30X30 Ocean Protection Initiative Reaches Milestone

Whilst this represents considerable progress, an area approximately the size of the Indian Ocean still needs to be designated by 2030 if international ambitions for ocean protection are to be achieved. In 2024, current records show that 8.6% of ocean and coastal areas globally were within documented protected and conserved areas. Over the past two years, the world has protected about 5…

Read More

US 30-year mortgage rates climbs to 6.46%, highest in nearly 7 months; homebuyers face fresh cost pressure

The average long-term US mortgage rate has climbed for the fifth consecutive week, reaching its highest level in nearly seven months and adding to affordability challenges for homebuyers during the crucial spring housing season, according to AP.The benchmark 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose to 6.46% from 6.38% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said. A…

Read More

Temple Bridge will need to be completely replaced, Environment Agency confirms – Photo 1 of 1

A long-closed footbridge near Hurley will need to be completely replaced, the Environment Agency (EA) has said. Temple Bridge provided a crossing over the River Thames, just upstream from Temple Lock, from 1989 until it was closed in May 2023, after surveyors from the EA said it has ‘deteriorated faster than expected’. Over the years,…

Read More

RBI allows Rupee exchange at airport departure counters beyond immigration

The Reserve Bank of India has allowed both residents and non-residents to exchange Indian rupee notes at foreign exchange counters located in departure halls of international airports beyond immigration or customs checkpoints, according to PTI. Earlier, such counters were permitted only to buy Indian rupees from non-residents and sell foreign currency to them. “On a…

Read More