Category: Environment

The decline of feline species worldwide, especially big cats like snow leopards, is alarming. Conservationists are increasingly concerned about their dwindling populations, primarily due to habitat loss, poaching, and climate change. Snow leopards inhabit high mountain ranges across Central and South Asia. Recently, finding occurred in Himachal Pradesh, India, where the elusive Pallas’s cat was…

The Gujarat government is preparing to launch India’s inaugural census of coastal and wader birds. This landmark event will occur at the Marine National Park and Sanctuary in Jamnagar from January 3 to 5, 2025. The census aims to enhance knowledge about bird populations and their habitats. It is a collaborative effort between the state…

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has recently amended the rules for selecting experts in the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC). These changes aim to enhance transparency and address conflicts of interest among committee members. The amendments follow a Supreme Court order that called for a national policy on genetically modified (GM)…

Assam has recently reported increase in its elephant population. The latest estimate reveals a total of 5,828 elephants, marking a rise of 109 since the previous count in 2017. This data, released by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, is based on a thorough survey conducted from February 20 to 27, 2024. The synchronised estimation involved…

A recent discovery in the Western Ghats has brought attention to the biodiversity of leaf litter ecosystems. Scientists from Goa, Karnataka, and Dehradun identified a new ant species named Tapinoma onaele in Kodagu district, Karnataka. This discovery marks the importance of leaf litter, which is often overlooked. The name ‘Onaele’ translates to ‘dried leaves’ in…

Chhattisgarh has launched a pioneering initiative that integrates the ecological services of its forests into the Green Gross Domestic Product (Green GDP). This innovative approach aims to tell the relationship between the environmental contributions of forests and the state’s economic growth. The initiative seeks to ensure sustainable economic development while preserving the environment for future…

India has made strides in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and promoting sustainable growth. Recent reports indicate that India’s GHG emissions decreased by 7.93% in 2020 compared to 2019. The country’s forest and tree cover sequestered approximately 522 million tonnes of CO2, effectively reducing 22% of total carbon dioxide emissions. This progress is part of…

The United Nations has encountered setbacks in its environmental initiatives during 2024. Four crucial summits held in Colombia, Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea failed to produce meaningful outcomes. These gatherings aimed to align goals among governments, researchers, and civil society while mobilising necessary financial resources. However, the lack of consensus and progress raises serious…

On December 28, 2023, a surprising event unfolded in Mohangarh, Rajasthan. During a tubewell drilling operation, water unexpectedly gushed from the ground, prompting speculation about the ancient Saraswati River’s resurgence. However, experts clarified that this phenomenon was likely due to the presence of an artesian well, a natural water source under pressure. About Artesian Wells…

India faces groundwater contamination issue, particularly due to excessive nitrates. The Central Groundwater Board (CGWB) reports that as of 2023, 440 districts have unsafe nitrate levels, up from 359 in 2017. This rise poses health risks, especially for children, and contributes to environmental toxicity. The data indicates that approximately 56% of India’s districts exceed safe…