https://www.downtoearth.org.in/forests/global-deforestation-falls-15-per-cent-but-world-remains-off-track-to-meet-2030-forest-goals-report https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-16/og6fmu90/iStock-1385955614.jpg downtoearth en 2026-10-16T12:04:02.424Z Global deforestation falls 15 per cent, but world remains off track to meet 2030 forest goals: Report Forests, Climate Change, Wildlife & Biodiversity, Forest Conservation, forest restoration, Climate finance, global biodiversity framework, Tropical Forests, biodiversity loss, global deforestation, Forest Declaration Assessment 2026, Indigenous Peoples and Land Rights https://www.downtoearth.org.in/environment/highlights-from-the-issue-52 https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-15/cygnaoiq/01-Highlights-from-the-issue.jpg https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-14/sop2ek3e/Editor-Hindi-copy.jpg https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-16/u8m1a27r/30.jpg https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-12/zadh7k4n/Haunted-trails.jpg https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-16/mlp69pwc/46.jpg https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-15/t2ssn5lg/20.jpg https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-15/ca9ylcqj/A-fisher-selling-dried-marine-food-pic-by-kavitha-yarlagadda.jpg https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-10/ab6i6pp9/1000418334.png https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-15/yxoiqai3/10.jpg https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-15/agt86upv/50.jpg https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-16/pyx1t1fy/52.jpg On average, nearly nine in 10 women at the district level in India receive minimum quality antenatal care, shows analysis of district-level aggregated indicators derived from National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-21) https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-16/fodn3y2v/55.jpg Taradi tuber usually grows in shady forest habitats at elevations of 600-1,000 metres https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-15/t4vh92ym/42.jpg https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-15/9bf3fhps/Covid-19 The long-term effects of COVID-19 continue to inflict millions, adding to the morbidity levels downtoearth en 2026-10-16T11:17:16.455Z Highlights from the issue pollution control, air pollution, climate change, monsoon rainfall, low-pressure systems, chromium poisoning, Himalayan nomads, Gadchiroli mining, warming seas, solar farming, food warfare, planetary boundaries, maternal care, forest delicacy, COVID recovery https://www.downtoearth.org.in/energy/over-1000-clean-energy-projects-got-rs-1443-crore-but-rd-funding-weak-on-manufacturing https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-16/f5hauurv/1000448716.jpg downtoearth en 2026-10-16T10:59:54.282Z Over 1,000 clean energy projects got Rs 1,443 crore, but R&D funding weak on manufacturing Energy, Renewable Energy, Clean energy, solar power, R&D, clean tech https://www.downtoearth.org.in/food/world-food-day-india-is-witnessing-a-protein-boom-but-who-can-afford-to-be-part-of-it https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-16/oqd49jp5/iStock-909946486.jpg downtoearth en 2026-10-16T10:49:06.488Z World Food Day: India is witnessing a protein boom, but who can afford to be part of it? protein boom, food inflation, protein market, diet diversity, protein-rich foods, affordable protein, protein literacy, urban wellness, crop diversification, protein snacks, plant-based protein, protein affordability, protein transition, protein alternatives, nutritional security https://www.downtoearth.org.in/governance/simply-put-gaon-chalo https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-16/h6m44qpw/Simply-Put-16-OCT-hero-image-copy.jpg https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-16/tfqfo3vp/SImply-Put-16-Oct-Gaon-Chalo-movement-copy.jpg downtoearth en 2026-10-16T10:03:24.343Z Simply Put: Gaon Chalo Governance, Labour Rights, migrant workers, SURAT, Migrant Labourer https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/disrupted-rhythms-how-climate-change-affects-himalayan-pastoralism https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-16/mlp69pwc/46.jpg Shepherds from pastoral-nomadic communities move up and down the Himalayas round the year in search of fresh grass and optimal weather conditions downtoearth en 2026-10-16T10:02:29.483Z Disrupted rhythms: How climate change affects Himalayan pastoralism pastoral nomadism, climate change, Himalayan avalanches, Gaddi community, livestock loss, Jarol Jot pass, Chamba district, Kangra grazing, pastoral economy, Rupin pass, Down to Earth, Himachal