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India's $80 billion coal-power boom is running short of water

Indian stations typically consume twice as much water as their global counterparts, according to the Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment think-tank. Solapur plant officials told reporters in March that capacity utilization will improve with increasing demand, indicating that water consumption could surge in the future. A forthcoming survey on water use in Solapur led by state groundwater authorities and reviewed by Reuters showed that irrigation demand in the district outstrips supply ..

Mumbai Diary: Sunday Dossier

It’s not by chance, suggest the findings in the Centre for Science and Environment’s (CSE) and Down To Earth magazine’s joint report, State of India’s Environment in Figures 2025. Going green may have a reason, but certainly not a season. Plantation initiatives spiked on World Environment Day (June 5), but “monsoon is the ideal season for peepal plants,” said Ganesh Mahabal Shetty, president, Charlie Sports Club in Vikhroli. Shetty said, “The club is giving free peepal saplings to those interested in planting trees.” Both Ganesh Shetty and secretary Yuganand Shetty said, “Our goal is to enable people to plant as many trees as possible in Mumbai or wherever they live. Planting a tree is easy, but it requires proper care for the first 1-2 years.” The Club administration has asked people to call 9869058146/9869218266 for free peepal saplings. This has been a strange year, weather-wise. We saw one of the wettest starts to a year, long before the monsoon officially started. And now that it has begun, the rain clouds seem to have gone missing. It’s not by chance, suggest the findings in the Centre for Science and Environment’s (CSE) and Down To Earth magazine’s joint report, State of India’s Environment in Figures 2025. We’re not doing enough to combat the effects of climate change, the study suggests. “India’s most populous states — Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh — that are together home to 49 per cent of the country’s population, rank low on the themes [environment, agriculture, public health, and human development and public infrastructure] that our analysis has focused on. This means large segments of the country’s population remain vulnerable and exposed to multiple threats,” says CSE director general Sunita Narain, urging that “this is not the time for complacency”. Now, we can wait for the powers that be to read the report and wake up, but this diarist thinks it’s time we take matters into our own hands, and do what we can, be it cutting down plastic use, or saving water.

मंजरी वी महाजन को मिला वेस्ट वॉरियर अवॉर्ड

राजकीय वरिष्ठ माध्यमिक विद्यालय भलेठ को विश्व पर्यावरण दिवस के अवसर पर पर्यावरण संरक्षण और सतत विकास में उल्लेखनीय योगदान के लिए राज्य स्तर पर वेस्ट वॉरियर अवॉर्ड से नवाजा गया। मंजरी वी महाजन को दिया अवॉर्ड। यह सम्मान ऐतिहासिक होटल पीटर हॉफ में आयोजित एक भव्य समारोह में हिमाचल प्रदेश के मुख्यमंत्री सुखविंदर सिंह सुक्खू द्वारा प्रदान किया गया। कार्यक्रम का आयोजन सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट (सीएसई) और हिमाचल प्रदेश विज्ञान, प्रौद्योगिकी एवं पर्यावरण परिषद (हिमकॉस्ट) के संयुक्त तत्वावधान में किया गया था। कार्यक्रम में राज्य भर के विभिन्न स्कूलों को उनकी पर्यावरणीय पहलों के लिए सम्मानित किया गया। राजकीय वरिष्ठ माध्यमिक विद्यालय भलेठ ने स्कूल परिसर में हरित पहलुओं को अपनाकर पर्यावरण संरक्षण में महत्वपूर्ण योगदान दिया है। विद्यालय ने अपशिष्ट प्रबंधन क्षेत्र में उल्लेखनीय कार्य किए हैं। प्रधानाचार्य मंजरी वी महाजन जो स्वयं स्कूल की इको क्लब इंचार्ज हैं ने इन पहलों के माध्यम से छात्रों में पर्यावरणीय जागरूकता बढ़ाने और सतत विकास के प्रति प्रतिबद्धता को प्रोत्साहित किया है। प्रधानाचार्य के अनुसार यह पुरस्कार हमारे विद्यालय के समर्पित शिक्षकों, छात्रों, अभिभावकों और ग्राम पंचायत दाड़ला के सामूहिक प्रयासों का परिणाम है। प्रधानाचार्य ने जिला विज्ञान पर्यवेक्षक राजेश गौतम की विशेष सराहना की जिनके सहयोग से विद्यालय यह उपलब्धि हासिल कर सका। (एचडीएम)

