This week’s environment and conservation news stories rolled into one.
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Whose minerals are they anyway?
Over the past few months, the government of India has been focusing on the mining sector to revive the country’s economy but it is feared that it could mean a troubled time ahead for communities involved and environment.
[Video] India’s wildlife knows no boundaries
A large percentage of India’s wildlife live outside protected boundaries. This gives rise to situations spanning between coexistence and conflict, which requires acknowledgement and awareness.
New research improves understanding on dengue, but vaccine search continues
Recent research has identified all four strains of the virus in India, developed a simple diagnostic test and found the reason for the huge drop in blood platelet count.
Tamil Nadu probes mysterious elephant deaths
Land-use change in vital migratory corridors pushed elephants out, while crop pattern change in lands abutting forests upset the traditional coexistence between humans and wildlife.
A new species of blind, underground ant from Goa
The genus Protanilla is a rare group of ants, of which only 12 species are known worldwide. This discovery from Goa is the 13th species.
Will there be a sunrise for workers’ unions in India’s renewable sector?
India is rapidly increasing its renewable power capacity and the sector is expected to provide jobs to millions over the next few decades. But the absence of proper worker unions, like the ones in the coal sector, could be detrimental to workers’ rights.
Splintered habitats may imperil egg-carrying butterflies
In patchy habitats, egg-carrying dispersers may be in danger because they have to fly longer and farther away to find host plants.
Forest officers demand better social security and firearms
Unappy with the central government’s lack of support for their protection and welfare, the Indian Forest Service (IFS) Officers’ Association is demanding better facilities.
Some hope for Rajasthan’s silicosis victims but many challenges
Patients who are registered online are largely getting the benefits of the scheme and thousands of certified silicosis patients, who are not registered online, are missing out.
Household air pollution: Empowering women could boost LPG adoption
Policies that empower women, support marginalised castes and leverage social spillovers could drive greater adoption of LPG.
