Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Down To Earth Jan 16-31 January 2016 by Raz KR PDF
Down To Earth Jan 16-31 January 2016 by Raz KR PDF
SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENT FORTNIGHTLY Subscriber copy, not for resale `45.00
Jumping spider,
found in the tea
gardens of Dooars,
West Bengal
Bangladesh: Taka 58.00 / Pakistan: Rs 58.00 / Nepal: Rs 38.00 / Sri Lanka: Rs 117.00 / Maldives: Rf 28.00 Bhutan: Ngultrum 24 / Rest of the World (South): US $2.70 / Rest of the World (North): US $3.40
SAY
HELLO
TO STUNNING NEW
SPECIES JUST
DISCOVERED
s'
ANIC
M
arket
Saturday, January 30
10:00am - 3:00pm
Margosa Lawn, Habitat World, IHC
(Entry from Gate no. 2)
A family day out to indulge in nature’s best.Bring back
the goodness of traditional,chemical-free food into your lives at
the Organic Farmers’ Market.
Highlights:
Freshest organic farm produce of vegetables, fruits, pulses and
staples, healthy diary-milk and milk products, artisanal cheese,
whole grain and Millet breads and more.
Learn about Good Food through Workshop on Millets.
At kids' experiential corner, let children explore Tastes of Foods.
Get to know about kitchen & roof top gardening and
composting.
Organised by:
Centre for Science and Environment
For details, please email ranjita@cseindia.org
Entry
free
THINKSTOCK PHOTOS
Better management needed
The human-animal conflict is age-old (ªLurking in danger zoneº, 16-31 December,
2015). The loss of habitat is a major reason wild animals stray into human
habitations. One possible solution is to dig trenches and have mildly electrified
fencing around vulnerable villages. Moreover, there is a need for constant
vigilance by forest staff to monitor the movement of wild animals, especially
elephants which go in search of food and water to neighbouring areas. Personnel
should take steps to divert wild elephants from habitations by using various
techniques, including the use of trained elephants. It is also the duty of wildlife
sanctuaries to keep a tab on the predator-prey ratio. That would facilitate
relocation of wildlife.
Moreover, in a drought year, the authorities must be proactive to make water
available inside sanctuaries. We need to keep animal migration corridors safe
and free of encroachments. Periodic census of endangered species would help
take appropriate measures for their protection. Wildlife management should
be regularly upgraded so that we learn from the experience of internal as well
as external sources. Wildlife protection staff is a neglected lot—poorly-paid
and poorly-equipped. Salaries too should be hiked to attract better trained
and educated personnel who have a love for wildlife. Their transport and
communication infrastructure must be state-of-the-art to counter greedy
poachers. Problems of each wildlife protection centre should be studied by
experts, including foreign experts, for improvement. We should demonstrate our
commitment to love and protect wildlife by visible action on the ground.
D B N MURTHY
BENGALURU
http://www.facebook.com/down2earthindia
It should, provided the Delhi on roads and which can I do not think this will happen.
government is able to provide be sustained and carried The biggest factor is political
the requisite number of forward even after the trial will. Until that is lacking, we
extra buses. is over. cannot hope for a better bus
DAWA GYALMO VIBHOR BOTHE system in Delhi.
Will Delhi's odd- LACHUNGPA RAGHUVANSH SINGH
This is indeed an excellent
even experiment The odd and even formula is opportunity for Delhi to Yes, the opportunity has
revive its bus an opportunity for Delhi to cover-up the mistakes of presented itself. But even if
put in place a plan to improve its past vis-a-vis buses by the Delhi government is able
system? public transport services providing new, better, to provide the extra buses,
to meet the additional state-of-the-art buses to the will that coax Delhites to start
commuting demand due existing fleet. using them regularly?
to halving of personal cars FAIZAL SAIFI MITA CHIBBER
SORIT / CSE
While on an average over the year, the
limit of 5ÊN and 5ÊS is accurate, since
the ITCZ is not a static phenomenon and is
affected by land and ocean distribution as intake for human health. I am a vegetarian our vegetarian (animal-loving) nature is
well as other global climatic factors, the and would like to argue against the specious and coldly calculative, reducing
intention was to state the extreme limits rationale the author has used against the value of animals to mere commodities.
which are reached during the course of vegetarian diet. Firstly, though humans Lastly, regardless of research evidences
the year—45ÊN and 45ÊS. have been eating meat since 2.5 million showing deficiencies of nutritional content
years, as the author says, human teeth found in plant-based foods vis-a-vis meat
DTE replies: and intestines have developed similar to foods, I would like to say that some of the
Yes, the mushrooming of private those of herbivores. Is this not a clear sign noblest human beings that have lived
meteorological services is indeed a that while going forward, humans should on our planet have managed healthy,
potential concern. We at Down To Earth aspire to be near-total vegetarians? satisfying lives on vegetarian food.
are constantly monitoring the scenario Secondly, the closer the animal is to K BHARATH KUMAR
humans in the foodchain, their kinship CHENNAI
regarding climate services. Please read
ªNo insurance against fraudº (16-31 to us is more. The pain the animals feel
October, 2015). is nearly human and the slaughter (or ERRATUM
eating of the flesh) is morally indigestible. In the cover story ªWhy this abandoned
Be vegetarian The more brain-developed the animal village is a threat to Uttarakhandº (16-31
This is with reference to the article is, the more we should avoid eating it. December, 2015), the word `plains' is
ªTrouble with vegetarian fascistsº (16- Thirdly, the author's argument that to feed spelled as `planes' in the state map
30 November, 2015) supporting meat a billion starving poor, we should relax (ªVicious cycleº). We regret the error.
NOTICE BOARD
Organic
CENTRE FOR LEARNING, ORGANIC
llege The Bhoomi College AGRICULTURE AND APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY
(CLOAAT)
Green, White
P.O. Box 57, Kodaikanal 624 101
Future Holistic Science and Complexity MATURE STUDENT PROGRAMME
4 - 8 January 2016
th a
ducation
An introduction to the Science of Complexity
that is valuable to envision, comprehend
Inspired by the philosophy of J. Krishnamurti, CLOAAT is
located in a beautiful unspoilt valley at 3800 ft. altitude. & Speciality
Teas
Students having a good knowledge of English of 18
and work towards a sustainable future. years plus may apply for courses including hands-on and
theoretical: Bio-dynamic Organic Agriculture, English
Deep Ecology - A Rainforest Retreat Literature, Appropriate Technologies, World Affairs, Art and
For trade enquiries
18 - 22 January 2016 Design, Computer Applications etc..
The United Nilgiri Tea Estates Co. Ltd.,
t macro Learning from living in the Sharavathi We incorporate those wishing to study distance learning Chamraj Estate, The Nilgiris - 643 204, India.
ance, Rainforest, to tune in deeply with nature University Degrees and A’ levels but the focus for students
from India and abroad is on learning to understand oneself
Ph: 91-423-2258737, Fax: + 91-423-2258837
e affecting and explore our inner and outer ecology.
and life through our daily relationships and in meaningful e-mail: chamrajtea@gmail.com
discussions. Fresh lacto-vegetarian organic fare, no smoking. www.unitednilgiritea.com
mail.com Register: bhoomiprogrammes@gmail.com Apply for brochure and application form to: Shop online at
rg www.bhoomicollege.org Brian Jenkins BA (Hons.,) Sussex University.