Hamirpur (Himachal) News: भलेठ स्कूल को मिला वेस्ट वॉरियर अवॉर्ड

सुजानपुर (हमीरपुर)। विश्व पर्यावरण दिवस के अवसर पर राजकीय वरिष्ठ माध्यमिक विद्यालय भलेठ को पर्यावरण संरक्षण और सतत विकास में सराहनीय योगदान के लिए राज्य स्तर पर ‘वेस्ट वॉरियर अवॉर्ड’ से नवाजा गया। यह सम्मान होटल पीटरहॉफ में आयोजित भव्य समारोह में हिमाचल प्रदेश के मुख्यमंत्री सुखविंदर सिंह सुक्खू द्वारा प्रदान किया गया। इस कार्यक्रम का आयोजन सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट (सीएसई) और हिमाचल प्रदेश विज्ञान, प्रौद्योगिकी एवं पर्यावरण परिषद (हिमकॉस्ट) के संयुक्त तत्वावधान में किया गया था। कार्यक्रम में राज्यभर के विभिन्न स्कूलों को उनकी पर्यावरणीय पहलों के लिए सम्मानित किया गया। राजकीय वरिष्ठ माध्यमिक विद्यालय भलेठ ने स्कूल परिसर में हरित पहलुओं को अपनाकर पर्यावरण संरक्षण में महत्वपूर्ण योगदान दिया है। प्रधानाचार्य मंजरी वी महाजन ने बतौर इको क्लब इंचार्ज छात्रों में पर्यावरणीय जागरूकता बढ़ाने और सतत विकास के प्रति प्रतिबद्धता को प्रोत्साहित किया है।

Electric vehicles: Why change is needed and how to make it happen

There are three key reasons why countries need to electrify their vehicle fleet. One is climate change. The transport sector guzzles massive amounts of oil (petrol and diesel) and globally contributes roughly 15 per cent of annual carbon dioxide emissions. Zero-emission vehicles, or electric vehicles (EVs), replace oil with electricity, which is ideally generated in renewable-energy plants, and are seen as the solution. The second reason, which is more important for Indian cities, is that replacing petrol and diesel vehicles with zero-emission ones will reduce local pollution. And third: It will save us valuable foreign exchange because oil consumption will lessen. All of these are valid reasons to act. But these alone cannot usher in the change that is needed. We need a reset: A review of what we are doing and why, so that we can move not just the vehicle electrification agenda but get the benefits that are so desperately required. Let us take our cities first, where electrification coalesces into multiplier benefits by reducing toxic air pollution, saving on foreign exchange, and mitigating greenhouse emissions. All good, but only if we are clear about the intent of the policy and then drive its outcome — deliberately and at scale. It was in 2019 that the NITI Aayog laid out India’s EV ambition: By 2030, the penetration of EV sales would be 70 per cent of all new commercial cars, 30 per cent of private cars, 40 per cent of buses, and 80 per cent of two- and three-wheelers. We are still far from this — as of mid-2025, the only segment that is surging is three-wheelers, with close to 60 per cent of new registration being EVs. These are mostly non-branded, locally built vehicles that crowd roads but provide an affordable commute. The rest of the EV fleet transition is too little to speak about; 5-6 per cent of the new registrations of cars, two-wheelers, or even buses are EVs. This makes no dent at all in reducing pollution, oil imports or decarbonisation. This is when we know that vehicles are the top contributors to the toxins we breathe. The problem is not just with the different categories of vehicles that add to pollution, but also with their numbers on the road that add to congestion and in turn to pollution. So, the twin action agenda for air pollution control is to make the transition to clean vehicles and to reduce the overall numbers. When Delhi transitioned to compressed natural gas (CNG) in the early 2000s, it targeted gross polluting vehicles such as buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws. This category of public and commercial vehicles has the highest mileage of travel in any city, particularly Delhi, and the science of pollution is clear that the longer the travel, the greater the emissions. In addition, a public subsidy given for replacing old vehicles with newer CNG models was directed towards upgrading the mass transit system — providing space for people to move, not vehicles. But Delhi’s story went wrong — a policy mistake we must not repeat because it negates the gains of clean air and wastes public investment. Delhi, in the two decades after its CNG revolution, has not been able to sufficiently improve its public transport so that it restricts the growth of vehicles on the road. Delhi adds some 1,800 new personal vehicles each day. Of those over 500 are private cars. The country on the whole adds over 10,000 private cars on to its roads every day. This implosion of vehicles on our roads, despite all the new flyovers and road networks, has meant that we are stuck in traffic, speeding down. My colleagues at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) analysed hourly travel time data, extracted using Google application programming interfaces (APIs), and found that during weekdays, Delhi witnesses an average speed reduction of 41 per cent during morning peak hours and 56 per cent during the evening rush. The correlation between hours spent in traffic and growing air pollution is well established. But the story gets worse: Another study by my colleagues found that buses were stuck in the same traffic and these chronic delays meant that ridership goes down as people shift to more dependable private transport. The Delhi Metro, which has an incredible reach now, is also losing because of the lack of last-mile connectivity, its cost and other hassles. So, the way ahead is to be focused and deliberate on our policy. The National Clean Air Plan (NCAP), which targets all cities with high air pollution, must target the convergence of the twin goals of cleaner vehicles and fewer vehicles. It is not enough to count only the number of new electric buses — which is crucial — but also its modal share in traffic so that each city plans to scale up public transport and make it possible for us to spend less time and money on commute, more quality time at home, and most critically, breathe air that does not make us ill. This is not all. The question is: Do we really need private EVs in India and the rest of the world? I will discuss this next time. The author is at the Centre for Science and Environment. sunita@cseindia.org, X: @sunitanar

