https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/maharashtra-earmarks-rs-6728-crore-for-rural-employment-as-drought-grips-nearly-three-quarters-of-state https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-30/838wnx4u/WhatsApp-Image-2026-09-28-at-17.20.40-2.jpeg A farm in Kurla village, Beed district, Maharashtra, where the cotton plants had not even reached knee height. downtoearth en 2026-09-30T12:46:45.730Z Maharashtra earmarks Rs 6,728 crore for rural employment as drought grips nearly three-quarters of state Climate Change, Agriculture, Water, Drought Relief, rural employment, Water Conservation, water scarcity, Marathwada, Maharashtra drought, rural livelihoods, agricultural distress, employment guarantee scheme https://www.downtoearth.org.in/agriculture/why-kashmirs-saffron-farms-are-under-siege https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-29/f5og2op3/18.jpg Residents of Patalbagh village in Pampore tehsil observe the landfill that has sprung near their saffron farms since 2022 https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-29/uj6tszni/p19DLpix02-20260801173129.jpg Rodents from the landfill have burrowed into the farms and damaged saffron corms, forcing farmers to abandon the crop downtoearth en 2026-09-30T11:12:49.183Z Why Kashmir's saffron farms are under siege Agriculture, Environment, solid waste management, Environmental pollution, Jammu and Kashmir, Pampore, Farmer livelihoods, kashmir saffron, saffron cultivation, landfill pollution, rodent infestation, agricultural losses https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/regenerative-agriculture-a-lifeline-for-smallholders https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-29/pnd05hwt/10.jpg downtoearth en 2026-09-30T11:04:01.854Z Regenerative agriculture: A lifeline for smallholders? Climate Change, sustainable agriculture, Food Security, Agroforestry, Carbon Sequestration, soil health, regenerative agriculture, smallholder farmers, agricultural livelihoods, global food systems https://www.downtoearth.org.in/air/delhi-had-only-one-good-air-day-in-92-days-despite-5769-mm-of-rainfall-cse-analysis https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-30/wxosu4jp/Delhi-Monsoon-2026.jpg Delhi during Monsoon 2026. downtoearth en 2026-09-30T10:15:12.013Z Delhi had only one ‘Good’ air day in 92 days, despite 576.9 mm of rainfall: CSE analysis Air, Delhi, Air Quality Index (AQI), Monsoon withdrawal, Summer 2026, Southwest Monsoon 2026, Monsoon 2026, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), New Delhi https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/the-sunita-narain-show-what-led-to-the-himalayan-tragedy-in-nepal https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-30/2cv8lk93/sn-32-NEPAL-2.jpg downtoearth en 2026-09-30T10:14:15.214Z The Sunita Narain Show: What led to the Himalayan tragedy in Nepal? Climate Change, Infrastructure Development, Extreme weather, Sunita Narain, disaster risk reduction, hydropower projects, docuseries, The Sunita Narain Show, nepal floods, Himalayan disasters, Himalayan Glaciers, glacial collapse https://www.downtoearth.org.in/air/protecting-the-status-quo-how-cafe-iii-norms-undercut-indias-ev-ambitions https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-30/neq3leip/iStock-2262765536.jpg downtoearth en 2026-09-30T09:59:28.931Z Protecting the status quo: How CAFE III norms undercut India’s EV ambitions Air, Energy, Electric vehicles, carbon emissions, Fuel Efficiency, Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Automobile industry, Clean mobility, CAFÉ III norms, india ev policy, vehicle emission standards, automotive decarbonisation https://www.downtoearth.org.in/agriculture/perpetual-shortage-why-water-scarcity-persists-in-gujarat https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-29/ocpmo5y0/14.jpg Farmers in Sidpur village of Devbhumi Dwarka district say check dams have proved ineffective in improving the water table as the wells in their fields have run dry downtoearth en 2026-09-30T09:44:37.972Z Perpetual shortage: Why water scarcity persists in Gujarat Agriculture, Climate Change, Groundwater Recharge, rainwater harvesting, water scarcity, Kutch, SAURASHTRA, rainfall deficit, Southwest Monsoon 2026, Monsoon 2026, gujarat water crisis, check dams, agriculture and drought https://www.downtoearth.org.in/governance/28-million-indian-children-are-first-in-their-families-to-complete-six-years-of-schooling-study-finds https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-30/wo6ic191/downtoearth-hindi2026-09-29lqt150qhchildreneducationindia.avif downtoearth en 2026-09-30T09:28:01.887Z 28 million Indian children are first in their families to complete six years of schooling, study finds Governance, Gender inequality, south asia, Child