The villagers allege that industries and factories dump their toxic waste in three rivers -- Hindon, Krishna and Kaali-- flowing through these villages, which has contaminated the groundwater

While India is the biggest producer of sugar in the world, its staggering dometic demand makes it the second biggest exporter. The states of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra contribute the lion’s share when it comes to state-wise production. Gaon Connection traces the visual journey of sugarcane which is processed into jaggery at thousands of rudimentary factories spread across the sugarcane belt in western Uttar Pradesh.

Around 73% of Bihar’s total geographical area is prone to floods as plains of the state, which are close to Nepal, are drained by a number of rivers that have their catchments in the Himalayas of Nepal. These rivers and their tributaries carry high levels of discharge and sediment load, which are deposited on the plains of Bihar thus causing floods

Heat waves scorching parts of India during the summer season is not unheard of but temperature rising above 40 degrees celsius during the middle of March seems to be an unprecedented phenomenon. After a brief respite for a week, the country is now gearing for another episode of intense heat. Here's how climate change is making its presence felt in India' summer season this year.

Sugarcane farmers pending dues: According to the Indian Sugar Mills Association, sugar mills in Uttar Pradesh owe sugarcane farmers Rs 6,480 crore. A few days back, state chief minister Yogi Adityanath had promised that the farmers would get their due by August 31. The promise was not met with and the farmers are now protesting

Among Uttar Pradesh’s pioneering farmers who attempted to cultivate dragon fruit for better incomes is Vandana Singh from Mirzapur district. She has not only raised her standard of living but is also training other women in cultivating dragon fruit and earning profits. Details here.

Javelin thrower Annu Rani and athlete Parul Chaudhary have won gold medals at the ongoing Asian Games in China’s Hangzhou. The two sport stars belong to the rural pockets of Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut and began their athletic journey by practising in the sugarcane fields in their respective villages. Details here.

Overall, the country has received 10 per cent less than its normal rainfall for the month of June. Prolonged heat waves were observed for 11-19 days, as against a normal of 2-4 days in parts of West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, east Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, etc.

Half of the southwest monsoon season is almost over, and several districts in the Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh are still waiting for good rainfall. Paddy and pulses farmers are staring at a wilting crop. They fear a drought year ahead.

In a bid to protect its cattle from the prevalent lumpy skin viral outbreak in the neighbouring states, the Uttar Pradesh government has directed the officials to check the transport of cattle and conduct vaccination of cows and buffaloes. Details here.