-The Indian Express Locusts normally arrive during July-October, but have already been spotted in Rajasthan. At a time India is battling Covid, they present a new worry with their potential for exponential growth and crop destruction. On April 11-12, scientists at the Locust Warning Organisation (LWO) observed groups of grasshoppers at Sri Ganganagar and Jaisalmer districts of Rajasthan. But far from ordinary hoppers, these were desert locusts — the same destructive migratory...

-The Hindu North East coast also to have below normal rainfall; good rains in western States While the India Meteorological Department has predicted a normal monsoon, spatial forecast models show wide variations in rainfall across the country which can have dire implications for farmers, especially on the North Eastern coast and the dryland areas of the Deccan. For instance, there are likely to be long dry spells and low rainfall in June and...

-The Hindu   Delhi Police’s pursuit of cases related to the February violence in north-east Delhi has intensified panic, amplified health risks and violated the most basic of rights As the first month of lockdown draws to a close, large-scale arrests during this time in relation to the February violence in Delhi have eviscerated the fundamental rights of many. In a scenario where courts are effectively shut down, lawyers unable to leave...

-Down to Earth Researchers yet to find the source of uranium in groundwater A new study conducted by the University of Manchester, UK and Mahavir Cancer Institute and Research Centre, Phulwarisharif in Patna has found uranium contaminating the groundwater in 10 districts of Bihar. It took one-and-a-half years for the researchers to come to the conclusion. They are yet to find out the source of uranium in groundwater. Supaul, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Patna, Nalanda,...

-Scroll.in Even the Delhi government’s compensation programme has been held up by the lockdown. Till a month ago, Haroon Ali had a home, work as a part-time driver and an additional source of income from supplying stationery to shops. Then the riots stormed through North East Delhi, uprooting hundreds. Ali and his wife, as their home and belongings in Shiv Vihar were destroyed by mobs. The family sought shelter in a relief...