Sugarcane production of India for 2014-2015 year estimated at 342.79 million tonnes (MT), though lower by 7.23 million tonnes (MT) than the last year, but it is higher by 5.40 million tonnes (MT) than its average production. Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Karnataka are the major sugarcane producing states in India.
The absence of rain in last two weeks is threatening crop potential in Mato Grosso, Brazil's top soybean growing state, as producers struggle to plant on schedule. Brazil should harvest a record soybean crop of 94 million tonnes this season, according to US Department of Agriculture estimates published before the latest dry period.
In just a couple of days from now, fireworks, distributing sweets and lighting diyas will brighten up people’s mood as they welcome Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. Festival is same and so is the frenzy; however the way people across India celebrate Diwali is as diverse as India’s culture.
Glittering Ganges in Haridwar and Varanasi
Thousands of diyas sparkle as they float on the river Ganga. As the day comes to an end and dusk marks the beginning of a time to light diyas and burst firecrackers, Haridwar and Varanasi witness devotees throng the Ghats to celebrate the festival
of lights with fervor.
The special evening aartis make the celebrations even more splendid.
Kali Puja in Kolkata
Kolkata chooses to perform a puja for their beloved Goddess Kali on Diwali. The entire city bathes in the light of candles, colorful electric bulbs and diyas in order to celebrate the commencement of the important day at midnight. And since Diwali is about sweets, don’t forget to gorge on the famous Rasgullas and Mishti Dahi.
Set the sky on fire in Mumbai
Although nothing different happens on Diwali in Mumbai, the view of the city is however worth witnessing. Firework is the main attraction here that eventually illuminates the night sky. The best place to witness firework in Mumbai would be Marine Drive, where the already glittering Queen of Arc makes for a perfect background.
Gleaming Golden Temple in Amritsar
The graceful Golden Temple in Amritsar is braced with light on the eve of Diwali. The illuminating lights on one side and the sky brightened up with fireworks on the other makes Amritsar breathtaking during Diwali. Not to forget binging on culinary delights like Amritsari Kulcha or Amritsari fish fry.
Cheer as Narakasura Demon is Set Ablaze in Goa
While Delhiites immerse themselves in Lakshmi Puja and people in Kolkata choose to worship Goddess Kali, Goans believe in setting Narakasura, a demon, on fire. Burning of his effigy at the dawn of the Diwali Day symbolizes the triumph of good 
over evil. However, Diwali is also about card parties, indulging in gambling and so if you happen to visit Goa this Diwali, a visit to casinos could not be ruled out.
With Chennai receiving a whopping 161.9 mm of rain on Friday and widespread good showers across Tamil Nadu, the wait for northeast monsoon finally comes to an end.
The northeast monsoon mainly affects five regions of South India, namely Tamil Nadu, Kerala, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema and south interior Karnataka.
On Friday, other places to receive good showers in Tamil Nadu include Pamban, Nagapattinam, Tiruchirapalli, Kodaikanal and Kanyakumari.
Rain in Tamil Nadu
| Name of Place | Rainfall in millimetres |
| Chennai | 161.9 |
| Pamban | 72.4 |
| Palayamkottai | 67 |
| Nagapattinam | 45.5 |
| Tiruchirapalli | 44.9 |
| Kodaikanal | 29.2 |
| Karaikal | 28.7 |
| Coonoor | 28 |
| Kanyakumari | 23.2 |
| Madurai | 15 |
Rayalseema, Kerala and South Interior Karnataka also received some rain on Friday. Northeast Monsoon will continue to shower South India with increasing intensity, during next few days.
Northeast monsoon arrives in Tamil Nadu, heavy rain to continue for two more days http://t.co/mLaIQAQUG2
— TOIChennai (@TOIChennai) October 18, 2014
Widespread rain in South India- #Chennai 162mm, Pamban 72mm, Kochi 168mm, Kannur 86mm, Punalur 74mm, #Kanyakumari 23mm, Mangalore 18mm. — SkymetWeather (@SkymetWeather) October 18, 2014
| Name of Region | Name of Place | Rainfall in millimetres |
| Kerala | Kochi | 167.8 |
| Kerala | Kannur | 86.2 |
| Kerala | Punalur | 74.2 |
| Kerala | Kottayam | 17.8 |
| Rayalaseema | Nellore | 7.8 |
| Rayalaseema | Tirupati | 3.4 |
| South Interior Karnataka | Mangalore | 17.9 |
| South Interior Karnataka | Madikeri | 14.6 |
According to Skymet Meteorology Division in India, Northeast Monsoon does not have any specific date of commencement unlike the Southwest Monsoon. Its normal onset date is around October 20 with an error margin of 7 days.
The low pressure area over south Sri Lankan coast has moved westwards and the easterly wave along the east coast of Peninsular India has strengthened. The trough along Sri Lanka coast extending up to 3 km and the cyclonic circulation over southeast Andaman Sea are also supporting the weather system bringing widespread rain over South India and Sri Lanka.
Taking into account the prevailing situation, Skymet declares the onset of Northeast Monsoon!
Latest Update : Hurricane Gonzalo made landfall as a category 2 hurricane with 110 mph winds along the south-central coast of Bermuda. Despite Bermuda being a small target, the center of Gonzalo's large eye still passed over the islands for the second time in five days.
Gonzalo heads towards Bermuda
After scattering showers today in Puerto Rico, Gonzalo spins away from Caribbean Islands and heads towards Bermuda. It is currently moving towards west/northwest followed by a recurve towards northeast. The category-3 storm, Gonzalo is estimated to convert into a category-4 storm before it hits Bermuda by Friday.
Packed with sustained wind of 195 kmph, gust of 237 kmph and speed of 20 kmph, Gonzalo would strengthen due to warm oceanic water and low wind shear.
There could be unforeseen disrupting to travel and structural damage to homes on the shores of Bermuda.
Ana packs force as it heads towards Hawaii
The outer bands of Hurricane #Ana are currently bringing rain to the Big Island of #Hawaii. http://t.co/9uWXAlZZB2 pic.twitter.com/AMPYU0nE6q
— Hurricane Central (@twc_hurricane) October 18, 2014
Tropical storm is expected to strengthen in next 48 hours and become a hurricane, packed with sustained wind of 103 kmph when it reached Hawaii by Friday.
However, a gradual weakening is forecast for the weekend as the system will encounter increasing wind shear. Though, heavy rain and gusty winds will prevail over the weekend in the area.
The Hawaiian Islands were hit by Tropical Storm Iselle on Aug. 8, causing extensive damage on the Big Island, and Tropical Storm Julio nearly hit the islands a week later.
Among an array of festivals celebrated in India, Diwali is by far the most glamorous and important festival of the Hindus. The festival of lights commemorates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, from his fourteen years of exile after vanquishing the demon king Ravana. To welcome lord Rama, the residents of Ayodhya illuminated the kingdom with earthen lamps and set firecrackers ablaze.
The illuminating nights of Diwali celebrates the victory of good over evil and has the potency of uniting all and sundry due to its appeal and magnificence. With just one weekend left for Diwali, Delhi is already wearing the festive look. Local markets, shopping complexes and homes of people are decked up with flowers and lights.
In Delhi and most parts of India, Diwali is generally celebrated for 5 days starting with Dhanteras to be celebrated on October 21, this year. Jewellers like Malabar Gold & Diamonds, PC Jewellers, Hazoorilal Jewellers and others will be offering attractive discounts on the auspicious occasion of Dhanteras.
The next day is known as Naraka Chaturdasi, venerating the day when Lord Krishna killed the demon Narakasura. Also called Choti Diwali, people traditionally take bath before sunrise and offer prayers to Lord Krishna and Vishnu.
Diwali is celebrated on Amavasya, when every household worships Ganesha and the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi.
On the fourth day, Govardhan Puja is celebrated in North India and Bali Pratipada in the South. Diwali festivities comes to an end with Yama Dwitiya or Bhaidhuj, when sisters exuberate affections for their brothers.
Delhi is usually a little overwhelming during festivities and Diwali brings the best in them. Fireworks in Delhi go all night long. And to get a glimpse of the best, one can visit the India Gate, Ram Leela Ground and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
The local Diwali melas are eagerly awaited as they display beautiful household decorative items, besides games, activities and food! The Blind School Mela in Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, near Oberoi Hotel, is one of the sought after fairs held in Delhi. Diwali Dilwalo Ki hosted by Dilli Haat in Pitampura, also sets up several stalls selling decorative items, candles, lamps and idols of gods and goddesses.
Weather in Delhi will remain pleasant with maximums in mid-thirties and minimums comfortably below 20ºC but above 15ºC. Rain will not possibly spoil the festivities during next one week.
picture courtesy - Indian express
Vietnam's 2014-2015 coffee crop is expected to fall to around 25 million 60 kg bags, according to the vice chairman of Vietnam's coffee and cocoa association. Vietnam's coffee production was expected to fall around 10 percent from the previous year, due to a combination of aging trees and heavy rain in some areas.
In order to avoid massive spoilage and wastage of wheat in the country, India can export up to 10 million tonnes (MT) of wheat every year, according the Assocham. The export will help the country to maintain production level of about 95 million tonnes and save grains worth about $8.41 billion owing get wasted every year.
