12 articles

World & Science

Climate, weather, space, population and the big forces shaping India and the world.

Written by Namasivayam Vadivelan — honest stories from everyday life
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El Niño Explained: Why a Warm Pacific Ocean Changed India’s Monsoon in 2026
World & Science

El Niño Explained: Why a Warm Pacific Ocean Changed India’s Monsoon in 2026

2026’s monsoon ended about 13% below normal — the weakest since 2015 — as a strong El Niño built up in the Pacific. What El Niño is, how it affects India, and what to expect in the coming months.

16 Oct 20265 min read
Rooftop Solar for Indian Homes: A Simple Guide to PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
World & Science

Rooftop Solar for Indian Homes: A Simple Guide to PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana

Can solar panels on your roof cut your electricity bill to near zero? How rooftop solar works, the PM Surya Ghar subsidy of up to ₹78,000, and what to check before you install.

12 Sep 20264 min read
ISRO’s Journey: From Chandrayaan-3’s Moon Landing to Aditya-L1 and Gaganyaan
World & Science

ISRO’s Journey: From Chandrayaan-3’s Moon Landing to Aditya-L1 and Gaganyaan

On National Space Day, a look back at how India landed near the Moon’s south pole, sent an observatory to watch the Sun, and is preparing to fly its own astronauts with Gaganyaan.

23 Aug 20265 min read
Water Scarcity in Indian Cities: Why Rainwater Harvesting Matters More Than Ever
World & Science

Water Scarcity in Indian Cities: Why Rainwater Harvesting Matters More Than Ever

Chennai’s 2019 water crisis showed how fragile city water can be. How rainwater harvesting works, what Tamil Nadu’s 2003 rule requires, and how to check your own system before the rains.

9 May 20264 min read
Plastic Pollution: What It Is Doing to Our World and What Families Can Do
World & Science

Plastic Pollution: What It Is Doing to Our World and What Families Can Do

Plastic lasts for centuries, breaks into microplastics and clogs our drains and seas. What India’s single-use plastic rules say, and simple daily habits every family can follow.

10 Feb 20264 min read
Cyclones on the Tamil Nadu Coast: How They Form, How They Are Named, How to Prepare
World & Science

Cyclones on the Tamil Nadu Coast: How They Form, How They Are Named, How to Prepare

Fengal, Michaung, Vardah — Tamil Nadu knows cyclones well. How these storms form, who gives them their names, and a simple checklist to keep your family safe.

15 Nov 20254 min read
How the Internet Travels Under the Sea: The Hidden Cables That Connect India
World & Science

How the Internet Travels Under the Sea: The Hidden Cables That Connect India

Your WhatsApp video call to a cousin abroad doesn’t go through space — it travels through cables on the ocean floor. How undersea cables work, why they get cut, and India’s place in this network.

20 Sep 20255 min read
How the Monsoon Works: The Science Behind India’s Most Important Season
World & Science

How the Monsoon Works: The Science Behind India’s Most Important Season

Why does the monsoon arrive every June, and why does Tamil Nadu get most of its rain in October? A simple explanation of the south-west and north-east monsoons.

14 Jun 20254 min read
India’s Population – 1.46 Billion and Counting: Is It a Matter of Pride or Concern?
World & Science

India’s Population – 1.46 Billion and Counting: Is It a Matter of Pride or Concern?

India is now officially the most populous country in the world, with an estimated 1.46 billion people. For many, this is a moment of pride — a symbol of our growth, strength, and presence in the world. But for me, the bigger question is: How are we going to manage this?

12 Jun 20253 min read
Heatwaves in India: What They Are and How to Keep Your Family Safe
World & Science

Heatwaves in India: What They Are and How to Keep Your Family Safe

Summers are getting hotter. What IMD means by a “heatwave”, the warning signs of heat stroke, and simple steps to protect children, elders and outdoor workers.

22 Apr 20254 min read
How Vaccines Work: A Simple Guide to Your Body’s Training Programme
World & Science

How Vaccines Work: A Simple Guide to Your Body’s Training Programme

Vaccines don’t fight germs directly — they train your immune system to recognise them. A simple explanation of how vaccines work, why boosters matter, and how India became polio-free.

8 Mar 20255 min read
Why Is the Sky Blue? Everyday Science Explained for Kids (and Curious Parents)
World & Science

Why Is the Sky Blue? Everyday Science Explained for Kids (and Curious Parents)

Why is the sky blue in the afternoon and orange at sunset? A simple, kid-friendly explanation of light and scattering — plus the Indian scientist who asked why the sea is blue.

18 Jan 20255 min read

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