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Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday said India's agricultural growth rate had risen to 4.5 per cent since 2014-15, compared with around 3 per cent during the Green Revolution, while agricultural production had increased nearly 50 per cent over the past decade. Speaking virtually at the Bharat Agriculture Conference 2026 in New Delhi, he said India had become self-sufficient in foodgrains and a leading global producer of several crops, though gaps in pulses and oilseeds remained. He said the government aimed to increase foodgrain production from the current 376 million tonnes to 550 million tonnes by 2047. Chouhan said the government's priorities included increasing farmers' incomes, reducing cultivation costs and ensuring remunerative prices. He acknowledged that farmers were often affected by adverse weather, market fluctuations and the gap between farmgate and retail prices. Highlighting government support, he cited Rs 2.09 lakh crore in crop insurance payouts, Rs 4.66 lakh crore distributed under PM-Kisan and increased fertiliser subsidies. He also said the government was working to balance farmers' interests with consumers' need for affordable food through its import-export policies. Outlining the push towards technology-driven agriculture, Chouhan said more than 11 crore farmers had received digital Farmer IDs to facilitate access to loans, insurance and government benefits. The government was also promoting climate-resilient seeds, drones, soil testing and digital platforms providing farmers with weather, crop disease and market information. He said agricultural research would increasingly focus on farmers' needs, while horticulture clusters and free trade agreements would help expand exports.

Severe air pollution in Chennai on Diwali led to event delays, despite cracker bursting restrictions. Conditions improved the next day.

The WTA Chennai Open women's final was postponed due to heavy smog and poor air quality following Diwali celebrations and unseasonal weather.

Delhi and NCR experienced a sharp decline in air quality after Diwali, with severe pollution levels driven by firecrackers, local emissions, and weather changes.

Delhi's air quality worsened to severe on Diwali morning due to pollution from weather conditions and stubble burning. Measures limited construction and firecracker use.

Delhi's air quality index crossed 400 before Diwali due to stubble burning and weather. GRAP restrictions are active, and firecracker timings set by the Supreme Court.

Since the 1999 Odisha super cyclone, India has improved cyclone disaster preparedness using advanced forecasting and rapid evacuation measures. Challenges remain in post-disaster recovery.

Air quality across the national capital remained in the severe and hazardous category ahead of Diwali, with multiple monitoring stations recording an Air Quality Index crossing the 400 and near-500 mark. Areas including Rohini and IIT Delhi recorded severe levels above 470, while thick layers of smog reduced visibility across landmarks such as the Akshardham temple. Health advisories highlighted severe risks of respiratory distress, particularly for children and the elderly. Meanwhile, ground data revealed over 2,700 farm fire cases registered in Punjab till November 5, with Tarn Taran district recording the highest number of stubble burning incidents. Political contention intensified over agricultural fires as authorities face persistent challenges in checking seasonal pollution levels. The toxic atmospheric conditions also led to sporting disruptions, including the shifting of the India-Sri Lanka ODI from Delhi to Visakhapatnam due to hazardous weather conditions.

The first One Day International between India and Sri Lanka, scheduled for December 13, has been moved from Delhi to Visakhapatnam. The venue change follows a formal request by the Delhi and District Cricket Association to the Board of Control for Cricket in India. Authorities cited planned renovation work at the Arun Jaitley Stadium alongside potential weather disruptions in the national capital during December as reasons for relocating the fixture. The development comes amid recurring concerns regarding worsening winter air quality in Delhi, which has previously impacted sporting events.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has shifted the first One Day International between India and Sri Lanka from Delhi to Visakhapatnam. Scheduled for 13 December, the match was relocated following a request from the Delhi and District Cricket Association, which cited potential weather disruptions, severe air pollution, and proposed renovation work at Arun Jaitley Stadium. Delhi has faced past disruptions during winter fixtures involving visiting teams such as Sri Lanka and Bangladesh due to toxic air quality index levels.

