Feature Article

The Indian spiny-tailed lizard is a unique reptile that belongs to the family Agamidae. According to Wilms et al., its generic name has been recently resurrected from Uromastyx hardwickii to Sara hardwickii. It occurs in large numbers in isolated patches in the drylands of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat (Kachchh) and Pakistan. (Correspondence)

Doing nothing can be a very successful strategy in tiding over difficult situations. Seasoned administrators have often perfected the art of inaction. Sometimes doing nothing can be costly. Fires must be put out and the critically ill rushed to medical care. Even while pondering on the situations in which inaction seemed to be strategically advantageous, my attention was drawn to an editorial in

When it comes to health, which is more important, nature or nurture? You may well think your genes are a more important predictor of health and ill health. Not so fast. In fact, it transpires that our everyday environment outweighs our genetics, big time, when it comes to measuring our risk of disease. The genome is out - welcome the exposome.

The rising tension, passion and stray incidents of violence in Kerala and Tamil Nadu over the Mullaperiyar dam have once again brought the focus on water conflicts in the country, control over natural resources of the communities and on the safety of
dam. (Letters)

A comment on “The Limits of Safety Analysis: Severe Nuclear Accident Possibilities at the PFBR” by Ashwin Kumar and M V Ramana (EPW, 22 October 2011), followed by a response by the authors themselves.

A comment on “The Limits of Safety Analysis: Severe Nuclear Accident Possibilities at the PFBR” by Ashwin Kumar and M V Ramana (EPW, 22 October 2011), followed by a response by the authors themselves.

Orissa is prone to natural disasters, especially floods. Yet, the authorities have not been able to draw up an effective disaster management plan and politicians continue to play politics with relief works. What is needed in dealing with these disasters and the relief and rehabilitation work that follows is the participation of the local community and functionaries of panchayati raj institutions, and coordination with national and international bodies.

Decentralisation of food procurement could facilitate universalisation of the public distribution system under the proposed National Food Security Act. Non-green revolution crops such as millets, coarse cereals, pulses, oilseeds, etc, should also be covered in the PDS.

A paradigm shift on global strategy, but will it make a difference to climate change or only pass the buck? (Editorial)

The draft Food Bill is in a mess; a simple solution is available to make it an effective legislation. (Editorial)