At least 600 forest fire points are currently active in India, with significant activity in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. The Forest Survey of India and NASA's satellite data indicate widespread fires, particularly in Central, Western, and Southern regions. The Indian Meteorological Department forecasts heat wave conditions and high temperatures, contributing to the fires. While some regions have seen reduced fire intensity due to rainfall, studies suggest most fires are preventable and of human origin.

India is facing a severe water crisis as reservoir levels in Southern and Western regions dip significantly below last year's levels, exacerbated by the El Nino phenomenon. The India Meteorological Department forecasts above-normal temperatures, while the Central Water Commission reports a 16% decrease in water levels compared to 2023. The crisis is expected to impact political campaigns and bring water scarcity to the forefront. However, meteorologists predict relief with the onset of the La Nina phenomenon, which could bring increased rainfall. NITI Aayog warns that 21 cities are at risk of depleting their groundwater resources.

India will miss the 2024 deadline to phase out DDT due to ongoing demand from African countries and concerns over the efficacy of alternatives. Despite the development of neem-based and Bt-based biopesticides, and long-lasting insecticidal nets, these alternatives have not been fully adopted or proven effective. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has indicated it no longer needs DDT, but the Department of Chemicals, Petrochemical and Fertilizers continues production to meet export commitments. The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change is expected to inform the Stockholm Convention Secretariat of the decision to continue DDT production for five more years.

The Supreme Court of India has directed the Union government to form an expert committee to identify priority areas for the conservation of the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB). This decision marks a shift from the previous total ban on overhead transmission lines across 80,688 sq. km. The court emphasized the need for more focused conservation efforts and asked for expert recommendations. The GIB, primarily found in Rajasthan and Gujarat, faces threats from power line collisions. The court also refused relief to Acme Solar for non-compliance with previous orders. The Union Government highlighted various factors contributing to the GIB's decline, including habitat destruction and low birth rates.

A group of 91 retired civil servants has criticized the Union Ministry of Environment and Climate Change's Green Credit Initiative, arguing it facilitates corporate access to forest lands, leading to ecological disasters and negatively impacting pastoral communities. The initiative, launched in October 2023, aims to encourage tree planting to reduce carbon emissions but is seen as monetizing the natural environment for corporate exploitation. The group urges the government to withdraw the initiative, highlighting its potential to harm biodiversity and local livelihoods.

The reintroduction of cheetahs in India's Kuno National Park, sourced from Africa, has disrupted the lives of indigenous communities, affecting their traditional rights and livelihoods. The project, celebrated by animal lovers and government officials, faces criticism for potentially endangering the Asian lion population and ignoring the Supreme Court's 2013 order to relocate lions to ensure their survival. Experts question the suitability of Kuno National Park as a habitat for cheetahs and the impact on local biodiversity. The project's long-term success remains uncertain, with concerns about human-wildlife conflicts as the cheetah population grows.

India faces significant challenges in food security and forest conservation in 2024. Warmer winters and geopolitical tensions in the Red Sea could impact domestic food supply, with potential protests over forest land diversion due to amended conservation laws. The Indian Meteorological Department reports higher winter temperatures, affecting wheat production. Global food availability is strained by adverse weather and geopolitical issues, including the Russia-Ukraine war and Red Sea conflicts. The government may attempt to control food inflation during the election year. Forest conservation efforts are threatened by legal amendments and ex-post facto clearances for development projects, raising concerns among environmental experts. Initiatives for big cat conservation, including tiger reintroduction in Cambodia and cheetah breeding in Gujarat, are also highlighted.

India has nominated Indore, Bhopal, and Udaipur for the Wetland City Accreditation scheme under the Ramsar Convention, recognizing their efforts in urban wetland conservation. The Ramsar Convention, an intergovernmental treaty, aims to promote the wise use of wetlands. The nominations, based on proposals from State Wetlands Authorities and Municipal Corporations, highlight the benefits of wetlands in flood regulation, livelihood opportunities, and cultural values. Bhupendra Yadav, Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, announced the nominations, emphasizing the international recognition and positive branding opportunities for these cities. The Amrit Dharohar initiative also aims to promote the conservation values of Ramsar Sites.