Air quality across Delhi-NCR plunged into the severe category just ahead of Diwali, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) breaching the 400 mark at 18 monitoring stations, according to Central Pollution Control Board data. Severe levels were reported in several locations, with Jahangirpuri recording the highest AQI at 459, followed by IIT Delhi at 447 and Delhi Technological University at 436. Thick smog blanketed the skyline, triggering health complaints of eye irritation and breathing difficulties. Authorities noted the enforcement of Graded Response Action Plan measures, with stricter restrictions under consideration as weather forecasts predict severe conditions over the coming days. The deteriorating air quality sparked a sharp political dispute between the Delhi and Punjab governments over stubble burning. While allegations were raised accusing Punjab of failing to curb farm fires, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann dismissed the claims, maintaining that local farmers were not responsible for the national capital's toxic air.

Delhi woke up to severe air pollution ahead of Diwali as a thick blanket of smog engulfed the national capital region, pushing the Air Quality Index near hazardous levels. Several monitoring stations across the capital recorded AQI readings well above the 400 mark, with iconic landmarks including Rashtrapati Bhavan and India Gate obscured by poor visibility. Amid deteriorating weather and calm wind conditions, authorities are anticipating stricter restrictions under GRAP 3 to curb local emissions. Meanwhile, a intense political blame game has erupted between the Delhi and Punjab governments over stubble burning. While Delhi authorities hold farm fires in neighbouring states responsible for the toxic air, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann countered that paddy harvesting in Malwa had barely started, calling the accusations an attempt to defame the state. Stubble burning cases continue to be reported from parts of Punjab including Patiala.

Air quality across Delhi and the National Capital Region continues to deteriorate, with the average Air Quality Index touching 399, just a notch below the hazardous category. Key locations including India Gate, ITO, and Kartavya Path recorded poor visibility and severe pollution levels as a thick blanket of toxic smog covered the city. Despite the enforcement of GRAP 2 measures and the winter action plan, meteorological conditions and local pollutants have kept skies heavily congested. The worsening environmental conditions have triggered a fierce political exchange between authorities in Delhi and Punjab over stubble burning. While allegations were raised regarding farm fires in Punjab impacting the national capital, counterclaims dismissed these charges as an attempt to defame local farmers, noting that harvesting had not commenced in certain regions. Ground reports from Punjab revealed sporadic stubble fires even as authorities cited reduced counts compared to previous seasons.

A debate on Delhi's worsening air quality index unfolded between political spokespersons and an environmentalist following a sudden spike in air pollution past the 350 mark. Environmental activist Bhavreen Kandhari stressed that official responses remain reactive rather than preventive, stating, 'We are managing pollution rather than, like I said, preventing it,' while warning that tender-driven measures create an economy around managing crises instead of eliminating emission sources. Bharatiya Janata Party national spokesperson Sanju Verma defended anti-pollution curbs, citing restrictions on non-BS6 vehicles, work-from-home measures, and severe AQI levels across Punjab cities to hold the Punjab administration accountable. In response, Aam Aadmi Party national spokesperson Anmol Pawar argued that farm fires in Punjab have seen steep statistical reductions, accusing authorities in Delhi of relying on data manipulation instead of on-ground mitigation. The panellists examined systemic failures across industries, dust, stubble burning, and urban governance.

