Headlines

India’s Ethanol Boom: A Sweet Deal for Farmers, A Sugary Windfall for Gadkari Family?

India is celebrating a major milestone: reaching its target of blending 20% ethanol with petrol (E20) five years ahead of schedule. This achievement is hailed as a triumph for cleaner air, reduced reliance on imported oil, and increased income for farmers. However, this seemingly sweet story has a bitter undertone, with questions arising about potential…

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Invisible Toxins: Pesticide Drift Threatens Health in India’s Cotton Belts

In the heartlands of India’s cotton farming, a silent threat looms. Farmers in villages across Punjab, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat report that the air itself can cause discomfort, stinging eyes and tightening throats, especially after pesticide spraying seasons. This isn’t just a feeling; scientific studies confirm that harmful pesticide residues are travelling far…

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Insecticide Exposure Linked to Lasting Brain and Motor Differences in Children

A recent study has found that exposure to chlorpyrifos (CPF), a common insecticide, before birth can lead to lasting changes in children’s brain structure and reduced motor skills. These effects were observed in children and teenagers living in New York City. The research, carried out by scientists from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health,…

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Maharashtra Needs Scientific Policy, Not Mass Capture, to Tackle Rising Leopard Conflicts

9 November 2025 Experts in Nagpur have warned that trapping or sterilizing leopards will not solve Maharashtra’s rising leopard–human conflict and urged the Forest Department to adopt a long-term, research-led policy to reduce future numbers responsibly. They stressed the need for scientific studies and a clear policy framework to guide population management rather than ad‑hoc…

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Pesticide Drift: The Invisible Health and Economic Burden in India’s Cotton Fields

In the heart of India’s cotton growing regions, a silent crisis is unfolding. Farmers and villagers in areas like Punjab and Vidarbha are reporting worrying health issues. They speak of a metallic taste in the air and stinging eyes, particularly after the spraying season. Neighbours mention tightened throats and persistent coughs in infants. These are…

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BEYOND BAILOUTS: Why Maharashtra’s Farmers Deserve More Than Political Palliatives

A food systems analysis of the Nagpur protest.November 7, 2025 When farmers led by Prahar Janshakti Party chief Bacchu Kadu blocked National Highway 44 in Nagpur for three days in late October, it wasn’t just another agrarian protest—it was a symptom of systemic failure decades in the making. The agitation, which brought traffic to a…

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Himachal Pradesh Boosts Stone Fruit Farming with Policy Support and Training

The government of Himachal Pradesh is set to significantly boost the cultivation of stone fruits across the state. Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi announced that the government will provide essential policy support, training, and better research facilities. They are also improving the marketing infrastructure to help farmers. This comes as the state aims to diversify…

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