https://www.downtoearth.org.in/wildlife-biodiversity/latin-local-tongues-and-legends-study-decodes-the-meanings-of-1047-indian-reptile-names https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-04/l62m3epm/photo-collage.png1.jpg Clockwise from top left: Boiga forsteni, named for Eltio A Forsten; Cnemaspis smaug, after Tolkien’s dragon; Ahaetulla dispar, linked to Sinhala for “eye plucker”; and Cyrtodactylus khasiensis, after the Khasi Hills. downtoearth en 2026-09-04T13:42:28.571Z Latin, local tongues and legends: Study decodes the meanings of 1,047 Indian reptile names Wildlife & Biodiversity, taxonomy, herpetology, India reptiles, Reptile diversity, Zootaxa, Scientific names https://www.downtoearth.org.in/wildlife-biodiversity/indias-vultures-need-not-just-conservation-programmes-but-also-protected-landscapes https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-04/z9x2gqpy/Vultures-1.jpg September 5, 2026, marks International Vulture Awareness Day. The birds have suffered one of the steepest declines in recent times of any bird or animal in India. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-04/iy14uekp/Vultures-2.jpg Chemicals like diclofenac killed millions of Indian vultures in the 1990s. They were replaced by feral dogs, leading to spikes in rabies and subsequent human mortality. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-04/dzjlwsiq/Vultures-3.jpg Today, efforts are on to bring vultures back to the wilds of India. But these can only be successful if the habitats are themselves safe. downtoearth en 2026-09-04T12:40:20.215Z India’s vultures need not just conservation programmes but also protected landscapes Wildlife & Biodiversity, vultures, Diclofenac, Scavengers, electrocution, feral dogs, International Vulture Awareness Day 2026, NSAIDS https://www.downtoearth.org.in/air/india-on-e-wheels-personal-evs-alone-cannot-solve-indias-urban-transport-problems https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-04/yy02eekt/ashish-verma.png Ashish Verma, professor and head of the Sustainable Transportation Lab at the Indian Institute of Science downtoearth en 2026-09-04T12:01:02.672Z India on e-wheels: ‘Personal EVs alone cannot solve India’s urban transport problems’ Air, Energy, Renewable Energy, Public Transport, Urban Transport, electric mobility, electric buses, sustainable transport, India on e-wheels, Active mobility, Shared mobility https://www.downtoearth.org.in/water/punjabs-groundwater-crisis-52-more-groundwater-extraction-than-annual-availability-canals-being-sought-as-a-solution https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-04/ls1a2kqs/Canals.jpg The Rajasthan Canal on the Giddarbaha-Malout road near Fakarsar village in Punjab. downtoearth en 2026-09-04T11:57:50.899Z Punjab’s groundwater crisis: 52% more groundwater extraction than annual availability, canals being sought as a solution Water, Groundwater, Groundwater Extraction, Punjab, agriculture in punjab, Groundwater crisis https://www.downtoearth.org.in/governance/simply-put-school-run https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-04/zhmgoe05/1000413077.jpg https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-04/un85wdtx/1000413078.jpg downtoearth en 2026-09-04T10:13:49.220Z Simply Put: School run Governance, Education, school, student, fee, parent https://www.downtoearth.org.in/air/india-on-e-wheels-himachal-pradesh-tests-electric-waste-vans-and-taxis-in-push-to-take-evs-beyond-buses https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-04/goyl31ph/photo-collage.png.png Shimla has 12 battery-powered garbage vans. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-04/ixcgomqt/20260801145903.jpg Harnam Thakur next to his electric taxi. downtoearth en 2026-09-04T09:59:06.223Z India on e-wheels: Himachal Pradesh tests electric waste vans and taxis in push to take EVs beyond buses Himachal EV, electric mobility, Shimla e-waste, electric garbage, e-taxis, electric buses, mountain transport, EV employment, charging infrastructure, electric taxis, waste collection, hill cities, EV policy, battery vans, clean mobility https://www.downtoearth.org.in/energy/faster-ev-adoption-could-cut-indias-oil-battery-import-bill-by-125-billion-annually-by-2050-icct https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-04/35l3g9po/1000412999.jpg downtoearth en 2026-09-04T09:43:27.971Z Faster EV adoption could cut India’s oil, battery import bill by $125 billion annually by 2050: ICCT Energy, Energy, Oil import bill, EV adoption, India