India’s electricity sector has witnessed an unprecedented spike in consumption, driven by an intense and prolonged heatwave that gripped much of the country in May 2026.
At a unique event held recently in Tehri district, women of Bugala village were honoured as chief guests by their community at the traditional harvest festival known as Ropani.
Experts argue that investment in agriculture, mining, manufacturing and transport infrastructure could help improve export performance and reduce dependence on imports.
The government has projected growth of around 4 per cent for the next fiscal year, while aiming to keep inflation under control and continue fiscal consolidation.
The report comes as India is in the grip of a escalating heat crisis and heatwaves are becoming more frequent, intense, and deadly, threatening lives, livelihoods, public health, agriculture, and economic productivity.
In a significant boost to global agricultural cooperation, agriculture ministers from BRICS nations concluded their two-day meeting here with the unanimous adoption of the “Indore Declaration.”
Experts warn that without addressing underlying causes – including deforestation, corridor fragmentation and climate pressures – human–wildlife conflict will continue to strain India’s conservation gains. Conservation advocates argue that coexistence frameworks must align ecological priorities with local needs, fostering safe practices while safeguarding biodiversity.
According to forecasts, temperatures in Delhi-NCR are expected to climb sharply, potentially touching 44°C, triggering a multi-day heatwave alert beginning this week.