Walkers ignored in city mobility plans, narrow passages for pedestrians: Expert

To speed up vehicular traffic, the authorities have reduced the width of pavements, shut down crossings, and prohibited the use of bicycles, said Anumita Roy Chowdhury The design and planning of Indian cities have become car-centric, intending to enable automobiles to move more quickly, even at the price of pedestrian mobility, the executive director of the Centre for Science and Environment said during a discussion on urban mobility. To speed up vehicular traffic, the authorities have reduced the width of pavements, shut down crossings, and prohibited the use of bicycles, said Anumita Roy Chowdhury. Shutting down crossings creates obstacles for those who are walking or want to cycle to their destinations. More cars mean more emissions and more heat exhaust from the engines. In a warming world, this further accumulates heat and adds to the air pollution. “Motorised vehicles are among the top contributors to air pollution in Calcutta and many other cities. The heat exhaust of cars is among the top sources of heat generators in cities. Yet, our planning is mostly car-centric, and the authorities are concerned about how to move cars faster. The authorities in many Indian cities are taking decisions that are creating more obstacles to those who walk or cycle to their destinations,” Roy Chowdhury said at a programme organised by the SwitchON Foundation that works for sustainable transport options. “The focus must be on all road users. Those who use the bus or Metro have to walk to a metro station or a bus stop. If footpaths are not available or if easy access to a bus stop or metro station is blocked, people will move away from public transport. Only buying buses will not help. An enabling environment where people are enthused to use them must be created,” she said. In Calcutta, cycling is prohibited on more than 60 arterial roads. Despite pleas from many, the police have not lifted the ban. Christopher Gerber, a neurosurgeon with the Institute of Neurosciences Kolkata who cycles every day, rues the fact that he cannot cycle to the Calcutta Maidan. “I live in Salt Lake, but I cannot go to the Maidan because the roads leading to the Maidan are off-limits for cycles. Cycling is good for the lungs and the legs,” Gerber said. According to an urban transport expert, foot over bridges are built to enable smooth traffic movement, but most of them remain unused. Experts said there was no way to expand the road network other than adding flyovers. Alternative thinking is necessary because traffic congestion is increasing, and it will reduce productivity in cities. “This sort of traffic congestion is unsustainable. About 8 per cent of the land area in Calcutta is taken up for the parking of cars. In a city with very little road space, this creates more problems,” said Roy Chowdhury. To reduce congestion that is ubiquitous in Indian cities, public transport ridership has to be doubled or tripled in the next few years. To do so, a safe walking space and easy access to public transport are essential. A former urban development secretary of the Bengal government admitted that the design of cities was vehicle-centric. He said that policy actions were needed to change this, though it is well recognised and often discussed. “The solution to this problem needs a multi-sectoral approach. Car ownership has to be restricted. More vehicles on the road are shrinking road space, causing snarls and air pollution,” he said. “While a car is designed to carry 4 or 5 persons, in reality, most often only 1 or 2 persons travel in a car. If used properly, the number of vehicles can come down,” he said. He admitted that the amount of investment required in public transport infrastructure was missing. Metro Railways was a very good investment, but the last-mile connectivity, or the link to the Metro, is still poor, a reason why many prefer a car over the Metro. “Calcutta has the unique advantage of having a river running along its border from north to south. If we had good connectivity to all jetties along the river, many could have used the river to reach north from south,” he said.