energy, EV batteries, Electric vehicles (EV) https://www.downtoearth.org.in/health/fao-evaluates-potential-and-challenges-of-traditional-herbal-medicines-for-wider-usage-in-livestock https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-04/trxzww0y/Cattle.jpg Cattle tied in a shed in rural India. downtoearth en 2026-09-04T09:34:30.359Z FAO evaluates potential and challenges of traditional herbal medicines for wider usage in livestock Health, Livestock, Antimicrobial resistance, ethnoveterinary medicine, FAO, Traditional herbal medicines (THMs) https://www.downtoearth.org.in/energy/madrid-wants-brussels-to-tax-oil-and-gas-company-profits-to-fund-measures-to-adapt-to-climate-change https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-04/q1b4myym/Spain-VP-Sara-Munoz.jpg Spain’s minister for ecological transition (and third vice-president) Sara Aagesen Muñoz (Centre). downtoearth en 2026-09-04T08:45:25.598Z Madrid wants Brussels to tax oil and gas company profits to fund measures to adapt to climate change Energy, Climate Change, Drought, wildfire, Spain, European Union, Sara Aagesen Muñoz, Wopke Hoekstra https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/weakening-natural-carbon-sinks-threaten-net-zero-plans-wood-mackenzie https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-04/qyqtzjcm/1000412815.jpg Financing gaps in the land use sector have left the natural sink capacity required to absorb residual emission underdeveloped. downtoearth en 2026-09-04T08:34:42.652Z Weakening natural carbon sinks threaten Net Zero plans: Wood Mackenzie Climate Change, Carbon Sinks, Oceans, carbon emissions, Wetlands, net-zero carbon, carbon absorption, carbon removal, Net Zero Transition, natural carbon sinks https://www.downtoearth.org.in/natural-disasters/nepal-teaches-us-that-energy-security-and-disaster-resilience-must-not-be-understood-in-silos https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-04/8ej1t9k9/Chilime.jpg Indian technical team continue their operations in excavating Chilime power house tunnel for rescue operations. downtoearth en 2026-09-04T07:59:52.343Z Nepal teaches us that energy security and disaster resilience must not be understood in silos Natural Disasters, Energy, Nepal, Hydroelectric power plant, Rasuwa Flood, Rasuwa https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/green-climate-fund-responds-to-query-on-seven-year-delay-in-nepal-glacier-project-but-gives-only-approval-and-implementation-dates https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-04/q72o3l1z/HRWYOCObEAAx5Qf.jpeg Two people were safely rescued on September 4 from inside the tunnel of the Trishuli 3A Hydropower Project, following the devastating flood that struck the Bhotekoshi River in Rasuwa, Nepal on August 26, 2026. downtoearth en 2026-09-04T07:44:18.731Z Green Climate Fund responds to query on seven-year delay in Nepal glacier project, but gives only approval and implementation dates Climate Change, Natural Disasters, Climate finance, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Green Climate Fund (GCF), disaster risk reduction, UNDP, loss and damage fund, Glacier lake outburst flood (GLOF), Glacial lake outburst floods, nepal floods, Bhotekoshi River https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/why-the-world-cant-agree-how-to-tackle-drought https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-04/jch6ug9u/1000412754.jpg downtoearth en 2026-09-04T05:59:42.119Z Why the world can’t agree how to tackle drought Climate Change, Governance, World, Drought, UNCCD, Mongolia, COP17, UNCCD COP17 https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/daily-weather-tracker-heavy-rainfall-expected-across-more-than-20-states-flash-flood-threat-looms-over-madhya-pradesh-uttar-pradesh-rajasthan https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-04/52g5xtef/Rainfall.png Heavy rain is forecast for Uttar Pradesh and eastern Rajasthan, with the risk of flash floods in several districts. downtoearth en 2026-09-04T05:08:10.961Z Daily weather tracker: Heavy rainfall expected across more than 20 states; flash flood threat looms over Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh & Rajasthan Climate Change, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Southwest monsoon, Rajasthan, India Meteorological Department (IMD), Daily Weather Tracker, Southwest Monsoon 2026 https://www.downtoearth.org.in/rivers/global-experience-shows-why-the-ken-betwa-river-linking-project-needs-rethinking