Peacock Tarantula - How Long Will This Beauty Last?

When they say, beauty fades with time, they surely do not mean what the gorgeous Peacock Tarantula is facing: extinction. In this article, Benita Sen finds out more about this beautiful creature.

Stalled Weather Patterns Will Get Bigger - Due To Climate Change

Climate change will increase the size of stalled high-pressure systems that can cause heat waves, droughts, and other extreme weather, according to a new study.

Remedial Steps for Force Majeure - Dealing with Natural Calamities

Innovation, creativity and technological know-how can contribute to the development, growth and prosperity of a nation and its citizens, but what happens when disaster strikes? Akash Gupta talks about the broader picture on preparation for natural calamities, disasters, and unforeseen events that can wipe out our accomplishments, creations, and developments.

Zero-waste Cooking - Practising Sustainability with Our Food

Going green can save the planet and by buying misshapen or not-yet-spoiled fruits and vegetables, planning for meals ahead of time, buying and substituting local produce for imported ingredients, consumers can decrease the environmental impact of their consumption. In this article, Anjali Prasad talks about ways in which consumers can reduce the environmental impact of their eating habits, while simultaneously moving towards more healthy dietary practices.

Parali to Pulp: Waste-to-Wealth - Innovative Ideas to Address Crop Burning

The burning of crop stubble remains an enormous challenge, as the plumes of smoke released reduce the quality of air in surrounding states and create a health hazard for residents. In this article, Sanchi Garg talks about Kriya Labs, which converts pulp made from paddy straws into value-added products such as tableware, egg trays, millboards, and bio-foams.

Vegan Dairy Entrepreneurship - The Rise of Vegan Movement in India

After becoming hugely popular in the West, veganism has caught up in India and is growing steadily. Lata Vishwanath discusses the vegan movement and the entrepreneurs, who are staunch believers in veganism. Vegan products have made a big entry into the Indian consumer market.

Mountains Shall Stand Tall - Together We Can Work to Leave No One Behind

In this article, Biba Jasmine discusses the issues and challenges debated at the World Mountain Forum held in Bishkek. With reference to the mountain perspective, better efficiency and consolidation of commitments of stakeholders are the need of the hour to strengthen the links between humanity and nature. The author also touches upon the role and scope of institutions in addressing developmental issues in the mountains, possible partnerships that could be forged between the public and private sectors to improve the sustainability of food systems, and the role of non-governmental organizations in tackling poverty, food systems, and agro-biodiversity issues.

Nomadic Vignettes - from Tsokar, Changthang

Seemingly barren, the cold desert of the Changthang Valley is home to some of the rarest species of wildlife, as well as the nomadic communities who eke out their livelihoods through their livestock. Meenal Pahuja talks about the risks faced by this fragile ecosystem due to global warming and the work WWF has been doing with the nomadic communities for generating sustainable livelihoods and protecting wildlife.

Developing Green Skills Among Youth Through A Residential Programme

In this article, Akif Farooqui and Swarup Mallik talk about a 6-week residential training course conducted by TERI ENVIS Resource Partner to provide vocational skills to the local youth on solar energy technologies, as a part of the Green Skill Development Programme.

Crows are Us - Memory, Planning, the Use of Tools and Facial Recognition

Maneka Sanjay Gandhi writes about the intelligence of corvids shown in recent research studies.

Novel Technique Of Plastic Recycling - For Solving Global Environmental Problems

Researchers at Queen’s University Belfast have pioneered new technique to transform used milk bottles into kayaks and storage tanks.

E-Waste Management In India - Challenges And Opportunities

Growth in the IT and communication sectors has enhanced the usage of the electronic equipment exponentially. Faster upgradation of electronic product is forcing consumers to discard old electronic products very quickly, which in turn accumulates huge e-waste to the solid waste stream. In this article, Akanksha Manish and Dr Paromita Chakraborty discuss the growing problem of e-waste in India and globally while throwing light on the impact of recycling e-waste in the developing world. They succinctly dwell on the challenges and opportunities of e-waste management in India.

Water Crisis In The Current Century - Holistic Approaches To Tackle The Problem

Freshwater is finite and vulnerable natural resource on which all social and economic activities are highly dependent. In the 21st century, the global demand for freshwater will grow tremendously while the quality of supplies will continue to deteriorate worldwide. However, the quantity of freshwater is limited. The growth in world population, increasing demand for a higher living standard, and ongoing development are the main reasons for this rise in demand. The demand for healthy drinking water, for sanitation, and for agriculture and industrial production will increase as a result. The demand for water for food production will also increase sharply. In this article, Dr Anil Pratap Singh has made an attempt to examine the water problem from global perspective and has suggested strategies for sustainable use of water.

