The monsoon always catches the government unawares

First there was the mounting suspense. All of India awaited with bated breath the arrival of the south west monsoon. Would it arrive? Miraculously,…

The shadow of a calamity

Among disasters, drought is the easiest to predict and manage. The Indian Meteorological Department's forecast of a "below normal" monsoon in …

A travesty of justice

The new rehabilitation policy for project displaced persons is official jargon mongering

Tracking India's wealth

India has come out with maps of its biodiversity-rich regions, one of the first countries to do so in the world. It was the fruit of a five-year …

Manmohan's bag of magical budgeting tricks

The finance minister's targets for restructuring -- lower fiscal deficit, stronger economic recovery and higher exports -- form the core of his …

How development loses meaning

The abstract noun 'development' is firmly a part of the public relations language governments use today. But after a recent ordinance passed by …

Biogas can solve nation's energy problems

Both government and voluntary agencies are helping to spread biogas technology, which can provide clean fuel and enriched manure as well as …

The power game

Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have become increasingly influential in the past 50 years. Awareness of human rights and social and …

When Will India Be Able To Control Pollution?

Not till the middle of the 21st century. So be prepared to leave your children behind in a living hell. Unless you are prepared to browbeat your …

Indian report will stir up Copenhagen meet

An Indian government report that criticises and asks for several amendments in the Montreal Protocol is expected to generate heated debate among …

Without a trace

Medicinal plant biodiversity is rapidly vanishing in India and the government has still to come up with a plan of action

Courting green

When the executive fails, people seek redressal from courts. In some cases, the courts have merely put the seal of approval on the actions of …

Shaken not Stirred

Authorities' response to post-crisis management -- committees and cover-ups

The debate on interlinking rivers in India

India plans to develop its water resources by interlinking its Himalayan rivers with those in the peninsular region through 30 interlinking canal …

Don't bite that apple!

The government's plans for boosting horticulture to earn foreign exchange do not take into account the hidden costs of deforestation, fertiliser …

Statehood first, ecology later

Jharkhand's leaders have successfully pressurised the Centre to consider granting autonomy to this region. But they have still not …

Caste discrimination at work place, says ILO report

India's game plan on GATT: Will it work?

The government says there are opportunities to improve the Dunkel packager but not all are convinced that it is trying hard enough. …

A bit of iodine in my salt

A nation stands divided over the government's proposal to lift the ban on non-iodised salt

Loud campaign

Firecracker industry launches drive against noise pollution laws

Job growth statistics conceal agrarian crisis

Substance Abuse

The Montreal Protocol was meant to eliminate Ozone-depleting substances. It is turning out to be a technology trap for Indian industry. And …

Making polluters pay

Despite bureaucratic hurdles, a non-governmental organisation hope to bring to book an erring paper mill in Punjab

Sealed fate

The de-sealing drive of the Delhi government is yet to take-off as a bureaucratic maze greets factory owners

Proposed IPR law raises concerns