Category: Geography & Environment

A unique yellow-coloured puffball mushroom has been recorded in Longding district of Arunachal Pradesh, highlighting the rich and largely unexplored fungal diversity of Northeast India. The specimen has been tentatively identified as Bovista colorata (Yellow Puffball Mushroom) based on its distinctive yellow globose fruiting body and puffball-like morphology. Researchers have noted that detailed microscopic examination … Continue reading Yellow Puffball Mushroom Recorded in Arunachal Pradesh

The Union Ministry of Coal has empowered designated executives and security personnel of Coal India Limited (CIL), including the North Eastern Coalfields (NEC), to strengthen action against illegal mining, coal theft and unauthorised transportation of minerals. The powers have been granted through Gazette notifications under Sections 22, 23B and 24 of the Mines and Minerals … Continue reading Coal India Officials Empowered Against Illegal Mining

According to Global Forest Watch, Assam recorded the highest tree-cover loss among Indian states between 2001 and 2025, with an estimated loss of about 360,000 hectares of tree cover. In Kamrup Metropolitan, the decline is largely attributed to urban expansion, including roads, housing projects and infrastructure development. Forests around Guwahati play a vital role in … Continue reading Assam Records Highest Tree-Cover Loss in India

India has achieved a significant conservation milestone with the designation of Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal) in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, as the country’s 100th Ramsar Site. Ramsar Sites are wetlands of international importance recognized under the Ramsar Convention, 1971 for their ecological value and role in biodiversity conservation, water security, climate resilience and … Continue reading India’s 100th Ramsar Site: Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary

World Environment Day 2026 is observed with the theme “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.” The theme emphasizes nature-based solutions to address climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental degradation. It highlights the importance of protecting ecosystems, restoring natural habitats and promoting sustainable practices to secure a climate-resilient future for present and future generations. … Continue reading World Environment Day 2026

Researchers from Kohima Science College and the Zoological Survey of India identified a new catfish species, Pseudecheneis likimroensis, from the Likimro River in Kiphire district of Nagaland. Locally known as Nupedro, the fish inhabits fast-flowing rocky streams and possesses adaptations that enable it to cling to stones in strong currents. The discovery highlights the rich … Continue reading Pseudecheneis likimroensis: New Catfish Species from Nagaland

Scientists exploring limestone cave systems in the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya discovered two new microsnail species — Georissa meghalayaensis and Acmella bensoni. The species were found in Krem Puri and Arwah Cave. The discovery highlights the rich but understudied biodiversity of Northeast India. Researchers also reported the first record of Georissa from Mizoram and additional … Continue reading New Microsnail Species Discovered in Meghalaya

Gynacantha khasiaca, a rare dragonfly species believed to have been lost for over a century, was rediscovered in Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve in Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh. Commonly known as the Long-tailed Duskhawker, the species was last recorded in the erstwhile Abor Hills in 1914. The dragonfly is noted for its near-360° … Continue reading Gynacantha khasiaca Rediscovered After More Than a Century

A recent study by researchers from the Bose Institute found that air pollution levels across Northeast India have increased sharply over the last two decades, challenging the region’s reputation as one of India’s cleanest areas. Using 25 years of satellite data (2000–2024), the study reported substantial increases in particulate matter (PM) pollution, with concentrations rising … Continue reading Air Pollution Rising Rapidly in Northeast India

Researchers discovered a new cascade-dwelling frog species from Singrep village in Kiphire district of Nagaland and named it Amolops kamal. The species was named in honour of Kamal Choudhury for his contributions to zoological studies and education. The discovery adds to the rich amphibian diversity of Northeast India and highlights the region's significance as a … Continue reading Amolops kamal: New Frog Species from Nagaland

Residents of Bamsiakilwa village in Peren District declared the Daukeling Hebamlo Community Conserved Area (CCA) to protect the rare Asiatic Golden Cat. The initiative is regarded as the world’s first Community Conserved Area dedicated specifically to the conservation of the Asiatic Golden Cat. It represents a significant example of community-led conservation and highlights the growing … Continue reading Daukeling Hebamlo Community Conserved Area for Asiatic Golden Cat

While the Centre has adopted a cautious approach towards new hydroelectric projects in the upper reaches of the Ganga River in Uttarakhand, it continues to promote large-scale hydropower development in Arunachal Pradesh. Recently, approval was granted for the 1,720 MW Kamala Hydroelectric Project and the 1,200 MW Kalai-II Hydroelectric Project. The 2,000 MW Subansiri Lower … Continue reading Arunachal Pradesh Hydropower Expansion Amid Environmental Debate

