The article discusses the conflict between conservation efforts and local rights in the Chagos Islands, highlighting the tension between the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and the rights of local communities. It emphasizes the importance of involving local and Indigenous communities in conservation governance, citing examples from the Chagos Islands and Rapa Nui. The article also touches on the geopolitical dispute between Mauritius and the UK over the ownership of the Chagos Islands, which has implications for regional tuna fishing rights. Conservation organizations have removed Chagos from their protected area databases, aligning with UN rulings in favor of Mauritius.

The article explores the conflict between conservation efforts and the rights of the Chagossian people, who were displaced from the Chagos Islands by the UK for a US military base. The UK established a marine protected area (MPA) in 2010 without consulting Mauritius or the Chagossians, leading to accusations of 'ocean grabbing.' While the MPA aims to protect biodiversity, it has been criticized for disregarding local rights. The International Court of Justice and the UN General Assembly have ruled in favor of Mauritius regarding the ownership of Chagos. Conservation groups emphasize the need for local community involvement in MPA governance. The Chagossian community continues to fight for their right to return, asserting their role as guardians of the islands.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, poised for a third term, faces criticism for his government's treatment of minorities, particularly Muslims. His administration, associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, is accused of promoting Hindu nationalism and undermining secularism. The government's actions against NGOs and aid agencies, such as Greenpeace and Amnesty International, are seen as efforts to suppress dissent and consolidate power. Modi's rhetoric and policies have heightened tensions, with minorities facing increased violence and discrimination. Critics fear further erosion of democratic rights and federal principles, as Modi's government centralizes power and targets minority communities.

The article discusses the ongoing debate over the use of drifting fish aggregating devices (dFADs) in the Indian Ocean, highlighting the environmental and economic implications. The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) is set to discuss proposals to regulate dFADs, which are criticized for contributing to overfishing and harming marine life. Various stakeholders, including environmental NGOs and the European Union, have differing views on the best approach to manage tuna stocks sustainably. The article underscores the complexity of balancing economic interests with environmental conservation in the region.

The article discusses the contentious issue of using drifting fish aggregating devices (dFADs) in the Indian Ocean, highlighting the environmental and economic implications. The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) is set to deliberate on regulating these devices, which are criticized for contributing to overfishing and harming marine life. Various stakeholders, including environmental NGOs and the European Union, are involved in the debate, with differing views on the necessity and impact of dFADs. The article underscores the need for sustainable fishing practices to protect tuna populations and marine ecosystems.

Neeraj Bakshi, a 55-year-old recluse painter based in Delhi, finds inspiration in nature and the interconnectedness of the natural world. His latest series, Dreaming Animals, reflects on the universal suffering and experiences of the Kashmiri Pandit community, including his own family's displacement from Kashmir Valley in 1990. The 58-painting series was exhibited at Triveni Art Gallery in Delhi and also turned into a lyrical graphic poem. Bakshi's work calls for global understanding of conflicts and solidarity against violence and majoritarianism, drawing from his childhood memories, cultural influences, and personal experiences of displacement and conflict.

The article discusses a study concerning the Parkachik glacier in Ladakh, which is experiencing significant changes. The main focus is on the potential formation of three new lakes due to the retreat of the glacier. This phenomenon is attributed to subglacial over-deepening, a process where the ice melts faster than it can be replenished, leading to the creation of depressions that can fill with meltwater and potentially form lakes. The study highlights the ongoing effects of climate change on glacial landscapes and the possible environmental implications.