malnutrition, child poverty, Oxford University, Global Education, multidimensional poverty, education in india, first-generation learners, children's rights https://www.downtoearth.org.in/air/india-on-e-wheels-keralas-electric-future-may-not-always-travel-on-four-wheels-some-of-it-is-already-moving-quietly-across-the-water https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-30/w20pfseh/Kerala-ferry.jpg A ferry carrying people and vehicles in Alappuzha. downtoearth en 2026-09-30T09:26:23.903Z India on e-wheels: Kerala’s electric future may not always travel on four wheels. Some of it is already moving quietly across the water Air, Energy, Electric vehicles, Kerala, Electric vehicles (EV), India on e-wheels, electric transition, ferries https://www.downtoearth.org.in/governance/pakistan-rights-lawyer-jalila-haider-wins-right-livelihood-award https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-30/46irgywy/Jalila-Haider-2026-right-livelihood-laureate-016-scaled.webp Jalila Haider downtoearth en 2026-09-30T08:45:19.204Z Pakistan rights lawyer Jalila Haider wins Right Livelihood Award Governance, balochistan, Pakistan, Human Rights, transgender rights, Right Livelihood Award, hazara community, women lawyers, sectarian violence, women’s democratic front https://www.downtoearth.org.in/governance/indian-women-live-longer-than-men-but-have-fewer-years-of-good-life-after-60-study-finds https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-30/sy5wnvrc/downtoearth-hindi2026-09-2947vnzfhmwomenindiaistock.avif downtoearth en 2026-09-30T08:33:10.517Z Indian women live longer than men, but have fewer years of ‘good life’ after 60, study finds Governance, Gender inequality, rural india, quality of life, social security, Life expectancy, women's health, ageing in india, healthy ageing, elderly population, cognitive health https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/monsoon-2026-report-card-rainfall-12-less-than-normal-across-india-with-60-less-rain-in-meghalaya-and-24-less-in-the-south https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-30/w7wax28z/Monsoon-Rainfall.jpg Monsoon rainfall in the country was 12 per cent below normal, with a total of 758.5 ​​mm of rainfall recorded through September 29, compared to the normal figure of 865 mm. downtoearth en 2026-09-30T07:49:42.565Z Monsoon 2026 report card: Rainfall 12% less than normal across India, with 60% less rain in Meghalaya and 24% less in the south Climate Change, monsoon, Meghalaya, Southwest monsoon, SOUTH INDIA, Southwest Monsoon 2026, Monsoon 2026 https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/simply-put-data-centres-amid-drought https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-30/k4nz5poo/Simply-Put-30-Sept-hero-image-copy.jpg https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-30/i46soaa3/Simply-Put-30-Sept-Data-center-copy.jpg downtoearth en 2026-09-30T07:38:20.048Z Simply Put: Data centres amid drought Climate Change, Science & Technology, Maharashtra drought, water consumption, AI data centres https://www.downtoearth.org.in/agriculture/india-sets-lower-food-production-target-for-2026-27-as-el-niño-clouds-rabi-season https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-30/n9a4i2kr/WhatsApp-Image-2026-09-28-at-17.54.59.jpeg Drought-damaged crops in Dharashiv district, Maharashtra. downtoearth en 2026-09-30T06:26:18.592Z India sets lower food production target for 2026-27 as El Niño clouds Rabi season India foodgrain target, El Niño impact, Rabi season, drought conditions, water budget, crop diversification, pulses promotion, oilseeds cultivation, Maharashtra drought, Karnataka drought, Khet Bachao Abhiyan, rainfall deficit, Rabi crop plans, kharif acreage, India Drought Monitor, groundwater assessment, paddy decline https://www.downtoearth.org.in/health/cholera-remains-a-challenge-deaths-increased-by-30-in-2025-who https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-30/uge3etkv/Cholera-Africa.jpg Women in Chad gathering water from a polluted lake for their daily needs. The WHO African Region reported the largest burden, with a 34 per cent increase in cases and a 58 per cent increase in deaths compared with 2024. downtoearth en 2026-09-30T06:25:50.307Z Cholera remains a challenge, deaths increased by 30% in 2025: WHO Health, Cholera, Plague, Meningitis, WHO https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/daily-weather-tracker-heavy-rain-forecast-for-northeast-and-south-india-as-monsoon-withdrawal-continues https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-30/9eao9vao/Rainfall.jpg downtoearth en 2026-09-30T05:56:16.050Z Daily weather tracker: Heavy rain forecast for Northeast and South India as monsoon withdrawal continues Climate Change, Northeast, Southwest monsoon, SOUTH INDIA, Daily Weather Tracker, Southwest