Skeletons in the closet

South Africa's racist regime was developing high-tech gizmos to eliminate unsuspecting black activists

Africa’s vultures dwindling, says study

Raptors diminishing across continent due to a number of reasons

Drug ban saves vultures

Painkiller given to animals was killing the birds

ARSENIC DISASTER

Fun park, fatal foundation

Taming toxicity

Selenium, an easily available element, may be the answer to arsenic-related health problems

Kabwe lead poisoning: Fresh evidence filed against mining company on behalf of over 100,000 victims

Two law firms are pursuing a class action lawsuit against mining giant Anglo American South Africa

Study sheds light on how salmonella bacteria infect plants

Researchers found that unlike other disease-causing bacteria, salmonella sneaks in through a tiny gap created when a lateral root …

Kashmir: High organic load in Jhelum causes fish to come ashore

As fish wash ashore, experts point to environmental degradation of rivers and lakes in the valley

The reality of water security in Asia and Pacific regions

A recent report says that water security has improved, but long-term access to freshwater is still a concern

Scientists find energy source of bacteria responsible for arsenic contamination

Till now, it was known that some bacteria were breaking down compounds in the soil, causing arsenic to be released in the process. But no one …

A dangerous pesticide isn’t being monitored in key bird of prey populations — we’re shedding light on that gap

DDT monitoring in raptors is heavily biased toward the global north

Dhaka

ARSENIC POLLUTION

Video of hundreds of birds dying of poisoning in Assam goes viral; suspects identified

The birds, identified as spotted doves, are found abundantly in the region and are native to Asia

‘The regulator should monitor mercury in the air in Kodaikanal’

We still do not know how far the atmospheric mercury levels have come down in the last two decades, Ameer Shahul tells Down To Earth as he …

World freed from toxic leaded petrol: A global win

While global eradication of toxic lead in petrol needs to be celebrated, this also reminds us how tough it is to undo wrong if the evidence of …

Daily Court Digest: Major environment orders (September 11, 2019)

Down To Earth brings you the top environmental cases heard in the Supreme Court, the high courts and the National Green Tribunal

Scientists in Bihar identify bacteria that can naturally treat arsenic in groundwater

The two types of bacteria identified break down a toxic form of arsenic to a less hazardous form

Yavatmal farmers fight losing battle against pesticide poisoning; pin hopes on Swiss court hearing

There has been an inordinate delay in enacting the Pesticides Management Bill to replace the Insecticides Act of 1968

Pesticide Management Bill 2020: What could have made it better

The bill was introduced after much delay

KILLING SLICKS

SC directs Centre to submit status report on ban of pesticides

These pesticides have been banned in other countries; but in India, they are being allowed to use & could pose serious health hazards to farmers

Element of mystery: Lead poisoning is a huge public health concern for India; here’s why

Lack of screening systems; inability to determine source of exposure and lax implementation of safety norms compound the problem

Pesticides Management Bill, 2020 will hurt farmers’ livelihood, say experts

Experts call for wider consultations on the bill and for it to be placed before a select committee