Courting green

ON FEBRUARY 10 this year, Machu Dandavate, the deputy chairperson of the planning commission, underlined the reason behind a phenomenon which has lately taken the country by stem. Judicial activism - the intervention of the judiciary to stem the rot, especially in the field of environment and its protection - is the byword today.

Letters

Retrofit gadgets, reduce e-waste Electronic gadgets outnumber grocery items in a household these days (‘A different waste model’, June 1-15, 2010, and ‘IT’s underbelly’, May 16-31, 2010). What’s more, software-based devices such as cellular phones, cameras and computers have a short lifespan due to fast-growing research and constant innovation. What is a breakthrough today becomes outdated in a year. This results in piles of e-waste every year.

Holy Hex

On February 16, 2006, 'gods' came together at the Jagati Patt temple inside Hotel Castle in Naggar village, district Kullu, Himachal Pradesh. Local gods were there to discuss a proposed ski resort in the area. Based on these divine proceedings, the traditional king of Kullu, Maheshwar Singh gave a final verdict -- not an inch of land should be given for the resort. The refusal to give land was because it was supposed to belong to the gods.