In 1957, an Indian plastic-packaging maker chronicled the happy fate of a hosiery brand that had begun wrapping its products in plastic. The result, he wrote in an Indian daily, was a 65% jump in sales. Paper, wood, aluminium, tin and other containers had been on the market for decades, but were opaque. “It is...
Tag: Environment
Extreme heat threatens global food systems, UN agencies warn
Extreme heat is pushing global agrifood systems to the brink, threatening the livelihoods and health of more than a billion people, according to a new report by the U.N.’s food and weather agencies. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said heatwaves are becoming more frequent, intense and...
Experts, academicians share concern and possibilities of animal and fish breeding rights at WBNUJS
Academicians and experts came together at the West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS) in Kolkata to share concerns and discuss the possibilities in the area of the animal and fish breeders’ rights. The discussion titled “Animal and Fish Breeders’ Rights: An Imperative in India’s Economy” brought together judges, scientists, legal experts, and policymakers...
India not to host COP 33 in 2028, Government confirms
India will not host the 33rd edition of the Conference of the Parties (COP), scheduled for 2028, the government confirmed on Friday (April 17, 2026). “We can confirm that India has withdrawn its offer to host COP33. Several issues were taken into account, but India remains fully committed to meeting its responsibilities towards (mitigating) climate...
‘Civil war’ among chimpanzees recorded for the first time
They were once a convivial, unified group that lived, fed, groomed, and patrolled together, with may be the odd scuffle. But then one day, on June 24, 2015, their social fabric began to fray. And very soon, an organised lethal conflict, akin to a ‘civil war’, ensued among one of our closest relatives — chimpanzees...
Meghalaya yields new burrowing reed snake
GUWAHATI A team of researchers from multiple institutions has described a new species of burrowing reed snake from Meghalaya’s West Garo Hills district. The description of the species, named Calamaria garoensis (Garo Hills reed snake), has been published in Taprobanica, an international peer-reviewed journal.
Call to quantify bat poop nutrition for crops
GUWAHATI A report on bats in India has recommended a systematic quantification of guano, or accumulated bat poop, and its nutritional value compared to existing bio-fertilisers. Farmers in India do not fancy guano as an alternative to chemical fertilisers as much as their counterparts in Cuba, Indonesia, Jamaica, Mexico, and Thailand. Bat guano is sold...
Is BSF’s idea to have reptiles in the water along Bangladesh border sound?
The Border Security Force (BSF) has come up with a curious idea to prevent infiltration from Bangladesh: releasing reptiles into the rivers that run along the border, The Hindu reported on April 6. “Snakes or crocodiles” introduced in vulnerable riverine gaps should be explored for feasibility, per a directive to the BSF on March 26. The...
Is BSF’s idea to have reptiles in the water along Bangladesh border good?
The Border Security Force (BSF) has come up with a curious idea to prevent infiltration from Bangladesh: releasing reptiles into the rivers that run along the border, The Hindu reported on April 6. “Snakes or crocodiles” introduced in vulnerable riverine gaps should be explored for feasibility, per a directive to the BSF on March 26. The...
Shorebird from Australia spotted over 7,400 km away on island in Andamans: Expert
“A tagged shorebird that flew more than 7,400 km from South Australia has been spotted on the remote Narcondam Island in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago,” an expert said on Tuesday (April 7, 2026). “The bird, a Sanderling, was photographed by G. Thikanna, an assistant sub-inspector with the Andaman Police, during a posting on the...
