What happened?
A high-level meeting chaired by the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister reviewed preparedness for the possible effects of El Niño during the kharif season and across related sectors. Officials from more than 15 ministries and departments participated.
Monsoon position reported at the meeting
The India Meteorological Department reported that, as of 7 July 2026, the all-India rainfall deficit had reduced to 12%. The first week of July had recorded above-normal monsoon rainfall. The release said weak-to-moderate El Niño conditions were expected in July and August, while also noting that an El Niño year does not automatically mean below-normal rainfall.
Preparedness measures
- Weekly Crop Weather Watch meetings were monitoring rainfall, reservoirs, sowing, inputs, markets, pests and diseases.
- District Agriculture Contingency Plans had been updated for 262 vulnerable districts.
- Ministries were asked to work with state governments on agricultural inputs, essential commodities, fodder and drinking water.
- Health authorities were monitoring heat waves, high humidity and dengue, with emphasis on field-level communication.
- Reservoir levels and water use in vulnerable districts were to remain under regular watch.
Concept link: El Niño
El Niño refers to periodic warming in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. It can influence atmospheric circulation and the Indian monsoon, but its effect is not identical in every year. Other oceanic and atmospheric conditions also affect rainfall.
Exam takeaway
Use this update as an example of multi-sector climate-risk planning. A strong answer can connect weather forecasting with agriculture, water management, health, food prices, crop insurance and coordination between the Union and state governments.