Email:cloaat@yahoo.com Website:www.cloaat.com www.chamrajtea.in
16
A second
chance 18 COVER STORY
Nepal has a chance to adopt
cleaner building technology A new Rosetta
given that its polluting brick Stone
kilns got destroyed in last Scientists discover new
year's quake plant and animal species
across India
SCIENCE
HEALTH New source of
Delivery debate antibiotic resistance
Caesarian deliveries rise Nuclear contaminants could lead
in India due to a lack of to a rise in antibiotic resistance in
enforcement protocols bacteria, says a new study
45
46
It is all in the mind
Israeli study challenges gender 48
stereotypes 50 FOOD
The magic of mud
Earthenware is staging a comeback in
52 our kitchens
BOOK Flip side
No taking What would our
sides world be like
A new book explains were certain
why growth at the cost 55 inventors to claim
patents for
of environment makes
their inventions? 56 HISTORY
no sense
Oz's true
58 conquerors
People power How Australia came to have the
Delhi's anti-pollution drive is largest number of feral camels
a shining example of soliciting
public participation
T H E L A R G E S T wildlife census in
history would be coming to end in March
this year. The Great Elephant Census (gec)
is being conducted across Africa and is
being funded by Microsoft billionaire Paul
G Allen. It began in February 2014 with
the aim of better understanding elephant
numbers across Africa. During the survey, "Those who had
90 researchers from various organisations worked with the
joined aerial teams in sorties in 18 elephant intention of
range countries. The teams have covered a destroying a Tamil
distance of 460,000 kilometres. The central
cultural event are
maligning our
database of the survey is being developed efforts to revive it"
THINKSTOCK PHOTO
Doha endgame
at Nairobi
WTO has buried the development mandate
of the Doha round, with India failing to pull its weight at
the ministerial meeting
LATHA JISHNU | new delhi
T
HE NAIROBI ministerial meeting of determined to fast track pending libera-
the World Trade Organization lisation measures while brushing aside
(wto) in Kenya last month was the development dimension of trade. For
the chronicle of a disaster India in particular, the outlook is far from
foretold. In the run-up to the 10th reassuring. Not only did it fail to get any
ministerial meeting in the Kenyan capital, work plan on a permanent solution to the
it was clear that the long-running and contested public stockholding of grains for
hugely contested development agenda of the food security (see ‘Fighting a flawed wto
Doha round of negotiations would be given regime’, Down to Earth, November 15-30, REUTERS
a quiet burial. And so it has transpired. 2013) but it also conceded ground in several
Almost all the issues that would have areas. One such is the agreement on elimi-
benefited the world’s poorer and least nating export subsidies. This will “further trigger, that is when imports surge more
developed countries have been shelved or aggravate the crisis in our sugar sector. As it than 40 per cent over normal levels. “It
ignored. Instead, new issues—investment, is the entire sugar economy is in distress and means ssm is useless,” points out Dhar.
government procurement and competition the end of subsidies means it will go into a Why did Nairobi end so dismally?
policy—that will open up their markets tailspin,” says Dhar. Civil society organisations squarely blame
further to the onslaught of the powerful Another area of concern is the lack of India for not showing enough spunk in
economies, have been edged in. movement on the demands made by deve- the Kenyan capital. Although Commerce
“Yes, I did tell you that the Doha round loping countries on the Special Safeguard Minister Nirmala Sitharaman went in with
issues are almost dead in water on the eve of Mechanism (ssm) which gives them some all guns blazing by insisting that the
the Nairobi ministerial,” admits Biswajit flexibility to act in case of sudden import development agenda had to be implemented
Dhar, professor at Jawaharlal Nehru surges and price dips on products that are before the 162-member wto moved on to
University’s Centre for Economic Studies critical to their economy. But wto analysts new issues, she failed to keep her powder dry
and Planning in a conversation with this say the bland reiteration of this right reveals when the actual negotiations got under way.
writer. “But even so I did not expect such a that developing countries are trapped in a The notorious green room negotiations—
disastrous outcome,” adds the economist dangerous status quo. The warning bells on this is how the backroom deals cut by a few
and a respected trade analyst. Dhar warns ssm had been sounded in 2008 when talks countries are described—appear to have
that “the emerging trade regime is far more broke down in Geneva on their impleme- been at play once again. The four-day
unjust and disempowering of the poor than ntation. At that meeting, the US had said ministerial scheduled from December 15
at present.” Developed countries are ssm should come into force on a volume was extended by a day but to no avail for
Farmers from developing countries protest opening up of local markets to foreign imports at the WTO meet
India or other developing countries. These The most intriguing is Sitharaman’s talks, India was unable to stand up to the
negotiations took place between the world’s failure to bring up India’s demand for a might of the trading giants and the loss of an
largest trading blocs, the US and the permanent solution for public stockholding ally. Brazil, once the spearhead for
European Union (EU), along with China, programme at a meeting convened by the developing country battles, has distanced
Brazil and India. facilitator, Lesotho’s Trade Minister Joshua itself rather markedly from such concerns
Reports from Nairobi show that Setipa. More baffling to wto watchers is her after its nominee Roberto Azevêdo became
Sitharaman’s initial strong position—just failure to show up for a meeting that Setipa the wto director general two years ago. As
grandstanding, insist critics like Dinesh had convened at her request to discuss ssm. for China, it did provide strong support but
Abrol who heads the National Working That left in question India’s firmness of the country has its own problems as a newer
Group on Patent Laws and wto—gave way purpose in pushing its stated agenda. As a member of the wto and its priorities could
to an ominous silence on key issues and a result, the draft put together by the have been divided.
virtual withdrawal from the arena facilitator had nothing concrete on these Some reports have hinted at some
ultimately. At the open session on two critical issues: no timetable for resolving dramatic backroom developments on the
agriculture, the minister was categorical the public stockholding programme or scheduled final day of the Nairobi meeting
that the farmer’s interests would be anything new on ssm. This is reflected in the when Sitharaman called off a press confe-
protected by invoking ssm. Yet what unremarkable ministerial declarations rele- rence and the ministers agreed to extend
happened at the committee meetings tells a ased on December 19. their meeting by a day to cobble together an
different story. It would appear that in the backroom agreement. A host of civil society organi-
COURTESY: WTO
sations and trade experts have characterised
the agreement as a sellout by the bjp
government of Narendra Modi.
To understand what could have resulted
in India’s abject surrender, as many analysts
have described it, one should look at the
emerging geopolitics and changing strategic
interests in South Asia. Foreign policy
analysts have been pointing out that the
Modi government’s equation with the US is
a key to understanding the sudden shifts
and turns in regional politics and policies.
One pointer to the sudden change in
India’s stance from aggressive to compliant
in Nairobi is that Modi was preparing for his
Lahore stopover just a week down the line.
Although the spin doctors have called it an
“impromptu” decision by the prime minister
to end the standoff with Pakistan,
diplomatic analysts have said the trip was
decided earlier and apparently at the behest
Representatives from at least 25 countries attended the 10th WTO Ministerial Conference
of Washington. A leading commentator
on India’s foreign policy moves, ambassador
M K Bhadrakumar, has written that “the Modi”. Although the agreement largely on industrial goods. To use Azevêdo’s own
Modi government is proving to be far more restated the original Bali agreement, the words, the domestic subsidies on farm
willing than any previous government in important change was that instead of a four- products have had an “enormous distorting”
Delhi” to hitch India’s wagon to America’s year “peace clause” on agricultural stock- effect on the market.
regional strategies. piling, the agreement not to challenge It is not as if India alone is to blame
Besides, the new regime in Delhi seems India’s subsidies would last until a perma- for the Nairobi outcome. Developing
to believe it can do better for itself in bilateral nent solution was found. countries did not make a stand or stick
deals with Washington than in multilateral Such calculations on cutting deals with together to exercise their legal rights. “And
negotiations. For instance, the peace clause the US could explain why Sitharaman chose India chose not to mobilise developing
that it secured on the public stockholding to support the Nairobi declaration even if it countries,” laments S P Shukla, who was the
issue was one such, according to former erodes India’s credibility further with other country’s top negotiator to gatt, the
US deputy assistant secretary of state developing countries. predecessor to wto. “Worse still, India
Teresita Schaffer. There are few takers for Azevêdo’s did not show the courage that a small
After the Modi government came to claims on the outcome of the Nairobi country like Nicaragua did in the Paris
power, Delhi had said it would not allow the ministerial, much of it hyperbolic. “The Climate Conference in raising its flag in
Trade Facilitation Agreement reached in decision on export competition is truly questioning the arbitrary, stealthy and
the Bali ministerial of wto in December historic” and “it is the wto’s most significant undemocratic change intro-duced in the
2013 unless sufficient progress was made outcome on agriculture,” claims the wto final draft at the last moment.” Shukla
towards a permanent solution on its chief who also states that the elimination of contends that it would have been impossible
contested public stockholding programme. agricultural export subsidies is “particularly to ignore India in Nairobi if it had stood firm
Schaffer says the agreement on ending significant”. That an agreement which was on the Doha agenda.
their four-month standoff in the wto was supposed to come into effect two years ago That is debatable. As it stands, what the
reached by the US and India “on the margins gets a fresh lease of life till 2018 can hardly developing countries are left with are the
of a meeting of two East Asia-centred be termed a significant breakthrough, since remains of the day. The multilateral system
organisations in Myanmar, attended by the task has been hanging for more than half of trade, too, is hanging by a thread, with the
both President Obama and Prime Minister a century after export subsidies were banned Nairobi declaration noting that “wto mem-
bers have also successfully worked and
reached agreements in plurilateral formats”.