Climate change heightens risk of Indian farmer suicides

Last year, extreme weather events across India affected 3.2 million hectares (7.9 million acres) of cropland -- an area bigger than Belgium -- according to the New Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment research group. On a small farm in India's Maharashtra state, Mirabai Khindkar said the only thing her land grew was debt, after crops failed in drought and her husband killed himself. Farmer suicides have a long history in India, where many are one crop failure away from disaster, but extreme weather caused by climate change is adding fresh pressure. Dwindling yields due to water shortages, floods, rising temperatures and erratic rainfall, coupled with crippling debt, have taken a heavy toll on a sector that employs 45 percent of India's 1.4 billion people. Mirabhai's husband Amol was left with debts to loan sharks worth hundreds of times their farm's annual income, after the three-acre (one-hectare) soybean, millet and cotton plot withered in scorching heat. He swallowed poison last year. "When he was in the hospital, I prayed to all the gods to save him," said 30-year-old Mirabai, her voice breaking. Amol died a week later, leaving behind Mirabai and three children. Her last conversation with him was about debt. Their personal tragedy is replicated daily across Marathwada, a region in Maharashtra of 18 million, once known for fertile farmland. Last year, extreme weather events across India affected 3.2 million hectares (7.9 million acres) of cropland -- an area bigger than Belgium -- according to the New Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment research group. Over 60 percent of that was in Maharashtra. "Summers are extreme, and even if we do what is necessary, the yield is not enough," said Amol's brother and fellow farmer Balaji Khindkar. "There is not enough water to irrigate the fields. It doesn't rain properly." - 'Increase the risks' - Between 2022 and 2024, 3,090 farmers took their own lives in Marathwada, an average of nearly three a day, according to India's Minister of Agriculture Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Government statistics do not specify what drove the farmers to kill themselves, but analysts point to several likely factors. "Farmer suicides in India are a consequence of the crisis of incomes, investment and productivity that you have in agriculture," said R. Ramakumar, professor of development studies at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences. Farming across many Indian smallholdings is done largely as it has been for centuries, and is highly dependent on the right weather at the correct time. "What climate change and its vulnerabilities and variabilities have done is to increase the risks in farming," Ramakumar said. This "is leading to crop failures, uncertainties... which is further weakening the economics of cultivation for small and marginal farmers." The government could support farmers with better insurance schemes to cope with extreme weather events, as well as investments in agricultural research, Ramakumar said. "Agriculture should not be a gamble with the monsoon." - 'Make ends meet' - Faced with uncertain weather, farmers often look to stem falling yields by investing in fertilisers or irrigation systems. But banks can be reluctant to offer credit to such uncertain borrowers. Some turn to loan sharks offering quick cash at exorbitant interest rates, and risking catastrophe if crops fail. "It is difficult to make ends meet with just farming," Mirabai said, standing outside her home, a tin-roofed hut with patch-cloth walls. Her husband's loans soared to over $8,000, a huge sum in India, where the average monthly income of a farming household is around $120. Mirabai works on other farms as a labourer but could not pay back the debt. "The loan instalments piled up," she said, adding that she wants her children to find jobs outside of farming when they grow up. "Nothing comes out of the farm." The agricultural industry has been in a persistent crisis for decades. And while Maharashtra has some of the highest suicide rates, the problem is nationwide. Thirty people in the farming sector killed themselves every day in 2022, according to national crime records bureau statistics. At another farm in Marathwada, 32-year-old farmer Shaikh Imran took over the running of the family smallholding last year after his brother took his own life. He is already more than $1,100 in debt after borrowing to plant soybean. The crop failed. Meanwhile, the pop of explosives echoes around as farmers blast wells, hoping to hit water. "There's no water to drink," said family matriarch Khatijabi. "Where shall we get water to irrigate the farm?"