The India Meteorological Department has issued a health advisory due to a cold wave in northern India, warning of increased respiratory issues and eye infections. Severe cold conditions are expected to persist in parts of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan for the next two days. Minimum temperatures range from 4 to 12°C across the region, with the lowest recorded at 1.0°C in Sikar, East Rajasthan. A western disturbance will cause heavy snowfall in higher altitudes of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, and bring rainfall to the Northern plains. Unstable weather with thunderstorms and hailstorms is expected in parts of north Madhya Pradesh, south Bihar, and other areas. The IMD's extended forecast indicates below-normal rainfall for India's homogenous regions, with isolated heavy rainfall in extreme south Peninsular India in the coming days.

The year 2023 saw significant developments in climate change, wildlife conservation, and legislation. COP28 in Dubai marked a step towards ending the fossil fuel era, though the fossil fuel lobby influenced the final declaration. 2023 was the warmest year on record, with India experiencing its hottest months and an El Nino event affecting the monsoon. Water tensions rose between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, and reports highlighted unsustainable groundwater extraction. Wildlife conservation faced setbacks with high cheetah and tiger deaths, though some positive steps were taken, such as banning harmful drugs for vultures. Environmental laws were weakened, allowing non-forestry activities on forest land and coastal aquaculture in fragile zones.

Northwest, Central, and Eastern India are experiencing poor air quality due to a mix of smoke and fog, resulting in minimum temperatures being 2-4°C higher than normal. Out of 33 districts tracked by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), only three have below-normal temperatures. The IMD forecasts no significant cold wave until January 4, 2024, but predicts a high probability of cold waves in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and north Rajasthan in the second week of January. Dense fog is expected to continue in several regions, and light isolated rainfall or snowfall is likely in Jammu-Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand due to a weak Western Disturbance.

The year began with the translocation of 12 cheetahs from South Africa to Kuno-Palpur national park in Madhya Pradesh, marking a significant event in wildlife conservation efforts.

Facing a potential crisis in pulse production, the Indian government has extended the import duty exemption on tur and black gram pulses until March 2025, following a similar exemption for lentils. This move aims to control domestic prices amid reduced kharif and rabi pulses sowing areas due to below-average rainfall and other factors. The total production of pulses in the current kharif season is estimated at 7.1 million metric tonnes, the lowest since 2016-17, leading to significant price increases. Union Minister Arjun Munda highlighted that India imports around 2.5 million tonnes of pulses annually to meet domestic demand, with recent imports reaching 2 million tonnes in the last six months.

NITI Aayog member Prof Ramesh Chand advocates for extending minimum support price (MSP) to more farmers to double their income, highlighting the rural crisis and the need for state government interventions. While states like Punjab and Haryana benefit from MSP, others like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar require better rural infrastructure to facilitate market access. The article also references the Union government's retraction of the 2020 farm laws following prolonged protests.

The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee has directed Karnataka to release the stipulated quantity of water as per the final award of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal. Karnataka is required to release 7.35 tmcft of water for the rest of December and maintain a cumulative monthly flow of 2.76 tmcft for January. Tamil Nadu is also directed to ensure the realization of the stipulated quantity for reservoirs in the Karaikal region of Puducherry. The decision was based on the storage position, inflows, and outflows of eight designated reservoirs and hydrometeorological conditions in the Cauvery basin. The next meeting is scheduled for January 9.

Gangetic turtles face severe threats from illegal hunting and smuggling, exacerbated by significant cuts in habitat restoration funds by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence has made several seizures of illegally traded turtles, highlighting the scale of the problem. Conservationists emphasize the critical role of turtles in the ecosystem and the urgent need for increased funding and habitat protection to prevent further decline of this endangered species.

The Indian government has significantly reduced funding for major wildlife conservation initiatives over the past five years, including a two-thirds cut to the Wildlife Habitat Development Fund and a 50% reduction in Project Tiger funds. This decrease in funding coincides with an increase in tiger deaths, with a record number of fatalities reported this year. The habitat development fund's reduction from Rs 165 crore in 2018-19 to Rs 56 crore in 2022-23, along with the decrease in Project Tiger's budget from Rs 322.9 crore to Rs 150.6 crore, raises concerns about the future of wildlife conservation and the increase in human-wildlife conflicts due to inadequate habitats.

