
Scientific community seeks protection of biodiversity hotspots from palm oil cultivation
The Hindu
MaduraiThe Centre's recently approved Mission on Oil Palm proposing a large scale cultivation in biodiversity rich Andaman & Nicobar Islands and the North East has been flayed by the All I
Madurai
The Centre's recently approved Mission on Oil Palm proposing a large scale cultivation in biodiversity rich Andaman & Nicobar Islands and the North East has been flayed by the All India Peoples' Science Network (AIPSN).
The members have described the plan as ill-conceived given its ecologically damaging focus. Madurai-based AIPSN general secretary P. Rajamanickam said such substantial expansion plan requires research and evidence-based locale-specific information before implementing it in ecologically sensitive areas. “The government is pushing a political decision rather than being guided by scientific opinion,” he said.

The draft policy for “Responsible Digital Use Among Students”, released on Monday by the Department of Health and Family Welfare, has recommended that parents set structured routines with clear screen-time rules and prioritise privacy, safety, and open conversation with children on digital well-being.












