With the ethanol industry pushing up crop prices, perhaps the day won’t be far away when the poor, world over, are unable to buy food. The food economy and an energy economy – two separate entities are beginning to merge.

New facets of the year old Ministry of Earth Sciences was revealed by Kapil Sibal, Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences in conversation with the Editor, Geography and You.

Models based on the ensemble multiple linear regression and projection pursuit regression techniques are being used presently to forecast the Indian southwest monsoon rains.

Modern scientific devices and tools can assist in harvesting large quantities of rainwater without any compromise on its quality. With the habitual failure of centralised drinking water schemes, rainwater harvesting can prove to be a viable option.

Humans record a distinct pattern of resource usage at various stages of development.  Seen in the context of a raging debate on use and abuse of natural resources, this assumes importance.

Perpetuation of disparities, a worsening of poverty, hunger, ill health and illiteracy and the continuing deterioration of the ecosystem on which we depend for our well-being is what shackles our development today.

The problems faced by growers in the plantation sector and more particular those faced by the smaller growers whose entire subsistence is dictated by the forces of nature are many.