Keyi Panyor was showcased as India’s first “Bio-Happy District” during the inauguration of the Arunachal Pradesh Jaiv Vividhata and Mvm Liid Soonam/Beej Utsav 2026 at Yazali. The two-day festival focused on biodiversity conservation, climate resilience and the concept of biohappiness, which emphasises human well-being through harmony with nature, sustainable livelihoods and protection of ecological resources. … Continue reading Keyi Panyor – India’s First Bio-Happy District

Kharung Pat in Kakching district of Manipur has been notified as a wildlife sanctuary by the Manipur Government. Spread across around 227 hectares, Kharung Pat is the third largest freshwater lake in the state after Loktak and Pumlen lakes. The wetland is considered ecologically and historically significant and supports rich biodiversity and wetland ecosystems. APSC … Continue reading Kharung Pat Declared Wildlife Sanctuary in Manipur

Scientists from CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology discovered three new species of Berberis in Tawang and West Kameng districts of Arunachal Pradesh. The newly identified species — Berberis pseudovirescens, Berberis orbicularis and Berberis tawangensis — have been described as new to science, highlighting the rich botanical diversity of the Eastern Himalayas. APSC Relevance: … Continue reading Three New Berberis Species Discovered in Arunachal Pradesh

Researchers rediscovered Vaccinium piliferum in Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh after a gap of 188 years since its last confirmed record. The species is considered an endangered wild relative of the blueberry and its rediscovery is regarded as an important development for biodiversity conservation and botanical research in Northeast India. The finding highlights the ecological … Continue reading Rediscovery of Vaccinium piliferum in Arunachal Pradesh

Assam State Biodiversity Board organised a programme at Aranya Bhawan, Panjabari to observe the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) on May 22. The day, designated by the United Nations to commemorate the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity in 1992, aims to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation. The 2026 theme, … Continue reading International Day for Biological Diversity 2026

The High-Powered Review Board of the Brahmaputra Board will hold its 14th meeting in Guwahati to review river basin management initiatives and future planning following the recent inclusion of Sikkim and West Bengal in the reconstituted board. The Brahmaputra Board is transitioning into a knowledge-based River Basin Organisation focusing on flood and erosion management, river … Continue reading Inclusion of Sikkim and West Bengal – Brahmaputra Board Review

Researchers recorded the first-ever camera-trap image of a rare Musk deer inside Yordi Rabe Supse Wildlife Sanctuary, marking a significant achievement in biodiversity documentation in the eastern Himalayan region. Located in West Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh, the sanctuary was established in 1996 and covers nearly 397 sq km of mountainous terrain ranging from tropical … Continue reading Yordi Rabe Supse Wildlife Sanctuary – First Camera-Trap Record of Musk Deer

“Andhi” refers to intense pre-monsoon dust storms and thunderstorms commonly experienced across the Indo-Gangetic plains of northern India. These severe weather events are characterised by strong winds, dust clouds, lightning, heavy rainfall and sudden temperature drops. Recently, powerful Andhi storms caused extensive damage and casualties in parts of Uttar Pradesh, particularly in Prayagraj, Mirzapur and … Continue reading Andhi – Pre-Monsoon Thunderstorms in North India

Assam remains one of the major states affected by human-elephant conflict in India, contributing to the nearly 500 annual human deaths linked to elephant encounters across the country. Expanding settlements, habitat fragmentation and increasing interaction between humans and wildlife have intensified the problem in several regions of the State. Reports also indicate that Anti-Depredation Squads … Continue reading Assam – Human-Elephant Conflict Challenge

The fifth Khangri Glacier Expedition in the transboundary Mago Chu Basin of Tawang district observed major geomorphological changes linked to climate variability in the Himalayan region. The basin forms an important headwater area of the larger Brahmaputra river system. Scientists reported the formation of a significant glacier sinking zone where the glacier snout is rapidly … Continue reading Khangri Glacier – Climate Change Impact in Arunachal Pradesh

Nagaland University led an international study identifying biochar as a low-cost solution for improving agriculture in the hill regions of North-East India. Biochar is a carbon-rich material produced from agricultural waste and organic biomass. The study found that biochar improves soil moisture retention, enhances soil fertility and reduces water loss, making it suitable for rain-fed … Continue reading Biochar – Sustainable Solution for Hill Agriculture

Cordyceps was recently discovered in East Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh, drawing scientific and commercial attention. Cordyceps is a parasitic fungus that grows on insect larvae, eventually replacing host tissue and producing stem-like fruiting bodies. The fungus is found globally except Antarctica, but the rarest and most valuable varieties occur in Himalayan regions of India, … Continue reading Cordyceps – Rare Medicinal Mushroom of the Himalayas

