Illegal sand mining in Bihar, driven by high demand in the construction industry, has led to severe environmental degradation and social issues. The sand mafia, often in collusion with politicians and police, has usurped lands, particularly affecting Dalits like Ram Ekbal Ram. Violent clashes between gangs over control of sand mines are common, with women bearing the brunt of the consequences. The situation is exacerbated by Bihar's history of caste oppression and violence.

Mark Morgan, an associate professor at the University of Missouri-Columbia, is exploring the use of invasive silver carp as a sustainable food source to address undernutrition in developing countries. Silver carp, considered a 'trash fish' in the US, has been successfully prepared in various cuisines and offers high protein content and essential nutrients. Morgan's team plans to fortify a Nigerian food product, Tom Brown porridge, with carp powder and conduct a taste test in Nigeria. Similar projects by Worldfish in Bangladesh and Odisha, India, have shown success using fish powder in meals for vulnerable populations.

Coastal erosion is a significant issue globally, with 33% of India's coastline eroding. The 6th International EcoSummit in Australia focused on nature-based coastal defenses, such as living shorelines and artificial oyster reefs. Living shorelines, encouraged in the U.S., combine natural materials to support marine life and grow over time. In Australia, living shorelines have helped establish mangroves, which are crucial for coastal protection. Artificial oyster reefs, serving as natural breakwaters, have shown effectiveness in India and Bangladesh. The article also discusses the reversal of man-made changes, such as dykeing in Canada, and India's reliance on hard engineering solutions like seawalls and groynes, with a call for more environmentally friendly approaches.

A panel of scientists at the 6th International EcoSummit in Gold Coast, Australia, concluded that the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) faces a bleak future due to climate change-induced coral bleaching. Experts highlight that without controlling carbon emissions, corals are likely to go extinct within 50 years. The GBR has seen a significant decline in live coral cover, from 40% in the 1960s to around 10% in the 2010s. Restoration efforts and interventions like cloud brightening and coral transplantation are ongoing but may not be sufficient to counteract the rapid warming. The article also discusses similar threats to coral reefs in India, emphasizing the need for urgent climate action and improved water quality to support coral resilience.

The article discusses the surge in Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) during the COVID-19 lockdown and the subsequent crackdown by Kerala Police, which has been at the forefront of combating CSAM in India. The operation, codenamed P-HUNT 20.1, involved coordinated raids across the state, resulting in numerous arrests and the seizure of digital devices. The article highlights the challenges in prosecuting CSAM cases, including jurisdictional issues and the need for better training for law enforcement. It also notes the role of international cooperation, particularly with the NCMEC, in improving the prosecution of CSAM offenders. Despite increased efforts, the article points out the low conviction rates and the need for a more comprehensive approach to tackle both the online and physical aspects of child sexual abuse.

The article highlights the severe impact of sand mining on the residents of Arhatpur village in Bihar, particularly focusing on the disproportionate burden borne by women. It details the violent response from the police during a protest against sand mining, the environmental and social fears of the villagers, and the tragic deaths resulting from sand mining accidents. The narrative underscores the intersection of caste dynamics and economic necessity, with many young men from disadvantaged castes working in dangerous conditions to support their families. The article also provides statistical data on sand mining-related accidents and deaths, emphasizing the ongoing risks and challenges faced by the community.

In 2018, India's Wildlife Crime Control Bureau intercepted a large illegal shipment of shark fins at Navi Mumbai's Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust. Despite a ban on shark fin exports since 2015, the seizure of nearly 12,000 kg of fins from Global Impex Trading Company revealed a thriving black market. Investigations led to the arrest of the company's proprietor and associates, and further raids in Gujarat and Chennai. India, being the third-largest shark catcher globally, faces challenges in curbing the illegal trade due to high international demand, particularly from Hong Kong. The article highlights the discrepancy between reported exports and actual trade volume, the legal loopholes exploited by traders, and the need for stricter enforcement and protection of more shark species. It also touches on community efforts to shift away from shark fishing and government conservation schemes.

The growth of the fishmeal and fish oil (FMFO) industry in India, particularly in Andhra Pradesh, has led to a significant increase in the use of small fish for feed, impacting the availability and affordability of these fish for the poor. This shift has disrupted the traditional dried fish trade, affecting the livelihoods of small-scale traders and processors like Bhagyam. The FMFO industry, which has expanded rapidly due to the shrimp farming boom, is now cornering larger quantities of food fish, leading to a decline in the dried fish trade and affecting the nutrition of marginalized communities. The article highlights the economic and nutritional implications of this trend, as well as the challenges faced by those dependent on the dried fish trade for their livelihoods and sustenance.

The Covid-19 pandemic has significantly reversed progress in eradicating child labour in Tiruppur, India's largest garment hub. Despite previous successful campaigns to create Child Labour Free Zones, economic pressures and school closures have led to a resurgence of child labour. The garment industry, which exports to major global brands, has seen children being employed to cut costs. Non-profit organizations and local committees continue to fight against this issue, but face challenges due to legal loopholes and insufficient government action. The article highlights the personal stories of affected children and the ongoing efforts to combat child labour.

Despite Jawaharlal Nehru's vision of play as a unifying force for children, India struggles to provide adequate play spaces, with 40% of schools lacking playgrounds. This has led to poor health indicators among children, especially in urban areas. In Pune's Ramnagar slum, children like Chinki face dangers and unhygienic conditions when playing outside. Initiatives like the Child-Friendly City Initiative and Child-Friendly Smart Cities aim to address these issues, but commercial interests and government actions often hinder progress. The article highlights the need to prioritize safe play spaces for children, particularly in disadvantaged urban areas.