Category: Environment

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:

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

Recently, the Union Minister of Steel​ unveiled ​the Taxonomy of Green Steel​ for India during an event held at Vigyan Bhavan, on ​12th December 2024. Definition of Green Steel: Star Ratings for Green Steel: Key Features:

A young shortfin mako shark has been tagged for the first time in the Mediterranean Sea by researchers from Virginia Tech in the United States. Key points The young shark was tagged by the researchers in the summer of 2023. It collects and stores data on water temperature, depth, and ambient light levels. This data helps the researchers estimate the shark’s location and understand its movements. Mako shark a critically Read More …

The Indian star tortoise (Geochelone elegans) is a captivating reptile native to the Indian subcontinent. With its jet-black shell adorned by radiant star-like yellow patterns, it is an icon of beauty and resilience. Yet, this species is embroiled in serious conservation challenges stemming from human activity. Ecology and Habitat Legal and Ethical Concerns Conservation Challenges What Can Be Done?