Category: Geography & Environment

India voted in favour of a UN General Assembly resolution seeking more accurate representation of global landmasses on maps. It highlighted the limitations of the Mercator projection, created in the 16th century primarily for navigation, which significantly enlarges areas away from the equator. The resolution noted that such distortion can understate the perceived size of … Continue reading UN Resolution: Towards a More Accurate World Map

A tiny frog recorded in Dampa Tiger Reserve, Mizoram, has extended the known range of the Northeast Indian Paddy Frog (Micryletta aishani). The discovery represents the species’ southernmost documented occurrence, adding an important new location to its known distribution. The Dampa population was found approximately 147 km south of the type locality at Subhong, Assam, … Continue reading Northeast Indian Paddy Frog: Southernmost Record

Researchers from CSIR-IHBT, Himachal Pradesh, have identified Doronicum sanctum, a new plant species of the sunflower family (Asteraceae) in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh. It is the first documented species of the genus Doronicum from Northeast India, highlighting the rich and underexplored floral diversity of the Eastern Himalayas. APSC Relevance: Northeast Biodiversity; Botanical Research.

The Jaintia Students’ Union has filed a PIL before the Meghalaya High Court challenging the public hearing for a proposed Shree Cement mining project. The petition seeks to prevent irreversible damage to the ecologically fragile Karst ecosystems of Jaintia Hills, which develop in soluble rocks such as limestone and dolomite through water-driven dissolution. Karst ecosystems … Continue reading Jaintia Hills Karst Ecosystem

Khagi, a traditional Himalayan spice harvested by indigenous communities in West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh, is emerging as a successful model of community-based livelihood and forest conservation. The spice belongs to the Zanthoxylum genus and is commonly associated with Sichuan pepper or Timur. The initiative benefits over 200 households, has generated a turnover of … Continue reading Khagi: Himalayan Spice of Arunachal Pradesh

Two caregivers from Namdapha National Park & Tiger Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh, have been recognised at the Gaja Awards 2026 for exceptional service, ethical animal care and captive elephant management. They were the only recipients from the Northeast. Ganesh Tamang, a Senior Elephant Mahout, was honoured for over 26 years of dedicated service in elephant care … Continue reading Gaja Awards 2026: Northeast Honours

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is establishing 11 new Doppler Weather Radars across the Northeast to strengthen weather monitoring and improve the accuracy and timeliness of forecasts. The expansion will address the region’s historically sparse weather-observation network. Assam will receive radars at Guwahati (Kahilipara), Jorhat, Tezpur and Silchar. At present, the Northeast has three radars … Continue reading New Doppler Weather Radars in Northeast India

Colletes bhutanicus, a rare solitary Himalayan bee, has been recorded in India for the first time from Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh by scientists of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI). Previously documented in Bhutan and China, including the Xizang region, the discovery expands knowledge of Himalayan pollinator diversity and distribution. The bee was observed … Continue reading Colletes bhutanicus: First Record from India

With the inclusion of heatwaves and lightning, the list of nationally recognised disasters has expanded from 12 to 14 categories. The recognised categories include cyclones, droughts, earthquakes, fires, floods, tsunamis, hailstorms, landslides, avalanches, cloudbursts, pest attacks, cold waves, heatwaves, and lightning. The Northeastern hill states, particularly Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, experience high lightning … Continue reading Nationally Recognised Disasters

The Nagaland Department of Soil & Water Conservation has highlighted the severe environmental impact of uncontrolled rat-hole and opencast coal mining, particularly in the districts of Wokha, Mon, Mokokchung, Longleng, and Tuensang. The report warns that Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) from abandoned mines has polluted water sources and degraded surrounding ecosystems. Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) … Continue reading Acid Mine Drainage (AMD)

Rat-hole mining is an unscientific coal extraction method involving narrow, manually dug tunnels to access coal seams. Despite Nagaland's substantial coal reserves, the practice continues in several areas, raising concerns over environmental degradation and worker safety. The exposure of iron and sulphur-bearing rocks to air and water during mining leads to acid mine drainage, contaminating … Continue reading Rat-Hole Mining in Nagaland

Glaw Lake in Arunachal Pradesh has been designated as India's 101st Ramsar Site, becoming the first wetland in the State to receive international recognition under the Ramsar Convention. The lake is located within the Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary, underscoring its rich ecological significance. The Ramsar recognition highlights the lake's biodiversity value, promotes wetland … Continue reading Glaw Lake

