Current Affairs

Rising temperature causes soil to release more carbon dioxide

Soil holds majority of Earth's carbon and warming of the planet is triggering its release into the atmosphere, a new study published in journal Nature points out. More carbon dioxide in the air would accelerate planetary warming.

For China, climate change is no hoax - it's a business and political opportunity

In mid-November, while Americans were preoccupied with election returns, China sent some of its clearest signals yet that it will continue to pursue an international leadership role on issues including climate. At an international

Emissions trading for electricity is the sensible way forward

The preliminary report from the Finkel Review of electricity market security will be presented to COAG today. Leaked versions indicate that the report notes the urgent need for long-term policy certainty on climate change and that some

The end of coconut water? The world's trendiest nut is under threat of species collapse

For the trendy and the wealthy, including celebrities such as Rihanna, Madonna or Matthew McConaughey, rarest coconut water extracted from the aromatic varieties of the nut, is the "it" drink and even a source of income.

Why coal-fired power stations need to shut on health grounds

Coal-fired stations are a health hazard to their local communities and beyond due to the pollutants they emit. The resulting illnesses are a significant cost to health budgets. Climate change caused by burning fossil fuels brings its own health burdens.

Farmer groups raise concerns about solutions proposed at COP 22

Participants from more than 196 countries attended the recently concluded 22nd Conference of the Parties (COP 22) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Marrakech, Morocco.

Delhi High Court scraps ban on 344 fixed combination drugs

The Delhi High Court has set aside Centre's decision to ban 344 fixed dose combination drugs (FDCs), bringing relief to pharmaceutical giants like Pfizer, Glenmark, Procter & Gamble, Cipla, among others.

CPCB prepares response action plan to tackle air pollution

Based on the Supreme Court's order on November 10 to frame and submit graded response action plan for various categories of National Air Quality, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) submitted its recommendations on December 2).

Can digital villages inspire transition to cashless economy?

Every household has a savings account that can be accessed through mobile phones via SMS. Most local financial transactions happen through mobile banking, debit cards and internet banking.

The dirty truth

On the occasion of the World Toilet Day, we present some stark truths about sanitation challenges in India, including the progress report of the government and expert's observations