https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-03/okv704lr/Ken-Betwa.jpg The Ken river downstream at Madla in Madhya Pradesh. downtoearth en 2026-09-04T05:01:10.181Z Global experience shows why the Ken-Betwa river-linking project needs rethinking Rivers, Water, Water security, River Linking, Bundelkhand, River linking project, National River Linking Project, river ecology, Ken-Betwa River Linking Project, Ken Betwa River Linking Projec, Ken-Betwa project, Inter-basin transfer, Panna Reserve Forest, Dryland rivers, Daudhan dam https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/himalayan-hazards-are-becoming-more-complex-our-warning-systems-need-to-catch-up https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-04/dsuwju3w/HRI2bU-aEAAW3Fo.jpeg An Indian tunnel rescue team continued rescue operations in Chilime, in coordination with the Nepali Army. downtoearth en 2026-09-04T04:58:07.177Z Himalayan hazards are becoming more complex. Our warning systems need to catch up Himalayan hazards, early warning, Nepal floods, cascading hazards, glacial collapse, debris flow, cross border, climate warming, glacial lakes, permafrost thaw, hazard monitoring, data sharing, community warning, Himalayan rivers, disaster cooperation https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/el-nino-strengthened-rapidly-firmly-established-may-intensify-further-wmo https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-03/jaex64y0/El-Nino.jpg https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-03/0jjgel8f/WMO-forecast-for-temperatures-Sept-Nov-2026.png WMO forecast for temperatures Sept-Nov 2026. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-03/9n9dohmo/WMO-forecast-for-Precipitation-Sept-Nov-2026.png WMO forecast for Precipitation Sept-Nov 2026. downtoearth en 2026-09-03T12:41:07.959Z El Nino strengthened rapidly, firmly established, may intensify further: WMO Climate Change, El Nino, LA Nina, ENSO, World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Celeste Saulo https://www.downtoearth.org.in/wildlife-biodiversity/botanists-identify-new-woolly-haired-flowering-plant-in-agasthyamala-biosphere-reserve https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-03/9iwtxfh2/img41.jpg Osbeckia ulotricha, clockwise from top left: leafy twigs; the upper and lower sides of the leaf; a stylar hair in a withering flower; and the flower. downtoearth en 2026-09-03T12:27:11.815Z Botanists identify new woolly-haired flowering plant in Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve Wildlife & Biodiversity, Western Ghats, Conservation of Western Ghats, Botanical Survey of India, new species, Shola grasslands, Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve, Flowering plant https://www.downtoearth.org.in/energy/nit-rourkela-patents-hybrid-energy-storage-system-to-extend-ev-battery-life https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-03/5cx42oyq/1000411871.jpg Photo of electric rickshaw for representation. downtoearth en 2026-09-03T12:17:24.011Z NIT Rourkela patents hybrid energy storage system to extend EV battery life Energy, Electric vehicles, Electric vehicle, Odisha, Electric Vehicle Technology, Hybrid energy, powertrain, battery technology, hybrid energy storage systems, NIT rourkela https://www.downtoearth.org.in/economy/can-warangals-gi-tagged-dhurries-escape-the-march-of-mechanisation https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-03/xkjp54zv/Warangal-Looms.jpg Workmen in a hand-operated loom near Warangal in Telangana. The area has been famous for its ‘Warangal Dhurries’ since the Mughal conquest of the region in 1687. But with weaving increasingly getting mechanised, these looms are today disappearing fast. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-03/zt2axuj7/Warangal-Looms.jpg Workmen in a hand-operated loom near Warangal in Telangana. The area has been famous for its ‘Warangal Dhurries’ since the Mughal conquest of the region in 1687. But with weaving increasingly getting mechanised, these looms are today disappearing fast. downtoearth en 2026-09-03T12:08:19.402Z Can Warangal’s GI-tagged Dhurries escape the march of mechanisation? Economy, Governance, Telangana, weaving, WARANGAL, Dhurries, looms https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/simply-put-natural-resources https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-03/9uapifqi/Simply-Put-3-Sept-hero-image-copy.jpg https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-03/98c1e35e/Simply-Put-3-Sept-Nepal-copy.jpg downtoearth en 