Monsoon 2026 https://www.downtoearth.org.in/africa/africas-mineral-strength-is-wasted-if-countries-dont-work-together-new-report https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-30/cq3ed1qz/iStock-2258500276.jpg downtoearth en 2026-09-30T04:11:42.687Z Africa’s mineral strength is wasted if countries don’t work together – new report Africa minerals, green transition, critical minerals, regional cooperation, value addition, mineral processing, electric vehicles, renewable energy, China demand, cobalt exports, industrialisation, green technology, World Bank study, resource governance, development finance https://www.downtoearth.org.in/mining/how-a-new-mining-law-cuts-off-the-money-jharkhand-needs-to-protect-its-own-people https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-29/gj52g3xt/iStock-2261738209.jpg downtoearth en 2026-09-29T17:01:19.445Z How a new mining law cuts off the money Jharkhand needs to protect its own people Mining, Jharkhand, Supreme Court, just transition, Fiscal Federalism, mining law, mmdr amendment act, mineral revenue, jharia coalfield, abandoned mines, mining-affected communities https://www.downtoearth.org.in/waste/maharashtra-waste-to-energy-plant-shut-down-after-pollution-complaints https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-29/ljfmvlgq/Picture-1.jpg Smoke seen rising from the Sangli waste-to-energy plant. Environmental groups allege that the facility's air pollution control equipment was not functioning. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-29/8ew1rwh3/Picture-2.jpg Deposits on crops near the Bhumi Green Energy waste-to-energy plant in Sangli, Maharashtra. Campaigners allege that emissions from the facility have affected nearby agriculture. downtoearth en 2026-09-29T11:40:04.946Z Maharashtra waste-to-energy plant shut down after pollution complaints waste-to-energy, incineration plant, Maharashtra pollution, Sangli WTE, plant shutdown, pollution control, toxic emissions, waste policy, environmental compliance, ash disposal, wastewater discharge, emissions monitoring, health impacts, waste segregation, incinerator ban https://www.downtoearth.org.in/energy/simply-put-e-solution https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-29/9qudzrys/Simply-Put-29-Sept-hero-image-copy.jpg https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-29/hb714itc/Simply-Put-29-Sept-E-rickshaw1-copy.jpg downtoearth en 2026-09-29T11:12:49.898Z Simply put: e-solution Energy, Governance, Air, E-Rickshaws, India on e-wheels https://www.downtoearth.org.in/agriculture/women-farmer-producer-companies-can-redefine-gender-roles-and-champion-agri-entrepreneurs https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-29/shyqf9io/Maharashtra-woman-farmer.jpg A woman farmer works on her field near Pune in Maharashtra. downtoearth en 2026-09-29T10:54:18.103Z Women farmer producer companies can redefine gender roles and champion agri-entrepreneurs Agriculture, Women, Farmers, women farmers, farmer producer companies, Women farmer producer companies https://www.downtoearth.org.in/governance/nearly-three-in-four-migrant-workers-in-southern-india-report-improved-living-standards-survey-finds https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-29/hyfty8wn/downtoearth-hindi2026-09-28p127z7igmigrationpic.avif downtoearth en 2026-09-29T10:24:44.542Z Nearly three in four migrant workers in southern India report improved living standards, survey finds migrant workers, southern India, living standards, interstate migration, SIIMS survey, social protection, welfare access, healthcare access, employment contracts, cash wages, gender paygap, financial inclusion, One Nation, safe migration, labour rights https://www.downtoearth.org.in/wildlife-biodiversity/birth-of-two-young-przewalskis-horses-after-200-years-signals-important-milestone-for-kazakhstans-steppe https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-29/j5ms9rxb/Przewalskis-horses.jpg Przewalski’s horses. downtoearth en 2026-09-29T10:14:24.533Z Birth of two young Przewalski’s horses after 200 years signals important milestone for Kazakhstan’s steppe Wildlife & Biodiversity, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Grasslands, Kazakhstan, steppes, rangelands, equines, Przewalski’s horses https://www.downtoearth.org.in/agriculture/drought-in-265-talukas-maharashtra-farmers-face-mounting-crop-losses https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-29/jwsqy9eu/MH-drought.png downtoearth en 2026-09-29T09:15:05.436Z Drought in 265 talukas: Maharashtra farmers face mounting crop losses Maharashtra drought, crop losses, Marathwada drought, Vidarbha drought, deficient rainfall, El Niño, soybean damage, onion crops, monsoon deficit, taluka drought, agrarian distress, crop surveys, relief measures, soil moisture, India