India’s farming crisis deepens as climate change fuels rise in farmer suicides

Last year, extreme weather events across India affected 3.2 million hectares (7.9 million acres) of cropland – an area bigger than Belgium – according to the New Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment research group. On a small farm in India’s Maharashtra state, Mirabai Khindkar said the only thing her land grew was debt, after crops failed in drought and her husband killed himself. Farmer suicides have a long history in India, where many are one crop failure away from disaster, but extreme weather caused by climate change is adding fresh pressure. Dwindling yields due to water shortages, floods, rising temperatures and erratic rainfall, coupled with crippling debt, have taken a heavy toll on a sector that employs 45 per cent of India’s 1.4 billion people. Mirabhai’s husband Amol was left with debts to loan sharks worth hundreds of times their farm’s annual income after the three-acre (one-hectare) soybean, millet and cotton plot withered in the scorching heat. He swallowed poison last year. “When he was in the hospital, I prayed to all the gods to save him,” Mirabai said, her voice breaking. Amol died a week later, leaving behind the 30-year-old Mirabai and three children. Her last conversation with him was about debt. Their personal tragedy is replicated daily across Marathwada, a region in Maharashtra of 18 million people, once known for fertile farmland. Last year, extreme weather events across India affected 3.2 million hectares (7.9 million acres) of cropland – an area bigger than Belgium – according to the New Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment research group. More than 60 per cent of that was in Maharashtra. “Summers are extreme, and even if we do what is necessary, the yield is not enough,” Amol’s brother and fellow farmer Balaji Khindkar said. “There is not enough water to irrigate the fields. It doesn’t rain properly.” Between 2022 and 2024, 3,090 farmers took their own lives in Marathwada, an average of nearly three a day, according to India’s Minister of Agriculture, Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Government statistics do not specify what drove the farmers to kill themselves, but analysts point to several likely factors. “Farmer suicides in India are a consequence of the crisis of incomes, investment and productivity that you have in agriculture,” said R. Ramakumar, professor of development studies at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences. Farming across many Indian smallholdings is done largely as it has been for centuries, and is highly dependent on the right weather at the correct time. “What climate change and its vulnerabilities and variabilities have done is to increase the risks in farming,” Ramakumar said. This “is leading to crop failures, uncertainties … which is further weakening the economics of cultivation for small and marginal farmers.” The government could support farmers with better insurance schemes to cope with extreme weather events, as well as investments in agricultural research, Ramakumar said. “Agriculture should not be a gamble with the monsoon.” Faced with uncertain weather, farmers often look to stem falling yields by investing in fertilisers or irrigation systems. But banks can be reluctant to offer credit to such uncertain borrowers. Some turn to loan sharks offering quick cash at exorbitant interest rates, risking catastrophe if crops fail. “It is difficult to make ends meet with just farming,” Mirabai said, standing outside her home, a tin-roofed hut with patch-cloth walls. Her husband’s loans soared to more than US$8,000, a huge sum in India, where the average monthly income of a farming household is around US$120. Mirabai works on other farms as a labourer but could not pay back the debt. “The loan instalments piled up,” she said, adding that she wants her children to find jobs outside farming when they grow up. “Nothing comes out of the farm.” The agricultural industry has been in a persistent crisis for decades. And while Maharashtra has some of the highest suicide rates, the problem is nationwide. Thirty people in the farming sector killed themselves every day in 2022, according to national crime records bureau statistics. At another farm in Marathwada, 32-year-old farmer Shaikh Imran took over the running of the family smallholding last year after his brother took his own life. He is already more than US$1,100 in debt after borrowing to plant soybeans. The crop failed. Meanwhile, the pop of explosives echoes around as farmers blast wells, hoping to hit water. “There’s no water to drink,” said family matriarch Khatijabi. “Where shall we get water to irrigate the farm?”

Climate change heightens risk of Indian farmer suicides

Last year, extreme weather events across India affected 3.2 million hectares (7.9 million acres) of cropland -- an area bigger than Belgium -- according to the New Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment research group. On a small farm in India's Maharashtra state, Mirabai Khindkar said the only thing her land grew was debt, after crops failed in drought and her husband killed himself. Farmer suicides have a long history in India, where many are one crop failure away from disaster, but extreme weather caused by climate change is adding fresh pressure. Dwindling yields due to water shortages, floods, rising temperatures and erratic rainfall, coupled with crippling debt, have taken a heavy toll on a sector that employs 45 percent of India's 1.4 billion people. Mirabhai's husband Amol was left with debts to loan sharks worth hundreds of times their farm's annual income, after the three-acre (one-hectare) soybean, millet and cotton plot withered in scorching heat. He swallowed poison last year. "When he was in the hospital, I prayed to all the gods to save him," said 30-year-old Mirabai, her voice breaking. Amol died a week later, leaving behind Mirabai and three children. Her last conversation with him was about debt. Their personal tragedy is replicated daily across Marathwada, a region in Maharashtra of 18 million, once known for fertile farmland. Last year, extreme weather events across India affected 3.2 million hectares (7.9 million acres) of cropland -- an area bigger than Belgium -- according to the New Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment research group. Over 60 percent of that was in Maharashtra. "Summers are extreme, and even if we do what is necessary, the yield is not enough," said Amol's brother and fellow farmer Balaji Khindkar. "There is not enough water to irrigate the fields. It doesn't rain properly." - 'Increase the risks' - Between 2022 and 2024, 3,090 farmers took their own lives in Marathwada, an average of nearly three a day, according to India's Minister of Agriculture Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

