3 draw in a Champions League classic at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, ensuring the teams head to Milan next Tuesday on level terms.

Marcus Thuram audaciously flicked Denzel Dumfries' cross beyond Wojciech Szczęsny after just 30 seconds for the fastest goal in a Champions League semi-final.

Barcelona responded positively, Ferran Torres twice shooting narrowly wide, but Inter doubled their lead in the 21st minute. Federico Dimarco curled in an outswinging corner from the left which was met by the towering jump of Francesco Acerbi, before Dumfries, provider of the first goal, converted powerfully with an acrobatic scissor-kick.

It looked an uphill battle for Barcelona with Inter’s defensive fortitude well known, but the hosts were level by half-time thanks to some inspired attacking play.

A massive fire broke out at Dilli Haat, a popular market in south Delhi, on Wednesday night. As many as 13 fire tenders were rushed to the spot.

As per officials, 25 to 30 shops were gutted in the fire. However, no loss of life or injuries was reported.

The fire caused extensive damage, with goods worth lakhs being burned.

Initial reports suggest that the fire was caused due to a short circuit.

"We received a call regarding fire at Dilli Haat Market INA at 8.55 p.m. and have deployed 13 fire engines at the spot. Further operation is underway," an official of the Delhi Fire Service told.

South Korea's exports gained 3.7 percent from a year earlier in April, marking a third consecutive month of increase, while outbound shipments to the United States dropped sharply on the Donald Trump administration's hefty tariffs, data showed on Thursday.

Outbound shipments came to US$58.2 billion last month, the highest-ever for an April, according to data compiled by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

Imports dropped 2.7 percent on-year to $53.3 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $4.88 billion, reports news agency.

Exports to the U.S. decreased 6.8 percent on-year to $10.6 billion, leading to a $900 million drop in Seoul's trade surplus with the U.S. from a year earlier.