This study discusses the trends and patterns in agricultural growth at the national and sub-national levels in India. Data on important variables like area, production, input use and value of output were compiled for the period 1967-68 to 2007-08 from various published sources. The analysis of data reveals that the cropping pattern in India has undergone significant changes over time. There is a marked shift from the cultivation of food grains to commercial crops. Among food grains, the area under coarse cereals declined by 13.3 per cent between 1970-71 and 2007-08.

This report emphasises the role of “bottom-up” grid expansion through network of micro-grids to ensure “energy to all”. The proposed micro-grid network functions in clusters and is completely powered through locally available renewable energy resources. The model will foster inclusive growth and remove the energy poverty from the state of Bihar.

The WWF released its ninth Living Planet Report, detailing the ongoing destruction of the world's environment by the predatory behaviors of rich nations, which, the report concludes, are responsible for the most drastic drop in biodiversity in poor countries in over 40 years.

The “Development of Solar Cities” programme by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India, is an immense opportunity for contributing towards a sustainable India in the coming years. This programme is a crucial step towards supporting Indian cities for the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects and curbing conventional energy demand by 10% in the next five years. This master plan is the outcome of the programme’s objective to develop a road map for the city to envision and implement renewable energy and energy conservation strategies.

Policy development occurs across many different sectors of government, and these policies can have far-reaching implications once they have been formalised and become the base for future government activities and budgets. Conceptually, SEA would be the appropriate tool to assess these policies for their environmental consequences. SEA would also encourage the policy proponents to consider environmental and sustainability impacts, issues and opportunities, within their policy designs, preferably during the early stages of policy development.

This latest regional human development report for the Asia Pacific focuses on the need for the region to find ways to continue to grow economically while reducing poverty and tackling climate change and environmental concerns.