https://www.downtoearth.org.in/energy/living-between-coal-and-solar-in-post-mining-rajhara-communities-rebuild-around-water https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-25/n4olfonc/1000429511.jpg A resident of Rajhara kothi scavenges coal from a dump truck at Rajhara colliery in the afternoon of July 30, 2026. A sack of scavenged coal fetches around Rs 500. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-25/zmj17brj/1000429399.jpg Overburden from open-cast extraction at Fairmine Carbons Pvt Ltd towers over Rajhara at dusk, awaiting the restoration mandated by the 2025 Mine Closure Guidelines. July 30, 2026, 5:47pm. Rajhara, Palamu https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-25/2bwxave2/1000429410.jpg Reema Kumari wakes up at 5am to make food for her family. July 30, 2026, 3:47pm, Rajhara Kothi https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-25/c38lg7gx/1000429531.jpg A coal-bearing train crosses a stream near Central Coalfields Limited's Rajhara colliery, Palamu district, Jharkhand, at midday, July 29, 2026 https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-25/mk80bomd/1000429400.jpg An abandoned Rajhara colliery pit filled with rainwater. Tests show this mine water is suitable for irrigation. July 30, 2026, 5:07 pm. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-25/4ovhkpug/1000429550.jpg The irrigation line's concrete valve box on the outskirts of Rajhara Kothi. Trained Water User Group members run and maintain the system. July 29, 2026, 10:25am. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-25/mjpsgjoa/1000429533.jpg Solar lift irrigation site, Rajhara outskirts. July 31, 2026, 12:27pm. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-25/c9bi6pod/1000429534.jpg Ranjit Kumar Singh in his paddy field at Rajhara Kothi around noon. Solar lift irrigation now saves his crop when the rains fail. August 1, 2026, 10:45am. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-25/4r308k4e/1000429402.jpg Neelam Devi surveys her bhindi crop in neighbouring Chechanha village. Reliable solar irrigation has reduced crop stress in the neighbouring parts of Rajhara. August 1, 2026, 3:58pm. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-25/5bnvzq8x/1000429536.jpg A young man washes his clothes under the mine-water outfall near the Central Coalfields Limited mine pit around sunset of July 30, 2026. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-25/4qea6mj1/1000429408.jpg https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-25/bgaovwxo/1000429409.jpg Dr Neha Rani, deputy medical superintendent, examines a security guard of a coal mine at Rajhara Colliery Hospital. She checks for respiratory distress, common among residents and workers of this coal village. July, 31, 2026, 1:11pm https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-25/shuxh2ui/1000429406.jpg Cooking smoke rises over the outskirts of a Rajhara Kothi street as the sun sets on July 31, 2026. Coal and firewood still burn here within sight of solar panels. downtoearth en 2026-09-26T00:22:24.281Z Living between coal and solar: In post-mining Rajhara, communities rebuild around water Energy, Renewable Energy, fossil fuel, Jharkhand, Coal, just transition, Rajhara https://www.downtoearth.org.in/health/indias-sudden-baby-bust-2 https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-24/xur8s6zd/Baby-bust-2.png downtoearth en 2026-09-26T00:11:40.722Z India’s sudden baby bust Health, Demography, Total Fertility Rate, National Family Health Survey (NFHS-3), fertility, birth rate https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/bay-of-bengal-depression-weakens-but-rain-threat-spreads-across-india-and-nepal https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-25/8j8cyjci/Rain-threat.png downtoearth en 2026-09-25T23:59:22.903Z Bay of Bengal depression weakens, but rain threat spreads across India and Nepal Climate Change, Bay Of Bengal, deep depression, Indian Meteorological Department report, india rains, bay of bengal cyclone https://www.downtoearth.org.in/science-technology/frank-zappa-at-6000-metres-how-vapour-becomes-spectacle-over-kangchenjunga https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-25/ok2rbh4e/The-cap-cloud-above-Kokthang-6148-m.-Photo-Narendra-Patil.jpg The cap cloud above Kokthang (6,148 metres) that started this essay. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-25/vzn7gzgd/Kokthang-on-the-southwestern-ridge-of-the-Kangchenjunga-massif-before-the-storm.-Photo-Narendra-Patil.JPG Deceptively idyllic. Kokthang on the south-western ridge of the Kangchenjunga massif, before the storm. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-25/firzeucl/The-cap-cloud-had-dissolved-leaving-only-puffs-where-it-had-sat.-Photo-Narendra-Patil.JPG Kokthang after. The cap cloud had dissolved, leaving only puffs where it had sat. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-25/hxz1d8y6/Near-Kabru-7318-m-and-7353-m-a-lens-cloud-shaped-by-the-same-stable-smooth-airflow-that-produces-cap-clouds.-Photo-Narendra-Patil.JPG Near Kabru (7,318 m and 7,353 m): a lens cloud shaped by the same stable, smooth airflow that produces cap clouds. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-25/s9ep24f7/The-southwestern-ridge-descending-diagonal-from-the-Kangchenjunga-8586-m-summit-to-the-lower-left-runs-toward-Kokthang.