Cancún offers the cuisine of the Yucatán, but it requires venturing out of the Zona Hotelera. The author notes the difficulty of finding a specific rich soupy concoction of vermicelli and duck offal outside China.

Indian farmers face challenges in adopting solar-powered irrigation pumps due to high costs and loan interest rates. Despite government subsidies, the financial burden remains significant for farmers with average incomes and debts. Alternative funding models, such as crowd-financed loans, are suggested to bridge the financing gap. The Reserve Bank of India could facilitate this process. Crowdfunding has been successful in other regions and could help Indian farmers become self-reliant in energy needs, reduce pollution, and save on diesel costs. The story highlights the potential of crowdfunding to support sustainable farming and reduce government subsidies.

The revival of Lambadi embroidery through the formation of the craft association Porgai has significantly reduced labour migration in Tamil Nadu. Porgai, meaning happiness and pride in Lambadi dialect, was established in 2009 and involves around 60 women from local Lambadi families. These women create embroidered clothes, home furnishings, and accessories, selling their products in southern states and earning about Rs 5,000 per month. This initiative has provided a sustainable livelihood, preventing the need for migration to cities for work as labourers or construction workers. The flexibility of embroidery work allows women to manage their time effectively, contributing to their children's education and household needs. The practice also supports local agriculture by purchasing organic cotton grown in the Sittilingi valley.

The article discusses the challenges and efforts in promoting sustainable palm oil in India. It highlights the importance of sustainable cultivation over boycotts, citing higher yields and fewer pesticides as benefits of palm oil. Key players like AAK, Kamani Oil Industries, and the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEAI) are working towards increasing the demand and supply of sustainable palm oil. Despite some progress, significant challenges remain, including the higher cost of sustainable palm oil and the need for better infrastructure. Organizations like WWF-India, CRB, and the Rainforest Alliance are also involved in these efforts. The article underscores India's crucial role in making the global palm oil industry more sustainable.

Chennai residents are experiencing heightened anxiety and fear due to incessant rains, reminiscent of the devastating 2015 floods. The article highlights personal stories of individuals affected by past floods and their current coping mechanisms. Experts suggest that such fears are natural and offer strategies like breathing exercises, therapy, and avoiding media to manage anxiety. The government is encouraged to provide reassurance and emergency contact details to help citizens stay calm. Community support and preparation are emphasized as powerful tools against fear and paranoia.

Tharuvaikulam, a village in Tamil Nadu, has become a hub for boat building, driven by the efforts of Madaswamy and his family. The local boatyards prioritize orders from sustainable fishers using gill nets, reflecting a commitment to sustainable fishing practices. The boat builders cater to both local and out-of-district fishermen, ensuring consistent work and contributing to the local economy.

The article discusses the efforts to promote sustainable palm oil in India, highlighting the challenges and initiatives by various stakeholders. It covers the role of organizations like RSPO, SEAI, WWF-India, and CRB in raising awareness and creating demand for sustainable palm oil. The article also addresses the complexities and costs associated with sustainable palm oil production, the potential impact of India's large market, and the progress and shortcomings of companies like AAK Kamani in meeting sustainability goals.

Farmers in Tamil Nadu, India, are increasingly switching from oil palm to coconut cultivation due to better financial returns, lower maintenance, and environmental concerns. Despite government efforts to promote oil palm to reduce import reliance, practical challenges and high water requirements have led many farmers to abandon it. Coconut cultivation is favored for its adaptability to local conditions and lower water needs. The shift is also driven by a growing preference for traditional oils and local produce, influenced by health and environmental awareness.

A team of South Indian birdwatchers discovered a new songbird species, the Lisu wren babbler, in Arunachal Pradesh. The bird, initially mistaken for the grey-bellied wren babbler, was identified through detailed observation and documentation. The discovery, published in the Indian BIRDS journal, underscores the rich biodiversity of Indian forests and highlights the importance of conservation. The team recommends further molecular and genetic analysis to establish the species scientifically. The discovery also emphasizes the role of local communities in preserving natural habitats against infrastructure development.

Saktipada Mishra and Tejaswani Mandal, both in their sixties and having faced neglect and ill-treatment from their grown-up children, found solace in each other's company. The widower and widow from Odisha's Kendrapara district married at the local Jagannath temple, sparking interest and mixed reactions online. Despite criticism, the couple enjoys their new life together, sharing a love for radio and working on Saktipada's farm. Aishwarya Mohanty, an independent journalist, reports on their story, highlighting the emotional support and safety they now share.