There has been a gradual decline in the natural vegetation around Madras. The reduction and fragmentation of the mainly tropical, dry, evergreen forest, also called scrub jungle, has led to the

Despite Third World pleas for generous grace periods, Montreal Protocol nations have moved forward the phase out dates for chemicals threatening the ozone layer. The hastening was prompted in part by scary reports of increasing ozone depletion.

Indian textiles formed an important item in the trade network, the major thrust being on cotton fabrics in vibrant kalamkari patterns. Mastery over the complex dyeing techniques gave India a distinct edge.

DECEMBER 2 3 marks the eighth anniversary of the Bhopal gas leak the world's worst industrial disaster. More than 4,000 lives were lost and 6.4 lakh people injured when methyl isocyanate MIC gas leaked from the Union Carbide India Ltd plant. Si

The hybridisation of tur dal has made it higher yielding and less vulnerable to disease. But only rich farmers will be able to buy the seeds.

Disposable diapers and paper cups tax the environment, yes, but washing reusable diapers and china cups is just as environment unfriendly, say recent studies. Caught in the middle of this information blitz is the consumer.

Changing social attitudes and behaviour has helped in the control of AIDS.

Allegations that the US$ 470 million settlement with Union Carbide was a sell-out gains credibility in light of the fact that Exxon paid as much as US$ 1.125 billion for an oil spill off the coast of

A US firm proposing to set up a project off the Tamil Nadu coast that will supply electricity and potable water from the ocean wants to be paid in dollars. Officials say this is equivalent to importing electricity.

Hungarians are raising environmental slogans against opening of the Gabcikovo dam's sluice gates by Czechoslovakia. The dam is built on the river Danube, which flows along the border between the two countries.