https://www.downtoearth.org.in/wildlife-biodiversity/trouble-in-the-gharials-last-bastion https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-21/my0oxxb9/043A2728.jpg The Supreme Court recently rapped Rajasthan for its inability to prevent sand mining in the Gharial Sanctuary on the Chambal river. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-21/v1yeymx6/043A2018.jpg Rajasthan had proved to be an ‘utter failure’ in combating the mining mafia, the bench of justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta said. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-21/53m2m0lo/043A1795.jpg The gharial is a unique crocodilian found only in the Indian subcontinent. Its population had declined dramatically in past decades but has since rebounded, due to conservation efforts. downtoearth en 2026-05-21T12:28:12.720Z Trouble in the gharial’s last bastion? Wildlife & Biodiversity, Mining, Mining, Rajasthan, Supreme Court, Chambal River, gharial, crocodilians, National Chambal Sanctuary https://www.downtoearth.org.in/forests/simply-put-let-our-forests-be https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-21/a9f6whx3/Let-our-forests-be https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-21/lj7zzuc6/Let-our-forests-be-2 downtoearth en 2026-05-21T11:06:51.840Z Simply Put: Let our forests be Forests, Forests, Trees, Mining, Animals, adivasis https://www.downtoearth.org.in/rivers/no-new-hydropower-projects-in-alaknanda-bhagirathi-basin-centre-tells-apex-court https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-21/r0gzsu6f/Alaknanda.jpg The Alaknanda river. downtoearth en 2026-05-21T11:02:43.630Z No new hydropower projects in Alaknanda-Bhagirathi basin, Centre tells apex court Rivers, Water, Hydropower, uttarakhand, Supreme Court, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC), Alaknanda-Bhagirathi basin https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/us-opposes-india-and-27-nations-abstain-as-un-backs-icj-climate-ruling-by-141-8-vote https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-21/wxo8gaa7/Climate-justice Photo for representation. downtoearth en 2026-05-21T10:55:40.764Z US opposes, India and 27 nations abstain as UN backs ICJ climate ruling by 141-8 vote Climate Change, United States, International Court of Justice (ICJ), United Nations, ICJ, ICJ AO, ICJ advisory opinion, Climate liability, climate ruling https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/developed-economies-deliver-1367-billion-in-climate-finance-in-2024-but-low-income-nations-receive-only-7 https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-21/js70mibz/iStock-1301933680.jpg https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-21/qd0mpt5g/Screenshot_2026_05_21_at_4_08_54_PM.png downtoearth en 2026-05-21T10:49:17.554Z Developed economies deliver $136.7 billion in climate finance in 2024, but low-income nations receive only 7% Climate Change, Developing Countries, climate justice, Climate finance, $100 billion climate finance goal, Developed Countries, OECD, new collective quantified goal (ncqg), new climate finance goal, adaptation finance, climate debt, Low-income countries, Mitigation finance, $1.3 trillion climate finance goal https://www.downtoearth.org.in/agriculture/climate-stress-hits-bihars-litchi-crop-as-muzaffarpur-farmers-report-losses-of-up-to-70 https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-21/nxrrq5z3/iStock-1400614440.jpg Muzaffarpur alone has litchi orchards spread across around 12,000 hectares. downtoearth en 2026-05-21T10:03:31.851Z Climate stress hits Bihar’s litchi crop as Muzaffarpur farmers report losses of up to 70% Agriculture, Climate Change, Bihar, Crop loss, Muzaffarpur, Litchi, litchi farmers, litchi harvest, crop losses, Flower webber https://www.downtoearth.org.in/africa/kenyas-reptile-trade-expands-rapidly-with-exports-crossing-87000-animals-finds-study https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-21/dyrvylb8/Nile-Crocodile.jpg A young Nile crocodile. The species is found in Kenya and much of Africa. downtoearth en 2026-05-21T09:55:11.368Z Kenya’s reptile trade expands rapidly, with exports crossing 87,000 animals, finds study Africa, Wildlife & Biodiversity, Kenya, Reptiles, tortoises, Lizards, exotic pet trade https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/india-among-biggest-new-carbon-markets-as-global-carbon-pricing-covers-29-per-cent-of-emissions