Nations advance ocean protection, vow to defend seabed
A global oceans summit wrapped up Friday with world leaders taking major steps toward marine protection and vowing a showdown when nations meet to negotiate rules for deep-sea mining next month. - Seabed row - France and like-minded countries vowed to block any effort to permit deep-sea exploration at negotiations over a mining code at the International Seabed Authority next month, said Poivre d'Arvor.
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.
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.
Indias agri sector transformed by five-fold budget surge over 11 years: Govt
The Indian government announced a significant transformation in the agricultural sector over the past 11 years, driven by increased budgetary support and farmer-centric schemes. This has led to a surge in foodgrain production, rising MSP for key crops like wheat and paddy, and substantial financial assistance to farmers through PM-KISAN and Kisan Credit Card schemes.
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.
HRW warns Gulf labourers at risk as temperatures soar
Human Rights Watch said Sunday that migrant workers in the Gulf were at risk from extreme heat, urging countries to extend protections for labourers exposed to soaring temperatures. Because Gulf states are dragging their feet on evidence-based labour protections, migrant workers are unnecessarily dying, experiencing kidney failure, and suffering from other chronic illnesses, he added.
France says it has common ground with China on environment
France and China have found points of convergence on the environment, French minister for ecological transition Agnes Pannier-Runacher said Friday at the end of a visit to Beijing. Points of convergence were clearly felt, Pannier-after holding meetings with multiple Chinese officials, including environment minister Huang Runqiu and natural resources minister Guan Zhi'ou.
Half the world faced an extra month of extreme heat due to climate change: Study
Half the global population endured an additional month of extreme heat over the past year because of manmade climate change, a new study found Friday. The team identified 67 extreme heat events during the year and found the fingerprint of climate change on all of them.
Severe floods threaten historic Romanian salt mine
Romanian authorities scrambled Friday to save a salt mine in the northern village of Praid from further damage after heavy rains worsened flooding at a site that provides the region's economic lifeblood. We have to save not just the salt mine there, but the entire community, with thousands of people in danger of not being able to put a loaf of bread on the table, Environment Minister Mircea Fechet told a local TV station Friday, saying a real tragedy was hitting the region.
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
Pingara FPC all set to lend a hand to areca farmers in Dakshina Kannada
The initiative was mooted to extend a helping hand to those growers who are under the stress of maintaining the plantations amid the paucity of labourers, says the FPC president
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
Iraq farmers turn to groundwater to boost desert yield
Hadi Saheb is just one of many Iraqis who have turned to drilling wells in the desert to help sustain the country's agriculture
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.
