Adult acne sufferers, lacking proper guidance, often turn to expensive and natural brands that can exacerbate their skin issues. Urvashi Gulia from Delhi, who has chronic acne, has spent a significant amount on treatments that have often worsened her condition. Ranjit Bhatia, CEO of Remedico, a digital dermatology start-up, emphasizes that expensive skin care brands do not guarantee better skin and that the treatment process is more important than the products. Misinformation and lack of awareness about conditions like PCOS contribute to the problem. The article also discusses the social stigma associated with adult acne and the dangers of self-treatment with steroid and skin lightening creams, which can lead to addiction and further skin damage. The Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists has petitioned for regulation of steroid-based creams. The adult acne market in India is growing, but whether it will include informed treatments remains uncertain.

In India, fraudulent mobile loan apps like Rich Cash and Sharp Loan are exploiting users, leading to over 700 complaints of harassment by recovery agents in Pune in early 2022. Victims, such as Jafar Khan and Sonali Manjare, faced threats and blackmail when attempting to repay loans. The Reserve Bank of India's report highlights a significant increase in digital lending and the prevalence of illegal apps, many linked to Chinese entities. Despite efforts to regulate the industry, victims have little recourse, and the RBI is considering setting up a self-regulatory organization and proposing legislation to address the issue.

Residents of Chandrapur, Maharashtra, including Gokulbai Sahai, attribute health issues and deaths to pollution from the Chandrapur Super Thermal Power Station (CSTPS), owned by MAHAGENCO. A report by the Centre for Research Clean Energy and Air claims that emissions from CSTPS caused 1,300 premature deaths in 2020. The National Green Tribunal found CSTPS in violation of environmental norms and ordered the installation of sulfur scrubbers and treatment of fly ash. MAHAGENCO plans to comply by 2023 and 2025, respectively. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has paused the Tribunal's orders. Local health professionals report a rise in respiratory diseases, and activists question the government's commitment to reducing pollution.

India's gig economy, while offering flexibility, is failing to support women workers adequately. Despite companies like Urban Company claiming to provide flexible work hours, many women, such as Seema Singh, face long hours and unsafe working conditions without proper support. Less than 10% of gig workers are women, often relegated to lower-paying jobs and facing sexual harassment. The Indian government's upcoming labor codes may not adequately protect gig workers, prompting unions like the All Indian Gig Workers Union and the Indian Federation of App-based Transport Workers to demand better conditions and legal recognition. Some progress has been made, as seen with Urban Company's reduced commission rates following protests, but challenges remain, including the lack of social security and the right to unionize.

India's Ministry of New and Renewable Energy's goal to install 40GW of rooftop solar power by 2022 is far from being met, with only 6GW installed by October 2021. Policy inconsistencies, such as the GST hike for solar components and changes in net and gross metering rules, have been blamed for the slow progress. Manufacturers and experts criticize the lack of stable policies and consultation, which hinders investment and consumer interest. Financing challenges, particularly for MSMEs and residential sectors, and MSEDCL's slow approval and payment processes further exacerbate the issue. The article highlights the struggles of the solar industry in India amidst ambitious renewable energy targets.

Environmentalists, academics, social activists, and farmers in India are opposing the government's plan to expand palm oil production in the northeastern border states. They argue that the expansion will not benefit farmers and will damage the environment. Lalchhana Hmar, a farmer from Mizoram State, shared his modest earnings from oil palm cultivation, highlighting the financial challenges faced by local farmers.

Meghalaya, India, faces severe soil erosion exacerbated by traditional jhum cultivation and a growing population. The introduction of Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) by the Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) has improved soil management and increased farmers' incomes. Farmers like Thrisilon Rynghang have transitioned from jhum to IFS, resulting in higher and more stable earnings. IFS incorporates horticulture, livestock, and natural resource conservation, reducing soil erosion and providing economic security. Success stories have encouraged more farmers to adopt IFS, leading to over 100 hectares of land being cultivated under this system in the state.

Majuli, the world's largest river island located in Assam, faces severe healthcare access challenges, exacerbated by annual flooding. The indigenous Mising community, among others, suffers from skin infections and other health issues due to the floods. Despite the presence of primary and community health centers, specialized care is lacking, and residents often have to travel long distances by boat to seek medical attention. The recent Cyclone Amphan raised concerns but did not significantly impact Majuli. Non-profit organizations like Piramal Swasthya provide mobile clinics, but connectivity issues during floods hinder communication. Local authorities have acknowledged the need to address healthcare inadequacies.

The article describes a challenging trek in the Kanchenjunga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in West Sikkim, India. The trek, which begins in Yuksom, is rich in biodiversity and offers stunning views of snow-capped mountains, including Kanchenjunga, Mount Pandim, Mount Kabru, and Mount Narsing. Despite the difficulties posed by heavy rain and steep ascents, the trek's majestic scenery and lush green meadows provide a rewarding experience. The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri, West Bengal, and permits are required for foreigners and Indians. The trek is open during the dry seasons from September to November and March to May.

In Alegoan Phata village near Pune, Maharashtra, many members of the Bhil tribe, a de-notified tribe, lack voter IDs, Aadhar, and ration cards, excluding them from voting in the upcoming 2019 Maharashtra assembly elections. The hamlet lacks basic facilities such as water supply, toilets, and concrete houses. Despite their forefathers having lived in the village, they have no proof of Indian citizenship. Activists and the local sarpanch acknowledge the issues but have made little progress in resolving them. The community faces discrimination, inadequate housing under government schemes, and challenges in accessing livelihood opportunities.

The Marathwada region of Maharashtra, India, is experiencing a severe drought, leading to a rise in farmer suicides. Despite the state government's promises and declarations of drought, farmers have not received the promised backup employment under the Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Act. The lack of water has prevented planting in both winter and monsoon seasons, and dam levels are critically low. The government's initiatives, including a farm loan waiver and the Jalyukta Shivar project, have not prevented the doubling of farmer suicides in four years. With general elections approaching, the distressed farmers' plight could influence their support for the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena alliance.