https://www.downtoearth.org.in/energy/rigid-thermal-power-contracts-putting-indias-energy-transition-at-risk-cse-study-says https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-25/m3jbdhl2/iStock-187040625.jpg downtoearth en 2026-08-25T11:59:12.412Z Rigid thermal power contracts putting India’s energy transition at risk, finds CSE study Energy, Renewable Energy, energy transition, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), solar power, discoms, Power Purchase Agreements (PPA), electricity tariffs, coal power, power sector reforms, Thermal PPA https://www.downtoearth.org.in/governance/simply-put-a-question-of-compatibility https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-25/6g8q8twd/Simply-Put-25-Aug-hero-image-copy.jpg https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-25/azf20mp3/Simply-Put-25-Aug-Train-copy.jpg downtoearth en 2026-08-25T11:41:41.034Z Simply Put: A question of compatibility Governance, Access to safe drinking water, RAILWAYS, trains, railway stations, railway stations in india, amenities https://www.downtoearth.org.in/energy/lithium-carbonate-prices-fall-103-energy-storage-cells-extend-decline-as-market-eyes-2027-surplus https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-25/3tl9a9xy/Lithium.jpg https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-25/60mxjdwe/Figure.png downtoearth en 2026-08-25T11:26:16.795Z Lithium carbonate prices fall 10.3%, energy storage cells extend decline as market eyes 2027 surplus Energy, Lithium, China, United States, Lithium carbonate, Lithium batteries https://www.downtoearth.org.in/health/ebola-and-the-politics-of-vaccines https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-25/1rajmovd/p44illu-PatentlyColomn.jpg downtoearth en 2026-08-25T11:02:59.857Z Ebola and the politics of vaccines  Health, covid-19, The World Health Organization (WHO), Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), vaccines, big pharma, sars-cov-2, ebola, GAVI, International aids Vaccine Initiative (IAVI), Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) https://www.downtoearth.org.in/economy/sugar-prices-rise-30-in-a-month-as-weather-shocks-expose-inflation-risk-flagged-by-rbi https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-25/lsda3d7l/iStock-2220978393.jpg downtoearth en 2026-08-25T10:53:19.826Z Sugar prices rise 30% in a month as weather shocks expose inflation risk flagged by RBI Economy, Agriculture, Climate Change, Food, food inflation, Reserve Bank of India (RBI), excess rainfall, Sugarcane, Extreme weather, sugarcane crop, Crop Diseases, india sugarcane, union consumer affairs ministry, sugar prices, Weather shocks, Inflation risk https://www.downtoearth.org.in/waste/dirty-capital https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-25/mbn6m326/Delhi-Waste-1.jpg Garbage litters a road in Khoda Colony near the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-25/xz6lpqm3/Delhi-Waste-2.jpg The authorities in the national capital may have several means of waste disposal on paper. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-25/wnofx32e/Delhi-Waste-3.jpg On the ground though, the basic waste management delivery system leaves a lot to be desired. downtoearth en 2026-08-25T10:50:59.363Z Dirty capital Waste, Delhi, Waste Disposal, Uttar Pradesh, Municipal Solid Waste, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) https://www.downtoearth.org.in/energy/indias-solar-pv-manufacturing-capacity-hits-100-gw-but-upstream-import-dependence-remains-high-niti-aayog https://cf-images.assettype.com/down-to-earth/import/library/large/2018-04-18/0.63710200_1524033400_solar---vikas.jpg https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-25/8vs1j0x5/1000406078.jpg downtoearth en 2026-08-25T10:28:58.541Z India’s solar PV manufacturing capacity hits 100 GW, but upstream import dependence remains high: NITI Aayog Energy, China, Renewable Energy, Import, Indian solar industry, India solar market, solar panel, solar manufacturing, pv manufacturing https://www.downtoearth.org.in/wildlife-biodiversity/icar-registers-16-new-livestock-and-dog-breeds https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-25/5lif1wl2/Kombai-and-Kanni.jpg The Kombai (Right), one of the dog breeds registered in August 2026, along with the Kanni, another indigenous Indian dog breed. