Melting Pots

Of the 10 persons defecating in the open globally, six are Indians. By 2019, six will be from African countries, and none from India, as the country is inching towards meeting total sanitation targets. Though some African countries have shown marginal improvement, they are likely to miss the Sustainable Development Goal on sanitation in 2030. But that is just the beginning of the continent's …

CSE study finds genetically modified ingredients in food products

In a first-of-its-kind study in India, the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) tested 65 food products available in the market for genetically modified (GM) ingredients. To its horror, CSE found GM genes in 32% of the products; almost 80% of them imported

Genetically modified foods can cause unintended changes: ICMR

In the absence of long-term studies to ascertain health impacts, countries are following precautionary principle to regulate genetically modified foods

The real weed

The WHO says it causes cancer and studies link it to many diseases. Countries have been struggling to ban or restrict its use. But a new movement to ban this chemical is gaining ground

Wah Taj! Really?

While the SC expends its energy on shouting at the authorities to save the Taj Mahal, let’s look at the 17th century mausoleum’s sad state of affairs

Verdict on Net Neutrality: India's journey towards free and fair Internet

In a huge victory for those who advocate free and fair internet access, the Indian government has approved net neutrality, but the road to victory was far from smooth

Palm oil consumption increased 230% in almost 2 decades, yet India imports most of it

India has not been able to achieve self-sufficiency in palm oil production despite 40 years of efforts. Down To Earth travelled to some of the oil growing states to understand why

With half a million new farm ponds, should farmers be worried about deficit monsoon?

In the last 12 years, the MGNREGA has created at least 46 new water harvesting structures in every village

Why MSP will not provide even minimum support to farmers

With a projected 5-25% rise in input prices of fuel, agricultural rentals and agrochemicals, the new MSPs for kharif crops will not lead to any gains

India can rely on sand imports till the time it is viable

India is importing river sand to satiate the growing demand of its construction industry and to keep soaring sand prices in check. But imports alone will not suffice without effective implementation of regulations and promotion of alternative construction materials

Make choices that will help end soil erosion, reduce effects of drought or dust storms

Every year, we make New Year resolutions about change. Why not include as one of those resolutions, a change of habit leading that will lead to a smart sustainable consumer lifestyle?

Run for cover: 100 days, 44 storms, 16 states, 423 deaths

An unprecedented storm season challenges India's scientific community

Why zoonotic diseases are fast spreading to humans

Infectious diseases that were once confined to animals in forests are now attacking human beings, at a faster pace

Africa and climate change: Exiled by emissions

The impacts of climate change are making the continent even more vulnerable

Clouds of confusion over monsoon's timely arrival

While extended range forecast shows some signs of an early onset, other meteorological conditions have shrouded the forecast in uncertainty

Fresh comes calling

A few e-shops are changing the way wet markets operate by offering fresh, chemical-free fish, poultry and meat at the doorstep. Will they be able to stand by their claims and cater to masses at an affordable price?

Swachh Bharat Mission: other name for coercion and deprivation

What started as a campaign to make India open defecation free, has now taken shape of a cocercive policy of shaming people for not using toilets, denying poor people ration under public distribution system and other welfare schemes

Plastics ban calls for deliberation, not draconian measures

While a plastic-free society may sound good, issues like lack of alternatives to banned products and potential threats to livelihoods of millions need to be factored in while framing policies

Tribunal on a tightrope

Poor implementation of polluter pays principle and conflicts with the environment ministry risks the National Green Tribunal's effectiveness

Here comes the megacities

By 2100, at least 10 cities are predicted to have population over 50 million. How can society keep pace?