Looking back at 2020: The year we must not forget

Once upon a time there was no COVID-19; then came the last day of 2019. Exactly a year ago, on December 31, 2019, China flagged the threat with WHO and soon it cast a shadow so long that would define 2020. DTE followed the story through and through, as reflected in this rewind of the year via our covers, without losing focus on the issues that were already critical. We also added to the list …

A thaw? Centre agrees to farmers’ demands on stubble burning, power subsidy

No consensus reached on core demand to repeal farm laws; next meeting January 4

People’s rights and status of forest in limbo for 53 years in Andhra Pradesh

The rights of the people were supposed to be settled under Section 4 of the Indian Forest Act; but they were not, eventually

In memoriam: These were green heroes we lost in 2020

We lost them in 2020, the year of the coronavirus; their contributions to science, environment, governance and society would be hard to emulate

COVID-19 cases rise over 200% in South Africa in a month; new restrictions kick in

Experts say new variant — called 501.V2 — triggering a surge in infections

CDRI Lucknow invites nominations, applications for excellence in drug research awards

The annual awards are for Indian citizens below 45 who have carried out outstanding research in areas with a direct bearing on drug research and development

Rethinking waste management: Improving governance in India’s North East

Nearly 85% of the waste in the North East is unceremoniously dumped without processing and treatment  

COVID-19: 6 UK returnees test positive for new strain, health ministry confirms

As many as 114 were found positive for SARS-CoV-2 after they returned from UK recently; genome sequencing results of remaining 108 are awaited 

Number of ‘bad air’ days rising in Rajasthan: CSE analysis

Five cities including Jaipur, Alwar, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Kota need to implement clean air action plans with speed, scale and urgency

India bore maximum brunt of extreme weather events in 2020: Report

As many as 2,067 lives lost to floods in India through the year, the highest in the world due to climate change-induced events 

Delhi not ready for post-lockdown traffic rebound: CSE

Respite from traffic congestion and air pollution during COVID-19 lockdown could not be sustained

Winter tourists buoy up Kashmir’s battered tourism sector

Tourist operators say next three months crucial as the government tries to resurrect the sector

Several Bihar farmers stare at loss as wheat seeds fail to sprout

Farmers demand compensation; state agriculture department launches probe

Tribal ministry panels draft fresh guidelines for community forest, habitat rights

Gram Sabhas may get more power in managing community forest, habitat

Global Eco Watch: Drying Sea of Galilee swells after years of drought

Down To Earth brings you the top happenings in the world of global ecology

PM trains guns on ‘environmentalists’ during virtual meet with farmers

Says environmentalists who support farmers now, opposed killing animals raiding farms earlier  

Bihar farmers question government decision to end diesel subsidy for them

Power supply in villages still uncertain, they say

Coal mining to be allowed in non-forest areas after Stage I of forest clearance: Government

Environment ministry takes decision after coal ministry complains of delay in projects due to mining ban in these areas

Air pollution: Half of India’s death toll in these 5 states

Uttar Pradesh has the largest burden of both ambient, household air pollution 

Environmental crusader Sugathakumari of Silent Valley fame dies

She died following complications from COVID-19

NGT wants underground power lines, bird diverters at Great Indian Bustard habitat

Tribunal also wants assessment of biodiversity impact of solar projects