Centre looks set to clear 70 proposals in protected areas, wildlife sanctuaries and eco-sensitive zones
Union environment ministry justifies them on grounds of public utility, defence and infrastructure development
ENVIRONMENT
LEAD STORY
ENVIRONMENT
LEAD STORY
Delhi’s air quality to turn ‘severe’ again despite government showcases slew of meetings
- by Jayanta Basu
- January 17, 2026
Commission for Air Quality Management invokes third level of Graded Response Action Plan in Delhi-NCR
HEALTH
LEAD STORY
Nipah infection in West Bengal may have spread from Bangladesh or a patient who died later
- by Jayanta Basu
- January 16, 2026
After nearly two decades, the Nipah virus has resurfaced in West Bengal, infecting two nurses currently under stable condition. Health officials are investigating two possible origins: consumption of raw date palm sap in a village near the Bangladesh border, or transmission from a deceased patient. While contact tracing is underway and the State and Central
ECONOMY
LEAD STORY
After facing severe criticism, Centre issues statement to justify G-RAM-G, that replaces MGNREGA
- by The Plurals News Network
- January 15, 2026
As the Centre defends the new Viksit Bharat — Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) as a digitized, "convergent" upgrade with increased work days, global backlash intensifies. Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz and MGNREGA architect Jean Dreze argue that shifting the financial burden to states and removing the "demand-driven" legal guarantee effectively sabotages India's rural
HEALTH
LEAD STORY
More than 120 persons ‘murdered’ by blasts at Bengal’s firework units in 17 years
- by Jayanta Basu
- January 13, 2026
Despite Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s promise to set up safe manufacturing clusters following the Egra tragedy, illegal firework units in West Bengal continue to claim lives. With 15 blasts killing 37 people between 2023 and 2026, environmental activist Biswajit Mukherjee slams the administration’s inaction, alleging a nexus between officials and criminals while judicial remedies stall
ECONOMY
LEAD STORY
Closure directions to 16 industrial units in National Capital Region for “gross” environment violations
- by The Plurals News Network
- January 10, 2026
Amid worsening air quality in Delhi, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has directed the immediate closure of 16 industrial units across the NCR—specifically in Haryana, UP, and Rajasthan—citing gross environmental violations. Additionally, a special inspection drive in Delhi’s Naraina area revealed that 90% of inspected units were operating without the mandatory No Objection
OPINION
LEAD STORY
Dams brought Madhav and me closer; Himalaya man reminisces on the Western Ghats man
- by Jayanta Bandyopadhyay
- January 9, 2026
Jayanta Bandyopadhyay reflects on his four-decade association with ecologist Madhav Gadgil. From establishing the Center for Ecological Sciences at IISc to the controversial Western Ghats report, Bandyopadhyay argues that Gadgil's "ecologically integrated" approach has been vindicated by recent environmental disasters, highlighting the urgent need for region-specific scientific policymaking over blind economic growth.
POLITICS
LEAD STORY
Trump order makes US exit 66 global organisations; signals end to climate action
- by The Plurals News Network
- January 8, 2026
In a sweeping executive order, President Trump has withdrawn the United States from 66 international organizations, including the critical UNFCCC. The move marks a definitive shift toward a fossil-fuel-centric economy, utilizing Venezuelan oil reserves. While the administration deems these agencies "redundant," experts and former officials warn this isolationism could cede global renewable leadership to China.
POLITICS
LEAD STORY
Fossil fuel key driver in Trump takeover of Venezuela, US President’s post is a giveaway
- by The Plurals News Network
- January 7, 2026
Following the recent US military action and the abduction of President Nicolás Maduro, President Donald Trump has announced that Venezuela will turn over up to 50 million barrels of high-quality oil to the United States. While Trump promises the proceeds will benefit both nations, the move has drawn sharp condemnation from global leaders and environmentalists
ENVIRONMENT
LEAD STORY
The first time I saw Craig, he took my breath away
- by Rajarshi Banerji
- January 6, 2026
"He towered over me, colossal and commanding." Award-winning photographer Rajarshi Banerji recounts his life-altering encounter with Craig, one of East Africa's last great super tuskers. Following the news of Craig's recent passing at age 54, this tribute celebrates the giant's gentle nature, his natural life, and the profound victory of conservation that allowed him to