To understand what could have resulted in India's abject The reference is to pacts such as the tpp or
surrender, as many analysts have described it, one the Trans Pacific Partnership which will
should look at the emerging geopolitics and changing override wto agreements. That is the mena-
strategic interests in South Asia cing shadow looming over the world. n
DownToEarth
www.downtoearth.org.in
A Good Addiction
I wish to pay Rs ___________________ by Cash / MO Cheque / Demand draft (add Rs 15 for outstation / non-Delhi cheque) DD / Cheque No
Avail your free gift offer + Digital Access to Down To Earth with archives +
gobartimes Environment for beginners, A Down To Earth Supplement.
p15 jan31,16
WAT E R MANAGEMENT
ALOK GUPTA
Cleaning Nepal,
The 2015 quake destroyed
108 of the 112 brick kilns in
Kathmandu
brick by brick
The 2015 earthquake
A
CCORDING TO a 2015 World the report. Here lies the challenge for the
Bank report, Nepal would need government of Nepal: to rebuild the coun-
has given Nepal an one billion bricks to reconstruct try without causing severe pollution.
650,000 buildings damaged In Kathmandu, for instance, 108 of the
opportunity to adopt by the massive earthquake in April last 112 kilns were destroyed, says the
cleaner brick kiln year. For the purpose of reconstruction, the
brick production in Nepal in 2016 alone
Federation of Nepal Brick Industry (fnbi).
Kathmandu-based International Centre
technologies will increase by 1.5 times from what it was
last year.
for Integrated Mountain Development
(icimod) says that over 350 kilns across the
ALOK GUPTA | kathmandu But a substantial number of kilns have country were damaged in the quake,
been damaged in the quake. Most of these leading to a 30-40 per cent fall in brick
were coal-fired and based on highly pollut- production. Kiln owners can now upgrade
ing old technologies. The owners now have to newer technologies that also promise
the opportunity to adopt cleaner technolo- better quality bricks and more profits.
gies. The production of one billion bricks One such technology is the brainchild
with older technology kilns would emit of icimod. In 2012, icimod and the Nepal
39,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide, estimates government joined hands with kiln owners
I
N THE mid-18th century, when Swedish obsessed, scientists from across the world scan
botanist Carl Linnaeus established the unknown terrains, from the most inhospitable of
modern system of classifying all organisms places to deep seabeds, and comb through a billion
known to the human being, he believed that museum collections and fossils to look for new
the boundaries of life were just around the species. And when they stumble upon one—be it
corner; there would be hardly 10,000 plant a bizarre-looking animal, an unimaginably small
species in the world, he used to say. But 260 insect or a plant from the Jurassic era—national
years later, and after identifying 17 million and international institutes and scientific journals
species of plants, animals, fungi and microbes publish the finding with great enthusiasm, and
scientists are nowhere close to knowing the add it to the inventory of living species and fossils.
basic kinds of organisms, let alone understanding In 2015, India added 523 new living species
them or naming them. Worse, they do not even to this ever-expanding inventory. According to
know how much is left to discover. the documentations released by the country’s two
Probably, this is the reason every year biodi- premier institutes engaged in the exploration of
versity enthusiasts and some determined, even flora and fauna—the Zoological Survey of India
(zsi) and the Botanical Survey of India (bsi)—and insects are hardly well-documented
non-profit World Wide Fund for Nature (wwf), because of their small size, and we
scientists and taxonomists have identified 246 discover hundreds of them every
animal species and 277 plant species in 2014. year, Gopi explains.
Seed plants (118) have accounted for more At least 185 of the new animal
than 40 per cent of the new plant species species reported last year are new discoveries, or
discovered. And as every year, insects (119) have new to science; and 61 are new records, meaning
outnumbered other groups of animals (see ‘523 spotted for the first time in India. Similarly, of the
reasons to feel happy’, p21). The list, however, does 249 plant species reported by bsi alone, 148 are
not include any species of mammal. new discoveries and 101 new records.
“We have a fair idea about the absolute In either case, new species are significant
diversity of mammals as well as birds,” says K C as they indicate the richness of India’s biodiversity.
Gopi, scientist at zsi. That is why discovery of new Kailash Chandra, director-in-charge of zsi, says
mammal species is touted as the discovery of the India is one of the 17 megadiverse countries,
decade, or even the century. On the other hand, encompassing four biodiversity hot spots—the
Look for novel features Join an expedition photographs of what they think is
A specimen with hitherto unseen One can be part of expeditions a discovery. We collect samples
characteristic is recognised as a new conducted by Zoological Survey of from the spot and compare their
discovery. So sensible scouting must be India (ZSI) and BSI every year. The morphological characteristics
followed by careful comparison. The group is led by a senior scientist, with those of other species in the
morphological (external and anatomical) and assisted by a junior officer, genus," says S K Pati, scientist
features of a specimen field collectors and lab assistants with ZSI.
suspected to be a new who store collected specimens.
species are studied, and The specimens are then sent to
compared with the ZSI's National Zoological Centre
morphological (NZC) or BSI's Central National
features of other Herbarium (CNH). As of now, NZC
species in the has four million animal specimens
genus. and CNH houses two million plant
specimens. "Independent
researchers also send us
Or, try genetic study hitherto unknown molecular/ Get the findings published
In some cases morphological genetic feature translates into Approach ZSI and BSI to catalogue the discovery in
differences are difficult to a new discovery. Since 2012, their annual publications released on June 5, the
observe. In such cases, ZSI has been conducting World Environment Day. These publications are
scientists compare molecular/ molecular taxonomic studies, recognised as referrals for biodiversity and
genetic features of the which include chromosomal taxonomic studies, says Paramjit Singh, director of
specimen suspected to be a mapping and DNA barcoding to BSI. One can also approach other national
new species with those of genetically characterise institutions, such as the Indian Institute of Science,
other species in the genus. A species and their variations in Bengaluru, and Wildlife Institute of India,
the natural population. ZSI Derhadun, or international institutions such
already has its molecular as International Union for
systematic laboratories at its Conservation of Nature
headquarters at Kolkata and to get the findings
regional centres of Chennai published. One can
and Dehradun. It is now setting also get the findings
up new laboratories in published in any
Hyderabad and Pune. BSI's standard national/
laboratory for molecular international scientific
studies is located in Howrah. journal, say ZooTaxa.
Himalayas, the Western Ghats, the northeastern of identifying, classifying and naming new species.
region and the Nicobar islands. Since discovering new species is an arduous
523 reasons
Every year, as zsi and bsi carry out nearly 100 task, they are more interested in species already to feel happy
countrywide expeditions, these regions spring discovered, says Mohite. Taxonomists in India have
the maximum number of surprises, particularly And the result is evident. There has been a
discovered 277 plant and
related to plant species. In fact, these are among decline in the size of new discoveries and records.
the 37 most biodiverse regions in the world. In 2013, zsi and bsi documented 302 new
246 animal species
In 2014, the Western Ghats, which has animal species and 347 new plant species. In New plant species
recently been accorded the World heritage status 2014, the numbers were down to 237 fauna and
by Unesco, accounted for the maximum—22 per 275 flora. Similarly, between 1998 and 2008,
cent—number of plant discoveries; 15 per cent wwf discovered 354 new species in the Eastern
of the new plant species were found each in the Himalayas. It discovered only 211 new species over
Eastern Himalayas and the northeastern region; the next five years. Seed plants
11 per cent in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands; But scientists of zsi and bsi are hopeful. 118
and 9 per cent in the Western Himalayas. Though the size of findings was small last year, the
Discovery of new species helps us better list includes species that are significant in terms of
understand the ecosystem, says Shekhar Mohite, ecology and economy. Fungi
senior researcher at the Biodiversity Research One such species is a palm-like plant, Cycas 52
and Conservation Foundation, an environmental sainathii, which scientists have regarded as living
non-profit in Ahmedabad. “As we find out where fossil from the dinosaur era (see p42). Another is a
these species live and how they interact shade tree, Glochiodion tirupathiense, Microbes Lichens Algae
with the ecosystem, it helps us which scientists have discovered 36 33 24
design effective conservation Biodiversity not from a less visited site but
Bryophytes Pteridophytes
measures. Their unique attri-- hot spots of India from the pilgrimage site of
butes also help expand our Tirumala hills, on the way to 8 7
knowledge about the origin Himalayas Kumaradara Pusupadara
and evolutionary history of Dam (see p41). However, New animal species
life on earth,” says Mohite. Northeast they could locate only a few
India
Though all species are plants of the species. Then
Western
significant in their own Ghats there are freshwater crabs
ways, some assume greater (Ghatiana aurantiaca and Insects
Andaman and
importance to humans owing Nicobar Islands triangulus)
Gubernatoriana triangulus 118
to their economic or ornamental that are considered ecologically Fish
significance, or ability to boost and economically important.important 27
biodiversity research. For instance, the Both the crabs play a significant role in
discovery of different species of cereals and pulses maintaining the nutrient cycle of water and act as
in the wild led scientists to interbreed them an intermediate link in the food chain of natural
and generate disease-resistant varieties. These habitat. They prey upon small aquatic organisms,
varieties were then domesticated, cultivated and and, at the same time, are predated by birds and
used for consumption or medicinal purposes. mammals. Local tribal communities are known to
“You never know how a new species and its relish these crabs, and hence they can be considered
variants can be used,” says Y V Jhala, scientist at as a fishery wealth (see p30). The new findings also
the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun. include nine new species of wild bananas (see p38)
Amphibians Archnidans
Take the case of Thrips parvispinus—a pest and 10 species of orchids (see p40).