-Photo-Narendra-Patil.JPG The south-western ridge — the descending diagonal from the Kangchenjunga summit (8,586 m) to the lower left — runs towards Kokthang. downtoearth en 2026-09-25T23:59:02.200Z Frank Zappa at 6,000 metres: How vapour becomes spectacle over Kangchenjunga Kangchenjunga, cap cloud, orographic cloud, Kokthang, mountain weather, Altocumulus lenticularis, Frank Zappa, Himalayan vapour, monsoon winds, orographic lift, foehn wall, deep time, geological mass, mountain awe, cloud optics https://www.downtoearth.org.in/science-technology/species-of-our-making-the-speed-of-ai-development-raises-serious-concerns-on-consciousness-and-whether-machines-can-ever-gain-it https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-25/furlte9l/Untitled-design-2.png downtoearth en 2026-09-25T23:57:21.747Z Species of our making: The speed of AI development raises serious concerns on consciousness and whether machines can ever gain it Science & Technology, artificial intelligence, human intelligence, ai ethics, ai safety, Artificial general intelligence, AI risks, AI consciousness, Machine consciousness, Alan Turing, Future of AI https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/will-the-village-survive-question-that-haunts-everyone-after-landslide-at-rimbi-in-west-sikkim https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-25/haen5uao/1000429789.jpg https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-25/vywagdoc/1000429793.jpg https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-25/wvav8q4n/1000429790.jpg downtoearth en 2026-09-25T14:08:23.812Z Will the village survive? Question that haunts everyone after landslide at Rimbi in West Sikkim Climate Change, Global Warming, Sikkim, Development, Hydropower, Himalaya, Landslide, West Sikkim, rimbi, Gyalshing district https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/maharashtra-reels-under-drought-like-conditions-nearly-half-of-tehsils-likely-to-be-classified-as-affected https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-25/yer9vvdv/WhatsApp-Image-2026-09-25-DCat-18.16.39.jpeg Farmers wait for Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and state officials to inspect drought-affected crops in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-25/b3lmhr07/WhatsApp-Image-2026-09-25-at-18.16.39.jpeg Soybean crop impacted by drought in Marathwada. downtoearth en 2026-09-25T14:08:08.883Z Maharashtra reels under drought-like conditions, nearly half of tehsils likely to be classified as affected Maharashtra drought, rainfall deficit, Marathwada drought, water scarcity, drought relief, Devendra Fadnavis, Latur drought, kharif crop loss, soybean yield, cotton crops, Solapur tehsils, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nashik rainfall, drought-like status, farmer distress https://www.downtoearth.org.in/agriculture/simply-put-indias-drought-crisis https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-25/usye33ie/1000429682.jpg https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-25/usldmbzn/1000429681.jpg downtoearth en 2026-09-25T11:14:35.670Z Simply Put: India‘s drought crisis Agriculture, Drought, climate action, Rainfall, Climate talks, Monsoon withdrawal https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/typhoon-dujuan-how-832-mm-of-rain-flooded-japan-in-48-hours https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-25/5o8rjbfs/hIlZ3bWzbZg-HD.jpg downtoearth en 2026-09-25T11:11:45.823Z Typhoon Dujuan: How 832 mm of rain flooded Japan in 48 hours Climate Change, extreme rainfall, Extreme rains, Japan typhoon, Typhoon Dujuan https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/the-global-electrification-agenda-low-hanging-fruit-with-high-hanging-costs-that-must-be-addressed https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-25/n0v1mh16/iStock-2162521749.jpg downtoearth en 2026-09-25T10:44:54.747Z The global electrification agenda: Low-hanging fruit, with high-hanging costs that must be addressed global electrification, 35 by 35, COP31, energy transition, electricity access, grid infrastructure, climate finance, International Energy, IEA report, developing countries, clean energy, fossil fuels, age of electricity, energy access, grid investment https://www.downtoearth.org.in/agriculture/now-that-india-can-see-its-farms-what-next https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-25/fh4r3nry/1000429631.jpg downtoearth en 2026-09-25T10:42:11.441Z Now that India can see its farms, what next? Agriculture, Science & Technology, Food, satellite, india agriculture, Technology intervention in agriculture, Agricultural technology, digital agricultural transformation https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/daily-weather-tracker-heavy-rain-and-storms-threaten-several-states-as-rajasthan-sizzles https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-25/gejpctgs/1000429668.jpg downtoearth en 2026-09-25T10:34:42.204Z Daily weather tracker: Heavy rain and storms threaten several states as Rajasthan sizzles Climate Change, Storm, Rajasthan, rain, Weather in India, India weather, Daily Weather Tracker https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/germany-aims-to-phase-out-fossil-fuels-by-2045-but-still-relies-on-them-for-65-of-energy