Tsunami-hit farmers of Nagapattinam against prawn industry

The prawn farming industry in Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu has bounced back from the losses of the tsunami of December 26, 2004, causing irreperable damage to agriculture. The tsunami hit farmers of Nagapttinam are suffering the double whammy as the prawn industry chokes-off agriculture.

Deluge of foreign patent applications in India

Foreigners file 75 per cent of patent applications in India. Indian scientists and research organisations are also increasingly filing for patents, though mostly in the us. On the one hand, the preponderance of foreign patent applications in India, commentators say, could lead to increased dominance of foreign companies in Indian markets in future.

US steps up efforts to protect forests; bars development projects

The us federal district court of northern California upheld the 'Roadless Area Conservation Rule' (roadless rule) on September 20, 2006. It provides protection to 20 million hectares (mha) of pristine forests and grasslands from road building, logging and development across the us, except for the Tongass National Park in Alaska, which is covered under a different rule.

Goa regional plan has public up in arms

After a delay of over six years, Goa has a 400-page blueprint for development. But the Goa Final Regional Plan 2011 has environmental groups, urban planners and the public up in arms. They want it to be repealed since it has subverted a draft plan released earlier for public comments. "Sweeping changes have been made in the final plan, mostly related to land use.

Organic drive in Uttaranchal ignores farmers' concerns

It's not routine for organic to get a bad press. But when quixotic officials turn it into an article of faith without doing the homework, the repercussions can be seriously debilitating.

Maharashtra set to notify standards for private healthcare units

Court gets tough on temporary mining permits

On August 4, 2006, the Supreme Court laid down guidelines for issuing temporary working permits (twps) to mining companies. Granted by the Union ministry of environment and forests (moef), these permits afforded mining agencies leeway to continue operations in the interregnum between the expiry of a mining lease and its renewal.

Corporate pressure may put India's obesity prevention plans on hold

Two years have elapsed since who passed its global strategy -- in May 2004 -- on diet, physical activity and health but the world is still nowhere near engaging industry and consumers on issues relating to healthy lifestyles, of which diet is a crucial element.

Ambanis play power games with nuclear energy and ethanol

Although the Ambani brothers have parted ways, Anil Ambani and Mukesh Ambani are busy in their pursuit to expand their businesses in the energy sector. While Anil is taking the nuclear route, Mukesh is focused on ethanol. And in both cases, experts fear the companies may not play fair. Besides, existing laws do not allow entry of private players into the nuclear power generation programme yet.

Jatropha plantation policy has gaping holes

The Planning Commission's approach draft for the 11th Five-Year Plan has raised concerns regarding the environmental and socio-economic impacts of the ongoing jatropha plantations for developing bio-diesel in various parts of the country. The report says being a water-intensive crop jatropha plantations could lead to a drinking water shortage, and encroach on pastoral lands and animal habitats.