EcoVisionary

In September 2025, a striking feature appeared on the surface of the Sun that captured both scientific and public attention, a vast, butterfly-shaped coronal hole . While the poetic nickname reflects its unusual appearance, the phenomenon itself is a significant event in solar physics and space weather forecasting. Understanding what this means requires a closer look at the nature of coronal holes, the solar wind they generate, and their potential influence on Earth. Coronal Holes and Their Characteristics Coronal holes are regions in the Sun’s outer atmosphere, or corona, where the Sun’s magnetic field is not closed but extends outward into interplanetary space. This open configuration allows charged particles and plasma to escape more freely, creating fast streams of solar wind. These areas appear darker in extreme ultraviolet and X-ray imagery because they are cooler and less dense compared to the surrounding corona. Although coronal holes are a common feature of the solar cycle,...

Biochar is a carbon-rich, porous, and stable material produced through the pyrolysis of biomass under limited oxygen. In recent years, it has emerged as a sustainable tool for addressing soil degradation, waste management, and climate change mitigation. Biochar is recognized by the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) as a negative emissions technology because it can store atmospheric carbon for centuries. What makes biochar unique is its dual role : improving soil health and locking away carbon dioxide , helping achieve global net-zero goals. Difference Between Biochar and Charcoal Biochar and charcoal may look similar, but they differ in purpose, production, and impact. Charcoal is produced by heating wood or other biomass in the absence of oxygen, mainly for use as a fuel in cooking, heating, or smelting, and sometimes in filters or medicine. Its production is usually aimed at maximizing energy output, giving it a high calorific value but also making it a contribu...

For Malayalis, jasmine flowers are not just ornaments but a cultural symbol, woven into women’s hair, tied in garlands, and celebrated in festivals like Onam and Vishu . They embody nostalgia, family affection, and heritage. So when Malayalam actor Navya Nair carried a 15-cm jasmine garland ,  a farewell gift from her fathe, on her journey to Australia, it felt like an innocent, emotional gesture. Yet, at Melbourne International Airport, she was fined ₹1.14 lakh (AUD 1,980) for not declaring it. To many, this may seem an overreaction. But Australia is known for its zero-tolerance biosecurity laws . Even the smallest piece of plant material can carry pests, pathogens, or fungi invisible to the naked eye, which could potentially devastate the country’s unique biodiversity and agriculture. Navya herself admitted during a cultural event: “What I did was against the law. A mistake is a mistake, though not intentional. Ignorance is no excuse.”  Her experience highlights a cruc...

The modern world faces unprecedented environmental challenges, climate change, urban congestion, resource depletion, and psychological stress caused by deteriorating living conditions. Against this backdrop, Environmental Psychology has emerged as a vital field of study. It examines the interactions between human beings and their environments, both natural (forests, rivers, green spaces) and built (homes, cities, workplaces). The discipline not only explores how environmental conditions affect human thoughts, emotions, and behaviors but also investigates how human actions shape, alter, and often degrade the environment. This dual perspective makes Environmental Psychology crucial for building sustainable and healthier societies (Gifford, 2014). History of Environmental Psychology Although humans have always interacted with their environment, the formal study of Environmental Psychology began in the mid-20th century. Early Roots Ancient civilizations recognized the impor...