Drought Monitor https://www.downtoearth.org.in/air/india-on-e-wheels-kochis-electric-experiment-offers-a-blueprint-for-keralas-ev-transition https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-29/lrjbg2yj/Kochi-Metro.jpg The Kochi Metro. downtoearth en 2026-09-29T07:24:28.288Z India on e-wheels: Kochi’s electric experiment offers a blueprint for Kerala’s EV transition Air, Energy, Electric vehicles, Kerala, Kochi, kochi water metro project, EV transition, Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), kochi metro, Electric vehicles (EV), India on e-wheels https://www.downtoearth.org.in/africa/nigeria-faces-the-worlds-highest-projected-death-toll-from-super-el-niño-heat-what-could-save-lives https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-29/u2lfj70k/iStock-847316914.jpg downtoearth en 2026-09-29T07:01:16.755Z Nigeria faces the world’s highest projected death toll from super El Niño heat: what could save lives super El Niño, Nigeria heat, heat deaths, Sahel heatwave, climate mortality, extreme heat, heat adaptation, cooling access, heat warnings, Sahel climate, Nigeria climate, heat inequality, power outages, heat health, Climate Impact Lab https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/daily-weather-tracker-depression-weakens-over-myanmar-heavy-rain-forecast-across-northeast-and-south-india https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-29/9nmwzobp/Daily-Weather-Tracker.jpg Heavy rainfall is forecast in northeastern states including Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura, with a yellow alert issued for several areas. downtoearth en 2026-09-29T06:13:08.468Z Daily weather tracker: Depression weakens over Myanmar, heavy rain forecast across Northeast and South India Climate Change, Northeast India, Southwest monsoon, Myanmar, SOUTH INDIA, Daily Weather Tracker, Southwest Monsoon 2026 https://www.downtoearth.org.in/waste/why-highly-polluting-waste-to-energy-incineration-is-not-a-blue-industry https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-28/2trwyg34/Okhla-WTE.jpg The Okhla waste-to-energy plant was set up in 2012. It was designed to convert up to 2,000 tonnes of waste into electricity on a daily basis. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-28/aqogrdyc/Waste-to-Energy-1.png The pollution index (PI) for a waste to energy incineration/power plant according to CPCB. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-29/r3o22iw9/Feature-ImageHorizontal-Website-48.png The pollution index (PI) for a waste to energy incineration/power plant calculated by CFA. downtoearth en 2026-09-29T05:44:49.654Z Why highly polluting Waste to Energy incineration is not a ‘Blue’ industry Waste, Municipal solid waste (MSW), Waste To Energy, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Okhla waste to energy plant, Waste to energy plant, Waste to Energy incineration, Bluewashing, Solid Waste Management rules (SWM rules) 2026, Pollution Index (PI) https://www.downtoearth.org.in/forests/tribal-rights-group-seeks-suspension-of-madhya-pradeshs-top-forest-official-over-community-forest-rights-directive https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-28/hp7zmyth/iStock-2259054594.jpg Bandhavgarh National Park downtoearth en 2026-09-28T16:51:34.810Z Tribal rights group seeks suspension of Madhya Pradesh’s top forest official over community forest rights directive Forest Rights Act, community forest, CFR rights, tribal rights, Gram Sabha, Lok Swashasan, Madhya Pradesh, forest officials, PCCF HoFF, forest governance, FRA rules, tribal welfare, forest land, constitutional rights, Adivasi communities https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/twin-crises-in-a-year-drought-forces-families-to-leave-maharashtras-beed-district-months-after-devastating-floods https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-28/qld9io7k/WhatsApp-Image-2026-09-28-at-17.54.59.jpeg A drought-impacted farm in Dharashiv district, Maharashtra. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-28/lssgzvtt/WhatsApp-Image-2026-09-28-at-17.57.33.jpeg Drought impact in Beed district, Maharashtra. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-28/dg0e6mk6/Collage.png Ganesh Ghodake’s farm in Kurla village, Beed district, Maharashtra, where the cotton plants had not even reached knee height. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-28/ji87812a/WhatsApp-Image-2026-09-28-at-17.54.58.jpeg A dried well in Dharashiv district. downtoearth en 2026-09-28T13:07:13.661Z Twin crises in a year: Drought forces families to leave Maharashtra‘s Beed district, months after devastating floods Climate Change, Agriculture, water scarcity, Crop Failure, Marathwada, farmer debt, Maharashtra drought, Beed, rural livelihoods, climate extremes, Farmer migration, agricultural crisis