Farmers, not doctors, can build a 'disease-free India': Khadar Vali

Food specialist Khadar Vali said farmers, not doctors, can build a disease-free India. He stressed organic farming and millet-based diets, saying, "Farmers are the real doctors." He urged a shift from corporate agriculture to traditional systems, claiming widespread organic farming could reduce disease in five years.

Gardeners beware: slugs returning after dry weather to threaten strawberries

Wetter weather is expected to bring a surge of slugs out of hiding to munch on England's strawberry plants. Entomologists noted slugs "will be really hungry and all coming out at once." Many gardeners are planting vegetables, and the early strawberry crop is now at risk. Experts suggest relocating slugs to compost heaps.

Southwest monsoon delayed, likely to set in over Kerala around June 4: IMD

Southwest monsoon is likely to set in over Kerala around June 4, 2026, the IMD said Tuesday. This is a delay from earlier predictions. Conditions are favourable for its advance. The weather department also expects below-normal June rainfall for the country. El Nino conditions are likely to develop.

How England's largest forest went from commodity to conservation haven

England's largest forest, Kielder, started 100 years ago to boost timber reserves. Now, this 60,000-hectare woodland balances commercial use with conservation. It's a haven for rare plants and animals, with wildlife manager Paul Pickett calling osprey nesting "magical." Many species, including red squirrels, now thrive there.

Mother Dairy to sell cow milk in biodegradable packs, from June 5

Mother Dairy will start selling cow milk in biodegradable packs from June 5. This new pouch, India's first naturally degradable in soil, aims to tackle huge plastic waste. The company said the challenge was to "improve the environmental profile of milk packaging without compromising affordability." This innovation could help reduce plastic waste.

Tigress Zeenat gives birth to four cubs in Similipal

Tigress Zeenat, brought from Maharashtra, gave birth to four cubs in Similipal Tiger Reserve. This success boosts Odisha's conservation efforts. Chief Minister Mohan Majhi said, "Today, a proud chapter has been added to Odisha's natural resources and wildlife conservation efforts." The mother and cubs are safe, with forest staff monitoring them.

Ozone spikes in Haryana: Ballabhgarh ranks among India's worst hotspots as 12 stations breach standards

Haryana is facing rising ozone pollution, with 12 stations breaching national standards in May. Nathu Colony in Ballabhgarh ranked seventh nationally, showing "nearly three times the national standard." Ground-level ozone is a growing summer concern, affecting areas far from emission sources and requiring coordinated action.

Why Greenland's ice fjords are so mesmerizing

Greenland's ice fjords are mesmerizing natural wonders. These massive glaciers flowing into the sea create stunning ice and water landscapes. They are important for studying climate change and glacial movements. Exploring them gives a glimpse of nature's raw power and beauty, a unique experience for adventurers and scientists.

From barren shores to green oases: how a surfer looking for shade ended up transforming Costa Rica's coastline

A surfer's quest for shade started a project that transformed Costa Rica's coastline. Costas Verdes planted 100,000 native trees across 34 beaches since 2011. This effort revived wildlife habitats and combatted deforestation, turning barren shores into green oases. "This is what Playa Guiones looked like when we started in 2011," said Gerardo Bolaños.

Which countries generate most plastic waste? Top 7 ranked: Full details inside

Ethiopia leads with a "Very High" MWI of 94.19 per cent, as rapid urbanisation outpaced waste management. Russia also has a "Very High" MWI of 67.45 per cent. Many tons of plastic waste are generated annually, but reliance on landfills and low public participation slow mitigation efforts.

From Loktak lake to Chilika lake: These beautiful wetland destinations are worth adding to your summer bucket list

Before monsoon, wetlands like Loktak lake offer calm, serene wilderness. Pardeep Siwach shared a list of pre-monsoon escapes. He said, "If you have ever seen Kaziranga during peak season, you are missing out." Many birds gather near lakes, and floating islands make Loktak unique.

The strange 1930s lab accident that turned cigarette smoke into a life-saving invention now found in millions of homes

A 1930s lab accident showed airborne particles could be detected. A Swiss physicist noticed his gas detector reacted to cigarette smoke. This led to smoke detectors, now in millions of homes. The NRC reported, "it revealed that airborne particles could be detected." These devices use a tiny radioactive source.