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Meghalaya known for hosting the world wettest places like Mawsynram and Cherrapunji, is witnessing a historic monsoon crisis. Once drenched in rain for most of the year, this northeastern Indian state has recorded a 56% rainfall deficit in 2025 the worst in the countryraising alarm for farmers, forests, and biodiversity. According to data from the India Meteorological Department, between June 1 and July 28, Meghalaya received only 690.7 mm of rainfall, compared to a normal of 1,555.4 mm. In contrast, typically drier states like Jharkhand received more rain a staggering 732.6 mm, well above its average. This isn't a one-off anomaly. Long-term trends now reveal that Meghalaya’s rains have been declining consistently since the 1950s. Studies show that drier zones are spreading across th...

The Barak-Meghna river basin, a vital transboundary ecosystem spanning 82,000 sq km and supporting over 50 million people in India and Bangladesh, is undergoing a dangerous transformation. Climate change is disrupting rainfall patterns, intensifying floods, and threatening both biodiversity and livelihoods, as revealed during a three-day dialogue held in Bangkok from July 23–25. Hosted by the Meghna Knowledge Forum II and co-organised by the IUCN South Asian University, and Asian Institute of Technology, the event underscored growing concerns: monsoon rains are declining, while pre- and post-monsoon rainfall is increasing a shift that raises the frequency and severity of early-season flash floods, especially across Bangladesh’s vulnerable Haor wetlands. Experts highlighted that more ...

As India prepares to launch its Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) by mid-2026, the spotlight turns to the road transport sector the country third-largest greenhouse gas emitter. With over 90% of emissions from this sector coming from road vehicles the government inclusion of transport in the carbon credit offset mechanism aims to financially reward emission reductions and accelerate the adoption of cleaner alternatives. A Market Boost for EV Projects The CCTS could create a breakthrough moment for the electric vehicle (EV) sector. New guidelines from the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) outline how transport projects especially those involving EVs can earn carbon credits under methodologies aligned with global frameworks like the UN Clean Development Mechanism and the Paris Agreem...

In a major step toward transforming Africa's energy future, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the G20 have unveiled a new publication Outlook for Nuclear Energy in Africa, spotlighting the continent rising interest in nuclear power. The announcement made at a high-profile event during the G20 Energy Transitions meeting in South Africa, reinforces nuclear energy central role in Africa clean energy roadmap. With South Africa currently holding the G20 presidency, the country has emphasized the expansion of nuclear infrastructure, not just domestically but across the continent. At present, South Africa remains Africa’s only nuclear energy producer, operating two reactors at the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, supplying around 2 GW of electricity. The IAEA publication proje...

In a massive emergency preparedness effort a multi-agency disaster management mock drill was conducted at 55 different locations across Delhi on Friday morning. The large-scale exercise began with a simulated earthquake scenario, followed by mock incidents of chemical leaks in both industrial and transportation zones across all 11 districts of the capital. Coordinated under 'Exercise Suraksha Chakra', the drill was led by the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and organized in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Indian Army, and the state governments of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana. The exercise was simultaneously carried out in key areas of the National Capital Region (NCR). According to officials the primary goal was to evaluate and st...

In an unprecedented fusion of wildlife conservation and nuclear technology South Africa has officially launched the Rhisotope Project a global-first initiative using radioactive isotopes to deter rhino poaching. Backed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) the project aims to weaponize science, not for destruction but for protecting one of Earth most endangered species. The move comes amid a worsening crisis. Over 10,000 rhinos have been slaughtered in the past decade, driven by international demand for rhino horn. In just the first three months of 2025 alone, 103 rhinos were killed, according to South Africa’s Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. To confront this, researchers at the University of the Witwatersrand have developed a method to safely embed tr...

In a disturbing new revelation, scientists have found that humans may be inhaling more than 68,000 microplastic particles every day mostly while sitting inside cars or staying indoors. The findings, published in the journal PLOS One by researchers in France, expose a hidden yet rapidly growing health threat: plastic pollution in the air we breathe. According to the study, the air inside cars contains about 2,238 microplastic particles per cubic metre, making it one of the most concentrated indoor spaces. These particles, often smaller than 10 micrometres, are invisible to the naked eye but can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. How Microplastics Harm Human Health Scientists are increasingly concerned about the toxic effects of inhaled microplastics. These parti...

As plastic pollution surges across India farmlands, experts are warning that the growing menace of agricultural plastic waste is undermining efforts to build sustainable, climate-resilient food systems. From polyethylene mulch sheets to plastic irrigation tools and packaging, the silent invasion of plastic into agriculture has gone largely unchecked, with serious consequences for soil health, food safety, and long-term farm productivity. A recent analysis by development expert Ashok Kumar Nayak, published in Down To Earth, highlights how plastic once embraced for boosting crop yields is now becoming an unmanageable crisis. Despite plastic’s vital role in moderating soil temperature and improving productivity, its widespread misuse and poor disposal are creating lasting damage to the env...

In a major stride toward sustainable packaging, researchers at IIT Madras have developed an innovative biodegradable material using agricultural and paper waste, offering a powerful alternative to conventional plastic foams. This breakthrough could help India tackle two pressing environmental challenges: plastic pollution and agri-residue burning. The team cultivated fungi like Ganoderma lucidum and Pleurotus ostreatus types of mushrooms on discarded farm waste to grow mycelium-based biocomposites. These naturally grown materials are sturdy enough to be used for packaging and fully compostable, reducing dependency on non-degradable materials like EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) and EPE (Expanded Polyethylene). Lead researcher Dr. Lakshminath Kundanati, along with scholars Sandra Rose Biby...

  Maharashtra is likely to witness below-normal rainfall in August, but the India Meteorological Department (IMD) expects a potential rebound in September, offering relief to farmers and water resource managers relying on the monsoon. According to the IMD latest rainfall outlook for August-September 2025, the state could see a significant shortfall in August, particularly in districts like Pune. However, above-normal rainfall is expected in September, based on colour-coded probability forecasts released by IMD Pune. "While August may remain dry with only scattered heavy showers, several areas could experience good spells in isolated pockets," said O P Shreejit, senior IMD scientist in Pune. He noted that September is likely to make up for the earlier deficit. Nationally th...