The Konyak Union has refuted allegations that the recent floods in parts of Assam were caused by the release of water from the proposed Dikhu Hydro Electric Project in Nagaland's Mon district. The clarification comes amid public concerns linking the floods to the project. The Dikhu Hydro Electric Project is a proposed 186 MW hydropower … Continue reading Dikhu Hydro Electric Project

Manipur has recorded its first documented evidence of the Asiatic wild dog (dhole) after camera traps installed in Shirui Village of Ukhrul district captured images of the species, marking an important milestone for wildlife conservation in the state. The dhole (Cuon alpinus) is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Its population has declined … Continue reading First Dhole Sighting Recorded in Manipur

The proposed 1,200 MW hydropower project on the Lohit River in Arunachal Pradesh has raised concerns over the survival of the White-bellied Heron (Ardea insignis), one of the world's rarest and most threatened bird species, due to potential habitat loss and ecological disruption. The White-bellied Heron is the second-largest heron in the world and is … Continue reading White-bellied Heron Conservation in Focus

The degradation of wetlands has emerged as a major factor worsening floods in Assam by disrupting the natural hydrological connectivity between rivers and floodplains. At Panidihing Bird Sanctuary in Sivasagar, the Brahmaputra, Desang, and Demow rivers once sustained an interconnected wetland ecosystem. A study found that the sanctuary's wetlands shrank to 15 wetlands covering only … Continue reading Wetland Degradation Aggravates Floods in Assam

Desang, a major southern perennial tributary of the Brahmaputra, is flowing at its highest-ever recorded level in Sivasagar and Charaideo, causing flooding and transport disruptions. Originating in the Nagaland Hills, the river is highly flood-prone during the monsoon. The river drains a 2,029 sq km basin and has potential for micro-hydropower and irrigation. It also … Continue reading Desang River in Focus

Brahmaputra, along with the Ganga and Meghna, forms the delta that hosts the Sundarbans, where the Union Ministry of Home Affairs plans to fence about 90 km of the India–Bangladesh border. The BSF has begun feasibility studies to secure this difficult riverine terrain. At present, the BSF depends on Floating Border Outposts to guard the … Continue reading Brahmaputra Delta’s Sundarbans to Get Border Fencing

Researchers in Assam have found that invasive plant species such as Lantana camara and Chromolaena odorata serve as important nectar sources for butterflies in Raimona National Park. The finding emerged from a study documenting 220 butterfly species, along with their larval host plants and nectar plants, in the Bodoland Territorial Region. Although Lantana camara and … Continue reading Invasive Plants as Nectar Sources for Butterflies

The Himalayan Mole (Euroscaptor micrurus), a rare species endemic to the Himalayan region, was rescued by the Assam Forest Department after being swept away by the currents of the Manas River. The animal was later safely released into its natural habitat inside Manas National Park. The Himalayan Mole is a burrowing mammal that spends most … Continue reading Himalayan Mole

Assam has launched the Purple City Project under which Ejar (Lagerstroemia speciosa) trees will be planted along the Jalukbari–Khanapara corridor to enhance Guwahati's urban greenery and improve the city's landscape. The initiative aims to beautify the city with the seasonal purple blooms of the Ejar tree while promoting a greener urban environment. Ejar (Lagerstroemia speciosa), … Continue reading Purple City Project

Cyananthus hookeri, a rare purple-flowered Himalayan plant, has been rediscovered in Chuna Valley after 158 years. This is the first confirmed record of the species from Arunachal Pradesh. The species was previously documented only from Sikkim in 1867 by the renowned botanist Joseph Dalton Hooker. The rediscovery highlights the rich floral diversity of the Eastern … Continue reading Cyananthus hookeri Rediscovered in India After 158 Years

CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority) has approved a study to prepare a conservation and recovery action plan for Gangetic River Dolphin. The initiative is aimed at strengthening India's freshwater biodiversity conservation efforts through a scientifically guided recovery framework. The action plan is expected to enhance protection of the endangered species, particularly in … Continue reading CAMPA Approves River Dolphin Conservation Plan

The Khawthlangtuipui River, internationally known as the Karnaphuli River, is a major transboundary river flowing through Mizoram in Northeast India and southeastern Bangladesh. It serves as the principal drainage channel and hydrological lifeline for the southwestern region of the Mizoram hills. The river is ecologically significant for sustaining biodiversity, supporting livelihoods, and maintaining the region's … Continue reading Khawthlangtuipui (Karnaphuli) River

The Assam Government has announced the development of a natural history museum, an iconic tower, and a modern animal rescue centre at Kaziranga National Park. The initiative aims to strengthen wildlife conservation, improve rescue and rehabilitation facilities, enhance visitor experience, and promote Kaziranga as a premier eco-tourism destination. APSC Relevance: Environment; Tourism.

