THE recent radiological accident in New Delhi's Mayapuri scrap metal market has raised many questions about the level of monitoring of hazardous waste in India.

The Mayapuri cobalt-60 episode shows that the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board needs to be replaced with a truly independent, well-staffed, competent body.

IN India's age of philistinism, in which the

LIKE any normal child, Illyas from Varanasi, a 13-year-old, wanted to go to a regular school and become an important man some day. But poverty forced him to start working at an eatery for Rs.200 a day so that he could feed his younger siblings. He, however, continues his studies as well and is in class V.

The use in animals of an anti-inflammatory drug meant for humans threatens with extinction three species of Gyps vultures in India.
FOR the three endangered species of Gyps vultures in India, 2009 was a year of mild optimism.

Interview with Medha Patkar, Narmada Bachao Andolan leader
MEDHA PATKAR, the 56-year-old leader of the Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA), is fighting what she calls the

The Union government proposes to have a National Mission on Monsoon in the hope that a concerted effort will improve monsoon prediction.

The dry bed of the Korampallam tank, used for irrigation in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu in October 2009.

Personnel of the security forces interact with members of Salwa Judum, a vigilante group raised to fight naxalites. A file photograph.

As a response to mounting criticism of the IPCC, the IAC has been asked to conduct a review of the IPCC

The Health Care Reform Bill is a remarkable achievement though the reform is only a moderate one.

President Barack Obama with Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius (left) and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi after signing the Health Care Bill on March 23.

The real purpose of the draft Food Security Bill is to replace a universal system of public food distribution with a targeted system.