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Current Issue - Volume 19 Issue 5 (August 2026)
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Cover story
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| The Alpha Myth: What Animal Societies Can Teach Us about Dominance and Leadership |
This article by C R Ramana Kailash examines the origins and enduring influence of the “alpha” myth, tracing it from early observations of captive wolves and primates to its widespread adoption in popular culture and ideas of masculinity. It explores how research conducted in artificial settings led to misleading interpretations of animal social behaviour, later challenged by studies of animals in the wild. The story shows how these misconceptions became linked to dominance, aggression, and patriarchal notions of masculinity, eventually influencing contemporary “manosphere” narratives. Ultimately, it argues that animal behaviour cannot be directly mapped onto human society and cautions against using outdated science to justify social hierarchies.
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Feature |
| Life forms, Art forms and Formations: Discovering Nature's Artistry through Wildlife, Beauty, and Behaviour |
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In an attempt to show that it is the holistic approach to life and all that makes up life that is meaningful and positively oriented towards our environment, its conservation and sustainability on the whole, N Kalyani has been bringing together seemingly disparate subjects on the same platform to explain the interconnectedness of life and the spectrum of life forms. Here she takes us into the animal world to discover the many genres of art that we are familiar with. Art appreciation can thus also be a route to wildlife protection and habitat and environment conservation.
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TERI Analysis |
| When Risk Stops Looking Normal: Lessons from the Nepal Floods |
The Nepal floods are a reminder that the world we are designing for is becoming less comfortable with our assumptions of normality. We should continue improving our ability to observe and model glaciers, slopes, rivers, and weather, says Shiren Pandita in this article. read
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Green Challenges |
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| When Accurate Isn't Enough: Building Consumer Confidence in the Age of Smart Electricity Metering |
As India rapidly expands smart-meter deployment under the RDSS, consumer concerns over higher electricity bills highlight a critical distinction between meter accuracy and consumer trust. In this article, Mayuri Singh and Nishant Saxena argue that while smart meters may accurately record consumption, consumers often struggle to understand billing changes, tariff calculations, deductions, or grievance mechanisms. Drawing on examples from states such as Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, the authors emphasize that effective communication, transparency, and accessible redressal systems are as important as technical reliability. Ultimately, the success of smart-meter reforms depends not only on smarter technology but also on empowering consumers with greater understanding and confidence.
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Special Report |
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| India's Energy Security: In an Era of Climate Change |
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In this article, Manjot Kaur examines India's energy security in the context of rising energy demand, geopolitical uncertainties, and climate change. She highlights India's continued dependence on imported fossil fuels, particularly crude oil, and the vulnerabilities associated with global market disruptions. The article argues that energy security now extends beyond fuel availability to include affordability, resilience, sustainability, and climate adaptation. It discusses India's transition towards renewable energy, green hydrogen, and domestic manufacturing, while emphasizing the importance of international cooperation. Ultimately, the article advocates greater energy self-reliance to support sustainable economic growth.
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Pioneer |
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| Young Innovators: Inspiring the World |
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In this article, Rakesh Agrawal highlights how the INSPIRE Awards–MANAK programme is nurturing innovation and scientific thinking among school students in Uttarakhand. Through examples of young innovators such as Sonia Rawat and Shriyam, the article showcases student-led solutions to everyday and environmental challenges, including forest fires. Organized by the Department of Science and Technology, the programme encourages creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving through science projects. With strong participation from schools across the state and notable achievements at national and international levels, the initiative is empowering young minds to become future scientists, innovators, and change-makers. read
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In Conversation |
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| Turning Waste into Value: Advancing Circularity through Recycling, Remediation, Emissions Reduction, and ESG |
Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Singapore, Blue Planet has emerged as one of Asia's fastest-growing integrated waste management companies, enabling organizations around the world to accelerate the transition to a circular economy through innovative and sustainable solutions. In this exclusive email interview with TerraGreen, Prashant Singh, CEO & Founder of Blue Planet Environmental Solutions discusses Blue Planet's sustainability milestones, waste valorization strategies, and its vision for a more resource-efficient future.
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Special Feature |
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| The Fertilizer Crisis in Southeast Asia: Demands a Sustainable, Homegrown Solution |
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The ongoing US–Iran conflict has exposed Southeast Asia's vulnerability to global fertilizer and agricultural input price shocks, placing additional financial pressure on small-scale farmers. Decades of dependence on chemical fertilizers have also contributed to soil degradation, water and air pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change. This article by Saptak Choudhury and Rupsa Banerjee advocates regenerative agriculture as a sustainable, homegrown alternative, emphasizing locally produced bio-inputs such as compost, bio-formulations and organic manure. Experiences from India, Malaysia and Indonesia demonstrate that a gradual transition combining organic and inorganic inputs can reduce costs while maintaining yields. However, supportive policies, quality standards, farmer training, market incentives and investment in local agricultural research are essential for scaling these solutions
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Wildlife |
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| A Wildlife Oasis in Central London: A Tranquil Haven Where Nature Thrives Amid Urban Life |
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The WWT London Wetland Centre in Barnes is a remarkable urban oasis created from four disused Victorian reservoirs, offering refuge to a diverse range of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects and wildflowers. This article by Dr Marianne Furtado de Nazareth explores its rich habitats, wildlife-watching facilities, accessible observation towers and hides, and citizen-science activities. Seasonal highlights include nesting sand martins, returning migratory birds, ducklings, native reptiles and colourful wildflowers. With its tranquil lakes, gardens and thriving biodiversity, the centre provides visitors with an opportunity to experience nature and learn about wetland conservation in the heart of London.
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