For better or worse, free-market environmentalism is gaining credence in the country. And the latest singing hosannas to the idea is one of India's largest conglomerates, the Tata group. It is putting into place a plan to measure its carbon footprint, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and figure out how much can the group possibly earn from carbon credits. Spearheading this initiative at the group is Tata Sons' director JJ Irani. Under him, a 10-member committee comprising top executives from various Tata group companies has been set up. Says Irani,

South African crop scientists have come up with a new genetically modified (gm) maize variety that is resistant to maize streak virus (msv). Field trials of the crop are scheduled to begin soon.

The Chhattisgarh government has acquired land from more than 1,000 people in the Lohandiguda block of Bastar district to facilitate Tata Steel build its greenfield integrated steel plant in the distri