recorded for the first time in India in August 2015. Down To Earth roped in the country’s top 24 19
Earlier, it was recorded infecting papaya plants scientists, who supervised these incredible Cnidaria Crustaceans Collembola
in Hawaii, gardenia plants in Greece, and chilli, discoveries, to share their experiences of ecological
green beans, potato and brinjal in other countries. incursions. The magazine got access to the institut-
16 14 10
“The identification of a pest is the first step which ions’ complete data on species discovered during Mollusca Nematode Reptiles
unlocks the barriers for further research in 2014-15, and the authors spent hours with the 7 4 3
planning appropriate management strategies scientists to make sense of the new discoveries.
for the pest involved,” notes a paper that reported As these authors pored over heaps of files on new Birds Trematoda Polycheata
about T parvispinus in Journal of Insect Science. species, they discovered a fascinating new world. 2 1 1
Unfortunately, young researchers are losing In the next 22 pages Down To Earth profiles a Source: Botanical Survey of India,
interest in taxonomy, which deals with the science select group of new plant and animal species. Zoological Survey of India, World Wide
Fund for Nature
Fluke encounter cyanophlyctis, in Dehradun. The frog is amphibians are now host to six of the 55
PARASITIC FLATWORM common across eastern and northeastern Gorgoderina species found worldwide.
Gorgoderina spinosa India and other neighbouring countries. The parasite is known to have a complex
DISCOVERED BY: Charles R Bursey from Scientists found one frog harbouring life cycle, involving several hosts, right
Pennsylvania State University, USA; four individuals of an undescribed from mollusks to amphibians. It usually
Anjum N Rizvi and Pallab Maity from species of a parasitic flatworm, infects a frog when the latter ingests an
ZSI, Uttarakhand Gorgoderina. They isolated the parasite infected organism. The parasite quickly
LOCATION OF FINDING: Budhna village, from its urinary bladder and named it invades its kidneys and bladder and kills
Dehradun, Uttarakhand G spinosa because of the spiny covering it within a few days. It is feared that with
on its body and its distinct morphology of landscape alterations, the parasite may
It came to notice during a routine study vitelline glands that produce yolk cells. change its transmission pattern and
of parasitic worms in a frog, Euphlyctis With the discovery of G spinosa, Indian infect humans.
The species belongs to a family which actively hunts its prey rather than
Salticidae, which is represented by 207 trapping it in webs, is its four pair of eyes
species. Scientists spotted the spider that are arranged in three transverse
while surveying the tea ecosystem of rows. The anterolateral (first row) eyes
Dooars and its adjoining reserve forests. are surrounded by horn-like tuft of long,
The remarkable feature of the spider, stiff, slightly curved bristles.
Friendly parasite
BEE-LIKE INSECT Mischotetrastichus
keralensis
DISCOVERED BY: T C Narendran, C Bijoy
and K Rajmohana from ZSI, Kerala
LOCATION OF FINDING:
Mannavanshola, Idukki district, Kerala
Announcing presence
FASCIOLARIID SNAIL Granulifusus
poppei
REPORTED BY: Ravnish R, A Biju Kumar
and K V Dhaneesh from University of
Kerala; K Preetha from Christian College,
Kerala; S George from Rajeev Gandhi
Centre for Biotechnology,
Thiruvananthapuram
LOCATION OF FINDING: Kerala coast
Hidden in trees
TREE BARK-DWELLING SPIDER
Hersilia aadi
DISCOVERED BY: G B Pravalikha,
Chelmala Srinivasulu and Bhargavi
Srinivasulu from University College of
Science, Osmania University,Hyderabad
LOCATION OF FINDING: Osmania
University, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh
Serpentine fish The genus Aborichthys was first small creek near a waterfall in
RAY-FINNED FISH Aborichthys described in 1913 based on Upper Subanshri district. This
cataracta specimens in streams and rivers of serpentine-shaped fish grows up to
REPORTED BY: Abor hills in northeastern India. 9. 3 cm and has elongated snout.
M Arunachalam, M Raja, The type species was described as Its caudal fin (tail) is round and
P Malaiammal and Aborichthys kempi. Since then, five wide; dorsal fin has nine rays and
R L Mayden from Manonmaniam additional species have been added the anal fin has six rays. Females
Sundaranar University, Tamil Nadu to the genus from northeastern are larger than males. Its sand-
LOCATION OF FINDING: Hong India, with the latest being coloured body is covered with thin
village, Upper Subanshri district, A cataracta. Scientists found it in a wavy stripes.
Arunachal Pradesh
COURTESY: NOVATAXA.BLOGSPOT.IN
W
ITH VARIED ecological and Since common names vary from
climatic conditions, India is region to region, organisms are assigned
one of the 17 mega-diverse scientific names, which are uniform
countries. With only 2.4 per and universal. In most cases, these are
cent of the world’s landmass, it harbours binominal—meaning, they have a ge-
7-8 per cent of the species known world- neric and specific name. Sometimes,
wide—over 45,000 species of plants and the names are trinomial, and the third
96,891 species of animals. But increasing name refers to the name of subspecies,
developmental activities and changing variety or form. Names are given to organ-
climate in recent decades are threatening isms according to the international codes
KAILASH
India’s rich biodiversity. Its natural habi- of zoological, botanical and bacteriologi-
CHANDRA
tats and ecosystems are being reduced, re- cal nomenclature.
placed or modified to the extent that they Director-in-charge of At the core of these codes is the “type
can no longer support the original poten- Zoological Survey of specimen”—a particular specimen based
tial of biodiversity. Large-scale extinction India, Kolkata on which the discoverer describes the spe-
of species and the loss of genetic diversity cies and fixes its scientific name. This is
have become a harsh reality. followed by inventorying and monitoring of biodiversi-
This loss has far-reaching implications for food se- ty. Preparing the inventory includes surveying, sorting,
curity and economy. A significant number of people in cataloguing and mapping of entities, such as species,
the country directly or indirectly depend on the bio- populations, habitats, ecosystems or their components,
diversity for food security and livelihood. The biolog- and synthesis or analyses of the information into pat-
ical resources also constitute the feedstock for indus- terns and processes. Whereas monitoring refers to the
tries like biotechnology. To conserve these biological process of making repeated inventories over time and
resources and to ensure their sustainable use and fair space and measuring change in the patterns or process
and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of utili- of biodiversity.
sation of resources, India has ratified the United Nations The Zoological Survey of India (zsi) has been active-
Convention on Biological Diversity and has passed the ly documenting animal diversity of the country since its
Biological Diversity Act, 2002. inception in 1916. Every year, it carries out systematic
It is also imperative to document changes in the surveys and explorations to discover and describe new
diversity, distribution and composition of animal and species. So far, zsi has described more than 5,000 spe-
plant communities. For this, it is important to dis- cies new to science from diverse ecosystems and habitats
cover, identify and name species across the world and of India and its neighbouring countries. It has also pub-
prepare a complete inventory, if not the absolute one. lished over 1,500 scientific documents on fauna of India,
Remember, new species is a resource to the nation and including documents on fauna of 22 states, many pro-
humankind. Called taxonomy in scientific lexicon, this tected areas and ecosystems, and status surveys. zsi is a
system of naming and classification is essential to un- major repository of the National Zoological Collections
derstand the evolutionary process that produced the di- of voucher specimens, including nearly 20,000 type
versity of life. At a broad functional level, taxonomy is specimens, of all faunal groups, from protozoa to mam-
also an applied science basic to human welfare. It is es- mals, known from India and the adjacent countries.
sential to know the identity and name of an organism After all, scientific documentation of fauna at lo-
before undertaking any kind of research on it—be it re- cal, regional and ecosystem levels is essential for long-
lated to biodiversity, conservation, ecology, agriculture, term conservation and sustainable utilisation of biolog-
fisheries or medicine. ical resources.