Climate change heightens risk of Indian farmer suicides

In 2024, extreme weather events across India affected 3.2 million hectares of cropland – an area bigger than Belgium – according to the New Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment research group. On a small farm in India’s Maharashtra state, Ms Mirabai Khindkar said the only thing her land grew was debt, after crops failed in drought and her husband killed himself. Farmer suicides have a long history in India, where many are one crop failure away from disaster, but extreme weather caused by climate change is adding fresh pressure. Dwindling yields due to water shortages, floods, rising temperatures and erratic rainfall, coupled with crippling debt, have taken a heavy toll on a sector that employs 45 per cent of India’s 1.4 billion people. Ms Mirabhai’s husband Amol was left with debts to loan sharks worth hundreds of times their farm’s annual income, after the 1ha soya bean, millet and cotton plot withered in scorching heat. He swallowed poison in 2024. “When he was in the hospital, I prayed to all the gods to save him,” said 30-year-old Mirabai, her voice breaking. Their personal tragedy is replicated daily across Marathwada, a region in Maharashtra of 18 million, once known for fertile farmland.

Climate change heightens risk of Indian farmer suicides

Last year, extreme weather events across India affected 3.2 million hectares (7.9 million acres) of cropland — an area bigger than Belgium — according to the New Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment research group. On a small farm in India’s Maharashtra state, Mirabai Khindkar said the only thing her land grew was debt, after crops failed in drought and her husband killed himself. Farmer suicides have a long history in India, where many are one crop failure away from disaster, but extreme weather caused by climate change is adding fresh pressure. Dwindling yields due to water shortages, floods, rising temperatures and erratic rainfall, coupled with crippling debt, have taken a heavy toll on a sector that employs 45 percent of India’s 1.4 billion people. Mirabhai’s husband Amol was left with debts to loan sharks worth hundreds of times their farm’s annual income, after the three-acre (one-hectare) soybean, millet and cotton plot withered in scorching heat. He swallowed poison last year. “When he was in the hospital, I prayed to all the gods to save him,” said 30-year-old Mirabai, her voice breaking. Amol died a week later, leaving behind Mirabai and three children. Her last conversation with him was about debt. Their personal tragedy is replicated daily across Marathwada, a region in Maharashtra of 18 million, once known for fertile farmland. Last year, extreme weather events across India affected 3.2 million hectares (7.9 million acres) of cropland — an area bigger than Belgium — according to the New Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment research group. Over 60 percent of that was in Maharashtra. “Summers are extreme, and even if we do what is necessary, the yield is not enough,” said Amol’s brother and fellow farmer Balaji Khindkar. “There is not enough water to irrigate the fields. It doesn’t rain properly.” ‘Increase the risks’ Between 2022 and 2024, 3,090 farmers took their own lives in Marathwada, an average of nearly three a day, according to India’s Minister of Agriculture Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Government statistics do not specify what drove the farmers to kill themselves, but analysts point to several likely factors. “Farmer suicides in India are a consequence of the crisis of incomes, investment and productivity that you have in agriculture,” said R. Ramakumar, professor of development studies at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences. Farming across many Indian smallholdings is done largely as it has been for centuries, and is highly dependent on the right weather at the correct time. “What climate change and its vulnerabilities and variabilities have done is to increase the risks in farming,” Ramakumar said. This “is leading to crop failures, uncertainties… which is further weakening the economics of cultivation for small and marginal farmers.” The government could support farmers with better insurance schemes to cope with extreme weather events, as well as investments in agricultural research, Ramakumar said. “Agriculture should not be a gamble with the monsoon.” ‘Make ends meet’ Faced with uncertain weather, farmers often look to stem falling yields by investing in fertilisers or irrigation systems. But banks can be reluctant to offer credit to such uncertain borrowers. Some turn to loan sharks offering quick cash at exorbitant interest rates, and risking catastrophe if crops fail. “It is difficult to make ends meet with just farming,” Mirabai said, standing outside her home, a tin-roofed hut with patch-cloth walls. Her husband’s loans soared to over $8,000, a huge sum in India, where the average monthly income of a farming household is around $120. Mirabai works on other farms as a labourer but could not pay back the debt. “The loan instalments piled up,” she said, adding that she wants her children to find jobs outside of farming when they grow up. “Nothing comes out of the farm.” The agricultural industry has been in a persistent crisis for decades. And while Maharashtra has some of the highest suicide rates, the problem is nationwide. Thirty people in the farming sector killed themselves every day in 2022, according to national crime records bureau statistics. At another farm in Marathwada, 32-year-old farmer Shaikh Imran took over the running of the family smallholding last year after his brother took his own life. He is already more than $1,100 in debt after borrowing to plant soybean. The crop failed. Meanwhile, the pop of explosives echoes around as farmers blast wells, hoping to hit water. “There’s no water to drink,” said family matriarch Khatijabi. “Where shall we get water to irrigate the farm?”

