Author: Nicola Smith
The struggle for indigenous rights in Mexico against the backdrop of lucrative mining operations is highlighted in a recent report by Global Witness. The report uncovers a grim reality where activists defending these rights face threats, violence, and even disappearances in areas controlled by criminal gangs. The mining industry, in particular, is singled out for its alleged human rights abuses worldwide, with a significant number of killings occurring in Asia. The report also sheds light on the wider trend of retaliation against defenders by various actors, including governments and businesses, emphasizing the need for protection of these individuals. The Philippines…
In 2022, South Asia saw a decline in pollution levels, thanks to above normal rainfall patterns. However, the region still accounts for 45 percent of total life years lost globally due to high pollution. Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan are among the most polluted countries in the world, with residents exposed to particulate pollution levels significantly higher than at the start of the century. Bangladesh is the most polluted country in South Asia, with pollution levels far exceeding WHO guidelines. In India, the large population exposed to air pollution faces a significant health burden. The United States has made progress…
Recent reports have shed light on alleged illegal organ transplant surgeries conducted by Dr. Rajakumari, a senior transplant consultant at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals in New Delhi. Despite government rejection, these transplants were reportedly carried out at other hospitals. This situation mirrors a previous scam revealed by The Telegraph involving the falsification of identity documents to facilitate illegal transplants at Indraprastha hospital. Apollo Hospitals has denied any complicity in illegal activities, emphasizing their commitment to stringent policies to uphold ethical and legal standards in organ transplant procedures. In response to the allegations, Apollo maintained the integrity of their processes, stating that…
Qi Biodesign co-founder Kevin Zhao has been working with regulators for two years to ensure the safety of a gene edit that has been approved for use in wheat varieties across China. This innovation is seen as a crucial step towards enhancing food security through more effective crop breeding methods. With the technology already approved in China, British experts are hailing it as an exciting development for wheat, a crop that has played a significant role in human society for millennia. However, bureaucratic hurdles in the UK and Europe are hindering the widespread adoption of gene editing in agriculture. Unlike…