Category: Environment

The Wallace Line is concept in biogeography. It marks the distinct biodiversity found in Asia and Australia. This line was identified by Alfred Russel Wallace in the late 19th century. He observed a sharp contrast in species composition between these two regions. The Wallace Line runs between Bali and Lombok, extending north between Borneo and…

Recently, India launched the Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3). This initiative aims to encourage collaboration between cities for sustainable urban development. It serves as a platform for sharing knowledge, engaging private sectors, and discussing waste management solutions. About the Coalition The Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3) is a multi-national alliance. It focuses on city-to-city collaboration…

The rise of obesity is a pressing global health issue. Recent studies predict that by 2050, China, and the United States will have the highest numbers of individuals living with obesity. This trend poses challenges for public health systems, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Current Statistics and Projections As of 2021, approximately 180 million…

The Lake Tanganyika Basin is facing severe biodiversity threats. Recently, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, and Zambia initiated a five-year project aimed at addressing these transboundary challenges. This initiative is supported by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF). It focuses on sustainable natural resource management and biodiversity conservation…

The oarfish was recently sighted off the coast of Baja California Sur. This deep-sea fish, known scientifically as Regalecus glesne, is often referred to as the “doomsday fish” due to its mythical connections to earthquakes and tsunamis. Historically, oarfish appearances have been noted before seismic events, although not all sightings correlate with disasters. What is…

The Indian government launched the Project Lion to protect and expand the population of Asiatic lions. The project was approved with a substantial budget of Rs 2,927.71 crore, reflecting the government’s commitment to wildlife conservation. Context The Asiatic lion population is currently concentrated in Gujarat, with a census reporting 674 individuals in 2020 (29% increase…

The Ganges river dolphin, a unique species found in the freshwater systems of India, has been the focus of a recent comprehensive survey. Conducted over several years, the study has revealed a total of 6,327 dolphins in the Ganga River and its tributaries. This is the first reliable estimate using standardised methods, marking milestone in…

The discovery of a new species of spined loach, Cobitis beijingensis, marks milestone in the biodiversity of Beijing. This finding is the first of its kind in over 40 years and marks the ongoing efforts to restore aquatic ecosystems in urban areas. The research was conducted by the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences,…

February 2025 marked climatic event in India, being the hottest February recorded in the last 125 years. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the average temperature reached 22.04°C. This month was also one of the driest, with rainfall less than half of the normal levels. The situation was particularly severe in Central and South…

The rhino census in Nepal, conducted every five years, is now in jeopardy. The suspension of USAID funding has created a financial crisis for the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation. This department relies on various partnerships to carry out the census. The last census took place in 2021 and indicated a population of…