The World Bank Group has agreed to settle a case accusing its private lending arm, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), of abetting killings and environmental destruction linked to the Tata-Mundra project in India and violent land-grabbing by the Palm oil company Dinant in Honduras. The IFC's support for Dinant, which included direct loans and financing through its subsidiary, led to significant violence in the Bajo Aguán Valley. Despite internal findings of wrongdoing, the IFC did not provide meaningful remedies, prompting legal action in the United States. Environmentalist Ashish Kothari calls for more cases against institutions like the IMF and World Bank for their role in global suffering.

The Indian government's ban on onion exports until March 31, 2024, is expected to adversely affect farmers and traders, particularly in Maharashtra's Nashik district, which produces 70% of the country's onions. The ban has led to protests and concerns about the economic impact on farmers as the new harvest season approaches. While some traders are exempted, the move follows previous export restrictions and is seen as a measure to control volatile onion prices. The decision is criticized for potentially causing long-term damage to India's export market.

The Green Revolution, while achieving self-sufficiency in food grain production in India, has led to a decline in the nutritional quality of grains, with a significant reduction in essential minerals like zinc and iron and an increase in toxic elements. A study led by Dr. Biswapati Mandal from Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya highlights the adverse effects of high-yielding crop varieties introduced during the Green Revolution, which have impaired the natural nutrient absorption capacity of plants. The research warns of potential health risks for the Indian population and calls for genetic interventions to improve grain mineral density.

The Indian government has banned the use of sugarcane juice and sugar syrup for ethanol production in the 2023-24 period to ensure sufficient sugar availability in the domestic market during the election year. However, the use of B molasses for ethanol production is permitted. The decision comes amid concerns over reduced sugarcane production due to adverse weather conditions. The sugar industry has welcomed the allowance of B molasses but expressed concerns over the lack of clarity regarding future ethanol supply contracts. The government has also extended the export curb on all types of sugar beyond October 31, 2023.

The total annual groundwater recharge in India for 2023 is reported at 449.08 Billion Cubic Metres (BCM), marking an increase of 11.48 BCM from the previous year. Groundwater extraction has also seen a marginal rise.

The Indian government plans to increase the acreage of climate-resilient wheat varieties to combat the adverse effects of extreme weather events on wheat production. Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar has proposed forming a monitoring committee to achieve this goal. The Institute of Wheat and Barley Research has introduced two heat-tolerant wheat varieties, DBW 187 and DBW 303, to various state governments. The initiative aims to cover up to 60% of the total wheat-growing area with these resilient varieties to mitigate the impact of early heatwaves and unseasonal rains, which have previously reduced wheat production and quality.

Fossil fuels are the largest contributors to global climate change, yet oil and gas companies are heavily investing in new gas and oil exploration, undermining climate goals. The Global Oil and Gas Exit List (GOGEL) reveals significant capital spending on new reserves, with top companies like China National Petroleum Corporation, Aramco, and Shell leading the investments. Environmentalists express concerns over the potential conflict of interest with Sultan Ahmed Jaber, the upcoming COP28 president and CEO of ADNOC. The International Energy Agency's roadmap to net zero by 2050 is being overshadowed by these expansions, risking a catastrophic temperature rise. The article highlights the urgent need for a managed decline in fossil fuel production to meet the Paris Agreement targets.

The Cauvery Water Management Authority has directed the release of 7.35 tmcft of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu in December, attributing the decision to increased flow in intermediary catchment streams due to the active Northeast monsoon.

A committee led by Justice Brojendra Katakey, appointed by the Meghalaya High Court, has discovered ongoing illegal rat-hole coal mining and transportation in Meghalaya, despite a 2014 ban by the National Green Tribunal. The committee's 18th report, accepted by the High Court, highlights the persistence of illegal activities, including the disappearance of 18 Lakh Metric Tonnes of coal from government records. The Meghalaya government has challenged the ban in the Supreme Court, citing the impracticality of other mining methods due to the thin coal seams. The High Court has scheduled a hearing on November 30 to determine future actions.

India has been removed from the international negative list for Red Sanders export by CITES after nearly two decades, allowing the country to promote private plantations and export the valuable timber. The decision follows India's consistent compliance with CITES regulations and reporting protocols. Red Sanders, endemic to specific regions in Andhra Pradesh, has faced threats from illegal harvesting and smuggling. The move is expected to boost farming and income for farmers, particularly in states like Gujarat. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change hailed the development as a significant boost for India's wildlife and ecosystem conservation efforts.