Affordable Green Mobility: Warivo Motors Unveils 6 Electric Scooters from ₹44,999

As Indian author and environmentalist Sunita Narain once noted, “If we are serious about fighting climate change, we must begin with making clean energy affordable and accessible.” Warivo’s product philosophy reflects exactly that. Gurugram: In a dynamic drive towards inclusive and accessible green transportation, Warivo Motors India has launched six new electric scooters under its Nova and Edge series, with pricing beginning at just ₹44,999. The unveiling makes a powerful message about India's transport future: it is affordable, electric, and available to everyone. It is intended to meet the evolving needs of modern Indian commuters, ranging from regular riders in rural regions to metropolitan professionals. The new models, boasting a range of up to 120 kilometres per charge, are now available across Warivo’s nationwide dealership network. With integrated smart connectivity and a three-year comprehensive warranty, the scooters combine technology with reliability, redefining expectations in the entry-level electric vehicle segment. Bridging Urban Style and Rural Utility | Warivo Motors Warivo’s twin-series strategy is both ambitious and inclusive. With its sophisticated design, enhanced comfort, and app-driven, cutting-edge features that enhance the riding experience, the Nova series is designed for riders who want more than just functionality. Imagine intelligent dashboards, easy-to-use controls, and a streamlined appearance that will draw attention in urban traffic. On the other hand, the Edge series is Warivo’s answer to India’s massive demand for robust, reliable, and no-nonsense vehicles. Built for endurance and simplicity, these models are ideal for daily commuting, last-mile deliveries, and rural navigation. All six scooters feature lightweight, ergonomic frames that are suitable for various terrains and rider profiles. Warivo has factored in age, gender, geography, and economic diversity, ensuring that the electric revolution doesn’t leave anyone behind. Electric Scooters in India: The Time Is Now India’s two-wheeler market, long dominated by petrol-driven models, is undergoing a fundamental shift. With rising fuel prices and growing environmental concerns, electric scooters in India are no longer fringe alternatives; they’re becoming mainstream choices. “Electric mobility should not be a luxury and should be a choice available to everyone,” said Yuvraj Garg, Co-founder of Warivo Motors India. “With this new lineup, we have addressed various price points and use-cases, creating a scooter for everyone, whether they live in metro cities or smaller towns.” The ambitious EV policy framework of the Indian government, which promotes sustainable urban mobility and domestic innovation, aligns with this vision. Warivo’s launch comes at an opportune moment, riding the wave of policy momentum and growing consumer interest. Retail Expansion to Match the Ambition Warivo isn’t stopping at product innovation. By the end of this fiscal year, the company plans to open 200 new retail locations throughout India, demonstrating a robust growth strategy that extends beyond urban areas. A dedicated customer support network, improved spare part availability, and enhanced after-sales infrastructure will all contribute to the retail push, ensuring a seamless ownership experience. It is a vital differentiator in a market where concerns around EV servicing and support still linger. With a dual focus on urban density and rural reach, Warivo is positioning itself as a pan-India EV brand — one that not only sells products but also builds ecosystems. Sustainability Meets Affordability What sets Warivo apart is its unyielding focus on affordable electric mobility. While several players in the EV space are pursuing premium segments, Warivo’s sub-₹50,000 starting price is a compelling proposition. It's a democratised approach to sustainability, ensuring that green choices aren’t just for the rich, but for the everyday Indian. And make no mistake, Warivo isn’t compromising on features. With mobile app connectivity, intelligent diagnostics, range analytics, and a rider-friendly UI, these scooters bring smart mobility to budget-conscious consumers without compromising quality. As Indian author and environmentalist Sunita Narain once noted, “If we are serious about fighting climate change, we must begin with making clean energy affordable and accessible.” Warivo’s product philosophy reflects exactly that. Riding Toward the Future | Warivo Motors Warivo’s six new electric scooters aren’t just new models; they’re milestones in India’s journey toward sustainable transport. With strategic segmentation, thoughtful design, and competitive pricing, the company is carving out a distinct niche in the rapidly growing EV market. And in a country where two-wheelers are more than just vehicles, they're lifelines, business tools, and symbols of aspiration. Warivo’s timing couldn’t be better. As the buzz grows and dealerships begin to register interest from all quarters, one thing is clear: India’s electric future isn’t coming. It’s already here, and it’s riding on two wheels.

