https://www.downtoearth.org.in/energy/how-kerala-can-move-from-power-imports-to-energy-security https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-16/7cy0e33r/iStock-1174728369.jpg downtoearth en 2026-09-16T06:54:05.237Z How Kerala can move from power imports to energy security Kerala energy, energy security, power imports, rooftop solar, decentralised solar, community storage, battery storage, demand management, climate forecasting, peak demand, renewable mix, hydropower limits, energy transition, grid resilience, cooling demand https://www.downtoearth.org.in/science-technology/the-us-says-it-has-launched-space-control-weapons-it-plays-into-the-hands-of-its-enemies https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-16/nynj1zc3/1000422157.jpg Photo for representation. downtoearth en 2026-09-16T06:51:31.037Z The US says it has launched ‘space control weapons’. It plays into the hands of its enemies Science & Technology, Governance, China, space, Russia, space control, space control weapons, US Air Force https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/meghalaya-abode-of-the-clouds-has-indias-highest-rainfall-deficit-throughout-monsoon-2026 https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-16/yaxcjnyz/Meghalaya.jpg A district map of Meghalaya. downtoearth en 2026-09-16T06:44:11.096Z Meghalaya, ‘Abode of the clouds’, has India’s highest rainfall deficit throughout Monsoon 2026 Climate Change, Northeast India, Meghalaya, Southwest monsoon, rainfall deficit, India Meteorological Department (IMD), Southwest Monsoon 2026 https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/daily-weather-tracker-heavy-rain-and-thunderstorms-likely-in-12-states-while-humid-heat-grips-several-regions https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-16/5uljwd1k/Monsoon-rainfall.jpg Today, heavy rains are expected in the following states: Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya, Haryana, Chandigarh, Punjab, Kerala-Mahe and Tamil Nadu. downtoearth en 2026-09-16T05:46:20.437Z Daily weather tracker: Heavy rain and thunderstorms likely in 12 states, while humid heat grips several regions Climate Change, Delhi-NCR, Southwest monsoon, Rainfall, Thunderstorms, India Meteorological Department (IMD), Daily Weather Tracker, Southwest Monsoon 2026, heavy rain and thunderstorms https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/ozone-hole-reaches-notable-threshold-early-again-as-area-increases-above-average-in-2026-copernicus https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-16/fddqmgoa/Ozone-Layer.jpg https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-16/gtmt8lml/img-8249ee40-7848-4d83-a883-ae8101c08fa1.png CAMS chart of the ozone hole area on 12 September 2026. The red line shows the data for 2026 and the dotted line the forecast for the following 5 days. The thicker, darker blue line is the evolution of the ozone hole during 2025, and the lighter blue line represents 2024. The grey colours represent the percentile values and the median between 1979–2023. downtoearth en 2026-09-16T04:54:12.327Z Ozone hole reaches notable threshold early again as area increases above average in 2026: Copernicus Climate Change, Science & Technology, Ozone, GHGs, Copernicus, World Ozone Day 2026 https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/repair-delayed https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-15/qf4bt932/Ozone-graphic.jpg Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, US downtoearth en 2026-09-16T04:54:02.368Z Repair delayed Climate Change, Montreal Protocol, Ozone, World Meteorological Organization (WMO), World Ozone Day, Greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), World Ozone Day 2026 https://www.downtoearth.org.in/natural-disasters/wake-up-call https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-15/gw3x6ybx/20.jpg downtoearth en 2026-09-16T04:53:52.954Z Wake-up call Natural Disasters, Nepal, tibet, Trishuli, Rasuwa Flood, Rasuwa, Nepal-China border, Lhende Khola, Bhotekoshi River https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/derailed-from-the-start https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-15/qjd3kmni/10.jpg downtoearth en 2026-09-16T04:53:42.729Z Derailed from the start Climate Change, Drought, IPCC, UNCCD, UNCCD COP17, Ulaanbaatar https://www.downtoearth.org.in/africa/planting-trees-in-the-wrong-places-is-not-a-climate-solution