Arunachal Pradesh has initiated specialised training on bathymetry survey technology to strengthen disaster preparedness against Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). The move follows identification of 32 high-risk glacial lakes in the state vulnerable to sudden flooding events. The programme aims to enhance technical capacity of officials and experts involved in future glacial lake surveys. Training … Continue reading Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) – Disaster Preparedness in Arunachal Pradesh

Meghalaya has approved the Chocolate Mahseer as its official State fish, joining several Indian states that have adopted symbolic fish species for biodiversity conservation. The initiative reflects growing concern over declining freshwater fish diversity and the need for stronger conservation measures. The idea of declaring a State fish was first promoted in 2006 by the … Continue reading Chocolate Mahseer – State Fish of Meghalaya

Daying Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary recorded its first-ever camera trap photograph of a tiger, confirming the species’ return after nearly two decades. The finding highlights the ecological importance of the protected area and ongoing wildlife conservation efforts. The sanctuary also recorded sightings of the critically endangered Chinese pangolin and the endangered hispid hare, a rare … Continue reading Daying Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary – Return of Tiger

Nagaland University conducted a scientific study in the Gai river basin of Assam to address soil erosion in the hilly regions of North-East India using geospatial technology. The research focused on the Siji watershed, which is highly vulnerable to soil erosion. The study applied the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) integrated with GIS-based modelling … Continue reading Gai River Basin – Geospatial Study on Soil Erosion

Scientists have identified two new firefly species—Diaphanes meghalayanus and Diaphanes mawlynnong—in East Khasi Hills, marking the first formal record of such insects in Meghalaya and ending a century-long gap in studies of the genus Diaphanes in India. Named after Meghalaya and Mawlynnong village, the discovery highlights both geography and local Khasi identity, where fireflies are … Continue reading New Firefly Species Discovered in Meghalaya

A rare frog species with distinctive fanged jaws has been discovered in Namdapha Tiger Reserve, highlighting the region’s rich biodiversity. Found in Changlang district, the species shows unique underground nesting behaviour, uncommon among amphibians. Named after Motijheel Lake within the reserve, it produces a distinctive “woooooak” call during April–May. The discovery underscores the ecological importance … Continue reading Fanged Frog Discovery in Namdapha

Scientists have recorded the rare cascade frog Amolops nyingchiensis in Arunachal Pradesh’s Dibang river basin, marking its first confirmed presence in India. Earlier, it was known only from Medog in Tibet, making this a significant range extension. The discovery expands its distribution by over 60 km and highlights the rich yet underexplored amphibian diversity of … Continue reading Rare Cascade Frog Found in India

The Manipur Cabinet has approved the notification of Kharungpat Bird Sanctuary under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Spanning about 227 hectares (around 6.7% of the wetland), it marks a key move in strengthening conservation and eco-tourism in the state. The sanctuary is vital for protecting diverse waterbirds, including migratory species. Its designation will enhance habitat … Continue reading Kharungpat Bird Sanctuary – Manipur’s Conservation Step

Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary has been designated as India’s 99th Ramsar site, highlighting its ecological significance and role in wetland conservation. The recognition strengthens protection of its rich avifauna and biodiversity. The move reinforces the country’s commitment to sustainable wetland management and biodiversity preservation under global conservation frameworks. APSC Relevance: Environment, wetlands and Ramsar Convention.

Shidvar Island, a protected habitat for turtles, seabirds and coral ecosystems, faces serious threat from recent oil spills in the Persian Gulf. The contamination risks long-term ecological damage to its fragile marine biodiversity. Satellite images from the European Space Agency show oil spreading near Iran and Kuwait following strikes on oil infrastructure. The incident highlights … Continue reading Shidvar Island at Risk from Oil Spill

The report State of India’s Bats (2024–25) highlights a concerning decline in bat populations across Assam and Northeast India. Released on International Bat Appreciation Day, it identifies habitat loss, mining and intensive agriculture as major threats affecting these ecologically vital species. The Northeast remains a biodiversity hotspot, with high species diversity, but faces growing pressure. … Continue reading Decline of Bat Populations in Northeast India

A new species of burrowing reed snake, Calamaria garoensis, has been discovered in the Garo Hills. The species is currently known only from this region, highlighting its endemic nature. The discovery underscores the rich biodiversity of Meghalaya and the vast unexplored potential of Northeast India’s forests. It also emphasises the need for continued research and … Continue reading New Snake Species Discovered in Meghalaya

A rare orchid species, Liparis mengziensis, previously known only from China, has been recorded for the first time in India from Arunachal Pradesh. This discovery extends its geographical range from Yunnan to the eastern Himalayas. The finding adds a new species to India’s orchid flora and highlights the rich and still unexplored biodiversity of Northeast … Continue reading Liparis mengziensis — First Record in India

