The narrative of a village in Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh finds that caste and class hierarchies effectively influence the decision making on water allocation, use, and control over drinking water. In the village, it is found that manipulating the given unequal ecology of water, the spatial arrangement of hand pumps and technology is used to control the distribution and allocation of available drinking water—thus making it accessible to some at the cost of others.

The word AYUSH denotes traditional and non-conventional systems of health care and healing which includes ayurveda, yoga, naturopathy, unani, siddha, sowa rigpa and homoeopathy. AYUSH systems of medicine are codified and recognised by the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India. Medical pluralism in India is a reflection of its cultural diversity and AYUSH systems have evolved over thousands of years, absorbing and adapting yet maintaining its individual identity.

Despite being practised for over 200 years homeopathy is still facing credibility challenges. Emerging research in this field has however, proven the plausibility of this science. During last two decades developed nations like Britain, France, USA and Australia, have questioned the effectiveness of homeopathy, although results have proven the scientificity of the alternative system. In the years to come studies conducted by homoepathic research organisations around globe is likely to further validate its scientific basis.

PC Mohanan, former Chairperson of the National Statistics Commission, discusses the relevance of recording migration through different data sources and offers solutions for creating better documentation practices.

Food systems are at the nexus of food security, nutritional health, ecosystems, climate change, and prosperity. Agricultural policies have focused on increasing food production, but may have neglected the negative externalities on nutrition, natural capital, and biodiversity. A new paradigm on food system transformation is emerging using the concept of ‘planetary boundaries’ in defining the ‘safe operating space’ for stability of the earth system and human health.

With 3000 genomes of rice varieties now sequenced, plant breeders are identifying new genes for traits such as better grain quality, yield, nutrition and biotic and abiotic stress tolerance. Working with partners, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the Centre of Excellence in Rice Value Addition (CERVA) at IRRI-SARC are prioritising this research.

The global community adopted the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol to protect the ozone layer and to phase out ozone depleting substances. India became party to both and complied with all control measures as per the 1993 Country Programme. India, as a follow up to the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, launched the India Cooling Plan to enhance energy efficiency while addressing cooling demand.

Ozone is life threatening if found to be increasing near the earth’s surface as it is toxic to life when inhaled. Ozone not only damages airways, but also reduces crop yields as well if it increases beyond the threshold levels. Worries are mounting as India marks a rate of increase of around 1 per cent each year. Anthropogenic sources of emissions are responsible for increase in surface ozone, which needs urgent control in the near future.

Indo-China polar science research collaborations can be put in place constructively, with both the nations’ rising interest in the area.