https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-16/tgmy4hsr/iStock-143917249.jpg downtoearth en 2026-09-16T04:35:58.764Z Planting trees in the wrong places is not a climate solution Africa, Forests, Climate Change, savanna, Drylands, Grasslands, tree planting https://www.downtoearth.org.in/wildlife-biodiversity/new-legless-amphibian-species-discovered-in-village-backyard-in-western-ghats https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-15/7yez0dab/snake.png Gegeneophis chandgadi downtoearth en 2026-09-15T12:34:02.279Z New legless amphibian species discovered in village backyard in Western Ghats Gegeneophis chandgadi, legless amphibian, blind caecilian, Western Ghats, new species, Buzawade village, Chandgad region, northern Western Ghats, backyard biodiversity, subterranean fauna, Grandisoniidae, annulocylix caecilian, hidden biodiversity, silent extinction, Zoological Survey https://www.downtoearth.org.in/governance/women-in-west-bank-fear-violence-and-arrest-amid-rising-restrictions-un https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-15/p2boqork/image1170x530cropped.jpg A woman watches on as a child eats at a camp in Gaza. downtoearth en 2026-09-15T11:14:38.767Z Women in West Bank fear violence and arrest amid rising restrictions: UN Governance, humanitarian crisis, UN Women, Occupied West Bank, Women-headed households, Palestinian women https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/drought-becoming-global-economy-wide-risk-governments-need-to-rethink-crisis-response-approach https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-15/a6a17zp3/1000421761.jpg COP17 ended without consensus on a global drought framework, continuing a debate over whether cooperation should ultimately take the form of a framework, protocol or another international instrument. Photo for representation. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-15/3b2wsaxf/Daniel-Tsegai-programme-officer-Drought-Resilience-UNCCD. Daniel Tsegai, programme officer, Drought Resilience, UNCCD. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-15/y1u5uozr/1000421771.jpg UNCCD Deputy Executive Secretary Andrea Meza Murillo downtoearth en 2026-09-15T11:09:29.706Z Drought becoming global, economy-wide risk; governments need to rethink ‘crisis response’ approach  Climate Change, Governance, Drought, Desertification, Land Degradation, UNCCD, Mongolia, Global drought, UNCCD COP17, Ulaanbaatar https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/no-one-is-immune-europe-is-facing-a-heat-emergency-in-slow-motion https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-15/kruo04dl/iStock-171321841.jpg downtoearth en 2026-09-15T10:55:06.358Z No one is immune: Europe is facing a heat emergency in slow motion Europe heatwave, extreme heat, heat emergency, climate crisis, heat deaths, urban heat, heat adaptation, air conditioning, Rhine drought, heat inequality, Global South, heat governance, nature solutions, energy policy, climate finance https://www.downtoearth.org.in/governance/simply-put-veiled-development https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-15/zkv360i3/1000421768.jpg https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-15/qehc0t6g/1000421767.jpg downtoearth en 2026-09-15T10:47:23.537Z Simply Put: Veiled 'development' Governance, Delhi, BRICS, Pollution, Slum, brics summit, slums veiled https://www.downtoearth.org.in/water/har-ghar-jal-in-delhi-ncr-not-really https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-15/s6l4t0e7/Delhi-Drinking-Water-1.jpg These people on a Noida kerbside are trying to extract precious drinking water from a broken pipeline. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-15/2h98wvv8/Delhi-Drinking-Water-2.jpg The Centre has launched schemes like AMRUT 2.0 which aims to provide 80 per cent of urban Indian households with tap water connections. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-15/425sfejt/Delhi-Drinking-Water-3.jpg But as can be seen in these photos, the ground reality is very different. downtoearth en 2026-09-15T10:36:15.681Z Har Ghar Jal in Delhi-NCR? Not really Water, Delhi, Drinking Water, Delhi-NCR, Noida, amrut, tap water, Tap water connections, Drinking water access, AMRUT 2.0 https://www.downtoearth.org.in/governance/perilous-lives-of-delhis-pedestrians https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-15/vozmuh9f/Delhi-Roads.jpg Pedestrians crossing a road through a gap in Delhi’s Anand Vihar. Encroached pavements, potholes, suspended electric wires and a dangerous driving culture make conditions lethal. Pedestrians don’t use foot overbridges and underpasses, as seen here, worsening matters. