DROUGHT HIT REGIONS
In California, researchers tracked desert tortoises in a protected area for 34 years; numbers fell from 589 to 47 by 2002, then rose to 73 by 2012
In California, desert tortoises have suffered an alarming 92% population decline, even within designated protected areas. Research attributes this drastic fall to diseases, predation, and environmental stressors, rendering protective measures inadequate. Although a slight recovery was noted by 2012, the overall trend indicates persistent decline, underscoring the urgent need for holistic conservation strategies to safeguard wildlife.
Reinventing the pond: How this Bengal start-up is helping fish farmers battle climate and credit crisis
At a time when climate change is impacting world resources, including the aquatic system, Jalpaiguri’s Essential Aquatech is working to empower smallholder fish farmers by turning data into actionable insights and measures.
NBFCs curb fresh loans in rural markets as weak monsoon raises repayment risks
India's leading non-bank lenders like Shriram Finance and Bajaj Finance are limiting new lending in drought-affected regions. The lenders are closely monitoring borrowers for early signs of repayment difficulties due to weak monsoon rainfall. Companies are adjusting loan growth expectations downward and strengthening collection efforts in impacted locations. Several states are under close scrutiny as economic pressures mount from lower incomes and agricultural yields.
Cotton shortage set to worsen as new deals drive export demand
The impact of El Nino weather conditions could further hurt domestic production, expected to fall by 3.4% to a new low in the 2026-27 crop year ended September. Cotton imports hit a record high in 2025-26 to an estimated 7.1 million bales of 170 kilograms compared to last year's imports of 5.74 million bales. Prices have also risen more than 7% in the past month.
Shriram Finance shares crash 6% as Jefferies, Citi, and other brokerages slash target prices after Q2 results. Why do they still say ‘Buy’?
Shriram Finance shares fell sharply on Monday after Jefferies, Citi and Motilal Oswal cut their target prices following the NBFC’s Q2 results. Despite concerns over rising credit costs and rural stress, all three brokerages retained their ‘Buy’ ratings, citing strong net interest income, resilient margins and long-term growth potential.
Chana sowing holds key to pulses inflation
Chana, India's most consumed pulse, which is central to making everything from salty snacks to nutritious meals, needs adequate soil moisture and cool weather for a good crop. Sowing has started in some regions, but the progress is slow. State advisories to conserve water and shift to less water-intensive crops have added to concerns over winter sowing.
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Veolia opens India disaster hub as climate risks mount, commits over €1 million globally to emergency response
Veolia has opened a New Delhi hub to deploy mobile water-treatment units and trained personnel for disaster response across South and Southeast Asia.
Giant 'heat storms' are scorching the Earth. This is the story of the biggest one on record
Heat storms have increased dramatically, causing severe global consequences including excess deaths and environmental catastrophes. Recent heat storms have been identified as a new classification, representing larger and more persistent heat events. The intensity of these heat storms has worsened due to climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. Associated weather patterns have significantly disrupted ecosystems and agriculture worldwide.
Farmers face 15% loss as poultry feed costs surge
Poultry farmers are currently experiencing losses of approximately 15% due to rising livestock feed costs. Key ingredients have seen price increases of up to 75%, affecting farmers' ability to cope. Dairy producers, particularly in drought-affected regions, struggle to source necessary fodder for their livestock. Feed manufacturers are also feeling the impact as higher prices reduce demand for their products.
Ranabaali Real Story: When nearly 1 crore died in the Great Madras famine in 1870s. Who were the real Ranabaali and Jayamma?
Is Ranabaali a real story? Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna's Ranabaali draws inspiration from the Great Madras Famine of 1876–78. Here's what history reveals about the famine and the real-life origins of Ranabaali, Jayamma and the film's British antagonist.
How India's agricultural damage flags gap between climate warnings and adaptation finance ahead of COP31
High temperatures continue to impact Indian agriculture, leading to decreased crop yields and poor germination rates. Farmers report significant losses in banana production and vegetable crops like okra and gourd. Experts warn about the increasing unpredictability of climate events affecting food security and farming practices. There is a call for greater climate adaptation finance and improved forecasting measures to address these challenges.
Mizoram targets 5–7% tourism share in GSDP by 2047, opens new investment pathways
Mizoram plans to enhance tourism's contribution to its economy by leveraging cultural and natural assets. The government is executing tourism infrastructure projects worth over Rs 681.16 crore to support this initiative. Targeting to welcome 10 lakh visitors by December 31, local benefits are prioritized alongside visitor numbers. Various tourism events are scheduled to attract a diverse range of tourists throughout the year.
Super El Nino: What the potential arrival of a stronger 'little boy' means for India’s water, power, health, winter and summer?
India is projected to experience a warmer and drier start to winter as a super El Niño develops. A weak monsoon has led to concerns over water availability and crop health across the country. The World Meteorological Organization anticipates significant temperature increases and shifts in rainfall patterns. This unusual weather pattern may lead to increased health risks, especially during the summer months.
85% of Maharashtra declared drought-hit; farmers to get Rs 5,000 aid before Diwali
Maharashtra's government has declared drought in over 305 talukas due to a severe rainfall deficit. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that Rs 5,000 will be deposited in farmers' accounts before Diwali. Efforts are being made to prevent coercive loan recoveries from farmers facing hardships. A zero-tolerance approach is being enforced against unauthorized water extraction to ensure drinking supplies.
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis expands drought-hit talukas to 305, announces ₹5,000 Diwali bonus for farmers
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the expansion of the drought declaration to 305 talukas. A Diwali bonus of ₹5,000 will be deposited into farmers' accounts to alleviate financial distress. The government is also monitoring drinking water supply and combating severe water scarcity with GPS-tracked tankers. Fadnavis praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his contributions to infrastructure and welfare projects in Maharashtra.