29 JAN 31 2016
29NBA ad.indd 29 11/01/16 3:55 PM
COVER STORY
Measuring less than 2 centimetres, this stones along stream banks. Local tribal
tiny crab’s unique features are its smooth, communities eat it. The finding is
squarish and brown carapace (chitinous important because the Western Ghats
case covering its back) and a triangular remains largely under-explored for
subterminal segment of male gonopod crustacean species. In fact, a large number
(specialised appendages modified for of freshwater shrimps and crabs in the
reproduction). So far, the species has been region are in danger of becoming extinct
found only in the Western Ghats. They are due to increasing human activity in their
active mainly during rainy season (June to habitat and irregularities in their
September) and usually dwell under small classification and documentation.
30 DOWN TO EARTH
A voracious coral
A TYPE OF CORAL Nemalecium lighti
RECORDED BY: Pooja Nagale and
Deepak Apte from Bombay Natural
History Society, Mumbai
LOCATION OF FINDING: Poshitra,
Gujarat
COURTESY: CLUBPLONGEEMASK.BLOGSPOT.IN
33 JAN 31 2016
33GAIL ad NG.indd 33 11/01/16 3:55 PM
COVER STORY
It is believed that the lineage that gave rise compared the collected specimens with
A lizard from the old world to the genus Eublepharis, commonly called museum material and concluded that it
LEOPARD GECKO Eublepharis leopard geckos, evolved in Asian forests belongs to a new species. They named it E
satpuraensis some 100 million years ago and likely satpuraensis after the region where it was
DISCOVERED BY: Zeeshan Mirza and invaded India after the accretion of the found. Since the species is nocturnal and
Rajesh Sanap from National Centre for Indian plate to mainland Eurasia. This old secretive in nature, very few people in the
Biological Sciences, Bengaluru world lizard is by far one of the least studied locality were aware of it. The new species
LOCATION OF FINDING: Pachmarhi, lizards in India, and so far only three of Eublepharis from India highlights the
Satpura Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh; species have been identified. Scientists need for dedicated herpetofaunal surveys
Popatkhed, Amaravathi, Maharashtra found the new gecko species while studying across the country and especially in the
amphibians in the Satpura Hills. They Satpura Hills, known for rich biodiversity.
Purple surprise
PURPLE-SPOTTED SEA SLUG
Chromodoris aspersa
Recorded by: Deepak Apte and A Vishal
Bhave from Bombay Natural History
Society, Mumbai
LOCATION OF FINDING: Kavaratti,
Lakshadweep
Spotted, but not in the wild species in the fields, but in a collection at
THE HOUSE GECKO the National History Museum in
Hemidactylus acanthopholis London. They compared it with other
DISCOVERED BY: Zeeshan Mirza and known species at that museum as well as
Rajesh Sanap from National Centre for at the California Academy of Sciences in
Biological Sciences, Bengaluru San Francisco; the Bombay Natural
LOCATION OF FINDING: Thirunelveli, History Society in Mumbai; and zsi,
Tamil Nadu Kolkata; and found that the species is
indeed distinct. They named it
This large rock-dwelling species is Hemidactylus acanthopholis due to the
mostly found on large boulders, caves large warty outgrowths on its back. It
and forts and is said to be spread across grows up to a length of 20-23 cm and
the Western Ghats. But herpetologists sports a brown shade with dark
Mirza and Sanap did not discover the undulating bands on its back.
www.downtoearth.org.in 35
It belongs to a genus, Micrixalus, that has Males can be found calling from surface of
been hopping about since the time when wet rocks, usually near falls and splash zones
dinosaurs roamed on earth. Scientists spotted of small, fast-flowing streams, with their
an amphibian belonging to this ancient genus noticeable flashy white vocal sacs. During the
following a decade-long search across the breeding season, both male and female species
Western Ghats. Its small size—measuring 13 to are seen stretching their hind legs away from the
35 mm long, M kurichiyari is no bigger than body and waving a fully extended webbed foot.
a bee—and the colour of its skin that acts as a While this resembles a dancing pose, scientists
perfect camouflage makes it more difficult to have observed that the frog uses the move to
spot. Following the annual monsoon, when mark its territory and kick any intruder. Female
rainforest streams reach the ideal level for dancing frogs also show similar behaviour when
breeding, it is relatively easy to find these frogs. it comes to laying eggs.
Hiding in India
MARINE GASTROPOD MOLLUSK Elysia
rufescens
Reported by: Deepak Apte and
A Vishal Bhave from Bombay Natural
History Society, Mumbai
LOCATION OF FINDING: Kavaratti,
Lakshadweep
Standing out
WILD BANANA Musa argentii
DISCOVERED BY: Rajib Gogoi and
Souravjyoti Borah from Botanical Survey
of India, Arunachal Pradesh Regional
Centre, Itanagar
LOCATION OF FINDING: Lohit district,
Arunachal Pradesh
Forgotten flower
A TYPE OF ORCHID Eria gloensis
DISCOVERED BY: Paul Ormerod from
Australia and D K Agrawala from BSI,
Sikkim
LOCATION OF FINDING: Mishmi Hills,
Kamlang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
40 DOWN TO EARTH
Lone beauty
AN ORCHID Habenaria nicobarica
DISCOVERED BY: C Murugan, Joju P
Alappatt from Forest Training Institute,
Port Blair; S Prabhu from BSI, Port Blair;
and W Arisdason from BSI, Kolkata
LOCATION OF FINDING: Little Nicobar
Tribal Reserve, Pulopaha, South Nicobar,
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
www.downtoearth.org.in 41
Gourd of confusion
A VARIETY OF GOURD
Herpetospermum operculatum
DISCOVERED BY: K Pradheep, A Pandey,
K C Bhatt, E R Nayar from the National
Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, Pusa
Campus, New Delhi
LOCATION OF FINDING: South District of
Sikkim, Phek district of Nagaland
COURTESY: BLUMEA
named it H operculatum, they are yet to
determine its vulnerability due to
confusion with two other species.
Lost in garden
INDIAN CYCAS Cycas sainathii
DISCOVERED BY: R C Srivastava from
BSI, Kolkata
LOCATION OF FINDING: Acharya Jagdish
Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden,
Shibpur, Howrah
COURTESY: PHYTOTAXA
T
HE EASTERN Himalayas is a from published papers and reports to
region with unparalleled biodi- show that we are sitting on a rich treas-
versity and stunning landscapes. ure trove of fascinating species waiting to
This is because the region is be discovered.
located at an altitude that ranges from a Its report, “Hidden Himalayas:
few hundred metres to over 8,000 metres, Asia’s Wonderland–New species dis-
with Mount Kangchenjunga as its high- coveries in the Eastern Himalayas,
est peak. This great altitudinal variation Volume II 2009-2014”, includes dis-
has contributed to climatic diversity and coveries of 133 plants, 39 invertebrates,
vast range in vegetation across the region, 26 fish, 10 amphibians, one reptile, one
D I PA N K A R
which extends from Darjeeling district of bird and one mammal. Some of the fasci-
GHOSE
West Bengal, Sikkim, parts of Assam and nating species include sneezing or snub-
Arunachal Pradesh to central and eastern Director, Species nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus strykeri),
Nepal and Bhutan. and Landscapes a shy bird species named spotted
Vegetation types include dry-decid- Programme, wren-babbler (Elachura formosa),
uous forests in the foothills to moist-de- WWF-India Himalayan pitviper (Protobothrops
ciduous, montane sub-tropical and tem- himalayansus), miniature dracula fish
perate in the middle altitude areas to (Danionella dracula), dwarf snake head
sub-alpine and alpine in the high Himalayas. It is a place fish (Channa andrao), and the strikingly blue-eyed frog
where people of different cultural and spiritual heritage (Leptobrachium bompu). Plants discovered include
coexist with a fascinating assemblage of flora and fau- Impatiens lohitensis and a new wild species of banana,
na. For millennia, people have relied on the region’s en- Musa markkui.
vironmental services and natural resources. Millions of The report also highlights an important issue:
people in this region and in downstream areas directly how to protect the region’s natural heritage from in-
or indirectly depend on the water that flows down from creasing developmental activities in the Eastern
the eastern Himalayas. Himalayan region.