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-15/ftk6c3j8/Delhi-Roads.jpg Pedestrians crossing a road through a gap in Delhi’s Anand Vihar. Encroached pavements, potholes, suspended electric wires and a dangerous driving culture make conditions lethal. Pedestrians don’t use foot overbridges and underpasses, as seen here, worsening matters. downtoearth en 2026-09-15T09:15:35.098Z Perilous lives of Delhi’s pedestrians Governance, Delhi, Roads, safe driving, Pedestrians, ROAD SAFETY, Anand Vihar, potholes, pavements, driving, foot overbridges and underpasses https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/economics-of-changing-waters-poor-catch-rough-seas-and-rising-costs-leave-andhra-fishers-struggling https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-15/ca9ylcqj/A-fisher-selling-dried-marine-food-pic-by-kavitha-yarlagadda.jpg A fisher selling dried marine food in Amalapuram. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-15/n3ysy5gc/Boats-anchored-at-the-jetty-pic-by-kavitha-yarlagadda.jpg Boats anchored at the jetty. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-15/tidlezqx/Nokalamma-in-the-middle-with-other-women-pic-by-Kavitha-Yarlagadda.jpg Nokalamma (in the middle) with other women selling fish. downtoearth en 2026-09-15T08:48:45.464Z Economics of changing waters: Poor catch, rough seas and rising costs leave Andhra fishers struggling Andhra fishers, Uppada harbour, declining catch, climate change, warming seas, Bay of Bengal, fishing costs, idle boats, dead zones, oil sardine, hilsa migration, marine livelihoods, fuel prices, sustainable seafood, Andhra fisheries https://www.downtoearth.org.in/environment/daily-court-digest-major-environment-orders-september-14-2026 https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-10/mp2j1jrr/Gavel.jpg downtoearth en 2026-09-15T07:31:33.974Z Daily Court Digest: Major environment orders (September 14, 2026) Environment, Pollution, Punjab, NGT, UPPCB, Leather, Meerut, law, illegal leather factory, Illegal stone crushers, Kataka district, Kataka Odisha https://www.downtoearth.org.in/science-technology/four-numbers-that-will-decide-the-human-future https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-15/4cxxqznb/AI-Teacher.jpg AI will not replace 44 million teachers, and it must not try. But it can multiply every teacher we have and reach patients no health system currently reaches — if, and only if, we build it for the many and not the few. downtoearth en 2026-09-15T06:49:04.743Z Four numbers that will decide the human future Science & Technology, International Monetary Fund (IMF), humanity, WHO, loneliness, teaching, Machines, Artificial intelligence (AI), AI in healthcare, Future of humanity https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/gross-trust-deficit https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-15/t9r6livm/Inequality-India.jpg Slums and skyscrapers dot the Bandra skyline in Mumbai. downtoearth en 2026-09-15T06:08:45.577Z Gross trust deficit Climate Change, authoritarianism, Stockholm Resilience Centre, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, Earth for All Survey 2026, Club of Rome, Norwegian Business School https://www.downtoearth.org.in/science-technology/china-is-exploring-humanoid-robots-for-war-but-what-role-could-they-play https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-15/n45j732z/1000421332.jpg China’s has demonstrated the ability to integrate motors, reducers (gears used in precise joint movement), sensors, control software, testing infrastructure and manufacturing capacity into one unified industrial system. Photo for representation. downtoearth en 2026-09-15T05:55:07.015Z China is exploring humanoid robots for war — but what role could they play? Science & Technology, Governance, China, artificial intelligence, humanoid robot, war robot, AI policy https://www.downtoearth.org.in/science-technology/cyber-attacks-bioterrorism-to-pace-the-frontier-of-ai-effectively-we-must-improve-our-anticipatory-thinking