Down To Earth
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 min |
April 16, 2025
Down To Earth
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 min |
April 16, 2025
Down To Earth
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 min |
April 16, 2025
Down To Earth
THE ENERGY PARADOX
As Al reshapes the world, can it curb its own environmental impact?
3 min |
April 16, 2025
Down To Earth
SUNNY SIDE UP
The golden-hued egg fruit found in southern states is rich in nutritive and medicinal properties, but remains underutilised
3 min |
April 16, 2025
Down To Earth
BIAS INBUILT
Exploitative use of AI by governments and private entities threatens humanity, emphasising the need for strong guardrails
5 min |
April 16, 2025
Down To Earth
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 |
April 16, 2025
Down To Earth
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 min |
April 16, 2025
MACHINERY LUBRICATION INDIA
INNOVATIONS IN ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS AND FAILURE ANALYSIS FOR ENHANCED LUBRICATION PRACTICES
The lubrication industry is currently experiencing a transformative wave with the introduction of cutting-edge products focused on Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and Failure Analysis (FA).
2 min |
March - April 2025
MACHINERY LUBRICATION INDIA
Contamination Control at a Pulp & Paper Plant
If you have ever worked in or around a paper facility, you might be familiar with the steam, smell, pulp, and water that seem to be everywhere.
6 min |
March - April 2025
MACHINERY LUBRICATION INDIA
MAP YOUR LUBRICATION PROGRAM'S WORKFLOW
Throughout my career in lubrication something has become apparent as it relates to many lubrication programs out there; there is a lack of an actual workflow that is expected to be completed in the program.
10+ min |
March - April 2025
MACHINERY LUBRICATION INDIA
RE-OILING THE WHEELS: NAVIGATING INDIA'S USED OIL LANDSCAPE UNDER THE EXTENDED PRODUCER RESPONSIBILITY
India, as the world’s third-largest lubricant market, faces a significant challenge in the sustainable management of used oil generated from its expanding automotive and industrial sectors.
4 min |
March - April 2025
MACHINERY LUBRICATION INDIA
LANXESS OPENS INDIA APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT CENTER IN MUMBAI
German specialty chemicals company LANXESS has inaugurated its India Application Development Center (IADC) in Thane, Mumbai. The state-of-the-art facility, located at LANXESS House, will drive innovation and enhance customer service, initially focusing on two key business units with plans for expansion.
1 min |
March - April 2025
MACHINERY LUBRICATION INDIA
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN MACHINERY LUBRICATION: REVOLUTIONIZING MAINTENANCE AND EFFICIENCY
In industrial maintenance, machinery lubrication has always been critical to ensuring the smooth operation and longevity of equipment.
3 min |
March - April 2025
MACHINERY LUBRICATION INDIA
THE ROLE OF OIL CHANGES IN REFRIGERATED TRUCK MAINTENANCE
Refrigerated trucks are working hard on our roads, and it’s our responsibility to ensure they have everything they need to perform.
4 min |
March - April 2025
MACHINERY LUBRICATION INDIA
EDDY-CURRENT ORBIT PLOT ANALYSIS WITH A PORTABLE VIBRATION ANALYZER
The Curtis Bay plant recycle blower M53304 has a large 1000 HP Babbitt motor and fan oil-lubricated bearings, critical to optimal plant performance.
3 min |
March - April 2025
MACHINERY LUBRICATION INDIA
MISTAKES IN THESE 6 AREAS ARE SABOTAGING YOUR LUBRICATION PROGRAM
Specific Questions to Ask Yourself Around Your Facility
3 min |
March - April 2025
MACHINERY LUBRICATION INDIA
WRITING A SMART INSPECTION PLAN
Like most business plans and strategies, an inspection plan should be built top-down.
7 min |
March - April 2025
MACHINERY LUBRICATION INDIA
UNLOCKING THE FUTURE OF MACHINERY LUBRICATION: THE CRITICAL ROLE OF TRAINING & TALENT MANAGEMENT
The saying “knowledge is power” holds a unique significance in machinery lubrcation.
3 min |
March - April 2025
MACHINERY LUBRICATION INDIA
BP MULLS CASTROL SALE: WHAT COULD THIS MEAN FOR INDIA'S LUBRICANTS MARKET?
BP is reportedly exploring the sale of its lubricants division, Castrol, in a move that could fetch around $10 billion.
1 min |
March - April 2025
MACHINERY LUBRICATION INDIA
THE CRITICAL ROLE OF TRIBOLOGY IN ENHANCING INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY PERFORMANCE
In the world of industrial machinery, the pursuit of efficiency and longevity is relentless.
2 min |
March - April 2025
Down To Earth
TIRELESS CHRONICLERS
Every decade since 1974, scholars, activists, students and journalists have embarked on a unique 45-day journey on foot through the hinterlands of western Himalayas to revive and restore the lost ties RAJU SAJWAN
7 min |
April 01, 2025
Down To Earth
'Integrate health, physiology to assess heat impacts'
When we think of extreme heat, the discussion often focusses only on the mortality it causes. However, it affects individuals differently. JOY MERWIN MONTEIRO, assistant professor at the Department of Earth and Climate Science at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune, is studying how a combination of environmental and individual factors determine the risk of heat-related health impacts. In an interview with HIMANSHU NITNAWARE, Monteiro discusses the concept of heat strain—the physiological burden extreme heat places on the body—and why understanding it is crucial to safeguard the population. Excerpts:
3 min |
April 01, 2025
Down To Earth
In search of new homes
As Asiatic lions outgrow their last refuge in Gujarat’s Gir forests, they are crossing the state borders and even venturing into unlikely coastal areas to establish new territories
4 min |
April 01, 2025
Down To Earth
DUST TO DUST
Millions of Indians work in dusty mines, factories and construction sites, facing a deadly yet underreported lung disease called silicosis. National-level data on the illness caused by dust inhalation is virtually absent.
10+ min |
April 01, 2025
Down To Earth
MAGNETIC FLIP-FLOP
Earth's magnetic field, our shield against cosmic radiations, has a history of reversals and anomalies. From setting up observatories and satellites to analysing ship logs and archeological surveys, scientists are piecing together its past to uncover clues about future shifts. Yet, many mysteries remain
5 min |
April 01, 2025
Down To Earth
TAMING THE TEAK
Tissue-cultured teak has potential to boost India's timber cultivation and trade, but requires identifying best farm practices
3 min |
April 01, 2025
Down To Earth
US tariffs on drugs and the end of WTO
Trump's plan to levy duties on pharma violates WTO rules, but there is no recourse as the trade regulator is dysfunctional
4 min |
April 01, 2025
Down To Earth
Promising start
Sexed semen technology can revolutionise India's dairy sector. But its impact on biodiversity must not be ignored
6 min |
April 01, 2025
Scientific India
If we must bring back extinct species, let's focus on the giant herbivores
The American genetic engineering firm Colossal Biosciences recently announced to much fanfare it had “de-extincted” the dire wolf, a canine species that was wiped out around 10,000 years ago.
2 min |