Small wonder that scientists are still discovering There is no doubt that the Eastern Himalayan re-
new species from the region. Between 2004 and 2009, gion is at a crossroads. As we continue to unearth the
researchers discovered 350 new species from the re- treasures of the Himalayas, scientific research shows
gion. These include two new species of mammals— that the region is under grave threat from climate
Arunachal macaque (Macaca munzala) and Burmese change and increasing developmental activities. It’s
leaf deer (Muntiacus putaoensis), the world’s smallest time we focussed on conservation efforts together as
deer species. Discovery of two mammal species implies a team beyond the borders of our countries to collab-
the rich natural heritage of the region, particularly at a orate and exchange valuable information leading to-
time when cutting-edge science brings latest informa- wards conservation of natural resources in this magnif-
tion from every corner of the world onto a smartphone icent region.
screen, and there are very few places that have not been It’s now up to the governments and policy makers
explored by scientists. to decide whether they should follow the current path
The richness of its biological diversity was proved of development that does not take environmental im-
again between 2009 and 2014 when scientists discov- pacts into account, or take an alternative path towards
ered 211 news species from the region. Non-profit World greener, more sustainable and inclusive development
Wide Fund for Nature (wwf) collated information for the region.
Effect on species
TWO STUDIES provide evidence on how
dams impose stress on a species' survival.
Researchers studied Washington's Olympic
National Park and the surrounding areas.
The Elwha River winds through the park
and is the site of the largest dam removal
in history—Elwha and Glines Canyon dams
were dismantled in 2011 and 2014. These
areas, previously depleted of salmon, are fast
recovering. A songbird species that flourishes
on the salmon is back in the ecosystem.
Biological Conservation, December 2015
PESTS
Nuclear trail
advisers. This coordinated response, though
unintentional, can affect entire ecological
systems. Researchers used concepts of game
Environmental contamination could theory to build a framework to understand
feedback mechanisms between actions of
increase antibiotic resistance humans and the dynamics of pest populations.
Understanding farmer decisions can help
LINDA LEE / UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA manage the system better. PLOS Computational
Biology, December 31
E
NVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINANTS may be to blame for
the rise in antibiotic resistance in bacteria. H E A LT H
Researchers tested water samples in streams
located in the US Department of Energy's Savannah
Effective drug delivery
River Site. The 802.8 square kilometre site near Aiken, R E S E A R C H E R S S AY formulating drugs
as liquid salts may provide an efficient strategy
south Carolina, east of the Savannah River, was closed
for the delivery of topical drug that cause skin
to the public in the early 1950s to produce material
toxicity. Skin toxicity is a major challenge in
used in nuclear weapons. This production led to a legacy of new topical drugs formulations. Many drugs
waste or contamination and impacted some of the must be dissolved in organic solvents which
streams in the industrial areas. The results revealed high are toxic to the skin. Formulating drugs as
levels of antibiotic resistance in eight of the 11 water liquid salt mitigates both sources of toxicity
samples. More than 95 per cent of the bacteria samples and eliminates the necessity of organic
from these streams were resistant to 10 or more of the solvents. Technology, December
23 antibiotics. Environmental Microbiology, November 3
Umbilical I
F YOU'VE had a chance to visit a maternity clinic or the family of
a newborn, then you must have heard about the “cesarean-sec-
tion (C-section) v normal delivery” debate. Elderly women often
lament how these days one always sees cesarean deliveries, some-
discord
times even when they aren’t needed.
These concerns are not imaginary. The C-section rate in Delhi is
over 23 per cent in public and nearly 54 per cent in private hospitals,
says a study by the Sitaram Bhartia Institute of Science and Research
Lack of enforcing protocols (sbisr), New Delhi. A study by Tiziana Leone of the department of so-
cial policy, London School of Economics, the UK, found that in some
is pushing up cesarean regions in India, C-section rates were over 30 per cent, far higher than
World Health Organization’s (who) recommended rate of 10–15 per
deliveries in India cent. It is over 41 per cent in Kerala and 58 per cent in Tamil Nadu, says
the National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai. Worse, C-section
MANUPRIYA rates are increasing—for instance, it has gone up from 17 per cent in
2001 to nearly 29 per cent in 2011 in Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas
Medical College and King Edward Memorial Hospital, Mumbai.
THINKSTOCK PHOTOS
A
Federation of Obstetrics & Gynaecological to regulate and nationalise care (mater- lex B Haynes,
Societies of India, says increased rates are nity) and set up systems and processes for professor of
justified, “as the goal is not just to deliver a monitoring and surveillance so that cesare- surgery at the
baby, but to deliver a healthy baby”. He adds ans happen where they are needed and not Harvard Medical
rising numbers of late pregnancies, in vitro where they are not needed,” she adds. School, speaks on the
fertilisation (ivf), conception after a previ- study on the relationship
ous C-section surgery, and women with fi- Driven by supply, not demand between C-section
broids have increased rates. So why do doctors choose this option? rates and maternal and
Diminishing patience among preg- C-sections are more expensive—usual- neonatal mortality in 194
nant women to bear labour pain is also to be ly costing 1.5 to two times more than a countries. Excerpts
blamed. Sometimes women themselves opt normal delivery. “High rates in India are
for a C-section delivery for superstitious rea- driven by doctors and lack of protocols. How can C-section rates be
sons—like wanting to birth the baby on an Reimbursements, private insurance and in- brought down?
auspicious date. Another reason is the trend creasing wealth mean that there is a tenden- We are facing similar questions in
in large corporate hospitals, where consult- cy to rely on C-sections more in private hos- the US and other parts of the world.
ant doctors are not available all the time. So pitals,” says Leone. There is also a tendency There is no clear answer as to how to
deliveries are planned in advance to suit the to believe that more intervention is better. optimise C-section rates. Our
availability of doctors and patients leading Leone studied cesarean rates in six Indian population data suggests the benefits
to higher rates. states—Punjab, Maharashtra, Andhra to neonatal and maternal mortality
In 2015, the department of obstetrics Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Delhi— are not likely to exist above 19
& gynecology, L G Hospital, Ahmedabad, and found that cesarean delivery in India per cent. Our study looked only
analysed 500 C-section cases to find out is driven more by supply than by demand. at mortality, but there may be
why doctors chose C-section. They found Her results are corroborated by the sbisr other reasons—reducing birth
the most common reasons were previ- study, which says prevalent practices devi- asphyxia, decreasing obstetrical
ous cesarean operation, followed by fetal ate substantially from a wide range of na- fistula rates or avoiding abdominal
distress and mal-presentations. But it is a tional and international evidence-based wall hernia, placenta acreta and
myth that once a woman has delivered via guidelines. This includes private institu- other complications of subsequent
C-section, all subsequent births must be tions where the patient or insurance provid- pregnancies. Additionally, we do not
through C-section. A woman who has had a er pays for care and where infrastructure re- know what happens when a country
C-section in her first delivery has the option sources may be less limiting. raises or decreases its C-section rates.
of a repeat C-section or vbac (vaginal birth The sbisr study highlights the overuse
after C-section) in her second pregnancy. of investigations such as ultrasounds and What are the reasons for the
A taskforce set up by the Indian Council interventions such as C-section, induction, difference between your figures (19
of Medical Research published a study in and episiotomy, especially in private facil- per cent) and those proposed by
the International Journal of Reproduction, ities, and a deficiency of patient-centered WHO (10-15 per cent) for optimal
Contraception, Obstetrics and Gynecology practices such as counseling and labour sup- C-section rates in a population?
in 2014 which found: “Even though the suc- port, particularly in public hospitals. Our study was intended not to make
cessful vbac is considered safer than routine Similar forces pushed C-section rates to a firm recommendation, but rather
repeat cesarean section, the enthusiasm for more than 80 per cent in the private sector to provide a scientifically rigorous
vbac is found to be decreasing now due to in Brazil. This compelled the Brazilian gov- analysis of the current state of the
several reasons.” It adds, “Repeat caesar- ernment to introduce new cesarean birth relationship between C-section and
ean section and planned vaginal birth after rules in July 2015 to bring down the astro- mortality. WHO's recommendations
caesarean section are both associated with nomically high rates. are not based on research alone,
benefits and harms and correct manage- The Indian Government would do and the previous 10 per cent
ment represents one of the most significant well to take a cue and enforce evidence- recommendation was based largely
and challenging issues in obstetric practice.” based guidelines stringently. When a doc- on expert consensus. Our study can
On the one hand, many unnecessary ce- tor chooses to do a C-section, he/she should help policymakers devise informed
sareans are happening, and on the other, not be able to justify the decision. policy to optimise health outcomes.