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-25/ebmpuke0/breed-registration0.jpg downtoearth en 2026-08-25T09:53:55.028Z ICAR registers 16 new livestock and dog breeds Wildlife & Biodiversity, Livestock, ICAR, Indian Council Of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Indigenous breeds, Dogs https://www.downtoearth.org.in/rivers/infrastructure-alone-cannot-secure-the-future-of-the-ganga-we-need-millions-of-informed-citizens-who-choose-to-value-and-protect-it https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-25/8en59703/Ganga-1.jpg Landscape of Ganga river. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-25/glqpgv9k/Ganga-2.jpg Gangetic River Dolphin. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-25/2xq9357l/Ganga-3.jpg Diorama depicting threats to Ganga biodiversity at Anubhuti Interpretation Centre, Kanpur. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-25/sutns4j5/Ganga-4.jpg Students exploring Ganga biodiversity through interactive exhibits at Ganga Darpan Interpretation Centre, Varanasi. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-25/65re3wfb/Ganga-5.jpg Ganga Avlokan Interpretation Centre, Haridwar. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-25/45fpey57/Ganga-6.jpg Anubhuti Interpretation Centre, Kanpur. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-25/he7zma82/Ganga-7.jpg Diorama showcasing origin of the River Ganges, Ganga Darpan Interpretation Centre, Varanasi. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-25/yc9qwynf/Ganga-8.jpg Raghukul Interpretation Centre, Ayodhya. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-25/5mi6lzm8/Ganga-9.jpg Students visiting Ganga Darpan Interpretation Centre, Varanasi. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-25/bhyw8zf5/Ganga-10.jpg School students at Ganga Darpan Interpretation Centre, Varanasi. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-25/zl65k3zo/Ganga-11.jpg 3D Models of Gangetic Dolphin and Gharial at Ganga Avlokan Interpretation Centre, Haridwar. downtoearth en 2026-08-25T09:17:55.393Z Infrastructure alone cannot secure the future of the Ganga. We need millions of informed citizens who choose to value and protect it Rivers, Water, Uttar Pradesh, uttarakhand, Ganga, Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Namami Gange Programme https://www.downtoearth.org.in/air/india-on-e-wheels-kanpur-leads-in-pm-e-drive-scheme-but-charging-gaps-and-permit-concerns-remain https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-25/tv5dvily/downtoearth-hindi2026-08-24jt53b9l41000236869.jpg downtoearth en 2026-08-25T07:52:29.085Z India on e-wheels: Kanpur leads in PM e-Drive scheme, but charging gaps and permit concerns remain Air, Energy, Renewable Energy, Uttar Pradesh, Air Pollution, Public Transport, Kanpur, IIT Kanpur, E-Rickshaws, EV charging, PM E-DRIVE scheme, PM E-DRIVE, Electric vehicles (EV), India on e-wheels, CNG autos https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/extreme-heat-costs-bangladesh-41-billion-in-lost-wages-each-year-study https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-25/1ywckmgp/Extreme-heat-Bangladesh-wage-workers Outdoor workers lose an average of 23.7 workdays each year due to heat, compared with 13.5 days among indoor workers. Photo for representation. downtoearth en 2026-08-25T07:42:56.647Z Extreme heat costs Bangladesh $4.1 billion in lost wages each year: Study Climate Change, World, Health, Workers, heat exposure, Mental Health, Economy, migrant workers, Labourer, Bangladesh, extreme heat, informal workers, outdoor workers https://www.downtoearth.org.in/air/india-on-e-wheels-tamil-nadu-is-indias-ev-michigan-courtesy-proactive-state-policies https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-25/l1nhe2cv/Chennai-EV.jpg An electric autorickshaw near Marina Beach in Chennai. downtoearth en 2026-08-25T06:53:46.394Z India on e-wheels: Tamil Nadu is ‘India’s EV Michigan’, courtesy proactive state policies Air, Energy, Tamil Nadu, Electric vehicles, Chennai, michigan, Electric vehicles (EV), India on e-wheels, detroit https://www.downtoearth.org.in/africa/ageing-with-hiv-global-report-highlights-the-need-to-prepare-health-systems https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-25/dtpane14/Ageing-with-HIV downtoearth en 2026-08-25T06:10:47.434Z Ageing with HIV: Global report highlights the need to prepare health systems Africa, Health, World, Health, AIDS, Elderly, Ageing, Healthcare, hiv, comorbidity