Kerala

The global boom in shrimp farming has been great for consumers, but not for the environment. Saltwater shrimp ponds destroy soil in Asian villages. Now scientists are breeding rice that could help flush the salt every six months.

The global boom in shrimp farming has been great for consumers, but not for the environment. Saltwater shrimp ponds destroy soil in Asian villages. Now scientists are breeding rice that could help flush the salt every six months.

Pilgrims by the thousands flock to the Sabarimala temple in India. There, they’re treated to a light show they’ve been told is a divine miracle. But, in turns out, it was all faked, and a group of Indians wants the display to stop.

Hundreds of years ago, two groups of Jews moved to India and settled in an area along the Malabar Coast. Now, fewer than 40 remain, the rest having emigrated to Israel after it was formed or died of old age. But this year, they’ll light the menorah at their now-closed synagogue to celebrate Hanukkah.

Kerala, India enjoyed good public health despite deep poverty; but now residents are growing richer, and overall health appears to be declining.