Mango farmers protest against low procurement prices offered by pulp industries in Chittoor
The farmers, comprising mostly elders, gathered in front of the District Collectorate and were about to perform yoga with banners reading Mango Farmers Yoga Day as a mark of protest, however, some senior officials persuaded them to withdraw their move
Catholics call for environmental action at Rio de Janeiro's iconic Christ the Redeemer statue
Brazilian Catholic worshippers created an eco-friendly carpet from recycled plastic caps in front of Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer statue, advocating for environmental protection before upcoming UN climate talks in the Amazon. Cardinal Orani Joao Tempesta led celebrations, emphasizing ecological co-responsibility and honoring Pope Francis's environmental encyclical.
Chad hopes 'green charcoal' can save vanishing forests
Chad is battling deforestation with green charcoal, made from plant waste, aiming to reduce reliance on wood and combat desertification. This initiative, supported by the World Bank and UNHCR, provides a cleaner, longer-lasting alternative to traditional charcoal, particularly benefiting refugee populations. Scaling up production and lowering prices are crucial to meet national energy needs and protect Chad's dwindling forests.
Most of Europe's bathing waters safe for swimming: Report
More than three quarters of bathing waters monitored in the European Union, Albania and Switzerland were of excellent quality in 2024, the 27-member bloc's environment agency said on Friday. EU members meanwhile are obliged to monitor popular bathing places from May to September and rank the water quality as excellent, good, sufficient or poor.
21 officials suspended over 40-crore farm scam in Maharashtra
According to officials, Out of the 80 crore received, 40 crore was misappropriated in Ambad and Ghansawangi tehsils
Climate change could double summer rainfall in the Alps: Study
Short, intense summer rainfall in Alpine regions is likely to become more frequent and severe in the future because of global warming, according to a study released Thursday by the University of Lausanne (UNIL). With such warming, an intense storm currently expected once every 50 years could occur once every 25 years in the future, said the Swiss university, which conducted the study in collaboration with the University of Padua in Italy.
10 endangered black rhinos sent from South Africa to Mozambique
Ten black rhinos have been moved from South Africa to Mozambique to secure breeding of the critically endangered animals that became locally extinct 50 years ago, conservationists said Thursday. Twelve black rhinos had previously been sent from South Africa to Zinave in central Mozambique but the population was still not viable for breeding, Van Rooyen said.
UK risks more extreme, prolonged heatwaves in future: Study
The UK could experience more frequent extreme and prolonged heat due to climate change, its meteorological office said Wednesday, as the country braced for its first heatwave of the year. The new study also highlights how UK heatwaves could become longer and hotter due to escalating climate trends, the Met Office added.
How Paris's Seine river keeps the Louvre cool in summer
As Paris braces for a heatwave this weekend, a little-known network of underground pipes will be cooling the Louvre museum and other storied landmarks using water from the River Seine. Other sites served by the Paris network include department stores and offices, the train network, concert halls, and arguably the world's most famous museum, the Louvre.
Will act against sale of substandard seeds, pesticides, says Agriculture Minister
Centre to amend Seeds and Pesticide Acts to make them more farmer-friendly, says Chouhan
Over 50 mango farmers in Vellore booked for blocking road on Tamil Nadu-Andhra border
Farmers protested by dumping freshly harvested mangoes on the stretch to highlight the steep fall in mango prices
Berliners jump into Spree River to show it's clean enough for swimming
Norway launches flagship large-scale carbon capture and storage project
Norway on Tuesday launched a flagship carbon capture and storage (CCS) project, a technology seen as crucial to curbing climate change but struggling to find a viable economic model. Norway has presented Longship as the world's first full-scale value chain for capture and storage of carbon in the greenhouse gases that cause harmful climate change.
World Bank lifts ban on nuclear energy financing
The World Bank is set to re-enter the nuclear energy sector after decades, announced President Ajay Banga, aiming to meet the escalating electricity demands in developing nations. Collaborating with the IAEA, the bank will enhance non-proliferation safeguards and regulatory frameworks. This decision arises as electricity demand in developing countries is projected to more than double by 2035, necessitating a surge in annual energy investment.
UN summit to end with boost for ocean conservation
A summit on the state of global oceans concludes Friday with nations having tested the waters on deep-sea mining and making strides towards protecting unpoliced reaches of the high seas. Alarmed at US President Donald Trump's unilateral push to fast-track deep-sea mining, leaders called for strict global rules to govern the ocean floor to stop a damaging race for critical minerals.
May 2025 was the second-warmest on record, with the Northern Hemisphere experiencing its second-hottest spring, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service. Although global temperatures dipped below 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels for the first time in 22 months, experts warn that this threshold will likely be exceeded again soon.
Iceland is experiencing unprecedented heat, with temperatures soaring to record highs in May, exacerbating Greenland's ice melt at an alarming rate. Scientific analysis attributes this extreme weather directly to global warming, primarily driven by fossil fuel emissions. The accelerated melting threatens to disrupt global ocean currents and contribute to rising sea levels, impacting coastal regions and indigenous communities.
Nations call for 'quieter' ocean to help marine life
Dozens of countries at the UN oceans summit on Tuesday took a first step toward recognising an invisible but growing threat to marine life -- underwater noise pollution. In a step toward a quieter ocean, 37 countries led by Canada and Panama have launched a new effort to reduce harmful underwater noise pollution.
Indonesia revokes most mining permits in dive hotspot Raja Ampat after outcry
Indonesia has revoked permits for four mining companies in Raja Ampat after videos surfaced showing nickel extraction damage to the pristine islands. The decision follows public outcry and Greenpeace's exposure of forest and vegetation destruction. While one company will continue operations under close monitoring, activists urge further action to ensure complete cessation and prevent future permit reissuance.