Ganesha Goes Eco-Friendly In Mumbai, Goa!

Gajanan Khergamker takes us through a panorama of eco-friendly Ganesh Chaturthi festivities in Mumbai and Goa.

LEDs Green Devices Of Lighting Technology

A light-emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor device that emits light when an electric current is passed through it. In this article, Dr Pradeep Kumar Mukherjee discusses the benefits of using LEDs for display and lighting purposes as they indeed prove very cost effective in the long run by saving a lot of energy. He takes us briefly through the history of development of LEDs while dwelling on the overall credentials of LEDs. The author adds a word of caution at the end as most LEDs available in India have high flicker rates not suitable for overall eye health. So, more research is needed on this aspect.

Three Years Of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana

An Imperative Assessment

Revisiting Gandhi's Environmentalism - On 150th Birth Anniversary Of The Father Of The Nation

As India celebrates the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr John S Moolakkattu revisits Gandhi’s thinking and views on environment. He says that Gandhi’s environmentalism fitted in with his overall vision for India and the world that sought to extract from nature what is absolutely necessary for human sustenance. His ideas on environment are intimately linked with his ideas relating to the polity, economy, health, and development. The author concludes that Gandhi’s environmentalism is largely built on ecological practices of peasants and tribal communities.

Sharks And Rays - Urgent Measures Needed To Combat Their Over-Exploitation

A traffic study released recently has identified the world’s top 20 shark and ray catchers and traders, who collectively account for some 80 per cent of global reported catch averaged by year between 2007 and 2017.

Monkey Menace in HP - Human–Animal Conflict And Other Issues

Hassled by troops of monkeys which frequently attack passers-by and destroy crops in Himachal Pradesh (HP), the government has been trying hard to get rid of the monkey menace in the state. Indeed, it is no monkey business to deal with the monkey menace and for now this continues to be a big challenge that may not be overcome too soon, says Sarita Brara.

Khadi On Postage Stamps

Mahatma Gandhi encouraged and promoted khadi and the charkha in a big way as part of the Swadeshi Movement during the Indian freedom struggle. As we come together to celebrate the sesquicentennial (150th) birth anniversary of the Father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, N Kalyani takes a look at khadi, the fabric that Gandhiji endorsed in a big way, and how postage stamps of India, have, over the years, commemorated khadi and Gandhiji.

Viability And Sustainability Of Natural Resources - Strengthening Institutions And Strategies

Biba Jasmine says that since time immemorial Indian tradition has promoted frugality and moderation in consumption. She feels that in today’s times, it is imperative to use resources more effectively with less damage to environment and public health. On the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, let us all strive to strengthen institutions and strategies for the conservation of natural resources. Let us all join hands and have a collective vision to promote sustainable production processes and lifestyle.

District Mineral Foundations

Fetching a Good Deal for Mining-Affected Communities?

High Pesticide Levels In The Human Body - Linked To Chronic Kidney Disorders

A number of studies from Sri Lanka, El Salvador, Central America, and Mexico, have brought to light that patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have high levels of pesticides in their body. A study from the national capital of India, Delhi, is a recent addition to this list. This study published in the journal Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine has set the alarm ringing loud. In this report, Bhavya Khullar discusses the possible link between CKD and high levels of organochlorine pesticides found in the bodies of patients in some recent studies that associate pesticide levels with kidney disorder. These alarming findings raise a big question mark on the widespread use of these pesticides.

Pearls - Soft, Shiny, And Alluring

The finest quality natural pearls have been highly valued as gemstones and objects of beauty for many centuries. Due to this, pearls have become a metaphor for something rare, fine, admirable, and valuable. Here, Dr Pradeep Kumar Mukherjee discusses the process of creation of natural pearls and the cultured pearls, and also highlights the reasons why pearls fit different tastes and attract so many different people.

Green Waste Reprocessor (GWR)

Green Waste Reprocessor (GWR)

Tiny Pygmy Hog

This Hog Needs to Hog Some of the Limelight!

Eliminating Blood Honey

Supporting Tiger Conservation in the Sundarbans

Carbon Neutrality - A Vision Worth Pursuing For India

Carbon neutrality, or having a net-zero carbon footprint, refers to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by balancing a measured amount of carbon released with an equivalent amount sequestered or offset. It is used in the context of carbon dioxide-releasing processes associated with transportation, energy production, and industrial processes such as production of carbon neutral fuel. In this article, Adv. Karthik S Nair discusses a customized model of carbon neutrality through which India could strive to achieve lowering of its carbon footprints in the years to come.

All Is Well That Ends Well

Journey of Youngsters in Skill Development Programmes in India

World Comics

When we think of comics, we may imagine the histrionics of Superman, Batman, Spiderman, et al.