Chaos in the iron age

Also Cover Story:  Bellary to bleed again Goa next Bellary case file Infographics: function minesgraph() { var popurl="http://www.downtoearth.org.in/themes/DTE/htm/mines_20130515.htm" winpops=window.open(popurl,"","width=500,height=775,scrollbars=yes") } Mines produce more than permitted Photo Gallery: Burdened by mines Goa after mining ban  

Science and Technology - Briefs

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES Shield melts off

Farmers shrink, labourers swell

‘BRAI will benefit both private and public sectors’

Does BRAI cater only to industry? The BRAI Bill promotes safe use of modern biotechnology by enhancing efficiency of regulatory procedures. BRAI will regulate research, import, manufacture and use of organisms and products of biotechnology. Therefore, the Bill not only helps the private industry but also supports the public sector. Interviewee:  V Ram Kaundinya

Stage set for GM crops

Letters - May 16-31, 2013

Dam smart

Old mandate, new law

WHEN Annapurna Devi visited the rainforests of the Amazon she wanted to bring back a memento that embodies the pristine beauty of the region. She chose some necklaces and earrings made of olho-de-cabra seeds, or the red and black tento seeds, which the indigenous communities turn into beautiful jewellery. Devi was the only one among a host of visitors from other countries to buy the jewellery. The Americans, Canadians and British loved the jewellery as much but said they could not carry it home because customs officials would confiscate any item that contained foreign plant material.

Letters - May 1-15, 2013

Dubious Distinction This is with reference to the editorial, “A green facade” (April 1-15, 2013). I am doing an investigative project about green buildings and rating systems in India as part of my journalism studies. I have been digging for opposing views on LEED rating in India but there has been none. It was a delight to find an article criticising these ratings.

EU threat to farmers

No land, no money