https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-15/sjskih8p/iStock-2155473878.jpg downtoearth en 2026-09-15T05:01:37.568Z Cyber attacks? Bioterrorism? To ‘Pace the Frontier’ of AI effectively, we must improve our anticipatory thinking AI security, anticipatory thinking, AI cyberattacks, AI bioterrorism, AI frontier, AI slowdown, autonomous agents, multi-agent systems, AI governance, AI safety tests, reward hacking, AI risk, AI evaluations, AI incidents, AI governance pause https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/daily-weather-tracker-monsoon-retreat-begins-but-rain-thunderstorms-and-strong-winds-continue-across-india https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-15/64ycr1ks/Daily-Weather-Tracker.jpg downtoearth en 2026-09-15T04:53:36.476Z Daily weather tracker: Monsoon retreat begins, but rain, thunderstorms and strong winds continue across India Climate Change, Delhi-NCR, Southwest monsoon, Rajasthan, Monsoon withdrawal, Daily Weather Tracker, Southwest Monsoon 2026, Low-pressure systems https://www.downtoearth.org.in/agriculture/how-solar-powered-water-access-helped-bring-96-acres-under-cultivation-in-a-maharashtra-village https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-14/2stda1nt/5.jpg One of the 10 solar pumps across Tulyachapada. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-14/p9s13vsp/1.jpg Farmer Pandurang Lahare (L) and the dam and the adjoining solar pump systems https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-14/0f97rdn0/4.jpg Farmer Ramdas Jadhav (L) and the drip irrigation setup. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-14/2mejtelh/3.jpg Tulyachapada, a small tribal hamlet in Mokhada Block, Palghar district, has long struggled with water access despite being near a major dam. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-14/rkljmn7f/WhatsApp-Image-2026-09-14-at-18.18.11.jpeg Farmer Pandurang Chaudhary (L), Groundnut cultivation downtoearth en 2026-09-14T14:18:30.679Z How solar-powered water access helped bring 96 acres under cultivation in a Maharashtra village Agriculture, Energy, Renewable Energy, Maharashtra, Solar Pumps https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/brics-2026-key-takeaways-from-the-new-delhi-declaration https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-14/k085xv3x/BRICS-Key-Takeaways.jpg downtoearth en 2026-09-14T14:12:28.820Z BRICS 2026: Key takeaways from the New Delhi Declaration Climate Change, BRICS, Trade, Finance, Technology, green transition, 18th BRICS Summit, New Delhi Declaration 2026 https://www.downtoearth.org.in/waste/how-mcds-karol-bagh-zone-built-a-model-to-keep-delhis-roads-dust-free https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-14/selbxn8f/photo-collage.png-3.png Dust Free Delhi campaign being implemented by MCD's Karol Bagh zone on major Public Works Department roads exceeding 60 feet in width. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-14/av113fem/Picture-1.png https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-14/ianz8w5v/fig-2.png Implementation sequence and performance summary documented in the campaign: mechanised sweeping, manual cleaning, washing and reported operational achievements. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-14/23snf61v/Screenshot_2026_09_14_at_3_41_36_PM.png https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-14/x6l2slzf/fig-3.png Karol Bagh Zone road network and field photographs documenting mechanised sweeping, manual cleaning, greenbelt cleaning, collection and disposal, and washing. downtoearth en 2026-09-14T11:37:18.867Z How MCD’s Karol Bagh Zone built a model to keep Delhi’s roads dust-free Waste https://www.downtoearth.org.in/forests/indias-eco-sensitive-zones-notified-filed-and-forgotten https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-14/cqux8zk3/BlackbuckAntilopecervicapra-MalefemaleinHyderabadAPWIMG7268.jpg Blackbuck grazing at Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park, Hyderabad. downtoearth en 2026-09-14T11:33:46.018Z India’s eco-sensitive zones: Notified, filed, and forgotten Forests, Hyderabad, Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs), eco-sensitive zones, KBR National Park, Mrugavani National Park, Harina Vanasthali Wildlife Sanctuary https://www.downtoearth.org.in/waste/epr-in-asia-pacific-australias-own-packaging-industry-asked-to-be-regulated-the-government-has-said-no