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), a coalition of over 400 farmers' organizations, has launched a campaign against Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar in Madhya Pradesh's Morena assembly seat. Despite their previous stance of not participating in elections, SKM leaders emphasized their neutrality and commitment to not endorsing any political party. The campaign aims to mobilize farmers against Tomar, accusing him of enacting three anti-farmer laws. This move follows internal dissatisfaction within SKM and a series of electoral setbacks after their 2020-21 protests against farm laws favoring corporates.

Between October 2022 and September 2023, over one billion Indians experienced elevated temperatures, particularly heat waves lasting five days or more. A study by Climate Central highlighted that regions like Kerala, Goa, and Karnataka faced more heat waves, resulting in at least 264 deaths in India. The global average temperature during this period was 1.32°C above the pre-industrial baseline, with 99% of humanity exposed to above-average warmth. Only Iceland and Lesotho recorded cooler-than-normal temperatures.

One-third of Delhi-NCR residents plan to burst firecrackers on Diwali despite a ban and severe air pollution. The Supreme Court upheld the Delhi government's ban on firecrackers due to high pollution levels. A survey by Local-Circles indicates that 32% of families intend to burn crackers, with some already having accessed them. Another 13% want to but can't due to the ban. Health complications from poor air quality are already affecting three-fourths of households in the region.

The Indian peafowl population has surged by 150% over the past two decades, causing significant agricultural damage in regions like Kerala and Tamil Nadu. This dryland species, traditionally a bioindicator, has expanded its range from the Himalayas to the humid tropics of South India. Experts suggest that climate change, habitat degradation, and agricultural expansion are contributing factors. The rising peafowl population is also impacting local wildlife, particularly amphibians. Researchers call for scientific investigation into the correlation between declining amphibian numbers and increasing peafowl presence.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts a normal northeast monsoon and a warmer winter for India. The long-period average (LPA) of rainfall over south peninsular India in November is expected to be 118.69 mm, while the LPA for the rest of the country is 29.7 mm.

A survey by LocalCircles reveals that 75% of households in Delhi-NCR are experiencing health issues such as sore throat, cough, and burning eyes due to poor air quality. The primary causes are attributed to stubble burning in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, along with other factors like industrial emissions and road dust. The survey, which included responses from over 32,000 residents, also highlighted coping mechanisms such as using air purifiers and consuming immunity-boosting foods. Despite the severe impact, 13% of respondents reported no health issues due to pollution.

A sudden increase in stubble burning incidents has been reported in Punjab, with 1,068 farm fires recorded on a single day, marking a 740% rise from the previous day. Despite this spike, overall stubble burning incidents have decreased compared to previous years, with significant reductions noted in Haryana and other northern states. The Commission for Air Quality Management and NASA's satellite data confirm the surge, while the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change attributes the overall reduction to various interventions and monitoring efforts.

India's lentil imports from Canada have significantly decreased following a diplomatic dispute, while imports from Australia have tripled despite higher prices. The conflict arose after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suggested India's involvement in the death of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India's total lentil imports till August were 6.10 lakh tonnes, with Australia contributing half. Trade agreements have stalled due to diplomatic tensions, according to commodity analyst Rahul Chauhan. India, facing a pulses shortage, has implemented measures such as stock limits and import duty waivers.

The Union Cabinet Committee, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a Rs 22,303 crore Nutrient Based Subsidy for the Rabi season on Phosphatic and Potassic fertilisers. The subsidy rates for nitrogen, phosphorus, potash, and sulphur were set for the season. Minister Anurag Thakur confirmed that farmers would continue to receive DAP at the previous rate and mentioned the availability of other fertilisers at maintained rates. The government also approved the Jamrani Dam Multipurpose Project in Uttarakhand under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, with central support of Rs 1,557.18 crore, aiming to provide irrigation, drinking water, and power benefits.