El Nino pushes Pacific to its hottest ever, and global temperatures show no sign of cooling
El Nino has reached an all-time high in sea surface temperatures, significantly surpassing previous peaks. The rising temperatures are expected to have long-term effects on global climates until at least 2027. In India, El Nino typically leads to reduced monsoon rainfall, which already showed a deficit this year. Experts have warned that this phenomenon could further threaten agricultural yields and increase inflation.
Why Nana Patekar walked away from Bollywood fame and chose rural life in Maharashtra's village. 'I am not from the industry'
Nana Patekar had a successful Bollywood career, but over the years he grew increasingly drawn to village life and the struggles of Maharashtra’s farmers. A television report on farmer suicides changed how he wanted to use his money, eventually leading him to co-found the NAAM Foundation with Makarand Anaspure. From drought-hit villages to water conservation, the actor found a sense of purpose away from cinema’s glamour.
Kabul water crisis: Afghan capital edges towards 'day zero' as boreholes dry, drought bites and aid stays frozen
Kabul faces a severe water crisis as aquifers deplete faster than they can be replenished. The population growth has resulted in excessive groundwater extraction from unregulated borewells. Many residents now rely on expensive water from private tankers due to limited piped water access. Contaminated groundwater exacerbates the situation, leaving residents with a lack of safe water.
Drought, fodder crisis push Latur farmers to harvest sugarcane for cattle feed
Farmers in Latur district are facing a severe fodder crisis due to a lack of rainfall. Many are forced to harvest sugarcane crops to feed their livestock amidst deteriorating conditions. As a result, milk production has significantly decreased, impacting farmers' incomes. The Maharashtra government has declared a drought in majority of its talukas and announced relief measures. Local farmers are appealing for official fodder camps to be established urgently.
Karnataka CM Shivakumar seeks Rs 3,705 cr drought relief from Centre
Karnataka is facing a severe drought situation affecting farmers and the general public. Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has requested Rs 3,705.30 crore for relief under NDRF norms. The Central Inter-Ministerial Drought Assessment Team is visiting to assess the situation over three days. Water shortages across urban areas have been reported, and farmers are demanding higher prices for their produce.
Karnataka drought losses may reach Rs 60,000 crore: Dy CM Parameshwara
Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara announced that drought-related losses may significantly increase. Assessments have been completed for many taluks, revealing substantial financial impacts due to the drought. Central teams are set to evaluate the situation in different regions across the state. Recent rainfall will not dramatically alter the drought assessments, as crop losses occurred earlier this year. The state plans to submit a final memorandum once all evaluations conclude.
Railway Assistant Loco Pilot CBT-2 result 2026 released: Check who made it to the next stage, merit list PDF, cut-off marks and CBAT date
The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has released the ALP CBT-2 Result 2026 for candidates who appeared for the Assistant Loco Pilot examination held on July 28. Candidates can check the merit list and zone-wise cut-off marks on their respective RRB regional websites. Those who qualify will appear for the Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) scheduled for October 30, while the scorecard download facility will remain available until October 16.
Mangaluru railway region now under Mysuru: What changes for passengers, trains and Vande Bharat services
The Mangaluru railway region has officially shifted from the Palakkad Division of Southern Railway to the Mysuru Division of South Western Railway after decades under Palakkad. Operational control changed from Thursday, while administrative and financial separation is expected to take another 30 to 45 days. Meanwhile, railway users have raised concerns over changes to the Mangaluru-Madgaon Vande Bharat service.
Developing countries hit by overlapping crises, UNDP chief warns
Rising energy costs and El Nino conditions are challenging developing countries facing financial distress. Governments are struggling to manage high fuel prices and increasing debt levels. Recent UNDP surveys indicate that the crisis is affecting approximately 100 countries and worsening food insecurity. Many nations anticipate that conditions will deteriorate, prioritizing economic health. There is an urgent need for global discussions to address these mounting challenges.
Climate change Is making these grocery items more expensive this year
Global grocery prices are increasing as a result of climate change impacting food production. Recent research highlights that extreme weather is contributing to rising costs of essential items. Analysts predict that these trends will continue into 2027 and beyond, affecting food inflation rates. Additionally, countries previously self-sufficient in staple commodities might experience inflation due to disrupted yields.
Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar hits out at BJP, JD(S) over refusal to join delegation to Delhi
Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has criticized the BJP and JD(S) for their decision to boycott the delegation. The opposition leaders' actions are seen as placing politics before the farmers' interests. A central assessment team is scheduled to visit Karnataka to evaluate the drought situation soon. Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara emphasized the need for unity in addressing this issue.
Kharif data gives India a pleasant advance glimpse of the year's pickings; full picture a little while away
Kharif cultivation this season has fallen from last year, but exceeded the five-year average despite lower rainfall. The number coming above five-year average is noteworthy, because monsoon rainfall between June 1 and September 26 was 12% below normal.
Smart rice policy would be nice
In the 2026-27 cycle, India's rice production is projected to fall by 6.5% compared to the previous year, largely due to monsoon rainfall being 15% below the seasonal average. This shortfall poses significant challenges for farmers, likely leading to financial hardship as both yields and cultivated areas decline. However, with high existing stockpiles, domestic markets may not face critical shortages.
Karnataka: Drought-hit taluk selection based on rainfall data, not discretion, says CM Shivakumar
The CM’s clarification in the assembly followed the resignation of Congress MLA Yashvantharayagowda Patil, who quit protesting the exclusion of Indi and Chadachana taluks in Vijayapura district from the drought list. Patil alleged that lobbying by certain legislators had swayed the selection process. His resignation, however, was not accepted.
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