Pradesh, alpine meadows, Pir Panjal, Dhauladhar range https://www.downtoearth.org.in/agriculture/world-food-day-why-indigenous-seed-preservation-knowledge-matters https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-16/cqcnm3xo/house.jpg https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-16/cehrfqyo/Drying-seeds.jpg While cucumbers and pumpkins are spread out or pressed against walls to dry, corn cobs are tied together and hung from ceiling https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-16/vnae5ifl/chula-and-bhar.jpg Positioned directly above the chula, the traditional stove, the bhar or raised wooden storage rack above it, receives a steady flow of heat and smoke, which gradually dries seeds and other agricultural produce stored there https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-16/a5drm4wu/seeds-1.jpg The nanglo or a bamboo winnowing tray, provides a broad surface on which to spread pulses and beans for sun-drying https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-16/l71invuu/Kothey-bari.jpg Homestead garden is a living repository in which biological diversity and cultural knowledge are sustained together downtoearth en 2026-10-16T09:59:30.040Z World Food Day: Why indigenous seed preservation knowledge matters Agriculture, Food https://www.downtoearth.org.in/health/beyond-the-doctors-visit-geography-of-maternal-healthcare-in-india https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-16/pyx1t1fy/52.jpg On average, nearly nine in 10 women at the district level in India receive minimum quality antenatal care, shows analysis of district-level aggregated indicators derived from National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-21) https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-16/680cglcv/53.jpg downtoearth en 2026-10-16T09:56:42.569Z Beyond the doctor’s visit: Geography of maternal healthcare in India maternal health, antenatal care, quality care, NFHS-5, health facilities, regional variations, hotspot regions, cold spot regions, pregnancy clinics, iron-folic acid, clinical checkups, tetanus vaccination, blood pressure, health system, India healthcare https://www.downtoearth.org.in/food/world-food-day-getting-taradi-out-of-the-wild https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-16/fodn3y2v/55.jpg Taradi tuber usually grows in shady forest habitats at elevations of 600-1,000 metres downtoearth en 2026-10-16T09:48:43.740Z World Food Day: Getting ‘taradi’ out of the wild World Food Day, taradi root, wild tuber, Himachali folklore, Dioscorea belophylla, western Himalayas, winter delicacy, Shivaratri fasting, forest spirits, RHRTS research, sustainable harvesting, cormlets, COVID-19 impact, Himachal Pradesh, natural germination https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/intimate-takeover-how-low-pressure-systems-are-reshaping-indias-rainfall https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-16/u8m1a27r/30.jpg https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-16/pwdg404s/36.jpg downtoearth en 2026-10-16T09:00:42.782Z Intimate takeover: How low-pressure systems are reshaping India’s rainfall low-pressure systems, monsoon rainfall, India monsoon, rainfall deficit, extreme rainfall, flash floods, deep depression, Himalayan states, regional contrast, Indo-Gangetic plains, Bay of Bengal, rainfall analysis, western disturbances, climate patterns, Down To Earth https://www.downtoearth.org.in/food/world-food-day-what-we-lost-when-we-simplified-farming https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-16/opi7xxe8/IMG20210908181041.jpg A traditional Akkadi mixed-cropping field in Raichur, Karnataka, where pearl millet grows alongside crops such as green gram, cowpea and moth bean. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-16/19kpqyoq/1657804601915.jpg The mixed-cropping system provides vegetative cover, helping retain soil moisture. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-16/vsaxdhvi/1.jpg Hanamesh Nayak harrows his field after sowing crops under the Akkadi mixed-cropping system in Kannal village, Raichur district. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-16/vld9ikbh/IMG-20210702-WA0024.jpg Seed diversity in practice: Combining multiple crop species can improve nutrient use and reduce the risk of crop failure. downtoearth en 2026-10-16T08:46:43.937Z World Food Day: What we lost when we simplified farming World Food Day, mixed cropping, crop diversity, soil health, Raichur farming, Akkadi system, sustainable agriculture, crop resilience, indigenous crops, drought impact, food security, minor millets, climate adaptation, local seed banks, traditional farming https://www.downtoearth.org.in/environment/daily-court-digest-major-environment-orders-october-15-2026 https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-07/yaop3jvv/Court-Digest.jpg downtoearth en 2026-10-16T08:09:43.718Z Daily Court Digest: Major environment orders (October 15, 2026) Environment, Waste, Waste Disposal, Lake conservation, Upper Lake https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/super-el-niño-telangana-chief-minister-prays-to-farmers-to-sacrifice-a-crop-to-save-drinking-water https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-16/6fz4pys2/iStock-1192098741.jpg Reddy’s strategy is to use this limited available water till the next monsoon. To achieve this, the biggest water user, agriculture, must sacrifice to prioritise the drinking water need. downtoearth en 2026-10-16T07:38:23.530Z Super El Niño: Telangana Chief Minister ‘prays’ to farmers to sacrifice a crop to save drinking water super el niño, telangana drought, water crisis, paddy crop, rainfall deficit, reservoir levels, economic losses, climate change, farmers sacrifice, global food security, monsoon deficit, hyper el niño, climate emergency, crop irrigation, global warming https://www.downtoearth.org.in/environment/daily-court-digest-major-environment-orders-october-14-2026 https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-16/i7g5kmlq/Gavel.jpg downtoearth en 2026-10-16T06:57:44.311Z Daily Court Digest: Major environment orders (October 14, 2026) NGT orders, Singhola waste, Delhi silt, environment orders, waste management, Jangpura dhalao, Ghaziabad waterbody, MCD affidavit, waste disposal, encroachment probe, Delhi landfill, NGT committee, Pant Nagar PCTS, health hazards, wetland authority https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/daily-weather-tracker-southwest-monsoon-withdraws-but-heavy-rain-threat-persists-across-southern-india https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-16/kagwazt9/1000448542.jpg downtoearth en 2026-10-16T06:33:24.573Z Daily weather tracker: Southwest monsoon withdraws, but heavy rain threat persists across Southern India Climate Change, monsoon, Tamil Nadu, Weather, Karnataka, rain, Rainfall, SOUTH INDIA, Puducherry, Monsoon withdrawal https://www.downtoearth.org.in/governance/seeking-a-just-life-81000-migrants-have-died-or-disappeared-in-over-a-decade-over-half-of-them-not-even-identified https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-16/k8j2o19z/Child-Migrant-Deaths.jpg A mother carries her child after arriving in Bosnia and Herzegovina, seeking safety and stability for her family after a long journey. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-16/nmv7jck7/hidden-figure.jpg downtoearth en 2026-10-16T05:04:40.100Z Seeking a just life, 81,000 migrants have died or disappeared in over a decade; over half of them not even identified migrant deaths, child migrants, migration routes, Mediterranean route, IOM report, missing migrants, child fatalities, sea crossings, migration crisis, data gaps, UN migration, death trails, human desperation, child casualties, migration data https://www.downtoearth.org.in/wildlife-biodiversity/africa-and-latin-america-hold-two-thirds-of-global-biodiversity-but-account-for-just-14-of-related-exports-unctad https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-15/ojycox97/GumArabic.jpg Gum Arabic. The report found that African countries exported raw gum arabic at an average price of $2.28 per kilogram but imported processed products at $6.50 per kilogram. downtoearth en 2026-10-15T15:02:53.487Z Africa and Latin America hold two-thirds of global biodiversity but account for just 14% of related exports: UNCTAD Wildlife & Biodiversity, Africa, World, Biodiversity, Africa, kunming-montreal global biodiversity framework, global trade, united nations conference on trade and development unctad, Latin America and the Caribbean, biodiversity-based products, sustainable trade, BioTrade, UN Biodiversity Conference 2026 https://www.downtoearth.org.in/forests/banjars-forest-rights-can-become-a-model-for-community-led-development-in-himachal-pradesh https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-15/yd6gv72y/iStock-832016696.jpg For forest-dependent communities, a forest is much more than a collection of trees. downtoearth en 2026-10-15T13:33:18.637Z Banjar’s forest rights can become a model for community-led development in Himachal Pradesh forest rights, community-led development, Himachal Pradesh, Banjar forests, Forest Rights Act, Gram Sabha, sustainable livelihoods, climate resilience, ecological health, participatory planning, biodiversity protection, water security, women participation, NTFPs, local governance https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/state-of-one-planetary-boundary-critical-in-india-south-asia