Pacific Region Near Australia Logs Hottest Year in 2024 Amid Cyclones, Marine Heatwaves

Down To Earth also noted that locations from Malaysia and the Philippines to Vanuatu and southern Australia, experienced temperatures about 0.5 degrees Celsius to 1 degree Celsius higher than the 1991-2020 average. Brunei Darussalam, Singapore and the Philippines also reported their hottest year ever. The year 2024 was the hottest on record in the South-West Pacific region, with temperatures approximately 0.48 degrees Celsius above the 1991–2020 average, according to the State of the Climate in the South-West Pacific 2024 report released by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) on June 5, 2025. The South-West Pacific region includes Australia, Brunei Darussalam, the Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Indonesia, Kiribati, Malaysia, the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Samoa, Singapore, the Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. As reported by Down To Earth, the year was further marked by extreme heat, devastating cyclones, heavy floods and the largest marine heatwave event ever observed. Down To Earth also noted that locations from Malaysia and the Philippines to Vanuatu and southern Australia, experienced temperatures about 0.5 degrees Celsius to 1 degree Celsius higher than the 1991-2020 average. Brunei Darussalam, Singapore and the Philippines also reported their hottest year ever. The report underscored that a significant heatwave affected Western Australia in February 2024. On February 18, Carnarvon touched 49.9 degrees Celsius and Geraldton reached 49.3 degrees Celsius—both more than 2 degrees Celsius hotter than their previous century-old records. At Emu Creek, temperatures hit 48 degrees Celsius for four consecutive days—a first for any Australian location. This contributed to the hottest summer ever recorded in many parts of the region, reported Down To Earth. Extreme Rises in Ocean Temperature Another study published in the journal Nature Climate Change found that the world experienced a 240% increase in the average number of marine heatwave (MHW) days in the summers of 2023-24 relative to the instrumental record. MHW are prolonged spikes in ocean temperature, now affecting every part of the globe. Nearly 10% of the oceans experienced the highest sea surface temperatures (SST) ever — four times higher than the historical annual average, according to the study published in the journal Nature Climate Change. The global average SSTs reached record highs. This rapid warming, according to scientists, is fuelled by human-induced climate change. The other contributing factors include El Niño — warm phase of a natural climate pattern across the tropical Pacific known as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation, or “ENSO” — and record low global cloud cover.

NO2 levels in city’s air three times higher than safe limits

Gurgaon: Concentration of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) -- a pollutant emitted by burning fuel in vehicles, power plants and industries – exceeded the maximum safe limit by three times in the past two days. Data from the Gwal Pahari air quality monitoring station showed that average NO2 for eight hours was 133µg/m³ on Thursday and 123µg/m³ on Friday. In India, the safe limit for exposure to NO2 is 40µg/m³. The maximum concentration considered safe by the World Health Organization is even lower, at 25 µg/m³. Experts said emissions from vehicles, especially in congested areas, is likely to be the key reason for NO2 pollution. They said NO2 does not get as much regulatory attention as other pollutants such as particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), though it is associated with exacerbating respiratory ailments. Shubhansh Tiwari, a research associate at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), said on Friday, "Elevated NO₂ levels in the city are predominantly due to vehicular emissions. Old vehicles and traffic congestion are key sources of NO2 here." Asked about action taken to reduce NO2 emissions, an official of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) said the agency has allowed a private firm to scrap old vehicles. "This aims to remove polluting vehicles from city roads," the official said. A senior HSPCB official said NO2 levels are likely to have spiked after brief relief due to pre-monsoon showers. "The recent rains had kept nitrogen dioxide levels in check by dispersing pollutants. But with clear skies and calmer weather now, NO2 from vehicular and industrial emissions is building up, especially in traffic-dense areas. Unlike particulate matter, NO2 often flies under the radar, but prolonged exposure can be equally hazardous," the official said. Currently, just one of the four air quality monitoring stations is functioning in the city. Dr Bandana Mishra, who heads the pulmonology and respiratory medicine department at Manipal Hospital in Gurgaon said everyone is at risk from high NO2 exposure, but children and the elderly suffer the most. "Nitrogen dioxide exposure can lead to increased inflammation of the airways, which results in persistent cough wheezing, reduced lung function and a higher frequency of asthma attacks," Dr Mishra said.