Researchers from Assam and Meghalaya have discovered a new species of firefly, Pygoluciola mawsynram, from Mawsynram, the world's wettest place. The species has been named after the region in recognition of its exceptional biodiversity and the Khasi community's long-standing tradition of conserving nature. The new firefly species was identified through detailed morphological studies and DNA-based … Continue reading Pygoluciola mawsynram: New Firefly Species Discovered

The Wallacean shortfall refers to the lack of comprehensive knowledge about the geographic distribution of species, limiting our understanding of where organisms occur. Named after Alfred Russel Wallace, the pioneer of biogeography, it highlights gaps in species distribution data essential for biodiversity research. Addressing the Wallacean shortfall is crucial for conservation planning, habitat management, species … Continue reading Wallacean Shortfall

Mizoram has recorded two bat species for the first time in India during biodiversity surveys, increasing the country's known bat diversity to at least 138 species. Researchers documented the Indo-Chinese Thick-thumbed Bat and the Indo-Chinese Mouse-eared Bat through surveys led by the Zoological Survey of India, Shillong, in collaboration with the Hungarian Natural History Museum. … Continue reading Mizoram’s New Bat Discoveries

Highest-known presence of the Asian elephant has been recorded at an altitude of 3,266 metres in Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, based on elephant tracks and a camera-trap image of a juvenile elephant. The finding is documented in Arunachal Pradesh's Action Plan on Human–Elephant Conflict Management, demonstrating the species' remarkable ecological adaptability. The highest elephant record globally … Continue reading Highest-Altitude Asian Elephant Record

Kokrajhar has recorded the highest number of lightning-related deaths in Assam since 2016, with 43 fatalities, followed by Cachar (32), Dhubri (32), Barpeta (20), and Chirang (19). Lightning has claimed over 400 lives across the state during the last decade, emerging as one of Assam's deadliest natural hazards. By 3 July 2026, 39 deaths had … Continue reading Lightning Fatalities in Assam

Assam's Sonitpur district recently received a Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS), a legally protected area recognised for its unique ecosystems, rich biodiversity, rare species, wild crop relatives, and ecological significance. BHSs are notified under Section 37 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 by State Governments in consultation with local bodies and community institutions. They conserve ecologically … Continue reading Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS)

Assam has launched a statewide drive against illegal sawmills, leading to the seizure and dismantling of 14 unauthorised units. Licensed sawmills will also undergo strict inspections to ensure compliance with licence conditions and prevent the use of unauthorised machinery. Officials have been directed to verify timber stocks using valid Transit Passes (TPs), GST invoices, e-Way … Continue reading Assam: Crackdown on Illegal Sawmills

The Flamingo Revolution is a mass environmental movement in Albania opposing large-scale tourism projects in ecologically fragile coastal regions. The protests began in May 2026 after the approval of a US$1.6 billion luxury coastal development on Sazan Island and the Vjosa–Narta Wetland. The proposed project has been linked to an investment group associated with Jared … Continue reading Flamingo Revolution

In the 135th episode of Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted Meghalaya's living root bridges as an outstanding example of harmony between nature and indigenous knowledge. Today, local communities maintain over 120 such bridges through regular inspections and conservation efforts. India has nominated the Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya for inclusion in the … Continue reading Mann Ki Baat – Meghalaya’s Living Root Bridges

Scientists have discovered Eriocaulon meghalayense in the East Khasi Hills, adding a remarkable new species to India's floral diversity. It is the first corm-bearing species of the genus Eriocaulon recorded in India and only the third known corm-bearing species in the world. The discovery highlights the exceptional biodiversity of Meghalaya and the ecological significance of … Continue reading Eriocaulon meghalayense

Scientists have identified Selenocosmia meghalayensis, a striking metallic-blue tarantula from the Khasi Hills and Garo Hills, as a species new to science. With this discovery, India now has three recognised species of the genus Selenocosmia. Selenocosmia meghalayensis is the only species of the genus recorded from the karst and limestone landscapes of Northeast India, highlighting … Continue reading Selenocosmia meghalayensis

A powerful earthquake in Venezuela reportedly caused significant casualties and damage, highlighting the country's high seismic vulnerability. Venezuela lies along the boundary between the Caribbean Plate and the South American Plate, making its northern coastal and mountainous regions highly prone to earthquakes. The disaster has raised concerns over global energy supplies, as India has recently … Continue reading Venezuela Earthquake