Pots of wisdom
Earthenware is staging a comeback in
our kitchens with a new fervour
SANGEETA KHANNA
T
SANGEETA KHANNA
HE POTTER'S wheel evokes a sense of
mystic bewilderment—the way tho-
se deft hands shape delicate smooth
wet earth over the spinning wheel,
and how the dried earthen pots are then
fired at high temperatures to become tough.
Some pots store water and some overflow
with billowing froth of lentils cooked over
slow fire, while other decorative pots are
used to make yogurt or filled with syrupy ro-
sogollas. A potter from Azamgarh, Uttar
Pradesh, recently explained how potters
have “seasons” for the kind of pots they
make. During the wedding season, they
make kalash and various shapes of handis
and sakoras (shallow bowls) that are used
for rituals. They make garden pots and dec-
orative pottery thoroughout the year. Potters
have now started innovating with finer fin-
ish, smooth glaze and decorative elements.
Regional versions
Earthenware have numerous regional inter-
pretations. For instance, the teacups from
Azamgargh have a shiny black colour. A
potter reveals the technique: the terracotta
vessels are fired till they become fully baked
and strong. In the last stage of firing the pots,
they smoke the furnace by adding dried
leaves. The smoke and soot coats the pots
and gets baked along, making the pots sooty
black. After the first baking, mustard oil is
smeared on the pots, and then, a second
round of firing fixes the black colour and the
pots become shiny. The tradition of black
pottery of Azamgarh is little known.
While some potters are really poor and
H E D G E H O G TA L E S RAKESH KALSHIAN
E
VER SINCE homo became sapient, the human lus of genes—for example, the fact that women are good
mind (predominantly men, actually) has con- in the kitchen and men in the battlefield is a result of eons
jured up various notions of what it means to be a of natural selection. In recent decades, neuroscientists
man or a woman. Barring rare exceptions, most have added another layer to this gender dichotomy—they
view them as distinct as chalk and cheese—basically, argue that gender is not just about what lies between the
umpteen variations on “men are from Mars, women are thighs, but also and especially about what lies between
from Venus” theme. the ears. Science’s current obsession with male and fe-
Science, especially brain research, too has bolstered male brains is yet another play on the timeworn leitmotif.
this gender stereotype by asserting that male and female This straitjacketed view of gender was defied by many
brains are hardwired to perform different skills —men feminist scholars and philosophers, who understood gen-
think logically while women intuitively, for instance. der not as stemming from within but rather as something
However, a recent Tel Aviv University survey of over 1,400 constructed from without, a view expressed famous-
brain scans of both sexes found that while some elements ly as “one is not born, but rather becomes, a woman” in
are indeed peculiar to each, the dom- the French philosopher Simone de
inant type, contrary to received wis- Beauvoir’s book The Second Sex. This
dom, is a “mosaic” of various features, is not to say there are no differences be-
both unique to either sex as well as com- tween male and female brains. The ob-
mon in both. While those who espouse servation that women are more prone
a rainbow position on sex and gender to depression than men or that men
might feel vindicated, it is doubtful if are more likely to suffer from schizo-
it would dethrone a prejudice that has phrenia may have as much if not more
been shaped over centuries and is deep- to do with social conditioning as with
ly entrenched in popular psyche. structural idiosyncrasies in the brain.
Majority of cultures and religious However, the trouble is that even
faiths view men and women as separate though studies often match sex dif-
TARIQUE AZIZ / CSE
archetypes distinguished by specific ference in the brain to gender stereo-
qualities. Anything in between is seen an aberration wor- types, anyone who confidently claims that men and wom-
thy of paternalism at best and bigotry at worst. Fluid im- en think, feel and act the way they do because of dissimilar
aginings such as the Chinese ying-yang, or the ardhanar- neural architecture is guilty of poetic licence.
ishwara of ancient Hindus, which view the two genders This is because our brains and minds are dunked
as complimentary and inseparable, remain philosophi- deep in a thick social soup, which may often edit the neu-
cal dinosaurs. Ideas about sex and gender remained more ral blueprint. Likewise, there are aspects of our behav-
or less binary in the west until the advent of the feminist iour that are not always amenable to a constructivist ex-
movement in the 19th century. But even feminists, even planation. Nevertheless, the implication of the present
as they fought to claim their legitimate rights, ended up study that our “gendered” brains are more like a mosa-
sharpening the fault lines further. Sigmund Freud and ic than a chessboard should be welcomed. However, we
Carl Jung added new embellishments to the dogma of can’t deny that the gender stereotype is deeply ingrained
gender with their imaginative, but misplaced excursions in our psyche—the struggle of lesbian, gay, bisexual and
into the male and female mind. transgender groups against social and legal discrimina-
Science too stamped its imprimatur on the male- tion is a case in point. Any attempt at subverting the de-
female dichotomy. Sociobiologists like E O Wilson ar- lusions of gender should begin with a progressive fash-
gued that social behavior is more an outcome of the calcu- ioning of young minds.
Growth or
Environment
In his book, T N Ninan
underlines the importance of
the environment for an
ambitious growth agenda.
Exclusive excerpts
PAT E N T LY A B S U R D L AT H A J I S H N U
E
VERY TIME I click on a website, and I do that doz- would be in their infancy. Worse, the ultimate terror of
ens of times a day, I send a silent thank you to Sir this generation, there would have been no Google.
Tim Berners-Lee. He was the scientist who cre- Imagine that!
ated the World Wide Web and changed the world He also believes—another nightmare of the well-
in a fundamental way. The way we operate, the way we heeled consumers—that there would be no iPhone.
communicate and the way we think because the web Forestalling those who might beg to disagree, the tech
helps us to access so much more information than ever pro says there wouldn’t be the same interest in develop-
before in history. ing smart phones without the web. All that might have
Don’t confuse the Internet with the web. The emerged would have been limited proprietary phones
Internet predates the web but in 1991 Sir Tim created “with a fragmented market and not as much value”. So
the World Wide Web which transformed what was while the corporate world sings paeans to Microsoft
mostly a system used by a few experts into something founder Bill Gates for his extraordinary philanthropy,
that became mainstream in a huge way. But he did not one can speculate how much more Sir Tim might have
think it fit to patent his invention. As he explained, and made from his royalties and then, perhaps, become the
it is a much-quoted quote, world’s biggest donator of
ªThe original idea of the web personal wealth. It is a fun-
was that it should be a col- damental difference in how
laborative space where you one views the world.
can communicate through It is also interesting how
sharing information.” Microsoft, which initially
Remember, there were opposed patents, has be-
quite a few hypertext systems come more aggressive in de-
at the time—all of them pro- fending its patent right, both
prietary. Sir Tim’s web, on the within and outside the legal
other hand, was an open system. In fact, an internal
TARIQUE AZIZ / CSE
standard that helped it to be- memo of the company in the
come the primary tool, mainly because no one had to pay 1980s warned of the dangers of intellectual property
any royalties to implement the system. As the anti-pat- rights (iprs) on software. “If people had understood how
entees argue, we would still be struggling with a limited patents would be granted when most of today’s ideas
system if the core standards of the web had been patent- were invented, and had taken out patents, the industry
ed. Instead, thanks to Sir Tim’s vision, we have a system would be at a complete standstill today,” it said. So thank
that is truly worldwide because it can be adopted univer- goodness for the likes of Sir Tim.
sally. As a result, we have the gift of the largest public re- Oddly enough, the founding fathers of the US, which
pository of information and knowledge ever available to preaches and practises aggressive iprs, were a different
humanity and a powerful communications tool. breed. Benjamin Franklin and George Washington con-
Technology expert Mike Masnick says instead of the sistently refused patents on their many inventions, be-
open ªwwwº, we would be limited to proprietary, walled lieving instead these should be freely available for the
sites such as aol and Compuserve. And users would larger good of society. It was a tradition that would grad-
eventually have run afoul of patents since not many ually die out but it is thanks to many other like-minded
would be willing to pay the licensing fee. Masnick points geniuses that we have FM radio, matches and lightning
out concepts like real time info would not be present or rods without iprs. More on such worthies later.
Back of
Australia
The continent has an
unlikely superlative:
it has the world's largest
feral camel population.
RAJAT GHAI traces their
origin from British India
and Afghanistan
W
HEN THE British colonised Australia
in 1788, they restricted their settle-
ments to the coast. As white colonies
expanded into the interior, the au-
thorities and settlers faced newer challenges: moun-
tains, rivers, creeks and plains. The biggest challenge
was the desert—about 18 per cent of the land area.
