The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has projected that from June to September, India is likely to experience ‘above normal’ monsoon rainfall, potentially exceeding the historical average by 5%. This forecast indicates a second consecutive year of elevated monsoon levels, following an 8% increase in rainfall during the same period last year. This positive outlook is expected to facilitate kharif sowing, enhancing grain stocks and bolstering export reserves.

Here are key points from the article:

• The IMD anticipates 'above normal' monsoon rainfall for the June to September period in India.
• The projection indicates a potential increase of 5% over the historical average of 87 cm.
• This would mark the second consecutive year of above-average rainfall, following last year's 8% increase.
• Favorable monsoon conditions are seen as beneficial for kharif sowing, essential for grain stock improvement and export reserves.
• The government aims to procure pulses at minimum support prices to reduce import dependency, as pulses require more water for cultivation compared to cereals.
• The IMD follows a two-stage monsoon forecasting system with initial forecasts in April and updated assessments in mid-May, which factor in rainfall distribution.
• Despite some limitations in meteorological forecasting, there is confidence this year due to the absence of an El Niño phenomenon, known to correlate with weaker monsoon rains.
• The ‘Eurasian snow cover’ from January to March has also been below normal, which historically indicates a potential increase in summer monsoon rains.
• IMD uses oceanic weather models for its forecasts but notes that local weather phenomena, such as cyclonic activity, will play a more substantial role in this year's monsoon outcomes.
• While positive monsoon news is encouraging, past years of heavy rainfall have also led to flooding and landslides, prompting calls for improved infrastructure to mitigate disaster risks.
• Citing recent tragedies, such as the Wayanad disaster last year which resulted in numerous casualties and displacements, the article stresses the importance of readiness and protective measures against potential monsoon-related disasters.

In summary, while the forecasts for the upcoming monsoon season appear favorable with above-average rainfall anticipated, attention must be directed towards disaster preparedness and infrastructural improvements to safeguard against the adverse effects historically associated with heavy rains.

The article discusses India's efforts to transition towards a net-zero economy by significantly increasing the use of nuclear power and electrification of energy consumption. It highlights the current reliance on fossil fuels and the potential for fossil fuel substitutes such as hydrogen for various industrial processes, including steel production and fertilizer manufacturing. The government's ambitious goal includes installing 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047, supported by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), which is working on multiple projects to establish new nuclear reactors.

Key Highlights:

• Achieving net-zero emissions is reliant on massive electrification and hydrogen use in industrial processes.
• Fossil fuels are currently essential for heat and chemical production in industries like steel and fertilizers.
• A significant rise in electricity demand is projected to accomplish net-zero emissions for a developed India.
• India aims for 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047, with NPCIL planning to install a fleet of reactors.
• NPCIL operates existing Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) and is expanding capacity with units under construction in multiple states.
• Many sectors, including Indian Railways, are seeking to utilize nuclear power for energy needs.
• The NPCIL is also exploring smaller reactors (Bharat Small Reactors – BSRs) designed for captive use.
• In the future, low-carbon electricity sources (nuclear, solar, wind, hydro) will dominate, requiring innovative approaches to balance supply and demand.
• Flexibility in the operation of nuclear plants is technically challenging and economically uncompetitive when compared to coal.
• There’s a proposed methodology for hydrogen production through electrolysis using surplus electricity, potentially alleviating the need for nuclear plant flexibility.
• Policies need to integrate hydrogen production with electricity storage to enhance efficiency and economic viability.
• The article encourages a shift in hydrogen classification from "green" to "low-carbon" to include nuclear energy in its definition.

Important Points:

• Massive electrification is essential for achieving a net-zero economy.
• The steel industry could transition from carbon to hydrogen-based processes.
• The NPCIL's plans for 26 nuclear units could substantially increase India’s low-carbon electricity supply.
• Fluctuations in renewable energy generation (solar and wind) will necessitate innovative balancing solutions.
• Nuclear power's high capital cost but lower variable cost complicates its flexibility in power generation.
• A push for adapting hydrogen production and electricity storage systems synergistically is recommended for economic feasibility.
• The strategic move to classify hydrogen produced from electrolysis with nuclear involvement as low-carbon hydrogen is proposed to align policy with environmental goals.

This comprehensive overview depicts India's ambitious nuclear energy goals and the necessity of integrating modern technologies to transition towards a sustainable, low-carbon energy future.

In Karnataka, a significant portion of coconut trees, approximately 1.48 lakh hectares across 14 districts, has been adversely impacted by the whitefly disease. Industries Minister M. B. Patil disclosed this information during a Legislative Assembly session on March 14, in response to inquiries from member Suresh Babu of the JD party. Tumakuru and Hassan districts are particularly affected, with 64,457 hectares and 34,530 hectares of coconut crops, respectively, facing severe whitefly infestations.

The widespread nature of this infestation has led to a decline in coconut production across various districts, including Chikkamagaluru, Mandya, Mysuru, Davanagere, Chitradurga, Shivamogga, Dakshina Kannada, Chamarajanagar, Ramanagara, Bengaluru Rural, and Kolar. Minister Patil spoke on behalf of S.S. Mallikarjun (Minister for Horticulture, Mines and Geology) and indicated that enhancing the natural immunity of coconut trees is essential for managing pests and supporting disease resistance, including that from whiteflies.

To combat this issue, a grant of ₹15.31 crore has been allocated under the Coconut Development Board Scheme, aimed at integrated nutrient management. This funding allows for the distribution of ₹35,000 per hectare for demonstration plots over two years. In the 2023-24 period, ₹60.33 crore is being utilized for demonstrations covering 34,617 hectares, involving around 50,612 farmers.

Given the ineffectiveness of pesticides in controlling whitefly populations, there is a concerted effort to educate farmers about alternative methods. Furthermore, the Minister noted that drone applications for pesticide spraying would not be beneficial in coconut plantations. The severity of the whitefly infestation has resulted in reports that coconut yields have dropped by over 50% this year, leading to rising coconut prices. As a consequence, affected farmers have called for compensation amounting to ₹50,000 per acre for their losses.

Key Points:

• 1.48 lakh hectares of coconut trees in Karnataka are infected by whitefly disease.
• Significant damage is noted in Tumakuru (64,457 hectares) and Hassan (34,530 hectares).
• The disease has contributed to reduced coconut yields across multiple districts including Chikkamagaluru and Mandya.
• Integration of natural immunity in coconut trees is promoted as a control measure for pests like whiteflies.
• A grant of ₹15.31 crore is approved for nutrient management under the Coconut Development Board Scheme.
• Farmers will receive ₹35,000 per hectare for maintaining demonstration plots over two years.
• ₹60.33 crore allocated for conducting demonstrations benefiting 50,612 farmers.
• Pesticide use is ineffective; therefore, there is a push for farmer education.
• Drone pesticide spraying is unsuitable for coconut plantations.
• Coconut yields reported to have decreased by over 50%; rising prices have prompted calls for ₹50,000 per acre compensation for farmers.