https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-21/dyvuz5m8/World-Bank.jpg downtoearth en 2026-05-21T09:39:29.489Z India among biggest new carbon markets as global carbon pricing covers 29 per cent of emissions Climate Change, Carbon credits, World Bank, European Union, carbon markets, Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) https://www.downtoearth.org.in/agriculture/what-does-fuel-price-hike-mean-for-farmers-and-how-does-it-influence-inflation https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-21/v52xu60a/War-and-pocket.jpg downtoearth en 2026-05-21T09:15:54.451Z What does fuel price hike mean for farmers and how does it influence inflation? Agriculture, Energy, Food, Farmers, Inflation, Diesel, fuel price hike https://www.downtoearth.org.in/health/tamil-nadus-emergency-healthcare-system-emerged-stronger-post-covid-driving-sharp-gains-in-maternal-newborn-outcomes-study https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-21/xxp81aok/TN-Pandemic.jpg downtoearth en 2026-05-21T09:07:10.204Z Tamil Nadu’s emergency healthcare system emerged stronger post-COVID, driving sharp gains in maternal & newborn outcomes: Study Health, Tamil Nadu, covid-19, Maternal Health, newborn health, IIT Madras https://www.downtoearth.org.in/environment/daily-court-digest-major-environment-orders-may-20-2026 https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-02-23/215izw94/Court-Digest.jpg downtoearth en 2026-05-21T08:27:45.113Z Daily Court Digest: Major environment orders (May 20, 2026) Environment, Waste, Waste Management, Pollution, bottling plant, cgwa https://www.downtoearth.org.in/health/cag-report-raises-questions-over-rs-50072-crore-health-cess-not-reaching-designated-fund https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-21/2kzvyp5s/down-to-earthimportlibrarylarge2021-12-270.972649001640612028hospital.avif The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has flagged concerns over the health cess. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-21/wagw1k9r/downtoearth-hindi2026-05-20kxxci8hlChatGPT-Image-May-20-2026-035607-PM.jpg downtoearth en 2026-05-21T08:24:04.106Z CAG report raises questions over Rs 50,072 crore health cess not reaching designated fund Health, Governance, public health, Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report, Health cess, Jan Swasthya Abhiyan India https://www.downtoearth.org.in/environment/newly-elected-bengal-mla-plans-to-conserve-kolkatas-key-environmental-landmarks https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-21/j23169il/Swapan-Dasgupta.jpg Swapan Dasgupta. downtoearth en 2026-05-21T07:24:35.389Z Newly elected Bengal MLA plans to conserve Kolkata’s key environmental landmarks  Environment, Governance, West Bengal, rabindra sarovar, Kolkata, adi ganga, Swapan Dasgupta, Tramways, Rasbehari Assembly Constituency https://www.downtoearth.org.in/agriculture/for-farmers-in-rural-delhi-struggling-with-rising-input-costs-and-declining-water-wastewater-dependence-is-a-no-brainer-despite-health-risks-involved https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-21/54apon87/Najafgarh-Drain-vegetables.jpg Drain water being used for watering crops in rural Delhi. downtoearth en 2026-05-21T06:38:44.596Z For farmers in rural Delhi struggling with rising input costs and declining water, wastewater dependence is a no-brainer despite health risks involved Agriculture, Rural Water and Sanitation, Water, Delhi, Vegetables, public health, Wastewater, rural areas, Najafgarh drain https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/what-womens-work-songs-reveal-about-the-changing-climate https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-21/4mrcar2q/Women-work-song-climate-change Photo for representation. downtoearth en 2026-05-21T06:21:35.622Z What women’s work songs reveal about the changing climate Climate Change, Climate Change, Environment, Women, culture, Agricultural labour, Labour https://www.downtoearth.org.in/health/health-authorities-are-racing-to-contain-ebola-in-the-drc-and-uganda-heres-whats-making-it-so-challenging https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-21/oueym927/iStock-1351266625.jpg https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-21/k4rrvewj/file-20260520-57-wu4f6u.avif Early warning signals for Ebola in DRC, March to May 2026. downtoearth en 2026-05-21T04:50:31.178Z Health authorities are racing to contain Ebola in the DRC and Uganda. Here’s what’s making it so challenging