A strengthening El Niño is forecast to bring hotter, drier conditions globally from August to October, threatening India's monsoon and increasing drought, floods, and wildfire risks. UN Secretary-General António Guterres warns of "uncharted territory" and calls for urgent action on fossil fuels.
The Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), a long-term North Pacific climate pattern, is under scrutiny after Gujarat's heavy rainfall. This explainer details how PDO operates, its distinction from El Niño, and its role in influencing monsoon behavior and global weather patterns over decades.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike in India following negotiations with Union ministers, citing a desire to prevent violence. Simultaneously, PM Modi addressed the alleged NEET-UG paper leak, promising stricter legislation, while the Cockroach Janata Party vowed to continue protests.
The Indian government is engaging opposition leaders to resolve the parliamentary deadlock concerning the alleged NEET paper leak, offering discussion without preconditions like Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. This follows repeated disruptions in the Monsoon session.
South Korea's monsoon season is forecast to end early next week, with Jeju's already concluded. This will be followed by an intense heat wave across the nation, bringing daytime temperatures up to 37 C from next Monday through early August.
Rescue teams in Afghanistan are searching for over 100 missing people after flash floods killed at least 23 in Nuristan province, with forecasts warning of more extreme weather and floods across 10 provinces.
India's tractor industry volume growth is projected to slow to 1-4% this fiscal year, down from 23.5% previously, due to a high base effect and a below-normal monsoon forecast by IMD and Icra. Anticipated El Nino conditions and recent rainfall deficits in India could negatively impact farm incomes and tractor demand.
Spain defeated Argentina in the World Cup final after Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute of extra time, assisted by Nico Williams and Pedro Porro. The goal broke a deadlock against a resilient Argentinian side, securing Spain's second men's World Cup title.
Sri Lanka is experiencing a severe dengue outbreak with 76,044 infections and 53 deaths since January, approaching 2017 levels. Hospitals in areas like Negombo are overwhelmed by a rapid influx of patients, forcing them to add beds and increase staff hours.
India's Parliament monsoon session commenced with widespread opposition protests over issues like the NEET paper leak and alleged Ayodhya Ram temple donation theft, leading to frequent adjournments. Amid disruptions, a bill to increase Supreme Court judges was introduced, and changes in TMC seating arrangements were noted.
Golf-ball-sized hailstones and severe thunderstorms have struck parts of France, Germany, and Poland, causing flooding and damage to property and agriculture. Concurrently, monsoon flooding in Bangladesh has killed at least 53 people, affected a million, and caused widespread disruption and displacement.
India's Parliament begins its monsoon session, facing debates on the Delimitation Bill, Ram Temple donations, and student issues. The session highlights political realignments and an Opposition walkout over rebel TMC MPs, setting the stage for legislative and political tests.
India's government has listed the Income-tax Amendment Bill, MSME Development Amendment Bill, and Foreign Contribution Regulation Amendment Bill for introduction and passing during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament, aiming to boost the debt market, ease business, and improve payment mechanisms.
Floods and landslides triggered by heavy monsoon rains have affected nearly 48,500 people in Assam and over 94,000 across the Northeast. Villages, agricultural land, and infrastructure are submerged or damaged, displacing thousands and disrupting transportation.
India's monsoon has weakened, widening the nationwide rainfall deficit to 18% after a week of good showers had reduced it. The India Meteorological Department predicts subdued rainfall activity for the next week, potentially impacting sowing activities as many states still report significant deficits.
Markets are poised for a week driven by Q1 earnings, inflation data, and Middle East tensions. Key indicators include India's CPI and WPI, US inflation figures, and crude oil prices, alongside FII activity.
Floods and landslides triggered by the monsoon have severely impacted Northeast India, affecting nearly 48,500 people in Assam and over 94,000 in Arunachal Pradesh. Villages, agricultural land, and infrastructure are damaged, displacing thousands and causing loss of life and livestock.
India's monsoon season is attracting a significant number of tourists to popular destinations like Goa and Kerala, as well as hill stations in Himachal and Uttarakhand. Overseas locations like Tajikistan are also seeing a rise in travel interest, with hotels and travel brands offering deals to boost seasonal tourism.
The opposition's triumph in blocking a Constitution Amendment Bill linking women's reservation to delimitation has faded. Political realignments, including splits in AAP, Trinamool Congress, and Shiv Sena, have weakened the opposition. The potential shift of DMK, with 22 Lok Sabha members, could further disrupt opposition numbers, potentially enabling the NDA to pass pending legislation.
Typhoon Bavi's heavy rainfall has caused deadly landslides in the Philippines, killing over a dozen people in Sarangani and Lanao del Sur provinces. While the typhoon itself is not expected to make landfall, its outer bands are bringing widespread flooding.
A weaker-than-normal southwest monsoon could significantly impact India's rural economy, reducing farm incomes, increasing food inflation, and slowing consumption demand, according to S&P Global Ratings. Agriculture, agrochemicals, tractors, and microfinance sectors are expected to face the brunt of the impact.
Delhi's air quality reached the 'good' category (AQI 48) for the first time in almost three years, thanks to monsoon rains washing away pollutants. While a positive sign, experts emphasize the need for year-round emission reduction to combat the city's persistent pollution challenges.
Heavy monsoon rains in South Korea have resulted in one missing person and damage to over 450 facilities. A search is ongoing for a man swept away in a stream, and 758 people have evacuated their homes due to the severe weather.
National Conference president Farooq Abdullah has invited leaders from various political parties, including the BJP, Hurriyat, Congress, and INDIA bloc, to a protest on July 20 in New Delhi. The demonstration aims to demand the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
