People may avoid migrating if they cannot insure themselves against the risk of a bad outcome. Governments can reduce the consumption risk faced by migrants by allowing them to access social protection programs in the destination. This study randomly informed around 62,000 households across 18 Indian states about a new …
RELIGIOUS gatherings such as the Ardh Kumbh at Allahabad always test the organisational mettle of local administrative bodies. This event happens once in six years at the sangam (confluence) of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati (see map: Sacred waters are dirty). This year, as in the past, the …
Hindu religion generally considers life forms as sacred and it has developed sanctity by association, such as the swan, eagle and bull that serve as vehicles for the major deities such as the Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, respectively. Some animals such as the Hanuman langur, cobra and elephant are sacred …
• Footage of Australian naturalist Steve Irwin's death will never be broadcast, his widow Terri has said in her first interview since his death in early September. "What purpose would that serve?' she asked presenter Barbara Walters in an interview with US programme 20/20. "Crocodile Hunter' Irwin was killed by …
holocaust-denial laws are the ultimate bunkum. Just think about it. The state of Israel has used the history of the Nazis to perpetrate untold miseries on the Arab world. This is not a rant. Think about recent history. The Western powers divided west Asia, creating Israel, a Jewish oasis in …
function table() { var popurl="image/20060115/48_table.jpg" winpops=window.open(popurl,"","width=250,height=400,scrollbars=yes") } Water chestnut (Trapa natans) is a popular fruit in many parts of India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and southern China. Though native to South and Southeast Asia, water chestnuts are also found in Africa and North America. The plants grow well in ponds, …
viral cancer: The fusion of human cells is a normal process that leads, for instance, to the formation of muscle and bone. Viral infections can also cause cell fusion, but such cells are generally believed to die without consequences for the host. According to a recent study, however, cell fusion …
In the second week of June 2005, walls all over Italy were plastered with: "Life cannot be put to test. Don't vote'. The exhortations came from the Catholic clergy, which asked Italians to shun a referendum to repeal their country's law 40: a law banning embryonic stem cell research and …
Recently, certain Mumbai temples have become sites of an initiative that's not entirely religious. Nirmalaya, floral offerings made by devotees, is composted at these temples and the manure is sold for Rs 20 per kilogramme. Nirmalaya manure has become quite a hit among devotees. The project is the brainchild of …
the coming Sabrimala season from November 16, 2005, to the end of January will see more developments in the Periyar Tiger Reserve (ptr) which is home to the Ayappa shrine, which draws thousands of pilgrims. The ever-increasing amenities pose challenges to the conservation of the forest. A meeting convened by …
Judgement of the Supreme Court of India in the matter of State of Gujarat Vs Mirzapur Moti Kureshi Kassab Jamat & Others dated 26/10/2005 regarding prohibiting the slaughter of cows and calves and other milch and draught cattle, Gujarat.
At Suman Kyari, some 10 kilometre (km) downhill from Kempty Falls near Dehradun district, Uttaranchal, Roshan Rawat potters around his attic dusting old fishing nets. Rawat is not much of an angler; he is a dhaba owner actually. But Rawat must hone his fishing skills once a year to participate …
A forest guard sets out on his nightly patrol in the Periyar Tiger Reserve (ptr) in Kerala's Idukki district with the most unlikely companion: a former smuggler of vayana, the bark of the cinnamon tree. The two appear to get along well especially that now both are on the same …
Following the belief that religion is the greatest force to drive changes in people, Australia's religious leaders are using it to build up a fight against climate change. In a strongly worded appeal, the Environmental Network of the Worldwide Anglican Communion informs church leaders of the impending "perilous and catastrophic …
68 people dead and 40 missing, and it wasn't a natural disaster. Nor an accident. A dam released water in Madhya Pradesh, just like it used to every day. Only this time, thousands of people had gathered for a dip in the river Narmada 25 km downstream of the dam. …
danger spilling out: Mexico's oil monopoly Pemex recently confirmed the fifth fuel spill in the past four months, even as authorities quoted a requirement of US $9 billion to repair the country's degenerating oil pipeline network. Media reports said nearly 45,000 litres of oil spilled in the latest incident near …
