A unique orchid species, Gastrodia indica, was recently discovered in Fambonglho Wildlife Sanctuary, Sikkim, which never opens its flower.
Category: Environment
Gastrodia indica: First orchid from India that never opens its flower
What are sea fans?
The Gujarat forest department has arrested four persons for their alleged involvement in illegal wildlife trade of sea fans, corals and other species.
Prokaryotes: Earth’s oldest, tiniest creatures
The world’s oceans are home to microscopic organisms invisible to the human eye. The tiny creatures, known as “prokaryotes”, comprise 30% of life in the world’s oceans. Prokaryotes
India adds 3 more wetlands to the list of Ramsar sites, taking total to 85
The Union Environment Ministry on August 14, 2024 said that three more wetlands in India have been designated ‘Ramsar sites’. This brings the total number of such sites in India to 85. The three new sites are — the Nanjarayan Read More …
Polar Coupled Analysis and Prediction for Services” (PCAPS) project
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has launched “Polar Coupled Analysis and Prediction for Services” (PCAPS) project The project will run from 2024 to 2028. project aims to increase and improve weather, water, ice, and climate information about the Arctic and Read More …
Neelakurinji included on the IUCN official Red List of threatened species
Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) has been included on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) official Red List of threatened species. This is the first ever Global Red List assessment for this flagship species of the montane grasslands of southwest Read More …
Ground-level ozone (O3)
According to a recent report, Delhi-NCR topped a list of 10 cities across the country that were found to have high concentrations of ground-level ozone (O3). The study was released by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). CSE said Read More …
Union Cabinet approves extended Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana
The Union Cabinet has approved an extension of the Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana, a key initiative aimed at enhancing the country’s advanced biofuel sector. The revised scheme extends its implementation period by five years, now running through 2028-29. The scheme Read More …
Methylocucumis oryzae-India’s first cultures of indigenous natural methane mitigating agents
A team of scientists from MACS Agharkar Research Institute has isolated and described India’s first cultures of indigenous methanotrophs from rice fields and wetlands, mainly from Western India.
Chhattisgarh govt announces a new tiger reserve
The Chhattisgarh Government on 7 August cleared a proposal to notify a new tiger reserve – the third largest in the country. The Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve is Chhattisgarh’s fourth reserve for the big cats. Key points
Ypthima cantliei-a four-ringed butterfly spotted in India after 61 years
Ypthima cantliei- a four-ringed butterfly belonging to Satyrinae butterfly family with most members in China has resurfaced in India after 61 years. Key points Namdapha
Centre reissues draft notification to declare over 56,000 sq km of Western Ghats as eco-sensitive area
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on 2 August 2024 issued the sixth iteration of a draft notification, declaring 56,825.7 sq km of the Western Ghats an ecologically sensitive area (ESA) across six states, including in Kerala’s Read More …
Agarwood (Aquilaria malaccensis)
India recently increased the quota for Agarwood (Aquilaria malaccensis) exports through the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Agarwood is prized for its aromatic and medicinal value. It is used in making incense Read More …
Mine water uses
Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G Kishan Reddy, has released comprehensive guidelines for the rejuvenation of traditional water bodies in coal and lignite mining regions.
Scientists report trees absorb methane as well
According to a recent study, tree bark in the world’s forests absorbs the greenhouse gas methane.