Cyclone Hamoon, which has intensified in the Bay of Bengal, is expected to make landfall in Bangladesh on October 25. It began as a 'deep depression' and has evolved into a 'very severe cyclone', fueled by higher sea surface temperatures. Hamoon is disrupting the Northeast monsoon in southern India, causing heavy rainfall in Northeastern states and light to moderate rainfall in coastal West Bengal, Odisha, eastern Bihar, and Jharkhand. As it approaches the coast south of Chittagong, it is expected to weaken slightly. The storm surge may inundate low-lying areas between Khepupara and Chittagong, but severe impacts in Bangladesh are not anticipated. The cyclone has also delayed the onset of the Northeast monsoon by four days, affecting winter crops, drinking water, and industrial use in Tamil Nadu. Meanwhile, cyclonic storm 'Tej' over Yemen has weakened into a deep depression. Northwestern Indian states are expected to have normal and dry weather conditions with a gradual decrease in minimum temperatures.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has approved India's self-declaration of being free from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in specific poultry compartments, marking a significant achievement for the country's poultry industry. This recognition is expected to boost India's poultry trade, despite the historical challenges posed by bird flu outbreaks. The article details the history of avian influenza in India, the economic impact of outbreaks, and the measures taken by the Indian government to control the disease, including the formation of expert committees and the implementation of strict testing protocols.

Rising demand during the festive season and poor sugarcane crop prospects due to a poor monsoon have led the Indian government to extend export curbs on sugar. The government aims to stabilize domestic sugar prices, which have risen by over 2% compared to the previous year. The decision includes all sugar variants and aims to ensure sufficient availability for Indian consumers. Poor monsoon conditions, particularly in Maharashtra and Karnataka, have stressed sugarcane crops, potentially reducing productivity. The government also plans to halt the diversion of sugar for ethanol production to maintain healthy sugar stocks.

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a 4% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) for government employees and pensioners, affecting around 1.27 crore individuals. Additionally, a bonus equivalent to 78 days' salary was announced for eligible non-gazetted railway employees, excluding Railway Protection Force personnel. The total cost of the DA, DR, and bonus is estimated at Rs 14,825.87 crore annually. The Cabinet also approved the establishment of an inter-state power transmission line to evacuate solar power from a 13 GW renewable energy project in Ladakh to Kaithal in Haryana, with a target completion by FY 2029-30 and an estimated cost of Rs 20,773.70 crore.

India's food production for the 2022-23 period is projected to have increased by 4.4%, reaching a record high of 3,296.87 lakh tonne, which is 140.71 lakh tonne more than the previous year. Rice and wheat production saw significant increases despite adverse weather conditions. Other crops such as nutri/coarse cereals, pulses, oilseeds, sugarcane, and cotton also registered higher outputs, with only Jute and Mesta not following the trend. Horticulture production is estimated to have grown by 1.37% to 351.92 million tonne, with fruits, vegetables, plantation crops, flowers, and honey all seeing increased production.

The Centre has increased the minimum support price (MSP) for wheat by Rs 150, marking a 7% rise, the highest in nine years. Official data also shows a 4.4% increase in food production for the last fiscal year. The MSP hike was recommended by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) and aligns with the principle of at least 1.5 times the weighted average cost of production. However, the government has been criticized for tweaking the formula to suit its narrative. Total food grain production in FY23 reached a record 3,296.87 lakh tonnes, with significant contributions from rice and wheat.

North India is expected to experience an early onset of winter due to a series of western disturbances, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). The disturbances are forecasted to affect the western Himalayas and northwest India, bringing down temperatures and causing snowfall in higher altitudes. The early arrival of these disturbances has already resulted in a significant drop in temperatures in Delhi. Rainfall and snowfall are expected in regions including Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and parts of Himachal Pradesh, while rainfall activities may increase in north Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, and parts of west Uttar Pradesh. The southwest monsoon is withdrawing from various parts of India, with the final withdrawal expected between October 20 and October 26, coinciding with the commencement of northeast monsoon rains over southeast peninsular India.

The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee directed Karnataka to release 3,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu from October 16 to October 31, despite Karnataka's objection due to drought-like conditions. The decision was made during the 88th meeting chaired by T D Sharma in New Delhi. Karnataka reported a 50.89% shortfall in reservoir inflows and declared drought conditions in several regions. The CWRC also instructed Tamil Nadu to release water for Karaikal in Puducherry.

President Droupadi Murmu highlighted the need for gender justice in the agriculture sector, emphasizing the crucial role of women in the entire food supply chain, from sowing to marketing. Speaking at a global conference in New Delhi, she called for the removal of discriminatory social norms that hinder women's recognition and ownership in agri-food systems. Despite women's significant involvement in agriculture, as evidenced by the 2011 census, there is a stark gender disparity in land ownership, with women owning only 12.8% of operational holdings. Murmu criticized the government's policy that links agricultural benefits to land ownership rather than recognizing farmers by their contribution to household income.