Health, Health in Africa, Africa, Infectious Diseases, public health, ebola, Ebola outbreak, Ebola Africa, personal protective equipment, Africa ebola, Ebola death, Epidemics, contact tracing https://www.downtoearth.org.in/energy/ahead-of-cop31-in-antalya-türkiye-calls-for-global-push-to-electrify-economies-and-expand-renewables https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-20/zzrh625f/HInnYVWoAA9gWI.jpeg Türkiye’s environment minister and COP31 President-Designate Murat Kurum at the Copenhagen Climate Ministers’ Meeting. downtoearth en 2026-05-20T13:23:49.359Z Ahead of COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye calls for global push to electrify economies and expand renewables Energy, Renewable Energy, COP30, COP31, COP31 Antalya, UNFCCC COP31 https://www.downtoearth.org.in/wildlife-biodiversity/urban-life-makes-animals-bolder-more-aggressive-study https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-20/2mekm64v/Pigeon-city-birds Urban-associated increases in behavioural traits occurred across species irrespective of ecological category. downtoearth en 2026-05-20T12:54:31.212Z Urban life makes animals bolder, more aggressive: Study Wildlife & Biodiversity, Bird, Adaptation, Animal, Ecology, City, URBAN, aggressive, bold, avian https://www.downtoearth.org.in/wildlife-biodiversity/world-bee-day-2026-conserving-natures-tiny-treasures https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-20/ca620qqx/World-Bee-Day-1.jpg May 20 is a day designated by the United Nations to highlight the importance of bees, with whom humanity has shared a millennia-old relationship. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-20/yuetsxw5/World-Bee-Day-2.jpg Today, awareness of the significance of bees is important as they are on the decline due to pesticide use. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-20/3cpmop30/World-Bee-Day-3.jpg Promoting steps that will protect and enhance pollinators and their habitats and championing indigenous knowledge can help secure a sustainable future for both bees and people. downtoearth en 2026-05-20T12:41:40.810Z World Bee Day 2026: Conserving Nature’s tiny treasures Wildlife & Biodiversity, Apiculture, Insects, Bees, Honey, pollinators, Pesticides, World Bee Day 2026 https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/sundarbans-to-feature-in-delhi-big-cat-summit-says-environment-minister https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-20/gwacohes/HD73tZpbEAAZGNk.jpeg Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav. downtoearth en 2026-05-20T12:39:32.026Z Sundarbans to feature in Delhi big cat summit, says environment minister Climate Change, Wildlife & Biodiversity, wildlife conservation, West Bengal, Sundarbans, Mangroves, bhupender yadav, sundarbans west bengal, International Big Cat Alliance, Sundarbans Tiger Reserve, Royal Bengal Tiger, IBCA Summit https://www.downtoearth.org.in/agriculture/for-indian-agriculture-the-west-asian-crisis-is-not-just-a-test-of-economic-resilience-but-also-of-policy-responsiveness https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-20/8upn4scw/Coffee-Plantation.jpg A Robusta coffee plantation. downtoearth en 2026-05-20T12:16:29.373Z For Indian agriculture, the West Asian Crisis is not just a test of economic resilience but also of policy responsiveness Agriculture, Coffee, Spices, Horticulture, Mango, indian agriculture, Grape, Iran-Israel War 2026, West Asian Crisis https://www.downtoearth.org.in/wildlife-biodiversity/the-dubare-elephant-camp-tragedy-exposes-a-deeper-crisis https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-20/zi21lscx/Elephant.jpg A trained elephant working in the Ayarabeedu forest, Karnataka. Photo for representation. downtoearth en 2026-05-20T11:25:10.546Z The Dubare Elephant Camp tragedy exposes a deeper crisis Wildlife & Biodiversity, elephants, Karnataka, Kodagu, Dubare Elephant Camp https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/simply-put-heat-adaptation https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-20/lpn93zws/Heat-threat https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-20/b6mpvzyo/Heat-plan downtoearth en 2026-05-20T11:14:23.054Z Simply Put: Heat adaptation Climate Change, City, urban heat island, heat, extreme heat, Urban heat, heat adaptation https://www.downtoearth.org.in/wildlife-biodiversity/world-bee-day-2026-the-scientist-helping-indias-forest-communities-protect-wild-bees https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-20/v1s8zfp1/Dr.