E-India
• Do we Indians lead a more environmentally friendly lifestyle? Our environment minister certainly thinks so! He noted that “in lifestyle, India scores green points over the West” and stressed that a “sustainable lifestyle” was critical to fighting climate change.
• From seaweed collector to marine conservationist, M. Lakshmi’s story is inspirational. She’s the first Indian woman to win the 2015 Seacology award for her community leadership and conservation efforts in the Gulf of Mannar.
• It’s taken over 30 years for these clean-up efforts but better late than never! Officials conducted the first trial incineration of toxic waste at Bhopal. It’s too early to celebrate though - there’s still around 340 tonnes of toxic waste at the site.
E-Mage
• Leopards spotted! The results of India’s first ever leopard census are in and it’s good news – there are between 12,000 and 14,000 leopards in India. The numbers aren’t totally clear though and questions have been raised about the final tally.
E-Video
• Look at an incredible NASA video of an eruption on the Sun’s surface.
E-International
• Ever wondered how climate affects conflict? Here’s a look at how climate change is altering weather patterns with dangerous results.
E-Renewable Energy
• Winds of change are here! India finally unveiled its policy for offshore wind energy. The new policy will allow windfarms upto 200 nautical miles from India’s coast.
• 23,000 MW: India’s total installed wind farm capacity.
E-Waste
• Who says coffee is just for drinking? Korean scientists have developed a new method of treating waste coffee grounds to store methane. This has a dual benefit – it reduces air pollution and the methane can later be used as a clean fuel. Let’s all raise a cuppa to that!
E-Nature
• Where did the trees go? Some common trees on the Kerala coast have become locally extinct. Scientists blame habitat loss and even bonsai trade for the declining numbers.
E-Innovation
• What if the paper you use could grow into a plant? It sounds like science fiction but it isn’t! A Jaipur based company has come up with “seed paper” that you can plant once used – the embedded seeds include parsley, lavender and tomatoes. Such a brilliant way to reduce waste and green your surroundings!
E-Case
• No city for litterers – the NGT has ordered spot fines for littering in Ghaziabad. Anyone throwing garbage in the city, particularly along the River Hindon, will be immediately slapped with a fine of upto Rs. 20,000.
E-Quiz
• Which state in India has the highest number of tigers?
(1) Madhya Pradesh
(2) Uttarakhand
(3) Assam
(4) Karnataka
(Shalini Iyengar is a lawyer and researcher working in India.)
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