India’s programme to blend ethanol with petrol, initially designed to help sugarcane farmers, is now largely powered by grains like maize and rice. This shift has attracted significant investment and changed the landscape of ethanol manufacturing. The Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP) began with a clear goal: to support sugar mills by creating an extra income…
Scientists are increasingly finding tiny plastic particles, called microplastics, inside our bodies. These particles have been found in our blood, lungs, and even our brains. Some research suggests that microplastics might affect our gut microbes, which play a key role in our health, including digestion and mental well-being. Although more research is needed, experts advise…
A major report highlights that the planet has reached its first critical climate tipping point. This means that warm water coral reefs are now facing a long-term decline. This is a serious concern for hundreds of millions of people who depend on these reefs. The report, compiled by 160 scientists from 23 countries, states that…
The number of wild bee species in Europe at risk of extinction has significantly increased. Over the past decade, the rate has more than doubled, according to recent scientific studies. Similarly, the number of endangered butterfly species has almost doubled. These findings come from studies for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red…
Himachal Pradesh is seeing more farmers switch to natural farming. This is a method that avoids chemicals. The State government is supporting this move with special policies. It’s a way to help farmers and protect the environment at the same time. Sunil Kumar, a farmer from Kangra district, is happy with his earnings. He sold…
The United States’ farming sector is going through a tough time. New research shows a growing trade deficit, meaning the US is importing more farm goods than it’s exporting. At the same time, a government shutdown has stopped important market information from being released. These two problems are causing a lot of uncertainty for farmers…
In Gujarat, a unique group called the ‘Ganesh Vandana Parivar’ is creating Ganesh murtis (idols) in a special way. They use natural clay and colours made from different rocks. These materials are collected from various parts of India, like Kutch, Dwarka, and Kashmir. This group works from their homes in Manipur, Ahmedabad. What makes them…
Solar irrigation pumps are changing farming in India. Many farmers, like Sanjeev Kumar in Uttar Pradesh, are happy with their new solar pumps. These pumps help them get water for their crops without paying for diesel or relying on unreliable electricity. Kumar’s six-acre farm now uses a 7-kilowatt solar system to draw water from deep…
The Indian government is investing heavily in its agricultural sector with a new initiative worth over ₹35,440 crore. This significant financial push aims to make India more self-reliant in food production and improve nutrition across the country. The plan focuses on 100 selected districts to provide targeted support and boost farming. Prime Minister Narendra Modi…
The World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi is set to discuss a crucial issue: the use of genetic engineering (GE) in nature conservation. Over 90 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are urging a global pause, called a moratorium, on releasing genetically engineered wild species into the environment. They want this until the potential impacts are fully understood….