https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-14/pt9dcd73/1000420817.jpg https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-14/57vucpqu/1000420815.jpg downtoearth en 2026-09-14T11:22:19.029Z EPR in Asia Pacific: Australia’s own packaging industry asked to be regulated. The government has said no Waste, PLASTIC WASTE, Australia, packaging waste, EPR in Asia Pacific https://www.downtoearth.org.in/water/simply-put-water-for-baiga-tribe https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-14/fyguzf3s/Simply-Put-14-Sept-hero-image-copy.jpg https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-14/8fi0har4/Simply-Put-14-Sept-Baiga-copy.jpg downtoearth en 2026-09-14T10:59:38.088Z Simply Put: Water for Baiga tribe Water, Rural Water and Sanitation, Water, Drinking Water, Water Quality, Baiga https://www.downtoearth.org.in/science-technology/is-all-fair-and-legal-in-the-ai-world https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-14/h0m0emd5/52.jpg downtoearth en 2026-09-14T10:12:49.007Z Is all fair and legal in the AI world? Science & Technology, artificial intelligence, Google, meta, donald trump, Microsoft, openai, Anthropic https://www.downtoearth.org.in/natural-disasters/himalayan-blunders-and-beyond https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-14/jo0k8cpe/Editor-copy.jpg downtoearth en 2026-09-14T10:02:21.962Z Himalayan blunders and beyond Natural Disasters, Editorial, China, Nepal, himalayas, tibet, GLOF, ice-rock avalanche https://www.downtoearth.org.in/waste/india-has-found-microplastics-everywhere-so-why-are-we-still-unsure-how-to-regulate-them https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-14/iomwtx5g/iStock-1170923784.jpg downtoearth en 2026-09-14T09:43:17.307Z India has found microplastics everywhere. So why are we still unsure how to regulate them? microplastics, India microplastics, plastic pollution, microplastic regulation, Ganga pollution, drinking water, Bhoj wetland, tyre wear, synthetic textiles, FSSAI microplastics, Extended Producer, single-use plastics, air microplastics, PET bottles, Plas-Stick https://www.downtoearth.org.in/governance/massive-fire-in-delhi-just-days-after-amendment-of-laws https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-14/7z1194sb/Delhi-Fire-1.jpg An inferno broke out at a wooden items godown near Dallupura and Dharamshila Hospital in East Delhi’s Mayur Vihar Phase 3 area on September 13, 2026. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-14/fvv8v3x2/Delhi-Fire-2.jpg While there were no casualties, a station officer was hospitalised at LBS Hospital due to smoke inhalation while fighting the fire. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-14/ummosre5/Delhi-Fire-3.jpg The fire in Mayur Vihar comes months after the devastating fire in Malviya Nagar, which led the authorities to amend fire safety rules. However, as this fire shows, fire safety in Delhi is clearly not out of the woods yet, legal amendments or not. downtoearth en 2026-09-14T09:01:20.287Z Massive fire in Delhi just days after amendment of laws Governance, Delhi, Fire Safety, Malviya Nagar, Mayur Vihar, Fire incidents, The Delhi Fire Service (Amendment) Rules, 2026 https://www.downtoearth.org.in/governance/an-indigenous-tribes-children-die-in-the-heart-of-india-allegedly-due-to-corruption-and-negligence https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-14/shdsn4y7/Baiga-Woman-and-Child.jpg A Baiga woman and her child in their kitchen in Dindori, Madhya Pradesh. Recently, 30 children from the tribe, categorised as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group, have died in Madhya Pradesh’s Balaghat district due to reasons ranging from lack of adequate care, nutrition and safe drinking water. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-14/gdrw4w5s/Baiga-Woman-and-Child.jpg A Baiga woman and her child in their kitchen in Dindori, Madhya Pradesh. Recently, 30 children from the tribe, categorised as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group, have died in Madhya Pradesh’s Balaghat district due to reasons ranging from lack of adequate care, nutrition and safe drinking water. downtoearth en 2026-09-14T07:43:48.187Z An indigenous tribe’s children die in the heart of India allegedly due to corruption and negligence Governance, Indigenous Peoples, adivasis, Tribals, Madhya Pradesh, Baiga tribals