Rakesh Sharma on space exploration and technology

Wing Commander (retired) Rakesh Sharma recently completed 35 years of being the first Indian to have ever set foot in space. He talked to Down To Earth about the exhilarating moment, space exploration, humans as multi-planetary species, ISRO’s plan to send a humanoid to space and weaponisation of space in a four-part series

Proposed amendment to Indian Forest Act would deepen injustice

It will change the fundamentals of community-driven forest governance that has taken roots in the past decades

Aravallis: How mining wreaked havoc on the mountain range

Here’s all about how humans ravaged the 2.5 billion years old mountain range in just 40 years

Heat wave: Phenomenon, predictions and precautions

From what the IMD has to say, to areas that are already under the extreme weather event’s grip, here’s all you need for a status update on the intense heat

General Elections: All you need to know to be an environmentally informed voter

As India goes to polls, here’s all the knowledge you need about environment and development to make an informed decision

Court digest: Major environment hearings in March

While every week, Down To Earth brings you the top environmental cases heard in the Supreme Court, high courts and National Green Tribunal, here is a round-up of all the Saturday digests for March

What’s the whole talk about doubling farmers’ income?

As the Bharatiya Janata Party promises this in its 2019 election manifesto, it’s imperative to know how doable is it and here’s all that you need for it

All you need to know about Fall Armyworm attack on India, Africa

Here’s a round-up of what’s being touted as the biggest ever pest attack

Drought but why: Deciphering the disaster in detail

Do you know that a normal monsoon doesn’t mean no drought and the same districts are parched every year. Read all this and much more here in Down To Earth’s coverage on droughts

Forest Rights Act: Who is the encroacher and who is encroached upon

Thirteen years after a historic law was formulated to give forest dwellers legal ownership of their traditional land, their fate still hangs in the balance. A recent Supreme Court verdict, which almost made their eviction imminent, has brought the focus back on the tedious rights recognition process under the Forest Rights Act, 2006

Court digest: Major environment hearings in February

While every week, Down To Earth brings you the top environmental cases heard in the Supreme Court, high courts and National Green Tribunal, here is a round-up of all the Saturday digests for February

Fall Armyworm attack: The damage done

The deadly but little understood crop pest, poses a threat to food security and livelihoods of millions as it ravages crops in Africa and now Asia

All you need to know about Universal Basic Income

Here’s a lowdown on what the basic income scheme is and what it entails

Forest dwellers’ rights: Conservationists started it, SC stayed it

Read this to abreast yourself with the whole issue of Forest Rights Act and tribals’ rights that has made its way to the Supreme Court

Will the farmer benefit from cash support?

A first after many years, farmers are at the centre of political attention. Ahead of the general elections, there is a rush of cash support schemes to woo them. This may bring some solace to farmers, but will the schemes have a lasting impact?

Court digest: Major environment hearings in January

While every week, Down To Earth brings you the top environmental cases heard in the Supreme Court, high courts and National Green Tribunal, here is a round-up of all the Saturday digests for January

Peace isn't elusive

After the Pulwama terror strike, the Kashmir debate has reopened. We bring to you an older article from brighter times, which underscores the importance of natural resources as a solution to the region's problems 

Full coverage: Impacts of climate change on Hindu Kush Himalayan region

The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development assessed the ecologically important but fragile region for the very first time. Here's all you need to know about it

Interim Budget 2019: The full coverage

Here is a look at what all was promised by Union Minister Piyush Goyal and if it stands in the real world

Coastal Regulation Zone Notification: What development are we clearing our coasts for

The Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2018, has diluted India's only protection system for the fragile ecology and opened it up to realtors and large-scale development projects

Before Feb 1, brush up your knowledge of all Budgets since Independence

An analysis of all budgets since 1947, their relevance, exclusion of children’s rights and what the last Budget lacked: all of which is here