In a first, Madras High Court sets up ‘Environmental Fund’

Amounts received would be used for planting and nurturing trees as well as cleaning water bodies

In Court

'Crocodiles are affected by low frequency vibrations'

Down To Earth interviews crocodile expert Adam Britton on impact of noise on the breeding and behaviour patterns of crocodilians

IIT-Madras researchers develop new technique to help avoid sudden power shutdowns

The new technique works by making it easier to monitor levels of pollution deposits in power transmission networks

Scientists reveal what makes human cells maintain calcium equilibrium

The new found role of a membrane protein in maintaining cellular calcium levels may help probe diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson’s and …

Researchers use metamaterials to enhance detection of defects in large structures

Metamaterials are artificially crafted materials with unique internal microstructures that give them properties not found in nature

Cauvery, Karnataka’s deep anguish

The current distribution of Cauvery waters is unfair to Karnataka and its roots lie in the 18th century, when the British defeated Tipu Sultan

Andamans want 'absolute protection' for saltwater crocodile to be withdrawn

The union territory’s administration has sent a proposal to delist the animal from Schedule 1 of the Wldlife Protection Act ‘in order …

Is Vedanta trying to re-enter Sterlite through the leak?

The conglomerate blames the government for the sulphuric acid leak and demands that power supply be restored in the plant

Invasive species may soon wipe out Shola vegetation from Nilgiris: Report

Alarming expansion of exotic and tea plantations threaten native dry deciduous, moist deciduous and thorn forests and grasslands there

New discovery paves way for ‘silicon of the future’

Researchers placed 2 ultra-thin materials on top of each other to get a new material with hybrid properties

Rs 25,00,000 conservation fund for amphibians and reptiles

Daily Court Digest: Major environment orders (September 13, 2022)

Down To Earth brings you the top environmental cases heard in the Supreme Court, the high courts and the National Green Tribunal

Environment in elections: Tamil Nadu has voted and activists believe 2018’s Sterlite controversy will help DMK in state

Incumbent fulfilled its promise to shut down the plant, which satisfied state’s people

'Inclusive urbanisation is the answer'

S Janakarajan, professor at Madras Institute of Development Studies (MIDS), conducts research on urban and peri-urban issues, disaster management …

NOTICE TO TANNERIES

HUL and mercury-exposed workers in Kodaikanal reach an out-of-court settlement

The settlement is historic as families of 591 workers have opted for an ex-gratia payment by the company for all that they endured while getting …

Researchers study microbial interactions in International Space Station

IIT Madras, NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab conduct study to help devise strategies for disinfection of space stations

SC vacates Madras HC order staying issue of pattas to forest dwellers

The Madras High Court had passed an interim order in April 2008 staying the issue of pattas in Tamil Nadu without its permission

Sterlite Copper in Thoothukudi to remain shut: Madras HC

It also dismissed all petitions for the plant to resume operations

Beyond Sharing: Towards our digital futures

The battle is not about file sharing and a petty film producer wanting to rake in the box office earnings. It is about the law’s incapacity …

Will competition commission order rein in cement cartel?

Cement companies are under-utilising capacity deliberately to keep prices high, allege builders association

Nilgiris Elephant Corridor: SC upholds Madras HC order affirming animals’ right of passage

Apex court also sets up committee to look into complaints on the issue

Madras High Court restrains green tribunal from initiating suo motu proceedings

Order given on public interest petition which says tribunal has been overstepping its jurisdiction

Is Internet really free?

The Internet, it is believed, is vital to democracy, a channel that makes possible a continuous worldwide conversation. Its a veritable global …