Urban Planning
Why is Delhi particularly vulnerable to earthquakes?
Delhi is particularly vulnerable to earthquakes because it is located in seismic zone 4, the second highest risk category in India. This vulnerability stems from its proximity to Himalayan earthquakes and the movement of the Indian plate and local fault systems. The city's foundation of soft alluvial soil amplifies seismic waves, making tremors feel stronger than their actual magnitude. Additionally, many of Delhi's buildings are older constructions with inadequate spacing and may not be equipped to handle significant tremors. Scientists have warned that a powerful earthquake of over 8.0 magnitude in the Himalayas is overdue, which could have devastating consequences for Delhi and northern India.
Watch clip answer (03:41m)
WION
11:28 - 15:10
Why is Delhi particularly vulnerable to earthquakes?
Delhi is particularly vulnerable to earthquakes because it's located in seismic zone 4, the second highest risk category in India. This positioning exposes the region to moderate to high seismic activity, especially from Himalayan earthquakes. Additionally, Delhi's vulnerability stems from the movement of the Indian plate and local fault systems, combined with the soft alluvial soil that lines the region. This soil composition amplifies seismic waves, making tremors feel stronger than their actual magnitude.
Watch clip answer (03:48m)
WION
11:22 - 15:10
How is India planning to revolutionize emergency medical services?
India's E Plane Company has announced a landmark billion-dollar deal to supply 788 electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft as flying ambulances across every district in India. This initiative aims to address the challenges of providing timely medical care in increasingly congested city streets where traffic delays emergency response. The company plans to begin commercial operations by the second half of 2026, with an initial production target of 100 units annually. These electric aircraft will initially have a range of approximately 110 kilometers, with plans to extend that to 200 kilometers in the future, enabling faster medical transport that bypasses ground traffic.
Watch clip answer (01:09m)
WION
15:43 - 16:52
What makes Cape Town unique in terms of urban and natural environment?
Cape Town is distinctive because it's described as 'a city within a national park or a national park within a city.' This unique urban-wilderness interface creates a special responsibility for residents living on the edge of this natural area. The environmental activist Engelbrecht emphasizes that this arrangement requires humans to adapt to nature, rather than expecting nature to adapt to human preferences. This perspective highlights the fundamental philosophy behind coexisting with wildlife like baboons in this South African urban setting.
Watch clip answer (00:15m)
Al Jazeera English
00:54 - 01:10
What is the main issue with baboon management in Simonstown according to Engelbrecht?
According to Engelbrecht, the fundamental problem is a lack of effective management by South African authorities regarding baboon safety. Last year, he took legal action against the municipality, national parks agency, and government organizations responsible for nature reserves to force implementation of measures to protect baboons. Critics point out that authorities have been slow to roll out a comprehensive management plan that should include more wardens and rangers to keep baboons away from residential areas. This insufficient oversight has led to increasing conflicts between baboons and residents, highlighting the urgent need for better wildlife management strategies in urban settings.
Watch clip answer (00:29m)
Al Jazeera English
01:17 - 01:47
What is the core issue in the baboon management debate in Simonstown, South Africa?
The baboon management debate in Simonstown has created an intense and often aggressive divide between two opposing groups: those who are fed up with the baboons causing problems and those who advocate for their protection as natural inhabitants of the area. Despite their significant disagreements and anger toward each other, both sides do share common ground on one critical point. They agree on the need for authorities to implement better management strategies for the situation that would effectively protect both the local residents and the baboon populations, creating a more sustainable coexistence in this unique national park setting.
Watch clip answer (00:19m)Al Jazeera English
02:17 - 02:37