
Articles by M. Somasekhar
Completed Master’s in Communication and Journalism (M.C.J.) from Osmania
University.
Became a Journalist in 1983, with a reporter’s job in the Press
Trust of India.
As a Journalist with PTI covered elections, Coming to Power of NT Rama Rao
and Telugu Desam, Science Congress meetings, international conferences,
toured the State extensively. PTI also sent me to France to cover the
Centennary of the Eiffel Tower and bi-centenniary of the French Revolution in 1988-89.
Was the Secretary, Press Club of Hyderabad during 1989-92, during which time, all India cricket and indoor games tournaments for media were started.
Meets with well-known people including R.K.Laxman, Vikram Seth, O.P. Nair,
Kapil Dev and a cartoon exhibition on Political cartoons was organised.
In 1993, moved to New Delhi to join The Hindu Group, with the Business Line.
During an 8-year stint had a chance to cover the political turmoil at the Centre.
Covered Parliament proceedings, travelled extensively in North India covering major political developments. Covered the Pokhran Nuclear blasts in 1998.
In Delhi served as Secretary, Indian Science Writers Association during 1997-99.
My journalistic career has taken me to the US, Australia, China, Federal
Republic of Germany, Canada, Mauritius, France and Thailand on reporting
assignments.
In 2001, The Hindu brought me back to Hyderabad to head Business Line as
The Chief of Bureau. As the longest serving in the Post, have led a team that covered Satyam Scam, Separate Telangana agitation, Elections, the IT growth and emergence of Cyberabad.
My writings have been published in two Coffee Table books on Indian Science brought out from London. Moderated many sessions on professional topics, have been cited in communication text books etc.
Honoured by AP & Telangana Governor ESL Narasimhan in 2016 for contributions to Journalism and Press Club of Hyderabad. Have also done programmes on Radio, TV and participated in panel discussions. Recently moderated an interaction of editors with Cong(I) President, Rahul Gandhi in Hyderabad. Moderated programmes on Budget, Investor Meet, Careers etc for Business Line.


Controversial uranium mining project shelved in Telangana

Otter sighting in Andhra bird sanctuary raises excitement but also questions

Decoding the mystery illness that struck Eluru

Hyderabad floods highlight the need for a disaster mitigation and climate resilience plan

New research improves understanding on dengue, but vaccine search continues
Special series
Wetland Champions
- [Commentary] India establishes the largest network of Ramsar Sites in South Asia
- [Commentary] Wetland champions: Promise from the grassroots
- The story of Jakkur lake sets an example for inclusive rejuvenation projects
- Welcome to Tsomgo lake: Please don’t litter

Environment And Health
- [Commentary] Neglecting household biomedical waste management can lead to adverse environmental effects
- No magic bullets to deal with snakebites
- Six years on, cyclone Ockhi survivors battle lingering mental health impacts
- Gig workers in India are exposed to highly polluted air and carcinogens, finds preliminary study

Almost Famous Species
- Genetic insights of the Kempholey night frog offer better conservation strategies
- Saving India’s only ape, the hoolock gibbon
- [Interview] “Favourable conditions and diet important for ex-situ conservation of wild cats”
- A 100 camera traps to monitor rusty-spotted cats in Keoladeo National Park

Eco Hope
- Green pilgrimage model balances faith and conservation
- [Video] Restoring the perennial Thamirabarani river with people power
- [Interview] Conservation scientist Joli Rumi Borah on integrating traditional knowledge in research
- [Interview] Scientist Ruth DeFries on deforestation: There isn’t one driver, there’s a different context in different places

India's Iconic Landscapes
- [Commentary] Up close and personal with the fragility of the Himalayas
- Studies reveal impact of land use on species diversity in rock outcrops
- Improved tiger numbers come with hidden messages on invasives, habitat connectivity
- Gymnosperms that are critical for coniferous forest health may be steadily declining in response to climate change

Beyond Protected Areas
- Grassland loss threatens endemic birds in Arunachal sanctuary
- Genetic insights of the Kempholey night frog offer better conservation strategies
- Loss of forest cover in Kashmir is pitting a protected animal against the world’s costliest spice
- India following a global trend of forsaking environment protection for “national security,” paper says

Conserving Agro-biodiversity
- [Commentary] Erratic weather, altered social dynamics disrupt mahua economy in eastern India
- Horseshoe crab decline sparks urgent conservation plea
- Production of rugra, a nutritious mushroom found in Jharkhand, impacted by weather changes
- [Commentary] Soil degradation in India spells doom for millions

Just Transitions
- [Video] Rooftop solar, an emerging solution to Bihar’s land shortage that’s stalling renewable progress
- India needs to face challenge of funding thermal power plant closure, says new report
- With no primary data on impacts, government approves an oil extraction technique 500 m outside forests
- Climate action not on track to meet Paris Agreement goals, says Global Stocktake report
