Pacific phenomenon 'Victoria Mode' is drying north-west India: Study

A study by IMD and IITM scientists indicates that the negative phase of the Pacific Ocean's 'Victoria Mode' is reducing moisture flow and drying northern India.

The research revealed that north-west India's hot semi-arid steppe zone expanded from 25.7% in 1951-80 to 33.1% in 1991-2020.

The authors warned that the shrinkage of traditional climate zones could negatively impact food safety and cause local population displacement.