Today, this area is known as ‘outback’, which can be tra-
versed by roadways, railways and air. But back in those ear-
ly years, it was among the most challenging areas to travel.
Initially, horses, donkeys and oxen were used, which re-
quired water and fodder. But these animals could not sur-
vive in the desert for long. The colonisers then started looking
for a pack animal that could do the job. Their solution: the
camel. As early as in 1830, retired British official, T J Maslen,
wrote: “Were a sufficient number of camels imported, an explor-
ing party could, with very little risk, cross over the continent to
King George the Third’s Sound.” In 1839, George Gawler, the gov-
ernor of south Australia, also proposed the introduction of camels.
First appearance
The first camel was Harry, a survivor from a group imported from
the Canary Islands in 1840. Harry was used by the John Horrocks
Expedition, which explored the west of Lake Torrens in south
Australia in 1846. The expedition established the value of camels
for exploration. By 1858, after explorer Benjamin Herschel Babbage
found himself stranded near Lake Torrens with his horses, due to
a drought, prominent citizens joined the chorus for the introduc-
tion of camels.
In 1860, the first commercial shipment of 24 camels and three
THINKSTOCK PHOTOS
O
N JANUARY 1, I became one of the thousands time, the anti-pollution campaign is turning out to be
of participants in India’s first odd-even num- successful, with never- before-seen public participation.
ber plate system in Delhi to curb vehicular pol- At the risk of being termed very simplistic, here is
lution. Being a Delhite, the health burden of an aam admi explanation. It is due to the choice peo-
pollution is definitely a cause of concern for me. But the ple make between convenience and inconvenience. In
success in rolling out such a system has a few fundamen- most cases, corruption is about convenience, like avoid-
tal lessons in governance. And they are not relevant to ing a long queue at the railway reservation counter by
just an urban set-up. The message from paying a bribe to the tout. Pollution is
Delhi’s experiment is applicable to every an issue of inconvenience of very seri-
development programme or policy for ous proportions: our own children suf-
successful implementation. What are fering from respiratory problems, nor-
those lessons? mal lives being crippled due to bad air.
Delhi’s odd-even system seems out- Another successful campaign, polio
standing not for the rigour of the gov- vaccination, also enjoyed similar par-
ernment’s implementation plan but ticipation due to the threat to our well-
for the overwhelming support from the being. Probably, this is the reason peo-
public. From day one, there has been ple whole-heartedly participated in the
much less violation than expected. It odd-even system.
means people participated in the gov- In situations where people have
ernment’s scheme. Personally, I started the incentive to participate, success
enjoying the car-free alternate day. At depends on the government’s back-up
the same time, I felt happy for my con- TARIQUE AZIZ / CSE plans. In Delhi, the government em-
tribution to clean Delhi’s air. barked on a campaign to make people
Why people participated in this system is the big les- aware, hired extra buses to strengthen public transport
son for anybody involved in governance. and Kejriwal and his ministers went out seeking public
As Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal celebrates support. Their campaign made public participation the
the first anniversary of his unprecedented electoral suc- core of the strategy to fight air pollution.
cess in February, he should count the success of the odd- Now the difficult question: why don’t people partic-
even system as his second-biggest win. And also, the big- ipate in other similar programmes having direct bene-
gest lesson in the people-centric governance he has been fits? For example, under the Mahatma Gandhi National
championing. Rural Employment Guarantee Act (mgnrega), people are
Kejriwal came into the limelight due to his hugely entitled to plan for their village’s development works. But
popular anti-corruption campaign. This is similar to the public participation in such planning has been negligible.
anti-pollution campaign: both issues impact common This is despite direct benefits like increase in water avail-
people directly and involve both, people and government. ability in villages and assurance of irrigation for farms.
In both cases, political will is vital. Kejriwal invested po- Policy makers have to apply the Delhi lesson more re-
litical will in both cases equally. ligiously. Bring out the inconvenience starkly and back up
But why did the anti-corruption campaign fail to the roll out of a scheme with a mechanism that encourag-
sustain without much public participation? At the same es people to participate.
PROGRAMME DESIGN
The two training programmes will include interactive
sessions, presentation on case studies and visit to
successfully implemented RWH and DWWT systems in CSE COURSE FEES:
campus. The participants will get the opportunity to plan `13,500/– ($205)
Limited discounted seats are
and design sustainable urban water management systems available for representatives from
as part of ‘Do it youself’ – group exercises. NGOs, students and groups of 2 or
more from same organisation.
Urban Rainwater Harvesting Option to attend either of the 2 training
Two day programme will focus on understanding the programmes is available on request with
a fee of `8,000/– ($125)
potential of water augmentation at building and/or
neighbourhood scale. The training will impart skills on HOW TO APPLY?
planning and designing both recharge and storage Fill up the online application form available at
structures, techno-economic feasibility, operation and http://www.bit.ly/1Z0wi9U
maintenance etc.
Decentralised Wastewater Treatment VENUE
Two day programme will focus on understanding potential CSE, Anil Agrawal Environment Training Institute (AAETI)
of sustainable and affordable DWWT systems for local 38, Tughlakabad Institutional Area, New Delhi
reuse. The training will provide hands on experience in
planning, designing, techno-economic feasibility, We accept demand drafts and cheques drawn in favour of
operation and maintenance of DWWTs etc. ‘Centre for Science and Environment, New Delhi’.
Full and part fellowships available for candidates from African and South Asian countries
For more information: http://www.cseindia.org
jan31, 2016 59
R.N.I. NO. 53588/92 POSTAL REGN. NO. DL(S)-17/3109/2015-2017
ISSN 0971-8079. Licensed to Post without Pre-payment U(SE)-44/2015-2017 at Lodhi Road HO,
New Delhi-110003. Published on 14-15 every month. POSTED ON: 16-17 of the same fortnight.
Training programme on
CORPORATE SOCIAL
RESPONSIBILITY – PLANNING
AND IMPLEMENTATION
COURSE FEES
Rs 10,000 for CSR Foundations,
Companies, Public Sector
Undertakings, Consultants
C entre for Science and Environment (CSE) recognises CSR as a key business
process that helps organisations demonstrate their commitments to being
socially responsible. In fact, after the amendment of Companies Act in 2013 and
promulgation of CSR Rules in 2014, addressing and reporting CSR performance has
become mandatory.
Rs 7,500 for academicians, NGOs and
researchers, Rs 5,000 for students This training programme is designed based on the provisions of the Act and Rules.
Note: Accommodation can be arranged
The training programme aims at giving practical exposure to participants on CSR
with specific reference to the regulatory framework, formulating CSR strategy and
nearby the training centre, would incur
policy, stakeholder engagement, methodologies for implementation, performance
extra charges evaluation and statutory reporting.
The objective of the programme is to build a cadre of CSR leaders and professionals
COURSE DURATION who would assist in effective development and implementation of CSR activities of
March 7-9, 2016 organisations for the benefit of communities as well as business. This training
programme will be relevant and effective for CSR heads, senior and mid-level
managers, CSR practitioners and implementation partners, NGOs, etc.
TIMING What participants would learn?
10.00 am to 5.30 pm 1. Regulatory Framework for CSR
• Companies Act 2013 and CSR Rules 2014
• International guideline and best practices
COURSE VENUE 2. Developing CSR Policy
CSE, 38, Tughlakabad Institutional Area, • SWOT Analysis and Identification of Major Risks & Opportunities
New Delhi – 62 • Developing Strategy and CSR Policy
3. Stakeholder Engagement
LAST DATE FOR APPLYING • Identification of Stakeholder
February 15, 2016 • Engagement—Social Need Assessment
• Prioritisation of Key Issues
4. CSR Planning and Implementation
OPEN FOR ALL • Participatory Planning
CSR practitioners, officials from • Implementation (Social and Gender Inclusion)
companies, PSUs, consultants, 5. Monitoring, Measurement and Evaluation
academicians, students, NGOs 6. Grievances Redressal (Processes and Practices)
7. Guidelines for CSR Reporting
For details contact: Saumya Ranjan Nath, Programme Officer, Industry & Environment Unit
Centre for Science and Environment
38, Tughlakabad Institutional Area, New Delhi-110062
Ph: 91-11-2995 5124 / 6110 (Ext. 251); Fax: 91-11-2995 5879
Mobile: +91 9910532252, +91 9891921959, +91 919899676027 Website: www.cseindia.org
Jan31,16 BC