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Showing posts with the label Environment



Earth is Not Just for Humans: Illegal Wildlife Trade

Illegal wildlife trade has emerged as a major global crisis. Its consequences are devastating to biodiversity and ecosystems around the world. In India, this illegal industry has turned into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise. It is fueled by high demand for exotic pets, traditional medicine ingredients and luxury wildlife products. Surprisingly, illegal wildlife trade is estimated to be worth between $7-23 billion annually. It is the fourth-largest international crime after drugs, human trafficking and counterfeiting. More than 1,800 species are protected in India under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. Yet, the trade continues unabated Poaching of iconic species such as elephants, tigers and rhinoceroses has reached alarming levels. Their populations are declining rapidly. Lesser-known species such as pangolins, the most trafficked mammal in the world, are also heavily targeted. Over 1 million have been killed in the last 15 years. Traditional Chinese medicine, which uses tiger bones ...

Cattle and Dog Smuggling to Bangladesh: BSF's Heroic Efforts

It is an act of unprecedented courage and commitment—BSF soldiers are putting their lives at risk to stop illegal smuggling of cows and dogs from India to Bangladesh. The issue was brought to wide notice the unending fight to get a rein on this illegal trade through which millions of innocent animals go across borders to slaughter houses year after year. In Bangladesh, cows that cannot continue providing milk are usually slaughtered legally. However, with high demand for meat and leather, illegal smuggling of cows from India has also increased at a very alarming rate. People looking for quick profits engage in these activities, often disregarding the cruelty inflicted upon these animals. Some disturbing video clips that have gone viral on the internet show the harsh and inhumane conditions under which these cows are transported and slaughtered. BSF has been on the forefront in curbing this illegal trade. The BSF soldiers have time and again shown their commitment towards thwarting ...

Uniting for Ladakh: The Fight for the Sixth Schedule and Beyond

In the peaceful but disputed area of Ladakh, an important movement is happening. This movement is all about protecting the environment, keeping the culture alive, and having democratic rights. The center of this effort is the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution , which gives special rights to tribal areas in India's mountains. Asking to include Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule is more than just wanting to be independent; it shows how special Ladakh's environment and culture are, and that they are in danger. Understanding the Sixth Schedule The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution grants specific tribal regions the authority to establish Autonomous District Councils (ADCs), enabling them to self-govern and legislate on issues like land use, forest conservation, and the preservation of local customs.  In Assam , the presence of the Bodoland Territorial Council, the Kar...

Floods , Rainwater Harvesting and the Plight of Assam.

A news in an extreme corner of a newspaper: Source: India Today The world is facing a growing problem with flooding due to climate change. In fact, floods are one of the most destructive natural disasters in the world, causing billions of dollars in damage and human losses every year. The World Bank says that flooding costs $500 billion annually globally and has become one of the most common risks for businesses and households across the globe. The primary causes of flooding include: Sea level rise : The oceans are rising at an accelerated pace due to climate change, which threatens coastal communities worldwide. Sea levels have risen 13 inches over the past century, but this rate has increased by one-third over the past 20 years. Drought : Drought is also a major contributor to flooding because it can lead to reduced water resources that cause rivers and streams to overflow their banks. And as temperatures continue to increase, droughts will become more frequent and severe. Drought ha...