-Gopal-Paliwal.png Gopal Paliwal is the director of the Centre for Bee Development. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-20/jqvap210/Honey-Bee-Pollination-on-Onion-Flower.jpeg Honey bee pollination on onion flower. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-20/a2h7zuqn/Demonstration-on-handling-of-hive-and-proper-cutting-of-hive-by-expert.jpeg Demonstration on handling of hive and proper cutting of hive by an expert. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-20/x1ptj92u/Honey-Collectors-brought-the-raw-honey-to-CBD-Centre-for-further-processing-and-sale.jpeg Honey collectors bringing raw honey to the Centre for Bee Development office for further processing and sale. downtoearth en 2026-05-20T11:10:47.659Z World Bee Day 2026: The scientist helping India’s forest communities protect wild bees Wildlife & Biodiversity, wild bees, Pollination, Honeybees, pollinators, world bee day, wild honeybees, World Bee Day 2026, Apis dorsata https://www.downtoearth.org.in/wildlife-biodiversity/world-bee-day-2026-when-we-conserve-stingless-bees-we-safeguard-our-own-future https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-20/5jvzlu5s/Stingless-Bees-1.jpg A stingless bee colony. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-20/mp0hzv0p/Stingless-Bees-2.jpg A stingless bee colony. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-20/c5oojli5/Stingless-Bees-3.jpg A stingless bee pollinating a pomegranate flower https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-20/3e92qmww/1000094597-1.jpg downtoearth en 2026-05-20T10:39:38.009Z World Bee Day 2026: When we conserve stingless bees, we safeguard our own future Wildlife & Biodiversity, Bees, Honey, Stingless Bees, World Bee Day 2026 https://www.downtoearth.org.in/energy/around-11-states-could-cut-fiscal-deficit-to-3-through-discom-privatisation-sbicaps https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-20/3hs34wo9/Electricity-privatisation Nine states including Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Bihar and Chhattisgarh are immediately suitable for complete DISCOM privatisation, says report. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-20/4dtirb93/Discom_privatisation. downtoearth en 2026-05-20T10:22:17.643Z Around 11 states could cut fiscal deficit to 3% through DISCOM privatisation: SBICAPS Energy, Economy, Governance, Electricity, power, discom, privatisation, transmission, Energy infrastructure https://www.downtoearth.org.in/wildlife-biodiversity/world-bee-day-2026-indias-honey-boom-has-a-hidden-sting https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-20/jni4u66r/Honey.jpg Photo for representation. downtoearth en 2026-05-20T08:54:42.819Z World Bee Day 2026: India’s honey boom has a hidden sting Wildlife & Biodiversity, Bees, Honey, World Bee Day 2026, honey boom https://www.downtoearth.org.in/science-technology/ai-boom-masks-deepening-cracks-in-global-economy-developing-nations-most-exposed https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-20/h832y8h8/Global-trade Financial stress among major food trading firms could amplify food security risks, adding pressure on governments already facing limited fiscal space. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-20/wanm0y5l/1000335030.png Growth of nominal merchandise import bill by products, selected economies, percentage https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-20/rvwfdaox/1000335029.png Change in exchange rate against the dollar before and after the beginning of the conflict. downtoearth en 2026-05-20T08:38:29.371Z AI boom masks deepening cracks in global economy, developing nations most exposed Science & Technology, Economy, Developing Nations, artificial intelligence, global economy, AI, geopolitical risks, food trade https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/the-2026-el-niño-is-developing-unusually-fast-and-may-rival-the-strongest-ever-recorded https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-20/f0elmsu6/iStock-1411260371.jpg https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-20/jef5ya80/SuperElNino.png https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-20/2gidaeh2/NOAA-ENSO-Strength-Probabilities-May-2026.png downtoearth en 2026-05-20T07:32:57.090Z The 2026 El Niño is developing unusually fast — and may rival the strongest ever recorded Climate Change, Drought, Heatwaves, Global Warming, Pacific