2026-09-03T11:54:57.043Z Simply Put: Natural resources Climate Change, climate justice, nepal floods https://www.downtoearth.org.in/environment/daily-court-digest-major-environment-orders-september-2-2026 https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-03/rzugd2w1/Gavel.jpg downtoearth en 2026-09-03T11:28:21.040Z Daily Court Digest: Major environment orders (September 2, 2026) Environment, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), National Green Tribunal, prayagraj, daily court digest, Deoria, Kitchener lake, Delhi Development Authority’s (DDA), Yamuna flood plain https://www.downtoearth.org.in/energy/as-water-stress-deepens-india-asks-thermal-power-plants-to-account-for-every-drop https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-03/e6tsxej2/Thermal-power-plants-India-water-use downtoearth en 2026-09-03T11:07:33.974Z As water stress deepens, India asks thermal power plants to account for every drop Energy, Energy, Water, thermal power plant, National Water Policy, Central Electricity Authority https://www.downtoearth.org.in/agriculture/india-needs-a-human-and-farmer-centred-model-of-agricultural-ai https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-03/x375khz9/Farmer-ploughing-field.jpg A farmer ploughing a paddy field in the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu. downtoearth en 2026-09-03T10:23:19.388Z India needs a human- and farmer-centred model of agricultural AI Agriculture, Science & Technology, Farmer producer organisations (FPO), Farmers, artificial intelligence, Small and Marginal Farmers https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/combat-desertification-cop17-seat-at-table-for-indigenous-peoples-coordinated-action-on-land-climate-biodiversity-both-left-waiting https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-03/xp0kc86z/Ladakh-tibetan-woman-yak-herder For communities whose lands and livelihoods are on the frontlines of desertification, drought and land degradation, meaningful participation is not simply a question of representation; it can shape whether the solutions adopted by the UNCCD reflect realities on the ground. downtoearth en 2026-09-03T09:24:52.903Z Combat desertification COP17: Seat at table for Indigenous Peoples & coordinated action on land, climate, biodiversity — both left waiting Climate Change, Governance, Environment, Agriculture, Indigenous Peoples, Desertification, UNCCD, Communities, COP17 https://www.downtoearth.org.in/wildlife-biodiversity/ammachi-finds-a-home-in-the-forest https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-03/ewgbpkkh/Amolops-ammachi.jpg Amolops ammachi. downtoearth en 2026-09-03T09:13:51.566Z ‘Ammachi’ finds a home in the forest Wildlife & Biodiversity, Tripura, Northeast, Kerala, Frogs, Amolops ammachi, Padmini Varkey https://www.downtoearth.org.in/agriculture/indias-weakening-southwest-monsoon-is-a-multi-sectoral-challenge https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-03/8y3f6k8f/Dry-rice-field.jpg A dry rice field. downtoearth en 2026-09-03T09:13:42.341Z India’s weakening southwest monsoon is a multi-sectoral challenge Agriculture, Climate Change, Energy, El Nino, Kharif, Southwest monsoon, Paddy cultivation, Long period average (LPA) rainfall, Southwest Monsoon 2026, Agrarian stress https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/nepal-floods-show-that-india-must-price-the-cost-of-infrastructure-failure-before-disasters-strike https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-03/pnieyeo1/Screenshot-2026-09-03-at-1.41.57-PM.png Tunnel rescue team from India continued rescue operations in Chilime, in coordination with the Nepali Army. downtoearth en 2026-09-03T08:30:47.251Z Nepal floods show that India must price the cost of infrastructure failure before disasters strike Climate Change, climate resilience, chamoli disaster, infrastructure resilience, Glacial lake outburst floods, nepal floods, sikkim floods, Himalayan disasters, disaster risk, Trishuli valley, Himalayan infrastructure https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/when-the-gods-cant-fight-climate-change-the-panchubarahi-story https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-03/2xv50o3t/Satabhaya-Panchubarahi-Temple-on-31st-August-2026-Prasanjit-Lenka.jpg The Satabhaya Panchubarahi Temple on August 31, 2026. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-03/obdt5gy3/Satabhaya-Panchubarahi-Temple-in-2014-Ranjan-Panda.jpg The Satabhaya Panchubarahi Temple in 2014. