Dr. S. Velvizhi, a marine biologist leading the Fish For All Centre at the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, aims to improve the lives of fisherfolk by making fishing safer and more sustainable. Overcoming caste and gender barriers, she has introduced relevant science and technology to coastal communities, including the Fisher Friendly Mobile Application. Her work addresses structural issues such as lack of guidance, access to networks, and language skills among marginalized communities. Velvizhi's initiatives include training programs, sustainable fishing practices, and projects like Artificial Reefs to boost marine ecology. Her efforts are driven by a commitment to social equity and environmental sustainability.

The article discusses the disproportionate impact of climate-related disasters on landless Dalits in India, highlighting their vulnerability and the systemic caste-based discrimination they face in disaster relief efforts. It underscores the need for inclusive and long-term recovery measures, pointing out that current disaster management practices often overlook the specific needs of marginalized communities. Experts and affected individuals provide insights into the socio-economic factors that exacerbate their struggles, calling for more sensitive and equitable disaster management policies.

India ranked 105 out of 130 countries in the World Economic Forum’s Human Capital Index, with Finland, Norway, and Switzerland leading the rankings. The article highlights India's poor performance on this socio-economic global index.

The Nanavati case, where Kawas Maneckshaw Nanavati was acquitted for the murder of his wife's lover by a jury in 1959, is often cited as a pivotal moment leading to the end of the jury system in India. Despite the public belief that Nanavati's trial was the last jury trial, the debate over the jury system had been ongoing for years. The jury system faced challenges in India from its inception under British rule due to the country's diverse population and the lack of formally literate citizens. Post-independence, discussions to abolish the jury system began, with various states gradually moving away from it. The Law Commission of India declared the system a failure in 1958, and by 1974, the Code of Criminal Procedure was revised to remove all references to juries. However, the Parsi community still uses juries in special matrimonial courts.

Museum consultants like Poulomi Das are part of a growing niche community that enhances museum management through exhibition planning and archiving. Firms such as Eka Resources and Lord Cultural Resources offer specialized services to governments and private entities to make museums more engaging and accessible. Despite challenges like personal biases and delayed payments, these consultants play a crucial role in conserving cultural heritage. Eka Resources, the first firm of its kind in India, has advised over 50 projects, while Lord Cultural Resources has been operating since 1981. The sector's growth reflects a rising interest in preserving history through museums.

The article discusses the concept of 'Loss and Damage' (L&D) in the context of climate change, highlighting its significance as a major point of contention at COP27. It explains the economic and non-economic impacts of climate change on vulnerable countries and the historical responsibility of industrialized nations. The article emphasizes the need for a dedicated L&D finance facility to address these impacts, citing expert opinions and various reports. It also outlines the challenges in establishing such a facility, including the reluctance of developed countries to accept liability and compensation. The article concludes by stressing the importance of including L&D in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to secure necessary funding and support.

Ajay Giri, field director of the Agumbe Rainforest Research Station, leads a team dedicated to rescuing king cobras in India's Western Ghats. Despite their fearsome reputation, king cobras rarely attack humans and play a crucial role in controlling venomous snake populations. The research station, founded by herpetologist Romulus Whitaker, has pioneered ethical rescue techniques and scientific research, including the world's first king cobra radio tracking project. The team educates locals on the importance of these snakes and ensures they are released back into the wild close to their capture sites.

Cyclone Nivar made landfall on November 25 near Marakkanam, Tamil Nadu, causing heavy rains and flooding in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and coastal Andhra Pradesh. Despite weakening into a deep depression, it brought significant rainfall, reducing Tamil Nadu's rainfall deficit and causing surplus in Puducherry. Over 2.7 lakh people were evacuated to government shelters, and the immediate impact was less severe compared to previous cyclones. Chennai experienced flooding, with concerns of a repeat of the 2015 floods. The city's poor urban planning was highlighted as a cause for flooding. The cyclone's impact on livelihoods, particularly for fishermen, was significant, with damages to boats and fishing equipment. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic complicated sheltering and evacuation efforts, raising concerns about virus spread among affected communities. Another cyclone was forecasted to bring more heavy rainfall to the region.

The new farm laws in India, including the Farmer (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020, and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, 2020, aim to reform the agricultural market but may lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions due to intensive farming practices. Experts express concerns that contract farming, promoted by these laws, could degrade soil quality and increase the carbon footprint. India, already a significant emitter of GHGs from agriculture, faces challenges in balancing increased food production with environmental sustainability. The laws are seen as a missed opportunity to address environmental impacts, with calls for sustainable practices and policy interventions to mitigate emissions.

The global illegal wildlife trade, valued at up to $19 billion annually, is a significant threat to species survival, second only to habitat destruction. India's rapidly expanding air transport sector is increasingly exploited for smuggling endangered and exotic wildlife. Key airports like Chennai, Mumbai, and Bengaluru are major hubs for this illicit trade. Despite stringent luggage checks and enforcement efforts by organizations like TRAFFIC, WCCB, and UNEP, gaps in international regulations and enforcement persist. Awareness campaigns and capacity-building programs are essential to combat this issue effectively.