So, France has banned domestic short-haul flights where train journeys of under two-and-a-half hours are available. This is expected to cut carbon emissions by a good deal, considering that CO2 emissions from flights are staggeringly high compared to other modes of mass transportation. Flying less will also be the quickest way for a flier (more…
Quite unbelievable but it’s true, that in India we have the highest number of children born with severe auditory impairment: on average, 4 newborns in 1,000 births cannot hear. And every year millions of babies get added to our demography. Fortunately, modern biotechnology has come to the rescue in the form of the cochlear implant,…
This hasn’t happened before – the ‘sustainability everyday’ talks that are making more and more sense, common people sharing common ideas that are needed to save our common environment – basically conscious individuals making LiFE happen. Dear Mr Modi, Good wishes and warm greetings. The entire country knows about your busy schedule – how…
This article highlights how initiatives like Parachute Kalpavriksha Foundation (PKF) are key to preparing farmers for the next phase of farming driven by modern technology and sustainable cultivation. Corporates that invest in agricultural communities as part of their CSR initiatives can enhance the conservation of natural resources and adoption of efficient farming practices across India….
Across the world, brands have a significant influence over their internal and external stakeholders, giving them the power to drive real change. By embedding sustainability in their processes and making environmental, social and governance (ESG) concerns a priority, organisations will not just revolutionise the way business is done, but also become more resilient in the…
I knew stock market billionaire and social investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala for two decades as a friend, adviser, supporter and trustee of Agastya International Foundation in its mission to spark and spread curiosity and creativity among underserved and underprivileged children in India. Less well known than Rakesh’s widely recognised prowess in investing was his desire to…
As the country gears up to celebrate our 75th Independence Day and the tricolour gets hoisted all around us as a mark of our freedom, I – as an educator, parent and citizen of this free nation – wish to share what I believe are important, relevant and urgent thoughts on this very freedom that…
Global warming is no longer a matter of academic discourse solely. Persistent efforts of determined and vocal activists have finally brought the debate to the surface of global polity and, yes, dining-table conversations as well. Natural calamities are now being noticed by all and the Covid pandemic has made us wonder if life as we…
I will tell you what phony is? A soft drinks-and-instant-snacks major sending out a press release on its campaign for promoting whole grains in our daily diets. The manufacturer of fuel-guzzling SUVs planting saplings to offset its carbon emissions. Any company, NGO or social enterprise using the phrase ‘touched such-and-such number of lives’ to tell…
Most commercially available cosmetics contain lard, gelatine and various forms of pig fat, lanolin (from sheep), carmine (that beautiful red stain, obtained by crushing cochineal beetles), beeswax, and other animal-derived substances. These typically help in easy transfer of product to the skin, lend them creaminess, and also help in preservation. These are all commonly available…
