News: Kerala has seen various instances of heavy rains, floods, landslides and droughts over the last few years. Contents1 What are the natural disasters that Kerala is prone to? 2 What factors make Kerala more vulnerable to the climate change induced disasters? 3 What are the reasons for these recurrent natural disasters in Kerala? 4 What is… Continue reading Climate crisis in Kerala: An integrated approach is needed to mitigate impact
Tag: down to earth
Bioenergy crops create cooling effect on cultivated areas: Study
What is the news? According to a study, converting annual crops to perennial bioenergy crops can induce a cooling effect on the areas where they are cultivated. The study was undertaken to look at the biophysical climate effects of bioenergy crops to fully assess their role in climate mitigation. What are Bioenergy Crops? Bioenergy is… Continue reading Bioenergy crops create cooling effect on cultivated areas: Study
Food security policy formulation: What can India learn from other countries?
News: India has transformed itself from a food-deficient country characterised by the ship-to-mouth situation of the 1960s, to the present day, when vulnerable sections of the population have enhanced access to food. Many challenges still remain, and this is where India can learn from international experiences. Must Read: Food security in India and its challenges… Continue reading Food security policy formulation: What can India learn from other countries?
Half of global cropland expansion replaced natural vegetation and tree cover: Study
Contents1 What is the news?2 About the study3 What are the key findings of the study?4 What is the significance of this study? What is the news? According to a study, Cropland area across the world has increased by 9% between 2003-2019. About the study The study was conducted between the period 2003-2019. It defines… Continue reading Half of global cropland expansion replaced natural vegetation and tree cover: Study
Remembering Anil Agarwal — Forget Malthus: upside of population growth
News: Views of Anil Aggarwal, Down To Earth founder editor, on population density and community resource management. As per him, it’s not always necessary to mock an increasing population. It can be seen as an opportunity for moving towards real solutions, including an end to excessive population growth. What are the conditions in which natural… Continue reading Remembering Anil Agarwal — Forget Malthus: upside of population growth
Making solar cells efficient, cheaper, recyclable: IIT-Guwahati finds a way
Contents1 What is the News?2 What is the current method to produce electricity through solar energy?3 What is an alternative to silicon-based inorganic solar cells?4 What have the researchers done to overcome this drawback of perovskite-based devices? What is the News? Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati, have developed Hybrid Perovskite-based Devices… Continue reading Making solar cells efficient, cheaper, recyclable: IIT-Guwahati finds a way
What does NFHS-5 data tell us about state of women empowerment in India
What is the News? India aims to achieve United Nations-mandated Sustainable Development Goal-5, which focuses on women empowerment and gender equality, by 2030. To measure the progress of women’s rights in the country, National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5 provides data regarding the position of women for 2019-21 on a few key indicators. Must read: NFHS-5… Continue reading What does NFHS-5 data tell us about state of women empowerment in India
New CAG report exposes wide gap between India’s groundwater management regulations & implementation
Contents1 What is the News?2 About the CAG Audit Report on Groundwater3 What are the key findings of the Audit Report?4 What are the suggestions given by the report? What is the News? Comptroller and Auditor General of India(CAG) has conducted a performance audit of groundwater management and regulation to analyse the extent of groundwater… Continue reading New CAG report exposes wide gap between India’s groundwater management regulations & implementation
Low grant sanctions, disbursement: India wants to promote FPOs but where are the funds?
What is the news? State of India’s Livelihood (SOIL) Report 2021 has been released by Access Development Services, a national livelihoods support organisation. Focus of the report: The report analysed only farmer producer companies registered under The Companies Act, 2013 since they make up a large majority of the organisations started in recent years.The number… Continue reading Low grant sanctions, disbursement: India wants to promote FPOs but where are the funds?
Transforming lives-The job creation potential of livestock transition
News: Around the world farmers are transitioning from livestock operations to plant-based operations. Why are farmers all over the world transitioning from livestock to plant based production? Demand for plant-based products is growing. Farmer specific issues-Animal farming usually has exploitative contracts, with poor working conditions, low income, high vulnerability to market forces and extreme stress. … Continue reading Transforming lives-The job creation potential of livestock transition