Down To Earth Magazine - April 16, 2025

In this issue

INTELLIGENCE OUTSOURCED - INESCAPABLE REALITIES OF AI BOOM

Nature guides

A women's collective in Uttarakhand improves members' livelihoods through sustainable tourism initiatives

2 mins

Discourse on plant, forest genetic resources

WITH AN aim to discuss strategies for conserving plant and forest genetic resources, global leaders convened in Rome for the 20th Regular Session of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA 20) on March 24-28. CGRFA, part of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), is the only permanent intergovernmental body that deals with all components of biodiversity for food and agriculture.

1 min

RESILIENT RURAL FUTURES

Ambuja Foundation Tackles Climate Vulnerability Head On ...

3 mins

TRUMP'S TARIFF FRENZY

India should be most concerned about 'reciprocal tariffs' as Donald Trump seeks to pry open the country's agricultural markets for US' agri-business companies

6 mins

The Big Pharma fix

Weight-loss drugs will not help India unless measures are taken to promote healthy diet and lifestyle

5 mins

In full retreat

Hindu Kush glaciers retreated 65 per cent faster in 2011-20, compared to previous decade. In a 2 °C warmer world, half of its glaciers could vanish

3 mins

ARTIFICIAL YOURS

Artificial Intelligence has made its way in everyday life. From Ghibli art to search engines to weapon systems, the technology's penetration is nearly complete. Trends show that organisations are rewiring to cope with the new reality. Governments are using private players to gain AI supremacy, while allowing them a greater say in public policy. India has entered the race late, but plans to develop its own model this year. What are the societal, legal and environmental challenges posed by the AI revolution?

7 mins

AN AI FOR AN AI

Countries and companies are engaged in geopolitical competition and are pouring billions to dominate Al economy. But dangers abound

5 mins

BIAS INBUILT

Exploitative use of AI by governments and private entities threatens humanity, emphasising the need for strong guardrails

5 mins

UPDATE REQUIRED

India needs to upgrade its legislative and legal framework to deal with the impacts of AI technology

4 mins

THE ENERGY PARADOX

As Al reshapes the world, can it curb its own environmental impact?

3 mins

Putting public health before patent rights

Roche's patent suit against Natco spotlights the problem of patients with rare diseases and access to pricey drugs

4 mins

'Commission will provide legal aid to protect rights of elderly'

The Kerala Assembly has on March 19 passed the Kerala State Elderly Commission Bill, 2025, which allows the government to set up an Elderly Commission to protect the rights of the senior citizens and promote their welfare. In a conversation with K A SHAJI, the state's Minister for Higher Education and Social Justice R BINDU shares the mission of the country's first such commission. Excerpts:

4 mins

SUNNY SIDE UP

The golden-hued egg fruit found in southern states is rich in nutritive and medicinal properties, but remains underutilised

3 mins

Read all stories from Down To Earth

Down To Earth Magazine Description:

Down To Earth is a fortnightly magazine published by the Society for Environmental Comm, a non-profit research and advocacy organization based in New Delhi, India. It is one of the most respected environmental magazines in the country.

The magazine covers a wide range of topics related to the environment and sustainable development, including:

* Climate change: DTE provides in-depth coverage of climate change, including its causes, impacts, and mitigation and adaptation strategies.
* Energy: DTE covers a variety of energy topics, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, and fossil fuels.
* Water: DTE covers a variety of water topics, including water pollution, water scarcity, and water management.
* Pollution: DTE covers a variety of pollution topics, including air pollution, water pollution, and soil pollution.
* Biodiversity: DTE covers a variety of biodiversity topics, including forests, wildlife, and conservation.
* Sustainable development: DTE covers a variety of sustainable development topics, including green economy, sustainable agriculture, and sustainable transportation.

Down To Earth magazine is known for its high-quality journalism and its commitment to environmental protection. It is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the environment and sustainable development in India and around the world.