India's coal-fired power plants are lagging in installing flue-gas desulfurisation (FGD) technology to control sulphur emissions, with only 5% of plants equipped and over 50% yet to begin feasibility studies despite approaching deadlines. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has extended the deadline thrice, with new targets set between December 2024 and December 2026. India, after Russia, is the second-largest emitter of sulphur, which contributes to 4.2 million global deaths per year according to the WHO. Issues such as high costs, supply chain disruptions, and low domestic manufacturing capacity of FGD technology, with BHEL's production costs at Rs 1-1.2 crore per MW, are hindering progress.

Flash floods in North Sikkim, India, caused by a cloudburst over Lhonak Lake, have resulted in at least 10 fatalities and 81 missing persons, including 22 Army soldiers. A search operation is ongoing, with one soldier rescued and in stable condition. The floods have damaged infrastructure, severing North Sikkim's connectivity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured support to Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, who has visited affected areas. The Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority reported severe damage in several districts due to the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood, and the Chungthang dam was also affected. The Indian Army reported missing personnel and submerged vehicles, with all other personnel in Sikkim and North Bengal safe but unable to contact families due to communication disruptions.

A cloudburst over Lhonak Lake in north Sikkim triggered a flash flood in the Teesta River basin, resulting in at least eight deaths and nearly 70 missing persons, including 22 army personnel. The Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) destroyed the Chungthang Teesta Urja Dam. Experts attribute the increased risk of GLOFs to climate change, which accelerates glacier melting. The Central Water Commission reports over 2,000 glacial lakes in the Himalayan region, with many vulnerable to outbursts. Environmentalists call for comprehensive environmental impact assessments and GLOF risk mitigation measures.

The Indian Meteorological Department reported that the depression over the Konkan region has weakened, leading to less intense rainfall over central Maharashtra. Despite this, heavy rainfall is expected in the Gangetic Bay of Bengal region and adjoining areas due to a low-pressure system. The wind speed of the depression, which was formed on September 30, was between 40-60 kmph, below the cyclone category. The weakened system is anticipated to reduce the southwest monsoon rainfall deficit, which ended the season 5.6% below normal. The IMD also noted the withdrawal of the southwest monsoon from various northern regions and predicted a deficit northeast monsoon with hotter days and nights in October.

A survey by LocalCircles reveals that most Indians find public toilets under the Swachh Bharat Mission to be in poor condition, leading many to continue defecating in the open. Despite the government's efforts to make India Open Defecation Free by 2019, the poor management of public toilets has hindered the mission's success. The survey, conducted across 340 districts, shows that only a small percentage of people find public toilets usable, with many preferring to use facilities in commercial establishments. The Delhi High Court has also criticized the state of public toilets, emphasizing the need for cleanliness and maintenance. Sachin Taparia, founder of LocalCircles, suggests that the government should prioritize maintaining existing toilets over building new ones.

Greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural residue burning in India have surged by 75% over the past decade, with Punjab and Madhya Pradesh being the highest emitters. A study by IISER Bhopal, CIMMYT, and the University of Michigan highlights the environmental impact of burning 87 million tonnes of agricultural residue in 2020. The research introduces satellite technology to estimate emissions accurately, emphasizing the need for better management of agricultural byproducts to mitigate environmental damage.

Over 50% of India's districts are experiencing drought-like conditions at the end of the southwest monsoon season, potentially impacting the country's food stock. The Indian Meteorological Department's Standard Precipitation Index indicates severe drought in various regions, with significant effects on soil moisture and rabi crops. Expert Madhvan Nair Rajeevan highlights the severe impact on arid regions like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has released nine new standards for biofuels in India, aligning with the Global Biofuel Alliance's clean energy goals announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G20 meeting. The standards aim to support India's target of blending 20% ethanol into fossil fuels for transportation, which could save the country from importing crude oils and contribute to the net-zero by 2070 goal. The USA, Brazil, and India are the leading producers and consumers of biofuels, with significant global market shares. India's move towards biofuels is also a response to the increased oil prices due to the Russia-Ukraine war, with potential savings of 4 billion dollars from ethanol blending.

