Climate alteration poses a consistent threat to food security and agriculture production system. Agriculture sector encounters severe challenges in achieving the sustainable development goals due to direct and indirect effects inflicted by ongoing climate change. Although many industries are confronting the challenge of climate change, the impact on agricultural industry is huge. Irrational weather changes have raised imminent public concerns, as adequate output and food supplies are under a continuous threat. Food production system is negatively threatened by changing climatic patterns thereby increasing the risk of food poverty. It has led to a concerning state of affairs regarding global eating patterns, particularly in countries where agriculture plays a significant role in their economies and productivity levels. The focus of this review is on deteriorating consequences of climate alteration with the prime emphasis on agriculture sector and how the altering climatic patterns affect food security either directly or indirectly. Climate shifts and the resultant alteration in the temperature ranges have put the survival and validity of many species at risk, which has exaggerated biodiversity loss by progressively fluctuating the ecological structures. The indirect influence of climate variation results in poor quality and higher food costs as well as insufficient systems of food distribution. The concluding segment of the review underscores the emphasis on policy implementation aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change, both on a regional and global scale. The data of this study has been gathered from various research organizations, newspapers, policy papers, and other sources to aid readers in understanding the issue. The policy execution has also been analyzed which depicted that government engrossment is indispensable for the long-term progress of nation, because it will guarantee stringent accountability for the tools and regulations previously implemented to create state-of-the-art climate policy. Therefore, it is crucial to reduce or adapt to the effects of climate change because, in order to ensure global survival, addressing this worldwide peril necessitates a collective global commitment to mitigate its dire consequences.

Medicinal plants continue to serve as a vital source of structurally diverse bioactive compounds with broad therapeutic potential. This review synthesizes recent advances in the field, emphasizing how modern technologies are reshaping natural product research and translational applications. Omics platforms—including genomics, metabolomics, proteomics, and spatial omics—enable comprehensive mapping of biosynthetic pathways, regulatory networks, and spatial chemical distributions, accelerating the discovery and characterization of bioactive compounds. Artificial intelligence-driven approaches in predictive modeling, automated metabolite annotation, and optimized cultivation strategies are examined as transformative tools for improving research efficiency and reproducibility. In parallel, nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems are highlighted for their ability to enhance bioavailability, target specificity, and therapeutic efficacy, particularly against complex diseases such as cancer and neurodegeneration. The review also addresses critical challenges, including biodiversity conservation, contamination and adulteration of herbal products, and gaps in regulatory oversight. Finally, we discuss future perspectives where integrative, multidisciplinary strategies are poised to advance personalized medicine, promote sustainable harvesting, and drive innovative phytopharmaceutical development. By bridging traditional knowledge with state-of-the-art technologies, this review underscores the evolving role of medicinal plants in next-generation healthcare solutions and their transformative potential for global health. Graphical abstract

Tea (Camellia sinensis) has grown for over 300 years and is recognized worldwide as among other well-renowned crops. The quality of black tea depends on plucking (method, standard, season, and intervals), withering and rolling (time and temperature), fermentation (time, temperature, and RH), drying (temperature and method), and storage conditions, which have a high influence on the final quality of black tea. At the rolling stage, the oxidation process is initiated and ends at the early drying stage until the enzymes that transform tea polyphenols into thearubigins (TRs) and theaflavins (TFs) are denatured by heat. By increasing fermentation time, TRs increased, and TF decreased. Each is liable for black tea’s brightness, taste, and color. The amino acids and essential oils also grant a distinctive taste and aroma to black tea. Throughout withering, rolling, and fermentation, increases were found in essential oil content, but during drying, a decrease was observed. However, the Maillard reaction, which occurs when amino acids react with sugar during drying, reimburses for this decrease and enhances the flavor and color of black tea. As compared to normal conditions, accelerated storage showed a slight decrease in the total color, TF, and TRs. It is concluded that including plucking, each processing step (adopted technique) and storage system has a remarkable impact on black tea’s final quality. To maintain the quality, an advanced mechanism is needed to optimize such factors to produce high-quality black tea, and an objective setting technique should be devised to attain the desirable quality characteristics.

The demand for ethical foods is rising, with halal foods playing a significant role in this trend. However, halal standards vary globally, which can have substantial implications. Multiple Halal Certification Bodies (HCBs) can approve food products but they often prioritize national regulations over international alignment. To explore the similarities and differences in halal standards, we conducted a critical analysis of various standards, including Pakistan’s halal standards, the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries, Majlis Ugama Islam Singapore, Majelis Ulama Indonesia, GCC Standardization Organization, Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia, ASEAN General Guideline, and the halal standards of Thailand, Iran, and Brunei, through a literature survey. While some commonalities exist, differences stemming from various Islamic schools of thought pose challenges for regulators, consumers, and food producers. Controversial issues include stunning, slaughtering, aquatic animals, insects, and labeling requirements. For example, all standards except the GSO allow non-Muslim slaughterers, and stunning is permitted in all standards except those of Pakistan. These disparities underscore the need for standardization and harmonization in the halal food industry to meet the growing demand for ethical foods.

The symbiotic relationship between nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria and plants offers a promising avenue for sustainable agricultural practices and environmental remediation. This review paper explores the molecular interactions between nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria and nanoparticles, shedding light on their potential synergies in agricultural nanotechnology. Delving into the evolutionary history and specialized adaptations of cyanobacteria, this paper highlights their pivotal role in fixing atmospheric nitrogen, which is crucial for ecosystem productivity. The review discusses the unique characteristics of metal nanoparticles and their emerging applications in agriculture, including improved nutrient delivery, stress tolerance, and disease resistance. It delves into the complex mechanisms of nanoparticle entry into plant cells, intracellular transport, and localization, uncovering the impact on root-shoot translocation and systemic distribution. Furthermore, the paper elucidates cellular responses to nanoparticle exposure, emphasizing oxidative stress, signaling pathways, and enhanced nutrient uptake. The potential of metal nanoparticles as carriers of essential nutrients and their implications for nutrient-use efficiency and crop yield are also explored. Insights into the modulation of plant stress responses, disease resistance, and phytoremediation strategies demonstrate the multifaceted benefits of nanoparticles in agriculture. Current trends, prospects, and challenges in agricultural nanotechnology are discussed, underscoring the need for responsible and safe nanoparticle utilization. By harnessing the power of nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria and leveraging the unique attributes of nanoparticles, this review paves the way for innovative, sustainable, and efficient agricultural practices.

Nitrogen, an essential element for plant growth and food production, presents significant challenges in agriculture due to the environmental consequences of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers. This review explores the potential of nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria as a sustainable alternative for agricultural nitrogen fertilization. The molecular mechanisms underlying nitrogen fixation in cyanobacteria, including key genes such as nif and related biochemical pathways, are examined in detail. Biotechnological approaches for utilizing nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria as biofertilizers are discussed, alongside strategies for genetic engineering to improve nitrogen fixation efficiency. The review further evaluates the impact of cyanobacteria on soil health and environmental sustainability, emphasizing their role in mitigating the detrimental effects of synthetic fertilizers. While promising, challenges such as oxygen sensitivity during nitrogen fixation and competition with native microorganisms are critically analyzed. Finally, future directions are proposed, including advancements in synthetic biology, integration with conventional agricultural practices, and scalable implementation strategies. This review underscores the transformative potential of nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria in promoting sustainable agriculture and enhancing global food security.