Current Issue - Volume 19 Issue 2 (May 2026)

In this article, Arvind Kumar highlights that critical minerals—such as rare earth elements, lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper, and graphite—are essential for the global clean energy transition. These materials underpin technologies like electric vehicles, wind turbines, solar systems, and battery storage. As countries pursue net-zero goals, demand for these minerals is rising sharply, with clean energy systems requiring significantly more mineral inputs than fossil fuel-based alternatives. However, supply chains are highly concentrated and face challenges related to availability, affordability, and recycling. Addressing these constraints through diversification, innovation, and circular economy approaches is crucial. For countries such as India, securing sustainable access to critical minerals is vital for energy security and climate goals.

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In this article, Vijayalakshmi K P and Harshel Suares highlight the significance of agroforestry as a practical and scalable solution to India's environmental and developmental challenges. They discuss how traditional practices, strengthened by the National Agroforestry Policy (2014), can enhance productivity, livelihoods, and ecological resilience. The article emphasizes agroforestry's role in climate mitigation, land restoration, and meeting national and global commitments. It also examines initiatives like GROW that use geospatial tools to identify suitable areas for expansion. While outlining existing policy and scientific support, the authors draw attention to persistent challenges such as regulatory barriers and market constraints, underscoring the need for coordinated reforms to realize its full potential.

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Philip John recounts his research journey in nanomedicine, focusing on metal nanoparticles synthesized from marine seaweeds and their therapeutic promise. While evaluating their efficacy, toxicity, and biocompatibility across cellular systems, he became concerned about the overlooked issue of nanoparticle waste and nanotoxicity. He highlights the invisible irreversible environmental and human health risks arising from improper disposal and accumulation. Drawing on his findings, the author stresses the urgent need for rigorous, long-term studies, clinical validation, and robust nanowaste management protocols, warning that scientific advances without such safeguards risk becoming irresponsible and unsustainable.

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This article by Sarita Brara highlights how community radio is helping farmers adapt to climate change through timely, expert-driven guidance. Programmes like Tohfa-e-Kudrat – Jal, Jangal, Jameen broadcast practical advice on climate-resilient crops, water conservation, and sustainable farming. Farmers such as Abdul Razak in Haryana and Rekha in Rajasthan have significantly improved yields and incomes by adopting recommended practices, including new wheat varieties and better irrigation methods. The initiative also promotes rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation, and use of solar systems and AI-based groundwater monitoring. With real-time weather updates and interactive platforms, the radio serves as a vital link between scientific knowledge and rural communities, enabling farmers to reduce risks, conserve resources, and build climate resilience. read more

Kusum Pandey is an accomplished mural artist who was the principal artist and chief coordinator of the street art project in Delhi's Mehram Nagar. Specializing in printmaking, the Nainital-based artist is the founder of the RangGeet Art Centre. In an interview with N Kalyani, the artist shares what it took to create the Mehram Nagar street art. read more

In this article, Dr Pooja Sehbag examines Europe's shift from coal-based industrialization to climate-focused regulation through the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which effectively prices carbon on imports. It highlights India's limited flexibility under its EU FTA and debates the proposal for an India Border Adjustment Mechanism (IBAM). While IBAM could retain revenue domestically, high compliance costs—especially for MSMEs—pose risks. Through this piece, the author argues India should navigate through a balanced approach vis-à-vis European CBAM while keeping its 2047 target in sight.  read more

Sal forests are vital to the environment, especially in laterite regions. Can the forests of Jangalmahal in West Bengal truly regenerate on the strength of an invisible web beneath the ground? wonders Shamim Haque Mondal.

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