The Government of Meghalaya has notified the Wildlife Genetics Laboratory (WGL) of Aaranyak and its Director under Section 329(4) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, marking a significant step in strengthening wildlife crime investigation. This recognition enables the laboratory to assist law enforcement agencies through wildlife forensic DNA analysis and evidence collection, improving … Continue reading Wildlife Genetics Laboratory — BNSS Recognition in Meghalaya

Arunachal Pradesh has added another discovery to its rich biodiversity with the identification of a new species of rove beetle from its forest ecosystems. The finding highlights the region’s status as a biodiversity hotspot with many species still unexplored. Belonging to the Staphylinidae family, rove beetles play a crucial ecological role as predators and decomposers, … Continue reading Arunachal Biodiversity — New Rove Beetle Species

Lumpongdeng Island in Meghalaya has become the centre of controversy over the proposed Taj Umiam Resort & Spa project, with concerns raised about environmental sustainability and transparency in decision-making. The allocation of 36.10 acres for the project has been questioned as potentially conflicting with low-impact development principles. Issues have also been flagged regarding the role … Continue reading Island Development — Umiam Resort Controversy

A group of former civil servants under the Constitutional Conduct Group has raised concerns over Assam’s decision to deploy around 1,600 personnel from the Assam Forest Protection Force for the 2026 Assembly elections. They argue that this move violates established norms and recent judicial directions. The Election Commission discourages the use of territorial forest forces … Continue reading Assam — AFPF Deployment Controversy

Kumki elephants are specially trained captive Asian elephants used in India to manage human-wildlife conflict, particularly to control or capture rogue wild elephants. The term is derived from the Persian word Kumak, meaning “aid,” reflecting their supportive role in conservation operations. In Arunachal Pradesh’s Tirap district, a 12-member expert team from Karnataka has been deployed … Continue reading Kumki Elephants — Managing Human-Wildlife Conflict

Saiden Community Forest in Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya has emerged as an important biodiversity hotspot, with a study recording 15 species of swallowtail butterflies (family Papilionidae), including several legally protected species. The findings highlight the ecological richness of the region. Despite signs of disturbance, the forest continues to support a stable butterfly population, demonstrating the … Continue reading Saiden Community Forest — Butterfly Diversity in Meghalaya

A researcher in Arunachal Pradesh has developed a plant-based, eco-friendly shampoo by integrating traditional tribal knowledge with modern scientific methods. The formulation uses locally available bio-resources, promoting sustainable personal care solutions. The shampoo combines Gymnocladus burmanicus (a natural “soap tree” used for cleansing and anti-dandruff properties) and Dillenia indica (used for conditioning and softening hair). … Continue reading Eco-Friendly Shampoo — Indigenous Knowledge Innovation

India’s reptile diversity has expanded with the first-ever documentation of two rare natricine snakes—Kachin Hills keelback (Hebius gilhodesi) and Rakhine keelback (Herpetoreas davidi). Earlier known only from Myanmar, their presence in India highlights the ecological richness of the Northeast. The discovery was based on field surveys conducted between 2021 and 2023 across Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya … Continue reading New Snake Records — Biodiversity Boost in Northeast

A new butterfly species discovered in the forests of Leparada district in Arunachal Pradesh has been named Euthalia zubeengargi, honouring Assamese artist Zubeen Garg. The species has been given the common name “Basar Duke.” The discovery was made during field surveys in 2025 by researchers Roshan Upadhaya and Kalesh Sadasivan. This recognition highlights both the … Continue reading Zubeen Garg Butterfly — New Species Discovery

The Himalayan Sordid Emperor (Chitoria sordida sordida), a rare butterfly species, has been photographed for the first time in Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh. This marks a significant addition to the documented biodiversity of the region. Earlier, the species was known from areas like Sikkim, West Bengal, Assam, Manipur, Bhutan and … Continue reading Himalayan Sordid Emperor — First Photo Record in Namdapha

World Water Day is observed annually on 22 March to highlight the importance of freshwater and promote sustainable management of water resources. It is coordinated by UN-Water and focuses on global water challenges. The 2026 theme, “Water and Gender,” emphasises the critical role of gender equality in water access, management and decision-making. It draws attention … Continue reading World Water Day 2026 — Water and Gender

Actinidia indica, a newly identified wild kiwi species, has been discovered in the Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh, marking an important addition to the biodiversity of the Eastern Himalayas. The finding emerged from detailed field surveys and taxonomic research. The species belongs to the Actinidia genus, which includes commercially known kiwi fruits, and its … Continue reading Actinidia indica — New Wild Kiwi Species