https://www.downtoearth.org.in/agriculture/tamil-nadu-drops-plans-for-chennais-second-airport-at-parandur-after-resistance-from-farmers https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-25/wx7x9nbp/Vijay.jpg CM Vijay speaking in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. downtoearth en 2026-08-25T05:53:56.146Z Tamil Nadu drops plans for Chennai’s second airport at Parandur after resistance from farmers Agriculture, Governance, Tamil Nadu, Farmers, Chennai, Airport, Parandur https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/daily-weather-tracker-heavy-rain-alert-across-chhattisgarh-madhya-pradesh-and-several-states-know-where-flash-flood-risks-loom https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-25/k6db6fc9/Rainfall.jpg downtoearth en 2026-08-25T05:53:44.799Z Daily weather tracker: Heavy rain alert across Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and several states; know where flash flood risks loom Climate Change, Floods, Madhya Pradesh, Southwest monsoon, Chhattisgarh, India Meteorological Department (IMD), Daily Weather Tracker, Southwest Monsoon 2026 https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/seven-decades-of-data-show-this-karnataka-citys-farming-seasons-are-being-rewritten https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-24/6awrgt3o/IMG20260526105216921HDR.jpg A farm in Chikkaballapur. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-24/627fu90u/Figure-1a.svg Annual total rainfall in Chikkaballapur has increased significantly over the decades. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-24/snhu9516/Figure-1b.svg Total rainfall during both the monsoon and non-monsoon months has increased in the recent period (1995–2024) compared to 1951–1980. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-24/mytov244/Figure-2.svg Number of days with greater than 20 mm rainfall in September. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-24/7eu171t1/Figure-3a.svg Hot days in February. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-24/26cl7uob/Figure-3b.svg Hot days in April. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-24/nkx09sqb/Figure-4a.svg Occurrence of the first hot day. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-24/zge67rzp/Figure-4b.svg Occurrence of the last hot day. downtoearth en 2026-08-25T05:26:47.971Z Seven decades of data show this Karnataka district’s farming seasons are being rewritten Climate Change, Agriculture, monsoon, Climate Adaptation, Farmers, Karnataka, Rainfall, Horticulture, extreme heat, Chikkaballapur https://www.downtoearth.org.in/health/the-physical-activity-paradox-not-all-forms-of-exercise-lower-your-dementia-risk-this-type-raises-it https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-25/r4fsyce9/iStock-1336689393.jpg downtoearth en 2026-08-25T04:54:28.301Z The physical activity paradox: not all forms of exercise lower your dementia risk — this type raises it physical activity paradox, dementia risk, leisure exercise, occupational activity, active commuting, brain health, leisure time, manual work, Alzheimer’s disease, air pollution, housework exercise, World Health Organization, LANCET study, UK Biobank, dementia prevention https://www.downtoearth.org.in/air/the-sunita-narain-show-how-did-hamburg-pave-the-way-for-an-integrated-public-transport-system https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-25/o0oztq04/SN-THUMBNAIL-copy.jpg downtoearth en 2026-08-25T04:43:34.203Z The Sunita Narain Show: How did Hamburg pave the way for an integrated public transport system? Air, Energy, Governance, Germany, docuseries, The Sunita Narain Show, Hamburg, public transport system, Integration https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/global-ocean-records-hottest-day-ever https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-24/xb9nphku/New-Project.jpg Anomalies in sea surface temperature for August 22, 2026. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-24/m0hh4in8/img-2b108e54-9245-49e6-947f-33becac7054c.png Daily sea surface temperature (°C) averaged over the extra–polar global ocean (60°S–60°N) for 2024 (yellow), 2025 (orange) and 2026 (red). All other years between 1979 and 2023 are shown with grey lines. The daily average for the 1991–2020 reference period is shown with a dashed grey line. downtoearth en 2026-08-24T13:25:48.789Z Global ocean records hottest day ever Climate Change, marine heatwaves, ocean warming, Extreme weather, Sea-level rise, Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) of the European Union, sea surface temperature, El Niño, Global ocean temperature https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/altérra-reflects-a-broader-shift-in-the-politics-of-climate-finance https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-24/loqcqgfn/COP28-Dubai.jpg Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev, UN Secretary-General António Guterres and COP28 President Dr. Sultan Al Jaber listen to opening statements at the COP29 World Leaders Climate Action Summit. downtoearth en 2026-08-24T11:41:59.112Z ALTÉRRA reflects a broader shift in the politics of climate finance Climate Change, Paris agreement, global south, global north, Climate finance, cop28, UNFCCC, 28th conference of parties (cop28), United Arab Emirates, cop28 president-designate sultan al jaber, CBDR-RC, ALTÉRRA https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/indias-energy-transition-who-pays-the-price https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-24/k8uq0h08/Coal-Jharkhand.jpg A woman rummages through a pile of smoldering coal in Jharia, Jharkhand. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-24/srs4bvvd/IMG-20260724-WA0000.jpg https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-24/c53ijiha/IMG-20260724-WA0001.jpg downtoearth en 2026-08-24T11:41:47.112Z India’s energy transition: Who pays the price? Climate Change, Energy, Renewable Energy, Electricity, Coal, power, just transition, eastern india, coal-dependent communities https://www.downtoearth.org.in/governance/simply-put-shed-the-classroom https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-24/ubtu7vd6/1000405121.jpg https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-24/kd2lb2nr/1000405120.jpg downtoearth en 2026-08-24T11:15:57.257Z Simply Put: Shed the classroom? Governance, Education, school, Classroom, cowshed https://www.downtoearth.org.in/energy/india-on-e-wheels-crut-plans-rs-5000-crore-urban-mobility-overhaul-for-odishas-new-economic-corridor https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-24/ldk4dig3/CRUT-electric-buses Electric buses by CRUT on a street in Bhubaneswar. Photo for representation. downtoearth en 2026-08-24T10:22:07.136Z India on e-wheels: CRUT plans Rs 5,000 crore urban mobility overhaul for Odisha's new economic corridor Energy, electric mobility, PURI, Urban mobility, bhubaneswar smart city, Cuttack, Bhubaneshwar, charging infrastructure, e-mobility, India on e-wheels, CRUT, Paradeep https://www.downtoearth.org.in/waste/in-one-corner-of-up-plastic-waste-is-being-processed-on-agricultural-land https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-24/ddv5pvjb/UP-Plastic-1.jpg In the fields of Kanpur Dehat district of Uttar Pradesh, an environmental violation is taking place. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-24/uvfrcu7n/UP-Plastic-2.jpg Plastic waste is being manually cut and washed using hot groundwater on open agricultural land. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-24/r6rtvr99/UP-Plastic-3.jpg Against most waste management rules, this practice is a significant environmental risk to farmland, groundwater quality, and public health. downtoearth en 2026-08-24T09:56:09.636Z In one corner of UP, plastic waste is being processed on agricultural land Waste, Groundwater, Plastic, Uttar Pradesh, PLASTIC WASTE, agricultural land, kanpur dehat, plastic waste management, Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 https://www.downtoearth.org.in/food/firing-up-our-fiery-palates https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-24/6e7dhye5/Chilli-Farmers.jpg Chilli farmers with their stock at Enumamula agriculture market in Warangal, Telangana. India is the world's largest producer, consumer, and exporter of chillies. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-24/h6cswt10/Chilli-Farmers.jpg Chilli farmers with their stock at Enumamula agriculture market in Warangal, Telangana. India is the world's largest producer, consumer, and exporter of chillies. downtoearth en 2026-08-24T09:36:59.313Z Firing up our fiery palates Food, Agriculture, Cash Crops, chillies, spice, Deccan, Chilli exports https://www.downtoearth.org.in/environment/daily-court-digest-major-environment-orders-august-21-2026 https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-24/ptenclq3/Gavel.jpg downtoearth en 2026-08-24T08:54:03.801Z Daily Court Digest: Major environment orders (August 21, 2026) environment orders, Kerala High Court, Bombay High Court, National Green Tribunal, neurodevelopmental disabilities, paediatric palliative, school transport, wildlife attacks, Sahyadri Tiger, Chandoli National, laterite mining, Khordha Odisha, Olasingh quarry, Rapid Response, palliative policy https://www.downtoearth.org.in/environment/iran-oil-spill-the-war-is-leaving-environmental-scars-that-ceasefires-cannot-heal https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-24/n50h2ye8/Iran-oil-spill-conflict-Hormuz Mangrove forest in Qeshm Island, Iran. The Strait of Hormuz and its surrounding waters are home to mangroves, coral reefs, seagrass beds, fisheries and coastal communities. downtoearth en 2026-08-24T08:42:37.107Z Iran oil spill: The war is leaving environmental scars that ceasefires cannot heal Environment, Environment, Ecology, Impact on marine ecology, Oil Pollution, Oil spills, Strait of Hormuz, Iran oil spill https://www.downtoearth.org.in/wildlife-biodiversity/non-profit-undertakes-plantation-of-guggal-species-on-commons-land-in-attempt-to-restore-kutchs-native-medicinal-heritage https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-24/hfyn1098/Kutch-Plantation.jpg downtoearth en 2026-08-24T07:55:59.086Z Non-profit undertakes plantation of Guggal species on commons land in attempt to restore Kutch’s native medicinal heritage Wildlife & Biodiversity, Forests, Gujarat, Kutch, native biodiversity, medicinal plant heritage, Guggal https://www.downtoearth.org.in/agriculture/combat-desertification-cop17-report-makes-21-tn-47-tn-case-for-investing-in-rangelands-so-why-is-investment-falling-short https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-24/nzekk4ak/iStock-2222570200.jpg A man herds goats, cows and donkeys in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A new report challenges the long-held assumption that pastoralism is primarily a driver of land degradation. downtoearth en 2026-08-24T07:19:12.196Z Combat desertification COP17: Report makes $21 tn-$47 tn case for investing in rangelands, so why is investment falling short? rangelands, UNCCD COP17, land restoration, desertification, pastoralism, drought resilience, blended finance, land degradation, climate finance, dryland ecosystems, carbon sink, Ulaanbaatar summit, pastoral communities, ecosystem services, International Year https://www.downtoearth.org.in/air/india-on-e-wheels-hubbali-dharwads-ev-market-is-growing-but-sustainable-mobility-still-has-a-long-way-to-go https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-24/kr05xlu6/Hubbali-Dharwad-E-wheels-1.jpg A charging station near Hubbali. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-24/u53l7hl4/Hubbali-Dharwad-E-wheels-2.jpg Vinayak Navali. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-24/lpexgpnm/Hubbali-Dharwad-E-wheels-3.jpg Vinay Kumar Pujar. downtoearth en 2026-08-24T06:27:23.897Z India on e-wheels: Hubbali-Dharwad’s EV market is growing but sustainable mobility still has a long way to go Air, Energy, Electric vehicles, bengaluru, Karnataka, Chitradurga, Dharwad, Electric vehicles (EV), India on e-wheels, Hubbali https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/daily-weather-tracker-very-heavy-rain-threat-grips-several-states-as-flood-relief-continues-in-agartala https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-24/yzi8u9jg/Tripura-Flood-Affected.jpg Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha visits flood-affected areas near Ashram Chowmuhani in West Tripura district. downtoearth en 2026-08-24T05:30:12.694Z Daily weather tracker: Very heavy rain threat grips several states as flood relief continues in Agartala Climate Change, Floods, Tripura, Southwest monsoon, West Tripura, India Meteorological Department (IMD), Agartala, Daily Weather Tracker, Southwest Monsoon 2026 https://www.downtoearth.org.in/economy/china-opens-new-arctic-trade-route-but-obstacles-will-prevent-its-wider-use https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-24/m759wmjw/iStock-1981688209.jpg downtoearth en 2026-08-24T05:04:41.897Z China opens new Arctic trade route — but obstacles will prevent its wider use Northern Sea Route, Arctic shipping, Sea Legend, China Arctic, Polar Silk Road, Arctic trade, Suez alternative, Red Sea risks, icebreaker escorts, climate change, Russian permits, Arctic geopolitics, Busan hub, Felixstowe route, Malacca dilemma