Le Journal

Innovative Coral Reef Research Centre Set to Transform Conservation Efforts The Indian government has announced plans to establish the National Coral Reef Research Institute (NCRRI) in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as revealed by a senior official. With an investment of Rs 120 crore, this pioneering institute is set to become the central authority for coral reef research across India.The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is spearheading the setup of this first-of-its-kind center at Chidiyatapu in South Andaman. Sivaperuman, officer-in-charge at the Zoological Survey of India's Andaman & Nicobar regional center, emphasized the institute's focus on advanced research, conservation, and management of coral reefs.During a workshop on Coastal and Marine Biodiversity, concerns over climate change's impact on marine habitats were highlighted. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, known for their rich biodiversity, face challenges due to rising sea levels and temperatures. Efforts were discussed to support biodiversity through naming new species and linking agriculture with island biodiversity.

Pope Leo Visits Blue Mosque in Historic Turkey Trip Pope Leo made a groundbreaking visit to Istanbul's Blue Mosque on Saturday, marking the first time he visited a Muslim place of worship as the Catholic Church's leader. The gesture was a significant moment of interfaith respect during his debut overseas trip which has captured worldwide attention.The pope, who did not pray during his tour of the mosque, expressed his visit in "a spirit of reflection and listening," according to a Vatican statement. Although the Vatican initially misstated that Leo had prayed, they later corrected the release, indicating it was an error.Leo's choice of Turkey for his first foreign visit underscores the importance of the region's historical ties to Christianity, including the Church council that produced the Nicene Creed 1,700 years ago. The trip also focused on promoting unity, with Leo denouncing violence in the name of religion and urging Christians to bridge divisions.

Pioneering Light-Controlled Quantum Breakthrough in Graphene In a groundbreaking study settling a long-standing scientific debate, researchers have observed Floquet effects in graphene. This discovery utilizes ultrafast, light-based techniques to demonstrate that graphene's electronic properties can be instantaneously tuned, marking a significant advance in the field of quantum materials.Graphene, a 'miracle material' composed of a single atom-thick layer of carbon, is renowned for its stability and superior electrical conductivity. Its unique qualities have already spurred interest in applications ranging from flexible electronics to advanced solar cells. Now, recent research indicates graphene's potential to be even more versatile.Conducted by scientists from the University of Gottingen and collaborators, the study for the first time proves that Floquet engineering—using light pulses to modify material properties—works in graphene. This discovery could spearhead the development of future technologies in electronics, computing, and sensing, enabling precise manipulation of electronic states through light.

Catastrophe in Indonesia: Flash Floods and Landslides Claim Hundreds of Lives In Indonesia, rescue workers faced daunting challenges on Saturday, attempting to reach areas devastated by landslides and flash floods. The confirmed death toll has reached 279, with expectations of further increase as authorities struggle with damaged infrastructure and limited equipment.North Sumatra, severely affected by the disaster, witnessed 31 new recoveries, bringing despair to families with missing loved ones. Efforts to assist the displaced 28,400 individuals in makeshift shelters are ongoing, yet hampered by damaged roads and disrupted communications.The calamity, spurred by heavy monsoon rains, sparked fears of illegal logging, as images of logs washed ashore add to public concern. In regions like Aceh, heavy rains and logistical barriers impede rescue missions, with many still awaiting relief amidst perilous conditions.

A Colorado militia launched an unprovoked attack on an encampment of Cheyenne and Arapahoe tribal members, killing an estimated 230 people.