India's Cheetah reintroduction project, marking its first year, has seen 14 out of 20 cheetahs survive, with no unnatural deaths. The project, despite initial criticism, is considered successful, with cheetahs adapting well to their new environment. Lessons learned from recent cheetah deaths due to climate-related issues will inform future reintroductions. The next site for reintroduction is Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, with preparations underway. Criticism from some wildlife conservationists is attributed to misinformation and unscientific claims.

Tiger deaths in India have reached an all-time high with 142 deaths recorded by September 20, surpassing the total of 121 deaths in the previous year and 127 in 2021.

The article explores how eight billion people will be fed in the future, considering options like lab-grown meat, fish from underwater cages, and tomatoes from the Sahara. It includes essays and reports on agriculture and food production, as well as the impact of bee mortality on food supply.

The article discusses the challenges faced by the Gaddi community, a group of semi-nomadic pastoralists in the Himalayas, due to climate change. Rising temperatures have disrupted traditional grazing patterns, forcing shepherds to move their flocks higher into the mountains, which leads to overgrazing and environmental distress. The Indian Meteorological Department has noted a lack of winter precipitation in recent years, which affects pasture lands. The Department of Agronomy and Grassland Management at Himachal Pradesh Agriculture University acknowledges the impact of climate change on these pastures. Additionally, the expansion of agriculture and invasive plant species are threatening the pastoralists' way of life. The Gaddi community is shrinking as many abandon their ancestral profession for other work, signaling a potential end to their culture. Ranjit Singh, a Gaddi shepherd, expresses his concerns and resignation, yet remains committed to his traditional lifestyle for the time being.

The Indian government is considering the legalization of herbicide-tolerant genetically modified (GM) crops and is preparing a workforce to manage the application of glyphosate, a herbicide that these crops depend on. Glyphosate is currently restricted to use in certain areas and is considered a possible carcinogen. The National Institute of Plant Health Management (NIPHM) in Hyderabad is tasked with training master trainers, who will then train pest control officers (PCOs) to safely apply glyphosate. The government aims to create over 4000 PCOs, primarily from the ranks of progressive farmers and rural educated youth. So far, 370 master trainers and around 450 PCOs have been trained. The move comes amid reports of illegal cultivation of herbicide-tolerant GM cotton, which may lead to its legalization following this initiative.

The Southern Rice Black-Streaked Dwarf Virus (SRBSDV), first identified in China, has been detected in paddy fields in northern India, raising concerns over potential crop yield reductions. The virus, spread by the white-backed planthopper, affects plant growth and has been associated with a 30 to 50 percent decrease in rice yields. The Indian government is worried about the added strain on grain production, which has already been impacted by irregular monsoon rains. An expert committee has been formed to assess the situation, and farmers are being advised on how to manage their crops to minimize the spread of the virus. Investigations are ongoing to understand the virus's entry into India and its mechanism of action. Rice traders fear significant production losses, with estimates suggesting up to a seven percent reduction in rice output in key producing states like Punjab and Haryana.

New research indicates that India, along with other nations, is at risk of having its sovereign credit rating downgraded by the 2030s due to the impacts of climate change and increased temperature volatility. The study, led by Dr. Patrycja Klusak from the University of East Anglia and affiliated with Cambridge's Bennett Institute for Public Policy, utilized artificial intelligence to project the economic effects of climate change on Standard and Poor's ratings for 108 countries. The findings, published in the journal Management Science, suggest that without emission reductions, 59 countries could face an average downgrade of over one notch by 2030, with India potentially seeing a five-notch downgrade by the end of the century. The research emphasizes the financial consequences of delayed green investments, which could lead to higher borrowing costs and corporate debt.

The article discusses the alarming decline of bird species in India, as highlighted in the second edition of the State of India’s Birds Report 2023. The report, which assessed 942 bird species, reveals that 60% of species are showing a long-term decline, while 40% are declining annually. Challenges in data collection were noted, with only 55% of species having sufficient data for long-term trends. The report categorizes 178 species as high priority for conservation, with some discrepancies between the report's priority list and the IUCN Red List. The decline is attributed to habitat loss, pollution, and climate change, with specific concerns for grassland species, woodland specialists, and long-distance migrants. The article also points out the inadequacy of current policies and laws in protecting bird species and their habitats, suggesting the need for better conservation planning and interdepartmental coordination, as well as local community involvement.