https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-15/agt86upv/50.jpg downtoearth en 2026-10-15T12:13:51.662Z ‘State of one planetary boundary critical in India, South Asia’ planetary boundaries, South Asia, India pollution, aerosol loading, climate change, biosphere integrity, monsoon system, freshwater change, ocean acidification, biogeochemical flows, regional pollution, Aerosol Optical Depth, Down To Earth, environmental report, planetary health https://www.downtoearth.org.in/agriculture/international-day-of-rural-women-free-to-make-farming-choices-this-woman-revives-family-land-and-transforms-fortunes https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-15/yzv4odbs/1000447873.jpg downtoearth en 2026-10-15T11:54:30.218Z International Day of Rural Women: Free to make farming choices, this woman revives family land and transforms fortunes Agriculture, Agriculture, Farmer, Maharashtra, woman, International Day of Rural Women, farming choices https://www.downtoearth.org.in/mining/writing-on-the-wall-gadchirolis-transformation-comes-at-a-cost https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-15/t2ssn5lg/20.jpg Residents of Bande village complain of health problems and ruined agriculture after mining activities started in Surjagarh downtoearth en 2026-10-15T11:47:24.149Z Writing on the wall: Gadchiroli's transformation comes at a cost Gadchiroli mining, iron ore reserves, environmental impact, Lloyds Metals, forest wealth, health issues, Surjagarh mining, water contamination, Maharashtra investments, Naxalite unrest, economic transformation, mining contracts, drought restrictions, villager struggles, Down To Earth https://www.downtoearth.org.in/economy/indias-innovation-quagmire https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-15/t4vh92ym/42.jpg downtoearth en 2026-10-15T11:40:30.384Z India’s innovation quagmire India innovation, deep tech, R&D funding, technology stagnation, corporate apathy, innovation quagmire, RDI fund, bureaucratic delays, private sector, China comparison, entrepreneurial growth, frontier technologies, research spending, Imagined in India, innovation index https://www.downtoearth.org.in/health/has-the-world-escaped-covid-19s-grip https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-15/9bf3fhps/Covid-19 The long-term effects of COVID-19 continue to inflict millions, adding to the morbidity levels downtoearth en 2026-10-15T11:40:01.899Z Has the world escaped COVID-19's grip? COVID-19, pandemic, long COVID, WHO, life expectancy, global health, excess deaths, India COVID, public health, viral pandemic, morbidity, health recovery, death toll, global estimates, long-term effects https://www.downtoearth.org.in/governance/surat-migrant-workers-demand-eight-hour-shifts-and-weekly-holidays-in-gaon-chalo-protest https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-14/69qhntk6/iStock-2153245798.jpg downtoearth en 2026-10-15T11:24:49.368Z Surat migrant workers demand eight-hour shifts and weekly holidays in ‘Gaon Chalo’ protest Surat protests, textile workers, labour rights, migrant exodus, working hours, Diwali production, embroidery industry, social security, Gaon Chalo, labour laws, worker exploitation, power looms, employment benefits, labour shortage, factories bill https://www.downtoearth.org.in/health/how-big-tobaccos-political-influence-is-growing https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-15/znmt90di/Tobacco.jpg The tobacco industry has for many decades lobbied governments to not raise tobacco taxes, or to roll them back. Wikimedia Commons, CC0 1.0. downtoearth en 2026-10-15T11:16:56.066Z How Big Tobacco’s political influence is growing Big Tobacco, tobacco lobbying, illicit tobacco, tobacco excise, public health, political influence, smoking rates, tobacco control, taxation debate, organized crime, lobbying transparency, political donations, revolving door, vaping policy, health policies https://www.downtoearth.org.in/food/food-warfare-is-on-the-rise-as-a-conflict-strategy https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-15/yxoiqai3/10.jpg downtoearth en 2026-10-15T10:48:54.226Z Food warfare is on the rise as a conflict strategy food warfare, global food system, Russia-Ukraine war, food insecurity, grain exports, Black Sea blockade, Ukraine agriculture, fertile soil, famine risk, El Niño impact, wheat prices, trade routes, fertiliser crisis, grain harvest, food imports https://www.downtoearth.org.in/natural-disasters/one-in-three-people-unable-to-act-on-disaster-warnings-despite-receiving-alerts-report https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-15/si47rd3k/iStock-2296159979.jpg Aftermath of the Ahar Earthquake in 20212 in East Azerbaijan, Iran. downtoearth en 2026-10-15T10:32:30.377Z One in three people unable to act on disaster