This week's India Today magazine cover story, titled 'The Big Itch', investigates why persistent itching should not be dismissed as a minor nuisance. Global burden of disease data reveals that people suffering from itching rose by 83% between 1990 and 2021, while a 2024 survey showed 42.6% of Indians scratched an itch in the prior week. Doctors classify itching lasting over six weeks as chronic, warning it can stem from weather, fungal infections, eczema, or systemic conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, and kidney or liver diseases. The report highlights widespread self-medication and misuse of over-the-counter steroid creams. A 2022 study across 13 Indian dermatology centres found 50.9% of patients with fungal infections misused steroid creams, which mask symptoms, aggravate infections, and cause adverse effects such as skin thinning and stretch marks. Medical experts advise consulting dermatologists for targeted treatments rather than following social media advice or relying on random creams.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed an event in Maharashtra, highlighting India's economic growth and poverty alleviation milestones. Citing a recent World Bank report, the Prime Minister stated that 50 crore people in India have overcome severe poverty in the last 10 to 12 years. He noted that India has emerged as both the fastest growing economy and the fastest poverty reducer in the world, with government funds reaching beneficiaries directly instead of being lost to leakages. Reflecting on completing 25 years as head of government, he emphasized the concept of 'power to empower' that began with schemes in Gujarat and continues to foster a rising neo-middle class. Addressing drought and adverse weather conditions faced by farmers in Maharashtra, he assured that the National Democratic Alliance government stands firmly with the farming community through advance financial support and welfare funds, urging citizens to remember rural families during the festive season.

Cyclone Murasu battered the coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh after making landfall south of Ongole, bringing heavy rainfall and wind gusts of up to 120 kmph. In districts such as Bapatla, Prakasam, Nellore, and Guntur, severe winds uprooted trees and damaged electrical poles, blocking arterial roads. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force and the State Disaster Response Force were deployed alongside emergency machinery to clear blockages and restore vital road and power connectivity. Support and machinery were also mobilised from neighbouring states, including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Telangana. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu actively reviewed the situation across affected districts with local collectors. Low-lying coastal regions remain at risk of inundation, prompting the evacuation of vulnerable residents to designated relief and rescue centres. Although the storm weakened into rain bands post-landfall, the India Meteorological Department warned that heavy rain would persist across multiple districts for the next 24 hours.

Air quality across Delhi and the National Capital Region has deteriorated into the very poor category, with the overall Air Quality Index breaching the 300 mark and crossing 400 in areas such as Rohini and Bawana. In response, the Commission for Air Quality Management has enforced Stage Two of the Graded Response Action Plan across the region. Under these guidelines, the burning of wood and coal in hotels and restaurants is prohibited, diesel generator usage is restricted to emergencies, and parking fees have been raised to discourage private vehicle use. The Delhi Metro will run 20 additional daily trips on weekdays, while civic bodies step up mechanical road sweeping and water sprinkling. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has permitted the sale and bursting of only green crackers on specific dates during limited morning and evening time slots for Diwali. Gurugram has additionally mandated 50 percent work from home and halted construction activities.

Operations across Andhra Pradesh have faced major disruptions as Cyclone Murzu approaches the coastline, bringing strong winds forecast to reach up to 120 kilometres per hour. At least 19 domestic flights, including Indigo and Air India Express services, were cancelled across Vijayawada, Tirupati, and Visakhapatnam airports. Rail services across affected coastal stretches have also been suspended as a precautionary step. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu is monitoring the ground situation and has sought assistance and additional manpower from neighbouring states, including Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Karnataka, to aid in post-landfall restoration work over the next 24 to 48 hours. Vulnerable coastal districts including Nellore, Ongole, and Bapatla remain on high alert with standard operating procedures activated. Authorities and emergency response machinery are focused on minimising losses to life and infrastructure, advising residents in low-lying areas to stay indoors and adhere to government safety guidelines.

Andhra Pradesh is on high alert as Cyclone Murzu approaches its south-eastern coastline, with landfall expected south of Bapatla within 12 hours. Reporting from Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore district, India Today notes that the sea has turned rough and local administrations across multiple coastal districts have been put on alert for the next 24 to 48 hours. This marks the second consecutive storm to strike the state, arriving just days after Cyclone Arnab battered northern coastal belts from Konaseema to Srikakulam. The India Meteorological Department forecasts landfall around midnight into early morning, affecting Nellore, Ongole, Bapatla, and Narsapuram. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu is monitoring hourly preparations with the objective of zero life loss.