The International Biodiversity Conference, held at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre, opened on October 1, 2012. Union Minister of Environment and Forests, Jayanthi Natarajan, inaugurated the event, which gathered over 1,000 delegates for the Meeting of Parties (MoP 6). The event focuses on advancing the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, which deals with the safe handling of living modified organisms (LMOs). The meeting will be followed by the Conference of Parties (CoP 11) starting October 8. India has agreed to the Cartagena Protocol and is working on its ratification, with an emphasis on biotechnology's role in securing food security. There are also concerns about the socio-economic impact on indigenous communities and the safe trade of LMOs. Over 12,000 delegates have registered for the 19-day event, with more than 300 side events planned.
On April 22, 2025, a militant attack unfolded in the picturesque Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, marking one of the deadliest assaults in the region in recent years. The attack occurred during the afternoon hours, with militants targeting a group of tourists and local residents. By the time the violence subsided, at least 26–28 people had been killed, and over 20 others were injured. The Baisaran Valley, known for its stunning views and tranquil landscapes, was turned into a site of chaos and devastation. Eyewitnesses and survivors have shared harrowing accounts of the attack, providing a glimpse into the terror that unfolded. One tourist from Gujarat recalled the sounds of gunfire, followed by a panic-stricken scramble for safety. "We heard gunshots, and everyone started running. Local Kashmiri Muslims pulled us into nearby huts and shielded us," the survivor recounted, emphasizing the courage and quick thinking of those around him. Another indi...