warnings despite receiving alerts: Report disaster warnings, early warnings, disaster preparedness, World Risk Poll, low-income countries, protective action, mobile alerts, disaster risk, warning coverage, climate risk, resilience planning, disaster impact, multiple warnings, disaster reduction, mobile systems https://www.downtoearth.org.in/forests/nagar-van-yojana-the-challenge-of-maintaining-indias-urban-forests https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-15/jpt2vmjl/2.jpg Etawah urban forest in Uttar Pradesh draws large crowds https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-15/lc04xvtz/Why-Indias-Urban-Forests-are-Dying-and-How-to-Save-Them1.png Rising summer temperatures compared with declining urban green cover across major Indian cities (2005–2025) https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-15/59bgxm64/IMG-20260630-WA0059.jpg A frontline worker clears invasive grass to prepare planting beds at an urban forest in Dewas, Madhya Pradesh https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-15/edqux5yd/IMG-20260616-WA0044.jpg Visitors and children enjoying the open green space and playground facilities at Etawah Nagar Van https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-15/zj97t4nv/1.jpg Entrance gate and paved boundary of an urban forest site near the hilly landscape of Viratnagar in Rajasthan downtoearth en 2026-10-15T09:58:43.142Z Nagar Van Yojana: The challenge of maintaining India’s urban forests Forests https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/daily-weather-tracker-heavy-rain-hailstorm-alerts-for-delhi-punjab-and-haryana-as-northeast-monsoon-approaches-south-india https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-15/2tklpesu/1000447750.jpg downtoearth en 2026-10-15T09:33:28.671Z Daily weather tracker: Heavy rain, hailstorm alerts for Delhi, Punjab and Haryana as Northeast monsoon approaches South India Climate Change, Haryana, Kerala, Rainfall, Punjab, SOUTH INDIA, northeast monsoon, hailstorm https://www.downtoearth.org.in/economy/238-million-indians-are-multidimensionally-poor-one-fifth-of-the-population-remains-vulnerable-due-to-basic-deprivations https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-15/s6hz7fs4/iStock-1069263912.jpg downtoearth en 2026-10-15T08:34:25.660Z 238 million Indians are multidimensionally poor; one-fifth of the population remains vulnerable due to basic deprivations Economy, Nutrition, Water, Poverty, Sanitation, poverty line, UNDP, multidimensional poverty, measuring poverty https://www.downtoearth.org.in/environment/daily-court-digest-major-environment-orders-october-13-2026 https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-07/yaop3jvv/Court-Digest.jpg downtoearth en 2026-10-15T07:04:43.503Z Daily Court Digest: Major environment orders (October 13, 2026) Environment, Encroachment, Punjab, River, desilting, Agra, NGT, river rejuvenation, river encroachment, law https://www.downtoearth.org.in/natural-disasters/panama-declares-emergency-after-powerful-earthquakes-trigger-more-than-100-aftershocks https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-15/rjzr4n1b/MH-drought.png downtoearth en 2026-10-15T06:55:27.609Z Panama declares emergency after powerful earthquakes trigger more than 100 aftershocks Panama earthquake, state of emergency, Richter scale, aftershocks, tectonic plates, Pacific Ring, Herrera province, seismic activity, earthquake damage, Civil Protection, Colombia tremors, building codes, Rio Grande quake, mechanical readjustment, Panama provinces https://www.downtoearth.org.in/health/menopause-triggers-sudden-bodily-changes-with-hormonal-shifts-beginning-over-a-decade-earlier-study-finds https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-15/lg17p1x1/iStock-1306693036.jpg downtoearth en 2026-10-15T05:09:23.469Z Menopause triggers sudden bodily changes, with hormonal shifts beginning over a decade earlier, study finds menopause changes, hormonal shifts, bone health, Nature Medicine, final menstrual, reproductive hormones, physiological cliff, menopausal therapy, blood chemistry, kidney function, liver health, preventive care, estrogen decline, lead release, aging vs menopause https://www.downtoearth.org.in/africa/zimbabwe-plans-for-drought-as-super-el-nino-threatens-2026-27-rainy-season https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-10-14/e9j2tyca/iStock-1170096581.jpg downtoearth en 2026-10-14T15:02:37.617Z Zimbabwe plans for drought as super El Nino threatens 2026-27 rainy season El Nino, drought plan, food security, climate-smart, rain-fed farming, grain reserves, livestock protection, climate change, traditional grains, irrigation, early warning, crop failures, water shortages, conservation farming, agricultural financing