In the Syrian countryside of al-Dheibeh, a quiet revolution is taking root. Farmers, once reliant on imported, hybrid seeds, are returning to “baladi” seeds – traditional, open-pollinated varieties that are native to the Levant. This movement, championed by the NGO Buzuruna Juzuruna (Our Seeds Are Our Roots), aims to restore agricultural independence and preserve Syria’s…
Scientists have discovered a new type of air pollution: tiny plastic particles that we can breathe in. These are called inhalable microplastics (iMPs). They are so small, less than 10 micrometres across, that they can go deep into our lungs. We usually hear about fine dust like PM2.5, but now we have ‘polymer dust’ in…
Bayer AG, a major agricultural science company, is contemplating a significant shift in its product line by considering an exit from the glyphosate business. Glyphosate, most famously known as the active ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup, has been a cornerstone of modern farming for over five decades. However, the chemical is now facing a dual challenge:…
India is seeing a significant drop in food inflation, reaching a 30-month low of -2.28% in September 2025. Experts predict this trend will continue, mainly due to lower prices of key food items and a high base effect from last year. While consumers are benefiting from cheaper food, farmers are struggling. Prices for many crops…
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…
A new study has revealed a worrying link between exposure to the common insecticide chlorpyrifos (CPF) before birth and lasting changes in children’s brains and motor skills. Researchers found that these effects can be seen for many years after a child is born. The study, led by scientists from Columbia University, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles,…
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…
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,…
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…
A heart-wrenching incident has shaken Chandrapur, Maharashtra. Yashoda Abaji Rathod, a 68-year-old farmer, tragically took her own life due to immense pressure from a bank to repay a loan. This sad event unfolded in Naiknagar, Chandanwahi, in the Rajuara district. Yashoda lived with her two sons and their families. For several years, she had a…