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-03/dfk0moe1/Satabhaya-Panchubarahi-Temple-in-Nov-2025-Satyabadi-Biswal.jpeg The Satabhaya Panchubarahi Temple in November 2025. downtoearth en 2026-09-03T06:54:43.162Z When the Gods can’t fight climate change: the Panchubarahi story Climate Change, Odisha, Satabhaya village, Coastal Erosion, Kendrapada, Sea-level rise, Bagapatia https://www.downtoearth.org.in/africa/farming-can-help-drive-southern-africas-growth-if-countries-in-the-region-make-trade-easier https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-03/9c094jhq/South-africa-trade-agriculture In the past few years there have been instances of trade friction. Tension has been high between South Africa and some neighbouring countries, with three signalling their intention to limit imports from South Africa. downtoearth en 2026-09-03T06:46:48.978Z Farming can help drive southern Africa’s growth if countries in the region make trade easier Africa, World, Agriculture, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Farming, Economy, Trade, Southern Africa, eswatini https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/more-trees-are-needed-to-cool-down-european-cities-in-heatwaves-but-they-must-be-planted-nearer-to-homes https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-03/1b1srrod/iStock-2282252340.jpg downtoearth en 2026-09-03T06:30:20.690Z More trees are needed to cool down European cities in heatwaves — but they must be planted nearer to homes Climate Change, Forests, Urbanisation, Trees, heat, Urban heat islands, tree shading, UK heatwaves 2026 https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/daily-weather-tracker-heavy-rain-threatens-madhya-pradesh-uttar-pradesh-and-west-bengal-flood-risk-rises https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-03/7fusvaj0/Rainfall.jpg A red alert has been issued for heavy rain in Madhya Pradesh, with excessive rainfall in several districts increasing the risk of flooding and waterlogging. downtoearth en 2026-09-03T04:58:19.281Z Daily weather tracker: Heavy rain threatens Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal; flood risk rises Climate Change, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Southwest monsoon, West Bengal, India Meteorological Department (IMD), Daily Weather Tracker, Southwest Monsoon 2026 https://www.downtoearth.org.in/africa/africas-solar-boom-is-bigger-than-official-statistics-reveal-ember https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-03/m019j61h/Africa-Solar.jpg downtoearth en 2026-09-03T04:48:08.470Z Africa’s solar boom is bigger than official statistics reveal: Ember Africa, Energy, Renewable Energy, Solar Energy, IEA, Ember, solar boom https://www.downtoearth.org.in/natural-disasters/when-rock-flows-like-a-river https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-03/jbnc8ppk/Langtang-Lirung.jpg Mt.Langtang Lirung (7,234 m) seen from Kyangjin Kharka village of Nepal. downtoearth en 2026-09-03T04:27:59.142Z When rock flows like a river Natural Disasters, Science & Technology, Nepal, tibet, Himalaya, Eurasian plate, Indian plate, Rasuwa Flood, Rasuwa, Langtang Lirung https://www.downtoearth.org.in/environment/nepal-tragedy-result-of-decades-of-engineering-mindset-that-assumed-rivers-and-mountains-could-be-re-engineered-at-will-sunita-narain https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-02/v5j5ea6g/Ms.-Sunita-Narain-Director-General-Centre-for-Science-and-Environment-CSE-and-Padma-Shri-Awardee.jpg Sunita Narain, Director General, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). downtoearth en 2026-09-02T14:14:28.873Z Nepal tragedy result of decades of engineering mindset that assumed rivers and mountains could be re-engineered at will: Sunita Narain Environment, Natural Disasters, Nepal, nepal floods, Rasuwa Flood, Rasuwa https://www.downtoearth.org.in/forests/farmers-group-all-india-kisan-sabha-alleges-eviction-of-25000-forest-dwellers-in-tamil-nadu-is-illegal https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-02/25kag8sg/Agasthyamalai-Biosphere-Reserve.jpg Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve downtoearth en 2026-09-02T14:08:01.375Z Farmers' group All India Kisan Sabha alleges eviction of 25,000 forest dwellers in Tamil Nadu is illegal Forests, wildlife conservation, Tamil Nadu, Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, adivasis, forest dwellers, traditional forest dwellers, All India Kisan Sabha, Forest Rights Act of 2006, Meghamalai-Varusanadu, Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve