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New Delhi, Sep 16: The El Nino weather phenomenon has begun to show its impact across India, weakening the monsoon and triggering irregular rainfall. As a result, crop yields have fallen, and consumers are now feeling the pinch with rising food prices. After sugar, the prices of eggs and chicken are climbing rapidly. According to reports, sugarcane output has already declined, and experts warn that maize yields may also drop. If that happens, prices could surge further. Rice and soybean crops are also expected to be affected. Also read: Three Killed in NBC News Helicopter Crash during Live Coverage in Los Angeles Scientists have cautioned that this could be one of the strongest El Nino events of the century, with its peak impact likely by the end of the year. The immediate fallout is visible in sugar prices, which have risen sharply ahead of the festive season. Compared to last year, sugar prices have jumped by 40 per cent. The commodity, which cost ₹49 per kg before the festive season, has now stabilized at around ₹65 per kg in August. The decline in sugarcane harvest due to excessive rainfall and pest attacks last year has worsened the situation. Maize, another crucial crop, is also under pressure. Prices have already risen by 3 per cent, and further yield losses could push up the cost of cattle feed. This would make poultry farming more expensive, driving up the prices of eggs and chicken. Looking ahead, experts fear that reduced rainfall could hit sugarcane output in 2026-27. To meet demand, ethanol production from sugarcane may be cut, with maize being used instead. However, maize yields are also expected to decline this year, compounding the challenge. With weaker monsoons, reduced soil moisture, and rising heat, El Nino is not only hurting farmers but also straining household budgets. The ripple effects on essential commodities are expected to continue in the coming months.

New Delhi, Sep 16: The curtain is set to fall on Lionel Messi’s legendary Argentina career. Next month, the Albiceleste captain will take the field one last time in Buenos Aires, leading his nation into a farewell friendly against Benin at River Plate’s iconic Estadio Monumental. The Argentine Football Association confirmed the October 6 fixture will serve as the final appearance for the national team’s greatest icon. “We invited the world’s best player, our national ‑ team icon, our captain Lionel Andres Messi, to have a deserved farewell here in Argentina, ” AFA president Claudio Tapia wrote on social media. Tapia added that Argentina ’ s 2022 World Cup winners and their families have also been invited to what he described as an “unforgettable” occasion. Also read: Punjab to Host Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026, India to Face Pakistan on Nov 1 Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, and Giovani Lo Celso will join the squad for the match, while the list of domestic ‑ league call ‑ ups will be announced later this week. The 39 ‑ year ‑ old forward announced his retirement from international football on August 31, ending a glittering 20 ‑ year career with Argentina. “ After the time that has passed since the final, and after giving it a lot of thought, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the Argentina national team,” Messi wrote. “It was a decision that hurt – and still hurts deep down – but I understand that the time has come. I swear to you that I always gave it my all – not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too.” Messi leaves as Argentina’s most ‑ capped player with 207 appearances and its all ‑ time leading scorer with 125 goals. His international honors include the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024, and a runners ‑ up finish at Brazil 2014. At his final World Cup earlier this year, he scored eight goals and provided four assists, though Argentina lost 1 ‑ 0 to Spain in the final after extra time. Argentina will play three friendlies between September 21 and October 6: against Bolivia in Córdoba on September 30, Burkina Faso at the Monumental on October 3, and Benin on October 6. The farewell match at River Plate’s 85,000 ‑ capacity stadium is expected to be a historic send ‑ off for the eight ‑ time Ballon d ’ Or winner, who continues his club career with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. (IANS)