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illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Economic Times or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: India is forecast to receive above-normal rainfall in July 2025, with precipitation expected to exceed 106% of the long-period average (LPA) of 280.4 mm, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD)
• This marks the second consecutive year of stronger-than-average monsoon performance
• While most regions will benefit, parts of northeast and east India, and the extreme south may face below-average rainfall
🔭 The context: The Indian monsoon, critical for agriculture and water resources, covered the entire country a week ahead of schedule
• Despite an initial 31% rainfall deficit in early June, the monsoon rebounded to produce a 9% surplus by the end of the month
• IMD officials highlighted areas at higher flood risk, including central India and river basins like the Mahanadi, Krishna, and Godavari
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Timely and ample monsoon rains are vital for India’s water security, energy production, and agricultural output, especially as nearly half of the country’s farmland relies on rain-fed irrigation
• Above-average rainfall may boost kharif crop yields and groundwater levels but also increases the risk of flooding and infrastructure stress in vulnerable regions
⏭️ What's next: The IMD urges close monitoring of river catchments and urban areas in flood-prone regions such as Uttarakhand, Haryana, and Chhattisgarh
• Farmers are accelerating sowing, while state governments may need to prepare for flood response and water management
• El Niño-neutral conditions are expected to continue through the monsoon, stabilising weather patterns for now
💬 One quote: “We must closely watch rainfall activity and the water levels in reservoirs,” – Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General, IMD
📈 One stat: July contributes over 34% of India’s seasonal monsoon rainfall, underscoring its significance for national agricultural and water systems
See on illuminem's Data Hub™ the sustainability performance of India’s agri-water sector and its peers Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Vietnam
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