https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-25/c6nxvs10/iStock-1421667040.jpg https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-25/ivbcac9z/Screenshot_2026_09_25_at_10_28_51_AM.png https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-25/enuzut4v/Screenshot_2026_09_25_at_12_05_08_PM.png downtoearth en 2026-09-25T07:19:28.552Z Germany aims to phase out fossil fuels by 2045, but still relies on them for 65% of energy Germany energy transition, fossil fuel phaseout, Germany net zero, German climate roadmap, COP28 commitments, renewable energy Germany, coal phaseout, German climate finance, Just Energy Transition, export credit guarantees, carbon capture, hydrogen readiness, Germany LNG, energy efficiency, electric vehicles https://www.downtoearth.org.in/energy/disruptions-across-strait-of-hormuz-black-sea-and-alternative-routes-raise-global-food-and-fuel-security-risks https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-03-20/eofk97kp/Strait-of-Hormuz.jpg The Black Sea remains a critical corridor for global wheat trade. downtoearth en 2026-09-25T06:10:59.266Z Disruptions across Strait of Hormuz, Black Sea and alternative routes raise global food and fuel security risks Energy, Food Security, Import, Export, Black Sea, world food crisis, global food crisis, Starit of Hormuz, Fuel shortage, Strait of Bab El Mandeb, fuel security https://www.downtoearth.org.in/wildlife-biodiversity/permanently-end-wild-animal-imports-wildlife-organisations-urge-vantara https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-24/z9u05psb/1000428910.jpg Vantara has recorded imports of unique, rare and highly endangered species such as Tapanuli orangutans. downtoearth en 2026-09-24T12:49:46.755Z Permanently end wild animal imports: Wildlife organisations urge Vantara Wildlife & Biodiversity, Wildlife Trade, wildlife protection, Newcastle University, Jamnagar, vantara, Anant Ambani https://www.downtoearth.org.in/environment/daily-court-digest-major-environment-orders-september-16-2026-2 https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-10/mp2j1jrr/Gavel.jpg downtoearth en 2026-09-24T11:47:52.647Z Daily Court Digest: Major environment orders (September 23, 2026) Environment, Waste Disposal, Supreme Court, Court, paper mill, Nationa green tribunal (NGT), Violation of environmental clearances, Chopra Gadhera, rail project https://www.downtoearth.org.in/governance/simply-put-toilet-a-myth-in-indian-schools https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-24/c8kr2u0p/1000428847.jpg https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-24/lazqnnco/1000428844.jpg downtoearth en 2026-09-24T10:56:23.104Z Simply Put: Toilet, a myth in Indian schools? Governance, Health, Education, Child Health, Water, Children, Sanitation, Toilet, Toilets, washrooms https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/super-el-niño-could-cause-239000-additional-heat-deaths-by-february-2027-india-may-see-15800-report https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-24/30u7lyaq/1000428625.jpg downtoearth en 2026-09-24T10:32:40.609Z ‘Super’ El Niño could cause 239,000 additional heat deaths by February 2027; India may see 15,800: Report Climate Change, India, El Nino, heat deaths, heatwave deaths, extreme heat deaths, Super El Nino, heat measures https://www.downtoearth.org.in/environment/eucalyptus-monoculture-plantation-in-brazils-jequitinhonha-valley-linked-to-water-table-drop-of-45-metres-in-45-years https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-24/ryjo6a0b/1000428622.jpg downtoearth en 2026-09-24T09:30:00.000Z Eucalyptus monoculture plantation in Brazil’s Jequitinhonha Valley linked to water table drop of 4.5 metres in 45 years Environment, Agriculture, Water, Groundwater, Brazil, water table, Land Deforestation, Eucalyptus, Brazil drought, monoculture plantations, Jequitinhonha Valley https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/daily-weather-tracker-extreme-rain-in-east-intense-heat-in-west-as-deep-depression-moves-inland https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-07-29/mysjszkq/Rainfall.jpg downtoearth en 2026-09-24T08:30:00.000Z Daily weather tracker: Extreme rain in east, intense heat in west as deep depression moves inland Climate Change, Bay Of Bengal, Rainfall, deep depression, Monsoon withdrawal, extreme heat https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/drought-monitor-monsoon-withdrawal-growing-drought-crisis-across-states https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-24/nvxkm83m/1000428617.jpg Prolonged dry spells have further intensified the crisis. downtoearth en 2026-09-24T06:07:21.192Z Drought monitor: Monsoon withdrawal & growing drought crisis across states Climate Change, Drought India, Monsoon withdrawal, Rain deficit in India, India drought https://www.downtoearth.org.in/environment/global-chemical-review-committee-adopts-guidance-on-insecticide-methyl-parathion https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-23/y3671e06/1000427833.jpg downtoearth en 2026-09-24T05:49:33.852Z Global chemical review committee adopts guidance on insecticide methyl parathion Environment, Pesticide, Brazil, chemicals, Insecticide, methyl-parathion