Don't let deep sea become 'wild west', Guterres tells world leaders
At the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, Secretary-General Guterres cautioned against turning the deep oceans into a wild west, amid debates on seabed mining regulations. President Macron advocated for a moratorium on deep-sea mining, emphasizing the need to protect marine biodiversity. A global pact to protect marine life in international waters is nearing implementation.
India will protect farmers' interest in U.S. trade talks: Shivraj Singh Chouhan
The Union Agriculture Ministers comments come as India and the U.S. continue negotiations on expanding agricultural trade, with Washington seeking reduced tariffs and improved market access for its farm products in the Indian market
UN Ocean Conference sets sail in France on World Oceans Day
A fleet of research vessels has gathered in Nice for the UN Ocean Conference, commencing with a parade to highlight ocean conservation. Delegates will address critical threats like rising temperatures and pollution, pushing for the ratification of the High Seas Treaty to protect international waters. The conference aims to accelerate ocean protection efforts and enforce existing marine protected areas.
No shortage of fertilisers in Andhra Pradesh for kharif season, says official
Dealers warned against violating regulations or creating artificial shortage
UK plans solar 'revolution' for new homes
Britain's Labour government announced that new homes will feature rooftop solar panels by default, aiming to lower energy bills and meet carbon-reduction goals. Energy secretary Ed Miliband highlighted this as a significant step towards a ooftop revolution. The initiative, part of a plan to build 1.5 million new homes by 2029, includes low-carbon heating and high energy efficiency standards.
Incentive scheme for recycling of critical minerals on anvil, says Official
India is finalizing an incentive program for recycling critical minerals. This includes copper, lithium and nickel. The Union budget has allocated Rs 1,500 crore for this initiative. It falls under the National Critical Mineral Mission. The goal is to boost self-reliance and promote green energy. Public sector firms will invest significantly.
'Rajnath Aam': New mango variety named after Defence Minister
Kalimullah Khan, who has earlier named mango varieties after several prominent Indian personalities, was awarded the Padma Shri for his unique contributions and dedication to horticulture and fruit breeding
Malnad farmers, planters struggle to weather the storm
From droughts to early monsoons to heavier-than-usual pre- and post-monsoon rains, vagaries of the weather in Karnatakas high rainfall regions are altering farming timelines and yields, find K.C. Deepika and Sathish G.T.
Government approves continuation of interest subvention scheme for farmers
Under Modified Interest Subvention Scheme, the farmers get short-term loans of up to 3 lakh through Kisan Credit Card at a subsidised interest rate of 7%, with a 1.5% interest subvention provided to eligible lending institutions
National Seed Corporation delaying green manure seed supply: Minister
Naidu insists on scientific crop planning that aligns with global and domestic market trends
Cultivation must be restricted to crops with strong market demand, he says, adding that short-term and long-term challenges need to be addressed through the Cabinet Sub-Committee
India poised to emerge as worlds leading potato producer, say international scientists
Annual output projected to touch 100 million tonnes by 2050; partnerships and innovation credited for growth trajectory
Prices of low grades such as kari gotu went up by 50 %, while prices of pathora and ulli were up by 16.66% and 38.88%, respectively
Hundreds of farmers protest in U.P. against heckling of Rakesh Tikait; FIR lodged, one arrested
Centre defers May 4 meeting with farmers over participation of Punjab Government
Union Agriculture Ministry claims the farming community harboured deep resentment against the Punjab government over the eviction of protesting farmers from Shambhu and Khanauri border points in March
Madhya Pradesh farmers involved in stubble burning to lose Kisan Samman Nidhi aid
The State Cabinet suspends financial aid for farmers burning stubble to control pollution, impacting minimum support pricepurchases for a year
Odisha transfers 1025 crore to 51 lakh farmers account on Akshaya Tritiya
The State sets a target to bring 15 lakh hectares of land under irrigation in the next five years, with an investment of around 1,00,000 crore, says Odisha CM
Centre hikes sugarcane price by 4.41% to 355 per quintal for 2025-26
A premium of 3.46 per quintal for each 0.1% increase in sugar recovery over and above 10.25% will be provided to farmers. A reduction in FRP by 3.46 per quintal will be for every 0.1% decrease in recovery rate
Scarcity of brides hits Old Mysore region
Finding brides for young farmers has become a social challenge in several parts of Karnataka. Farmers leaders cite non-remunerative agriculture and the skewed sex ratio as key reasons for this issue
Uptick in farmer suicides in Marathwada this year
Favourable weather may herald bountiful rabi wheat harvest in Punjab and Haryana
However, untimely rain, wind andhailstorms over the past two days in some parts of the key grain-producing States have triggered concerns that the standing crop could be damaged
Land-holding farmers doing non-farming activities improve labour efficiency
Study by National Law School of India University and IIT-Madras researchers finds farmers move affects farm operations positively
Tamil Nadu posts marginally higher coverage of foodgrains in 2024-25 over 2023-24
India's farm exports may withstand US tariffs as competitors face steeper duties, says economist
Despite the newly imposed 26% tariff by the U.S. on Indian goods, agricultural economist Ashok Gulati believes India may maintain or even expand its agricultural exports to the U.S. compared to regional competitors facing higher tariffs. With countries like China (34%), Vietnam (46%), and Thailand (36%) facing steeper duties, India holds a relative tariff advantage, especially in seafood and rice exports.
Peace clause invoked 6th time to offer rice subsidies
India has invoked the peace clause at the WTO for the sixth time after exceeding the 10% subsidy ceiling for its rice farmers, reaching around 12% with $6.81 billion in subsidies. The country explained that the support is aimed at ensuring food security for its poor and vulnerable population.
