Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

India's monsoon rains arrive early

The monsoon season is vital for India’s economy, providing nearly 70 per cent of the water needed for farming and replenishing reservoirs and aquifers.

India's monsoon rains arrive early

Monsoon rains reached India's southern Kerala coast earlier than expected on Thursday, the national weather office announced.

This early arrival could lead to a bountiful harvest, potentially boosting farm and economic growth in Asia's third-largest economy.


Typically, summer rains begin in Kerala around June 1 and spread across the country by mid-July. These rains initiate the planting of crops such as rice, corn, cotton, soybeans, and sugarcane.

The monsoon season is vital for India's economy, providing nearly 70 per cent of the water needed for farming and replenishing reservoirs and aquifers.

Almost half of India's farmland relies on the annual June-September rains for irrigation.

Consistent monsoon rains will also offer relief from the intense heat wave that has seen temperatures surpass 50 degrees Celsius in parts of northern and western India.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), India is expected to receive an average amount of rain in June, though temperatures are likely to remain above normal.

This year's monsoon rains are projected to be 106 per cent of the long-term average.

The IMD defines average or normal rainfall as between 96 per cent and 104 per cent of a 50-year average of 87 cm (35 inches) for the four-month season.

In 2023, below-average rains reduced reservoir levels and affected food production. The government responded by restricting exports of rice, wheat, sugar, and onions.

The resumption of exports depends on the recovery of production in 2024, which relies on good monsoon rainfall. India is the world's second-largest producer of rice, wheat, and sugar.

Abundant rains could also help reduce food inflation, which has been above the central bank's comfort level.

The La Nina weather phenomenon, which increases rainfall in India, is expected to occur during July and September.

More For You

Police Recover £1M Stolen Jewellery in Hounslow, Owners Sought

The jewellery was largely taken from London’s South Asian community in Hounslow between 2023 and 2024. (Photo: Met Police)

Stolen jewellery worth £1m recovered in Hounslow, police seek owners

POLICE are seeking to reunite stolen jewellery worth over £1 million with its rightful owners after recovering the items during a proactive operation across London and the home counties.

The recovered collection includes identifiable pieces such as a World War One officer’s Rolex watch, a gold locket containing old pictures, an engraved gold ring, and an engraved gold pocket watch from Harlow Bros Ltd.

Keep ReadingShow less
british-muslims

The initiative aims to track incidents, raise awareness of hate crime, and provide better victim support.

iStock)

Government announces fund to combat anti-Muslim hate

THE UK government has announced a new fund to monitor anti-Muslim hate and support victims, with applications opening on 7 April.

The initiative aims to track incidents, raise awareness of hate crime, and provide better victim support.

Keep ReadingShow less
Probe launched over racist broadcast at Kent asylum centre

FILE PHOTO: Entrance of Manston short-term holding centre for migrants, near Ramsgate in southeast England. (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)

Probe launched over racist broadcast at Kent asylum centre

AUTHORITIES have launched an investigation following reports that a racist message was broadcast over portable radios at an asylum processing centre in Kent.

The incident occurred at the Manston site, where small boat arrivals are processed by the Home Office and its contractor, Mitie, reported The Guardian.

Keep ReadingShow less
Protest against dog crackdown ahead of Modi's Sri Lanka visit

Sri Lankan animal rights activists take part in a demonstration in Colombo on April 3, 2025, to protest the round-up of stray dogs a day ahead of a visit by Narendra Modi. (Photo by ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP via Getty Images)

Protest against dog crackdown ahead of Modi's Sri Lanka visit

SRI LANKAN animal rights activists marched on Thursday (3) to protest the round-up of stray dogs a day ahead of a visit by Indian prime minister Narendra Modi.

Authorities in Colombo and the Buddhist pilgrim city of Anuradhapura have reportedly deployed dog catchers to impound hounds ahead of Modi's visit, which begins on Friday (4).

Keep ReadingShow less
modi-trump-getty

Donald Trump and Narendra Modi hold a joint press conference in the East Room at the White House on February 13, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

Explained: Impact of US tariffs on Indian exports

The United States has announced a 27 per cent reciprocal tariff on Indian goods entering the American market.

Industry experts have said these duties will pose challenges for Indian exports, though India's position remains more favourable than some of its competitors.

Keep ReadingShow less