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Deadly heatwaves are scorching cities on four continents, highlighting the severe impacts of climate change, and record-breaking temperatures could make this summer the hottest in 2,000 years, surpassing last year's record.In recent days, unprecedented heat has likely caused hundreds, if not thousands, of deaths across Asia and Europe. Greece is grappling with a severe early summer heat wave that has tragically claimed the lives of several tourists. Temperatures have soared above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), resulting in dangerous conditions, particularly for those engaging in outdoor activities like hiking. In Saudi Arabia, nearly two million Muslim pilgrims are finishing the haj at the Grand Mosque in Mecca this week, enduring temperatures above 51 degrees Celsius (124 degrees Fahrenheit). Reports from foreign authorities indicate that hundreds have died during the pilgrimage. Egyptian medical and security sources reported to Reuters that at least 530 Egyptians have died while participating, up from 307 reported yesterday, with another 40 still missing.111015727 Mediterranean Heatwave and Forest FiresCountries around the Mediterranean are experiencing another week of blistering high temperatures, contributing to forest fires from Portugal to Greece and along the northern coast of Africa in Algeria, according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Earth Observatory. In Serbia, meteorologists forecast temperatures around 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) as winds from North Africa propel a hot front across the Balkans. Health authorities declared a red weather alert and advised people to stay indoors. Belgrade's emergency service reported 109 interventions overnight to treat individuals with heart and chronic health conditions.Impact on the Balkans and the Adriatic CoastIn neighboring Montenegro, health authorities also warned people to stay in the shade until late afternoon. Tens of thousands of tourists sought relief on the beaches along its Adriatic coast. Europe has been grappling with numerous deaths and disappearances among tourists due to dangerous heat. A 55-year-old American was found dead on the Greek island of Mathraki, marking the third tourist death in a week.Heat Alerts in the U.S. Northeast and MidwestParts of the U.S. Northeast and Midwest are also experiencing extreme heat, with more than 86 million people under a heat alert on Thursday, according to the National Weather Service. A heat dome, a strong, high-pressure system trapping hot air over a region and preventing cool air from entering, is causing ground temperatures to remain high.FAQs on the heatwave: What to know if you're travelling to GreeceWhat are the dangers of extreme heat?Extreme heat can severely impair cognitive functions, affecting decision-making and risk perception. Kim Meidenbauer, a neuroscientist at Washington State University, noted that extreme heat could lead to life-threatening situations due to poor decisions and clouded judgment.How does heat affect the brain?The brain plays a crucial role in regulating body temperature, and extreme heat can disrupt its function. Damian Bailey, a professor of physiology and biochemistry, emphasized that reduced blood flow to the brain in high temperatures could cause confusion and impaired decision-making.Who is most at risk?Older adults, very young children, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing conditions are particularly vulnerable. The victims in Greece were all in their mid-50s and older.What precautions should be taken?Experts advise:Avoiding strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the dayStaying hydratedWearing loose, light-colored clothingSeeking shade whenever possibleUsing location-sharing apps and informing someone of your whereaboutsSafety Tips for Hiking in Hot WeatherChoose Cooler Destinations and Seasons: Opt for hiking in cooler months or destinations. Northern Europe offers more suitable conditions during summer.Adjust Daily Plans: If travel dates can't be changed, hike during early mornings or evenings and avoid outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day. Spend midday hours indoors.Plan Routes and Rest Stops: Know your hiking route and plan rest stops. Inform someone about your plans, and avoid hiking alone.Stay Hydrated and Eat Wisely: Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and eat foods with high water content. Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it frequently.Wear Appropriate Clothing: Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothes, sunglasses, long sleeves, a wide-brimmed hat, and use high SPF sunscreen.Recognize Heat-Related Symptoms: Be aware of signs of heatstroke and exhaustion, such as weakness, dizziness, headache, and nausea. Seek shade and medical help if needed.109522885

Shares of India's software services exporters on Friday rallied up to 4% during the day as quarterly results of global peer Accenture had a few positive elements such as strong bookings growth and acceleration in growth rates.Shares of Persistent Systems was the top gainer as it rallied over 4% to day's high of Rs 4,065 on BSE. Other IT stocks like Coforge, LTIMindtree, Infosys, TCS and LTTS were also trading around 2% higher during the day. As a result, the Nifty IT index was also trading around 2% higher.Accenture's Q3 FY24 revenue growth of 1.4% in CC terms was slightly above the mid-point of its adjusted guidance band. The management commentary on demand environment was largely unchanged, with clients continuing to limit discretionary spending and the delay in decision-making persisting, particularly for smaller deals. However, the company maintained the mid-point of its guidance; this points to a broadly stable demand environment."Also, Q4 guidance of 2-6% growth in LC indicates a steady FY24 exit. The stability bodes well for Indian IT companies, even as a full-fledged recovery is now expected in CY25/FY26. We expect the start of the interest rate-cut cycle to act as a signalling trigger for clients, to gain confidence on the inflation trajectory and macro stability, which may drive demand recovery and an uptick in discretionary spending," Emkay analyst Dipeshkumar Mehta said.He expects IT stocks’ earnings downgrade to bottom out in H1FY25, if current expectations on interest rate cut materialise.Also read | Rs 7 lakh crore profit in 10 days! Why PSU stocks are rallying like Modi managed '400 paar'Nuvama analysts noted that Accenture management called out two positive read-acrosses for Indian IT companies - consulting to return to growth in Q4 and bookings-to-revenue conversion gradually improving."Both these are incrementally positive for Indian IT companies. Indian IT Services companies have been reeling under the low deals-to-revenue conversion, and any signs of that improving is positive. Also, we believe FY25 Street estimates for Indian IT Services companies have been adequately rationalised, and they face little downgrade risk from current levels. We maintain our positive stance on the sector, and expect a sustainable strong demand environment to drive healthy earnings growth over the next three years," Nuvama said.Accenture has tightened its FY24 revenue growth guidance to 1.5-2.5% from 1.0-3.0% in cc terms. The company also noted that while the industry's long-term technology spending trends remain intact, client cautiousness due to macro uncertainties is weighing on tech spending in the near term.Indian IT stocks have largely held firm despite a muted demand environment for the past several quarters."While stock prices of Accenture, EPAM, Globant and Endava have gone up post Accenture’s results, do note that multiples for such stocks de-rated considerably unlike Indian IT. Accenture is still down 11-12% CY2024 YTD despite the strong up-move. Strong bookings numbers and acceleration in growth rates from a decline to a positive aided by inorganic growth may spur some excitement given the buoyancy of the sector on any positive indications on demand," Kotak Equities said.Nomura analysts have also maintained a cautious stance saying that discretionary demand is unlikely to recover meaningfully in FY25 for India IT."While revenue growth for largecaps should improve in FY25 (+2.9% y-y) vs FY24F (+1.3% y-y), we expect it to be driven by cost take-out deals. We expect operating performance to vary across our coverage universe in FY25-26," Nomura said.Which IT stocks to buy?Emkay's pecking order is Infosys, HCLT Tech, Wipro, Tech Mahindra, TCS and LTIMindtree in largecaps. Nomura has buy ratings on TechMahindra, Coforge, Birlasoft and eClerx.(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)