Ocean, Climate Science, WEATHER FORECASTING, Extreme weather, World Meteorological Organization (WMO), US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (UNOAA), Global temperatures, El Niño, Super El Niño, El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), Super El Niño impact, Ocean Niño Index https://www.downtoearth.org.in/wildlife-biodiversity/world-bee-day-2026-in-northeast-india-the-disappearance-of-bees-signals-a-deeper-ecological-crisis https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-20/8ih4dn2s/Photo-3.jpeg Farmer Sethsala stands in her former jhum field, now gradually transforming into a developing orchard integrated with bee boxes in Nagaland. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-20/q77zlmi5/Photo-2.jpeg Farmer Thsathriba beside a bee box placed in his plantation field developed on former jhum land in Amahator village, Nagaland. downtoearth en 2026-05-20T07:05:20.824Z World Bee Day 2026: In Northeast India, the disappearance of bees signals a deeper ecological crisis Wildlife & Biodiversity, Northeast India, Bees, World Bee Day 2026, Bee Declines https://www.downtoearth.org.in/wildlife-biodiversity/world-bee-day-2026-how-odisha-farmer-manas-ranjan-jena-built-a-thriving-apiary https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-20/uytrfa3j/Manas-Ranjan-Jena-in-his-honey-bee-farm-in-Sukunda-village-in-Ganjam-district-OdishaPhoto-Pratyusa-Kumar-Panda.jpeg Manas Ranjan Jena in his honeybee farm in Sukunda village in Ganjam district, Odisha https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-20/fok2j0jr/Manas-Ranjan-Jena-showing-self-made-honey-bee-boxPhoto-Pratyusa-Kumar-Panda.jpeg Manas Ranjan Jena showing self-made honeybee box. downtoearth en 2026-05-20T07:05:10.342Z World Bee Day 2026: How Odisha farmer Manas Ranjan Jena built a thriving apiary Wildlife & Biodiversity, Odisha, Bees, World Bee Day 2026, Bee Farming, Bee Declines https://www.downtoearth.org.in/africa/gut-health-why-food-alone-wont-fix-childhood-stunting https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-20/d9r93fut/Child-Africa-gut-health downtoearth en 2026-05-20T06:30:00.198Z Gut health: Why food alone won’t fix childhood stunting Africa, Health, Food, Health, Food, Malnutrition, Stunting, gut, childhood, Gut function, nutrition absorption https://www.downtoearth.org.in/science-technology/elon-musk-sued-openai-and-lost-but-the-core-question-of-the-case-remains-unanswered https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-20/oybpusor/FrMevMwaAAEHlkb.jpeg OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman. downtoearth en 2026-05-20T05:16:28.610Z Elon Musk sued OpenAI and lost. But the core question of the case remains unanswered Science & Technology, Elon Musk, openai, sam altman, big tech, Artificial intelligence (AI), Nonprofits https://www.downtoearth.org.in/governance/celebrating-one-of-humanitys-oldest-ways-of-living https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-19/y4cfa6nq/Pastoralists-1.jpg Pastoralism is one of the oldest ways of living known to humanity. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-19/u0dzvpdd/Pastoralists-2.jpg But pastoral landscapes are under increasing pressure from droughts, floods and other climate impacts, land degradation, animal diseases and competing land uses. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-19/mkrdaznd/Pastoralists-3.jpg The UN-declared International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists provides a unique opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of rangelands and pastoralists. downtoearth en 2026-05-19T14:36:22.254Z Celebrating one of humanity’s oldest ways of living Governance, Pastoralists, United Nations, pastoralism, International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, rangelands https://www.downtoearth.org.in/science-technology/five-pioneering-researchers-named-2026-loréal-unesco-for-women-in-science-laureates https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-05-19/ubv8p445/HIrJx5dXMAAGG3G.jpeg Clockwise from top left: Felice Jacka, Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic, Raquel Lia Chan, Sarah A Teichmann and Liesl Zühlke downtoearth en 2026-05-19T12:29:13.699Z Five pioneering researchers named 2026 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science laureates Science & Technology, women in science, Food Security, gender equality, women in stem, UNESCO, Life sciences, global health