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In preparation for Mahakumbh 2025, dense forests have been developed across Prayagraj to ensure a healthier and more pleasant environment for the millions of devotees anticipated to visit the city. The Prayagraj Municipal Corporation has adopted the innovative Miyawaki technique to create multiple “oxygen banks” over the last two years, transforming previously barren or underutilized spaces into thriving green forests. What is the Miyawaki Technique? Developed in the 1970s by Read More …
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has issued a notification on End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) Management, aimed at promoting environmentally responsible disposal and recycling of vehicles. Key Highlights of the Notification: Key Observations: (Source: BL)
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has amended the rules for selecting experts in the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) to improve transparency and address potential conflicts of interest. Key Updates to the Rules: About the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC): GM Crops in India:
The rare Banded Royal butterfly (scientifically known as Rachana Jalindra Indra) has been spotted for the first time at the Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary in Tripura’s Sepahijala district. Rachana jalindra
India’s first census of coastal and wader birds began on 3rd January (2025) at the Marine National Park and Marine Sanctuary in Jamnagar, Gujarat. Key Features of the Bird Census: About the Marine National Park and Marine Sanctuary, Jamnagar: Wader Birds and Their Importance: Importance of the Census:
India’s 4th Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), submitted on December 30, 2024, underscores the nation’s progress in meeting its climate commitments. The report updates the Third National Communication (TNC) and provides a comprehensive assessment of India’s national Greenhouse Gas (GHG) inventory for 2020. Key Highlights of BUR-4: About Biennial Update Reports (BURs): BURs are mandated for non-Annex I Parties (developing nations) Read More …
The adventurous journey of Zeenat, a three-year-old tigress, captivated many as it unfolded over the past three weeks. After escaping from Odisha’s Simlipal Tiger Reserve, Zeenat roamed across multiple states, covering Jharkhand, and finally West Bengal, where her capture was achieved on December 29. Zeenat’s Journey
According to a new study, the 2014-2016 Pacific marine heatwave wiped out roughly four million of Alaska’s common murre (Uria aalge) seabirds, representing the largest documented vertebrate die-off linked to warming oceans. Study Highlights Ecological Effects Marine Heatwaves (MHWs) Species Characteristics
The Wildlife Institute of India-Dehradun is preparing to execute India’s first Fishing Cat Collaring Project at Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary. Key Highlights of the Project: About Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary: Fishing Cat Characteristics and Habitat:
Why in the news: The study of archaea, a domain of ancient microorganisms, has provided scientists with valuable insights into survival strategies that enable microorganisms to adapt to harsh conditions. A specific focus has been on their toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems, which play a key role in helping these organisms manage environmental and biological stressors. Sulfolobus acidocaldarius: Researchers have investigated the TA system in a heat-loving archaeon called Sulfolobus acidocaldarius to Read More …
The Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, released the India State of Forest Report 2023 (ISFR 2023) on 21 December at the Forest Research Institute, Dehradun. Key Findings of ISFR 2023: Forest and Tree Cover: State-Wise Analysis: Mangrove Cover: Bamboo Resources: Growing Stock: Timber Potential: Carbon Stock: States/UTs with Notable Forest Cover:
The Northern giant hornet, nicknamed the “murder hornet”, has been eradicated in the United States. The insect was first spotted in Washington state (US) near the Canadian border in 2019. Key points The northern giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia) is the largest hornet in the world, measuring up to 2 inches long. The hornets first came under the spotlight in 2013 when they killed at least 42 people in China, and Read More …
Why in the News? A recent research has found in the North Atlantic Ocean orcas’ blubbers (fat layer under the skin) high levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) despite these were far from human habitations. One category of the POPs are polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Used as coolants and lubricants in electrical components, they were banned in the US and Canada 50 years ago; yet PCBs were present at 10 times Read More …
On December 18 (2024), the Supreme Court told the Union government to create a comprehensive policy for the management of sacred groves across the country. The apex also directed the state of Rajasthan to complete the survey and notification of sacred groves (orans) in all districts. Key Highlights: Conclusion This directive reaffirms the Supreme Court’s role in environmental jurisprudence, bridging cultural rights with ecological preservation. The structured identification, protection, and Read More …
Recently, a team of wildlife conservationists tagged the Ganges river dolphin for the first time. Key points About Ganges river dolphin
