'Natural disasters are shaped by social and economic inequality'

Down To Earth speaks to historian Ben Kingsbury, who, in his book An Imperial Disaster: The Bengal Cyclone of 1876, says natural disasters are not simply natural, but shaped by all-too-human patterns of exploitation and inequality

‘Telecom industry did no research on health impacts of 5G’

India plans to begin 5G trials by 2020, but experts and industry stand at odds over its impact on human health and environment. The fifth generation wireless network promises to be 50 times faster than its predecessor — 4G. Down To Earth talked to a series of experts on the issue

‘5G will better connect rural areas’

India plans to begin 5G trials by 2020, but experts and industry stand at odds over its impact on human health and environment. The fifth generation wireless network promises to be 50 times faster than its predecessor — 4G. Down To Earth spoke to a series of experts on the issue

'Women should be self-reliant to make a big difference in society'

Down To Earth talks to Pramila Bisoi, an SHG leader chosen to contest Aska Lok Sabha seat in Odisha

'5G is unlikely to cause health concerns'

India plans to begin 5G trials by 2020, but experts and industry stand at odds over its impact on human health and environment. The fifth generation wireless network promises to be 50 times faster than its predecessor — 4G. Down To Earth spoke to a series of experts on the issue

On the cards in Kerala: A clean, green Lok Sabha polls

Kerala Suchitwa Mission Executive Director R Ajay Kr Verma says mass involvement most crucial

'If humans, robots work together productivity will be higher'

Naresh Kantoor, managing director of Gurugram-based Encon Systems International, a firm that assembles industrial robots, says these machines do not pose a threat to jobs

The story of how mammals evolved

In his book ‘I, Mammal: The Story of What Makes us Mammals’, former neurobiologist Liam Drew takes the reader on a spectacular journey

Fall Armyworm attack: 'Eastern India more vulnerable to infestation'

Warmer temperatures increase the metabolism and reproductive rates of the pest

Fall Armyworm attack: 'It is the biggest pest attack ever'

The worm prefers maize, but its diet comprises up to 300 plant species, including vegetables and ornamental plants

'We can contain the pest'

India's temperature and atmospheric conditions are ideal for the spread of Fall Armyworm

‘India’s statements about Zika virus in Rajasthan are detrimental to public awareness’

Yale scientist Nathan Grubaugh criticises the central and state response to the Zika crisis, praises Down To Earth’s Madhya Pradesh reportage on the issue

'Pressure from banks pushes farmers to commit suicide'

One year since the Maharashtra farmer protests, Down To Earth speaks to Raghunath Dada Patil on the deepening crisis

'Indian firms most responsible in CSR'

Countries look at India as a leader to emulate, says philathropist RUTH A SHAPIRO in an interview to Down To Earth. Edited excerpts:

‘The govt’s version of history is less dependent on science, more on divine sayings’

Journalist Tony Joseph debunks the myth of India being the homeland of the Aryans and offers a scientific chronicle in his latest book. Here, he speaks to Down To Earth about it

'Warmer future can lead to heavier hailstorms'

UK researcher Amulya Chevuturi talks to DTE about how hailstorms occur and how they could intensify with rising temperatures

Himalayan meltdown: ‘Besides global warming, pollution also impacts glaciers’

ICIMOD director general talks to Down To Earth about the first-ever assessment of climate change impacts on Hindu Kush Himalayan region and how the world should act

Fight against antibiotic resistance brings India to focus

Chand Wattal, who strongly objected to New Delhi assigned as name to a gene that confers resistance to bacteria, discusses the latest findings

‘Universal Basic Income won’t make people lazy, but afford them more choice’

SDP leader and MP Prem Das Rai speaks to Down To Earth about his party’s plan to role out UBI in Sikkim and how it will help create a productive work culture

‘Tighter regulations needed on nutrient effluents’

Here’s N Raghuram, chairman of International Nitrogen Initiative, speaking with Down To Earth about the viability of United Kingdom’s project to tackle nitrogen pollution

‘Such an ad-lib translocation would lead to human-mugger conflict’

As the Gujarat government sets about catching 500 crocodiles from two ponds near the Statue of Unity to make a seaplane lauchpad for ferrying tourists, Down To Earth speaks to veteran crocodile expert, Raju Vyas on the issue